CN100515008C - Communication system - Google Patents
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- CN100515008C CN100515008C CNB2005101216894A CN200510121689A CN100515008C CN 100515008 C CN100515008 C CN 100515008C CN B2005101216894 A CNB2005101216894 A CN B2005101216894A CN 200510121689 A CN200510121689 A CN 200510121689A CN 100515008 C CN100515008 C CN 100515008C
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Abstract
An image processing device is configured to provide a service relating to at least one of (1) the image data generated by the function of the image processing device and (2) image data representing the image to be formed, in response to a request from the image processing device. The image processing device may include a parameter designating unit, a service request unit, and a function implementation unit that is adapted to implement the function of the image processing device based on the service providing parameter designated by the parameter designating unit. The service providing device is provided with a service provision executing unit that is adapted to execute a process to provide the service to the image processing device after receiving the request from the service request unit provided to the image processing device.
Description
The cross reference of related application
The priority of 2004-322937 number of requiring to submit on November 5th, 2004 of the application and 2004-322942 number and the 2005-144232 Japanese patent application submitted on May 17th, 2005.At this as a reference in conjunction with the full content of these applications.
Technical field
Many aspects of the present invention relate to a kind of communication equipment, and it comprises the client device that is configured to provide the server of service and is used for receiving the service that is provided by server.Many aspects of the present invention also relate to the server and client side's equipment that constitutes communication system.Many aspects of the present invention especially also relate to a kind of image processing system, and it comprises image processing equipment and the server that constitutes this image processing system.
Background technology
Traditionally, following such communication system that disposes is known.This communication system configuration has server, and this server is sent to client in response to the request of the data of the service that can provide relevant this server from client with these data.Then, client is sent to server based on the data that data produced of relevant these services from client.Then, server process is attached to the transmission data of this service, thereby this service is provided.
At＜http://www.work-at.co.jp〉exercise question be for finding the example of conventional technique known on the website (this website came into existence from October 20th, 2004) of " RSS Reader Rabbit Ticker ".On this website, a kind of client device is disclosed, it periodically transmits inquiry to server and asks news information.When news information, client can obtain this news information by access server.
Openly can find the another one example among the No.HEI9-238215 (after this, being called ｀ 215 discloses) at Japan Patent temporarily.Open according to ｀ 215, there are a digital copier and a master computer, the both is connected to network.The function that does not have to realize in digital copier realizes in master computer.Open according to ｀ 215, transmit control command code and/or such as the view data of image density data from described digital copier to master computer by network.Then, the control command that the master computer analysis is received is used then by the function of the command code appointment that receives (and analysis) the view data application image that is received is handled.The view data that to so handle is sent to digital copier from master computer by network then.Then, digital copier is printed the processed images data that received.Thereby digital copier uses the service that is provided by master computer to come image data processing.
In addition, in the system of ｀ 215 public publish, when realizing new function in master computer, the information of relevant this new function is sent to digital copier from master computer.Then, the user can only select the user to wish the function of registering to this photocopier from these new functions.
But the system that discloses in ｀ 215 discloses also is not suitable for the environment that the service that will provide increases brokenly/deletes.Just, according to this system, when new function was added to master computer, this function had only to digital copier registration and just can use.But because server is on the internet, if frequently increase/delete multiple service so brokenly, the log-on operation to digital copier bothers very much so, and this amount of information also is sizable.Therefore, the technology disclosed in ｀ 215 discloses may be not suitable for using the system of internet.
Incidentally, aforesaid service provider system typically is configured to digital copier or client is connected to LAN (local area network (LAN)), and this LAN is connected to for example the WAN of internet (wide area network) by router.Router is used for improving the efficient of Internet traffic, and is used for the fail safe of strengthening system.In the network of this use router, unnecessary grouping can not output to outside the LAN, and unnecessary grouping can not enter LAN from the outside yet.
Usually, according to top configuration, LAN accepts the data that request responding transmitted that conduct transmits for the equipment from LAN inside.In this network, under situation not, just can not receive the data that initiatively transmit from the LAN external server from the request of the equipment of LAN inside.Just, for any network equipment that is connected to WAN (for example, the internet) by router, the server on WAN all can not initiatively provide service.
So, when existing server can offer the service of the client that is connected to LAN, can use the system that adopts polling communication.This system is especially constantly very effective when client provides new service.
But, in this system, if the quantity of the service that is provided by server increases and/or when the quantity of client increases, use the data volume (amounts of inquiry data) that polling communication will transmit can increase, thereby increased Internet traffic.Further, because the increase of client-access may cause sizable load to server.
Summary of the invention
Many aspects of the present invention provide a kind of network system configuration, wherein receive inquiry, can use terminal equipment to submit the application for registration of the service that ancillary equipment will use to enough user interfaces by this register system user from the client service register system.In these areas, ancillary equipment can also use the service that is provided by server also to become possibility.
Many aspects of the present invention also provide a kind of client that is configured to can more effectively transmit the communication system of inquiry data to server.
Between the unit of attention description below various connections have been proposed.If note not explanation in addition, these connections can be direct or indirect usually, and this specification does not lie in and is limited to this aspect.Many aspects of the present invention can be used as the program that is stored on the computer-readable medium and realize with computer software, described medium including, but not limited to RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, CD medium, dvd media, temporary storage, hard disk drive, floppy disk, permanent memory, or the like.
According to many aspects of the present invention, a kind of image processing system is provided, it comprises: image processing equipment, this equipment have scan image and produce the image read functions of the view data that is used for presentation video and formation is formed function by the image of the image of pictorial data representation at least one; And service providing device, this equipment is applicable in response to the request from image processing equipment provides service, and at least one in the view data of view data that this service and image processing equipment function produce and the image of indicating to form is relevant.
This image processing equipment can comprise: the parameter designating unit, and it is applicable to and allows the user to specify a functional parameter to provide parameter as receive the required service of service from service providing device in many functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment; The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; Realize the unit with function, it is applicable to based on provided parameter to realize the function of image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified.
This service providing device can be equipped with service provides performance element, this unit to be applicable to that the execution processing provides service to image processing equipment after the request of receiving from the service request unit.
This image processing equipment can be equipped with the specified request unit, and it is applicable to that requested image processing equipment comes specified services that parameter is provided.Further, when the specified request unit requests parameter designating unit specified services of service providing device provided parameter, described parameter designating unit went for allowing the user to provide parameter according to the function appointed function parameter that offers image processing equipment as service.
The parameter designating unit goes for when the specified request unit requests parameter designating unit appointed function parameter of service providing device showing on the display unit at image processing equipment the parameter list of the registration function parameter that comprises the relevant function that offers image processing equipment, and specifies the functional parameter that parameter will be provided as service in the functional parameter that is suitable for allowing the user to register in parameter list.
This service providing device can be equipped with the first list producing unit, it is applicable to the generation parameter list, and this specified request unit is applicable to the parameter list that provides the specified request order of parameter for service and produced by the first list producing unit is sent to image processing equipment together.Further, this parameter designating unit goes for showing described parameter list at display unit when the parameter designating unit when the specified request unit receives specified request order and parameter list, and is suitable for the tailor-made functional parameter that parameter is provided for service of functional parameter middle finger that allows the user to register in parameter list.
This service providing device has equipment side notification unit is set, it is applicable to the parameter that the notice image processing system can be provided with, this service providing device has the service end parameter storage unit, it is applicable to that storage is corresponding to the be provided with parameter of image processing equipment in memory cell, the described first list producing unit is applicable to the generation parameter list, and wherein functional parameter is based on corresponding to the be provided with parameter appointment of image processing equipment.
This service providing device can have the first notice request unit, it is applicable to that this image processing equipment indication of request is used for specifying the be provided with parameter of the functional parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment, and this can be provided with parameter and be assigned to the function that offers image processing equipment.Further, the first list producing unit goes for producing the parameter of wherein having registered functional parameter, and this functional parameter be by can being provided with the parameter appointment, this can be provided with that parameter is asked as the first notice request unit, indicate by image processing system.
This image processing equipment can have equipment side notification unit is set, it is applicable to the service providing device indication can be provided with parameter, and when this parameter designating unit when the specified request unit receives specified request order and parameter list, this parameter designating unit goes for showing this parameter list on display unit.
This image processing system may further include: information management unit, and it is applicable to that storing this in memory cell can be provided with parameter; With one of them service providing device.This service providing device can have the second notice request unit, and it is applicable to the be provided with parameter of this information management unit indicating image treatment facility of request.Further, this first list producing unit goes for producing the parameter list of wherein having registered functional parameter, this functional parameter is specified by parameter can be set, this can be provided with parameter as asked by the second notice request unit, indicate by the image management unit, and this information management unit can have keeper (manager) side notification unit is set, and it is applicable to according to the request from service providing device can be provided with parameter to the service providing device indication.
Image processing system can comprise further that equipment side is provided with notification unit, and it is applicable to can be to the be provided with parameter of image processing system setting to the information management unit indication.This information management unit has keeper's side parameter storage unit, it is applicable to the be provided with parameter of storage corresponding to image processing equipment, and this keeper's side parameter storage unit goes for indicating the be provided with parameter that is stored in keeper's side parameter storage unit, according to the request from service providing device service is offered service providing device corresponding to the be provided with parameter of image processing equipment.
Equipment side is provided with the predetermined timing that notification unit goes for after activating image processing equipment and indicates this that parameter can be set.
When revising the be provided with parameter that can be provided with image processing equipment, this equipment side is provided with notification unit and goes for indicating this that parameter can be set to service providing device.
Equipment side is provided with notification unit and goes for to the service providing device indication parameter can being set when activating this image processing equipment.
Image processing equipment can have the second tabulation generation unit, and it is applicable to when the specified request unit requests image processing equipment specified services of service providing device provides parameter the parameter list that produces the registration function parameter that comprises the relevant function that offers image processing equipment.Further, the parameter appointing system goes for showing the parameter list that is produced by the second tabulation generation unit on the display unit of image processing equipment, and the tailor-made functional parameter that parameter is provided for service of the functional parameter middle finger that allows the user to register in parameter list.
This parameter list can produce by will the functional parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment registering in the format list.Further, this specified request unit goes for and will provide the specified request order of parameter to be sent to image processing equipment with format list and deixis parameter to the list information of the register method of format list for service, and when the second tabulation generation unit when the specified request unit receives the specified request order, the second tabulation generation unit goes for producing tabulation based on described format list and register method.
This functional parameter can be at least one in the following parameters: (1) corresponding to the parameter of read functions, this functional parameter be applicable to comprise image form the resolution of function and read functions number of colours one of them; (2) form the parameter of function corresponding to image, this functional parameter be applicable to comprise image form the resolution of function and number of colours that image forms function one of them.
Image processing equipment can comprise and forms image by the image of pictorial data representation by the read functions and being used for that is used for catching image and produces the view data of this image of expression to form one of them of function individual.The parameter designating unit is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as service in functional parameter according to the function that offers image processing equipment, it is required that this service parameter is used for receiving service from server, and this server provides with the view data that is produced by the function that offers image processing equipment and is used for one of them individual relevant service of view data of the image of indicating to form.Further, the service request unit goes for to the server requests service, and when service is when being provided by service request unit institute requested service device, function realizes that the unit goes for based on providing parameter to realize the function of image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified.
Many aspects of the present invention can provide a kind of server, and it further comprises the first list producing unit, and it is applicable to and produces the parameter list that comprises the registration function parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment; The specified request unit, it is applicable to that the service that will be assigned to image processing equipment provides the specified request order of parameter to transmit with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit, this service provides parameter to be used for receiving service from server; Provide performance element with service, it is applicable to by providing parameter to realize that the function executing processing that offers image processing equipment provides service to image processing equipment based on the specified request order with by service specified in the functional parameter of user in parameter list.
Many aspects of the present invention provide a kind of computer program, and it comprises that can make computer system carry out handles the computer-readable instruction that serves as image processing system.This image processing system can comprise: image processing equipment, and it has the read functions of the view data that is used for catching image and produces this image of expression and is used for forming image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms function one of them is individual; And service providing device, one of them individual relevant service in view data of the image that provides about the view data that produces by the function that offers image processing equipment and be used for representing forming in response to the request from image processing equipment is provided for it.This image processing equipment can comprise the parameter designating unit, and it is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as being used for receiving the service of serving from service providing device in functional parameter according to the function that offers image processing equipment; The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; Realize the unit with function, it is applicable to based on provided parameter to realize the function of image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified.This service providing device can have service provides performance element, and it is applicable to carry out after the request of receiving from the service request unit and handles to provide service to image processing equipment.
According to many-side of the present invention, a kind of computer program is provided, it comprises can make computer system carry out handle to serve as the computer-readable instruction of image processing equipment, and it comprises and forms image by the image of pictorial data representation by the read functions and being used for that is used for catching image and produces the view data of this image of expression to form one of them of function individual.The parameter designating unit goes for allowing the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as service from a plurality of functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment, it is required that this parameter receives service from server, and described server provides and one of them individual relevant service by the view data that function produced that offers image processing equipment and the view data of indicating to form.Further, the service request unit goes for to the server requests service, and when service is when being provided by service request unit institute requested service device, function realizes that the unit goes for based on provided parameter to realize the function of image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified.
Many aspects of the present invention can provide a kind of computer program, and it comprises that can make computer system carry out handles the computer-readable instruction that serves as server.This server can comprise: the first list producing unit, and it is applicable to and produces the parameter list that comprises the registration function parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment; The specified request unit, it is applicable to will provide the specified request order of parameter to transmit with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit for the service that is assigned to image processing equipment, and this service provides parameter to be used for receiving service from server; Provide performance element with service, it is applicable to by providing parameter to realize that the function executing processing that offers image processing equipment provides service to image processing equipment based on the specified request order with by service specified in the functional parameter of user in parameter list.
According to many aspects of the present invention, a kind of communication system is provided, and it comprises and is applicable to server that the polytype service is provided and is applicable to have and be used for communicating with server and by communicating the client device of the communication unit of the service that reception provides by server with server.Described server can have receiving element, and it is applicable to and receives the request signal relevant with the service that sends from client device; With the answer unit, it is applicable to when receiving element receives request signal and produces and serve relevant return information and transmit the response signal that comprises return information and arrive client device based on the identifying information that is included in the request signal.This client device can comprise memory cell, has wherein stored the information of the timing of every kind of service that service client device that indication is used for inquiring that server provides receives; The timing judging unit, it is applicable to the appropriate timing of judging the request signal that when transmits every kind of service based on the information of the timing of every kind of service of indication inquiry; Inquiry unit, it is applicable to the generation request signal, this request signal has been stored the appropriate timing of definite this request signal of transmission and has been transmitted the identifying information of described request signal to the service of server; And receiving element, it is applicable in response to this request signal and receives the response signal that is sent to client device from server.When determining when appropriate timing transmits the service of this request signal, this inquiry unit goes for the identifying information of productive set inquiry message as the service that will inquire, this set inquiry message has been described the identifying information of service on the whole, and will comprise that the request signal of this set request signal is sent to server.
This memory cell goes for storage inquiry timing information, and this information has been indicated the information regularly next and that inquire immediately of inquiring every kind of service, and this information has been indicated the necessity of inquiry immediately.Described timing judging unit can comprise: first judging unit, and it is applicable to the query time of judging every kind of service of inquiry server based on described inquiry timing information; Second judging unit, it is applicable to based on described inquiry message immediately judges whether the every kind of service that provides for server needs to inquire immediately; With the 3rd judging unit, it is applicable to whether judgement expired to the predetermined extension cycle that server transmits request signal.First judgment unit judges not service be in the suitable timing that request signal is sent to server and do not need service of inquiring immediately and predetermined extension cycle also not to have under the overdue at least a situation in second judgment unit judges, this communication system is determined to be used for also to occur to Server Transport offers all services of client device to server the proper timing of request signal, and be in suitable timing and second judgment unit judges service inquiry immediately that request signal is sent to server in the first judgment unit judges service, and under the transmission inquery signal was judged one of them situation when expiring to predetermined prolongation cycle of server, described communication system was determined to be used for to occur to Server Transport offers all services of client device to server the proper timing of request signal.
Described memory cell goes for storing the parameter value of the inquiry content that indication is associated with query time by service that server provides, and described inquiry unit goes for the stored parameter value, and this parameter value is stored in the memory cell relevant with the identifying information of the described service that will inquire together with identifying information.
Described inquiry unit goes for the productive set inquiry message, the identifying information of the service that will inquire is described based on the identifying information of one group of service in this information, each service comprises the identical value of the parameter that is stored in the described memory cell, and when definite service will have been described the identifying information group with identical parameter value relevant with described parameter value when appropriate timing transmits described request signal.
Comprise that I/O unit does not have the client device of communication unit to go for receiving service by the I/O unit of communication unit and one of them type from server, and described inquiry unit can be equipped with the operation of equipment judging unit, and it is applicable to that at least one that judge whether need to drive in the I/O unit receives by the timing judgment unit judges in the appropriate service that regularly transmits every kind of service of request signal.Further, described inquiry unit goes for optionally comprising the identifying information of service, wherein being used for the I/O unit of the service that receives does not have sound for the request signal as the identifying information of the service that will inquire, and determine when suitable timing transmits the service of request signal, to transmit request signal existing, and need be driven the I/O unit that receives this service and do not take action to server based on result from the equipment work judging unit.
Reply the unit and go for judging whether server prepares to provide the service by the client device inquiry, produces return information when determining server prepares, and this return information is included in the response signal.Further, described client device can have ready judging unit, and it is applicable to based on judging from the response signal of replying the unit whether the indicated service of return information in response signal is the service that the server preparation provides.Further, when server judged that preparation provides this service, client device went for carrying out and receives the required processing of described service, and this is prepared by ready judgment unit judges.
Described answer unit goes for the productive set return information, the identifying information that the request signal that receives when the receiving element of server comprises service is during as the identifying information of the service that will inquire, this information integral body has been described the return information of the service that will inquire, and will comprise that the response signal of this set return information is sent to the client device that transmits this request signal.
Described set return information can comprise the return information of every kind of service will inquiring, and this information is relevant with the identifying information of every kind of service will inquiring corresponding to return information.
Described answer unit goes for the productive set return information, the identifying information of the service of will inquiring is described based on the identifying information of service groups in this information, when the identifying information of service was included as the identifying information of the service of inquiring in the request signal that the receiving element of server receives, every kind of service comprised identical return information and has the identifying information group of the identical return information of being correlated with described return information.
Described answer unit goes for judging whether described server prepares to provide the service of being inquired by client device, produces return information when determining server prepares, and comprise this return information in response signal.Further, described client device can have ready judging unit, it is applicable to based on judging from the return information of replying the unit whether service indicated in the return information of response signal is the service that the server preparation provides, and when server judged that this service is the service of preparing to provide, client device went for carrying out the processing that is used for receiving by the ready service of ready judgment unit judges.
Described answer unit goes for producing described response signal, and this signal includes only the return information as the predetermined answer relevant with the service of storing and being sent to client device.
When the return signal that is received by the receiving element of client device comprises that return information and ready judging unit determine that server prepares to provide these services, described client device goes for every kind of processing of executed in parallel, is used for receiving the processing of being determined every kind of service that preparation provides by server.
The client device that comprises I/O unit beyond the communication unit goes for by using in communication unit and the I/O unit at least one to receive service from server, and the response signal that is received by client device can comprise return information, and when the service that provides by ready judgment unit judges preparation is provided, client device is applicable to every kind of processing of executed in parallel, these processing are that every kind of service of reception is required, it has utilized a kind ofly serves required I/O unit, and is applicable to sequentially to use and a kind ofly serves required I/O unit and carry out and receive every kind of processing that service is required incessantly.
Described client device can have at least two I/O units that comprise at least one image processing equipment, and described image processing equipment is applicable to and forms image on recording medium.
Described client device can have at least two I/O units that comprise at least one image processing equipment, and described image processing equipment is applicable to and forms image on recording medium.
According to many aspects of the present invention, a kind of communication system is provided, comprising: memory cell, wherein stored and indicated the timing of from the service that server provides, inquiring the every kind of service that receives by communication unit; The timing judging unit, it is applicable to based on indication inquires when the appropriate timing that every kind of information judgement of serving regularly transmits the request signal of every kind of service takes place; Inquiry unit, it is applicable to the generation request signal, this request signal has been stored and has been determined to transmit this request signal also is sent to this request signal server as the identifying information of the service that will inquire service identifying information in appropriate timing, and receiving element, it is applicable to that the described request signal of response receives the response signal that is sent to communication unit from server.Further, when the service of determining regularly to be used for transmitting this request signal appropriate, described inquiry unit goes for the productive set inquiry message as the service identifying information that will inquire, described set inquiry message has been described the identifying information of service on the whole, and is applicable to that the request signal that will comprise this set request signal is sent to server.
According to many aspects of the present invention, a kind of computer program that comprises computer-readable instruction is provided, this instructions can make computer system carry out and handle serves as communication system.Described communication system can comprise and is applicable to the server that polytype service is provided and is applicable to have the communication unit that communicates with server and by communicating the client device of the service that reception provides by server with server.Further, described server can have receiving element, and it is applicable to and receives and the relevant request signal of service that transmits from client device; With the answer unit, it is applicable to when receiving element receives request signal and produces the return information relevant with service and will comprise that the response signal of return information is sent to client device based on the identifying information that is included in the request signal.Further, this client device can comprise memory cell, has stored the timing that the every kind of service that is received by client device is provided in the service of indicating server to provide in this unit; With the timing judging unit, it is applicable to based on every kind of service of indication inquiry information regularly judges when the appropriate timing of the request signal that transmits every kind of service takes place; Inquiry unit, it is applicable to the generation request signal, this request signal has been stored and has been determined at appropriate this request signal that regularly transmits as inquiring the identifying information of service and transmitting the identifying information of this request signal to the service of server; And receiving element, it is applicable to that this request signal of response receives the response signal that is sent to client device from server.When determining when appropriate timing transmits the service of this request signal, described inquiry unit goes for the identifying information of productive set inquiry message as the service that will inquire, the whole identifying information of describing service of described set inquiry message, and be applicable to and will comprise that the request signal of gathering request signal is sent to server.
According to many aspects of the present invention, a kind of computer program that comprises computer-readable instruction is provided, described instruction can make computer system serve as communication system, this communication system comprises memory cell, has wherein stored the information of the timing of every kind of service that communication system received in the multiple service that indication is used for inquiring that server provides; The timing judging unit, it is applicable to based on the information of the timing of every kind of service of indication inquiry judges when the appropriate timing of the request signal that transmits every kind of service takes place; And inquiry unit, it is applicable to the generation request signal, this request signal has been stored and has been determined to transmit this request signal also is sent to this request signal the service of server as the identifying information that will inquire service identifying information in appropriate timing; And receiving element, it is applicable to that the described request signal of response receives the response signal that is sent to communication unit from server, wherein when determining when appropriate timing transmits the multiple service of required request signal, described inquiry unit is applicable to the identifying information of productive set inquiry message as service, the whole identifying information of describing multiple service of described set inquiry message, and be applicable to that the request signal that will comprise this set request signal sends server to.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of demonstration according to the configuration of the image processing system of the many aspects of first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 has shown the configuration of the working cell of many aspects according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 has shown the table that many aspects provide every kind of label to define according to the present invention in service definition information.
Fig. 4 has shown the table of many aspects every kind of label definition of indication in service I/F information according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is the flow chart of demonstration according to the MFP processing of the many aspects of first embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 6 is the flow chart that shows the method selection window of many aspects in LIST SERVER is handled according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 has shown the data configuration of service definition information.
Fig. 8 A-8C has shown the example according to the services selection window of many aspects of the present invention.
Fig. 9 has shown according to the present invention another example of the service definition information data of many aspects.
Figure 10 and 11 has shown that many aspects show the flow chart of being handled by the session of MFP execution according to the present invention.
Figure 12 is the flow chart that shows that many aspects are handled by the UI operation of MFP execution according to the present invention.
Figure 13 has shown the example of the service I/F information that parameter wherein has been set.
Figure 14 has shown the example of service I/F information before parameter is set.
Figure 15 shows that many aspects are by the flow chart of the UI operation of MFP execution according to the present invention.
Figure 16 has shown the data structure that transmits data.
Figure 17 has shown the data structure according to the data of description of the many aspects of first embodiment.
Figure 18 has shown the label definition according to the first embodiment many aspects.
Figure 19 A-19E has shown according to the present invention the example of the parameter input window of many aspects.
Figure 20 has shown that the many aspects demonstration is by the flow chart of the input operation of MFP execution according to the present invention.
Figure 21 shows that many aspects are by the flow chart of the output operation of MFP execution according to the present invention.
Figure 22 and 23 has shown the flow chart that the explanation function server that many aspects are carried out by function server according to the present invention is handled.
Figure 24 and 25 has shown the flow chart that the explanation session that many aspects are carried out by function server according to the present invention is handled.
Figure 26 has shown the flow chart of the UI operation 1 that explanation is carried out by function server according to the many aspects of first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 27 has shown the flow chart of the UI operation 2 that explanation is carried out by function server according to the many aspects of first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 28 has shown that the explanation service I/F information that many aspects are carried out by function server according to the present invention produces the flow chart of handling.
Figure 29 shown explanation according to the present invention many aspects carry out the flow chart of scanning operation by function server.
Figure 30 shown explanation according to the present invention many aspects carry out the flow chart of print job by function server.
Figure 31 is the block diagram of demonstration according to the configuration of the image processing system of second example embodiment.
Figure 32 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by MFP execution MFP according to second embodiment.
Figure 33 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by MFP execution renewal according to second embodiment.
Figure 34 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by the renewal of function server execution descriptor according to second embodiment.
Figure 35 has shown the data structure according to the data of description of second embodiment.
Figure 36 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of second embodiment by function server execution UI operation.
Figure 37 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by function server execution information management server according to second embodiment.
