JP2000151756A - Network system and data transferring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a system capable of unnecessitating a data transfer instruction again by detecting an error of another equipment to be used by combining a certain equipment, and when an error is detected, transferring data scheduled to be transmitted to the other equipment and reading out the transferred and stored data. SOLUTION: In the case of outputting picture data read out by a network scanner 102 from a network printer 104, whether the printer 104 to be a transferred destination is in an error state disabled from receiving picture data or not when the printer 104 is stopped due to a jam or the like. When the error state is detected, the transferred address of data is changed from the address of the printer 104 described in a transfer pass profile being used at present to that of a management server 103. Picture data transfer from the scanner 102 to the server 103 is executed and the picture data are stored in a received error picture temporary storage part built in the server 103.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system such as a multifunction system including an input device and an output device connected to a network, and a data transfer method in the network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a network in which input devices such as a scanner and a digital camera, output devices such as a printer and a fax, and data storage devices such as a file server are connected to a common network and can be used in any combination. System (Multi-function device system.
Hereafter, a number of methods for configuring an MFP system have been realized.

In such an MFP system, a device profile that describes the functions and characteristics of each device connected to the network, and a transfer that describes a transfer source and a transfer destination of data transfer generated based on the device profile are described. It has been proposed to use a path profile.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned MFP system, when the power of the transfer destination device is turned off or there is a problem such as a lack of free space for storing data in the transfer destination device. In this case, the transfer cannot be performed normally, and the user has to re-instruct the data transfer from the transfer source device after the trouble is solved, which is inconvenient.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system and a data transfer method that do not require a transfer instruction again even if a failure occurs during data transfer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a network system capable of instructing data transfer from a device other than a device that transmits transfer data.

That is, the gist of the present invention is a network system capable of performing desired processing by combining a plurality of devices connected to a network, and a data storage means readable and writable from the devices connected to the network. And an error detecting unit that detects an error of another device used in combination with the device to be combined, and data to be transmitted to another device when an error is detected, data to be transmitted to the data storage unit. A network system includes a transfer unit and a transfer data reading unit that reads data stored in a data storage unit.

Another object of the present invention is a data transfer method in a network system capable of performing desired processing by transferring data between devices connected to a network. A checking step for grasping the state of the receiving device, and as a result of the checking step, if the device receiving the data cannot receive the data, the device is connected to the network,
A data transfer step of transferring data to another device having means for storing data, and after the data receiving device has changed from an unreceivable state to a receivable state, the data is stored in the other device from the receiving device. And a reading step of reading out the read data.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the overall configuration of a multifunction device system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
A case will be described in which an image input device is used as an input device and an image forming device is used as an output device, and data to be transferred is image data.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technique for connecting devices, for example, TCP / TCP.
Ethernet (registered trademark) using IP protocol
, And this embodiment also adopts this configuration.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a scanner which optically reads image data from a document printed on paper or the like, has a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

