JP2000197165A - Multi-function system, remote copy system and its data transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an unintended remote printer from outputting data unexpectedly by having only to collect device information sets registered automatically so as to integrate devices only in a desired range by a user such as multiple devices on one floor into a system. SOLUTION: The multi-function system that transfers data from an input device to an output device connected to a network registers a specific device among devices located on the network as a component of the multi-function system (410). A combined function to be configured is decided through combinations of information sets specific to input and output devices that are registered (409, 405) and data are transferred from the input device to the output device on behalf of the configured function (408).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function system, a remote copy system and a data transfer method thereof, and more particularly to a multi-function system, a remote copy system and a multi-function system comprising an input device and an output device connected to a network and a management server. It relates to a data transfer method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are a number of methods for configuring a multifunction device system (hereinafter abbreviated as an MFP system) by connecting input devices such as a scanner and a digital camera and output devices such as a printer and a fax with each other via a network. Has been realized. In this type of system, a file server for temporarily storing data on a network and a client host for instructing data read from an input device and data transmission to an output device (this may also serve as the file server) )Is required.

[0003]

In order to make such a system easier to use and more effectively connect devices, there is a method for automatically acquiring device-specific information from devices connected on a network. Conceivable. The device-specific information is, for example, information that the device is a printer, has a sorter, and the paper size is only A4.

[0004] When a system is constructed by acquiring the device-specific information and freely combining them, the range of collecting the information becomes a problem. In other words, devices on the network include distant PCs, workstations, printers, etc. If they are put together as multi-function image input / output devices, inappropriate devices will be included, making the system difficult to use. I will. Here, inappropriate is defined as P which is not used as a multifunction system.
Acquiring all device information, including C and EWS, would result in an excessive amount of information, and complicated operations such as output of images to ridiculous places when operating as a system including devices in distant places. The point where comes out is raised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks and automatically collects information on registered devices to combine only the devices within a desired range, for example, a single floor, into a single system. By being able to
Provided are a multi-function system, a remote copy system, and a data transfer method thereof, in which an unintended distant printer does not automatically output.

[0006]

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, a multifunction system according to the present invention is a multifunction system comprising a combination of an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network. And a device registration unit for registering a specific device among the devices in the device as a component of the multifunction system, wherein the management server is configured to register a device specific to the device from the input device and the output device registered in the device registration unit. A device information acquiring unit for acquiring information, a device information storing unit for storing information obtained by the device information acquiring unit, and a function that can be configured by a combination of an input device and an output device from information in the device information storing unit. And a function deciding means for deciding.

Further, the remote copy system of the present invention
A remote copy system combining an input image device, an output image device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein a specific device among devices on the network is registered as a component of the remote copy system Having a registration means, wherein the management server has
A device information acquisition unit for acquiring device-specific information from the input image device and the output image device registered in the device registration unit; a device information storage unit for storing information obtained by the device information acquisition unit; A copy function determining unit configured to determine a copy function configured by a combination of the input image device and the output image device from information in the information storage unit.

A data transfer method according to the present invention is a data transfer method in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein a specific one of the devices on the network is specified. Register a device as a component of the multi-function system, determine a combination function that can be configured by a combination of device-specific information from the registered input device and output device, by the configuration function, from the input device, Data is transferred to an output device.

A storage medium according to the present invention is a storage medium for storing, in a computer-readable manner, a data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device. A transfer control program for registering a specific device among the devices on the network as a component of the multifunction system, and a module for acquiring device-specific information from the registered input device and output device And a module that stores acquired information, and a module that determines a function that can be configured by a combination of an input device and an output device from the stored information.

