JP4500333B2 - Image information processing apparatus, installation method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention provides user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles, and allows an application to be installed and a program to be customized from a client terminal connected to the Internet via the WEB. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus , an installation method , a program, and a recording medium .

  In recent years, there has been known an image information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) in which functions of apparatuses such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are housed in one casing. This multifunction device is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like in one casing, and is provided with three types of software respectively corresponding to a printer, a copy machine, and a facsimile machine, and by switching these software, Are operated as a printer, a copy, a scanner, or a facsimile machine.

  In such a conventional MFP, it is not assumed that a third party such as a third vendor develops and installs a new application program or customizes an application program that operates on the MFP after the MFP is shipped. .

  In addition, although a conventional multifunction device can be connected to a network, it uses a network function by using a management server such as a printer server, and the multifunction device itself is a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. It is not possible to realize various network functions directly.

  By the way, in such a conventional multi-function machine, software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a scanner, and a facsimile apparatus is provided separately, so that development of each software requires a lot of time. For this reason, the applicant has hardware resources used in image forming processing such as a display unit, a printing unit, and an imaging unit, and an application that performs processing specific to each user service such as a printer, copy, or facsimile. A plurality of installed, intervening between these applications and hardware resources to provide a user service, management of hardware resources that are commonly required by at least two of the applications, execution control, and image forming processing Invented an image information processing device (multifunction machine) equipped with a platform consisting of various control services.

  In such a new multi-function peripheral, an application and a control service that performs processing that is difficult to develop such as access to hardware resources are provided separately. A configuration is such that a vendor can develop a new external application as an application related to image forming processing and mount it on a multifunction peripheral.

  For this reason, it is necessary to develop an external application with a new function in a new multifunction device and to install the external application in the multifunction device or customize the existing functions that have been installed from the beginning of shipment. come.

  Here, an operation display section of an operation panel is prepared in the multifunction device as an interface for displaying various screens for the user and operating input to the system of the multifunction device. However, the operation display section of the operation panel has a very narrow screen size unlike a display device such as a display screen of a computer such as a PC. In addition, by drawing various buttons on the operation display unit or displaying a software keyboard, the user can perform input operations from the operation display unit. However, compared with input devices such as a keyboard and mouse in a computer. For example, there are limits to free input operations.

  As described above, the new multi-function peripheral has a new problem that is not a problem in the conventional multi-function peripheral, in which it is necessary to install an external application or customize an existing program with an easy operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain an image information processing apparatus , an installation method , a program, and a recording medium that can customize a program with an easy operation.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image information processing apparatus capable of mounting a new application for image information processing using hardware resources having a printing unit or an imaging unit, When an instruction from a client terminal connected to the network is received, an application list that is a list in which identification information of installable applications and storage destinations of the applications are associated with each other is acquired from the outside, and the application is identified Information is displayed in a selectable manner on the WEB page displayed on the client terminal, and the selected application is acquired from the storage destination corresponding to the identification information of the application selected from the client terminal via the WEB page. And the acquired application And WEB service providing means for installation, and a control means for controlling the hardware resources are accessed by the application, the WEB service providing means, a customized program of the application or the control means, said client terminal From the web page .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the customization program of the application or the control means is input from the client terminal connected to the Internet via the WEB page by the WEB service providing means, and is displayed on the client terminal. A customization program of the image information processing apparatus can be created by an easy operation from the WEB page, and various functions using the customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

The invention according to claim 2 further includes an operation panel having an operation display unit for performing screen display and operation input, and the WEB service providing means allows a customization program describing processing related to the operation display unit to be input. It is characterized by.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the WEB service providing means allows the user to input the customization program describing the processing related to the operation display unit, so that the operation panel can be easily operated from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal. A customization program for the operation display unit can be created, and a variety of functions related to the operation display unit using customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the WEB service providing means is further displayed on the operation display unit and associates a key for operation input with a customization program.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the WEB service providing unit displays the operation display unit and associates the key for operation input with the customization program, thereby executing the key operation. The processing can be customized by an easy operation from the WEB page, and various functions related to the key operation of the operation display unit using the customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

The invention according to claim 4 further includes program execution means for sequentially executing the customization program input by the WEB service providing means for each step, and the WEB service providing means sends the WEB to the client terminal. A customizing program described in an interpreter language is input via a page.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the WEB service providing means causes the client terminal to input the customization program described in the interpreter language via the WEB page, and the program execution means outputs the customization program input by the program execution means. By sequentially executing each step, the customized program can be executed by the image information processing apparatus without performing recompilation and relinking associated with the additional correction of the program, and customization and verification of the program can be easily performed.