Figure 38 is the block diagram according to the system configuration of the communication system of the 3rd example embodiment.
Figure 39 A and 39B have shown the example of services selection window.
Figure 40 has shown according to the present invention the top entry of the service definition information of many aspects.
Figure 41 has shown the many aspects clauses and subclauses lower than the top entry of service definition information according to the present invention.
Figure 42 A-42C has shown according to the present invention the example of the parameter input window of many aspects.
Figure 43 has shown according to the present invention the data configuration of many aspects service I/F information.
Figure 44 has shown according to the present invention another data configuration of the service I/F information of many aspects.
Figure 45 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by the LIST SERVER of LIST SERVER execution according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 46 has shown that explanation receives the flow chart of handling according to the 3rd embodiment by the service that MFP carries out.
Figure 47 has shown that explanation starts the flow chart of handling according to the 3rd embodiment by the assignment that MFP carries out.
Figure 48 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by the function server of function server execution according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 49 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by the service control information of function server execution according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 50 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of the 3rd embodiment by function server execution registration process.
Figure 51 A has shown the example of the request service ID admin table that is stored in the storage area.
Figure 51 B has shown the example according to the conventional inquiry answer of the 3rd embodiment admin table.
Figure 52 has shown the example according to the routine inquiry admin table of the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 53 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of the 3rd embodiment by function server execution service side UI operation.
Figure 54 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of the 3rd embodiment by MFP execution UI operation.
Figure 55 has shown that explanation carried out the flow chart of conventional query processing by MFP according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 56 has shown that explanation produces the flow chart of handling according to the 3rd embodiment by the general poll information that MFP carries out.
Figure 57 has shown the Typical Disposition according to the 3rd embodiment general poll information.
Figure 58 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by the conventional inquiry answer of function server execution according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 59 has shown that explanation produces the flow chart of handling according to the comprehensive return information that the 3rd embodiment is carried out by function server.
Figure 60 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of the 3rd embodiment by function server execution answer judgment processing.
Figure 61 has shown the Typical Disposition of comprehensive return information.
Figure 62 has shown the flow chart that explanation is handled by function server execution blog search according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 63 has shown that explanation produces the flow chart of handling according to the 3rd embodiment by function server execution news information.
Figure 64 has shown that explanation carries out comprehensive return information according to the 3rd embodiment by MFP and receive the flow chart of handling.
Figure 65 has shown that explanation is provided the flow chart of processing by function server execution regular service according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 66 has shown the service side print job that explanation is carried out by function server according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 67 has shown that explanation is according to the flow chart of the 3rd embodiment by MFP execution output operation.
Figure 68 has shown the Typical Disposition of the general poll information of revising according to the 3rd embodiment.
Figure 69 has shown the Typical Disposition of the comprehensive return information of revising according to the 3rd embodiment.
Describe in detail
Example embodiment
Below, exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
Configured in one piece
Fig. 1 has shown according to the present invention the image processing system of first example embodiment.As shown in Figure 1, this image processing system comprise MFP (multifunction peripheral) 10, LIST SERVER 20, function server 30, or the like, they carry out interconnected so that can carry out data communication by network 1 each other.According to this example embodiment, network 1 can be the WAN (wide area network) of for example internet.Specifically, MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are connected to network 1 by router two to 4 respectively.In this example embodiment, router is considered to broadband router.
Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, MFP 10 comprise control unit 11, operating unit 12, reading unit 13, record cell 14, communication unit 15, memory cell 16, sound input unit 17, voice output unit 18, or the like.Control unit 11 comprises CPU, ROM, RAM or the like, and the CPU of control unit 11 is according to the whole operations of the program control MFP 10 among the ROM that is stored in control unit 11.
In addition, operating unit 12 is taken on user interface, it comprises duplicating key 41, scanning key 42, fax key 43, services key 44, key 45 is set, on/down/the such user interface of the right side/LeftArrow 46 to 49, OK key 50 and cancel key 51, for example display 52, or the like.
In Fig. 1, reading unit 13 is the input equipments that are used for realizing scanner functions.That is, reading unit 13 reads in a page type recording medium (for example, paper) and goes up the image that forms (printing), and produces the view data of this image of expression.
To print to by the image of pictorial data representation on the such page or leaf type recording medium of paper for example as the record cell 14 of the output equipment that is used for realizing printer function.
This memory cell 16 comprises the non-volatile RAM (not shown) that can store the I/O data.
This sound input unit 17 receives sound by the microphone that offers the receiver (not shown) that is included among the MFP 10, and produces the voice data (for example, PCM data) corresponding to reception sound.
This voice output unit 18 uses the loud speaker or the loudspeaker (not shown) that offer receiver to export the sound of being represented by voice data (for example, the PCM data), and wherein loud speaker or loudspeaker are provided for the main body of MFP10.
This LIST SERVER 20 comprises control unit 21, communication unit 22 and memory cell 23.Control unit 21 comprises CPU, ROM, RAM etc., and CPU is according to the overall operation that is stored in the program control LIST SERVER 20 among the ROM.
Communication unit 22 is connected to network 1 with LIST SERVER 20, and carries out the processing of transmission/reception data by network 1.
This memory cell 23 comprises the hard disk drive (not shown) of storing data.The service definition information memory cell 24 that is used for writing down service definition information 25 is provided in memory cell 23, and this will make an explanation in the back.This information on services 25 is XML (extend markup language) data of describing with XML, and can provide the service list that can provide by services selection window (with reference to figure 8A) by function server 30 (for example, the type of every kind of service and request destination address (URL: URL(uniform resource locator))) according to the content of XML data.Fig. 3 has shown each label definition in service definition information 25.
When the user was used for showing the order of services selection window by operating unit 12 inputs, the control unit 11 of MFP 10 obtained service definition information 25 by communication unit 15 from LIST SERVER 20.In addition, when control unit 11 obtained service definition information 25, control unit 11 showed the services selection window (referring to Fig. 2) that is used to refer to COS based on service definition information 25 on the display 19a of display unit 19.
Fig. 4 has indicated each label definition in this service I/F information 36.
Processing by the MFP execution
Below, will the processing of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 be described.
MFP handles
At first, explain that with reference to figure 5 MFP that repeats handles after MFP 10 starts.
When starting the MFP processing, carry out initialization process (S102).After finishing initialization process, if produce instruction from external source, for example, use the input operation of operating unit 12 or the command signal of importing by network 1 (S104), so just judge whether the content of input is to be used for operator scheme is changed into service mode (S106).In this example embodiment, when having pushed the services key 44 of operating unit 12, be to be used for operator scheme is changed into service mode with regard to the instruction of determining input.As will be described, " service mode " is that request function server 30 provides service.
If determine described content and do not require to change service mode (S106:NO) at S106, after the processing of carrying out another operator scheme according to the content of input, processing is turned back to S104 (S108) so.
If determine that at S106 described content is to be used for changing to service mode (S106:YSE), this processing just allows the user to select a kind of being used to specify will be from the method (S110) of function server 30 requested service so.According to example embodiment, on display 52, shown method selection window shown in Figure 8, and required the user to select to come specified services from tabulation appointment (" from tabulation, selecting " Fig. 8) or by directly importing request destination address (" directly importing " among Fig. 8).After having shown the selection window, the user can use operating unit 12 to select any designation method.
At S110,, handle so just to LIST SERVER 20 request service definition information 25 (S111) if selected to specify (S110:YES) from tabulation.In this example embodiment, address as the top entry request that transmits service definition information 25, use the address of initial storage in memory cell 16, HTTP request (according to HTTP 1.1) is sent to the LIST SERVER of this address, thereby ask service list.When receiving the visit consistent with this address, LIST SERVER 20 transmits the top entry of service definition information 25 as http response (according to HTTP 1.1) as mentioned above.
Should be noted that service definition information 25 comprises: the information relevant with the demonstration of services selection window, this services selection window are used for allowing user-selected number according to the clauses and subclauses in stores service, print service or the copy application service type; Allow the user to select the information of classification itself with being used for.In S112, the address that the HTTP request is sent to access services definition information 25 is to show the services selection window that allows the user to select classification.Below, this information is called the top entry of service definition information 25.
After the reference of request for the top entry of service list, when receiving from service definition information 25 that LIST SERVER 20 transmits (S114), this processing shows services selection window (S116) based on the service definition information 25 that is received on display 25.After this, processing proceeds to S120.If after the top entry that receives service definition information 25, carry out S116, so just select window based on top entry (that is, XML describes) the demonstration classification as shown in Figure 8 of service definition information shown in Figure 7 25.
Specifically, select in the window in classification, as showing title (Title), at the top, viewing area of display 52 part pointing character string " directory service ", and the bottom part in the viewing area of display 52 indicates the character string of indication Pick Option Class (Link_Title), that is, " data storage service " " print service " and " copy application service ".Select window for the classification shown in Fig. 8 A, distributed respectively ID (referring to " Link_Location " of Fig. 7) corresponding to other service definition information 25 of Pick Option Class, and when selecting one of them Pick Option Class, will be sent to LIST SERVER 20 for request corresponding to the service definition information 25 of the ID of selected classification.
If execution in step S116 after receiving the clauses and subclauses of service definition information 25 except top entry, for example, if when receiving the service definition information 25 relevant, just according to the services selection window of service definition information shown in Figure 9 25 (XML description) demonstration shown in Fig. 8 B or 8C with " copy application service ".Promptly, such shown in Fig. 8 B or 8C, top part display string " copy application service " in the viewing area of display 52, and show corresponding to the character string that can select service listings (Link_Title) in the bottom of display 52 viewing areas part, promptly " use watermark to duplicate ", " translation is duplicated ", " reading aloud original copy ", " speech/text conversion ".
In this example embodiment, when because the restriction of viewing area and can not show all clauses and subclauses (can select service listings) simultaneously the time, dispose this window so that can be at the upper and lower service listings that scrolls up.Fig. 8 B and Fig. 8 C have shown this configuration, and wherein Fig. 8 C has shown that clauses and subclauses shown in Fig. 8 B are by the state after the delegation that scrolls up.For the services selection window shown in Fig. 8 B or Fig. 8 C, distributed respectively ID (referring to " Link_Location " of Fig. 9) corresponding to other service definition information 25 that can select service listings, and when selecting one of them that service listings can be selected, just will be sent to LIST SERVER 20 for request corresponding to the service definition information 25 of the ID of selected service listings.
At S110, specify (S110:NO) if selected by direct input request destination address, should handle so with regard to explicit address input window (not shown) allowing directly direct Input Address (S118) on display 52 of user, and handle and proceed to next step (S120).
In this way, after having shown services selection screen or address entr screen, the user can select any one clauses and subclauses (address input operation), push each key or stop service mode (end operation) by operating unit 12.
Then, described processing receives the input operation (S120) of user by operating unit 12.At S122, this processing judges that whether input operation is to be used to select the operation that links.In S122, when carrying out operation that is chosen in the clauses and subclauses that show in the services selection window that shows among the S116 or the operation of using the address input window Input Address that shows in S118, this processing just determines to have selected link.
When definite this operation is not that if described input operation is to stop this processing (S124:YES), this processing just turns back to S104 so, and finishes the processing in this service mode when being used for selection link (S122:NO).If this input operation is not to stop this processing (S124:NO), should handles just output alarm (for example, buzzer) in S126 so, and turn back to S120.
If determining described input operation is to select link (S122:YES), this processing just judges whether selected link is that promptly request function server 30 provides the ID (S128) of service to the link of service so.
If determining selected link is not the link to service, that is,, just should handle so to come to LIST SERVER 20 request Reference Services tabulations if selected link is the ID (S128:NO) that is used for different service definition information 25.Then, after receiving service definition information 25 (S130), handle and turn back to S116, and on display 52, show the services selection window.
If determining selected link is the link (S128:YES) to service, just handle so and carry out session processing (referring to Figure 10) at S132, turn back to S104, and finish the processing in service mode.
Session is handled
Below, explain the session processing of in the S132 of Fig. 2, calling in detail with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11.
In this session is handled, at first, the service that selection will be used, and transmit service enabled instruction (S202) based on the Link_Location of service definition information 25 (if or directly input, be the address).That is, transmit the service enabled instruction to described address of service, on function server 30, start the service of selecting by the user by the HTTP request.Return session id as http response from the function server 30 that receives this service enabled instruction.
Then, this processing receives the session id that returns from function server 30 at S204 according to this service enabled instruction.Unless should be noted that clearly and set forth, otherwise session id was included in wherein when the HTTP of transmission/reception request and http response transmitted and receive in subsequent treatment.The function server 30 that is used for receiving the HTTP request is arranged to according to described session id manages current communication equipment (known session management).
Then, be sent to function server 30 and ask (S206) being used to inquire about " MFP instruct inquiry " that relevant MFP10 instruction exists as HTTP.If produced the instruction of MFP10, the function server 30 that receives " MFP instruct inquiry " so returns the instruction that indication produces instruction (otherwise, if produce instruction, be the instruction of indicating " nothing is instructed " so) as http response.
Then, receiving the instruction returned in response to the inquiry among the S206 (that is, the MFP instruction) (S208) afterwards, handling and just judge whether the instruction that is received is job initiation instruction (S208).In S202, transmit after the service enabled instruction, produce " job initiation instruction " by function server 30.Described job initiation instruction comprise based on regularly and service content start " UI operation ", " input operation (scanning operation or voice operation) " and " output operation (print job or loud speaker operation) " one of them.For this job initiation instruction, added the communication objective address of the operation ID of the operation that will activate, the type of operation (UI operation, input operation (scanning operation or voice operation) or output operation (print job or loud speaker operation)) and operation.
If in the definite instruction that is received of S210 is job initiation instruction (S210:YES), so just keep the required resource (S212) of this operation of startup, as described below such then, carry out the operation that is instructed to start to S266 at step S252.
Below, will step S252 be described to S266 with reference to Figure 11.
At first, this processing judges whether by the indicated operation of job initiation instruction be UI operation (S252).If determine it is UI operation (S252:YES), so just according to the ID of this operation be attached to this operation of communication objective address start (S254) in this job initiation instruction.Then, processing proceeds to next step step (S214 of Figure 10).Handle execution simultaneously with other after this UI operation starts in S254, and in " the UI operation processing " of reference Figure 12, describe in detail.
If this processing determines that the operation by this job initiation instruction appointment is not UI operation (S252:NO), but belong to scanning operation (S256:YES) or the voice operation (S256:NO that imports operation, S262:YES), according to (S260) after being attached to operation ID in the job initiation instruction and this input operation of communication objective address start, this processing just proceeds to next procedure (S214 of Figure 10) so.After starting in S260, this input operation and other are handled executed in parallel, and in " the input operation " of reference Figure 20 this are described in detail.
If determine that the operation by this job initiation instruction appointment is not any (S258:NO) of aforementioned operation, but belong to print job (S258:YES) or the loud speaker operation (S262:NO that imports operation, S264:YES), according to (S266) after being attached to operation ID in the job initiation instruction and this output operation of communication objective address start, handle just proceeding to next procedure (S214 of Figure 10) so.After starting in S266, this output operation and other are handled executed in parallel, and in " output operation " of reference Figure 21 this are described in detail.
If determine that the operation by this job initiation instruction indication is not any (S264:NO) of aforementioned operation, handle so with regard to initiating task not and proceed to next step (S214 of Figure 10).
After initiating task, handle turning back to Figure 10, and after suspending predetermined time interval (S214), turn back to S206.
If it is not job initiation instruction (S210:NO) that this instruction is determined in this processing, this processing just judges whether the instruction that is received is that instruction (S216) is finished in operation in S208 so.When after starting in this operation each step, finishing, be somebody's turn to do " instruction is finished in operation " by function server 30 generations at Figure 11.Finish in the instruction in this operation, added the operation ID that is fulfiled assignment.
Determine that this instruction is that instruction (S216:YES) is finished in operation if handle, so stop having and be attached to this operation and finish the operation of the operation ID in the instruction (finish instruction and be sent to relevant operation), and start before this operation among the S212 institute resources reserved (S218) and make afterwards to handle and proceed to S214 removing.
If handle to determine that the instruction that is received is not that instruction (S216:NO) is finished in operation, so this processing just judge whether this instruction indicates " less than instructing " (S220).If indication " not instruction " (S220:YES), handle so and just proceed to S214.If not indication " not instruction " is handled so and is just judged whether this instruction is that instruction (S222) is finished in session.When finishing when MFP10 provides service, produce " instruction is finished in session " by function server 30.
Determine that this instruction is that instruction (S222:YES) is finished in session if handle, so just finish current sessions and handle.If the instruction that receives in S208 is not aforementioned instruction any one, is used to refer to wrong processing (that is, instruction errors is handled) in execution so and (S224) finishes this session processing afterwards.At S224, show error message 52.
The UI operation
Below, explain the UI operation that in S254, starts among Figure 11 in detail with reference to Figure 12 and 15.
When starting the UI operation, as instruct the MFP job instruction inquiry of inquiry to be set to transmission data storage areas (S300) to MFP 10.Here, MFP instruction inquiry is stored in the storage area that is used for transmitting, and this zone is to define in the RAM of control unit 11.At S312, so the information that is provided with sends to function server 30 (back is described) with session id and operation ID.When sending the inquiry of MFP job instruction, the function server 30 that receives these transmission data is passed MFP instruction (if there is not issuing command, MFP instruction expression so " not instruction ") back.
Then, handle and to judge that this finishes whether to be handled by session and indicate (S302).This is finished instruction and provides by the session processing in S218.
Finish instruction and provide (S302:YES) by the session processing if determine this, this processing is just finished finish (S304) that indicates this UI operation by handle the transmission session to session so, thereby finishes this UI operation.It should be noted that described session finish the instruction in S218, receive.Specifically,, when receiving instruction, determine that this operation stops fully at S218, and the step below carrying out.
If determining not handle from session receives the described instruction (S303:NO) of finishing, handle so and just determine whether operating unit 12 is in busy condition (S306).In this step, with reference to busy flag Fu.When every kind of operation has all started, busy flag Fu (being set to " 1 ") is set.If be provided with busy flag Fu (that is, equaling " 1 "), operating unit 12 just is in busy condition so, and if busy flag Fu (that is, equaling " 0 ") is not set, operating unit 12 just is not in busy condition so.
If operating unit 12 is busy (S306:YES), handle so and just wait for up to operating unit 12 after its busy condition is removed, promptly be disengaged, and turn back to S306, (S308) up to busy flag Fu.If operating unit 12 is busy (S306:NO) not, when carrying out current UI operation, busy flag Fu (S310) just is set, and operating unit 12 becomes busy so.
Then, processing will be stored in the information of transmitting in the data storage areas and be sent to function server 30 (S312) as the HTTP request with session id and operation ID.
Then, if in S314, receive the MFP instruction of returning in response to the inquiry among the S321, handle so and just judge whether this instruction is parameter request (S316).Should " parameter request " be to be produced by the function server 30 that receives the inquiry of MFP job instruction, this point will be explained hereinafter.Based on the I/F information 36 relevant, handle and just ask MFP10 with designated parameter with this parameter request.
Should note, based on the condition that is provided with of function server 30 configuration I/F information 36 so that the service I/F information 36 (Figure 13) after the parameter is set and the service I/F information 36 (template) before the parameter of being provided with as shown in figure 14 be associated with described parameter request (situation that attention, Figure 13 and 14 have shown the selected text translation duplicating).The difference of two kinds of service I/F information 36 is: the sign that " Form_Type " indicates and the parameter relevant with input equipment has been set up that (a) uses " selection " to be provided with is sandwiched between " Form_Elem " sign, or " Form_Type " sign that (b) has only " equipment " to be set up is clipped in the middle by " Form_Elem " sign.Based on whether obtaining the parameter relevant with the input equipment of MFP10, the service I/F information 36 that add is different.
If determine that instruction is parameter request (S316:YES), just handle so and transmit the transmission data of indicating the parameter that in S352-S386, is provided with by the user to function server 30.
Below, will S352-S386 be described with reference to Figure 15.
At first, handle based on the service I/F information 36 that is attached on the parameter request and produce the data that comprise initial value, as being used for parameter is transferred to the transmission data (S352) of function server 30.Specifically, handle the parameter that is provided as initial value among " Form_Elem " that is extracted in information on services 36, and produce the transmission data that comprise the extraction value.Should be noted that according to example embodiment, select the initial value of second optimum resolution as the input and output parameter.
To describe the generation of transmission data with reference to Figure 13 and 14 in detail.
At first, parameter " Value_Name=long " as first " Form_Elem ", registration " en_ja " (referring to " lang=en_ja " among Figure 16), then, as the parameter " Value_Name=scan_res " in second " Form_Elem ", the registration " 300 " (referring among Figure 16 " scan_res=300).Then, as the parameter " Value_Name=print_res " in the 3rd " Form_Elem ", registration " " (referring among Figure 16 " print_res=300); then; as the parameter " Value_Name=comment " in the 4th " Form_Elem "; registration zero (sky) parameter (that is, not registering parameter) (referring to " comment=" among Figure 16).
Then, in the processing below first parameter in the service I/F information 36 parameter of (that is, corresponding to first " Form_Elem ") is handled (S354).
Below, according to the clauses and subclauses of selecting by user's when this part (in the UI operation is handled, at first carry out according to this first " Form_Elem ") when the operating operation unit 12 " Form_Elem ", handle from service I/F information 36 retrieval and in corresponding " Form_Elem ", be clipped in part (S356) in " Form_Data " sign.
Then, processing judges whether the value of retrieving that is clipped in part " Form_Type " sign in " Form_Data " sign has represented the value of indication input-output apparatus (equipment) in S356.It should be noted that, " Form_Type " sign does not represent that the service I/F information 26 of input-output apparatus is the service I/F information 36 after parameter is set, and the service I/F information 26 of the value of " Form_Type " sign representative indication input-output apparatus is the service I/F information 36 (that is template) before parameter is set.
At S358, if the value of " Form_Type " has the value (S358:YES) of expression output equipment, just handle so and produce the parameter input window of request user-specified parameters, and on display 52, show this parameter input window (S360) based on the part of in S356, retrieving that is clipped in " Form_Data " sign.
Use is described this parameter entr screen as an example corresponding to the service I/F information 36 of translation copying service and is shown.When carrying out the translation copying service, the view data that function server 30 is read by the reading unit 13 to MFP10 is used OCR (optical character identification) processing and is discerned text message, produce the view data that expression is translated into the text of scheduled instruction then, this view data is printed by the record cell 14 of MFP10.
At first, based on the parameter input window shown in service I/F information 36 shown in Figure 13 (XML description) the displayed map 19A.In this parameter input window, such shown in Figure 16 A, show title (Title) in the top of viewing area indication " translation is duplicated " conduct, character " speech selection " is dispensed on the bottom of demonstration title as input clauses and subclauses (Disp_Name), and in the bottom of " speech selection ", pointing character " English → Japanese " and " Japanese → English " are as the clauses and subclauses (Disp_Select) of the optional parameters of indication input clauses and subclauses " speech selection ".Though except " speech selection " of front, also exist and " translation is duplicated " relevant input clauses and subclauses " scanner setting " " setting of printing " and " note ", only shown the input clauses and subclauses of relevant " speech selection " this moment.This only is because the restriction of the size of display 52, and in this exemplary embodiments, by push left and right directions key 48 and 49 (after this being described as conversion operations) from this state, input clauses and subclauses shown in the bottom, viewing area can be changed between four types, comprise " scanner setting ", " setting of printing " and " note ".
About the optional parameters of input clauses and subclauses, character display " normal font " and " small font " are as the clauses and subclauses (Disp_Select) (referring to Figure 16 B) of indication " scanner setting " optional parameters." normal font " means that the resolution (read-out resolution) as the parameter of reading unit 13 is 300 * 300dpi in this example embodiment, and " small font " means that resolution is 600 * 600dpi.The limited display of display 52 should be noted that owing to can not show " 600 * 600dpi " (referring to Figure 19 C) in beginning, but will show this resolution (referring to Figure 19 D) by the rolling picture screen.
Show that the clauses and subclauses " Disp_Selct " about the optional parameters of " setting of printing " comprise " 200 * 200 ", " 300 * 300 ", " 600 * 600 " and " 1200 * 1200 " (referring to Figure 19 A) that will show.Because the limited display zone of display 52 does not have displayed entries " 600 * 600 ", " 1200 * 1200 ", but with top similar, when the rolling image it is shown when beginning.
About " note ", character " note " and below the demonstration input field, and input setup string (Default_String).The input of this input field as the character string of note can be when printing the header or the footer of image.
If the value of " Form_Type " is the value (S358:YES) of indication input-output apparatus, just handle so (promptly from the appropriate section of descriptive information, information corresponding to Device_info) input-output apparatus of the relevant clauses and subclauses of selecting during corresponding to user's operating operation unit 12 of retrieval is (if carry out this step in the very first time of UI operation in, be the input-output apparatus that first " Form_Elem " locates so) the set point (S302) of parameter, then, this is just handled and produces the parameter input window based on set point, and on display 52 it is shown (S364).
In MFP 10, be stored in the memory cell 16 owing to comprise the descriptive information (referring to Figure 27) of set point of parameter of the input-output apparatus of relevant MFP 10.So at S362, corresponding to being provided with in the content of the input-output apparatus the descriptive information (" Device_Ivnfo " sign), retrieval is corresponding to the value of selected clauses and subclauses from respectively.Should be noted that this descriptive information is to use the XML data of the XML description that has wherein defined predetermined flag.Indicated the sign definition of descriptive information among Figure 18.
