JP2006180496A - Image forming apparatus associating with other apparatuses through network - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having linkage with other apparatuses through a network which enables to display the same image as that on this apparatus on a display unit of another apparatus through a network, and also enables to execute a specified processing on the displayed image based on an optional function set by a user of the other apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with a means to acquire system information to determine a plurality of optional functions which can be set for a specified processing using hardware resources available as system components, a means to transfer the system information to another apparatus, and a means to control the specified processing using the hardware resources based on the set parameters to indicate an optional function which the user sets out of a plurality of optional functions displayed by the apparatus using the system information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and in particular, enables a similar screen display on a display unit of another apparatus via a network, and performs predetermined processing based on a function option set by a user of the other apparatus in the screen display. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that cooperates between apparatuses via a network that can be performed. In addition, an image forming method for performing processing in such an apparatus is provided.

  As a conventional technique for performing processing relating to image data to an image processing apparatus or an image input / output apparatus connected via a network, for example, an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-6696 is known. The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can be connected to an information output apparatus via a network so that the output image quality is not impaired when output from all devices on the network. For this purpose, correction data for image processing is acquired via a network, image correction optimal for output is performed, and the data is output to a device connected to the network.

  In such an image processing apparatus or image input apparatus that can be connected to an image input / output apparatus via a network, when output from any apparatus on the network, the function differs depending on the apparatus of the output apparatus, Due to the features, there has been a problem that user operations and image processing differ.

  For example, if you have a high-function copy machine with a sorter or stapler at the network destination, and another model copy machine or scanner that has only a single function at hand, use the "Scan To Print" function to copy the network destination copy machine. However, the finisher and stapler at the network destination cannot be used in the same way as normal usage.

  Further, in the case of image input for the purpose of secondary use such as OCR or the like, in addition to paper output, the image is stored in another server or database, and there is a demand for higher accuracy in order to achieve each purpose. In order to increase the accuracy in this way, it is necessary to change the image processing. Furthermore, it is necessary to prepare a user interface for setting and inputting information necessary for the purpose. It is impossible to prepare a user interface that satisfies all these needs in the image input device, and it is also difficult to customize the interface according to the needs.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image that can unify a user interface when operating from any device on the network when using the device on the network. It is to provide a forming method.

  Another object is that it is not necessary to change the image processing, and it is not necessary to prepare a user interface for setting or inputting necessary information, so that various requests for image input / output can be easily met. An image forming apparatus and an image forming method are provided.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides information related to available hardware resources configured as a system and predetermined processing performed by using the hardware resources, as described in claim 1. In response to a request from a system used by a user connected via a network, a system information acquisition unit that acquires system information used to determine a plurality of function options that can be set for When a setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user is received from the transfer means for transferring the system information and the plurality of function options displayed by the device using the system information from the device, the setting parameter is based on the setting parameter. The predetermined process is controlled using the hardware resource for performing the predetermined process. Configured to have a management control unit.

  In such an image forming apparatus, since the system information is transferred to the apparatus used by the user via the network, the user sets a desired function option using the screen of the image forming apparatus. be able to. Further, the user can cause the image forming apparatus to perform predetermined processing from the apparatus. Therefore, in order to use the processing in the image forming apparatus, the apparatus does not need to be provided with means for providing a screen similar to that of the image forming apparatus. Further, it is not necessary to provide the apparatus with a predetermined process provided by the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the present invention, the predetermined processing is processing relating to image formation, and the application including the image generation control unit and the processing control unit and the hardware resource are managed. In addition, it can be configured to have a control service that controls the use of the hardware resources in response to a use request from the application, and an operating system that controls the application and the control service.

  Such an image forming apparatus has a function as a computer apparatus and can directly control hardware resources used for image formation.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides an apparatus for identifying the image forming apparatus on the network in response to a request for confirming whether or not the predetermined processing is possible from the apparatus. Response means for responding with device identification information including an address and a device name is provided.

  In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to notify an apparatus connected via a network that processing is possible.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided screen generation means for generating screen information for displaying the plurality of function options based on the system information.

  In such an image forming apparatus, screen information for displaying a plurality of function options on the display unit of the image forming apparatus itself can be generated based on the system information.

  Further, according to the present invention, the screen generation means displays the plurality of input function options based on input option information indicating a plurality of input function options related to image input processing. Image processing for generating image processing screen information for displaying a plurality of image processing function options based on input screen generation means for generating input screen information and image processing option information indicating a plurality of image processing function options related to image processing Based on output option information indicating a plurality of output function options related to image output processing and at least one of output screen generation means for generating output screen information for displaying the plurality of output function options. Configured.

  In such an image forming apparatus, at least one of an input screen, an image processing screen, and an output screen can be displayed on the display unit, and an option related to at least one of the input screen, the image processing screen, and the output screen by the transfer unit Information can be transferred to a device connected via a network.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the processing control means includes an input control means for generating input image data by controlling image input processing, and performing image processing on the input image data. Image processing control means for generating image output data for output and at least one output control means for controlling output processing for forming and outputting an image on a medium based on the image output data Is done.

  In such an image forming apparatus, at least one of input processing, image processing, and output processing can be performed in response to a request from a device connected via a network.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the input control means is configured to control a scanner as the hardware resource for performing the input processing. In the present invention, the output control means is configured to control a plotter as the hardware resource for performing the output processing.