[0010] Also, a storage medium for storing a computer-readable data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein the data transfer control program stores the data transfer control program. A module for acquiring information defining a function of transferring data from an input device to an output device by a specific device among the above devices; and a module for transmitting data from the input device to the output device based on the acquired information. With such a configuration including a module for performing data transfer, by providing means for registering in advance devices that can be components of the multi-function system, a range desired by the user, for example, 1
Only devices within one floor can be combined into a single system. As a result, it is only necessary to automatically collect information of only the registered devices, and it is not necessary to output the information from an unintended remote printer.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Multifunction System of Present Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a multifunction system of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a network 101 is a network using a known technique for connecting devices.
In the present embodiment, the use of Ethernet using the TCP / IP protocol is assumed. Network 10
1, the network scanner 102, the management server 1
03, network printers 2095, 2902, 29
03, a network facsimile (Fax) 2904 exists.

The network scanner 102 is an input device for optically reading an original or the like printed on paper or the like, has a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101. The read image data is a color scanner of three colors of RGB.

The management server 103 includes a network scanner 102, network printers 2095, 2902,
Stores configuration information (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer path profile) when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device) by a combination of the network 2903 and the network fax 2904, and provides a transfer path profile at the request of an input device and an output device. It is a management server. The management server 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.

Network printers 2095, 290
Reference numeral 22903 includes a network interface, receives print data and image data sent via the network interface, and performs actual printing on a medium such as paper using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. Equipment. Network printer 209
5, 2902, and 2903 are also connected to each device via the network 101. Here, the network printer 2095 is a black and white digital multifunction peripheral, the network printer 2902 is a color laser printer, and the network printer 2903 is a black and white laser beam printer.

A network Fax 2904 is an input / output device having a network interface for transmitting and receiving image data via a public line 2905. Image data read by the network scanner 102 on the network 101 is transmitted, received image data is output from the printers 2095, 2902, 2903,
It is also an interface for inputting and outputting image data to be filed by the management server 103 over the public line 2905.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data transmitted from the network scanner can be immediately printed by the network printers 2095, 2902, and 2903. However, it is usually transmitted after being converted into a well-known page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL). The description of the page description language is omitted.

(Example of Configuration of Network Scanner 102)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the network scanner 102.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technique; 202, an arithmetic / control CPU for controlling the entire operation; 203, temporarily storing image data read by the scanner engine 201; A RAM for storing storage information for work, or for storing a program loaded from an external storage device or a network (not shown); and 203, a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202 is written.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101, and 206 denotes device information of the network scanner 102 on the management server 1.
03, a device profile supply unit 207 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server,
A transfer path profile acquisition unit that stores information in 203;
An operation panel 208 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface. Digital MFP 2
095, the network scanner 207 having the same configuration
0 is equipped.

(Configuration Example of Network Printer) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network printer 2903.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink-jet, and 302 denotes a CP for calculation and control for controlling the entire operation.
U and 303 are RAMs for temporarily storing image data to be printed on the printer engine 301, storing working storage information, or storing programs loaded from an external storage device or a network (not shown).
Is a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 302 is stored.

Further, reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101;
03, a device profile supply unit 307 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103,
A transfer path profile acquisition unit 308 for storing information in the RAM 303 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. Also, a network printer 209 connected to the same network
5, 2902, 2903 have the same basic configuration as the network printer 2903.

(Configuration Example of Management Server) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 103.

In FIG. 4, a CPU 401 is a processor for calculation and control for controlling the entire operation. RAM
Reference numeral 402 denotes a random access memory for storing work storage information and a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 401. The device profile database 404 is
This is a database that stores device profiles of devices connected to the network. The transfer path profile database 405 is a database for storing transfer path profiles generated from device profiles.

The network interface 406 is
An interface for connecting to the network 101. The device registration unit 410 stores the I / O of a device on a network configured as a multifunction system.
Register the P address. Device profile acquisition unit 4
07 acquires a device profile of a device connected to the network and registered in the device registration unit,
The information is stored in the device profile database 404.
The transfer path profile supply unit 408 reads the transfer path profile from the transfer path profile database 405 according to the request of the device, and supplies the transfer path profile to the device via the network. Transfer path profile generation unit 409
Generates a transfer path profile from the device information written in the device profile database 402 and writes it to the transfer path profile database 405.

(Example of Device Profile) Next, a device profile will be described.

The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device necessary for configuring the virtual MFP, and is composed of text data as shown in FIG.