Shown on display 52, showing after the parameter input window, the user can carry out (1) and shown clauses and subclauses is transformed into the conversion operations (being transformed into (n-1) or (n+1) individual clauses and subclauses by operation left and right directions key 48 or 49) that does not have the clauses and subclauses of demonstration owing to the limited display device, (2) be used for the assigned operation (coming designated parameter) (referring to the dashed rectangle among Figure 19) of designated parameter by pushing up and down arrow keys 46 or 47, (3) parameter that is used for will not showing by rolling be presented at the rolling operation (being undertaken by the continuation assigned operation) on the display 52, (4) the cancellation operation (by pushing cancel key 51) and (5) that is used for cancelling the service that is provided by function server 30 is used for finishing the complete operation (by pushing OK key 50) that the parameter setting is provided or service is provided.
After S364 display parameters input window, handle the operation (S366) that receives the user.If the user who carries out like this operation is conversion operations (S368:YES), handle just turning back to S356 so.Then, handle from service I/F information 36 and retrieve the part that is clipped in " Form_Elem " between " Form_Data " sign, and the step below carrying out.When carrying out the translation duplicating, carry out the conversion operations (in this case, pushing right button 49) that clauses and subclauses are set from the speech selection clauses and subclauses to scanner, such shown in Figure 19 C, and the beacon scanning instrument is provided with clauses and subclauses on display 52.Be used for current state is transformed in the conversion operations of setting of printing clauses and subclauses (in this case, pushing right button 49 once more) at another, on display 52, show the setting of printing clauses and subclauses, as shown in Figure 19 D.
In addition, if the operation of being carried out by the user is to specify operation (S368:NO; S370:YES), so at S372, handle registration and the relevant parameter of appointment of utilizing the transmission data that in S352, produce, and turn back to S366.When carrying out the translation duplicating, in the parameter of using the registration of transmission data, if the parameter of speech selection changes to " Japanese → English " from " English → Japanese " (initial condition), the value of registering so as the speech selection parameter just changes over parameter " ja_en " (referring to Figure 19 B).
If user's operation is rolling operation (S370:NO; S374:YES), processing just changes content displayed according to rotating direction so, and uses the transmission data that produce in S352 to register this stage designated parameters in S376, and turns back to S366.
If user's operation is cancellation operation (S374:NO; S378:YES), handle the data (S380) that the transmission data that just will produce change over indication " end of service " so in S352.Then, processing is provided with the transmission data as HTFP request (S384) in the transmission data storage areas.After this, handle the S322 that proceeds to Figure 12.These transmission data are transferred to function server 30 later on, finish instruction (S302:NO) when not receiving from session, and during guidance panel busy (S306:NO), will transmits transfer of data and arrive function server 30.
If user's operation is complete operation (S378:NO; S382:YES), handle so and just proceed to S384, and the transmission in this stage is set to the transmission data storage areas.After this, processing turns back to S322 (Figure 12).
(S382:NO), handle so (S386), and turn back to S366 if user operation is the operation (for example, the operation of rolling or pushing arrow key with direction that can not conversion operations) except aforesaid operations with regard to output alarm sound (for example, buzzing sound).
Then, at Figure 12,, handle so whether the MFP instruction of just judging in that S314 received is descriptive information request (S318) if determine that the MFP instruction that the inquiry among the response S312 is returned is not parameter request (S316:NO).Should be noted that " request is described " is according to it instruction of issue to be set by the function server 30 that receives this MFP job instruction inquiry, and be used for asking above-described descriptive information to MFP10.
If determining the instruction that is received is explanation request (S318:YES), just handles so and in the transmission data storage, descriptive information (S320) is set, and proceed to S322.Be not in busy condition (S306:N0) if finish information (S302:NO) and guidance panel, just descriptive information be transferred to function server 30 at S312 so.Then, the function server 30 that receives this descriptive information is just being carried out predetermined process return parameters request afterwards as http response.
In addition, at S318,, handle so whether the MFP instruction of just judging in that S314 received is service status information (S324) if determine it is not explanation request (S318:NO).Should " service status information " be by receive in the inquiry of MFP job instruction or the instruction that produces of the function server 30 of the MFP state information of transmission after a while (S330, S312).This service status information has been indicated the processing of carrying out relevant this service without any problem ground, and maybe this service is owing to some problem is terminated.
If determine that this MFP instruction is service status information (S324:YES), handle the information (S326) that just on display 52, shows corresponding to this service status information so, in the transmission data storage, the service status information (S327) of this agent list present condition of request is set, and proceeds to S322.
If determine that this MFP instruction is not service status information (S324:NO), handle so and just judge whether the MFP instruction that receives is state information request (S328) in S314.Should " state information request " be the information instruction of the state of the relevant MFP 10 of request transmission.
If determine that the instruction that is received is state information request (S328:YES), handle that so the MFP state information is set to transmission data storage (S330), this MFP state information is the information relevant with the state of MFP 10, and proceeds to S322.Here, processing will indicate the MFP state information of " paper is used up " " lid is opened " etc. to be arranged in the transmission data storage as the MFP state information.
If determine that the instruction that is received is not state information request (S328:NO), handle so and just judge whether the MFP instruction that receives at S314 is server accepting state (S332)." server accepting state " represented and has been used to refer to function server 30 and whether successfully receives information instruction from MFP 10.
When determining that described MFP instruction is the server accepting state (S332:YES), if the unconventional reception of the content representation of server accepting state (NG) (S334:YES), handle the information setting that just will trigger the transmission server accepting state once more in the storage data storage (S336) so, and proceed to S322.Do not represent unconventional reception (NG) (S334:NO) if determine this server accepting state, just handle so to be set to and transmit in the data storage (S332) as the service status information request of the instruction of the mode of operation of request service, then, processing proceeds to S322.
If determine that this instruction is not server accepting state (S332:NO), handle so and just judge whether the MFP instruction that receives at S314 represents " not instruction " (S338).If should the instruction expression " not instruct " (S338:YES), just handle in S300, the inquiry of MFP job instruction is set in the transmission data storage areas (S339) so, and proceed to S322.If instruction is not represented " not instruction " (S338:NO), handle just error process (specify error) in S340 so, then, be similar to S300, handle that the inquiry of MFP job instruction is set to transmission data storage (S345), and proceed to S322.
The input operation
Below, will be described in detail in the input operation that activates among Figure 11 S260 with reference to Figure 20 and handle.Input operation shown in Figure 20 is handled and UI operation executed in parallel with above-described session.
When starting the input operation, handle and judge whether input equipment is in busy condition (S402).In this example embodiment, if busy flag Fi is set up (that is, being set at " 1 "), so determine that input equipment is in busy condition, and if remove this sign (that is, being set to " 0 "), so just determine that input equipment is not in busy condition.Should note, according to this example embodiment, when when receiving the service relevant with the view data that in reading unit 13, produces, should " input equipment " can be reading unit 13, and when receiving the service relevant, can be sound input unit 17 with the voice data that produces at sound input unit 17.
Determine that input equipment is in busy condition (S402:YES) if handle, handle just wait so and remove (S404) from its busy condition, turn back to S402 then up to input equipment.If this input equipment is not in busy condition, handles so busy flag Fi (S406) just is set.
Then, handle will be relevant by the HTTP request with the MFP10 state the MFP state information be transferred to function server 30 (S408) with the operation ID that in the session processing, in S260, distributes.When receiving the MFP state information, function server 30 returns the MFP parameter, and this parameter is based among the S312 information that is transferred to function server 30 in the transmission data storage among the parameter generating that is provided with and the S321 at Figure 12 as http response.
If return MFP parameter (S410), just handle at S412 judging whether to handle to receive to finish instruction (that is, whether issued finish instruction by the session processing) from session in response to transmission MFP state information in S408.When the operation of finishing in will the S218 at Figure 10 is the input operation, handles from session and to give the input operation finishing instruction.
When from session is handled, not providing when finishing instruction (S412:NO), if the MFP parameter of returning in S410 is not successfully received (S414:NO), the information from function server 30 of indicating so can not be transferred to function server 30 by the operation ID that the HTTP request distributes by the MFP accepting state of normal reception the (that is unusual receive (NG)) in the S260 that handles in session.When the function server 30 that receives the MFP accepting state retransmits the MFP parameter as http response, handle after carrying out S416 and turn back to S410.
If at S410, successfully receive MFP parameter (S414:YES), so just will be used to refer to normal reception asks the operation ID that distributes in the S260 that handles in session to be transferred to function server 30 (S418) from the MFP accepting state of the information (that is normal receive (OK)) of function server 30 by HTTP.The function server 30 of reception MFP accepting state returns the input request of data will be by the data of function server 30 processing with the request transmission, and this point will be explained hereinafter.
Then, if return the input request of data from the function server 30 that receives this MFP accepting state
(S420), handle so and just judge that this finishes instruction and whether handle by session and provide (S422).
Handle when session and not provide (S422:NO) when finishing instruction, if the input request of data of returning at S420 is not successfully received (S424:NO), so just as will indicate the unusual MFP accepting state that receives (NG) to be transferred to function server 30 (S426) at S416.When having received the MFP accepting state, function server 30 just retransmits the input request of data, and this point back makes an explanation, and then, handles after carrying out S426 and turns back to S420.
If the input request of data of returning at S420 is successfully received (S424:YES), will be transferred to function server 30 (S428) by the operation ID that the HTFP request distributes in the S260 that handles in session by the input data that function server 30 is handled so.
Specifically, the set point of input equipment is changed the value by the MFP parameter indication that receives in S410, the data input window of the input data that display requirement user input will be handled by function server 30 on display 52 then, thus require the user to carry out the input operation of input data in MFP10.Then, will be transferred to function server 30 from the operation ID that the data (that is input data) that the user obtains are distributed in the S260 that handles in session by the HTTP request.For example, on display 52, show the message such as " original copy is set and pushes the OK key " " takes telephone receiver and speech ", then, will be transferred to function server 30 subsequently by the data that reading unit 13 and/or sound input unit 17 obtain.The function server 30 that receives these input data can return and be used to indicate the service status information that whether has completed successfully according to the data processing of importing data.
The method that obtains data in processing can be that retrieve data maybe can be from the certain storage area sense data memory cell 16 in the memory card from be arranged on the memory card slot (not shown).In this case, the message of the storage area of retrieve data will be presented on the display 52 to require the user to specify therefrom.
To import transfer of data after the function server 30, the setting of the input equipment of revising in S428 is returned to initial value (S430), and subsequently, receives the service status information of returning from function server 30.
When S432 receives information on services, if or, at S412 and S422, session is handled to provide and is finished instruction (S412:YES; S422:YES), the busy flag Fi in S406 is provided with and just is disengaged (S434) so, and the operation ID that distributes in the S260 that handles in session that finishes that will import operation is notified to session and handles (S436), and finishes to import operation.During the step S218 that session shown in Figure 12 is handled, receive the notice that the input operation is finished.That is,, when receiving instruction, handle and determine that described operation is stopped fully at S218, and the step below carrying out.
Output operation
Below, be described in detail in the output operation that activates among the S266 of Figure 21 with reference to Figure 18 and handle.This output operation and session are handled and UI operation concurrent working.
When starting output operation, handle and judge whether output equipment is in busy condition (S502).In this step, if busy flag Fo is set up (that is, being set at " 1 "), so determine that output equipment is in busy condition, and if remove this sign (that is, being set to " 0 "), so just determine that output equipment is not in busy condition.According to this example embodiment, when when receiving the service relevant with the view data that will in record cell 14, print, should " output equipment " can be record cell 14, and when receiving, can be voice output unit 18 with 18 voice datas of exporting are relevant from the voice output unit service.
Determine that output equipment is in busy condition (S502:YES) if handle, handle just wait so and remove (S504) from its busy condition, turn back to S502 then up to output equipment.Determine that this output equipment is not in busy condition (S502:NO) if handle, busy flag Fo (S506) so just is set.
Then, will represent that by the HTTP request MFP state information of the state of MFP10 is transferred to function server 30 (S508) with the operation ID that distributes in session is handled in S266.The function server 30 that receives the MFP state information returns the MFP parameter, and this parameter is based among the S320 information that is transferred to function server 30 in the transmission data storage among the parameter that is provided with and the S312 at Figure 12 as http response.
Then, when returning the MFP parameter (S510), just handle to judge whether from the session processing, to provide and finish instruction (that is, whether exist from session the instruction of finishing) at S512 in response to the MFP state information of in S508, transmitting.When the operation of finishing among the S218 at Figure 12 is output operation, give output operation finishing instruction from the session processing.
Determine from session is handled, not receive when finishing instruction (S512:NO) when handling at S512, if the MFP parameter of returning in S510 is not successfully received (S514:NO), the MFP accepting state that the information from function server 30 of indicating so can not be successfully received (that is unusual receive (NG)) is transferred to function server 30 (S516) by the operation ID that the HTTP request distributes in the S266 that handles in session.The function server 30 that receives the MFP accepting state retransmits the MFP parameter, thereby, handle after carrying out S516 and turn back to S510.
If successfully receive MFP parameter (S514:YES), the MFP accepting state that so just will be used to refer to the information (that is normal receive (OK)) that successfully receives from function server 30 is transferred to function server 30 (S518) by the operation ID that the HTTP request distributes in the S266 that handles in session.The function server 30 that receives the MFP accepting state returns by the data of handling based on the input data creation of transmitting in the S428 of Figure 20 (that is, dateout), and this point will be explained hereinafter.
If return dateout (S520) from the function server 30 that receives this MFP accepting state, handling so will be as at S512, judges whether the session processing has provided to finish instruction (S522).
Do not provide (S522:NO) when finishing instruction when determining that at S522 session is handled, if the dateout of returning at S520 is not successfully received (S524:NO), just as at S516, will indicate the unusual MFP accepting state that receives (NG) to be transferred to function server 30 (S526) so.The function server 30 that has received the MFP accepting state retransmits dateout, and this point back makes an explanation, and then, handles after carrying out S526 and turns back to S520.
If the dateout of returning at S520 is successfully received (S524:YES), handles and just export this dateout (S528) by output equipment.Specifically, the set point of output equipment is revised as by the represented value of MFP parameter that receives in S510, then, with dateout by output equipment output (for example, according to the view data print image, according to voice data output sound wave).
When by output equipment output dateout, the setting of the output equipment of revising by the processing among the S528 is returned to initial value (S530), and will send to function server 30 (S532) with the operation ID of distribution in session treatment S 260 as the MFP state information of the information relevant with the MFP10 state by the HTTP request.The function server 30 that receives this MFP state information returns service status information, and this is described in the back.
Receiving after the service status information that function server 30 returns (S534), maybe receiving (S512:YES when finishing instruction when handling from session; S522:YES), just remove the busy flag Fo (S536) that in S406, is provided with, and the operation ID that distributes that finishes that will import operation is notified to session processing (S538) in the S260 that handles in session, thereby finishes current input operation.The notice finished of input operation is to receive during the processing of carrying out in the S218 of Figure 12.In S218, when receiving instruction, determine that this operation stops fully, and the processing below carrying out.
Processing by function server 30 execution
Each processing of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30 will be described below.
Function server is handled
At first, explain the function server processing of when receiving the HTTP request, carrying out with reference to Figure 22 and 23.
When the beginning function server is handled, handle and judge whether the HTTP request that is received is service enabled instruction (S702).Should " service enabled instruction " in the S202 of Figure 10, transmit by MFP10.
If determining the HTTP request that is received is service enabled instruction (S702:YES), handle the transmission data that just produce session id and represent this session id so.Then, handle reservation and carry out the resource of this service and start corresponding processing (S708), and proceed to S734.The processing that starts above is that session is handled, and this will be described with reference to Figure 24 in the back.
If determining this request is not service enabled instruction (S702:NO), handles so and just judge whether this HTTP request is that instruction (S710) is finished in service." instruction is finished in service " is to be set to the transmission data of the end of service that produces in S380 as indication in the transmission data storage in S384 by MFP10, and transmits in S312.
If determining this request is that instruction (S710:YES) is finished in service, handle so just remove session id and in S708 resources reserved, create the transmission data (S712) that this service of expression is finished, and continue execution next program (S734 of Figure 23).If determining this request is not that instruction (S710:NO) is finished in service, handle so and just judge whether to comprise service related information, promptly, with service (session or operation) relevant information, or more particularly, the term of execution of session processing and operation (UI operation, input operation or output operation), whether ask (S714) by MFP10 transmission HTTP.
If determine that this service related information is included in (S714:YES) in the request, so just identification has been transmitted HTTP request (session processing, UI operation, input operation or output operation) (S716).
If can not discern processing (S718:NO), control just produces the information (that is, error notification information) of misdirection so, proceeds to S734 then.
If discern this processing (S718:YES), the control processing (S722) that just will ask information transmitted to be sent to be discerned by HTTP so.
After S722 finishes,, so just be information designated storage area (S724) corresponding to session id or operation ID if determine not comprise this service related information (S714:NO).
If can not designated storage area (S726:NO), handle so and just proceed to S720, produce error notification information, and proceed to S734.If specified storage area (S726:YES), handle so and just judge whether the information that will turn back to MFP 10 is present in (S728) in the storage area.
Then, if there is not to turn back to the information (S728:NO) of MFP 10, handles just producing the information (S730) that expression " does not have the MFP instruction ", and proceed to S734.To turn back to the information (S728:YES) of MFP 10 if determine existence, just handle producing MFP control command (S732) so, handle proceeding to S734 then based on the information that will return.
Handle the information that just will in S708, S712, S720, S730 and S732, produce and turn back to MFP10 as http response (S734).In the http response that turns back to MFP 10, the transmission data that produce in S708 are received by MFP 10 in the S204 of Figure 10; The transmission data indication service that produces in S712 is finished in the S208 of Figure 10 and is received by MFP10, and it is judged and is defined as " YES " in S222.Further, be received in the error notification information that produces among the S720 by MFP 10 in the S208 of Figure 10, this information is to judge in S222 and be defined as " NO ", execution in step S224 then.The information of the expression that produces in S730 " do not have instruction " is received by MFP10 in the S208 of Figure 10, and this information judges in S220, and is defined as " YES ".The MFP control command that produces in S732 has different contents in each operation, and is received by the MFP 10 that carries out corresponding operation.
Handle (S736:YES) if carry out the service control information, that is, if being defined as in S710 " NO " handles just being provided with corresponding to the storage address of session id or operation ID to " transmission is finished " (S738) so, and the end functions server process.Do not handle (S736:NO) if also carry out the service control information, just handle that so memory address not being set, and finish this function server and handle.It is the exchanges data between the session/operation of MFP 10 and function server 30 in step S714-S732 that the service control information is handled.
Session is handled
Below, will session processing that handle executed in parallel with function server be described with reference to Figure 24 and 25.
In this example embodiment, as an example the session of describing relevant translation copying service is handled.
When beginning is handled in session, handle and at first carry out initialization (S802).Then, processing begins to serve side UI operation (S804).Service side UI operation (that is, UI operation 1 or UI operation 2) is to handle the processing of executed in parallel with session, and will be described in detail later.
Below, handle output UI job initiation instruction as MFP instruction (S806).Specifically, processing is stored in UI job initiation instruction and is used for storing in the storage area of return information with operation ID and communication objective address.Then, based on the data of being stored, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be transferred to MFP 10 as enabled instruction.This enabled instruction is received in the S208 of Figure 10 by MFP10, and based on described enabled instruction, starts UI operation (S254 of Figure 11) on MFP 10.
Below, handle judging whether from MFP10 input parameter (S808).Such as described later, in the UI operation of the startup in S804, obtain parameters, and the notification transmission that will obtain parameter is to the session processing from MFP 10.Like this, at S808,, handle the parameter of just determining from MFP 10 imports so and finish if transmit the notice that obtains parameter from the UI operation.
Do not finish (S808:NO) if determine the parameter input, handle so and just judge whether the UI operation stops (S810).If there is not successful execution to obtain parameter from MFP 10, the UI termination of job so, and will represent that the message transmission of the UI termination of job arrives the session processing.Like this, at S810,, handle so and just determine that this UI operation is terminated if receive this information (that is, the notice UI termination of job).
Do not stop (S810:NO) if determine the UI operation, handle just turning back to S808 so.If determine that the UI operation is terminated (S810:YES), handle just proceeding to S848 so.
If determine to have finished parameter input (S808:YES), so just start the scanning operation (S812) that finishes the input homework type as service.This scanning operation is the processing of handling executed in parallel with session, and this point will be described later.
Below, handle output scanning (input) job initiation instruction as MFP instruction (S814).In this step, processing is stored in the scanning operation enabled instruction and is used for storing in the storage area of return information with operation ID and communication objective address.Then, based on the data of being stored, in the S732 of Figure 22, produce the MFP control command, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be transferred among the MFP 10 as activation instruction.This enabled instruction is received by MFP 10 in the S208 of Figure 10, and based on the information that is received, starts the input operation in MFP10.
Below, handle and just judge the preparation (S816) of on MFP10, whether having finished scanner (reading unit 13).In the scanning operation that in S812, starts, receive the relevant notice that scanner is ready to complete on MFP 10, and this notification transmission is handled to current sessions.Like this, at S816,, so just determine on MFP 10, to have finished scanner and prepare if receive the notice that scanner is ready to complete from scanning operation.
Prepare (S816:NO) if determine on MFP10, not finish scanner, handle so and just judge whether scanning operation stops (S818) at S816.In the scanning operation that starts in S812, if do not have successfully to receive the notice that the scanner preparation has been finished from MFP 10, scanning operation itself just stops (finishing) so, and handles the termination of beacon scanning operation to session.Like this, if receive the notice of termination, handle so and just determine that scanning operation stopping from scanning operation.
Do not stop (S818:NO) if determine scanning operation, handle just turning back to S816 so.If determine that scanning operation is terminated (S818:YES), handle just proceeding to S844 so.
Prepare to finish (S816:YES) if determine scanner, so just startup is as the print job (S820) of one type service side output operation.Executed in parallel is handled in this print job and session, and this point will be described in detail later.
Below, output print (output) job initiation instruction is as MFP instruction (S822).In this step, processing is stored in the print job enabled instruction and is used for storing in the storage area of return information with operation ID and communication objective address.Based on this, in the S732 of Figure 22, produce the MFP control command, this instruction is transferred to MFP 10 as enabled instruction in the S734 of Figure 23.In the S208 of Figure 10, receive this enabled instruction, and, on MFP 10, start output operation (S266 of Figure 11) based on this instruction by MFP 10.
Below, handle and judge that whether finishing printer (record cell 14) on MFP 10 prepares (S824).In the print job that S820 starts, be received in MFP10 and go up the notice that printing is ready to complete, and this notification transmission is handled to session.Therefore, if received the notice that printing is ready to complete, so just determine on MFP10, to have finished to print and prepare from this scanning operation.
Prepare on MFP 10, also not finish (S824:NO) if determine to print, handle so and just judge whether print job is terminated (S826).In the print job that S820 starts, do not print the notice of preparing if successfully be received in to have finished on the MFP 10, print job itself just is terminated (finishing) so, and this notification transmission is handled to session.Therefore, if do not receive the notice of termination, so just determine that print job is terminated from print job.
If determine that print job also is not terminated (S826:NO), handle just turning back to S824 so.If determine that scanning operation is terminated (S826:YES), handle just proceeding to S840 so.
Prepare to finish (S824:YES) if determine to print, so just receive the input data that obtain from MFP 10.In the scanning operation that S812 starts, obtain the view data that the reading unit 13 by MFP 10 reads from MFP10.Therefore, at S828, obtaining and be stored in the data (input data) of predetermined storage area, retrieval is corresponding to the data of one page.
Then, at S830, OCR handles, translation is handled and the printing layout processing produces the processed images data by the input data that read in S828 are used.Specifically, by being used OCR, the input data that retrieve handle the textual portions of discerning in the image that shows by input data table in S828.Then, by the text of the text partly being translated into appointed language is handled in text certain applications translation.It is to carry out according to the parameter that obtains in the UI operation that starts in S804 that this translation is handled, and the text partly is translated into the language by this parametric representation.Then, based on institute's textual portions of discern and translating, the view data that is used to print according to the printing layout generation of appointment.
Then, output is in the view data (S832) of S830 generation.In this step, the view data that produces at S830 is stored in operation ID and communication objective address and is used for storing in the storage area of return information.Based on the data that are stored in the memory that is used for storing return information, produce at S1120 and to be suitable for the print command of MFP 10, and be transferred to MFP 10.
Subsequently, handle to judge reading (data areas of all pages) and whether finish (S824) in all input data of S828.If this reads also and does not finish (S834:NO), handle so and just turn back to S828, and, if all input data all are read out (S834:YES), just handle to judge whether finish (836) so in the output (being stored in storage area) of S832 dateout.
If the data of dateout are not also finished (S836:NO), handle so and just turn back to S828, and, if (S836:YES) finished in output, finish instruction as MFP instruction (S838) with regard to output print (output) operation so.In this step, carry out to be used for that instruction is finished in print job and to be stored in processing in the storage area that is used for storing return information with operation ID.Based on the data of being stored, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and Figure 23 734 in be transferred to MFP10 as finishing instruction.This is finished instruction and is received at the S208 of Figure 10 by MFP 10, and based on this instruction, stops the output operation (S218 of Figure 10) of (finishing) MFP 10.
Output print operation finish instruction or definite print job be terminated after (S826:YES), just finish the service side print job (S840) that starts at S820.
Then, output scanning (input) operation is finished instruction as MFP instruction (S842).In this step, processing is finished instruction with scanning operation and is stored in the storage area that is used to store return information with operation ID.Based on the data of being stored, produce MFP control command (Figure 22) at S732, and it is transferred to MFP 10 (Figure 23) as finishing instruction at S734.This is finished instruction and is received at the S208 of Figure 10 by MFP 10, and based on this instruction, stops (finishing) input operation (S218 of Figure 10) on MFP 10.
When instruction finished in the output scanning operation, or definite scanning operation just finishes the service side scanning operation (S844) that starts at S812 when being terminated (S818:YES).