  In such an image forming apparatus, input processing can be performed using a scanner, and output processing can be performed using a plotter.

  Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 9, based on the first option information indicating a plurality of first function options that can be set for a predetermined process, Screen generation means for generating first screen information for displaying the first function option, and hardware resources that can be used as a system to configure the device transmitted from a device selected by a user connected via a network Replacement means for replacing the first screen information with second screen information for displaying a plurality of second function options that can be set for the predetermined processing performed by using the hardware resource based on system information; From the plurality of second function options to be displayed based on the second screen information, the 1 set by the user By sending a configuration parameter indicating a more of the second function option to the device, configured to have a processing requesting means for requesting the predetermined processing to the device.

  In such an image forming apparatus, the screen generating means for generating the first coordinate parameter for displaying the function options of the image forming apparatus itself is provided from the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network. The screen display can be realized by using the second coordinate parameter for displaying the function option. In addition, since the setting parameter indicating the second function option set by the user is transmitted to the apparatus, the apparatus can be requested to perform processing. For example, even when the function of the image forming apparatus is lower than the function of the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network, the high function of the apparatus can be used from the image forming apparatus. Become.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the input option information indicating a plurality of input function options related to image input processing as information extracted from the system information as the screen generation means. Based on the input screen generation means for generating the input screen information for displaying the plurality of input function options as the screen information, and a plurality of image processing function options related to the image processing, which are information extracted from the system information. Image processing screen generation means for generating, as the screen information, image processing screen information for displaying the plurality of image processing function options based on the image processing option information shown, information extracted from the system information, Output option information indicating multiple output function options for image output processing by the user Based on the configured output screen information for displaying an output function option of the plurality of to have at least one of the output screen generating means for generating as the screen information.

  In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to display a screen of an apparatus connected via a network related to a process desired by a user.

  Further, according to the present invention, as the processing request means, the processing request means is one or more set by the user from a plurality of input function options that can be set for the input processing by the device. An input processing parameter that indicates an input function option of the image processing apparatus is transmitted to the apparatus to request the apparatus to perform the input processing, and a plurality of image processing functions that can be set for the image processing by the apparatus. An image processing requesting unit for requesting the image processing to the device by transmitting to the device an image processing setting parameter indicating one or more image processing function options set by the user from among the options, and the device One or more output functions set by the user from a plurality of output function options that can be set for the output process. The output setting parameter indicating options by sending to the apparatus configured to have at least one of the output processing request means for requesting the output processing to the device.

  In such an image forming apparatus, processing desired by a user can be performed by an apparatus connected via a network.

  Further, as a means for solving the above-described problems, the present invention can also use an image forming method for processing in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, for each user interface for performing input processing, image processing, and output processing, system information indicating a usable device configuration is provided to another image processing apparatus via a network. Can do. Therefore, when using an image processing apparatus on the network, the user interface can be unified and processed when operating from any image processing apparatus on the network. In addition, since the function set by the user can be received as a setting parameter via the network, the user can perform processing according to the setting parameter from another image processing apparatus on the network.

  Therefore, even if a single-function image processing apparatus or the like that does not have an advanced image processing function is used, the user can easily meet various requests for image input / output without having to implement such an advanced image processing function. Can be done through.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a fusion machine) that fuses various image forming functions has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 1, for example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a multi-function apparatus that fuses various image forming functions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the MFP 1200 includes a plotter 1321 that is a hardware resource for performing printer processing, a scanner 1324 that is a hardware resource for performing scanner processing, other hardware resources 1203, and the like. Software 1210 including an application 1220 and an application 1230 and an activation unit 1240 are provided.

  The activation unit 1240 is executed first when the MFP 1200 is turned on, and activates the platform 1220 and the application 1230.

  An API (Application Program Interface) 1205 provides an interface between the application 1230 and the platform 1220. The platform 1220 interprets a processing request from the application 1230 notified via the API 1205 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and manages one or a plurality of hardware resources. , A system resource manager (SRM (System Resource Manager) 1223) that arbitrates acquisition requests from the control service 1250, and an OS 1221.

  The control service 1250 is formed by a plurality of service modules. Specifically, an SCS (System Control Service) 1222, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 1224, an MCS (Memory Control Service) 1225, and an OCS (Operation panel control service) 1226, FCS (fax control service) 1227, NCS (network control service) 1228, and IMH (imaging memory handler) 1229.

  The OS 1221 is an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 1220 and the application 1230 in parallel as processes. By using open source UNIX (registered trademark), the safety of the program can be secured, the network can be supported, and the source code can be easily obtained. Furthermore, OS and TCP / IP royalties are unnecessary, and outsourcing is easy.

  The SRM 1223, together with the SCS 1222, performs system control and resource management, and includes engine units such as scanners and plotters, memory, HDD files, host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232CI / F, etc.) arbitration is performed according to a request from a higher layer using hardware resources, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 1223 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request). If it is available, the requested hardware resource is Tell the upper layer that it is available. Also, hardware resource usage scheduling may be performed in response to a request from an upper layer, and the requested contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) may be directly executed. .