Reference numeral 103 denotes the scanner 102 and the printer 1
This is a management server that stores configuration information (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer path profile) when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device) using a combination of the devices 04 and provides a transfer path profile at the request of an input device and an output device. . The management server 103 is generally realized by installing server software on a personal computer or a workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a network interface which receives print data and image data sent via the network interface, and forms an image on a recording material such as paper using a known image forming technique such as electrophotography. It is a printer. The printer 104 is also connected to each device via the network 101.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that image data transmitted from the scanner 102 can be directly printed by the printer 104.
02, the input image data is stored in a page description language
(Referred to as PDL) and transfer the converted data to the printer 104.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the scanner 102. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technology, 202 denotes a CPU that controls the entire operation, and 203 denotes the scanner engine 20.
A RAM 204 for temporarily storing the image data read by the CPU 1 and for storing storage information for work;
2 is a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of No. 2 is stored. Further, 205 is a network interface for connecting to the network 101, 206 is a device profile supply unit for transmitting device information of the scanner 102 to the management server 103, and 207 obtains a transfer path profile from the management server and stores the information in the RAM 203. A transfer path profile acquisition unit 208 is an operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the printer 104. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink-jet, 302 denotes a CPU that controls the entire operation, and 303 temporarily stores image data output to the printer engine 301. RAM for storing working storage information,
A ROM 304 stores a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 302. Furthermore, 305 is the network 1
01, a network interface to connect to
306, device information of the printer 104;
The device profile supply unit 307 acquires the transfer path profile from the management server,
Transfer path profile acquisition unit 30 for storing information in 3;
8 is a liquid crystal to provide a user interface,
The operation panel includes a display device such as an LED and a plurality of operation buttons.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 103. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire operation;
RAM for storing a program for controlling the operation of C.01.
A device profile database 404 stores device profiles of devices connected to the network, a transfer path profile database 405 stores a transfer path profile generated from the device profile, and a device 406 connects to the network 101. A network I / F 407 acquires a device profile from a device connected to the network, and stores a device profile in a device profile database 404. A device profile acquisition unit 408 acquires a transfer path profile from a transfer path profile database 405 according to a request from the device. A transfer path profile supply unit 409 that reads and supplies the read data to the device via the network. A transfer path profile generation unit that writes the transfer-path profile database 405 to generate a profile. Reference numeral 410 denotes a reception error image temporary storage unit that temporarily receives and stores the image data when the transfer cannot be performed normally due to an error on the receiving side when the image data is transferred.

Device profile database 40
4. The transfer path profile database 405 and the reception error image temporary storage unit 410 can be specifically configured by allocating a partial area of a storage device such as a hard disk.

Next, the device profile will be described. The device profile is data indicating characteristics, such as the type of each device, performance, control commands, and the like, necessary for configuring the virtual MFP, and includes, for example, text data as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the scanner 102.

In FIG. 5, Device-Type:
Indicates the type of device (input / output, device type).
In this case, it is an input device (input-device), which indicates that the device is a scanner. Device
e-Id: describes the model name of the device. In this case, S-Id:
This indicates that “cannerXXX” is the model name of the device. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, 172.1
6.10.2 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is the resolution supported by the device, in this case 400 dpi, 60
Indicates that resolutions of 0 dpi and 1200 dpi are supported. Media-size: indicates a document size supported by the device.
This indicates that paper sizes of 4, 4, and 5 are supported.

[0021] Input-feed: indicates a charge when the device is used, and in this case, 16 bits in A4 size.
This indicates that when the image of t is taken, a charge of 8 yen is required. Document-format: is an image format and a command system supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that the device supports output of JPEG and GIF type images and output of LIPS4 type PDL. Input-command
d: describes a command that can be used when another device uses this device. "A4 / REQA
4-SCAN "indicates that a command" REQA4-SCAN "may be transmitted to the scanner in order to read in the A4 size. Although the example in which only the command to be specified is described, a reading condition (spatial resolution, color resolution) and the like can be added as necessary.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a device profile in the printer 104. In FIG. 6, Device
-Type: is the type of device (input / output, device type)
Is described, in this case, it is an output device (output-device), and indicates that the device is a laser beam printer (LBP). Device-Id: indicates a device model name, and in this case, indicates that LBP-XXX is a device model name. Device-addresses
s: indicates the network address of the device, and in this case, indicates that 172.16.10.3 is the network address of the device. Resolution
n: is a resolution supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that the resolution supports 300 dpi and 600 dpi. Media-size: indicates an output size supported by the device.
This indicates that output of 3, A4, A5, and B4 sizes is supported. Output-feed: indicates the charge when the device is used. In this case, when a monochrome image is output in A4 size, a charge of 10 yen is required. Document-format: is an image format supported by the device, and is LIPS4, N2
01, indicates that input by ESC / P is supported. Although not particularly shown in this example, a command for designating a print resolution, a halftone process, a print size, and the like may be described as an Output-Command, similarly to the profile of the scanner 102.