The invention according to claim 5 further includes storage means having a predetermined customization area for storing the customization program, and the WEB service providing means further stores the inputted customization program in the customization area. The program executing means reads out the customization program stored in the customization area, and sequentially executes the program every step.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the inputted customization program is stored in the customization area by the WEB service providing means, and the customization program stored in the customization area is read out by the program execution means and sequentially executed for each step. Thus, if a customization area is defined in advance and a customization program is stored in the customization area, a customization program to be executed at the time of program execution can be easily specified, and customization and verification of the program can be easily performed. it can.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the WEB service providing means further executes the inputted customization program for operation confirmation.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, before the customized program is actually operated on the image information processing apparatus, the WEB service providing unit executes the input customized program for operation confirmation, so that the WEB page Simple verification can be performed and customization can be performed efficiently.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the WEB service providing means is a WEB application installed as the application.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the WEB service providing means is a WEB application installed as an application, only the function as the WEB server is included in the WEB application, and access to the hardware resources is entrusted to the control service. It is possible to develop a WEB application efficiently.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation method executed by an image information processing apparatus capable of mounting a new application for image information processing using hardware resources having a printing unit or an imaging unit. The image information processing apparatus includes control means for controlling the hardware resources when accessed from the application, and when receiving an instruction from a client terminal connected to a network, identification information of an application that can be installed Acquiring an application list that is a list in which the storage destination of the application is associated from the outside, displaying the identification information of the application in a selectable manner on a WEB page displayed on the client terminal, WE from the client terminal A step from the storage destination corresponding to the identification information of the selected application through the page to get the selected application, the steps for installing the acquired application, customized program of the application or the control means, the Internet a program input step of inputting via a WEB page from the connected client terminal, the features and early days free.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the application or control means customization program is input from the client terminal connected to the Internet via the WEB page in the program input step, so that the WEB displayed on the client terminal is displayed. A customization program for the image information processing apparatus can be created by an easy operation from the page, and various functions using the customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the program input step inputs a customization program describing processing relating to an operation display unit of an operation panel for performing screen display and operation input.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operation panel operation can be performed by an easy operation from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal by inputting the customization program describing the processing related to the operation display unit in the program input step. A customization program for the display unit can be created, and a wide variety of functions related to the operation display unit using customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the program input step further displays the operation display unit and associates a key for operation input with a customization program.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the program input step displays the operation display unit and associates the key for operation input with the customization program, thereby executing the key operation. The processing can be customized by an easy operation from the WEB page, and various functions related to the key operation of the operation display unit using the customization can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

The invention according to claim 11 further includes a program execution step for sequentially executing the customization program input in the program input step for each step, and the program input step sends the WEB page to the client terminal. A customizing program described in an interpreter language is input via the interface.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the program input step causes the client terminal to input the customization program described in the interpreter language via the WEB page, and the program execution step executes the input customization program. By sequentially executing each program, the customization program can be executed by the image information processing apparatus without recompilation and relinking associated with the additional correction of the program, and the customization and verification of the program can be easily performed.

Further, in the invention according to claim 12 , in the program input step, the inputted customization program is further stored in a customization area determined in advance in a storage means, and the program execution step is stored in the customization area. The customization program is read out and sequentially executed for each step.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the inputted customization program is stored in the customization area by the program input step, and the customization program stored in the customization area is read by the program execution step and sequentially executed for each step. Thus, if a customization area is defined in advance and a customization program is stored in the customization area, a customization program to be executed at the time of program execution can be easily specified, and customization and verification of the program can be easily performed. .

The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that the program input step further causes the input customized program to be executed for operation confirmation.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, before the customized program is actually operated on the image information processing apparatus, the input customized program is executed for the operation confirmation in the program input step. Simple verification can be performed and customization can be performed efficiently.
The invention according to claim 14 is a program for executing by use of hardware resources having a printing unit or the imaging unit in a computer which enables mounting the new application according to the image information processing, the computer Comprises control means for controlling the hardware resources when accessed from the application, and when receiving an instruction from a client terminal connected to the network, the identification information of the installable application and the application on the network Acquiring from the outside an application list that is a list in which storage destinations are associated with each other, displaying the identification information of the application on a WEB page displayed on the client terminal in a selectable manner, and the client terminal Receiving said selected application from storage location on the network corresponding to the identification information of the application which is selected through the WEB page, the steps for installing the application received, the application or the control means A program for causing the computer to execute a program input step of inputting a customization program from a client terminal connected to the Internet via a WEB page .
The invention according to claim 15 is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 14 is recorded.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to perform a complicated operation such as installing the developed application after storing it in a storage medium, and it is in an arbitrary area on the Internet by an easy operation from a client terminal. There is an effect that the external application can be installed in the image information processing apparatus. Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 1, only the application which implement | achieves a required function can be installed easily using a client terminal. In addition, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select an application from a WEB page that allows easy operation input, and it is possible to more easily install an application having a necessary function.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the customization program for the image information processing apparatus can be created by an easy operation from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal, and various functions using customization can be easily performed. The image information processing apparatus can be realized by simple operations.

According to the invention of claim 2 , the customization program for the operation display unit of the operation panel can be created by an easy operation from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal. There is an effect that the image information processing apparatus can realize various functions by an easy operation.

In addition, according to the invention of claim 3 , the process executed for the key operation can be customized by an easy operation from the WEB page, and a variety of operations related to the key operation of the operation display unit using the customization can be performed. There is an effect that the function can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

According to the invention of claim 4 , the customization program can be executed by the image information processing apparatus without recompiling and relinking associated with the additional correction of the program, and customization and verification of the program can be easily performed. There is an effect that can be done.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5 , if a customization area is set in advance and a customization program is stored in the customization area, a customization program to be executed at the time of program execution can be easily specified. There exists an effect that the verification can be performed easily.