Then, output UI operation is finished instruction as MFP instruction (S846).In this step, processing is finished instruction with this scanning operation and is stored in the storage area that is used for storing return information with operation ID.Based on the data of being stored, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and should instruct conduct to finish to instruct at the S734 of Figure 23 and be transferred to MFP 10.This is finished instruction and is received at the S208 of Figure 10 by MFP 10, and based on this instruction, stops (end) UI operation (S218 of Figure 10) on MFP 10.
At S850, carry out for example remove in every kind of operation resources reserved such finish processing, then, stop session and handle.At S852, processing is finished instruction with service and is stored in the storage area that is used to store return information.Based on this instruction, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and should instruct conduct to finish to instruct at the S734 of Figure 23 and be transferred to MFP 10.This is finished instruction and is received at the S208 of Figure 10 by MFP 10, and based on this instruction, (S222 of Figure 10) handled in the session that finishes on MFP 10.
The UI operation
Below, will be described in the UI operation processing of the S804 startup of Figure 24 with reference to Figure 26.When function server 30 is configured to function server 30 1 sides when not having the management parameter relevant with the input equipment of MFP 10, in response to receive enabled instruction execution UI operation 1 from the session processing.
When beginning UI operation, handle and wait for up to receive the inquiry of MFP job instruction from MFP 10.When receiving the inquiry of MFP job instruction (S902), the parameter request instruction that processing will be used for asking to carry out the required parameter setting of service turns back to MFP 10 as MFP instruction (S904).The MFP job instruction inquiry that receives in S902 is the HTTP request of being transmitted in the S321 of Figure 12 by MFP 10.The MFP instruction of transmitting in S904 is the http response that is received in the S314 of Figure 12 by MFP 10.Specifically, service I/F information 36 (for example, corresponding to the information of translation copying service: referring to Figure 14) is added to http response.When receiving the MFP instruction, MFP 10 just is provided with parameter at S316-S320 in the storage data storage areas, and this parameter is asked to transmit as HTTP in the S312 of Figure 12.
Then, initialization error counter (S906).That is, be used for counting counter that generation can not successfully receive the consecutive numbers of parameter be reset (that is, being set to " 0 ").
Then, handle wait till the MFP 10 of the MFP instruction that transmits receives parameter from be received in S904.When receiving this parameter (S908), handle just judging whether successfully to receive parameter (S910).
If determine that this parameter is not successfully received (S910:NO), handle so and just judge based on the value of error counter whether this situation has recurred pre-determined number (being twice) (S912) in this example embodiment.If also do not recur predetermined times (S912:NO), just handle so and successfully do not receive parameter (server reception NG in S914 output indication; The unusual reception) server accepting state (S926).Then, processing turns back to S908.
At S914, processing is stored in the server accepting state and is used for storing in the storage area of return information.Based on this server accepting state, in the S732 of Figure 22, produce the MFP control command, and be transferred to MFP 10 as the server accepting state at the S734 of Figure 23.This server accepting state is received at the S314 of Figure 12 by MFP 10, and based on the information that is received, MFP 10 retransmits this parameter (S334 among Figure 12, S336, S312).
Recur predetermined times (S912:YES) if successfully do not receive the condition of parameter, handle so with regard to announcement session and handle the UI termination of job (finishing) (S918), and stop the UI operation.Notice among the S918 is handled by the session in the S810 of Figure 24 and is received.
If determine successfully to receive parameter (S910:YES), (server receives OK to handle the server accepting state of just exporting indication parameter and being successfully received so; The normal reception) (920).In this step, processing is stored in the storage area that is used for storing return information with this server accepting state.Based on institute's canned data, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be transferred to MFP 10 as the server accepting state.This server accepting state is received at the S312 of Figure 12 by MFP 10.Based on the server accepting state of reception like this, checking does not need to retransmit this parameter (S334) in MFP 10.
Then, handle announcement session processing parameter input (parameter acquisition) and finish (S922).This notice is handled by the session among the S808 of Figure 24 and is received.
When finishing S922, handle and wait for up to receive the inquiry of MFP job instruction from MFP 10.When receiving the inquiry of MFP job instruction (S924), handle and repeat to export service status information (S926), till stopping (finishing) UI operation by other processing (for example, the S844 of Figure 25).At S926, processing is stored in service status information and is used for storing in the memory of return information.Based on institute's canned data, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and be transferred to MFP 10 as service status information at the S734 of Figure 23.
Below, be described in the UI operation of carrying out among the S804 of Figure 24 2 with reference to Figure 27.When function server 30 receives the job initiation instruction of handling from session, and when in the relevant parameter of the input equipment of function server 30 1 side managements and MFP 10, execution UI operation 2.In the following description, the step number of step that is similar to UI operation 1 is identical with the processing in the UI operation 1, and, for brevity, will the descriptions thereof are omitted.
When beginning UI operation 2, in a single day at first, handle and wait for 10 reception MFP job instructions, and receive this instruction (S902) from MFP, handle just the descriptive information request is turned back to MFP 10 as http response (S930) so.This descriptive information request is received in the S314 of Figure 12 by MFP 10, and the MFP 10 that receives this request at S320 by MFP 10 these descriptive informations of transmission.
After the returned specification information request, handle to wait for up to MFP 10 these descriptive informations of transmission as HTTP request (S932), and based on the descriptive information of transmission like this, carry out service I/F information and produce and handle to produce service I/F information 36 (S934).Then, handle to proceed to S904,, handle the http response of the relevant parameter request conduct of the service I/F information returning and so produce 36 for this descriptive information at this.
Below, will describe service I/F information with reference to Figure 28 and produce processing.
At first, handle the copy (template of service I/F information) that produces the service I/F information 36 that will be transferred to MFP10 at S942, " Form_Data " label of serving I/F information 36 tops is carried out following processing (S944).
Then, handle and to have judged whether all " Form_Data " labels (S946) in the service I/F information 36 that S942 produces treated.If there be not (S946:NO), handle so and just check whether " Form_Type " label is clipped in " Form_Data " label, and whether the value of " Form_Type " label indicate this input-output apparatus (S948).
If " Form_Type " label is not sandwiched in wherein, or the value of " Form_Type " label is not indicated input-output apparatus (S948:NO), handle the next one " Form_Data " label just being set so, and turn back to S946 as the label (S950) that will handle.
If at S948, " Form_Type " label does not have the value (S948:NO) of indication input-output apparatus, so just next " Form_Data " label is handled (S950), and turns back to S946.
If " Form_Type " label has the value (S948:YES) of indication input-output apparatus, the correct position of the descriptive information that just receives from the S932 at Figure 27 at S952 (corresponding to the information of " Device_info ") is retrieved the parameter relevant with this input-output apparatus so.Specifically, the part that is clipped in " Device_Spec " sign is retrieved in processing in " Device_Type " label of the value that the indication input-output apparatus is set.
Then, according to the service I/F information 36 that produces at S942, handle and delete current processed " Form_Data " label (S954) of wanting.Then, from the parameter that is included in the part that S952 retrieves, the top parameter is handled (S956).
Then, handle to judge at all parameters of S952 retrieval whether all processed (S958).If parameter is not also all handled (S958:NO), so just based on the parameter generating that will handle in this stage " Form_Data " label (S960), and add " Form_Data " label to position in S954 deletion " Form_Data ", then, next parameter is handled (S964), and processing turns back to S958.
If all parameters processed intact (S958:YES) are handled so and are just proceeded to S950.As top, repeating step S946-S964 is up to all " Form_Data " labels processed (S964:YES), and processing finishes this service I/F information generation processing then.As a result, produce in the processing, produce service I/F information 36 as shown in figure 13 in this service I/F information.Then, at the S904 of Figure 27, the parameter request of having added the service I/F information that is produced is transferred to MFP 10.
Scanning operation
Below, be described in the scanning operation that begins among the S812 of Figure 24 with reference to Figure 29.
When starting scanning operation, handle and wait for up to receiving the MFP state information from MFP 10.When receiving the MFP state information (S1002), as the S906 of Figure 26, initialization error counter (S1004), and output MFP parameter (S1006).In the MFP state information that S1002 receives is the HTTP request that MFP 10 sends among the S408 at Figure 20.In response to this MFP state information, handle and return the MFP parameter as http response at S1006.This MFP parameter is received in the S908 of Figure 26, and is the parameter corresponding to MFP 10, and MFP 10 is as the transfer resource of the MFP state information that receives in S1002.
Transmit the MFP accepting state that indicates whether successfully to receive the MFP parameter from the MFP 10 that receives the MFP parameter.Therefore, based on this MFP accepting state, handle judging whether successfully to have received MFP parameter (S1008).Specifically, if this MFP accepting state is indicated when receiving (NG) unusually, processing is determined to take defeat, and if indicate normally reception (OK), handled with regard to definite successful execution reception.
If determine successfully not receive MFP parameter (S1008:NO), just handle value with reference to error counter so and judge whether to detect this situation and recur pre-determined number (being twice) (S1010) in this example embodiment by MFP 10.If this situation does not recur predetermined times (S1010:NO), handling so just increases error counter (S1012), and turns back to S1006.
Recur pre-determined number (S1010:YES) if successfully do not receive the state of parameter, handle so handle this scanning operation with regard to announcement session termination (finishing) (S1014), and the notification instruction that the output indication is finished unusually is as service status information (S1016).This notice at S1014 is handled reception by the session among the S818 of Figure 24.At S1016, processing is stored in this notification instruction the storage area that is used to store return information.Based on institute's canned data, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be sent to MFP 10 as notification instruction.This notification instruction is received in the S410 of Figure 20 by MFP 10.In MFP 10, determine to finish instruction (S412:YES) based on the command reception that in the S1014 of Figure 29, transmits and in the S818 of Figure 24, receive.
If determine that the MFP parameter is successfully received (S1008:YES) by MFP 10, so just determine in MFP 10, to have finished scanner (reading unit 13) and prepare, and handle finish (S1018) that announcement session is handled this scanner preparation.This notice is to handle by session among the S816 of Figure 21 to receive.
Then, handle the input request of data (S1018) of the data that output request transmission will be handled by function server 30.That is, processing will be imported request of data and be stored in the storage area (S1020) that is used for storing return information.Based on the data of being stored, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and be transferred to MFP 10 as the input request of data at the S734 of Figure 23.This input request of data is received at the S420 of Figure 20 by MFP 10, and then, the user operates MFP 10, and from these input data of MFP 10 transmission.
When receiving the input data (S1022) from the MFP 10 that receives the input request of data, if normally finish the reception (S1024:YES) of input data, so just output indicates the notification instruction of normally finishing as service status information (S1026), then, finishes scanning operation.At S1026, processing is stored in this notification instruction the storage area that is used to store return information.Based on institute's canned data, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and it is transferred to MFP 10 as notification instruction at the S734 of Figure 23.This notification instruction is to be received in the S423 of Figure 20 by MFP 10.
If normally do not finish the reception (S1024:NO) of input data, handle proceeding to S1016, output indicates the unusual notification instruction that receives as service status information, and finishes scanning operation.This notification instruction is to be received in the S423 of Figure 20 by MFP 10.
Print job
Below, will be described in the print job that starts among the S820 of Figure 24 with reference to Figure 30 and handle.
When print job starts, handle and wait for up to receiving the MFP state information from MFP 10.When receiving the MFP state information (S1102), as among the S906 of Figure 26, initialization error counter (S1104), then, output MFP parameter (S1106).In the MFP state information that S1102 receives is the HTTP request that comes from MFP 10 transmission among the S808 at Figure 21, and in response to the HTTP request this MFP parameter is returned as http response in S1106.This MFP parameter is received in the S908 of Figure 26, and is a parameter corresponding to MFP 10, and this MFP 10 is transmission sources of the MFP state information that receives in S1102.
Because the MFP accepting state whether indication MFP parameter is successfully received is to come from the MFP10 transmission that receives this MFP parameter, so handle just judge according to the MFP accepting state whether the MFP parameter is successfully received (S1108) by MFP 10, as among the S1008 of Figure 29.
If determine that this MFP parameter is not successfully received (S1108:NO) by MFP10, handle so and just judge based on the value of error counter whether this situation has recurred predetermined times (being twice) (S1110) in this example embodiment.If this situation recurs predetermined times (S1110:NO), handling so just increases error counter (S1112), and turns back to S1106.
If the state that this parameter is not successfully received recurs pre-determined number (S1110:YES), so just the termination (finishing) with print job is notified to session processing (S1114), then, output indicates the notification instruction of finishing unusually as service status information (S1116).Should notify the session of being passed through among the S826 of Figure 24 to handle at S1114 receives.Further, at S1116, notification instruction is stored in the storage area that is used for storing return information.Based on institute's canned data, produce the MFP control command at the S732 of Figure 22, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be transferred to MFP 10 as notification instruction.This notification instruction is received at the S510 of Figure 21 by MFP10.In MFP 10, based on determining that in the S1114 of Figure 30 information transmitted processing finishes (S1512:YES), and in S826, receive.
Received (S1108:YES) if determine the success of this MFP parameter by MFP 10, so in case receive the MFP parameter, handle and just to determine in MFP 10, to have finished printings (by record cell 14) and prepare, and printing is ready to complete is notified to session processing (S1118).This notice is handled by the session among the S824 of Figure 24 to be received.In this session was handled, in response to receiving this notice, the step S828 that carries out Figure 25 was to S836, and the transfer printing data.
Then, processing will be handled in (S832 of Figure 22) print data that produces in session and convert the cell data that can be handled by MFP 10 to, and data converted is stored in the storage area (S1120) that is used to store transmission information.At this, be stored in view data in the storage area based on S832 at Figure 25, MFP 10 produces the print command that can export.Then, processing is stored in the storage area that is used to store return information with this print command and operation ID and mailing address.Based on canned data like this, in the S732 of Figure 22, create the MFP control command, and in the S734 of Figure 23, be transferred to MFP 10 as dateout.This dateout is received in the S520 of Figure 21 by MFP 10.Based on this dateout, record cell 14 forms (printing) by the represented image of dateout.
The MFP 10 transmission MFP state informations that receive this print data are as HTTP request (S532 of Figure 21).
When the MFP 10 from the reception print data receives the MFP state information (S1122), if successfully received MFP state information (S1124:YES), handle just output so and indicate the notification instruction of normally finishing, and finish print job as service status information (S1126).At S1126, announcement information is stored in the storage area that is used to store return information.Based on institute's canned data, in the S732 of Figure 22, produce this MFP control command, and be transferred to MFP 10 (S734 of Figure 23) as notification instruction.This notification instruction is received at the S534 of Figure 21 by MFP 10.
If the reception of MFP state information does not complete successfully (S1124:NO), handle so and just proceed to S1116, at this, handle output and indicate the notification instruction of finishing unusually as service status information, then, finish print job.This notification instruction is received at the S534 of Figure 21 by MFP 10.
In the service provider system according to the example embodiment that as above disposes, MFP 10 realizes its function by receiving service from function server 30.This function is transmitted in S360-S386 (Figure 15) after the user specifies, and based on the parameter realization that in the S510 of the S410 of Figure 20 or Figure 21, receives from function server 30.Therefore, both made in the environment that increase/minimizing is served brokenly as in the common server on the internet, this system also is operable.
If as in the routine configuration, the information registering of relevant new service will be arrived MFP 10, and service increase/minimizing brokenly, if being used to carry out the explanation of the parameter of this service changed afterwards, if even the information registering of relevant service newly so just can receive this service to MFP 10.In order to handle this situation, can be by MFP 10 management because the parameter setting program that the variation of explanation causes.But in this configuration, big for the burden change of MFP 10, this point is undesirable.
According to above-mentioned example embodiment, the explanation of parameter was changed, the also user-specified parameters that can obtain by MFP 10 from function server 30, and can suppress burden to MFP 10.
Further, when obtaining parameter based on service I/F information 36, MFP 10 produces and is used for allowing the user from the parameter input window (S360 of Figure 15) corresponding to designated parameter the parameter of function itself, and in S362 and S364, by realizing by service I/F information 36 appointed method.This parameter input window allows the parameter of user's appointment corresponding to the function of MFP 10.
Therefore, in the parameter input window, will not be transfused to corresponding to the parameter of the function that can not carry out by MFP 10.Further, when indication during corresponding to the parameter of specified function, can the configuration parameter input window so that the parameter that the user can select MFP 10 fully to work.Then, the user can specify relative suitable parameters.
After the S352 of Figure 15, when receiving parameter request among the S314 at Figure 12, MFP 10 can allow user-specified parameters.
According to this example embodiment, when the user selects parameter, the user can be from shown parameter designated parameter.Therefore, the user can specify the parameter that needs when confirming indication.
If in the parameter of the input-output apparatus of the relevant MFP 10 of function server 30 1 side managements, so after this just can carry out management by function server 30.Therefore, need not MFP 10 stored parameters, also need not to produce service I/F information 36.So, will obtain good restraining for the burden of MFP 10.Further, in this case, MFP 10 can produce this parameter input window based on the service I/F information 36 that obtains from function server 30.Therefore, the MFP 10 own Unsupervised methods that are used for producing the parameter input window.In addition, the method/processing that produces this generation input window was modified, MFP 10 also can easily follow these and change, and need not to take specific measure for this reason.
If MFP 10 is configured to manage the parameter of the input-output apparatus of relevant MFP 10, so since these parameters can in the S908 of Figure 26, obtain from MFP 10, so the parameter of function server 30 Unsupervised MFP 10.So, in this configuration, both used a plurality of MFP 10, the data volume that function server 30 will be managed (storage) can not increase yet.
If MFP 10 is configured to manage the parameter relevant with the input-output apparatus of MFP 10, in the S362 of Figure 15 and S364, just produce the parameter input window so.In this case, allow the parameter input window of user's appointment, need not the service I/F information 36 that makes function server 30 parameter generating corresponding with it corresponding to the parameter of the function of MFP 10 in order to produce.So, can produce the burden of serving I/F information 36 by inhibit feature server 30.This burden be suppressed in the network that a plurality of MFP 10 are provided management function server 30 time especially effective.
Second embodiment
Configured in one piece
Below, with the image processing system of describing according to second example embodiment.
As shown in figure 31, the image processing system according to second embodiment comprises MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20, function server 30.These, image processing system also comprises the information management server 70 that is connected to network 1 by router five except top.In addition, in this second embodiment, a plurality of MFP
10 are connected to network 1.
Comprise the increased functionality unit 80 that is detachably connected to MFP 10 and be used for measuring ability enhancement unit 80 according to the MFP 10 of second embodiment and be installed to sensor installation 19 on the MFP 10.Sensor installation 19 configurations are used for exporting the testing result corresponding to the type of the increased functionality unit 80 that is connected to MFP 10.
This information management server 70 comprises control unit 71, communication unit 72 and memory cell 73.
Control unit 71 comprises CPU, ROM and RAM.CUP is according to the integrated operation that is stored in the program control information management server 70 among the ROM.
This memory cell 73 comprises the hard disk drive (not shown), and with storage on hard disk.This memory cell 73 comprises and is used for the description of equipment information memory cell 75 of direction memory information 74 that this point will be explained hereinafter.
Processing (second embodiment) by MFP 10 execution
Below, will the various processing of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 be described.Owing to approach the configuration of first example embodiment, will only describe a place different in detail with first embodiment according to the configuration of the MFP 10 of second example embodiment.
MFP handles
At first, will be described in the MFP that is repeated by control unit 71 after the startup MFP 10 with reference to Figure 32 handles.As mentioned above, indicate by identical reference number (step number) with similar processing of first example embodiment and step, and with the descriptions thereof are omitted for brevity.
When beginning MFP handles, processing execution initialization process (S102).In this initialization process, comprise that upgrading the processing of handling (will be described later) carries out as initialization process.
After finishing initialization process, the descriptive information of handling MFP10 self is transferred to information management server 70 (S154), and proceeds to S158.At S154, the descriptive information that is stored in the memory cell 16 is sent to the presumptive address of information management server 70 with the predetermined identifying information of MFP 10.
Then, handle in S158 startup explanation renewal processing (back description).It is the processing that is used for upgrading descriptive information when the incident of requirement renewal descriptive information takes place that descriptive information upgrades processing, and detailed process will be explained hereinafter.
After the beginning descriptive information upgrades processing, handle proceeding to S104, and execution is similar to the processing of carrying out in first example embodiment.
Upgrade and handle
Below, will be described in the renewal that starts among the S102 of Figure 32 with reference to Figure 33 and handle.
When beginning to upgrade processing, handle to open being used for being connected to the port (S102) that the server of firmware (not shown) is provided and can passes through network 1 Connection Service device.Should be noted that in second example embodiment configuration server is so that connect with the particular port of terminal equipment, and when latest firmware will be transferred to terminal equipment, begin to transmit firmware.
Then, handle time-out up to setting up communicate by letter (S1204:NO) with server.When setting up (S1204:YES),, handle the data (this example embodiment, this data represented described firmware) that receive from Server Transport at S1206 with being connected of server.
Then, handle to judge that whether the data that receive at S1206 are the data (S1208) that will be used for upgrading the data of MFP 10.In this example embodiment, if the firmware version that writes in the memory (flash memory) of control unit 11 than old by the version of the represented firmware of the data that receive, so just determines that the data that received are used for upgrading in S1206.
If determining described data is to be used for upgrading (S1208:YES), so at S1210, just handle the storage that will be received in the memory of control unit 11 (promptly, renewal is by the represented firmware of the data that received), then, at S1212, restart MFP10 itself, and finish to upgrade and handle.
Descriptive information upgrades to be handled
Below, will be described in the descriptive information renewal processing of the S158 startup of Figure 32 with reference to Figure 34.
When the beginning descriptive information upgraded processing, just handling, descriptive information transmission sign was set to zero (S1302).
Then, being provided with of handle judging that the descriptive information that is stored in the memory cell 16 represents represented firmware version in the clauses and subclauses clauses and subclauses whether with the memory of control unit 11 in the version consistent (S1304) of the firmware stored.In this example embodiment, information as an illustration, except the clauses and subclauses of in first embodiment, describing, also comprise represent firmware version clauses and subclauses (promptly, " Firmware_Version " label), the label of presentation function enhancement unit 80 (promptly, " Option_Info " label), as shown in Figure 35.At S1304, in descriptive information, retrieval is clipped in the part in " Firmware_Version " label, and this part and the firmware version that writes in the memory of control unit 11 are compared.
If represent the clauses and subclauses and the firmware version in the memory inconsistent (S1304:NO) of descriptive information firmware version, handle so just use the value that is stored in the firmware version in the memory to rewrite the firmware version of representative in descriptive information clauses and subclauses (promptly, the value of " Firmware_Version " label) (S1306), descriptive information transmission sign is set to 1 (S1308), and proceeds to S1310.
If represent the clauses and subclauses consistent with the version of the firmware of in memory, writing (S1304:YES) of descriptive information firmware version, handle so and just skip S1306 and S1308, and proceed to S1310.
Then, based on the state of the sensor installation 19 that is detected, identification is connected to the type (S1310) of the increased functionality unit 80 of MFP 10.Should be noted that if increased functionality unit 80 is not connected to MFP 10 just detecting " not having the unit " will connect.
Then, handle to judge the descriptive information that is stored in the memory cell 16 represented be provided with representative in the clauses and subclauses be connected to MFP 10 increased functionality unit 80 clauses and subclauses whether with the type consistent (S1312) of the increased functionality unit of in S1310, discerning 80.Specifically, processing is clipped in the part of also representing between " Option " label corresponding to the clauses and subclauses of the increased functionality unit 80 that is connected to MFP 10 in the retrieval of " Option_Info " part, and judges whether the value of being retrieved is consistent with the type of discerning in S1310.
If determine the clauses and subclauses and the Type-Inconsistencies (S1312:NO) according to the testing result of sensor installation 19 discerned of representative by the type of the increased functionality unit 80 of descriptive information representative, just handling so uses the type of discerning in S1310 to be overwritten in the clauses and subclauses (S1314) of the representative increased functionality unit 80 in the descriptive information, descriptive information transmission sign is set to 1 (S1316), and proceeds to S1318.
If determine the clauses and subclauses and the type consistent (S1312:YES) according to the testing result of sensor installation 19 discerned of representative, handle so and just skip S1314 and S1316, and proceed to S1318 by the type of the increased functionality unit 80 of described descriptive information representative.
Then, processing determines at S1318 whether described descriptor transmission sign is set to 1 (1).If this sign is set to 1 (S1318:YES), just handle so that this descriptive information is transferred to information management server 70 (S1320) with the identification information of MFP 10, and ending message upgrades processing.In this step, the predetermined ID of MFP 10 (unique ID) transmits with descriptive information as protection information.
If described descriptive information transmission sign is set to 0 (S1318:NO), handles so and just skip S1320, and finish this descriptive information and upgrade processing.
Session is handled
In handling according to the session of second example embodiment, when based on " Link_Location " of service definition information 25 when beginning to serve (S202), the service enabled instruction that will be transferred to this address of service is transferred to function server 30 with the identification information (unique ID) of the MFP 10 that is added.The identification information that adds the service enabled instruction to being received in function server shown in Figure 22 is handled with the service enabled instruction, and after carrying out session processing shown in Figure 24 in the UI operation by reference.
Then, handle and proceed to S204, after this, carry out being similar to the processing of carrying out among first embodiment.
The processing that function server 30 is carried out
Below, will the various processing of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30 be described.Because these are handled major part and approach the processing of first embodiment, so only describe different parts.
The UI operation
Begin UI operation at the S804 of Figure 24 according to second embodiment.In first embodiment,, optionally carry out UI operation 1 or UI operation 2 according to the parameter whether function server 30 manages the input equipment of relevant MFP 10.In a second embodiment, only start the single UI operation that describes below.Notice that the step identical with the step of UI operation 1 and UI operation 2 uses identical step number to represent, and omits its detailed description.