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

In FIG. 5, Device-Type:
Indicates the type of device. FIG. 5 shows that the device is an input device and a scanner.

Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and FIG. 5 indicates that ScannerXXX is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG.
2.16.10.2 indicates the network address of the device.

Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device. In FIG. 5, 400 dpi, 60
Indicates that resolutions of 0 dpi and 1200 dpi are supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In FIG.
This indicates that paper sizes of 4, 4, and 5 are supported.

Input-feed: indicates a unit of charging when the device is used, and in FIG.
This indicates that if a 6-bit image is captured, a charge of 8 yen will be charged.

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device. In FIG. 5, the device outputs JPEG and GIF type images and LIP.
Indicates that output by S4 type PDL is supported.

Input-command: describes a command for causing a scanner to execute reading from another device. In the case of "A4 / REQ A4-SCAN", A
To read in 4 sizes, use “REQ A4-S
A command "CAN" may be transmitted to the network scanner.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a device profile in the network printer 2903.

In FIG. 6, Device-Type:
Indicates the type of device. FIG. 6 shows that the device is an output device and a laser printer.

Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and FIG. 6 indicates that LBP-XXX is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG.
2.16.10.3 is the network address of the device.

Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device. In FIG. 6, 300 dpi, 60
Indicates that a resolution of 0 pi is supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In FIG.
It indicates that the paper size supports the paper sizes of letter, letterR, and Legal.

"Cassette;" indicates the paper cassette stage provided and its paper size. In FIG.
It can be seen that the upper row contains LetterR and the lower row contains Legal size.

Output-speed: indicates the printing speed, and FIG. 6 shows that the printing speed is 6 sheets / minute of Letter paper.

Output-feed: indicates a unit of charging when the device is used, and in FIG.
It indicates that a charge of 10 yen is required when a monochrome image is output in a size.

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device.
N201 indicates that input by ESC / P is supported.

Option: is an Op connected to the printer
This indicates the device information, and FIG. 6 shows that nothing is connected.

FIG. 20 shows a network printer 2095.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a device profile in the example of FIG.

In FIG. 20, Device-Type
e: indicates the type of device, and FIG. 20 indicates that the device is an output device and a laser beam printer.

Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and FIG. 20 indicates that GP-XXX is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device.
2.16.10.4 indicates the network address of the device.

Resolution is a resolution supported by the device. In FIG. 20, 300 dpi, 6
Indicates that a resolution of 00 dpi is supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In FIG. 20, the device is Letter, LetterR, Legal, Lega.
This indicates that the paper size of 1R, Statement is supported.

"Cassette;" indicates an installed paper cassette stage and its paper size. In FIG. 20, one stage is LetterR, two stages are Legal, three stages are Legal, four stages are Letter, and five stages are Statem.
It can be seen that the size of LegalR is stored in ent, 6 rows.

Output-speed: indicates a print speed, and FIG. 20 indicates that the speed is 32 sheets / minute of Letter paper.

Output-feed: indicates a unit of charging when the device is used, and in FIG.
This indicates that if a monochrome image is output in r size, a charge of 10 yen is required.

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device.
N201 indicates that input by ESC / P is supported.

Option: is an Op connected to the printer
FIG. 20 shows that a sorter having a staple function of 20 bins and a duplex unit for performing duplex printing are provided.

<Operation Example of Multifunction System of the Present Embodiment> (Collection of Device Profile) The device profile of the device is obtained by the device profile obtaining 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 407 is activated when the management server 103 is activated, and operates until the system ends. The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows one acquisition cycle.

In step S701, a device profile acquisition command is issued to the first device registered in the device registration unit 410 on the network. In step S702, the process waits for the arrival of device profile information. If not, step S702
Return to In step S703, the transferred device profile is stored in the database 404.