According to the invention of claim 6 , before the customization program is actually operated on the image information processing apparatus, simple verification can be performed on the WEB page, and customization can be performed efficiently. There is an effect.

According to the invention of claim 7 , only the function as the WEB server can be included in the WEB application, and access to the hardware resources can be entrusted to the control service, so that the development of the WEB application can be efficiently performed. There is an effect.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8 , there is no need to perform a complicated operation such as installing the developed application after storing it in a storage medium, and any area on the Internet can be easily operated from a client terminal. The external application can be installed in the image information processing apparatus. Moreover, according to the invention concerning Claim 9, there exists an effect that only the application which implement | achieves a required function can be installed easily using a client terminal. In addition, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select an application from a WEB page that allows easy operation input, and it is possible to more easily install an application having a necessary function.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the customization program for the image information processing apparatus can be created by an easy operation from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal, and various functions using the customization can be easily performed. The image information processing apparatus can be realized by simple operations.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the customization program for the operation display unit of the operation panel can be created by an easy operation from the WEB page displayed on the client terminal. There is an effect that the image information processing apparatus can realize various functions by an easy operation.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to customize the processing executed for the key operation by an easy operation from the WEB page, and various types of operations related to the key operation of the operation display unit using the customization. There is an effect that the function can be realized in the image information processing apparatus by an easy operation.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the customization program can be executed by the image information processing apparatus without recompilation and relinking associated with the additional correction of the program, and the customization and verification of the program can be easily performed. There is an effect that can be done.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, if a customization area is set in advance and a customization program is stored in the customization area, the customization program to be executed at the time of program execution can be easily specified. There exists an effect that the verification can be performed easily.

According to the invention of claim 13 , before the customization program is actually operated on the image information processing apparatus, simple verification can be performed on the WEB page, and customization can be performed efficiently. There is an effect.

Exemplary embodiments of an image information processing apparatus , an installation method , a program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part and a network configuration of an image information processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment is connected to the Internet, and allows an external application to be installed in the multi-function device from a client terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the Internet.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a multi-function device 100, a PC (personal computer) 200, a plurality of ftp servers 250, and a computer 260 are connected to the Internet 220. TCP / IP is used as a communication protocol among the MFP 100, the PC 200, the plurality of ftp servers 250, and the computer 260.

  The MFP 100 mainly includes a WEB application 117, a VAS (Virtual Application Service) 118, an NCS (Network Control Service) 128, an httpd (http daemon) 106, and a shared memory 105. It has become. Here, the WEB application 117 constitutes a WEB service providing unit in the present invention.

  The WEB application 117 operates as a WEB server (http server) with respect to the PC 200 serving as a client terminal connected to the Internet 220, displays an installation screen 201 described later on a WEB browser operating on the PC 200, and displays the displayed installation screen. Processing related to installation in response to an operation input from 201 or a request is performed, and the result is returned to the PC 200.

  Here, the installation screen 201 is a file (install.html) that constitutes a WEB page according to the present invention and is described in an html format (Hyper Text Markup Language). By displaying the file by the WEB browser on the PC 200, the installation screen 201 is displayed on the PC 200. In addition, the WEB application 117 performs a process related to installation according to an operation input or request from the installation screen 201 (install.htm), CGI (Common Gateway Interface), specifically, install. It is executed by a cgi script, the processing result is reflected in the installation screen 201 (install.htm), and returned to the WEB browser of the PC 200. Specifically, when there is a request for processing related to installation (button click operation or the like), the WEB application 117 installs install. Run cgi script. In this embodiment, each process by the WEB application 117 is executed by executing a CGI script, but may be configured to be executed by another program called from the CGI script. Further, the installation screen can be configured to be described in an XML format (extensible Markup Language).

  The VAS 118 is arranged between the control service and the application, and mediates access to the control service from the application or access to the application from the control service. The VAS 118 also notifies the WEB application 117 that the request message received via the Internet 220 notified from the NCS 128 is received.

  The NCS 128 controls the network, and also notifies the VAS 118 that the request message received from the httpd 106 has been received.

  The httpd 106 is a process (daemon) included in the OS, and constantly monitors port 80 to receive a request message and send a response message. The structure of the request message and the response message is the same as the structure of each message in the normal http protocol, and each message includes a message body described in the html format. The httpd 106 notifies the VAS 118 that the request message received via the Internet 220 has been received, and stores the request message in the shared memory 105.

  The shared memory 105 is used for interprocess communication between the httpd 106 and the WEB application 117, and exchanges a request message, a response message, and the like via the shared memory 105.

  The multifunction device 100 is provided with an IC card interface unit 230. The IC card interface unit 230 is an interface for inserting the IC card 240 and exchanging data with the IC card 240. The IC card 240 can be used as an installation storage medium. In this case, the developed external application 242 can be installed. For example, the external application 242 is compressed and the installation execution process is described. It is stored in the IC card 240 together with the script file 241. Further, the IC card 240 stores an application list 243 indicating a list of external applications 242 stored in the IC card 240.

  The PC 200 is a client terminal that receives the service provided by the WEB application 117 using the WEB application 117 of the multi-function peripheral 100 as a server. The PC 200 displays an installation screen 201 and other screens on the WEB browser executed on the PC 200, and performs operation input. Is supposed to do.