When beginning UI operation, as shown in figure 36, handle to suspend receiving the MFP job instruction from MFP 10 up to handling.When receiving MFP job instruction when inquiry (S902), at S972, handle the transput declaration information request, this request is used for asking the descriptive information of the MFP10 of relevant transmission sources as the MFP job instruction inquiry that receives in S902.In this embodiment, for the identifying information that before starting the UI operation, adds the service enabled instruction that in S702, has received to, this descriptive information request request is by the descriptive information of the MFP 10 of identification information identification, and this identification information is transferred to information management server 70.When receiving this descriptive information request, information management server 70 just returns the descriptive information about the MFP10 that discerns by identification information.
When the described descriptive information request of transmission, and during from information management server 70 returned specification information (S974), handle proceeding to S934.Afterwards, handle the processing that is similar to UI operation 1 and UI operation 2.
The information management server of information management server 70 is handled
Below, will describe log-on message management server 70 with reference to Figure 37 and handle by the information management server that the control unit 71 of information management server 70 is carried out afterwards.
When the start information management servers process, handle and suspend up to receive data (S1402) from the outside.When receiving data, handle and judge whether the data that received are the descriptive informations (S1404) that come from MFP 10 transmission.This descriptive information is to come from MFP 10 transmission at the S132 of the S154 of Figure 32 or Figure 34.
If determining the data that received is the descriptive informations (S1404:YES) that come from MFP 10 transmission, handles the descriptive information (S1406) that just registration so receives so, and turn back to S1402.At S1406, register this descriptive information so that be stored in explicitly in the description of equipment information memory cell 75 of memory cell 73 at the descriptive information of S1402 reception and the identification information (unique ID) that receives with this descriptive information.Should be noted that if the information that is received is identical with the identification information of being stored the descriptive information corresponding to this identification information will be updated to the new description information that receives with this identification information so.
If determine that received data is not descriptive information (S1408:NO), handle so and just judge whether these data are the descriptive information requests (S1408) that send from function server 30.This descriptive information request is to come from function server 30 transmission in the S972 of Figure 36.
If determining the data that received is the descriptive information requests (S1408:YES) from function server 30, just handles that so the descriptive information of asking is transferred to function server 30 (S1410), and turn back to S1402.At S1410, based on the identification information corresponding to this descriptive information request, according to the identification information of this identification information retrieve stored in equipment identification information memory cell 75, and the identification information that will so retrieve turns back to function server 30.
If determine that the data received are not descriptive information request (S1408:NO), just handle so in the processing (that is, other processing) of S1412 execution, and turn back to S1402 corresponding to received data.
According to above-described image processing system, except the advantage that is similar to first embodiment, also obtain following advantage.
For example, function server 30 is to the descriptive information (S972 of Figure 36) of the relevant MFP 10 of information management server 70 requests, and based on the descriptive information that transmits in response to this request, I/F information 36 is served in generation.Thereby, the descriptive information of function server 30 Unsupervised relevant a plurality of MFP 10.Therefore, both made to have a plurality of MFP on network, the data volume that function server 30 will be managed can not increase yet.
Both made to MFP 10 and added new function, or function is enhanced (for example, by upgrading firmware) afterwards, also only need by the descriptive information on the lastest imformation management server 70 correspondingly, whole system just can be handled the variation of the function of MFP 10.
According to the configuration of second embodiment, owing to the relevant MFP of holistic management on information management server 70
10 descriptive information is so only need to be stored on the information management server 70 descriptive information just passable.Therefore, the system that is different from function server 30 management descriptive informations, both made in system, to have a plurality of function servers, can have only these descriptive informations of information management server 70 storage, and need not to make each of a plurality of function servers 30 all to store this descriptive information.Correspondingly, need not to notify described a plurality of function server 30 these descriptive informations, thereby can suppress the burden (volume of services and processing) of MFP 10 about the notice descriptive information.
In addition, according to top configuration, information management server 70 can be by being stored in the descriptive information (S1406 of Figure 37) of managing MFP 10 memory cell 73 from the MFP10 reception notification and with descriptive information.Further, can be transferred to function server 30 (S1410 of Figure 37) in response to the descriptive information that will so register from the request of function server 30.
Moreover, in the superincumbent configuration, the predetermined instant after MFP 10 starts, MFP 10 can indicate this descriptive information.Specifically, when the descriptive information in MFP 10 is modified (S1304 of Figure 34, S1312 or S1320), or after MFP10 starts at once, just can indicate this descriptive information.
Therefore, under the situation in front, when using MFP 10, when changing descriptive information, when making this modification/renewal, just notify this descriptive information by modification/update functions.In addition, the descriptive information of MFP 10 can be registered to information management server 70 by its notice.Further, in this case, 10 of MFP indicate this descriptive information when it is modified, and are not all to carry out when function server 30 requests are served at MFP10 at every turn.Therefore, can be suppressed at MFP 10 communications burden (volume of services and processing) between MFP 10 and function server 30 when function server 30 request services.
In the latter case, when MFP 10 at first was activated, its descriptive information was not registered to information management server 70.But, when MFP10 starts, indicate this descriptive information automatically.Therefore, the descriptive information of the MFP 10 of new startup also can be registered by notice.In addition, in this case, the communications burden in the time of also can being suppressed at MFP 10 from function server 30 reception services between MFP 10 and function server 30.
It should be noted that the configuration according to these embodiment only is exemplary, and can make amendment in a different manner.
For example, in a second embodiment, use MFP 10 as image processing equipment.But MFP 10 only is an example, and can adopt any imaging device that can receive service from function server 30 in this system.This equipment comprises printer, scanner, facsimile equipment or the like.
In the described example embodiment, in the S362 of Figure 15 or S364, produce the parameter input window in the above.But the method that produces described parameter input window is not restricted to method recited above.
According to this example embodiment, function server 30 transmits the parameter request instruction at the S904 of Figure 26 and 27 with service I/F information 36.But this parameter request instruction and service I/F information 36 can use the equipment that is different from function server 30 to transmit (a plurality of equipment of individual equipment or interrelated work).
In the embodiment described above, MFP 10 at first receives the top entry of the service definition information 25 that is used for selecting classification, and the information on services 25 that receives relevant selected classification is then selected service to allow the user.But this configuration only is a kind of typical configuration, and for example, MFP 10 can dispose and be used for once receiving many (for example all) service definition information that are stored in the service definition memory cell 24.
As parameter, 36 requests of service I/F information can not only be confined to resolution, can use various clauses and subclauses.Selection, toning density (that is gradation of drop-out colour) or the voice output amount of monochrome/coloured image for example, can be set.
In this image processing system, a MFP 10, a LIST SERVER 20 and a function server 30 have only been used.This configuration only is to be used for simplifying a kind of Typical Disposition that whole system is described, and this system configuration can be made amendment in a different manner.That is, for example, can there be a plurality of MFP10.In this case, a plurality of MFP 10 receive service definition information 25 from public directory server 20, and can be from public function server 30 request service definition information.
Can also in image processing system, use a plurality of LIST SERVERs 20.In this case, for example, can use the LIST SERVER of the top entry that is used for transmitting service definition information 25 and be used for transmitting another LIST SERVER 20 of the service definition information 25 of every kind.
Further, can use a plurality of function servers 30.For example, can use another function server 30 that is used for transmitting the function server 30 of service I/F information 36 and is used for the service of carrying out.And, for example, can use to be used for carrying out the session function server of handling 30 and another function server that is used for carrying out the operation processing.Alternatively, for example, can use the function server that is used for carrying out service A, be used for carrying out another function server of service B, C and D and be used for carrying out another function server of serving E and F .....In this case, can transmit service I/F information 36 transmits corresponding to the service I/F information that can carry out service so that carry out the function server 30 of a certain service.Alternatively, service I/F information can be by the function server transmission of not carrying out corresponding to the service of transmission I/F information.
Alternatively, can config directory server 20 or part LIST SERVER 20 and/or function server 30 or partial function server 30 as individual equipment.
Further alternatively, can in the MFP 10 of image processing system, realize LIST SERVER 20 or part LIST SERVER 20 and/or function server 30 or partial function server 30.
In above-mentioned second embodiment, information management server 70 is described as the equipment that separates with function server 30.Information management server 70 and function server 30 can also be integrated into individual equipment.In this case, if function server 30 is registered in descriptive information in the memory cell 33 when the notice that receives from MFP 10, function server 30 just can be managed the descriptive information of each MFP 10 so.Then, based on the descriptive information of registration like this, can produce service I/F information 36 for the MFP 10 that service is provided.
In a second embodiment, based on the descriptive information that comes from the MFP10 transmission descriptive information is registered to information management server 70.Should be noted that this registration can be directly carries out to information management server 70, maybe can carry out by operation information management server 70.
According to second embodiment, configuration MFP 10 with in MFP 10, change descriptive information (S1320 of Figure 34) and after MFP 10 starts (S154 of Figure 32) indicate described descriptive information immediately.This configuration only can be modified to one of them moment exercise notice in the moment in the above.For example, when this configuration is modified so that carry out the descriptive information notice immediately after MFP 10 starts (S154 of Figure 32),, in MFP 10, just periodically carry out the descriptive information indication so if periodically start and finish MFP 10.Therefore, if descriptive information was changed during this cycle, so with regard to the descriptive information after notifying changed, and the information of so revising can also be in the enrollment status of information management server 70 registrations.
Further, in the superincumbent configuration, when the descriptive information among the MFP 10 has changed (S1320 of Figure 34), or in MFP 10 startups (S154 of Figure 32) at once, produce described descriptive information.But if after MFP 10 starts, the timing from MFP 10 output descriptive information notices can be to be set to any moment so.
The 3rd embodiment
Below, with the communication system of describing according to the 3rd embodiment.Figure 38 is the block diagram that has shown according to the configuration of the communication system of the 3rd embodiment.Should be noted that those unit identical with first and/or second embodiment are endowed identical reference number, and the descriptions thereof are omitted for brevity.As shown in figure 38, described communication system comprises a plurality of digital copiers (after this, being called MFP, multifunction peripheral) 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30, and they connect by WAN (wide area network) 1 (for example, internet).Specifically, MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are connected to WAN 1 by router two, 3 and 4 respectively.
Router two is transmitted and is communicated by letter at the node of the subnet that comprises MFP 10 grades and the data between nodes of WAN.The grouping of the equipment (for example MFP 10) of the device transmission from WAN to the subnet, router allows transmission as the grouping for the request responding of the equipment on from the equipment of subnet to WAN1, and stops other grouping of transmission.Use this configuration, router two has played the effect of fire compartment wall, thereby has prevented from the undelegated visit of WAN 1 to MFP 10.
By relatively Figure 38 and Fig. 1 should be appreciated that according to the Typical Disposition of the 3rd embodiment shown in Figure 38, existence is connected respectively to a plurality of router twos of WAN1, and for each router two, a plurality of MFP 10 link to each other with dns server 40.
When the operating unit 12 of operating MFP 10 as the user showed the services selection window with input instruction, the control unit 11 of MFP 10 obtained service definition information 25 by communication unit 15 from LIST SERVER.After obtaining service definition information 25, control unit 11 shows that on the display 19a of display unit 19 the services selection window (referring to Figure 39 A and 39B) of indication type or service selects to serve with the user who requires MFP 10.
In LIST SERVER 20, can for example be classified into types such as " print service ", " copy application service ", " information provides service " by the service that function server 30 is carried out.In the services selection window, at first, a plurality of classifications (referring to Figure 39 A) above showing.When user's operating operation unit 12 when selecting wherein a kind of shown classification, the service that belongs to selected classification is displayed on (referring to Figure 39 B) in the services selection window.
In order to realize top processing, in service definition information memory cell 24, stored corresponding to the service definition information 25 of the services selection window that is used for selecting service type (that is Figure 39 A) with corresponding to the service definition information 25 of the services selection window that is used for selecting serving.The former is called the top entry of services selection information 25.
Figure 40 and 41 has shown the Typical Disposition of service definition information 25.Specifically, Figure 40 has shown the data structure of the top entry of service definition information 25, and Figure 41 has for example shown " information provides service " as an indicated wherein kind in services selection window shown in Figure 39 A.
Shown in Figure 40 and 41, use XML (extend markup language) to describe service definition information 25.The definition of this sign is similar to the sign of indication in first embodiment, and indicates in Fig. 3.
When MFP 10 receives the top entry (referring to Figure 40) of service definition information 25, such services selection window shown in the displayed map 39A on its display 19a.Specifically, as title, show " directory service " on the top, viewing area of display 19a.In the title bottom,, show " print service " " copy application service " and " information provides service " as optional classification clauses and subclauses (Link_Title).
Each clauses and subclauses is relevant with ID corresponding to the service definition information 25 of classification (Link_Location).For example, when the selection of clauses and subclauses was the signal of fixing under condition shown in Figure 39 A with input indication in operating operation unit 12, control unit 11 showed services selection window corresponding to selected classification based on the ID corresponding to the service definition information 25 of selected clauses and subclauses on display 19a.
If, in services selection window shown in Figure 39 A, selected " information provides service ", so just such shown in Figure 39 B, on display 19a, show the services selection window that service is provided corresponding to information.Specifically, as title (Title), the top display string " information provides service " in display 19a viewing area.Below exercise question,, show " Blog search service ", " news provides service ", " X-type information provides service " and " Y-type information provides service " as optional clauses and subclauses (Link_Title).Should be noted that if can not once show all clauses and subclauses the services selection window just is configured to rotatablely so, and once only shows part tabulation because the viewing area of display 19a is limited.
Each clauses and subclauses on the services selection window are with to be used for the URL information (Link_Location) of the service of calling relevant.When user's operating operation unit 12 was selected with the fixed strip purpose, control unit passed through the URL of communication unit 14 visits corresponding to clauses and subclauses, and received the service that is provided by server (that is, function server 30) at URL.Should be noted that in the superincumbent situation that MFP 10 visit dns servers 30 are visited URL then once to obtain IP (Internet Protocol) address of purpose URL.
Below, representation function server 30.Function server 30 is similar to the function server of first embodiment, and comprises control unit 31, communication unit 32 and memory cell 33.Control unit 31 comprises CPU, ROM and RAM (not shown), and the integrated operation of controlled function server 30.Attention is stored among the ROM by the program that CPU carries out.
In addition, service I/F information 36 is used for carrying out the required parameter information of service to MFP 10 requests.In service I/F information stores zone 34, many service I/F information 36 have been stored.
When MFP 10 received I/F information 36, it showed that based on the I/F information that is received (referring to Figure 42 A-42C), thereby the request user is provided with parameter for the parameter input window of the indication parameter that will be provided with on display 19a.
Here, will the Typical Disposition of service I/F information 36 be described.Figure 43 and 44 has shown the Typical Disposition of service I/F information 36.Figure 43 is the example corresponding to the service I/F information 36 of blog service.According to the service of the blog among this embodiment, handle and on a certain blog website, search for the message that comprises by the keyword of user's appointment in the disclosed post message, produce the print data of the content of representing this post message, and make record cell 14 print these images.Figure 44 is the example that the service I/F information 36 of service is provided corresponding to local news.Provide service according to local news, obtain local news data in the news data of processing from be included in a certain database corresponding to user's data designated, produce the print data of the expression news data that obtains, and make record cell 14 print data specified and that obtain.
Like that, service I/F information 36 is to use the SGML that is similar to above-mentioned service definition information 25 to describe shown in Figure 43 and 44.The definition and identical (referring to Fig. 4) of in first embodiment, using of the label that in Figure 43 and example shown in 44, uses.The master data of Fig. 4 is identical with the master data of service definition information shown in Figure 3 25.
Service I/F information 36 is received by MFP 10, and shows parameter input window such shown in Figure 42 A on display 19a.Specifically, as showing title, show " Blog service " on the top, viewing area of display 19a.In the bottom of title,, show " search key 1 " as input clauses and subclauses (Disp_Name).Further, in the bottom of " search key 1 ", show input field corresponding to the search key of " search key 1 ".In this input field, shown the character string of user's input.
(Disp except " search key 1 ", also has " search key 2 " and " search key 3 " (referring to Figure 43) as the input clauses and subclauses relevant with " Blog search service ".But, in this embodiment,, once can not show all clauses and subclauses because the viewing area of display 19a is limited.
Therefore, in MFP 10, show arrow (triangle), and the parameter input window is configured to and can rolls by the operation arrow in the both sides of the input clauses and subclauses display position of display 19a according to the 3rd embodiment.That is, pass through, so just demonstrate the parameter input window of importing clauses and subclauses corresponding to another according to operation if the user indicates operating unit 12 to roll on display 19a.According to the 3rd embodiment, the display format of input clauses and subclauses " search key 2 " and " search key 3 " is identical with the display format of clauses and subclauses " search key 1 ".
If MFP 10 receives I/F information 36 shown in Figure 44, so just on display 19a, show parameter input window such shown in Figure 42 B.
In the parameter input window shown in Figure 42 B, as showing title (Title), show on top " local news provides service ", and,, show in " zone " as input clauses and subclauses (Disp_Name) in its underpart.Below " zone ", show should " zone " optional clauses and subclauses (value of Disp, ", " Kanto ", " Tokai " etc.Be similar to other clauses and subclauses, in the time on display 19a, once can not showing all clauses and subclauses, the parameter input window be configured to for example can roll by above-below direction.
As the input clauses and subclauses (Disp_Name) of " local news provides service ", except " zone ", " pre-payment card number " and " page number that comprises information " also is available (referring to Figure 44).Because the viewing area of display 19a is limited, once can not show all clauses and subclauses.
Therefore, in MFP 10, be similar to " Blog search service ", show arrow (triangle) in the both sides of the input clauses and subclauses display position of display 19a, and the configuration parameter input window be so that left and right directions can roll according to the 3rd embodiment.If the user so just shows the parameter input window of importing clauses and subclauses corresponding to another according to indication by operating unit 12 indication reliable display on display 19a.For example, if the user indicates operating unit 12 image that rolls to the right, so with regard to the image shown in the displayed map 42C (about input clauses and subclauses " pre-payment card number ").
In the parameter input window of clauses and subclauses " pre-payment card number ", shown the input field that is used to import the prepayment card number.In this input field, shown the character string (that is pre-payment card number) by operating unit 12 inputs by the user.Though do not illustrate, in " page number " parameter input window, shown the input field of importing the page number when printing news by the user.
Be transferred to program (program of function server 30) in the value of each parameter input window (comprising input of character string) input, carry out work in response to these parameter values when this program will and be imported fixed signal in user's operating operation unit 12 in purpose URL (action (Action)).
Below, with the communication that is described between MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and the function server 30.According to example embodiment,, used HTTP1.1 (HTTP: HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)) as the communication protocol that is used for transmission/reception data between MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30.MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are by the message indication relevant with http response with the HTTP request or in response to instruction.
Specifically, MFP 10 sends the transfer instruction with message relevant with the POST order by the POST order that sends the HTTP request to LIST SERVER 20 or function server 30.On the other hand, server 20 orders relevant message response in inquiry with 30 by the POST with the HTTP request that comes from MFP 10 transmission, if so that there is the MFP instruction, just the message with the http response that transmits in response to the HTTP request that receives from server 20 and 30 is relevant for it.
These instructions be classified into from MFP 10 to each server 20 and 30 instruction (that is server instruction) and from the instruction of server 20 or 30 to MFP 10 (that is, MFP instruction).Should be noted that the communication of two types of instructions of configuration is so that MFP 10 serves as client (that is, transmitting the equipment of HTTP request) in http communication.Use this configuration, both made between MFP 10 and server 20 or 30 router two is installed, can not cover from the transmission of server 20 or 30 to MFP 10.
Specifically, MFP 10 uses the message relevant with the POST order of HTTP request that instruction is transferred to LIST SERVER 20 or function server 30.On the other hand, server 20 with 30 each all in response to the relevant inquiry of POST order of the HTTP request that has come from MFP 10 transmission, instruct (if present) by transmitting MFP on the message that instruction is attached to http response.
Below, will be described in the processing of carrying out by control unit 11,21 and 31 respectively that provide in MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and the function server 30.Should be noted that MFP 10 carries out the MFP that is similar among first embodiment and handles (referring to Fig. 5), thereby, be not described in detail at this.
According to the 3rd embodiment,, for example, show the services selection window shown in Figure 39 A at S108 (referring to Fig. 5).
According to the 3rd embodiment,, carry out service shown in Figure 46 and receive processing at S116 (referring to Fig. 5).In this case, URL information (that is, the URL information of describing, or the URL that manually imports) is set as independent variable (argument) in the Link_Location of service definition information 25 label.
Describe handle according to the services selection of the 3rd embodiment before, the operation of the LIST SERVER during with the request that is described in the service list request (referring to Fig. 5) transmitted among the S106 and reception service definition information 25.
LIST SERVER is handled
Figure 45 has shown that the LIST SERVER that the control unit 21 by LIST SERVER 20 repeats handles.
The control unit 21 of LIST SERVER 20 is waited for the HTTP request that receives at S3201.When receiving the HTTP request, handle and proceed to S3202, at this, handle and judge whether the HTTP request that is received is the service list request.If the request that is received is service list request (S3202:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3203, manage herein from the top entry of the service definition information storage area 24 retrieval service definition information 25 of memory cell 23.Then, handle to proceed to S3207, and the http response that will comprise service definition information 25 is sent to the sender of HTTP request.After finishing S3207, control unit 21 finishes LIST SERVER shown in Figure 45 to be handled.
If determine that the request that is received is not service list request (S3202:NO), handle just proceeding to S3204 so.At S3204, handle whether the HTTP request of judging in that S3201 received is the request of transmission service definition information.If determine that described request is used to transmit service definition information (S3204:YES), handle just proceeding to S3205 so, and define information 25 from the service definition information storage area 24 retrieval institutes requested service of memory cell 23.Then, handle to proceed to S3207, and the http response that will comprise institute's retrieval service definition information 25 is transferred to the sender of HTTP request.Then, processing finishes the LIST SERVER processing.
If determine that the HTTP request is not the request (S3205:NO) of service definition information, handle and continue S3206, and execution is corresponding to the predetermined process of the HTTP request that receives at S3201.Then, the processing http response that will comprise result is transferred to the sender (S3207) of HTTP request.After this, finishing LIST SERVER handles.
Service receives to be handled
Below, will be described in the service of carrying out among the S116 of Fig. 5 referring to Figure 46 and receive processing according to the 3rd embodiment.
When beginning service reception processing, handle by communication unit 15 transmission service enabled instructions (HTTP request) to the purpose URL that is provided as independent variable as mentioned above.Then, by the service processing of carrying out at the function server of purpose URL corresponding to URL information (that is the service of selecting by the user).
After this, handle and proceed to S3302,, handle from the function server 30 of purpose URL and receive session id at this.Should be noted that session id is the S3405 generation (referring to Figure 48) in the function server of being carried out by control unit 31 is handled, and be transferred to transmit leg MFP 10 at S3409.
At S3303, handle to " MFP instruct inquiry " of function server 30 transmission as the signal that is used for inquiring about the instruction (MFP instruction) that whether has whereabouts MFP 10.Should be noted that this " MFP instruct inquiry " is included in the session id that receives among the S3302.
After carrying out S3303, control unit 11 receives response signal (that is, HTFP responds) for " MFP instruct inquiry " that transmit at S3304 in S3303, and whether judgement is that " job initiation is instructed " (S3305) for the response of " MFP instruct inquiry ".In S3603 that carries out by control unit 31 or S3703, export " job initiation instruction " (back description).Should " job initiation instruction " comprise the communication objective URL that is used for discerning the operation ID of operation and indicates the purpose URL when carrying out operation.If determine this instruction be " job initiation instruction " (S3305:YES), control unit 11 is carried out S3306 so, keeps the required resource of this operation of execution at this.Then, handle proceeding to S3307, and carry out the job initiation processing (referring to Figure 47) of appointment.Then, handle proceeding to S3308, suspend predetermined interval, and proceed to S3303.
If determining described instruction is not that " the job initiation instruction " (S3305:NO), is handled so and just proceeded to S3309, and judge whether the response for " MFP instruct inquiry " is " instruction is finished in operation ".Should be noted that this " instruction is finished in operation " is (back is described) of exporting in S3610 that is carried out by control unit 31 or S3708.Described " instruction is finished in operation " comprises the operation ID that is used to discern this operation.
If determining described instruction is " instruction is finished in operation ", control unit 11 just proceeds to S3310 so, at this, be input to corresponding to the operation of this operation ID finishing this operation finishing instruction, and the releasing resource.After this, handle proceeding to S3308, suspend predetermined interval, and proceed to S3303.
If determine described instruction be " instruction is finished in operation " (S3309:NO), handle so and just proceed to S3311, and judge whether the response for " MFP instruct inquiry " is " routine is inquired about sign on ".Should notice that " conventional inquiry enabled instruction " is (the back description) of exporting in the S3609 that is carried out by control unit 31.
If determine described instruction be " conventional inquiry sign on " (S3311:YES), control unit 11 is just carried out S3312, and based on the information that is included in " conventional inquiry enabled instruction ", with in the conventional searching and managing table of searching and managing information stores in being stored in memory 16 (referring to Figure 52).After carrying out S3312, control unit 11 is carried out S3308, at this, handles and suspends predetermined interval, and proceed to S3303.
If determine described instruction be not " conventional inquiry enabled instruction " (S3311:NO), control unit 11 proceeds to S3313 and judges for the response of " MFP instruct inquiry " whether represent " not having to instruct " so.
If determine to represent " not instruction " (S3311:NO) for the response of " MFP instruct inquiry ", processing just proceeding to S3308 so, the time-out predetermined space, and turn back to S3303.If determine not represent " not instruction " (S3313:NO) for the response of " MFP instruct inquiry ", processing just proceeds to the S3314 judgement and whether represents " instruction is finished in service " for the response of " MFP instruct inquiry " so.It should be noted that this " instruction is finished in service " is to export in S3611 that control unit 31 is carried out or S3709.