  The SCS 1222 includes application management (function 1), operation unit control (function 2), system screen display (job list screen, counter display screen, etc.) (function 3), LED display (function 4), resource management (function 5), A plurality of functions such as interrupt application control (function 6) are performed. Specifically, in application management (function 1), application registration and processing for notifying other applications of the information are performed. In the operation unit control (function 2), exclusive control of the operation unit use right of the application is performed. In the system screen display (function 3), a warning screen corresponding to the state of the engine unit is displayed according to the request content from the application having the operation unit usage right. In LED display (function 4), display control of system LEDs such as warning LEDs and application keys is performed. Resource management (function 5) provides services for exclusive control of engine resources (scanners, staples, etc.) that must be excluded when an application (ECS) executes a job. In the interrupt application control (function 6), control and service for preferential operation of a specific application are performed.

  The ECS 1224 controls engine units such as a plotter 1321, a scanner 1324, and other hardware resources 1203, and performs image reading and printing operations, status notification, jam recovery, and the like.

  The MCS 1225 performs memory control. Specifically, the MCS 1225 acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The OCS 1226 is a module that controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control, and provides a process for notifying the main body control of an operator's key operation event and a library function for each application to construct a GUI. Processing, processing for managing the constructed GUI information for each application, display reflection processing on the operation panel, and the like are performed.

  The FCS 1227 performs facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. API 1205 is provided.

  The NCS 1228 is a module group for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. The NCS 1228 distributes data received by each protocol from the network side to each application, and distributes data from the application. Mediates when sending to the network side. The NCS 1228 includes, for example, at least http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon) 2 for communicating with a device connected via a network, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for transferring a file related to an image input / output interface. 3.

  The IMH 1229 maps the image data from the virtual memory area to the physical memory area. In response to the process activation, a system call is performed to map a virtual memory area for the process, or to release the mapped virtual memory area when the process ends.

  The application 1230 includes a printer application 1211 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 1212 that is a copy application, and a fax application 1213 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 1214 that is a scanner application, a net file application 1215 that is a net file application, an image input / output application 1216 that is an application that controls image input / output, and a transfer application 1217 that transfers an image input / output interface file. And a document list application 1217 that provides a list of managed documents. Since each application 1211 to 1217 can execute an operation by using each process on the platform 1220, a screen display control program for performing screen control, key operation control, job generation, and the like is the main component. Note that a new application can also be installed via the network via the network connected by the NCS 1228. Each application can be added or deleted for each application.

  As described above, the MFP 1200 centrally processes the processing that is commonly required for each application by the platform 1220.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the MFP 1200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the MFP 1200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1200 includes an operation panel 1310, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1330, an IEEE1394 1340, a plotter 1321, a scanner 1324, and an ASIC 1301 of the controller 1300 via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus 1309 or the like. Connected configuration.

  The controller 1300 connects a MEM-C 1302, HD (Hard Disk) 1303, and the like to the ASIC 1301, and connects the ASIC 1301 and the CPU 1304 via the NB 1305 of the CPU chipset. Thus, the reason for connecting via the NB 1305 is that the interface of the CPU 1304 itself is not disclosed.

  Here, the ASIC 1301 and the NB 1305 are not connected via the PCI, but are connected via the AGP 1308. The reason for the connection via the AGP 1308 is that the MFP 1200 executes and controls a plurality of processes forming the platform 1220 and the application 1230 shown in FIG. This is because performance decreases.

  The CPU 1304 performs overall control of the MFP 1200. Specifically, the SCS 1222, the SRM 1223, the ECS 1224, the MCS 1225, the OCS 1226, the FCS 1227, the NCS 1228, and the IMH 1229 that form the platform 1220 on the OS 1221 are started as processes. At the same time, the printer application 1211, the copy application 1212, the fax application 1213, the scanner application 1214, the net file application 1215, the image input / output application 1216 and the transfer application 1217 that form the application 1230 are activated and executed. The OS 1221 controls hardware resources such as the scanner 1324, the plotter 1321, and other hardware resources 1203.

  The OS 1221 of the image forming apparatus 1200 is different from an operating system such as a personal computer (PC) in that it directly controls each hardware resource used for image processing. This is because, usually, a PC can control an image forming apparatus such as a connected scanner or printer, but cannot control hardware resources in the image forming apparatus.

  The NB 1305 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 1304 to the MEM-P 1306, SB 1307, and ASIC 1301, and the MEM-P 1306 is a system memory used as a drawing memory for the MFP, and the SB 1307 is an NB 1305, ROM, and PCI device. This is a bridge for connecting peripheral devices. The MEM-C 1302 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and the ASIC 1301 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing.

  The HD 1303 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating programs, accumulating font data, and accumulating forms. The operation panel 1310 accepts input operations from an operator and displays them for the operator. It is an operation unit.

  Therefore, the ASIC 1301 is provided with a RAM interface for connecting the MEM-C 1302 and a hard disk interface for connecting the HD 1303. When inputting / outputting image data to / from these storage units, the input / output The destination is switched to the RAM interface or the hard disk interface.

  The AGP 1308 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card that has been proposed to speed up graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the system memory with high throughput.

  Hereinafter, input processing, image processing, and output processing that can be provided by the MFP 1200 having the functional configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 are described below from other devices connected via a network. A functional configuration example of the image input / output application 1216 and the transfer application 1217 that can be used will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image input / output application and the transfer application. In FIG. 3, the image input / output application 1216 mainly controls the processing flow control module 450 that controls the processing flow of input processing, image processing, and output processing, and the flow of the screen displayed on the operation panel 1310 via the OCS 1226. And a UIF (User InterFace) control module 430.