  The ftp server 250 is a storage area on the Internet that stores the external application 242 and the installation script file 241. Any number of the ftp servers 250 can be provided.

  An application list 261 is stored in the computer 260. The application list 261 shows a list of storage locations of the external application 242. Note that the application list 261 may be configured to be stored in a storage medium such as the HDD 103 or the flash memory of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Next, the overall functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 100 includes a monochrome laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a hard disk device (HDD) 103, a scanner, a facsimile, a memory, a network interface, and the like. A hardware resource 104 is included, and a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130 is provided.

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from an application and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource manager that manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. (SRM) 123 and a general-purpose OS 121.

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 127 and NCS (Network Control Service) 128. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that enables a processing request to be received from the application 130 using a predefined function.

  The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The process of the SRM 123 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 122. The SRM123 process uses hardware resources such as engines such as a scanner unit and printer unit, memory, HDD file, and host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). .

  The process of the SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls the engine of the hardware resource 104 including a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

  The MCS 125 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The FCS 127 process includes 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. Provides an API to do.

  The NCS 128 process is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, and data from the application. Mediation when sending to the network side.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls an operation panel (operation panel) 910 serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 obtains a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel as a key event, and operates according to a request from the application 130 or the control service and a part of the OCS process that transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 122. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens on the panel, a function for controlling the operation panel, and the like are composed of pre-registered OCS library portions. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. The OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 114 that is a scanner application, a network file application 115 that is a network file application, a process inspection application 116 that is a process inspection application, and the WEB application 117 and VAS 118 described above.

  Each process of the application 130 and each process of the control service realize user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending return values thereof, and sending and receiving messages. is doing.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of applications 130 and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 130. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform a parallel operation and a parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other. User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided.

  Further, in the multifunction device 100, a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100 or a third vendor can develop and install an external application on the application layer above the control service layer.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes operate. However, the application 130 and the control service process have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application.

  Next, a method for installing the external application 242 from the PC 200 using the WEB application 117 of the MFP 100 configured as described above will be described. First, the user activates a WEB browser on the PC 200, specifies the URL of the multifunction device 100, and accesses the WEB application 117 of the multifunction device 100. Upon receiving access from the WEB browser, the WEB application 117 displays an installation screen 201 (install.htm) on the WEB browser of the PC 200.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the installation screen 201. As shown in FIG. 3A, the installation screen 201 displays a WEB button and an IC card button for designating an application list acquisition source.

  When the user clicks the WEB button with a mouse or the like, the application list 261 is acquired from the computer 260 on the Internet by the WEB application 117, and the external application name is obtained from the acquired application list as a list of installable external applications 242. Are extracted and displayed in the list of active applications. install. In html, a character string “application_list:” is described at the head of all lines corresponding to the column of the active application.

  When the user clicks the IC card button with a mouse or the like, the application list 243 is read from the IC card 240 by the WEB application 117, and the external application name is read from the read application list 243 as a list of installable external applications 242. Are extracted and displayed in the list of active applications.

  When the user clicks either the WEB button or the IC card button, a request message for obtaining an application list is displayed in the multifunction device 100 as install. Sent with the contents of html.

  Here, a process in the MFP 100 that has received the request message will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the MFP 100 that has received the request message.

  The httpd 106 constantly monitors the port 80 and receives a request message from the PC 200 on the port 80 (step S401). The httpd 106 reads the received request message and writes the request message in the shared memory 105 (step S402). Next, the httpd 106 notifies the NCS 128 that a request message has been received (step S403).

  The NCS 128 that has received the notification further notifies the VAS 118 that the request message has been received (step S404). Upon receiving the notification, the VAS 118 further notifies the WEB application 117 that the request message has been received (step S405). The WEB application 117 reads the request message with reference to the shared memory 105, triggered by receiving a notification to the effect that the request message has been received (step S406). Then, the content of the request message is analyzed (step S407), and processing corresponding to the content described in the message body of the request message is executed (step S408). At this time, if the message body describes that CGI is to be executed, the corresponding CGI is executed.

  Then, the WEB application 117 returns the processing execution result as a response message to the PC 200 that is the transmission source of the request message via the httpd 106 (step S409).

  In the WEB application 117 in the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment, when one of the buttons of the application list acquisition source is clicked on the installation screen 201 (install.htm) in FIG. In the multi-function device 100, install. html is included and transmitted. This install. In html, when the above button is clicked, install. The WEB application 117 that receives and analyzes the request message is described in the install. Run cgi.

  FIG. 5 shows install. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of cgi. First, the WEB application 117 determines which button of “WEB” or “IC card” has been clicked as an application list acquisition source (step S501).

  If the WEB button is designated, the URL of the computer 260 connected to the Internet 220 is designated, and the application list 261 stored in the computer 260 is downloaded (step S502). On the other hand, when the IC card button is designated, the IC card interface unit 230 accesses the IC card 240 and reads the application list 243 stored in the IC card 240 (step S503).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the application list 261. As shown in FIG. 6, the application list 261 includes an external application name, an ftp site address, and an intra-site path (directory). In the application list 243 stored in the IC card 240, only the external application name and the path are set, and the ftp site address is not set.