If determine described response representative " instruction is finished in service " (S3314:YES), control unit 11 is just finished service and is received processing so.Do not represent " instruction is finished in service " (S3314:NO) if handle definite this response, handle just proceeding to S3315 so, at this, error process (for example, on display unit 19a, show error message, or the like).After this, processing finishes service reception processing.
Assignment is handled
Below, will be described in detail in the assignment of carrying out among the S3307 with reference to Figure 17 and handle.
When the beginning assignment was handled, control unit 11 judged " job initiation instruction " whether to be " UI (user interface) " job initiation instruction (S3351).Should be noted that " UI job initiation instruction " is the instruction that is used for notifying the UI equipment (for example, operating unit 12) that offers MFP 10 to begin to be used.
If determine described instruction be " UI job initiation instruction " (S3351:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3352, and begin this UI operation (referring to Figure 54), and finish assignment and start processing with output operation ID and the communication objective URL of operation.Then, the UI operation communication process of beginning between MFP 10 and function server 30.Should be noted that this UI operation and service receive the processing executed in parallel.
If determine described " job initiation instruction " be " UI job initiation instruction " (S3351:NO), handle so and just proceed to S3353, at this, handle and judge whether " job initiation instruction " is " importing job initiation instructs ".Should be noted that this " input job initiation instruction " is to be used to refer to bring into use input equipment (that is, reading unit 13 or sound input unit 17).
Specifically, at S3353, when (a) " job initiation instruction " is to indicate the reading unit (scanner) of MFP 10 13 that " the scanner job initiation instruction " of the service that is provided by function server 30 is provided, or (b) should " job initiation instruction " be indication sound input unit 17 when " the voice job initiation instruction " of the service that provides by function server 30 is provided, determine that " job initiation instruction " is " importing job initiation instructs ".
If determining " job initiation instruction " is " input job initiation instruction ", so, handle just proceeding to S3354, the communication objective URL of output operation ID and operation is starting this input operation, and the initiating task of end appointment.Should be noted that when starting the input operation, for input equipment (that is, reading unit 13 or sound input unit 17) is specified in the input operation.
As top, between MFP 10 and function server 30, start input operation communication process.Specifically, when beginning to import operation, control unit 11 uses input equipment (that is, reading unit 13 or sound input unit 17) to produce by function server 30 data designated.The data that produced are transferred to function server 30, use predetermined service (for example, data are openly served) at this.Should be noted that described input operation and service receive the processing executed in parallel.
If determining " job initiation instruction " is not " the input job initiation is handled ", control unit 11 just proceeds to S3355 so, at this, handles and judges whether " job initiation instruction " is " output operation enabled instruction ".Should be noted that " input job initiation instruction " indication brings into use output equipment (that is, record cell 14 or voice output unit 18).
Specifically, if (a) " job initiation instruction " is " the print job enabled instruction " that the service that is provided by function server 30 is provided indication record cell (printer) 14, or (b) " job initiation instruction " is " the loud speaker job initiation instruction " that the service that is provided by function server 30 is provided in indication voice output unit 18, and so just definite " job initiation instruction " is " output operation enabled instruction ".
If determine described instruction be " output operation enabled instruction " (S3355:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3356, at this transmission operation ID and the communication objective URL of operation, and beginning output operation (referring to Figure 67), and the job initiation that finishes appointment is handled.Should be noted that when starting output operation, should specify the output equipment (that is, record cell 14 or voice output unit 18) that is controlled.Thereby, the communication of beginning output operation between MFP 10 and function server 30.This output operation also receives with service and handles executed in parallel.
If determine " job initiation instruction " be not " output operation enabled instruction " (S3355:NO), control unit 11 does not just begin operation (that is, UI operation, input operation, or output operation) so, and finishes the job initiation processing of appointment.
Function server is handled
Below, describe by function server 30 and carry out the function server processing that is used for receiving from the service enabled instruction of MFP 10.Figure 48 has shown the flow chart of the function server processing of being carried out by control unit 31.For every type service provides the function server processing.
When the beginning function server is handled, handle and suspend up to receiving HTTP request (S3401).When receiving the HTTP request by communication unit 15, handle and proceed to S3402, at this, judge whether the HTTP request that receives is the service enabled instruction in S3401.If determining the HTTP request that is received is service enabled instruction (S3402:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3405, at this, handle producing session id, produce the transmission data that comprise this session id, and start the processing that service is provided.For example, be used for accepting the use registration (for example, blog search service, local news provide service or the like) that periodicity provides the service of information, so just carry out the described enrolled for service of Figure 50 (back is described) if this function server is handled.After this, processing proceeds to S3409.
If determining this HTTP request is not service enabled instruction (S3402:NO), handles so and proceed to S3406, and judge whether the HTTP request that receives at S3401 is " instruction is finished in service ".If determine described HTTP request be " instruction is finished in service " (S3406:YES), handle and proceed to S3407, at this, handle releasing session id and resource, and proceed to S3409.
If determine that this HTTP request is not " instruction is finished in service ", handle just execution service control information so and handle (referring to Figure 49).At S3409, handle to produce the http response that comprises the transmission data that in S3405, S3407 or S3408, produced, and the http response that will so produce is sent to MFP10, this MFP1 is the sender of HTTP request.
After carrying out S3409, handle judging whether to carry out this service control information processing (S3410).Be performed (S3410:YES) if determine this service control information processing, handle so just be provided with indication in corresponding to the storage address of session id or operation ID " transmission " sign of these data (S3411), and end functions server process.If determine that also not carrying out the service control information handles (S3410:NO), handle so and just skip S3411, and the end functions server process.
The service control information is handled
Below, handle referring to the service control information that the flow chart description of Figure 49 is carried out in the S3408 that function server is handled.
When carrying out service control information processing, handle the information that judges whether to exist the service that to be transferred at S3501.Specifically, handle to judge corresponding to the information of realization whether be included in the HTTP request that in S3401, receives by function server 30 by the processing of the service of session id or operation ID sign.
If the HTTP request does not comprise the information (S3501:NO) of the service of will sending to (processing), handle just proceeding to S3506 so.To be transferred to the information (S3501:YES) of service if determine existence, handle just proceeding to S3502 so.At S3502, processing and identification is corresponding to the processing of session id or operation ID.That is, in this step, processing and identification is as the processing that is included in the purpose of the HTTP information requested that is received.
Can not be identified (S3503:YES) if this purpose is handled, control just produces error notification information as transmission data (S3504) so, and finishes this service control information and handle.Can be identified (S3503:YES) if this purpose is handled, control is just proceeding to S3506 (S3505) with this message transmission after the purpose of being discerned is handled so.
At S3506, specify the storage area (after this, this storage area is called the return information storage area) that is used for storing the return information that produces by processing corresponding to session id or operation ID.If can not specify this return information storage area (S3507:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3504, at this, produce the error communications data as the transmission data that will be included in the http response.After this, finishing the service control information handles.
If can discern return information storage area (S3507:NO), handle so and just proceed to S3508, and judge whether this return information is stored in the return information storage area of appointment.If determine that this return information is stored, handle just proceeding to S3509 so, and produce " MFP instruction " as the transmission data based on this return information.Then, finishing the service control information handles.
If determine that described return information is stored in return information storage area (S3508:YES), control just proceeds to S3509 so, and based on this return information transmission MFP instruction conduct transmission data.Then, finishing the service control information handles.
Be not stored in the return information storage area (S3508:NO) of appointment if determine described return information, handle so and just proceed to S3510, and produce information that indication " do not have the MFP instruction ", and finish this service control information processing as transmission data (S3510).
Below, will be described in the processing of function server 30 control units 31 that start among the S3405.Should be noted that the difference of content basis COS of above-mentioned processing and difference.In the following description, as the example of example, description is used for cycle register the registration process of the service (that is blog search service,, local news provide service or the like) of information is provided.Figure 50 has shown the flow chart of explanation by the registration process of control unit 31 execution.
When carrying out registration process, handle at S3601 and carry out initialization, and start service side UI operation (referring to Figure 53, the back is described) at S3602.At S3603, handle output " UI job initiation instruction " and instruct as MFP.Specifically, processing writes the return information storage area corresponding to the operation ID that produces with " UI job initiation instruction " in S3405.
Then, instruction is transferred to MFP 10 as MFP with " UI job initiation instruction " by service control information processing.Control unit 31 " is transmitted " transmission (Figure 48) of confirming the MFP instruction by detect the sign that is provided with in the S3411 that function server is handled.Should be noted that this " UI job initiation instruction " comprise operation ID and the service side UI operation that starts at S3602 the communication objective URL of operation.
When finishing to handle in S3603, control unit 31 proceeds to S3604, and judges whether input parameter value.Should be noted that whether the notice of finishing that the input of whether finishing parameter value is based on indication parameter input is transferred to (referring to Figure 53) that the registration process among the S711 of service side UI operation is judged.
If handle the input (S3604:NO) of determining also not finish parameter value, handle so and proceed to S3605, and judge whether notified end.Should be noted that finishing is in the S709 of service side UI operation notified (referring to Figure 53).
At S3605,, handle just turning back to S3604 so if determine also not have notified end.If determine notified end (S3605:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3610.If determine input parameter value (S3604:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3606, and produce the request service ID.
This request service ID is used for the service corresponding to the input parameter value is only offered the MFP 10 that is transfused to these parameter values.When using service registration (, when the operation of each input parameter information), produce described request service ID as unique ID, and it only is indicated to the MFP 10 that is transfused to parameter value 3609. at every turn
When carrying out step S3606, request service ID that processing will produce in S3606 and input parameter value (parameter information) write the request service ID admin table that is stored in the memory cell 33.Figure 51 A has shown the Typical Disposition of request service ID admin table.
When producing the described request service ID in relevant mode, described request service ID admin table storage described request service ID and the parameter value of importing from MFP 10 (that is client device) (parameter information).Corresponding to being every kind of registration process that service is prepared, in memory cell 33, store the request ID admin table registration that is used for every kind of service respectively.For example, memory cell 33 storages are used for the request service ID admin table of blog search service and are used for the request service ID admin table that local news provides service.
That is,, handle to insert the request service ID, and will add in the request service ID admin table corresponding to current registration process by the parameter (parameter information) that MFP 10 imports at S3607.
After carrying out S3607, handle proceeding to S3608, reason will be stored in corresponding to the answer management information of the request service ID that produces in S3606 in the conventional response to query admin table herein.Figure 51 B has shown the Typical Disposition of conventional response to query admin table.
Shown in Figure 51 B, conventional response to query admin table have relevant request service ID and comprise the service start information, serve URL information, answer management information that service status information, service are cancelled information, and the description of the answer management information that provides for every kind of requested service ID.
Described service log-on message indicates whether to finish the preparation that described service is provided.If finished preparation, the value of serving log-on message so is " TRUE ", and if also do not finish preparation, this is worth and is " FALSE " so.
Service URL information provides the URL information corresponding to the function server 30 of the service of request service ID.Described service status information provides the state information of the function server 30 of service.
This service status information just often has value " 0 " in the service state corresponding to the request service ID, if this state is undesired, the value of service status information just has a negative value so, and this negative value has the absolute value of the reason of the abnormality represented.
Whether this service cancellation information representative has finished service provides.If the service finished provides, serve cancellation information so and just have value " TRUE ", and if providing and continuing of service should value be " FALSE " just so.Should be noted that after keeping the preset time section, will delete automatically by the conventional delete program (not shown) that offers function server 30 and have value information is cancelled in the service of " TRUE ".Further, when management information is replied in automatic deletion, also the parameter information of the relevant request service ID of deleting automatically in request service ID admin table will be deleted in the above.
When finishing S3608, control unit 31 outputs " conventional inquiry sign on " are as MFP instruction (S3609).Specifically, in this step, handle that " conventional inquiry sign on " write the return information storage area corresponding to the session id that produces in S3405.Use the top processing that writes, instruction is transferred to MFP 10 as MFP by Service Management information with described " conventional inquiry sign on ".
It should be noted that, whether the information (polling interval information), representative in the time interval that " conventional inquiry sign on " comprise the request service ID, be represented as the routine inquiry of MFP 10 appointments should make the information (information of the equipment that uses) of the type of the input-output apparatus that information inquiring (process information immediately) and representative need operate later immediately on MFP 10 sides when using service in the time interval.
When receiving " conventional inquiry enabled instruction ", the control unit 11 of MPF 10 proceeds to S3312 (Figure 10), and according to the information that is included in " conventional inquiry enabled instruction " the searching and managing information that comprises the information of request service ID, requesting state information, polling interval information, remaining time information, immediate operation information and device therefor is added in the conventional searching and managing table that is stored in the memory cell 16.
Should be noted that the request service ID that is stored in the conventional searching and managing table, polling interval information, the information of process information and device therefor is identical with information in being included in " conventional inquiry sign on " immediately.On the other hand, requesting state information is as the information that answer received for inquiry, and represents whether above-mentioned service state data obtain from function server 30.If the described request state information obtains from function server, the value of requesting state information is " TRUE " so, otherwise is " FALSE ".
At S3312, the described request state information is written in the have value conventional searching and managing table of " TRUE ".Should be noted that according to the 3rd embodiment when changing instruction by operating unit 12 input requesting state information values, the value of the specified request state information in conventional searching and managing table changes over " FALSE " (or " TRUE ") according to this instruction.
Described rest period information has been represented cycle remaining time of inquiry next time.At S3312, with polling cycle information with have with polling cycle identical value rest period information write in the conventional searching and managing table.In S3901, upgrade remaining cycle information.
When the output that finishes at S3609, handle proceeding to S3610, and output " instruction is finished in the UI operation " is instructed as MFP.Specifically, in this step, " instruction is finished in the UI operation " is stored in the session information storage area corresponding to the session id that produces in S3405.By this operation, instruction is transferred to MFP 10 as MFP with " instruction is finished in the UI operation " by service control information processing.
When finishing S3610, handle proceeding to S3611, the reason input is finished instruction and is served side UI operation to finish herein, and output " instruction is finished in service " is as the MFP operation.Then, handling finishes registration handles.
UI operation of service side and UI operation by the MFP execution
Below, to be described in the service side UI operation that S3602 is carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30 with reference to Figure 53, and will describe the UI operation of carrying out in S3352 in response to " the UI job initiation instruction " of exporting by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 with reference to Figure 54 at S3603 (receiving) at S3304.Should be noted that Figure 53 has shown the flow chart of the service side UI operation of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30, Figure 54 has shown the flow chart of the UI operation of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10.
When beginning to serve side UI operation, control unit 31 receives " inquiry of MFP job instruction " at S3701 from MFP 10.This " inquiry of MFP job instruction " is set to by the transmission data (Figure 54) among the S3800 of the UI operation of control unit 11 execution of MFP 10, and transmits in S3806.
Below, at S3702, " parameter request instruction " that processing will ask input to carry out the required parameter of service instructed as MFP and is transferred to MFP 10.Should be noted that being stored in the service I/F information 36 of serving in the I/F information stores zone 34 transmits with " parameter request instruction ".Specifically, be the processing that is used to receive the registration of blog search service if start the registration process of service side UI operation, so just transmit service I/F information 36 shown in Figure 43.Be to use local news that the processing of service is provided if start the registration process of service side UI operation, so just transmission service I/F information 36.
After carrying out S3702, control unit 31 proceeds to S3703, and the initialization error count.Then, handle based on 36 receptions of this service I/F information by the parameter value (S3704) of user by the input of parameter input window.These parameter values are set up as the transmission data (Figure 54) in the S3810 of the UI operation of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10, and transmit in S3806.
Proceed to S3705 when handling when S3704 receives these parameter values, handling, and judge whether these parameter values that receive are normal in S3703.If determine these parameter values undesired (S3705:NO), handle so and proceed to S3706, and judge based on the value of error count whether these parameter values are defined as for the second time unusually.
If that determines exceptional value determines it is not (promptly for the second time, for the first time), handle so and proceed to S3707, and will whether successfully receive the UI operation that is transferred to MFP 10 from the server accepting state of the indication of the information of MFP10, indication " server receives NG (the unusual reception) " as function server 30.
After carrying out S3707, control unit 31 increases error count (S3708), and proceeds to S3704.If determining to receive unusually is the second time (S3706:YES), handle proceeding to S3709 so.At S3709, handle the processing (that is, registration process) that notice stops beginning to serve side UI operation, and finish service side UI operation.
At S3705, if determine that parameter value is normal, handle proceeding to S3710 so, and will indicate the server accepting state of " server receives OK (normal reception) " to be transferred to the UI operation of MFP 10.
When carrying out S3710, handle proceeding to S3711, and notify the processing (registration process) that begins to serve the side operation " to finish the parameter input ".Then, handle proceeding to S3712, and wait for receive " service status information request ".When receiving " service status information request ", at S3713, processing will be somebody's turn to do the UI operation that " service status information " is transferred to MFP 10.Then, processing turns back to S3712.
As top, repeating step (1) receives " service status information request " and (2) in response to receiving " service status information request " transmission " service status information " up to finishing service side UI operation (S3611) from MFP 10.Should be noted that " service status information " is the information that parameter value has normally been imported.
When beginning (S3352) UI operation in response to " the UI job initiation instruction " of in S3603, issuing, the processing below the control unit 11 of MFP 10 is carried out.
When carrying out the UI operation, the control unit 11 of MFP 10 is provided as " inquiry of MFP job instruction " of the instruction inquiry of pointing to MFP 10 at S3800, and judges whether to receive from the processing that starts this UI operation and finish instruction.Should be noted that this finishes instruction and be output at S3310.
Finish instruction (S3801:YES) if determine to receive this, control unit 11 just proceeds to S3802 so, and notifies the processing (that is, service receives to be handled) that starts this UI operation to finish this processing, and finishes this UI operation.
Finish instruction (S3801:NO) if determine also not receive, processing just proceeding to S3803 so, and whether decision operation unit 12 or display unit 19 are in busy condition.Specifically, the busy flag Fu based on indicating operating unit 12 or display unit 19 whether to have much to do makes this judgement.If busy flag Fu is on, handle so and just determine operating unit 12 or display unit 19 for busy, otherwise, not busy.
If determine that operating unit 12 or display unit 19 are busy, handle so and just proceed to S3804, and suspend up to the busy condition of removing operating unit 12 or display unit 19.Then, processing turns back to S3803.If determine that operating unit 12 or display unit 19 are not busy, handle so and just proceed to S3805, and busy flag Fu is set.
Then, the processing transmission transfer of data that will be provided with in S3800 etc. is to function server 30 (S3806).After these transmission data of transmission, handle in the response signal of S3807 reception for the transmission in S3806.At S3808, handle and judge whether the response signal that is received is " parameter request instruction ".Should be noted that described " parameter request instruction " in S3702 by control unit 31 transmission.
If determine that the response signal that is received is that " parameter request is instructed " (S3808:YES), handle and just proceed to S3809, at this, processing and is accepted this input value based on described service I/F information 36 display parameters input window on the display 19a of display unit 19 with request user input parameter.
When the affirmation signal of the relevant parameter value of in S3809, accepting during, the input parameter value is set to transmission data (S3810) so that these values are offered the service side UI operation of carrying out by function server 30 by operating unit 12 inputs.Then, handle at S3811 removing busy flag Fu, and turn back to S3801.
If determine described instruction be not " parameter request instruction " (S3808:NO), handles so and just proceed to S3812, and whether the response signal that judgement receives in S3807 represents " service status information ".Should be noted that " service status information " is somebody's turn to do in transmission in the S3713 that is carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30.
If determine described response signal representative " service status information " (S3812:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3813, and on the display 19a of display unit 19, show the information (S3821) of relevant " service status information ".After this, processing will be used for being set to transmit data (S3821) from " service status information request " that function server 30 obtains service status information.Then, handle proceeding to S3811, and turn back to S3801 with releasing busy flag Fu.
Do not represent " service status information " (S3812:NO) if determine described response signal, handle so and just judge that whether the response signal that receives is to represent " server accepting state " that whether function server 30 successfully received information from MFP10 (S3814) in S3807.If determine this response signal be " server accepting state " (S3814:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3815, and judge and should " server accepting state " whether represent " service receives NG " (S3815).
Should " service accepting state " representative " service reception NG " (S3815:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3816 if determine.At S3816, handle that retransmission information (parameter information) is set to transmit data, so that provide the information of previous transmission to the service side UI operation of being carried out by function server 30, wherein this retransmission information was with before information transmitted was identical.Then, handle proceeding to S3811, remove busy flag Fu, and turn back to S3801.
Do not represent " server receives NG " (S3815:NO) if determine " service accepting state ", just handle that so " service status information request " is set to transmit data.Then, handle proceeding to S3811, remove busy flag, and turn back to S3801.
Do not represent " server accepting state " (S3814:NO) if determine described response signal, handle so at S3817 and just judge whether the response signal that receives is represented " not instruction " in S3807.
If determine described MFP instruction representative " not instruction " (S3817:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3823, at this, " inquiry of MFP job instruction " is set to transmit data.Then, handle proceeding to S3811, remove busy flag Fu, and turn back to S3801.Do not represent " not instruction " (S3817:NO) if determine the MFP instruction, handle so and just proceed to S3818, and carry out other processing.When carrying out S3818, processing is set to transmit data corresponding to the suitable data of the processing that will carry out.For example, after the processing of carrying out corresponding to response signal, " inquiry of MFP job instruction " is set to transmit data.After this, handle proceeding to S3811, remove busy flag Fu, then, handle turning back to S3801.
Conventional query processing
Below, the control unit of describing by MFP 10 11 is carried out the conventional query processing that is used to realize above-mentioned conventional inquiry.Figure 55 is the flow chart that shows this routine query processing.This processing beginning when MFP is powered, and lasting the execution is de-energized up to MFP 10.
When the conventional query processing of beginning, the rest period information that controller 11 upgrades in the conventional searching and managing table.Specifically, in this process, acquisition poor between the currency of the preceding value (time) of internal clocking and internal clocking value (time), and from value, deduct this result (that is the amount of countdowning) to upgrade remaining temporal information by information representation remaining time.Like this, in S3901, countdown the remaining cycle, obtain the internal clocking value, and temporarily store this value.
It should be noted that, because as (at a high speed) repeats S3901 in the back, so for the searching and managing information of newly adding the Routine Management table to, last countdown and current countdowning between allow the amount of countdowning of information remaining time to have certain error.Further, when carrying out S3901 for the first time, can calculate the amount of countdowning, maybe can skip the processing of countdowning, only store the internal clocking value based on the last internal clocking value that obtains before before being closed at MFP 10.
When carrying out S3901, handle one of them (S3902) of from conventional searching and managing table, selecting many searching and managing information for corresponding equipment.The if there is no searching and managing information of target device, that is, if exist do not carry out the processing after S3904 the searching and managing information that is untreated (back is described) (S3903:NO), so just proceed to S3910.If the searching and managing information (that is, untreated Query Information) that has a target device (S3903:YES), handle so and just proceed to S3904.At S3904, handle and judge whether the predetermined inquiry update cycle (hold period) (that is the predetermined period after the last conventional request signal of transmission) expires.
Do not expire (S3904:NO) if determine the described scheduled update cycle, handle and proceed to S3905, and judge whether and to inquire about immediately based on the process information immediately in the searching and managing information that is included in target device.If determine not need to inquire about immediately (S3905:NO), handle so and just turn back to S3902.If need to determine inquiry (S3905:YES) immediately, handle just proceeding to S3906 so.
At S3906, based on information remaining time in the searching and managing information that is included in selected target device, handle to judge for corresponding to transmission time of the routine inquiry of the service of the request service ID of described searching and managing information whether then.If the transmission time handles so and just proceeds to S3902 also not to (S3906:NO).Should be noted that at S3906,, so just determine the transmission time then if remaining temporal information value is zero or negative, and if remaining time the value of information for just, so just determine that the transmission time does not also have not then.
If determine the transmission time then (S3906:YES), just handle so based on employed facility information in the searching and managing information that is included in selected target device and judge whether the input-output apparatus that uses when the service of carrying out corresponding to searching and managing information is taken (S3907) by other and the processing of working as the pre-treatment executed in parallel.
For example, be " printer " if be included in the information of the equipment that uses in the searching and managing information of described target device, handle just judging whether service recorder unit 14 so.If the information of the equipment that uses is " scanner ", handles so and just judge whether using reading unit 14.Further, if the information of the equipment that uses is " loud speaker ", handles so and just judge whether to use sound input unit 18.If the information of the equipment that uses is " microphone ", handles so and just judge whether to use sound input unit 17.
If in employed facility information, indicated a plurality of input-output apparatus, handle so and just judge whether using all a plurality of equipment.If use one of them of described a plurality of equipment, handle so and just judge and be used to receive corresponding to the required input-output apparatus of the service of searching and managing information.
If determine using described input-output apparatus (S3907:YES), handle so and proceed to S3908, and carry out the generation of comprehensive inquiry information and handle.
Comprehensive inquiry information produces to be handled
Figure 56 has shown that the comprehensive inquiry information that the control unit 11 of MFP 10 is carried out produces the flow chart of handling.Figure 57 has shown the configuration of comprehensive inquiry information.Shown in Figure 57, according to the 3rd embodiment, usage flag language description comprehensive inquiry information.Be displayed in Table 1 the definition that produces the label that uses in the processing in comprehensive inquiry information.
Table 1
| Data name | Data type | Describe |
| Num_Patten | Integer | The number of types of Query Information |
| Request_Service[] | The return information array | The Query Information of same type |
| Request_Status | TRUE or FALSE | TRUE: required state FALSE: unwanted state |
| Num_Service_ID | Integer | The quantity of Query Information |
| Response_Service_ID | Integer | Service identifier |
When carrying out comprehensive inquiry information generation processing, handle and judge that comprehensive inquiry information produces whether the execution of handling is the execution first time (S4001) after carrying out S3901.If determining this execution is the first time (S4001:YES), handles just proceeding to S4001 so, and in RAM, be preserved for producing the zone of comprehensive inquiry information, and header information is write (S4012) in the zone that is kept.