The device profile of each device connected to the network is acquired by the device profile acquisition unit of the management server 103.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103. The device profile acquisition unit is a management server 1
03, and operates until the MFP system ends. In S701, a device profile acquisition command is issued only once at the time of startup to a device connected via a network (S70).
1). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a device profile acquisition command. "REQ" is a transfer request, "DEVICE"
“PROFILE” indicates a device profile and indicates that the request is for a device profile.
Is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet.

Upon issuing the profile transfer request command, the device profile acquisition section 407 waits for the arrival of a device profile transfer command from a device on the network (S702). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a device profile transfer instruction. “SEND” on the first line indicates a transfer, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, indicating that the transfer is a device profile. The following lines indicate the contents of the device profile as in FIG.
The process ends with a row of "F_PROFILE".

Upon receiving the device profile transfer command, the device profile acquisition unit 407 records the device profile portion from the received transfer command in the device profile database S704 in S703, and returns to S702 to receive the next device profile transfer command. Wait for.

Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from the device will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device profile supply unit on the device side. The device profile supply unit is the scanner 1
In the case of 02, it is 206 in FIG. 2, and in the case of the printer 104, it is 306 in FIG. The device profile supply unit is activated at the same time as the entire device, and continues processing until the power of the device is shut down.

In FIG. 10, in S901, the device executes the transfer of the device profile to the management server 103 only once at the time of startup. If the management server 103 has been activated, the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the server 103 records the transferred device profile in the device profile database 404 as described above (S703 in FIG. 7). If the management server 103 has not been activated at this time, the device profile transfer command is not recorded in the device profile database 404 of the management server 103 at this time.

When the device profile transfer command is issued, the flow waits for a device profile transfer request command to be received in step S902. If the device profile transfer request command has been sent from the management server 103, the device profile transfer command is issued to the management server 103 in step S903 as in step S901. This processing is a means for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 404 when the management server 103 is booted up after the device is running. The device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103 shown in FIG. By issuing a device profile transfer request command at the time of startup in S701, it is assured that the management server 103 has always obtained the device profiles of all the devices connected to the network.

On the other hand, in the management server 103, the transfer path profile generator 409 generates a transfer path profile based on the device information recorded in the device profile database 404, and stores the generated transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 405.

FIG. 11 shows a scanner (scannerXX).
13 shows an example of a transfer path profile when outputting A4 size image data input in X) to a laser beam printer (LBP-XXX). In FIG. 11, Desc
The line of “ription:” indicates a character string to be displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected. In this transfer path, “COPY scannerXXX to LBP” is used.
-XXX (A4) ".
The line of t-device: indicates the type of the input device (scanner), and the line of output-device: indicates the type of the output device (laser beam printer).

The line of "input-address:" indicates the network address of the input device.
The line of t-address: indicates the network address of the output device. Document-forma
The line t: indicates the format (LIPS4 format) of the document used in this transfer path. Copy
The line -default: indicates the number of copy (print) copies used by default, and is one copy in this example. Res
"solution:" indicates the resolution (600 dpi) used in this transfer path. Input-comm
and: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command to read the input device. FIG. 11 shows a command on the assumption that the A4 size is read.

The method and conditions for generating the transfer path profile from the device profile can be set arbitrarily. Usually, however, the network addresses of the input device and the output device, the number of copies in the case of output, the format of the data to be transferred, and the minimum Preferably, it is configured to include instructions. If the types that can be supported differ depending on the device, such as the data format and resolution, it goes without saying that the commonly supported one is selected. If there are many conditions that can be specified, a transfer path profile may be generated for each settable condition, or the transfer path profile may be common, and the content may be interpreted by a device and specified from the operation panel. Is also good.

The management server usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies a transfer path profile to each device in response to a request from an input device and an output device.