  Next, it is checked whether or not an installation data file for storing the application list already exists in a storage medium such as the HDD 103 (step S504). If it does not exist, an empty installation data file is created in the HDD 103 or the like. (Step S505). Then, the contents of the acquired application list 243 or 261 are added to the installation data file (step S506).

  Next, the WEB application 117 installs install. html is read line by line from the top (step S507). Then, by checking whether or not the read line includes the character string “application_list:”, it is determined whether or not it is an active application column (step S508).

  If it is determined that the field is an active application column, the external application name in the application list is acquired from the installation data file (step S509), and the acquired external application name is added with a check box in front of it. One line is set (step S510), and this one line is transmitted to the PC 200 (step S511).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that the field is not an active application column, the line read in step S507 is transmitted to the PC 200 as it is (step S511).

  Then, the processing from steps S507 to S511 is performed using install. It repeats about all the lines of htm (step S512). As a result, the WEB browser of the PC 200 has the install. The result of install by cgi. htm is sequentially displayed.

  FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an installation screen 201 for processing results by the WEB application 117. As shown in FIG. 3B, a list of external applications is displayed in the active application list column.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when a list of external applications that can be installed is displayed on the installation screen 201, a check box of an external application to be installed is checked and an installation button is clicked. Installation of the external application specified by the check box is performed by the WEB application 117.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the PC 200 when the install button is clicked on the install screen 201 in FIG. Install.install of the installation screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser. By executing the Java (registered trademark) script described in html, the processing on the PC 200 side is executed.

  First, an external application name with a check mark in the check box is acquired (step S701). The acquired external application name and installation request message are transmitted to the WEB application 117 (step S702). Thus, in the multi-function device 100, the WEB application 117 receives and analyzes the request message, and then installs.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of installation processing by the WEB application 117. When the WEB application 117 receives the request message, the WEB application 117 first refers to the installation data, and acquires the storage location of the external application name notified from the PC 200 (step S801). Here, the storage destination is an ftp site address on the Internet, a site path, or a path (directory) in the IC card.

  Then, the WEB application 117 accesses the acquired storage location, and acquires the external application 242 and the installation script stored in the storage location (step S802). Here, when the external application 242 is in the ftp server 250, the external application 242 is downloaded to a storage medium such as the HDD 103 of the multi-function peripheral 100 using the ftp protocol. On the other hand, when the external application is in the IC card 240, the external application 242 is read from the IC card 240.

  Next, the WEB application 117 executes the acquired installation script and installs the acquired external application 242 (step S803). The installation script is a script file that describes an installation procedure, and an actual installation process is performed by executing the script.

  Such processes from step S801 to S803 are repeated for all external applications notified from the PC 200 (step S804). Thereby, the installation of all the external applications 242 designated on the installation screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200 is completed.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a controller board 900 in which a CPU 902, an SDRAM 903, an SRAM 908, a flash memory (flash ROM) 210, an IC card interface unit 230, an HDD 103, and the like are connected to an ASIC 901, an operation panel 910, A fax control unit (FCU) 920, a USB 930, an IEEE1394 940, and a printer 950 are included. The operation panel 910 is directly connected to the ASIC 901, and the FCU 920, USB 930, IEEE1394 940, and printer 950 are connected to the ASIC 901 via the PCI bus.

  The IC card interface unit 230 is an interface for inserting the IC card 240 and exchanging data with the IC card 240. The IC card 240 can also be used as an installation storage medium. In this case, the developed external application 242 is stored in the IC card 240.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the WEB application 117 installs the external application 242 in response to a request from the WEB browser of the PC 200 that is a client terminal connected to the Internet 220. The external application 242 can be installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 with an easy operation from the above, and various functions using the external application 242 can be realized in the multifunction peripheral 100 with an easy operation.

(Embodiment 2)
The MFP 100 according to the first embodiment installs the external application 242 from the PC 200 by the WEB application 117. However, the MFP according to the second embodiment is a program that operates on the MFP by the WEB application. Customization is performed from a PC connected to the Internet.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a main configuration and a network configuration of the MFP according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, a multifunction machine 1000 and a PC (personal computer) 200 are connected to the Internet 220. The communication protocol between the MFP 1000 and the PC 200 uses TCP / IP.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the MFP 1000 includes a WEB application 1117, a VAS 118, an NCS 128, an httpd 106, an MFP initialization unit 129, a program activation unit 131, and an interpreter (shell) 134 in the general-purpose OS 121. In this configuration, the shared memory 105 and the HDD 103 are mainly provided. Here, the WEB application 1117 constitutes a WEB service providing unit in the present invention, and the shell 134 constitutes a program execution unit in the present invention.

  The WEB application 1117 operates as a WEB server (http server) with respect to the PC 200 serving as a client terminal connected to the Internet 220, displays a programming screen 1001 described later on a WEB browser operating on the PC 200, and this programming screen 1001 To input a customization program for the operation display section of the operation panel 910. Further, the WEB application 1117 stores the customization program input from the PC 200 in a customization directory created as a customization area of the HDD 103. Further, the WEB application 1117 registers the customization program in an activation setting file to be described later so that the customization program is executed on the multifunction machine 1000.