According to the 3rd embodiment owing to use the POST command transfer comprehensive inquiry information of http protocol, so with protocol-dependent information, purpose URL, etc. all be used as header information and write.The purpose that should be noted that comprehensive inquiry information is preliminary definite, and in header information, has write the information of purpose URL.
After carrying out S4012, control unit 11 generation NumPattern labels (that is, character string＜NumPattern〉1＜/NumPattern 〉), this label is added in the comprehensive inquiry information (comprehensive inquiry information produces the zone) at S4013.Further, the Request_Service label is added to (S4014) in the comprehensive inquiry information.
After this, between the Request_Service label (that is,＜Request_Service〉and＜/Request_Service〉between), Request_Status label (S4015) write based on searching and managing information request state information.
For example, when the value of described request state is " FALSE ", the value of parameters R equest_Status just is set to " FALSE ", and produce the Request_Status label (character string＜Request_Status〉FALSE＜/Request_Status), and it is stored in the comprehensive inquiry information.
When finishing S4015, processing parameter N um_Service_ID is set to " 1 ", produce the Num_Service_ID label (promptly, character string＜Num_Service_ID〉1＜/Num_Service_ID 〉), and it is write between the Request_Service label of comprehensive inquiry information (S4016).
When finishing S4016, processing is set to the value of parameters R equest_Service_ID by the value of the request service ID of the searching and managing information representation of target device, and produce the Request_Service_ID label (promptly, character string＜Request_Service_ID〉(request service ID)＜Request_Service_ID 〉), this label is written between the Request_Service label of comprehensive inquiry information (S4017).After this, processing finishes comprehensive inquiry information generation processing.
If determine after carrying out S3901, it is to carry out for the second time or more late (S4001:NO) that comprehensive inquiry information produces the execution of handling, and handles just judging whether to exist the label (S4021) with identical parameter value so.That is, judge whether to exist Request_Status label with value identical with requesting state information in the searching and managing information that is included in the target device that is stored in the comprehensive inquiry information.
If determine there to be label (Request_Status), to handle so and just upgrade at this label and have the value (S4022) of the Num_Service_ID label between another label of identical Request_Service label with identical parameter value.For example, work as label, Num_Service_ID label in comprehensive inquiry information is character string＜Num_Service_ID〉1＜/Num_Service_ID 〉, and when not being updated, just it is updated to＜Num_Serv_ID2＜/Num_Service_ID 〉.
After S4022, processing is set to the value of parameters R equest_Service_ID by the value of the request service ID of the searching and managing information indication of target device, and producing the Request_Service_ID label, this label is written between the Request_Service label of comprehensive inquiry information (S4023).Then, processing finishes comprehensive inquiry information generation processing.
If determine to exist have identical parameter value label (Request_Status) (S4021:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4031, and be updated in parameter value N umPattern in the NumPattern label of comprehensive inquiry information.That is, when the NumPattern of comprehensive inquiry information label is character string＜NumPattern〉1＜/NumPattern〉time, this character string just is updated to＜NumPattern〉2＜/NumPattern 〉.
When carrying out S4031, processing proceeds to S4032, and new Request_Service label write zone after the Request_Service label that is written in the comprehensive inquiry information, and further, the value of Request_Status label based on the requesting state information in the searching and managing information that is included in target device write between the new Request_Service label (S4033).
For example, if the value of requesting state information is " TRUE ", just handling so, the value of parameters R equest_Status is set to " TRUE ", and produce the Request_Status label (character string＜Request_Status〉TRUE＜/Request_Status), and this character string write in the comprehensive inquiry information.
After carrying out S4033, processing parameter N um_Service_ID is set to " 1 ", generation Num_Service_ID label (character string＜Num_Service_ID〉1＜/Num_Service_ID 〉), and in comprehensive inquiry information, character string is write between the new Request_Service label (S4034).
After carrying out S4034, when being provided with by the value of the indicated request service ID of the searching and managing information of target device as the value of parameters R equest_Service_ID, handle to produce the Request_Service_ID label, and this label is write between the new Request_Service label of comprehensive inquiry information (S4035).After this, processing finishes comprehensive inquiry information and produces processing, and proceeds to S3902 (referring to Figure 55).
After carrying out S3902, if the searching and managing information of determining not exist target device (promptly, to the step after all searching and managing information and executing S3904 that in the Routine Management table, indicate), handle and just proceed to S3910, and judge whether to produce comprehensive inquiry information.If produced comprehensive inquiry information, handle just producing the comprehensive inquiry information that is used for comprehensive inquiry is stored in RAM and produce the conventional request signal in zone so, and by communication unit 15 should the routine query signal transmission to purpose function server 30 (S3911).Then, processing turns back to S3901.
If determine also not produce comprehensive inquiry information (that is, not carrying out S3908) (S3910:NO), handle so and proceed to S3901 with regard to not carrying out S3911, and the remaining time cycle is re-executed counting reciprocal.
Conventional response to query is handled
Below, receive the conventional response to query processing of carrying out from the function server 30 of the next conventional request signal of MFP 10 transmission with being described in S3911.Figure 58 is the flow chart of being handled by the conventional response to query that the control unit 31 of function server 30 is carried out.Carrying out conventional response to query continuously at the duration of work of function server 30 handles.
When carrying out this response to query processing, handle and suspend up to receive this routine request signal (S4101) from MFP 10.When processing receives this routine request signal, handle and select a request service ID (S4102) to be processed in the comprehensive inquiry information from be included in conventional request signal.
If do not comprise request service ID to be processed, that is,, handle so and just proceed to S4115 if untreated request service ID is not included in (S4103:NO) in the conventional request signal.If there is untreated request service ID (S4103:YES), handles so and just proceed to S4104.At S4104, processing keeps in RAM and is used for producing representative and produces the zone for the conventional response to query information of the conventional response to query information of the answer of request service ID, and the request service ID that will handle is stored in conventional response to query information as the value of parameters R equest_Service_ID and produces the zone.
Then, handle in the answer admin table in being stored in memory cell 33 search corresponding to the answer management information (S4105) of request service ID to be processed.If do not search the request service ID, handle so and just determine not to be included in the conventional response to query admin table (S4106:NO), and proceed to S4107 corresponding to the answer management information of request service ID to be processed.Then, processing writes above-mentioned conventional response to query information with " TRUE " as the value that produces Service_Canceled and produces the zone.Further, handle the value of " FALSE " being write parameter S ervice_Start.After finishing S4107, handle and proceed to S4114, at this, carry out the comprehensive return information shown in Figure 55 and produce processing.
If can discern (searching) answer management information (S4106:YES) in the conventional response to query admin table in being stored in memory cell 33, handle the value that just will be included in so and be stored in conventional response to query information generation zone (S4108) as parameter S ervice_Start corresponding to the service start information in the answer management information of request service ID to be processed corresponding to request service ID to be processed.
When carrying out S4108, handle and proceed to S4109, at this, processing will be included in the value corresponding to the value writing parameter S ervice_Canceled of the cancellation of the service in the answer management information of request service ID to be processed information.
When carrying out S4109, handle proceeding to S4110.At S4110, handle and judge whether the value that writes the parameter S ervice_Start in the conventional return information generation zone is " TRUE ".If determine the value of parameter S ervice_Start be " TRUE " (S4110:YES), handle so and just proceed to S4111, manage the value (character string) that to reply the included service URL information of management information herein and be stored in the value (S4111) of conventional response to query zone as parameter S ervice_URL.Then, processing proceeds to S4112.
If determining to write the value that conventional response to query information produces the parameter S ervice_Start in the zone is not " TRUE " (that is, being " FALSE "), handles just proceeding to S4112 so, and do not carry out S4111.At S4112, handle and to judge whether Request_Status label (description therein will the Request_Service label of processed request service ID between Request_Status label) is " TRUE ".If this be worth for " TRUE " (S4112:YES), handle just proceeding to S4113 so.At S4113, processing will be included in and write conventional response to query information corresponding to service status information value in the answer management information of request service ID to be processed as the value of parameter S ervice_Status and produce the zone.
If determine with the value of the Request_Status that request service ID to be processed is relevant in comprehensive return information be not " TRUE " (that is, being " FALSE ") (S4112:NO), processing is not just carried out S4113 so, and proceeds to S4114.
Comprehensive return information produces to be handled
At S4114, control unit 31 is carried out comprehensive return information and is produced processing.Figure 59 has shown that carrying out comprehensive return information by control unit 31 produces the flow chart of handling.Figure 60 is presented at the flow chart that comprehensive return information produces the answer judgment processing of being called in the processing.Figure 61 has shown the structure of comprehensive return information.Use SGML such shown in Figure 61 to describe this comprehensive return information.In table 2, explain the definition of the label that in comprehensive return information, uses.
Table 2
| Data name | Data type | Describe |
| Num_Pattern | Integer | The quantity of return information type |
| Response_Service[] | The return information array | The return information of same type |
| Service_Start | TRUE or FALSE | TRUE: prepare to provide service FALSE: do not prepare to provide service |
| Service_URL | The URL character string | The address of the service routine that begins to serve |
| Service_Status | Integer | Status number (mistake: negative) |
| Service_Canceled | TRUE or FALSE | TRUE: service is stopped FALSE: service is not stopped |
| Num_Service_ID | Integer | The quantity of return information |
| Response_Service_ID | Integer | Service identifier |
When the comprehensive return information of beginning produces processing, handle and judge whether this processing is to carry out for the first time after S4101 has received conventional request signal.If this execution is the first time (S4201:YES), handle proceeding to S4211 so, at this, handle the comprehensive return information generation zone that in RAM, is preserved for producing comprehensive return information, and header information is write comprehensive return information zone (S4212).
After carrying out S4212, processing the S4213 use value be the parameter N umPattern of (1) produce the Numpattern label (character string＜NumPattern〉1＜/NumPattern), and add this label to comprehensive return information (that is, the comprehensive return information of RAM produces the zone).And then, handle and add the Response_Service label in the comprehensive return information (S4214).After this, processing execution is replied judgment processing (referring to Figure 60).
When carrying out the answer judgment processing, whether control unit 31 is judged by being " TRUE " corresponding to the represented parameter S ervice_Start of the conventional response to query information that will handle the request service (that is, write on conventional response to query information and produce information in the zone) at S4301.If determine the value of parameter S ervice_Start be " TRUE " (S4301:YES), handle so that just to determine to reply be OK (S4304).
If determine described value be not " TRUE " (S4301:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4302, and judge by the represented parameter S ervice_Canceled of conventional response to query information whether be " TRUE " (S4302).
If the value of parameter S ervice_Canceled be " TRUE " (S4302:YES), handle just proceeding to S4304 so, and determine that this is replied and be OK.If determine parameter S ervice_Canceled be not " TRUE " (S4302:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4303, and judge whether the value of parameter S ervice_Status is included in the conventional response to query information.If determine that there be (S4303:YES) in this parameter value, handle just proceeding to S4304 so, and determine that this is replied is OK.If determine that this parameter value is not included in the conventional response to query information, handle just proceeding to S4305 so, determining to reply is NG, and finishes this answer judgment processing.
When finishing this answer judgment processing at S4215,, handle and judge that judging whether in replying judgment processing is " replying OK " at S4216 (Figure 59).If the result is not that (S4216:NO), this comprehensive return information of processing end produces and handles " OK " (that is, " answer NG ") so.If described result be " reply OK " (S4216:YES), handle so and just proceed to S4217.
At S4217, processing is based on corresponding to the conventional response to query information of request service ID to be processed (promptly, be stored in conventional response to query information and produce information in the zone) the Service_Start label is write between the Response_Service label (that is, at＜Response_Service〉and＜/Response_Service〉between).
For example, if the value of conventional response to query information parameter Service_Start is " TRUE ", as the Service_Start label, just produce parameter character string＜Service_Start so〉TRUE＜/Service_Start 〉, and be stored in the comprehensive return information.
When carrying out S4217, handle based on conventional response to query information the Service_URL label is write between the Response_Service label corresponding to request service ID to be processed at S4218.Should note, if the value of parameter S ervic_URL is not included in the conventional response to query information, handle so and just produce character string＜Service_URL＜/Service_URL〉as the Service_URL label, if and have the value of parameter S ervice_URL, handle just producing Service_URL label so, and it is write in the comprehensive return information with this value.
When carrying out S4218, handle and the Service_Status label is write on (S4219) between the Response_Service label based on conventional response to query information corresponding to request service ID to be processed.
In the case, if in conventional response to query information, there is not the value of parameter S ervice_Status, handle so and just produce character string＜Service_Status＜/Service_Status〉as the Service_Status label, if and have the value of parameter S ervice_Status, so just produce Service_Status label, and this label is write in the comprehensive return information with described value.
After carrying out S4219, handle based on the Service_Canceled label being write on (S4220) between the Response_Service label corresponding to the conventional response to query information that will handle the request service ID.
For example, when the value of replying the parameter S ervive_Canceled of Query Information when routine is " FALSE ", handle to produce character string＜Service_Canceled〉FALSE＜/Service_Canceled〉as the Service_Canceled label, and it is stored in the comprehensive return information.
When carrying out 4220, handle use value and be (1) parameter N um_Service_ID generation Num_Service_ID label (character string＜Num_Svervice_ID〉1＜/Num_Service_ID).This Num_Service_ID label is written between the Response_Service label of comprehensive return information (S4221).
When carrying out S4221, processing proceeds to S4222, herein reason use the value of request service ID to be processed produce the Requet_Service_ID label (that is character string＜Requet_Service_ID,〉(request service ID)＜/Requet_Service_ID) as the value of parameters R equet_Sevice_ID.Then, with between the Response_Service label of Requet_Service_ID tag storage in comprehensive return information.Then, processing finishes comprehensive return information generation processing.
If determine that it is the second time or more times (S4201:NO) that comprehensive return information produces the execution of handling, handle so just to carry out and reply judgment processing (referring to Figure 60) at S4225, and the result who judges this answer judgment processing OK (that is, replying OK) is (S4226).If determine the result be not OK (that is, replying NG) (S4226:NO), handle so just to finish comprehensively to reply and handle.
If determine this result be " replying OK " (S4226:YES), handle so and just proceed to S4227, and judge whether to exist Response_Service label with parameter value identical with the conventional response to query information of request service ID to be processed.Promptly, judge whether to exist have with the conventional response to query information that is included in request service ID to be processed in the request service ID outside the Response_Serivce label of the identical value (for example, the value of parameter S erivce_Start, Serivce_URL, Serivce_Status, Serivce_Canceled) of information.
If determine to exist Response_Service label, handle the value (S4228) that just is updated in the Num_Service_ID label between the Response_Service label so with identical parameter value.For example, if the Num_Service_ID before upgrading is by character string＜Num_Service_ID〉1＜/Num_Service_ID〉expression, character string just is updated to＜Num_Service_ID so〉2＜/Num_Service_ID 〉.
After carrying out S4228, handle the value of using request service ID to be processed and produce the value of Request_Service_ID label, and it is stored between the Response_Service label with identical parameter value (S4229) as parameters R equest_Service_ID.After this, will finish comprehensive return information and produce processing.
If determine not exist Response_Service label (S4227:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4231, and upgrade the value of parameter N umPattern of the NumPattern label of comprehensive return information with identical parameter value.For example, when the NumPattern of comprehensive return information label is character string＜NumPattern〉1＜NumPattern〉time, processing is updated to this character string＜NumPattern〉2＜NumPattern 〉.
Should be noted that at S4231, if described comprehensive return information comprises sky Response_Service label (for example, when being judged as " NO " when for the first time carrying out S4231 afterwards in S4216), so by way of exception, the value of undated parameter NumPattern not just.
When carrying out S4231, handle proceeding to S4232, and new Response_Service label is written in the Response_Service label zone afterwards that is included in the comprehensive return information.Should be noted that when carrying out if comprehensive return information comprises sky Response_Service label, so by way of exception, new Response_Service will not be written into.
When carrying out S42322, processing proceeds to S4233, at this, handle the Service_Start label is write between the new Response_Service label (empty Response_Service label) based on conventional response to query information corresponding to request service ID to be processed.
For example, if the value of the parameter S ervice_Start in conventional response to query information is " FALSE ", handles so and just produce character string＜Service_Start FALSE＜/Service_Start 〉, it will be written in the comprehensive return information.
When carrying out S4233, handle based on the Service_URL label being write on (S4234) between the Response_Service label corresponding to the conventional response to query information that will handle the request service ID.Further, processing writes on (S4235) between the Response_Service label based on the conventional response to query information corresponding to request service ID to be processed with the Service_Status label.
When carrying out S4235, handle and the Service_Canceled label is write on (S4235) between the Response_Service label based on conventional response to query information corresponding to request service ID to be processed.Then, the value of handling parameter N um_Service_ID is set to " 1 ", produces the Num_Service_ID label, and it is write between the Response Service label in the comprehensive return information (S4237).
When carrying out S4237, handle to use the value of request service ID to be processed to produce the value of Request_Service_ID label, and it is write between the Response_Service_ID label of comprehensive return information (S4238) as parameters R equest_Service_ID.Then, processing finishes this comprehensive return information.
As top, carry out this comprehensive return information at S4114 and produce processing (Figure 58), handle and proceed to S4102, and from this comprehensive return information, select next target (untreated request service ID).If there is not untreated request service ID, handle so and proceed to S4115, and generation comprises the response signal that is stored in the comprehensive return information in this comprehensive return information.This information is transferred to MFP10 as conventional request signal source by communication unit 32.Then, handle and proceed to S4101,, handle and suspend till receiving next conventional request signal at this.
Blog searches for processing
Below, the blog search that description is used for producing the information of the MFP 1 that offers registration is handled.Figure 62 shows the blog search processing of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30.At function server 30 duration of works, this blog search is handled every predetermined period and is repeated to handle.
When carrying out the blog search and handle, handle from corresponding to selecting one of them request service ID to be processed the request service ID admin table of blog search service.Should be noted that the judgement at S4402 is exactly NO so if do not ask service ID (that is, not having request service ID to be processed in the processing after S4403) in this request service ID admin table, and processing finishes blog search processing.
If there is request service ID to be processed (that is, untreated), the judgement in S4402 is exactly YES so.In the case, the service status information that is included in corresponding to the answer management information of the conventional response to query admin table of this request service ID to be processed of processing is set to " FALSE " (S4403).
Then, processing is provided with a value that is stored in parameter relevant with request service ID to be processed in the request service ID admin table is provided as keyword, the blog website that visit is predetermined, and from new projects, search for the project of putting up (S4404) that comprises this keyword.
If parameter value in the request service ID admin table is improper to produce wrong (S4405:YES) owing to being stored at searching period, handle so just will be included in corresponding to the service in the answer management information in the conventional response to query admin table of request service ID cancel information setting be " TRUE " (S4406).
Further, handle the value that obtains corresponding to the service state of error reason, and the value that is obtained is reflected in corresponding in the service status information in the conventional response to query admin table of request service ID to be processed (S4407).After this, handle proceeding to S4401, and from this request service ID admin table, select untreated request service ID.
If the search operation (S4405:NO) of normal termination in S4404 handled so and proceeded to 4408, and determine whether to find the project of newly putting up in the blog website as Search Results.The project of if there is no newly putting up is handled so and is proceeded to S4401.
If the project of newly putting up is found the keyword (S4408:YES) that comprises one of them above-mentioned setting, handle just proceeding to S4409 so, and produce the indication project of putting up content data are provided.Then, this provides data to be stored in the memory cell 33.Further, handle to proceed to S4410, at this, handle produce URL (for example, character string "
Http: // * * * .co.jp/cgi/blog? F=****"), can download this by this URL data are provided.Further, corresponding to the service URL information of request service ID to be processed in conventional response to query admin table be updated to therefrom can data download above-mentioned URL information (S4411).
When carrying out S4411, processing will be corresponding to the service status information value of changing over " TRUE " of request service ID to be processed in conventional response to query admin table (S4412).After this, handle and proceed to S4401, and select one of them untreated request service ID.For all request service ID of in request service ID admin table, indicating, during processing after carrying out S4403, judge in S4402 to become " NO " that then, processing finishes this blog and searches for processing.
Local news provides service
Below, will describe local news service will be provided.Figure 63 has shown that the news information that explanation is carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30 produces the flow chart of handling.At function server 30 duration of works, this news information provides processing to be repeated at interval to carry out every preset time.
When carrying out this news information generation processing, handle and from the request service ID admin table that service is provided corresponding to local news, select request service ID (S4501).If there is not request service ID to be processed, that is, if there is not the backlog of requests service ID do not handled in S4503, the judgement in S4502 just becomes " NO " so, and processing finishes this news information and produces and handle.
If have request service ID to be processed (promptly, if have untreated request service ID), so at be judged as " YES " of S4502, and the service status information of handling in the answer management information that will be included in conventional response to query admin table is updated to " FALSE " (S4503).
After this, handle to judge to be relevant to ask the parameter value of service memory in request service ID admin table whether to have suitable value (S4504).If these values improper (S4504:NO) so just determine to produce mistake.In this case, processing will be corresponding to service cancellation information updating in the conventional response to query admin table of request service ID to be processed for having value " TRUE " (S4505).
Further, handle the value that detects corresponding to the service state of error reason, and the value that will detect is reflected to corresponding in the service status information in the conventional response to query admin table of request service ID to be processed
(S4506)。Then, handle and proceed to S4501, and from described request service ID admin table, select untreated request service ID.
If determine the value of each parameter be not inappropriate value (promptly, suitable value) (S4504:YES), processing proceeds to S4507 so, and handles the local news data (referring to Figure 44,51A and 51B) that obtain the value of satisfied and the argument address of request service ID associated storage to be processed request service ID admin table from predetermined database (not shown).After carrying out S4507, handle proceeding to S4508, what the local news data transaction that obtains is above become to have the number of pages that satisfies parameter N umPages provides data (for example, the PDF data) (referring to Figure 44,51A, 51B), thereby the described data that provide are provided.Then, processing provides storage in memory cell 33 this.
After carrying out S4508, handle to produce and therefrom can download the URL information (S4509) of the position that data are provided of storing above, and will change over the URL information of the data that produce above therefrom can downloading corresponding to the service URL information of request service ID to be processed in conventional response to query management information table.
When finishing S4510, processing will change over " TRUE " (S4511) corresponding to the service status information of request service ID to be processed in conventional response to query admin table.Then, handle and proceed to S4501, and from described request service ID admin table, select untreated request service ID.When to the step after all listed in request service ID admin table request service ID execution S4503,, and finish this news information generation and handle at be judged as " NO " of S4502.
Comprehensive return information receives to be handled
Below, description is used for receiving comprehensive reception information and receiving the comprehensive return information reception processing of serving based on comprehensive return information.Figure 64 is that the comprehensive return information that the control unit 11 of explanation MFP 10 is carried out receives the flow chart of handling.
When the comprehensive return information of execution received processing, control unit 11 suspended (S4601) up to receive the return signal (comprehensive return signal) that sends from function server 30 by communication unit 15 in response to conventional request signal till.When handling this return signal of reception, the comprehensive return information of handling the return signal that receives from being included in is selected a request service ID to be processed (S4602).If there is not request service ID to be processed (that is, if there is not untreated backlog of requests service ID after step S4604), the judgement among the S4603 is exactly " NO " so, and processing proceeds to S4606.If there is untreated request service ID, the judgement in S4603 is exactly " YES " so, and processing proceeds to S4604.
When processing proceeds to S4604, handle the value of judging parameter S ervice_Status and whether be included in the Service_Status label of in comprehensive return information, describing.That is, handle and judge whether the value of parameter S ervice_Status is described between the Respons_Status label, described Respons_Status describes comprising will handling between the Respons_Status standard of asking service ID.
If definite parameter S ervice_Status void value (that is,＜Service_Status〉＜/Service_Status 〉), handle so and proceed to S4602.If parameter S ervice_Status has value, handle so and proceed to S4605, and on the display 19a of display unit 19, show state information corresponding to the value of parameter S ervice_Status.After this, handle and proceed to S4602, select another backlog of requests data ID to be processed, and carry out the step after the S4604 once more.
When the processing carried out for all request service ID of in comprehensive return information, describing from S4604, handle and be defined as " NO " at S4603, and proceed to S4606.Then, for all request service ID relevant, handle the service of judging corresponding to this request service ID and whether receive from function server 30 with the Service_Start label that is described as " TRUE " therein.
If there is the request service ID that does not also receive service from function server 30 in the request service ID relevant with the Service_Start label that wherein is described as " TRUE ", the judgement in S4606 is " NO " just so, and processing proceeds to S4607.Then, handle one of them request service ID to be processed of selection in comprehensive return information.
If there is not request service ID to be processed, just there is not the backlog of requests service ID that will after S4609, handle, the judgement in S4608 be " NO " just so, and processing proceeds to S4606.If there is untreated request service ID, the judgement in S4608 is exactly " YES " so, and processing proceeds to S4609.
If determine not description value in the Service_Start label " TRUE " (S4609:NO), control unit 11 just proceeds to S4607 so.If determine in the Service_Start label, to have described value " TRUE " (S4609:YES), handle so and just proceed to S4610.At S4610, the input-output apparatus (for example, reading unit 13, record cell 14, sound input unit 17, voice output unit 18) that processing judges whether just to use processing will use when function server 30 receives service corresponding to request service ID to be processed based on the facility information in the conventional searching and managing table.
If determine that this input-output apparatus just is used (S4610:YES), handle just proceeding to S4607 so.If this input-output apparatus is not used (S4610:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4611, at this, the value of the Service_URL label of the comprehensive return information that processing is relevant with request service ID to be processed is set to independent variable, and starts service reception processing (Figure 46).
After this, handle and proceed to S4607, from comprehensive return information, select untreated request service ID.If described value " TRUE " in the Service_Start label of in the comprehensive return information relevant, describing with the request service ID, handle walking abreast so with the service reception that starts previously, start another service and receive processing.But, should be noted that to have only and when in S4610, being judged as " NO ", just carry out parallel processing.That is, the processing of this executed in parallel is to use and is different from the current processing that is used to the input-output apparatus of the service that receives.