In step S704, it is confirmed whether or not the device profiles of all the registered devices have been obtained. If the acquisition has been completed as determined in step S704, the acquisition cycle ends (step 7).
06). If not completed, in step S705, the next registered device address is set, and the profile of the set device is obtained. This cycle is performed for all the devices registered in the device registration unit 410, and the acquisition cycle ends.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a device profile acquisition command. “REQ” is a transfer request, “DE”
“VICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, and indicates that the request is a device profile request.
It is broadcast to the network in the form of UDP packets in CP / IP.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a structural example of a device profile transfer command. “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.
_OF_PROFILE ”.

When the device profile is transferred, the device profile acquisition unit 307 executes step S703.
In step S702, the device profile is recorded in the device profile database 404.
And waits for the next device profile transfer instruction.

Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from the device will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the device profile supply unit provided on the device side.
The device profile supply unit is 206 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102, and the device profile supply unit in FIG. 3 is 306 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903 when the device starts up. Continue processing until done.

In step 901 of FIG. 9, the device transfers 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 transfer command is received in step S702 of FIG. If the management server 103 is not running, this device profile transfer command is not reflected in the device profile database 404 of the management server 103.

In step S902, it is checked whether a device profile transfer request command has arrived. If not, the process returns to step S902.
The device profile transfer request command is sent to the management server 103
In step S903, a device profile transfer command is issued to the management server 103 in the same manner as in step S901.

This process is a process for reflecting device information in the device profile database 404 when the management server 103 is booted up after the device is running, and the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103 By issuing a device profile transfer request command at the time of startup in step S701 of FIG.
This guarantees that the management server 103 always acquires the device profiles of all registered devices connected to the network.

(Generation of Transfer Path Profile) The management server 103 stores the device profile database 404
The transfer path profile generation unit 409 generates a transfer path profile based on the device information described in (1) and stores it in the transfer path profile database 405. The transfer path profile is generated automatically by comparing the data format and the like between the input device and the output device, or based on an instruction or change from the operator.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a transfer path profile.

In FIG. 10, Description
The line n: indicates a character string to be displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected.
NNXXX to LBP-XXX ".

The line of “input-device:” indicates the type of the input device.
The row of e: indicates the type of the output device.

The line “input-address:” indicates the network address of the input device.
The line of t-address: indicates the network address of the output device.

The document-format: line indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path profile. Copy-default
The line t: indicates the number of copies used by default. Resolution: indicates the resolution used in this transfer path profile.

Input-command: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command to read the input device.

(Supply of Transfer Path Profile) The management server 103 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. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the transfer path profile supply unit provided in the management server 103. The operation of the transfer path profile supply unit starts when the management server 103 is started.

In step S1101, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 at the time of startup are notified to all registered devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command. 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 registered devices connected to the network. I do. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S1104, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in step S1105, all transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to the requesting device by a transfer path profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a transfer path profile request command. “REQ” is a transfer request and “T”
RANMISSION-PATH-PROFILE "
Indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the request is a transfer path profile.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the structure of a transfer path profile transfer command. “SEND” on the first line is transfer, “TR”
ANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE "indicates a transfer path profile and indicates that the transfer is a transfer path profile. The following lines are shown in FIG.
Like 0, it indicates the contents of the transfer path profile, and ends with the line of “END_OF_PROFILE”.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device. The transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102,
In the case of the network printer 2903, reference numeral 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. According to this command, “Yes” is determined in step S1104 of the flowchart (FIG. 11) of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103, and step S1 is performed.
At 105, a transfer path profile is transferred.

If the transfer path profile is transferred by the transfer path profile transfer command in step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1403.
(203 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 303 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903). As described above, each device acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores it in the RAM 203 or 303.

(Overview of Operation Section) FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the operation section.
Is an operation panel of the network scanner 102
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of (208 in FIG. 2).

The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and, when a displayed key is pressed, transmits the position information to the controller CPU. A start key 3002 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. A stop key 3003 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. Reset key 3005
Is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

(Examples of Operation Screens) Each screen displayed on the operation section will be described in detail below along with the operation procedure.

FIG. 15 shows an operation section screen. FIG.
Now, all functions that can be realized by a combination of devices on the network are displayed. For example, network 1
All functions on 01 are as follows.