  The processing flow control module 450 includes an input control module 410 that controls a scanner 1324 as an image reading apparatus that inputs an image, an output control module 420 that controls a plotter 1321 as an image forming apparatus that outputs an image, and input image data. An image processing module 440 that performs image processing on the image 601 and generates output image data 602, and a processing flow of input processing, image processing, and output processing performed by the modules 410, 440, and 420, or those Control a series of processing flow as a whole. For example, when the MFP 1200 continuously performs input processing, image processing, and output processing, the processing flow control module 450 performs control so that each processing is performed according to a predetermined processing flow. As will be described later, in the case of only the requested processing, the processing flow control module 450 controls the corresponding module so that only the requested processing is performed according to the predetermined processing flow.

  The UIF control module 430 includes an input UIF 460 for providing an input screen, an output UIF 470 for providing an output screen, and an image processing UIF 480 for providing an image processing screen, and a predetermined screen according to a display flow. Are displayed on the operation panel 1310 via the OCS 1226, the UIFs 460, 470, and 480 are controlled.

  In FIG. 3, a mechanism in which an input screen, an image processing screen, and an output screen are displayed on the operation panel 1310 of the MFP 1200 by the UIF control module 430 will be described first.

  When the MFP 1200 is activated, the processing flow control module 450 acquires available device configurations such as the scanner 1324 and the plotter 1321 as system information 452 from the SCS 1222. The input control module 410 confirms functions that can be provided by the scanner 1324 from the system information 452, such as a document feeder function and a double-sided document reading function, and acquires them as input option information 433. Based on the input option information 433 acquired by the input control module 410, the input UIF 460 of the UIF control module 430 includes text, buttons, icons, and the like that constitute an input screen that displays input processing functions that can be provided by the scanner 1324. An input screen coordinate parameter 462 indicating the images and position coordinates where they are arranged is generated. The input screen coordinate parameter 462 generated by the input UIF 460 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430 and displayed as an input screen on the operation panel 1310 by the OCS 1226 based on the input screen coordinate parameter 462. When the user sets a desired function from the input screen displayed on the operation panel 1310, the position coordinates where the text, button, icon, etc. selected by the user are displayed are input to the UIF control module 430 via the OCS 1226. The UIF 460 is notified.

  Based on the input option information 433 and the input screen coordinate parameter 462, the input UIF 460 notifies the input control module 410 of a function corresponding to the position coordinate notified from the OCS 1226 as the input setting parameter 434, and instructs image input. . The input control module 410 executes the scanner application 1214 based on the input setting parameter 434 to control the scanner 1324, reads the input image 600, and causes the input image 600 to execute a function set by the user. Input image data 601 is generated as a result of execution by the scanner 1324 under the control of the input control module 410.

  Further, the image processing module 440 provides image processing functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 from the system information 452, such as an aggregate printing function or a copy function, a frame erasing function, a reverse function, a stamp function, and the like. The image processing UIF 480 is notified as 435. Based on the image processing option information 435 notified from the image processing module 440, the image processing UIF 480 of the UIF control module 430 is a text that forms an image processing screen that displays functions for image processing that can be provided by the MFP 1200. An image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 indicating the image of buttons, icons, etc. and the position coordinates where they are arranged is generated. The image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 generated by the image processing UIF 480 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430, and is displayed as an image processing screen on the operation panel 1310 by the OCS 1226 based on the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. When the user sets a desired function from the image processing screen displayed on the operation panel 1310, the position coordinates where the image such as text, buttons, icons, etc. selected by the user is displayed via the OCS 1226, the UIF control module 430. The image processing UIF 480 is notified.

  Based on the image processing option information 435 and the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482, the image processing UIF 480 notifies the image processing module 440 of the function corresponding to the position coordinate notified from the OCS 1226 as the image processing setting parameter 436, and Instruct processing. The image processing module 440 performs image processing on the input image data 601 generated by the input control module 410, and generates output image data 602 as a result.

  Similarly, when the multi-function apparatus 1200 is activated, the output control module 420 has functions that can be provided by the plotter 1321 from the system information 452, such as finisher functions such as a punch function and a staple function, a sort function, a stack function, A print number setting function, a paper tray type, a double-sided paper feed function, and the like are confirmed, and these are acquired as output option information 431. Based on the output option information 431 acquired by the output control module 410, the output UIF 470 of the UIF control module 430 includes text, buttons, icons, and the like that constitute an output screen that displays functions for output processing that can be provided by the plotter 1321. An output screen coordinate parameter 472 indicating the images and position coordinates where they are arranged is generated. The output screen coordinate parameter 472 generated by the output UIF 470 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430, and is displayed as an output screen on the operation panel 1310 by the OCS 1226 based on the output screen coordinate parameter 472. When the user sets a desired function from the output screen displayed on the operation panel 1310, the position coordinates where the text, button, icon, etc. selected by the user are displayed are output from the UIF control module 430 via the OCS 1226. The UIF 470 is notified.

  Based on the output option information 431 and the output screen coordinate parameter 472, the output UIF 470 notifies the output control module 420 of the function corresponding to the position coordinate notified from the OCS 1226 as the output setting parameter 432 and instructs image output. To do. The output control module 420 controls the plotter 1321 using the printer application 1211 based on the output setting parameter 432, and the plotter as an output image 603 in which the output image data 602 generated by the image processing module 440 is formed on paper or the like. It is output from 1321.