  Here, the programming screen 1001 is a file (debug.html) that constitutes the WEB page in the present invention and is described in the html format (Hyper Text Markup Language). The programming screen 1001 is displayed on the PC 200 by displaying the file on the PC 200 using the WEB browser. The WEB application 1117 executes a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) script for processing related to operation input from the programming screen (debug.htm) and input of a customized program according to the request, and displays the processing result on the programming screen. It is reflected in (debug.htm) and returned to the WEB browser of the PC 200. More specifically, the WEB application 1117 receives a request for debug.input when there is a request (such as a button click operation) for a customization program input process. Run cgi script. In this embodiment, each process by the WEB application 1117 is executed by executing a CGI script, but may be configured to be executed by another program called from the CGI script. The programming screen can be configured to be described in an XML format (extensible Markup Language).

  The customization program input from the programming screen 1001 is written in a language that can be interpreted by an interpreter. Specifically, when the general-purpose OS 121 is UNIX (registered trademark), it is a shell script or the like.

  The interpreter 134 analyzes and sequentially executes the customization program for each step. In this embodiment, the interpreter 134 is a shell (bsh, csh, etc.) that executes a shell script. The shell 134 exists in the UNIX (registered trademark) as the general-purpose OS 121 separately from the OS kernel 135.

  The program activation unit 131 activates the external application 242 installed in the HDD 103 when the diagnosis result of the HDD 103 is normal. In addition, the program activation unit 131 activates the external application 242 stored in a storage medium such as the IC card 240.

  The MFP initialization unit 129 is a process that is activated first on the general-purpose OS 121, and activates the control service and application 130 (excluding external applications) and the program activation unit 131.

  The HDD 103 stores an activation setting file 211, and a customization program is stored in the customization directory 212 of the HDD 103.

  The functions of the VAS 118, the NCS 128, the httpd 106, and the shared memory 105 are the same as those of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The PC 200 is a client terminal that receives a service from the WEB application 1117 using the WEB application 1117 of the multi-function peripheral 1000 as a server. The PC 200 displays a programming screen 1001 and other screens on a WEB browser executed on the PC 200, and performs operation input. Is supposed to do.

  Next, the overall functional configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment. The difference between the multifunction machine 1000 of the present embodiment and the multifunction machine 100 of the first embodiment is that it includes a multifunction machine initialization unit 129, a program activation unit 131, and an interpreter (shell) 134. The configuration is the same as that of the MFP 100 of the first embodiment.

  Next, a method for customizing the operation display unit of the operation panel 910 from the PC 200 using the web application 1117 of the MFP 1000 configured as described above will be described. First, the user activates a WEB browser on the PC 200, specifies the URL of the multifunction device 1000, and accesses the WEB application 1117 of the multifunction device 1000. Upon receiving access from the WEB browser, the WEB application 1117 displays a programming screen 1001 (debug.htm) on the WEB browser of the PC 200.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the programming screen 1001. As shown in FIG. 12, the programming screen 1001 displays a program input field, a reference button, an upload button, a save button, a delete button, a test execution button, and an execution setting button.

  The browse button is a button for referring to the customization program stored in the storage area of the PC 200 on which the browser is operating. When this browse button is pressed, a directory on the PC 200 is displayed and exists in a desired directory. When a customization program is specified, the file name of the customization program specified in the file name field is displayed. Note that when a reference button is pressed, a directory of a storage medium such as the HDD 103 of the multi-function peripheral 1000 may be referred to.

  The upload button is a click operation for transferring (uploading) the customization program specified by the reference button or the customization program input in the input field to the multi-function peripheral 1000.

  The program input field is an area for inputting a customization program. In this program input field, in addition to directly inputting a customization program from an input device such as a keyboard of the PC 200, an existing program file existing in a desired directory of the PC 200 is designated by clicking the reference button as described above. Enter the customization program. debug. In html, a character string “program_list:” is described at the head of all lines corresponding to the program input field.

  The save button is clicked when the input customization program is uploaded to the MFP 1000 and then stored in the customization directory. The delete button is clicked to delete the customized program input in the input field.

  The execution setting button is a click operation when associating the customization program with a button for executing the customization program so that the customization program stored in the customization directory can be executed by the multi-function peripheral 1000. When this execution setting button is pressed, the WEB application 1117 searches the button (key) specified in the customization program from the button (key) in the screen file existing in the customization directory based on the key code, The customization program and the button (key) are associated with each other, a key association table of the name of the customization program and the key code of the button (key) is generated, and the table is stored in the HDD 103 or the flash memory.

  The test execution button is clicked when the inputted customization program is experimentally executed.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the customization program to be input. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a UNIX (registered trademark) shell script is input. The input shell script is sequentially executed step by step by the shell, which is a command interpreter of the general-purpose OS 121 (UNIX (registered trademark)), and thus the input customized program does not need to be compiled and linked.

  In addition, a special command for the multifunction machine provided in the development library can be specified in the shell script. The script shown in FIG. 13 reads a document with a scanner (scanning), decompresses image data compressed in the TIF format at the time of reading (decomp), and performs character recognition processing on the decompressed image data (ocr). Then, an example is shown in which the result of recognition by the character recognition process is mailed as text data. In this script, commands of scanimage, decomp, and ocr are commands provided by the development library.