FIG. 13 shows a transfer path profile supply section 40.
8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of FIG. The operation of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 starts when the management server 103 is activated. In step S1101, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to all devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command at the time of startup. Notification is performed by broadcast notification. In step S1102, it is checked whether or not the transfer path profile database 405 has been changed. If there has been a change, in step S1103, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S1104, it is determined whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has been received from each device.
If it has arrived, in step S1105, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to the requesting device by a transfer path profile transfer instruction. In S1106,
It is checked whether a transfer path profile addition request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in S1107, the transfer path profile is added to the transfer path profile database 405. Hereinafter, S1102 to S1
Step 107 is repeated. The new transfer path profile added in S1107 is detected in S1102, and is notified to all devices by the process of S1103.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the structure of a transfer path profile request command. "REQ" is a transfer request "TRANSMI"
"SSION-PATH-PROFILE" indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the request is a transfer path profile.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the structure of a transfer path profile transfer command. “SEND” on the first line is transfer, “TRA”
“NSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” ”indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the transfer is a transfer path profile.
Is the same as the transfer path profile shown in FIG.
_OF_PROFILE ”.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the structure of a transfer path profile addition request command. "ADD" on the first line is an addition request, "
TRANSMISSION-PATH-PROFIL
E "indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the transfer path profile is to be added. The following lines are in accordance with the format of the transfer path profile similar to that shown in FIG. In the example of Fig. 16, the network address of the output device is not described, but this profile is an output device. The network address of the output device may be described as well as the transfer path profile addition command, like the transfer path transfer command, “END_OF_P”.
End with a line that says "ROFILE".

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition section of each device connected to the network. In the case of the scanner 102, the transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG.
04 is 307 in FIG.

In step S1401, the device issues a transfer path profile request command to the management server 103 to acquire a transfer path profile. This command is transferred to the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103.
(FIG. 13, step S1104), the transfer path profile database 40 of the management server 103 is detected.
5, the transfer of the transfer path profile is performed (S1).
105). If the transfer path profile is transferred according to the transfer path profile transfer command in S1402, it is stored in the RAM (203 for the scanner 102, 303 for the printer 104) in S1403. As described above, each device acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores it in the RAM 203 or 303.

Next, a process of printing an image read by the scanner 102 with the printer 104 using the MFP system will be described. It is assumed that the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 11 is used.

After the user sets a document on the scanner 102, the user operates the operation panel 208 of the scanner 102 to instruct printing.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operation panel 208 in the scanner 102. In FIG. 17, 1
Reference numeral 501 denotes a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters. In the figure, a message “Yomicomikano” indicating a standby state is displayed. Reference numeral 1502 denotes a cross key for selecting each function, and reference numeral 1503 denotes an execution button for executing scanning.

In the scanner having such an operation unit, the user can select a transfer path profile by, for example, pressing the right arrow key of the cross panel 1502. FIG. 18 shows an example of display contents of the liquid crystal panel 1501 when the right arrow key of the cross panel 1502 is pressed once. The character string on the LCD panel is “Descript” in FIG.
ion: is displayed as shown in FIG.
Indicates that the transfer path profile indicated by is selected. As shown in FIG. 18, when the number of characters described in the Description: line of the transfer path profile is larger than the number of characters that can be displayed at one time, scroll display may be performed, or description indicating oneself (in this example, “Scan”).
nerXXX ") may be omitted or they may be combined. Further, the description of the transfer path file may not be used as it is, but may be converted into another expression in the device and displayed. When a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the scanner 102, the cross panel 15
By further pressing the right key of 02, another transfer path profile can be selected. Conditions not specified in the transfer path profile can be directly set using the operation panel. Specifically, a predetermined condition may be set using the up and down arrow buttons.

By pressing the scan execution button 1503 with the transfer profile selected, a function using this transfer path profile is executed. According to the transfer path profile of FIG.
solution: The original is read at the resolution of 600 dpi written in
out in LIPS4 format written in t-format:
Send to the device with the network address 172.16.10.2 written in put-address :. Cop
Since y-default: is 1, data transmission is performed only once.

The data transmitted by the scanner is transferred to the printer 104 via the network 101. The printer 104 outputs the transferred data regardless of the transfer path profile.