That is, at S4607 to S4611, can executed in parallel corresponding to the request service ID of value of being described as " TRUE " wherein and use the service of different input-output apparatus.
On the contrary, use identical input-output apparatus if service receives to handle, the judgement among the S4608 is " NO " so, and being judged as among the S4606 " NO ", and carries out the processing after the S4607, thereby order is carried out a plurality of processing.
If for all request service ID relevant with the Service_Start label that comprises value " TRUE ", all receive (promptly corresponding to the service of asking service ID from function server 30, begin service and receive processing), judgement in S4606 is exactly " YES " so, and control unit 11 proceeds to S4601.Then, handle time-out till receiving next comprehensive return information.
Below, provide processing with describing the relevant service of in function server 30, carrying out.Control unit 11 processing of MFP 10 provide the request service ID of service corresponding to blog search service or local news, and when control unit 11 when S4611 begins service and receive to handle, control unit 11 can be based on described service URL message reference function server 30, and makes function server 30 carry out the regular service shown in Figure 65 processing (S3301) is provided.Here, Figure 65 shows that regular service provides the flow chart of processing.Should note, according to the 3rd embodiment, in described service URL information, described to be used for carrying out and realized that blog search service and local news provide the URL information (for example, beginning the URL information that regular service shown in Figure 65 provides function server 30 when handling at the S3405 of Figure 48) of the function server 30 that the regular service of service provides processing.
When the execution regular service provided processing, control unit 31 was carried out initialization in S4701, and started service side print job (referring to Figure 66) at S4702.Then, at S4703, control unit 31 outputs " print job enabled instruction " are instructed as MFP.Specifically, the return information storage area corresponding to the session id that produces in S3405 writes " print job enabled instruction ".
Processing above using is transferred to MFP 10 with " print job enabled instruction " by service control information processing and instructs as MFP.In this " print job enabled instruction ", comprised operation ID about the service side print job that starts at the S4702 URL that communicates by letter with operation.
When carrying out S4703, control unit 31 proceeds to S4704, and judges whether to receive to print from the print job of service side to be ready to complete notice.If also do not receive this notice (S4704:NO), handle so and just proceed to S4705, and judge whether to receive to stop notice from the print job of service side.Do not stop notice (S4705:NO) if also receive, handle just turning back to S4704 so, suspend up to receiving and prepare notice or stop notice from the print job of service side.Stop notice (S4705:YES) and handle so and just proceed to S4708 if handle to receive.Prepare notice (S4704:YES) if receive to print, handle just proceeding to S4706 so.
At S4706, control unit 31 retrieval will be downloaded, and data, these data are provided is to provide in the beginning regular service to use from the URL information appointment of MFP 10 sides when handling.Then, with the print data of the function of the record cell 14 that provides data transaction to become to be suitable for MFP 10 of retrieval.Then, control unit 31 offers the print job of service side with the print data of conversion.Then, the print data with conversion is transferred to the MFP 10 (S4707) of access function server 30 by the print job of service side.
When carrying out S4707, control unit 31 proceeds to S4708, and suspends up to finishing the print job of service side.When finishing print job, control unit 31 outputs " instruction is finished in print job " are instructed as MFP.Specifically, control unit 31 writes on return information storage area corresponding to the session id that produces at S3405 with " instruction is finished in print job ".
Operation above using, " instruction is finished in print job " instruction is transferred to MFP10 as MFP by service control information processing.Should be noted that this " instruction is finished in print job " comprises the operation ID URL that communicates by letter with operation.
When exporting this " instruction is finished in print job ", control unit 31 proceeds to S4709, and output " instruction is finished in service " is instructed as MFP.Then, be somebody's turn to do " instruction is finished in service " by MFP 10 receptions.When finishing S4709, the control unit 31 of function server 30 finishes regular service provides processing.
The print job of service side
Below, will be described in the service side print job of carrying out among the S4702 of Figure 65.Figure 66 has shown the flow chart of the service side print job of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30.This service side print job can be handled executed in parallel with other.
When beginning to serve the side print job, control unit 31 suspends up to receiving " MFP state information " from MFP10 (S4801).Should be noted that " MFP state information " is to transmit in the S4904 of the output operation (back description) shown in the Figure 67 that is carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10.
When processing receives " MFP state information ", handle and proceed to S4802, and the initialization error counter.Further, handle the parameter (S4803) that is transmitted in setting in the record cell 14.
After carrying out S4803, control unit 31 proceeds to S4804, and judges whether MFP 10 has normally received the MFP parameter.Specifically, in the output operation of carrying out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 (Figure 67), transmission " MFP accepting state ".If MFP 10 has transmitted " the normal reception " conduct " MFP accepting state " at S4909, control unit 31 just determines that MFP has normally received MFP so.On the other hand, if MFP 10 has transmitted " the unusual reception " at S4908, control unit 31 just determines that the MFP parameter is not normally received by MFP 10 so.
If determine that this MFP parameter is not normally received (S4804:NO) by MFP 10, control unit 31 just proceeds to S4805 so.At S4805, control unit 31 determines whether these MFP parameters are not twice by the MFP 10 normal number of times that receive, and this number of times is based on that the value of initialized error counter among the S4802 detects.
If described number of times is not (that is, once) (S4805:NO), to handle so and just proceed to S4806, and the value of error counter is added 1, then, handle turning back to S4803 for twice.If described number of times is twice (S4805:YES), handle so and just proceed to S4807, and the processing of notice beginning current service side print processing (that is, regular service provides processing) stops print job.Then,, handle to determine to finish (S4811:NO) unusually, and at S4812 this is finished unusually as service status information and to be transferred to MFP 10, and finish this service side print job at S4811.
Normally received (S4804:YES) if determine described MFP parameter, handle so and proceed to S4808, and notice begins to be ready to complete when the processing printing of pre-treatment (that is, regular service provides processing).Then, at S4809, the print data that produces in S4706 is arrived MFP 10 by sequential delivery.
When carrying out S4809, control unit suspends up to receiving the MFP state information from MFP 10 at S4810.When receiving the MFP state information, handle proceeding to S4811.Should be noted that this " MFP state information " is to transmit in the S4913 of the output operation of being carried out by control unit 11 (Figure 67).
At S4811, control unit 31 judges whether described print data transmission is normally finished.Also normally do not finish (S4811:NO) if determine this transmission, handle proceeding to S4812 so.If (S4811:YES) normally finished in this transmission, handle so and proceed to S4913.At S4812, finish being notified to MFP10 unusually as service status information.At S4813, the normal reception is notified to MFP 10 as service status information.
Output operation
Below, will the output operation that " the print job enabled instruction " of being exported in response to the S4703 that processing is provided in regular service at S3356 by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 carried out be described.Figure 67 has shown the flow chart of the output operation of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10.
When the beginning output operation, control unit 11 is judged the output equipment (record cell 14 when receiving the print job enabled instruction at S4901; With receive the loud speaker job initiation voice output unit 18 in when instruction) whether busy.Specifically, based on the busy flag Fo whether the indication output equipment has much to do, control unit 11 is made judgement.Specifically, when busy flag Fo was set, control unit 11 determined that output equipment is busy, and when busy flag Fo was disengaged, control unit 11 determined that output equipment is not busy.
If determine that output equipment is busy, control unit 11 proceeds to S4902, and the busy condition that suspends up to output equipment is disengaged.After this, control unit 11 turns back to S4901.If determine output equipment not busy (S4902:NO), control unit 11 proceeds to S1903 so, and busy flag Fo is set.Then, control unit 1 is transferred to function server 30 (S4904) with described " MFP state information ".Should be noted that " the MFP state information " transmitted comprises session id and operation ID in S4904.
After carrying out S4094, control unit 11 proceeds to S4905, and reception is transmitted next MFP parameter as the response signal for " MFP state information " from function server 30.Should be noted that described MFP parameter is to transmit in the S4803 of the service side operation of being carried out by the control unit 31 of function server 30.
After S4095, control unit 11 judges whether to finish instruction from beginning to have received when the service reception of pre-treatment is handled at S4906.Should be noted that this finishes instruction is to receive the S3310 that handles (Figure 46) in the service of being carried out by the control unit 11 of MFP 10 to export.Finish instruction and also be not output if determine this, control unit 11 just proceeds to S4907 so, and judges in S4905 whether the MFP parameter is normally received.
If determine the MFP parameter also not by normal receive (S4907:NO), control unit 11 proceeds to S4908 so.At S4908, control unit 11 transmission " the unusual reception " conduct " MFP accepting state ", it is whether indication MFP10 has normally received data from function server 30 indication.Then, control unit 11 proceeds to S4905.Should be noted that this " MFP accepting state " comprises session id and operation ID.
If determine the MFP parameter by normal receive (S4907:YES), control unit 11 proceeds to S4909 so, and will " normally receive and " be transferred to function server 30 as " MFP accepting state ".Then, at S4910, control unit 11 receives dateout (print data or voice data) from function server 30.Should be noted that described print data is come (Figure 66: S4809) from function server 30 transmission when control unit 31 is carried out service side print job processing.
When S4910 finished, control unit 11 proceeded to S4911, and the MFP parameter is set exported described dateout for output equipment (record cell 14 or voice output unit 18).
For example, if output operation is in response to and provides in the processing by " print job enabled instruction " beginnings of function server 30 outputs in regular service, described record cell 14 is used as output equipment, and carries out print processing based on the print data that provides from function server 30.
For example, to handle be the processing that is used for the blog search service is offered MFP10 if regular service provides, and output operation is the processing that is used for receiving the blog search service, and the project of the putting up service recorder unit 14 of being handled search by the blog search prints.
As another example, if regular service provides and handles is to be used for providing service to offer the processing of MFP 10 local news, and output operation is to be used to receive the processing that local news provides service, so just can print based on produced the information of handling the news data that produces by news information by record cell 14.
When carrying out S4911, control unit 11 will be provided with in S4911 reverts to original value (S4912) for the parameter of output equipment, and " MFP state information " is transferred to function server 30 (S4913).After S4913, control unit 11 proceeds to S4914, and receives " service status information " from function server 30.Then, at S4915, control unit 11 is removed the busy flag Fo that is provided with in S4903, and finishes output operation.
Communication system according to the 3rd embodiment has been described.According to above-described communication system, by between function server 30 and MFP 10 (as client device), carrying out http communication, can provide multiple service (for example, blog search service, local news provide service) to MFP 10 from function server 30.
Further, when MFP10 by communication unit 15 when function server 30 receives response signal for conventional request signal, whether the parameter S ervice_Start that judges the request service ID of describing in the comprehensive return information that is included in the response signal is " TRUE ", thereby, judge whether the service corresponding to the request service ID is ready to (S4609) on function server 30.If function server 30 prepares to provide service, MFP 10 can carry out necessary service and receives to handle from function server 30 and receive service so.
As top, according to above-described communication system, when having inquiry, relevant these information inquiring are collected in the comprehensive inquiry signal, and are transferred to function server 30.Therefore, compare with the situation of transmitting each request signal, can suppress amount of network service, and can effectively make inquiry with generation.Further, the answer for inquiry can be integrated in the comprehensive return information.Thereby, can also effectively reply.
Further, according to the 3rd embodiment, at S3904, the expiring of monitoring preset update time, and in S3905, based on every kind of equipment of this execution cycle information, every kind of service immediately, judge whether to make inquiry immediately.Further, at S3906, based on information remaining time that is stored in the conventional question blank, each equipment can judge whether to have arrived query time.
In S3906, the if there is no query time service of having arrived so just stops transmission conventional request signal (S3911), and when the service that exists query time to arrive, and when update time is over and done with, the transmission routine is inquired about (S3911).
Therefore,, can use comprehensive inquiry information effectively to make inquiry, and further,, also can do like this for the request service of inquiry immediately according to this communication system.
According to above-mentioned communication system, the request service ID of individual service is based on that the value of parameter is whole to be described, and the request service ID of describing for integral body, with relevant mode characterising parameter value to form described comprehensive inquiry information.Therefore, according to the 3rd embodiment, need not repeatedly to describe these parameter values, this has reduced the data volume of Query Information, and can suppress amount of network service.
Further, in communication system according to the 3rd embodiment, the whole request service ID of describing identical value with parameter S ervice_Start, Service_URL, Service_Status, Service_Canceled, and the ID that further describes with this integral body relatively the characterising parameter value to produce comprehensive return information.Thereby, according to the 3rd embodiment, can suppress the data volume of comprehensive return information, and can suppress amount of network service.
According to the 3rd embodiment, the information of relevant response predefined parameter (Response_Service) service is stored in comprehensive return information, and transmits this response signal.Further, the information about the service relevant with different responses is not included in the response signal.Thereby, can effectively suppress the data volume of response signal, and can suppress amount of network service.
According to the 3rd embodiment, the service that is provided by function server 30 is received by MFP 10, and this MFP uses reading unit 13, record cell 14, sound input unit 17 and sound input unit 18.When service is provided by function server 30, use one or more these unit.According to the 3rd embodiment, if it is busy to be used to the input-output apparatus of the service of carrying out, the request service ID corresponding to this busy equipment is not included in the comprehensive inquiry information so.Thereby, have only available service and the required input-output apparatus of this service of execution to be included in the comprehensive inquiry information.Like this, can make conventional inquiry very effectively.
According to the 3rd embodiment, as long as separately use input-output apparatus, just can executed in parallel service (that is, an input-output apparatus only is used in a kind of service).If equipment is used to multiple service, be " YES " by carrying out S4607-S4611 up to S4606, these services are carried out by serial.
Therefore, by MFP 10, these services can effectively offer the user.
In the foregoing description, do not describe " loud speaker job initiation instruction " in detail.But the algorithm of loud speaker operation is identical with the algorithm of print job basically, and only need just can understand loud speaker job initiation instruction by use " loud speaker " and " voice data " replacement " printing " and " print data " in Figure 65 and 66.
In the superincumbent description, do not describe the service of function server 30 outputs " input job initiation instruction " in detail.The regular service of energy server 30 output input job initiations instructions provides processing will import the operation job instruction and is transferred to MFP 10.Then, MFP 10 uses input equipment (for example, reading unit 13 or sound input unit 17) to carry out the input operation.Then, function server 30 receives data from MFP 10, and this MFP uses reading unit 13 or sound input unit 17 to produce described data.
Communication system according to the 3rd embodiment can different ways be made amendment, and does not depart from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the 3rd embodiment,, provide the label of this parameter value of indication to produce comprehensive inquiry information and comprehensive return information usually for the request service ID that has identical parameter value in one group of request service ID.This configuration can be made amendment shown in Figure 68 and 69 like that.That is,, can these parameter values be described for every kind of request service ID no matter whether these parameter values have identical value.
Claims (13)
1, a kind of image processing system comprises:
Image processing equipment, it has the image read functions of the view data that is used for scan image and produces this image of expression and is used for forming image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms in the function at least one; With
Service providing device, it is applicable in response to the request from described image processing equipment provides service, and at least one in the view data of the view data that function produced of this service and image processing equipment and the image of indicating to form is relevant,
Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:
The parameter designating unit, it is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as being used for receiving the required service of service from service providing device from a plurality of functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment;
The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; With
Function realizes the unit, and it is applicable to based on the function that is provided parameter to realize image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with and is applicable to that carrying out processing after the request of receiving from the service request unit provides the service of described service that performance element is provided to image processing equipment,
Wherein said image processing equipment is equipped with equipment side that notification unit is set, and it is applicable to the parameter that notification service provides equipment to be provided with,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with: the service end parameter storage unit, and it is applicable to that storage is corresponding to the be provided with parameter of described image processing equipment in memory cell; Be applicable to the first list producing unit that produces parameter list, in this parameter list based on be provided with parameter appointed function parameter corresponding to image processing equipment; The specified request unit, it is applicable to provides the order of the specified request of parameter to be transferred to image processing equipment with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit with being used to serve,
Wherein said parameter designating unit is applicable to display parameters tabulation on display unit when the parameter designating unit receives specified request order and parameter list from the specified request unit, and allows the user to specify the functional parameter that parameter will be provided as service parameter list from the functional parameter of registering.
2, a kind of image processing system comprises:
Image processing equipment, it has the image read functions of the view data that is used for scan image and produces this image of expression and is used for forming image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms in the function at least one; With
Service providing device, it is applicable in response to the request from described image processing equipment provides service, and at least one in the view data of the view data that function produced of this service and image processing equipment and the image of indicating to form is relevant,
Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:
The parameter designating unit, it is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as being used for receiving the required service of service from service providing device from a plurality of functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment;
The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; With
Function realizes the unit, and it is applicable to based on the function that is provided parameter to realize image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with and is applicable to that carrying out processing after the request of receiving from the service request unit provides the service of described service that performance element is provided to image processing equipment,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with: the first notice request unit, this unit is applicable to that the indication of requested image processing equipment is used to specify the be provided with parameter of the functional parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment, and this can be provided with parameter and be assigned to the function that offers image processing equipment; The first list producing unit, it is applicable to that generation wherein registered the parameter list of functional parameter, and described functional parameter is specified by the described parameter that is provided with, and the described parameter that is provided with is by the first notice request unit requests, indicated by image processing system; The specified request unit, it is applicable to provides the order of the specified request of parameter to be transferred to image processing equipment with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit with being used to serve,
Described image processing equipment be provided be applicable to the described equipment side that parameter is set of service providing device indication be provided with notification unit and
Described parameter designating unit is applicable to when the parameter designating unit receives the specified request order that sends from the specified request unit and parameter list and shows described parameter list at display unit.
3, a kind of image processing system comprises:
Image processing equipment, it has the image read functions of the view data that is used for scan image and produces this image of expression and is used for forming image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms in the function at least one; With
Service providing device, it is applicable in response to the request from described image processing equipment provides service, and at least one in the view data of the view data that function produced of this service and image processing equipment and the image of indicating to form is relevant,
Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:
The parameter designating unit, it is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as being used for receiving the required service of service from service providing device from a plurality of functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment;
The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; With
Function realizes the unit, and it is applicable to based on the function that is provided parameter to realize image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with and is applicable to that carrying out processing after the request of receiving from the service request unit provides the service of described service that performance element is provided to image processing equipment,
Wherein said image processing system comprises: information management unit, wherein said service providing device is equipped with the second notice request unit, the described second notice request unit is applicable to the be provided with parameter of solicited message administrative unit indicating image treatment facility, and described information management unit is applicable to the described parameter that is provided with is stored in the memory cell; The first list producing unit, it is applicable to that generation wherein registered the parameter list of functional parameter, and described functional parameter is specified by the described parameter that is provided with, and the described parameter that is provided with is by the second notification unit request unit request, indicated by the image management unit; The specified request unit, it is applicable to provides the order of the specified request of parameter to be transferred to image processing equipment with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit with being used to serve,
Wherein said information management unit is equipped with keeper's side that notification unit is set, described keeper's side be provided with notification unit be applicable to according to from the request of service providing device to the service providing device indication described be provided with parameter and
Wherein said parameter designating unit is applicable to display parameters tabulation on display unit when the parameter designating unit receives specified request order and parameter list from the specified request unit, and allows the user to specify the functional parameter that parameter will be provided as service parameter list from the functional parameter of registering.
4, image processing system according to claim 3 comprises:
Equipment side is provided with notification unit, and it is applicable to information management unit indication the be provided with parameter for image processing system,
Wherein said information management unit is equipped with keeper's side parameter storage unit, its be applicable to storage corresponding to the be provided with parameter of image processing equipment and
Wherein said keeper's side parameter storage unit is applicable to that indication is stored in be provided with parameter in keeper's side parameter storage unit, is used for according to the request from service providing device service being offered service providing device corresponding to the be provided with parameter of image processing equipment.
5, according to claim 1 or 4 described image processing systems,
Wherein said equipment side is provided with notification unit and is applicable at the predetermined instant of starting after the image processing equipment and indicates the described parameter that is provided with.
6, according to claim 1 or 4 described image processing systems,
Wherein said equipment side is provided with notification unit and is applicable to when the be provided with parameter for image processing equipment is modified and indicates this that parameter can be set to service providing device.
7, according to claim 1 or 4 described image processing systems,
Wherein said equipment side is provided with notification unit and is applicable to when image processing equipment starts to the service providing device indication parameter can be set.
8, a kind of image processing system comprises:
Image processing equipment, it has the image read functions of the view data that is used for scan image and produces this image of expression and is used for forming image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms in the function at least one; With
Service providing device, it is applicable in response to the request from described image processing equipment provides service, and at least one in the view data of the view data that function produced of this service and image processing equipment and the image of indicating to form is relevant,
Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:
The parameter designating unit, it is applicable to and allows the user to specify functional parameter to provide parameter as being used for receiving the required service of service from service providing device from a plurality of functional parameters according to the function that offers image processing equipment;
The service request unit, it is applicable to the service providing device request and serves; With
Function realizes the unit, and it is applicable to based on the function that is provided parameter to realize image processing equipment by parameter designating unit service specified,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with and is applicable to that carrying out processing after the request of receiving from the service request unit provides the service of described service that performance element is provided to image processing equipment,
Wherein said parameter designating unit is applicable to when service providing device required parameter designating unit appointed function parameter the parameter list that shows the registration function parameter that comprises the relevant function that offers image processing equipment on the display unit at image processing equipment, and specify in the functional parameter that allows the user from parameter list, to register the functional parameter of parameter will be provided as service
Wherein said image processing equipment is equipped with the second tabulation generation unit, it is applicable to when the specified request unit requests image processing equipment specified services of service providing device provides parameter the parameter list that produces the registration function parameter that comprises the relevant function that offers image processing equipment
Wherein said parameter designating unit is applicable to and shows the parameter list that is produced by the second tabulation generation unit on the display unit of image processing equipment, and allow the functional parameter that the user specifies will provide parameter as service parameter list from the functional parameter of registering.
9, image processing system according to claim 8,
Wherein when the specified request unit requests parameter designating unit of service providing device specified described service that parameter is provided, described parameter designating unit allowed the user to specify described functional parameter to provide parameter as service according to the function that offers image processing equipment.
10, image processing system according to claim 8,
Wherein said parameter list is to produce by the relevant functional parameter that offers the function of image processing equipment is registered in the format list,
Wherein said specified request unit is applicable to the parameter of specified request order will provide to(for) service with described format list be used to refer to the list information that functional parameter is registered to the method for format list and be transferred to image processing equipment, and
The wherein said second tabulation generation unit is applicable at the second tabulation generation unit and produces parameter list based on described format list and register method when the specified request unit receives the specified request order.
11, according to each described image processing system in claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 8,
Wherein said functional parameter is at least one in the following parameter:
(1) corresponding to the parameter of read functions, this functional parameter comprises at least one in the number of colors of the resolution of image read functions and read functions; With
(2) corresponding to the parameter of image formation function, this functional parameter comprises that image forms the resolution of function and at least one in the image formation function number of colors.
12, a kind of image processing equipment comprises that the read functions and being used for that is used for catching image and produces the view data of this image of expression forms image by the image of pictorial data representation and forms in the function at least one,
Wherein the parameter designating unit allows the user to have the functional parameter that parameter is provided for service made to order from a plurality of functional parameter middle fingers according to the function that offers image processing equipment, it is necessary from server reception service that this service provides parameter, described server provides at least one the relevant service in the view data of view data that produces with the function that offers image processing equipment and the image of indicating to form
Wherein the service request unit is applicable to described server requests service,
When wherein providing described service by server when by the service request unit requests time, function realizes the function that the unit provides parameter to realize image processing equipment based on parameter designating unit service specified,
Wherein said image processing equipment is equipped with equipment side that notification unit is set, and it is applicable to the parameter that notification service provides equipment to be provided with,
Wherein said service providing device is equipped with: the service end parameter storage unit, and it is applicable to that storage is corresponding to the be provided with parameter of described image processing equipment in memory cell; Be applicable to the first list producing unit that produces parameter list, in this parameter list based on be provided with parameter appointed function parameter corresponding to image processing equipment; The specified request unit, it is applicable to provides the order of the specified request of parameter to be transferred to image processing equipment with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit with being used to serve,
Wherein said parameter designating unit is applicable to display parameters tabulation on display unit when the parameter designating unit receives specified request order and parameter list from the specified request unit, and allows the user to specify the functional parameter that parameter will be provided as service parameter list from the functional parameter of registering.
13, a kind of server comprises:
The first list producing unit, it is applicable to and produces the parameter list that comprises the registration function parameter relevant with the function that offers image processing equipment;
The specified request unit, it is applicable to that with for wanting appointed service provide the specified request order of parameter to be transferred to image processing equipment with the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit, described service provides parameter to be used for receiving service from server; With
Service provides performance element, and it is by based on specified request order and the function that provides parameter to realize offering image processing equipment by service specified in the functional parameter of user in parameter list, carries out processing providing service to image processing equipment,
The service end parameter storage unit, it is applicable to the be provided with parameter of storing corresponding to described image processing equipment in memory cell,
Wherein the parameter list that is produced by the first list producing unit is based on the parameter generating that is provided with that is stored in described service end parameter storage unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004322937 | 2004-11-05 | ||
| JP2004322937 | 2004-11-05 | ||
| JP2004322942 | 2004-11-05 | ||
| JP2005144232 | 2005-05-17 |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1819613A CN1819613A (en) | 2006-08-16 |
| CN100515008C true CN100515008C (en) | 2009-07-15 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2005101216894A Expired - Fee Related CN100515008C (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2005-11-07 | Communication system |
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| CN (1) | CN100515008C (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5246231B2 (en) | 2010-09-21 | 2013-07-24 | コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, display method, and display program |
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- 2005-11-07 CN CNB2005101216894A patent/CN100515008C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| CN1819613A (en) | 2006-08-16 |
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