  On the programming screen 1001 (debug.htm) displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200, click the browse button to specify the customization program stored in the PC 200, or enter the customization program directly in the program input field and upload When the button is clicked, a request message is transmitted from the WEB browser to the WEB application 1117 of the multifunction peripheral 100. The message body of this request message contains debug. html is included, and this debug. In html, when the upload button is clicked, debug. It is described that cgi is called. For this reason, the WEB application 1117 that has received the request message and analyzed it is debug. Run cgi.

  FIG. 14 shows a debug. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of cgi. The WEB application 1117 uploads the program file of the designated customization program to the multifunction machine 1000. Alternatively, debug. In the received request message. After the customization program input directly in the program input field of html is converted into a program file, the program file is uploaded to the multi-function peripheral 1000 (step S1401).

  Next, the WEB application 1117 receives debug. html is read line by line from the top (step S1402). Then, by checking whether or not the read line includes the character string “program_list:”, it is determined whether or not it is a program input field (step S1403).

  If it is determined that the field is a program input field, the uploaded program file is read (step S1404), and the contents of the program file, that is, the customization program is transmitted to the PC 200 (step S1405).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1403 that the field is not a program input field, the one line read in step S1402 is directly transmitted to the PC 200 (step S1406).

  Then, the processing from steps S1402 to S1406 is performed as debug. It repeats about all the lines of htm (step S1407). As a result, the Debug. debug. of the processing result by cgi. htm is sequentially displayed.

  In this way, the customization program input from the programming screen 1001 is uploaded to the MFP 1000, and after the uploaded customization program is displayed in the program input field, the save button, the execution setting button, and the test execution button can be clicked. It becomes. A process of the WEB application 1117 when one of these buttons is clicked will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the WEB application 1117 when any one of the save button, the execution setting button, and the test execution button is clicked on the programming screen 1001.

  First, the WEB application 1117 determines the type of the button that has been clicked (step S1501).

  When the save button is clicked on the programming screen 1001, the WEB application 1117 causes the user to specify a file name, and stores the customization program in the customization directory of the HDD 103 of the MFP 1000 with the specified name (step S1502). ).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the name of the customization program stored in the customization directory. As shown in FIG. 16, the customization directory of the HDD 103 of the multifunction peripheral 1000 is hdd / xxx / opepane, and shell1, shell2, and shell3 that are customization programs are stored in the customization directory.

  On the other hand, when the execution setting button is clicked on the programming screen 1001, the WEB application 1117 associates the customization program with the button (step S1503). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the key association table. As shown in FIG. 17, the key code of the button and the customized program name are associated with each other in the key association table.

  When the test execution button is pressed on the programming screen 1001, the WEB application 1117 performs a test execution of the input customization program, and operates the same screen as the screen displayed on the operation panel 910 on the PC 200. Is displayed on the current WEB browser (step S1504).

  Next, the execution process of the customization program generated in this way will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processing procedures from when the MFP 1000 is turned on until the customization program can be executed.

  When the storage of the customization program in the customization directory and the setting in the activation setting file 211 are completed, the user turns on the power of the multifunction machine 1000 again. At this time, the MFP 1000 performs hardware diagnosis processing using a ROM monitor (not shown) (step S1801), starts the general-purpose OS 121 (step S1802), and then starts the MFP initialization unit 129 (step S1801). S1803). The MFP initialization unit 129 first activates the control service (step S1804), and then activates existing applications provided at the time of shipment of the MFP 1000 such as the copy application 112 and the printer application 111 (step S1805). Further, the program activation unit 131 is activated to activate a program such as an external application newly developed after shipment (step S1806).

  The program activation unit 131 first refers to the activation setting file 211 of the HDD 103 (step S1807) and acquires the name of the program to be activated.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the startup setting file 211. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a program to be activated by the program activation unit 131 is registered in the activation setting file 211 in the format of “program name customized program name”. In the example of FIG. 19, a shell program that is a shell script is registered first, and then an XXX application is registered as an external application.

  Therefore, the program activation unit 131 first activates the shell (step S1808), and then sequentially activates the XXX application that is an external application (step S1809).

  Accordingly, when the button (key) to which the customization program is assigned is clicked among the buttons (keys) displayed on the operation display section of the operation panel 910, the customization program described in the shell script is executed by the shell. become.

  As described above, in the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment, the WEB application 1117 allows the operation display unit customization program of the operation panel 910 to be input from the PC 200 connected to the Internet 220 via the programming screen that is the WEB page. Therefore, it is possible to create a customized program for the operation display unit by an easy operation from the programming screen displayed on the PC 200, and to realize various functions using the customization in the MFP 1000 by an easy operation. Can do.

  In the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment, the WEB application 1117 customizes the program of the operation display unit of the operation panel 910. However, any program that implements the functions installed in the MFP 1000 may be used. For example, the present invention can be applied to any program customization.

  In the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment, a shell script is used as a customization program. Alternatively, Visual Basic (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) language may be used. In this case, the interpreter is not included in the general-purpose OS 121 and needs to be configured to operate under the general-purpose OS 121.