  Control by the UIF control module 430 is, for example, when displaying an image processing screen on the operation panel 1310, displaying a screen for setting a frame width for frame erasure, or displaying an output screen on the operation panel 1310. It includes changing the flow control of the screen so as to display a screen showing the position to staple. Further, the input option information 433, the image processing option information 435, and the output option information 431 include a program for controlling the operation panel 1310. The input option information 433 and the output option information 431 as described above are scanner operation information including paper document information, and also include information related to the operation (control) of an ADF (automatic document feeder). . Since the output option information 431 is information relating to the finisher of the printing paper, it is the same when the copy process is used in addition to the printer process.

  When taking a normal copy, from the input screen displayed on the operation panel 1310, input settings relating to image input, for example, settings such as a single-sided original or double-sided original, and image processing settings relating to image processing, for example, Then, settings such as frame erasure and output settings relating to image output, such as stapling settings and paper tray settings, are made, and copying is started with a copy start button.

  With the start of copying, the input control module 410 receives the input setting parameter 434 and starts inputting the input image 600 according to the input setting parameter 434. The input image 600 that has been input is taken into the multi-functional apparatus 1200 as input image data 601, and the input image data 601 that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing module 440 in accordance with the image processing setting parameter 436 is output as output image data 602. Passed to. The output image data 602 is output as an output image 603 to the plotter 1321 by the output control module 420 according to the output setting parameter 432.

  In order to make the input processing, image processing, and output processing functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 available to other devices connected via the network, the transfer application 1217 receives system information from the other devices. In response to the request 452, the system information 452 is transferred by FTP3 of the NCS 1228.

  When the other device downloads and uses the system information 452 transferred in this manner, the other device can display a plurality of functions provided by the MFP 1200. In addition, the setting parameter indicating the function set by the user is transmitted to the multi-function apparatus 1200. The MFP 1200 uses other devices in the MFP 1200 by replacing the received setting parameters with corresponding setting parameters among the input setting parameters 434, the image processing setting parameters 436, and the output setting parameters 432 of the MFP 1200. It becomes possible to perform processing according to the setting of the user who is doing.

  In the functional configuration example of the image input / output application 1216 shown in FIG. 3, the input control module 410, the image processing module 440, the output control module 420, and the UIF control module 430 may be realized by, for example, a Java (registered trademark) program. good. In this case, a Java (registered trademark) VM (Virtual Memory) 451 capable of executing the Java (registered trademark) program indicated by the dotted line may be provided. The system information 452 is provided in a data structure that can be used by the Java (registered trademark) program. If the Java (registered trademark) program can be executed in another device connected to the MFP 1200 via the network, the system information 452 can be provided without depending on the hardware of the other device.

  For example, when a device connected to the MFP 1200 via a network is a device having a function lower than that of the MFP 1200 or having only one type of function (hereinafter referred to as a single function image processing apparatus), A user who uses the functional image processing apparatus can use the high function provided by the multi-function apparatus 1200 by acquiring the system information 452 of the multi-function apparatus 1200 from the multi-function apparatus 1200 in the single function image processing apparatus.

  First, an example of an input screen for input processing based on the system information 452 of the MFP 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen. In FIG. 4, an input screen G600-1 includes a button 61-1 for setting an input processing function, a button 62-1 for setting an image processing function, a button 63-1 for setting an output processing function, It has a display area 610 that can be selected by the user showing a list of devices existing on the network, and a display area 620 that can be selected by the user that shows functions that can be processed by the device selected by the user from the display area 610.

  In the input screen G600-1, the display area 610 displays a list of available devices existing on the network. In the display area 610, for example, a “copy machine” indicating the single-function image processing apparatus itself, and “multi-function machine”, “apparatus 01”, “apparatus 02” indicating the above-described multi-function apparatus 1200 as devices on the network. , “Device 03”, “Device 04”, and the like are displayed. For example, when the user selects “MFP” and selects the button 61-1 to set the input processing function, the display area 620 displays functions that the “MFP” can provide as input processing.

  For example, the display area 620 includes “characters” for reading the input image 600 in the character mode, “photos” for reading the input image 600 in the photo mode, and “automatic” for setting the density setting to “merge”. Functions such as “density”, “light” and “dark” for the user to set the density, “single side” for inputting only one side of the input image 600, “double side” for inputting both sides of the input image 600 Is displayed. For example, when the user selects “photo”, “automatic density” and “single side”, input setting parameters indicating the functions of “photo”, “automatic density” and “single side” corresponding to the selected position coordinates are generated, It is transmitted to the MFP 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 sets the received input setting parameter as the input setting parameter 434, and the input control module 410 has a function (that is, “photograph”, “automatic density”) indicated by the input setting parameter 434. And “single side”) to read the input image 600 from the scanner 1324.

  Next, an example of an image processing screen for image processing based on the system information 452 of the MFP 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing screen. In FIG. 5, the image processing screen G630-1 has the same screen configuration as the input screen G600-1, and therefore the same parts as those in FIG. In the display area 610 of the image processing screen G630-1, since “multifunction device” is already set, for example, other devices are displayed in a configuration that cannot be selected by gray display or the like.