Up to this point, a method has been described in which a transfer path profile is selected on the operation panel of the scanner 102 and print data is transferred to the printer 104. Conversely, a transfer path profile is selected from the operation panel of the printer 104. The scanner 102 may be requested to transmit print data. Hereinafter, the operation in this case will be described.

The transfer path profile acquisition unit 307 of the printer 104 acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103 in the same manner as the transfer path profile acquisition unit 207 of the scanner 102.

Next, the process of actually performing printing will be described.

The user sets a document on the scanner 102 and gives a print instruction using the operation panel 308 of the printer 104.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operation panel 308 of the printer 104. In FIG. 19, 1
Reference numeral 701 denotes a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters. In the figure, a message "Insatsu no" indicating a standby state is displayed. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a cross key for selecting each function, and reference numeral 1703 denotes an execution button for executing printing.

In the printer having such an operation unit, the user can select a transfer path profile by pressing, for example, the right arrow key on the cross panel 1702. In this example, since the appearance of the operation unit is the same as that of the scanner, the transfer profile name display screen is also shown in FIG.
Same as 8. If a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the printer 104, the cross panel 170
Further transfer path profiles can be selected by further pressing the right arrow key 2.

By pressing the print execution button 1703 with the transfer profile selected, a function using this transfer path profile is executed. That is, the printer 104 selects 172.16.10.1 written in input-address: as an input device, and selects
A read request is made by transmitting a read command (“REQ A4-SCAN”) written in “put-command:” to the input device. In this case, the reading resolution is set in a state set by the scanner 102. When specifying the resolution, a resolution specifying command may be added to the “Input-Command:” line of the transfer path profile.

When the scanner 102 receives the read command, the scanner 102 reads a document in a specified paper size as a reply and transmits data to the printer 104 in a specified image format. At this time, the scanner 104 operates only in response to a command transmitted from the printer regardless of the transfer path profile.

Next, transfer destination error processing which is a feature of the present invention will be described. An example of error processing in a case where the image data read by the scanner 102 described above is output from the printer 104, a case where the transfer destination printer cannot be found on the network, or a case where the printer 104 has stopped due to a jam. To explain.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a data transfer operation including error processing. In S2001,
It is checked whether the transfer destination printer 104 is in an error state in which image data cannot be received. If not an error condition,
The transfer is executed in S2002. If an error state is detected, in step S2003, the transfer destination address of the data is set to outp of the transfer path profile currently used.
The address of the printer 104 described in out-address is changed to the management server 103. Also, when an error is detected, the operation panel 208
It is preferable that the user be notified through the liquid crystal panel 1501 of FIG. At this time, if the type of the error is known, the type may be displayed. In step S2004, the image data is transferred from the scanner 102 to the management server 103, and the image data is stored in the reception error image temporary storage unit 410 in the management server 103.

Next, in S2005, the management server 10
A transfer path file (FIG. 16) for executing printing to the printer 104 using the image data stored in the printer 3 is generated. In step S2006, a request to add the generated transfer path profile is issued to the management server 103. Upon receiving the transfer path profile addition request, the management server 103 performs recording in the transfer path profile database and transfer to each device as described above.

After the user turns on the power of the printer 104 or clears the jam, the user executes the recovery transfer path profile received from the management server by using the operation panel of the printer 104, thereby allowing the management server 103 to execute the recovery. The image data stored in the reception error image temporary storage unit 410 can be output. Through such processing, a print can be obtained without causing the scanner 102 to read the document again.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, each device has a configuration having all transfer path profiles. However, there are cases where a plurality of input / output devices are connected to the network 101. There is a case where there is a transfer path profile that does not use the device, and storing the profile that is not used in the RAM is useless.
It is also desirable not to notify unnecessary information in order not to increase traffic on the network. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, the transfer path profile transfer request command is extended, and the command is extended so that only the transfer path profile related to the own machine is transferred.