Mono color copy function: scanner 102,
2095 → Printers 2095, 2902, 2903, 2
904 data transfer color copy function: scanner 102 → printer 2902
Fax transmission function: Scanner 2904, 102, 2095
→ Data transfer of transmission 2904 Fax reception function: reception 2904 → printer 2904, 2
902, 2903, 2095 Data transfer Bookbinding function: Up to 20 staples 2095 Duplex printing function available: Duplex unit 2095 Paper size selection: letter, LetterR, Le
gal, LegalR, Statement FIG. 15 shows the above functions.
However, since this operation screen is for the scanner 102, there is no function display for performing fax reception.

The main screen 3100 includes a copy mode key 3120 for performing remote copy on the network,
ax transmission mode key 3121, a scanner mode key 3 for transmitting a read image to a client on the network
122, Im for selecting monochrome mode and color mode
Image Quality selection button 3105 and Image for displaying the selected Image Quality
A Ge Quality display area 3104, a copy parameter display section 3101 for displaying the status of the apparatus, a copy magnification, a paper size, and the number of copies, an enlargement / reduction setting button 3106, 3107, a paper selection button 3108, a sorter setting button 3110, and a two-sided copy setting button 311
2, a density indicator and density setting button 3109, and a numeric keypad 3114 are displayed.

When the paper selection button 3108 is pressed, a screen shown in FIG. 16 appears. In FIG. 16, the display is performed based on the cassette information of the image output device on the network. The paper sizes stored in the cassettes of all the image output devices are displayed, and the paper size can be selected. Here, Letter, LetterR, Legal,
Five types of paper, LegalR and Statement,
This indicates that the image is stored in the cassette of the image output device on the network.

However, since the printer 2095 cannot be used when it is running,
Paper size Lega stored only in this printer
The two types of IR and Statement are displayed in gray characters and cannot be pressed.

When the job in progress by the printer 2095 is completed and becomes operable, LegalR, Sta
The paper display of the item returns to the same display as the other paper displays, and becomes selectable. As in the case of the operation, even when the paper cannot be printed because the paper is exhausted, the paper cannot be selected. In the case where color copy is selected, for example, selection keys other than Letter and Legal set in the color printer 2902 are switched to a display that cannot be pressed.

Since the sorter is connected only to the printer 2095, and the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the sorter setting button 3110 are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job is completed, it can be pressed. At that point, the sorter setting button 3
Pressing 110 will bring up the screen shown in FIG.

As for the bookbinding optional device connected to the image output device on the network 101, the sorter of the printer 2095 has the maximum function, and staples can be selected as shown in the Option information shown in FIG.

Similarly, the duplex unit is also used in the printer 20.
Since the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the double-sided copy setting button 3112 are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job is completed, the user can press the button. When the user presses a two-sided copy setting button 3112, a screen shown in FIG. 18 appears, and the two-sided copy mode can be selected.

(Copy Function by Scanner and Printer)
Next, an example of a process of actually reading a document of a scanner and printing the document with a printer will be described.

A user stands in front of the network scanner 102, sets a document, and then operates the panel to perform printing.

First, a function to be performed is selected on the operation panel 3100 shown in FIG. Here, scan execution button 3
By pressing 002, a copy function using the selected transfer path profile is executed. For example, when copying one copy in monochrome, the printer uses 2095, 2902, 2
Any of 903 and 2904 can be performed.
Here, a transfer path profile is selected in a predetermined procedure. Since the selection is monochrome copying, priority is set in the order of the fastest printer → the next fastest printer → the next fastest printer → the color printer. Here, for example, the fastest printer 2095 is currently running in another job, so the next fastest printer 2903 is
Is selected.

According to the transfer path profile shown in FIG.
Network scanner 102 is output-addr
172.16.10.3 written in ess: is selected as an output device, and 602.1 written in Resolution: is selected.
Reads the original at a resolution of 0 dpi,
-Format: The print data is transmitted in the LIPS4 format described in "format:". Copy count is Copy-default
Performed only once in t :. The print data is transferred to the network printer 2903 via the network 101.