  When the user selects the button 62-1 to set the image processing function on the image processing screen G630-1, a function that allows the “multifunction machine” to be set as image processing is displayed in the display area 620.

  For example, in the display area 620, “frame erasure” for erasing shadows around the paper, “reverse” for inverting and copying the image color, “stamp” indicating that the image has been processed, and correcting for smudges in the input image “ “Background dirt removal”, “Same size” for processing at the same size of the image, “Paper specified magnification” for processing the image at a magnification according to the designated paper, “100%” for specifying the magnification of the image by ten key input, display "Display" to specify image processing including "Edit" to process the image repeatedly on one sheet or combine different images into one sheet "Edit", one left and right page one by one Functions such as “divide” to be processed on the sheet are displayed. For example, when the user selects “frame deletion”, “same size”, and “division” as image processing for one left and right page, “frame deletion”, “same size” and “same size” corresponding to the selected position coordinates are selected. An image processing setting parameter indicating the function of “division” is generated and transmitted to the MFP 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 sets the received image processing setting parameter as the image processing setting parameter 436, and the image processing module 440 has a function (that is, “frame deletion”) specified by the image processing setting parameter 436. , “Same size” and “division”), output image data 602 obtained by performing image processing on the input image data 601 is generated.

  Furthermore, an example of an output screen for output processing based on the system information 452 of the MFP 1200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen. In FIG. 6, since the output screen G640-1 has the same screen configuration as the input screen G600-1, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the display area 610 of the image processing screen G640-1, since “multifunction device” is already set, for example, other devices are displayed in a configuration that cannot be selected by gray display or the like.

  When the user selects the button 63-1 on the output screen G640-1, the display area 620 displays a function for which “multifunction machine” can be set as an output process.

  For example, in the display area 620, “sort” for outputting one copy at a time in the order of pages, “stack” for outputting for each page, “staple” indicating icons for binding with four types of staples, and two types of punch holes A function such as “punch” indicating how to open the icon is displayed. For example, when the user selects one of a plurality of icons indicating the position of the staple displayed in “staple”, an output setting parameter indicating the “staple” function that specifies the binding method corresponding to the selected position coordinate is displayed. Is generated and transmitted to the MFP 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 sets the received output setting parameter as the output setting parameter 432, and the output control module 420 has a function corresponding to the position coordinate specified by the output setting parameter 432 (that is, “staple” The output image data 602 is imaged on a sheet by the plotter 1321 using “sort” and “staple” automatically set by selecting “” and output as an output image 603.

  A processing flow between the MFP 1200 and the single function image processing apparatus performed according to the user operation on the input screen G600-1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow for realizing the screen display of the multifunction peripheral in the single function image device.

  In FIG. 7, when the user displays the input screen G600-1 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus (step S711), the single-function image processing apparatus is used among devices connected via the network. The existence of a possible device is confirmed (step S712). As a confirmation method, all devices existing on the network may be confirmed by broadcasting, or may be confirmed with respect to a specific device set in advance. When checking for a specific device, check whether it is currently available. In response to the presence confirmation from the single-function image processing apparatus, the MFP 1200 existing on the network responds to the single-function image processing apparatus with the device-specific information including the IP address, device name, etc. for identifying the MFP 1200 ( Step S713). When the single function image processing apparatus receives device specific information from the MFP 1200 and each device on the network, it displays a list of device names of each device in the display area 610 of the input screen G600-1.

  When, for example, the MFP 1200 is selected as a device to be used from the display area 610 displayed by the user (step S714), the single function image processing apparatus requests system information 452 from the MFP 1200 (step S715). ). In response to a request from the single function image processing apparatus, the MFP 1200 transmits system information 452 to the single function image processing apparatus by FTP3 (step S716).

  Through the processing described above, available devices are displayed in the display area 610 of the input screen G600-1 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow for realizing the screen display of the multifunction peripheral in the single function image device. In FIG. 8, when the system information 452 is received from the MFP 1200, the single function image processing apparatus generates input option information and input screen coordinate parameters similar to those of the MFP from the system information 452, and the single function image processing apparatus Functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the input screen G600-1 displayed on the operation panel (step S717). For example, when the user selects “photograph”, “automatic density”, and “single side” from the display area 620 displaying the function (step S718), the input UIF 112 causes the “photograph”, “ Input setting parameters indicating the functions of “automatic density” and “single side” are generated and transferred to the MFP 1200 (step S719).

  The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 sets the received input setting parameter as the input setting parameter 434, reads the input image 600 from the scanner 1324 according to the input setting parameter 434 by the input control module 410, and generates input image data 601. (Step S720).

  By setting the input setting parameter received by the image input / output application 1216 as the input setting parameter 434, the input control module 410 can perform input processing as if the user set the operation panel 1310 of the MFP 1200. it can. When completing the input process, the image input / output application 1216 transmits the input result to the single function image processing apparatus (step S721). The single function image processing apparatus displays the input result received from the MFP 1200 on the operation panel (step S722).

  With such a processing flow, the user can select a desired function from a list of functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus, and input based on the selection. It is possible to cause the MFP 1200 to perform processing. For example, even when the single-function image processing apparatus does not have a “photo” function, the user can cause the MFP 1200 to perform input processing using the “photo” function as one of input setting options. it can.