FIG. 22 shows a command statement obtained by expanding the transfer path profile transfer request command of FIG. 14 in the first embodiment. "MATCH Input-address = 17
The address 172.1.
Indicates that a transfer path profile request including 16.10.2 has been requested. By doing so, it is possible to efficiently transfer the transfer path profile including the transfer path profile for the recovery process.

Similarly, in the operation of the management server 103 shown in FIG. 13, the transfer path profile is notified (S110).
1, S1105) and the notification of the changed transfer path profile (S1103), the same effect can be obtained by notifying only the profile corresponding to the device.

In the above-described embodiment, all operations such as analysis and issuance of various instructions can be realized by the CPU of each device executing a predetermined program. This program may be recorded in, for example, the ROM of each device or another storage device.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, the user directly operates the operation panel of the device to select and execute the transfer path profile. May be monitored and the image data is automatically sent to the printer when the error state is released.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 103. When a transfer path profile addition request is received (S2201), it is determined from the Description part of the profile whether the profile is a recovery command or another command (S220).
2). If it is not a recovery instruction, S11 in FIG.
In a manner similar to 07, the profile addition processing is performed, and the normal operation in FIG. 13 is performed (S2203).

On the other hand, if the received profile is a recovery command, the profile output-add
The network address of the output device is detected from the response unit, and the status of the output device is checked (S2204). As a result of the check, if the error has been resolved (S220
5) The data stored in the reception error image temporary storage section 410 is transferred to the output device (S2206), and when the transfer is completed, the contents of the reception error image temporary storage section 410 are deleted (S2207). If the error of the output device has not been resolved in S2205, the check is repeated again.

By such an operation, an output can be obtained automatically only by canceling the error. In addition, for example, when the output device is able to return to its own state due to an accidental error, the trouble of the user is troublesome. Absent.

[0068]

[Other Embodiments] In each of the above-described embodiments, the transfer path profiles are all generated by the transfer path profile generator 409 of the management server 103 and stored in the transfer bus profile database 405. The transfer path profile may be registered in a non-volatile storage unit (non-volatile memory, magnetic recording medium, or the like) of each device in order to enable printing even when is not running. Furthermore, each device may have a function equivalent to that of the management server.

Further, the transfer path profile database 405 may be connected to the network 101 so as to be arbitrarily accessible by each device, not in the management server 103.

Then, a file server other than the management server may temporarily store the reception error image. Further, the file server may be selected and stored from a plurality.

Although the description has been made using the combination of the scanner and the printer, it goes without saying that a network scan from the scanner to the file server or a network FAX transmission from the scanner to the FAX may be used. Also,
The reception error at the time of transferring the image to the file server may include insufficient capacity of the transfer destination.

Also, in FIGS. 2 to 4, it is described that each device has a device profile supply unit, a transfer bus profile acquisition unit, and a transfer path profile generation unit as separate components. It goes without saying that the operation of each unit may be realized by the CPU executing a program.

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, when data transfer cannot be performed due to an error in the transfer destination device in a network system that performs desired processing by combining devices connected to the network, By storing the data in the file server and performing recovery using the transfer path profile in which the address of the data transmission source is changed, it is not necessary to perform the data input operation again, and the operability and efficiency are improved.

Further, since the management server detects the error release of the transfer destination device and completes the data transfer without instructing re-transfer from the transfer destination device, further improvement in operability and efficiency can be realized. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction device system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner 102 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 104 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server 103 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the scanner 102.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the printer 104.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of a device profile acquisition command.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a device profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a device profile supply unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a transfer path profile acquisition unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a transfer path profile supply unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile request command.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile transfer command.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile addition request command.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel 208 in the scanner 102.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing display contents of the liquid crystal panel 1501 when the right key of the cross panel 1502 is pressed once.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel 308 in the printer 104.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer start operation of the input device.