At this time, the network printer 2903 only performs the printing process of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide 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 a computer (or CPU) of the system or 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 instructions 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.

[0113]

As described above, according to the present invention, a system which collects information on registered devices automatically and collects only devices within a range desired by a user, for example, only one floor, is provided. Thus, it is possible to provide a multi-function system, a remote copy system, and a data transfer method thereof, in which an unintended output from a distant printer is prevented.

[0114]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network scanner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network printer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management server.

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

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

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

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device profile acquisition instruction.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a device profile supply unit on the device side.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile request command.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile transfer command.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in an input device and an output device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operation unit screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a paper selection sub screen.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a sorter setting sub screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a duplex copy setting sub-screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a network printer.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit of the network scanner.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 12/54 H04L 11/20 101Z 12/58 102D 12/56

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A multifunction system combining an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein a specific device among the devices on the network is registered as a component of the multifunction system. Device management means, wherein the management server obtains device-specific information from input devices and output devices registered in the device registration device, and information obtained by the device information acquisition device. A multifunction system comprising: device information storage means for storing; and function determination means for determining a function that can be configured by a combination of an input device and an output device from information in the device information storage means. 2. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein said device registration means is provided on said management server. 3. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the determined function includes a copy function from an input device to an output device. 4. The function management device according to claim 1, wherein the management server further includes a function storage unit configured to store the determined function, wherein the input device and the output device obtain information defining the function from the function storage unit. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, further comprising data transfer means for transferring data from the input device to the output device based on the obtained information. 5. A multifunction system combining an input image device, an output image device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein a specific device among the devices on the network is a component of the multifunction system. A device registration unit for registering, wherein the management server acquires device-specific information from the input image device and the output image device registered in the device registration unit; and a device information acquisition unit. A multi-function device comprising: device information storage means for storing obtained information; and function determination means for determining a function that can be configured by a combination of an input image device and an output image device from information in the device information storage device. Function system. 6. The multifunction system according to claim 5, wherein the determined function is a copy operation from an image input device to an image output device. 7. The multifunction system according to claim 5, wherein said device registration means registers with an IP address based on TCP / IP. 8. The image input device has an operation panel,
6. The multi-function system according to claim 5, wherein desired printing by an operator is enabled by an operation on the operation panel. 9. A multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein device registration for registering a specific device among the devices on the network as a component of the multifunction system. Means, device information obtaining means for obtaining device-specific information from input devices and output devices registered in the device registration means, device information storage means for storing information obtained by the device information obtaining means, A multifunction system comprising: a function determining unit that determines a function that can be configured by a combination of an input device and an output device from information in a device information storage unit. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determined function includes a copy function from an input device to an output device.
The described multi-function system. 11. A remote copy system comprising a combination of an input image device, an output image device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein a specific device among the devices on the network is configured as the remote copy system. A device registration unit for registering the device as an element, wherein the management server acquires device-specific information from the input image device and the output image device registered in the device registration unit; and Device information storage means for storing information obtained by the means, and copy function determination means for determining a copy function constituted by a combination of an input image device and an output image device from information in the device information storage device. Characterized remote copy system. 12. A data transfer method in a multi-function system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein a specific device among the devices on the network is configured as the multi-function system. Registering as an element, determining a combining function that can be configured based on a combination of device-specific information from the registered input device and output device, and transferring data from the input device to the output device by the configuration function. A data transfer method characterized by the above-mentioned. 13. A storage medium for storing a computer-readable data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein the data transfer control program comprises: A module for registering a specific device among the above devices as a component of the multifunction system; a module for acquiring device-specific information from the registered input device and output device; and storing the acquired information. And a module for determining a function that can be configured by a combination of an input device and an output device from stored information. 14. A storage medium for storing a computer-readable data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein the data transfer control program comprises: A module that obtains information defining a function of transferring data from an input device to an output device by a specific device among the above devices; anda module that transmits from the input device to the output device based on the obtained information. A storage medium comprising: a module for performing data transfer.