  Further, when the user presses the button 62-1 to set the image processing, the single function image processing device generates image processing option information and image processing screen coordinate parameters based on the system information 452, and the single function image. Functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the image processing screen G630-1 displayed on the operation panel of the processing apparatus (step S757). For example, when the user selects “frame deletion”, “same size”, and “division” from the display area 620 displaying the function (step S758), “frame deletion”, “same size” corresponding to the selected position coordinates. ”And“ division ”functions are generated and transferred to the MFP 1200 (step S759).

  The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 receives the image processing setting parameter (step S760). The image input / output application 1216 sets the image processing setting parameter received from the single function image processing apparatus as the image processing setting parameter 436, and performs image processing on the input image data 601 by the image processing module 440 according to the image processing setting parameter 436. The output image data 602 is generated (step S761).

  By setting the image processing setting parameter received by the image input / output application 1216 as the image processing setting parameter 436, the image processing module 440 performs image processing as if the user set the operation panel 1310 of the MFP 1200. be able to. When the image processing is completed, the MFP 1200 transmits the image processing result to the single function image processing apparatus (step S762). The single function image processing apparatus displays the image processing result received from the MFP 1200 on the operation panel (step S763).

  Further, when the user presses the button 63-1 to set the output process, the single function image processing device generates output option information and output screen coordinate parameters based on the system information 452, and the single function image processing device. Functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the output screen G640-1 displayed on the operation panel (step S777). With this execution, the functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of the output screen G640-1 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus. For example, when the user selects one of the icons indicating the position of “staple” from the display area 620 displaying the function (step S778), an output setting parameter indicating the function of “staple” corresponding to the selected position coordinate. Is generated and transferred to the MFP 1200 (step S779).

  The image input / output application 1216 of the MFP 1200 receives the output setting parameter (step S780). The image input / output application 1216 sets the output setting parameter received from the single-function image processing apparatus as the output setting parameter 432, and the output image data 602 is output on the paper according to the output setting parameter 432 by the output control module 420. It outputs as 603 (step S781).

  By setting the output setting parameter received by the image input / output application 1216 as the output setting parameter 431, the output control module 420 can perform output processing as if the user set the operation panel 1310 of the multi-function apparatus 1200. it can. When completing the output process, the image input / output application 1216 transmits the image processing result to the single function image processing apparatus (step S782). The single-function image processing apparatus displays the output result received from the MFP 1200 on the operation panel (step S783).

  Although the processing flow shown in FIG. 8 has been described as being performed by the single-function image processing apparatus and the multi-function apparatus 1200, it can also be realized between two multi-function apparatuses 1200 or two single-function image processing apparatuses. . With such a processing flow, the user can select a desired function from a list of functions that can be provided by the MFP 1200 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus, and an image based on the selection. It is possible to cause the MFP 1200 to perform processing.

  An example of processing using a user interface realized by the screens and processing flows described in FIGS. 4 to 8 will be described below with reference to FIG. The single function image processing apparatus 100 is, for example, a single copy machine that provides only a copy function. For example, the input function unit 102 that reads an input image 600 formed on a sheet, and the input image 600 is read. An image processing unit 104 that performs image processing on the generated input image data, an output processing unit 106 that forms output image data on which image processing has been performed on a sheet, and outputs it as an output image 603, and a user operation And an operation control unit 110 that controls display on the operation panel 120.

  In addition, the operation control unit 110 generates an input UIF 112 for generating an input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) for displaying the input screen G600-1 as shown in FIG. An image processing UIF 113 for generating an image processing screen parameter (not shown) for displaying the image processing screen G630-1 as shown in FIG. 6 and an output screen G640-1 as shown in FIG. It includes at least an output processing UIF 114 that generates output screen coordinate parameters (not shown), and an OCS 116 that controls the operation panel 120 by each of the user interfaces 112 to 114.

  Further, the operation control unit 110 includes a Java (registered trademark) VM 118 when the user interface program for realizing the user interfaces 112 to 114 is a Java (registered trademark) program. On the other hand, in the single-function image processing apparatus 100, by configuring each processing unit of the operation control unit 110 to be realized by a Java (registered trademark) program, even when the OCS 116 is not provided, the compatibility with the MFP 1200 is improved. It becomes possible to keep.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a processing example. In FIG. 9, portions indicated by dotted lines except for Java (registered trademark) VM450 and Java (registered trademark) VM118 are provided as components, but are not used in the processing example. A portion indicated by a double line indicates a portion replaced with a data file transmitted from the MFP 1200 or the single function image processing apparatus 100. In FIG. 9, only the display process is performed by the single function image processing apparatus, and the input process, the image process, and the output process are performed by the MFP 1200.

  In FIG. 9, when the user selects the MFP 1200 as a device that performs input processing, image processing, and output processing from the operation panel 120 of the single-function image processing apparatus 100, the existing input UIF 112 acquires the system information acquired from the MFP 1200. Based on the input option information 433 generated from 452, an input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) equivalent to that of the fusion device 1200 is generated. The input UIF 112 displays functions of input processing that can be provided by the MFP 1200 on the operation panel 120 via the OCS 116 according to input screen coordinate parameters based on the input option information 433. When the user selects a function, the input UIF 112 generates an input setting parameter 134 indicating the function set by the user. The single function image processing apparatus 100 transfers the input setting parameter 134 to the MFP 1200 as a file.