FIG. 21 is a management server 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command statement that is an extension of a transfer path profile transfer request command.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/781 510C 5/781 (72) Inventor Naoki Dohi 3-chome Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo 30-2 Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Susumu Muto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Masato Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koji Kajita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Makoto Takayama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F term (reference) 5B021 AA01 BB02 BB04 BB10 NN06 NN21 5B089 GA01 GA11 HA06 JA11 JB01 JB03 JB15 KA12 KB04 KC28 ME11 ME15 5C062 AA02 AA29 AB22 AB38 AC22 AC43 AC58 AC 67 5K030 GA12 HB19 HD09 KA01 KA02 LB05 MB01 5K035 AA06 DD01 EE00 FF01 KK01 KK04 MM03 MM06

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A network system capable of performing a desired process by combining a plurality of devices connected to a network, wherein said data storage means is readable and writable from said devices connected to said network. An apparatus for detecting an error of another apparatus used in combination with the apparatus, and data to be transmitted to the other apparatus when the error is detected, data to be transmitted to the data storage means. A network system comprising: a transfer unit; and a transfer data reading unit that reads the data stored in the data storage unit. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein data transmission between the combined devices is performed based on a profile generated based on information unique to the combined devices. 3. The profile includes a network address of a data transmission source device and a data transmission destination device, and the data transfer unit stores at least a network address of the data transmission source device of the profile in a network address of the data storage unit. 3. The network system according to claim 2, wherein the data transmission is performed by changing the data transmission to the network transmission. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the device-specific information includes information indicating a function of the device, and further includes a profile generation unit configured to generate the profile according to a type of the processing. Network system. 5. The network system according to claim 4, wherein said profile generating means acquires said device-specific information from all devices connected to said network, and generates said profile. 6. The network system according to claim 4, wherein said profile generation means transmits said profile to all devices. 7. The network system according to claim 4, wherein said profile generating means transmits only the changed profile to all devices when the profile is changed. 8. The network system according to claim 2, wherein said profile is prepared according to a type of said desired processing. 9. The data storage means for monitoring a device in which the error is detected, and sending the stored data to the device in which the error is detected when the detected error is resolved. 2. The network system according to claim 1, further comprising a data transmission unit that performs the data transmission. 10. The network system according to claim 1, comprising a device for generating data and a device for visualizing and outputting the generated data. 11. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the devices to be combined are an image input device and an image forming device. 12. A data transfer method in a network system capable of performing desired processing by transferring data between devices connected to a network, wherein a data transmitting device grasps a state of a data receiving device. A check step, and if the result of the check step indicates that the device that receives the data cannot receive the data, the data is transferred to another device that is connected to the network and has a unit that stores the data. And a reading step of reading the data stored in the other device from the receiving device after the data receiving device changes from a state in which the data receiving device cannot receive the data to a state in which the data receiving device can receive the data. A data transfer method, characterized in that: 13. A data transfer method in a network system capable of performing a desired process by transferring data between devices connected to a network, wherein a data transmitting device grasps a state of the data receiving device. A check step, and if the result of the check step indicates that the device that receives the data cannot receive the data, the data is transferred to another device that is connected to the network and has a unit that stores the data. Monitoring the state of the data receiving device, and transferring the data stored in the other device to the receiving device when the data is changed from a non-receivable state to a receivable state. And a data transfer method. 14. The method according to claim 14, wherein the transfer of the data is performed based on a profile including addresses of the data transmitting device and the data receiving device on the network, and wherein the data transfer step includes the profile of the data transmitting device and the data receiving device. And transmitting a profile in which an address on a network is changed to an address on the network of the other device to the other device, wherein the other device transmits data to the receiving device based on the changed profile. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the transfer is performed.
Data transfer method described. 15. The data transfer method according to claim 13, wherein the data transmitting device is an image input device, and the data receiving device is an image forming device. 16. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to perform data transfer in a network system capable of performing desired processing by transferring data between devices connected to a network is recorded. There is a checking step in which the data transmitting device grasps the state of the data receiving device, and as a result of the checking step, if the device receiving the data cannot receive the data, the device is connected to the network, A data transfer step of transferring the data to another device having means for storing the data. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer-executable program.