  In the MFPs 100 and 1000 according to the first and second embodiments, the WEB applications 117 and 1117 constituting the WEB service providing unit of the present invention are provided in the application layer. However, a process having a similar function is controlled by the control service. It is also possible to use a structure provided in a layer.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part and a network configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an installation screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a multi-function peripheral that has received a request message. Install by WEB application. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of cgi. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an application list. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of PC when the installation button is clicked on the installation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the installation process by a WEB application. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration and a network configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the programming screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the customization program to input. Debug. By WEB application. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of cgi. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of a WEB application when clicking operation of either a save button, an execution setting button, or a test execution button is performed on the programming screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the name of the customization program stored in the customization directory. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the key matching table. 10 is a flowchart showing a series of processing procedures from when the multifunction device is turned on until the customization program can be executed. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of a starting setting file.

Explanation of symbols

100, 1000 MFP 101 Black and white laser printer 102 Color laser printer 103 HDD
104 Hardware resources 105 Shared memory 106 httpd
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Software group 111 Printer application 112 Copy application 113 Fax application 114 Scanner application 115 Net file application 116 Process inspection application 117,1117 WEB application 118 VAS
120 Platform 121 General-purpose OS
122 SCS
123 SRM
124 ECS
125 MCS
126 OCS
127 FCS
128 NCS
129 MFP initialization unit 130 application 131 program start unit 134 interpreter (shell)
135 Kernel 200 PC
201 Installation screen 211 Startup setting file 212 Customization area (customization directory)
220 Internet 230 IC card interface unit 240 IC card 241 Installation script file 242 External application 243, 261 Application list 250 Ftp server 260 Computer 900 Controller board 901 ASIC
902 CPU
903 SDRAM (RAM)
210 Flash memory (ROM)
908 SRAM
910 Operation Panel 930 USB
940 IEEE 1394
950 Printer 1001 Programming screen

Claims (15)

An image information processing apparatus capable of mounting a new application for image information processing using hardware resources having a printing unit or an imaging unit,
When an instruction from a client terminal connected to the network is received, an application list that is a list in which identification information of installable applications and storage destinations of the applications are associated with each other is acquired from the outside, and the application is identified Information is displayed in a selectable manner on the WEB page displayed on the client terminal, and the selected application is acquired from the storage destination corresponding to the identification information of the application selected from the client terminal via the WEB page. WEB service providing means for installing the acquired application ;
Control means for controlling the hardware resources accessed from the application,
The image information processing apparatus, wherein the WEB service providing unit causes the application or a customization program of the control unit to be input from the client terminal via a WEB page . An operation panel having an operation display unit for performing screen display and operation input;
The image information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the WEB service providing unit inputs a customization program describing processing related to the operation display unit. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the WEB service providing unit further associates a key for an operation input with a customization program while being displayed on the operation display unit. Program execution means for sequentially executing the customization program input by the WEB service providing means for each step;
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the WEB service providing means causes the client terminal to input a customization program described in an interpreter language via the WEB page. Information processing device. And further comprising storage means having a predetermined customization area for storing the customization program,
The WEB service providing means further stores the inputted customization program in the customization area,
The image information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the program execution unit reads the customization program stored in the customization area and sequentially executes the program every step. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the WEB service providing unit further executes the inputted customization program for operation confirmation. The image information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the WEB service providing unit is a WEB application installed as the application. An installation method executed by an image information processing apparatus capable of mounting a new application for image information processing using hardware resources having a printing unit or an imaging unit,
The image information processing apparatus includes a control unit that is accessed from the application and controls the hardware resource,
When receiving an instruction from a client terminal connected to a network, obtaining an application list that is a list in which identification information of installable applications and storage destinations of the applications are associated with each other;
Displaying the identification information of the application in a selectable manner on a WEB page displayed on the client terminal;
Obtaining the selected application from the storage location corresponding to the identification information of the application selected from the client terminal via the WEB page;
Installing the acquired application;
A program input step for inputting a customized program of the application or the control means from a client terminal connected to the Internet via a WEB page;
Installation method that characterized the son-in-law contains a. 9. The installation method according to claim 8 , wherein in the program input step, a customization program describing processing related to an operation display unit of an operation panel for performing screen display and operation input is input. 10. The installation method according to claim 9 , wherein the program input step further includes associating a customized program with a key for operation input displayed on the operation display unit. A program execution step of sequentially executing the customization program input by the program input step for each step;
The program input step, the to the client terminal, to install according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that to enter the customized program written in a language interpreter for through the WEB page . The program input step further stores the input customization program in a customization area predetermined in the storage means,
12. The installation method according to claim 11 , wherein the program execution step reads the customization program stored in the customization area and sequentially executes the program every step. The installation method according to any one of claims 8 to 12 , wherein the program input step further causes the input customized program to be executed for operation confirmation. A program for causing a computer capable of mounting a new application for image information processing using hardware resources having a printing unit or an imaging unit,
The computer comprises control means for controlling the hardware resource accessed from the application,
When receiving an instruction from a client terminal connected to the network, obtaining an application list from the outside, which is a list in which identification information of installable applications and storage destinations of the applications on the network are associated with each other;
Displaying the identification information of the application in a selectable manner on a WEB page displayed on the client terminal;
Receiving the selected application from the storage location on the network corresponding to the identification information of the application selected from the client terminal via the WEB page;
Installing the received application;
A program input step for inputting a customized program of the application or the control means from a client terminal connected to the Internet via a WEB page;
For causing the computer to execute.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 14.

Images