  In the MFP 1200, the input setting parameter 434 of the image input / output application 1216 is replaced with the input setting parameter 134 received from the single function image processing apparatus 100. The input control module 410 reads the input image 600 and the input image data 601 is generated by the multi-function apparatus 1200.

  Similarly, image processing set by the user from the image processing screen displayed based on the image processing option information 435 equivalent to the fusion device 1200 generated by the existing image processing UIF 113 in the single-function image processing apparatus 100. The image processing setting parameter 136 indicating the function replaces the image processing setting parameter 436 of the MFP 1200. In accordance with the replaced image processing setting parameter 436, the image processing module 440 generates output image data 602.

  Furthermore, similarly, the function of the output process set by the user from the output screen displayed based on the output option information 431 equivalent to the fusion device 1200 generated by the existing output UIF 114 in the single function image processing apparatus 100 is shown. The output setting parameter 132 replaces the output setting parameter 432 of the MFP 1200. In accordance with the replaced output setting parameter 432, the output processing module 420 outputs an output image 603.

  In this way, the user can cause the MFP 1200 connected via the network 15 to perform all input processing, image processing, and output processing.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the input image 600 can be input from any image processing apparatus using options (ADF, double-sided ADF, etc.) attached to the MFP 1200 connected via the network 15. . For example, the input image 600 (original) can be continuously input from a plurality of double-sided originals by using the MFP 1200 with the double-sided ADF 1350.

  In addition, an output image 603 is obtained by using options (finisher, punch, staple, etc.) attached to the multi-function apparatus 1200 from the arbitrary single-function image processing apparatus 100 on the network 15 to the multi-function apparatus 1200 connected via the network 15. Can be output. For example, it is possible to output an image from a single-function copier or personal computer (PC) using an output option of a full-function, high-function printer or copier. At this time, since the system information 452 is acquired via the network 15, it is not necessary to prepare a new user interface in the single function image processing apparatus 100 operated by the user, and an interface provided by the MFP 1200 from anywhere. Can be instructed with the same operation. Even when a device to which a new function is added is connected to the network 15, even if the existing single-function image processing apparatus 100 on the operation side does not know the function, the user can operate the interface of the MFP 1200. Can be used as is.

  Further, if a high-functional compound machine 1200 exists on the network 15, the input image data 601 is sent to the compound machine 1200, and the output image data 602 is sent to the output-side single-function image processing apparatus 100. Even in the single function image processing apparatus 100 having no functional image processing, an equivalent function can be realized. At this time, even if the function and setting of the image processing are not known by the single-function image processing apparatus 100 on the operation side, processing can be performed from any device by the same operation.

  In the present embodiment, only the plotter 1321 of the multi-function apparatus 1200 as an output option, the scanner 1324 of the multi-function apparatus 1200 as an input option, and the single function image processing apparatus 100 (copier) as an input / output option are provided on the network 15. Although not provided, it is possible to provide a plurality. All options, for example, devices connected to the network 15 or scanners, printers, copiers, etc. as functions can share functions. Further, the output destination is not limited to printing on paper, but may be electronic data. Even if the document is stored and stored on a server or the like, the input side may be electronic data instead of a paper manuscript at the document management server document management server. In this way, by storing as a document, it is possible to reuse data that already exists as image data. By simply storing frequently used data on the network 15, various output methods using options can be used. Can be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a multi-functional apparatus that fuses various image forming functions according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP 1200 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of an image input / output application and a transfer application. It is a figure which shows the example of an input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image processing screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an output screen. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow for realizing a screen display of a multi-function peripheral in a single function image device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow for realizing a screen display of a multi-function peripheral in a single function image device. It is a figure which shows the process example.

Explanation of symbols

100 Single-function image processing device 1200 MFP, 1210 Software group 1216 Image input / output application, 1217 Transfer application 1218 Document list application 1230 Application, 1220 Platform 1221 OS, 1222 SCS
1223 SRM, 1224 ECS
1225 MCS, 1226 OCS
1227 FCS, 1228 NCS
1229 IMH, 1240 Fusion machine starter 1300 Controller, 1301 ASIC
1302 MEM-C, 1303 HD
1304 CPU, 1305 NB
1306 MEM-P, 1307 SB
1308 AGP, 1310 Operation Panel 1320 Fax Control Unit 1330 USB, 1340 IEEE 1394
1350 Engine unit, 1500 Network I / F unit 1510 Printer, 1520 Scanner 1530 FAX unit

Claims (3)

Device list display means for displaying a list of one or more available image forming devices connected via a network on an operation display unit;
The system information of the hardware resources of the selected image forming apparatus is acquired from the selected image forming apparatus selected by the user from the list of the image forming apparatuses displayed on the operation display unit, and the system information is obtained from the device of the own apparatus. System information acquisition means for replacing system information based on the configuration;
Image forming apparatus comprising: option information display means for generating option information relating to image formation of the selected image forming apparatus based on the system information acquired and replaced, and displaying the option information on an operation display unit of the apparatus itself apparatus. Setting parameter transmission means for transmitting setting parameters set by the user from the option information displayed by the option information display means to the selected image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selected image forming apparatus performs image formation based on the setting parameter. The apparatus list display means further displays a list of a plurality of predetermined processes related to image formation on the operation display unit of the own apparatus,
The option information display means generates the option information related to a predetermined process selected by the user based on the acquired and replaced system information and displays the option information on an operation display unit of the own apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images