JP2006344128A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus that can increase the use efficiency and security of the apparatus and can improve a section management function by giving use permission to each user in function units. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus comprises a user management table for storing identification information, authentication information and usable function information about authorized users of the apparatus, a user registration/deletion means capable of registering and deleting the user authentication information corresponding to the individual users of the apparatus in and from the user management table, a use-permitted function registration/deletion means capable of adding and deleting usable apparatus functions to and from the user management table for each user registered by the user registration means, and a user authentication means for comparing user authentication information input by any user with the user authentication information registered in advance in the user management table by the user registration means to determine whether the user is an authorized one. If the user authentication means determines that the user is an authorized one of the apparatus, the apparatus is set to a state permitting only the use of functions use-permitted to the user in accordance with the functions permitted to the user in the user management table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a user management function for granting use permission only to a legitimate user.

  In image processing apparatuses such as copiers and printers, there are many operation modes that are typically shared and used by many users in office environments and the like, and it is not permitted to use the apparatus without limitation for an unspecified number of users. There are problems such as increased consumption of paper, toner and the like, and wastefully occupying the apparatus. For this reason, in conventional copying machines and printers, a user ID and password are input from the operation panel of the copying machine as means for making the apparatus available only to authorized users who have been given permission to use the apparatus in advance. Alternatively, the user ID and password are added to the print data and sent to the printer, and the use of the device is permitted only when the user ID and password are registered on the copier and printer and the password matches. It has been implemented. Furthermore, a configuration has been implemented in which the maximum number of sheets to be printed is set to limit the number of sheets that can be used for each user.

  Also, in a copying machine, a card reader is provided in the operation unit, and a card with a user ID recorded is distributed to a legitimate user, and the card can be used only by a legitimate user by attaching the card to the card reader. A configuration that enables this is also implemented.

Moreover, as a prior art example, patent document 1 and patent document 2 can be mention | raise | lifted, for example.
JP 2003-173243 A JP 2000-244694 A

  In recent years, with the increasing functionality and functionality of copiers and printers, the functions of image processing devices include fax, scan document transmission, scan document storage, e-mail transmission and reception, Internet, in addition to print and copy functions. -Some have come up with fax, remote print output to copiers connected via a network, etc.

  In this way, in particular, in a multifunctional image processing apparatus, it is useful not only for whether or not the entire apparatus can be used for each user, but also for efficient operation of the apparatus and user management if the functions permitted to be used can be set in detail. . For example, for users who can use all functions, the scanning authority related to FAX, the user who is permitted only the FAX function, or the user who is permitted only copy or Internet-Fax, and the authority to use the device for each individual user By adding, it is possible to keep the operation of the apparatus only for a truly necessary time, and to minimize the operation costs such as paper, toner, and public line communication costs. Furthermore, in a device equipped with a function capable of sending data via a public line or network, it is easier to use the FAX and data transmission functions, so that data can be transmitted to the outside more easily. It is desirable from the viewpoint of security to minimize the user and the range of use of the device. However, since the conventional method only determines whether or not the entire apparatus can be used, it is not possible to flexibly control the apparatus usage authority to the user in this way, improving the utilization efficiency of the apparatus, more detailed user management, There was a problem that device operation management was difficult.

  In order to solve this problem, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a user management table that stores identification information, authentication information, and usable function information of a valid user of the apparatus, and user authentication corresponding to each user of the apparatus. User registration deletion means that can register and delete information in the user management table, and use permission function registration that can add and delete available device functions to the user management table for each user registered by the user registration means Deleting means, user authentication information registered in advance in the user management table by the user registration means, and user authentication information input by the user, and determining whether or not the user is a valid user; If the user authentication means determines that the user is a valid user, the user management test is further performed. In response to the functions permitted to the user from the network, the device is changed to a state where only the functions permitted to the user can be used, so that only the functions permitted for each individual user can be used. .

  Furthermore, the administrator user registration table of the apparatus is maintained independently of the user management table, and only the administrator user registered in advance can execute the user registration deletion unit and the use permission function registration deletion unit. As a result, only an administrator who has the authority to manage the apparatus can set and edit the apparatus functions permitted for each user.

  Further, the user management table, the user registration deletion unit, and the use permission function registration deletion unit are held, and the user management server connected to the apparatus via the network, the user management table is not held, and the user authentication is performed. In this case, the user is inquired of the user management server with the input authentication information, and based on the authentication result, whether or not the user authentication is possible, and if the authentication is successful, the function permitted to the user is determined. Information can be unified and managed by the user management server.

  By giving permission for each user for each function, the utilization efficiency and security of the apparatus can be improved.

  The apparatus configuration, abnormality detection, and notification operation configuration of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[hardware]
Overall configuration The overall configuration diagram is shown in FIG. Controller Unit 2000 is a controller for inputting / outputting image information and device information by connecting to Scanner 2070 as an image input device and Printer 2095 as an image output device, while connecting to LAN 2011 or public line (WAN) 2051. is there. The CPU 2001 is a controller that controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, which stores a system boot program. HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an operation unit (UI) 2012 and an interface unit, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Also, it plays a role of transmitting information input from the operation unit 2012 by the system user to the CPU 2001. Network2010 connects to LAN2011 and inputs / outputs information. A Modem 2050 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs / outputs information. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 2007. Image Bus I / F2005 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 2008 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 connects an image input / output device such as a scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 performs compression / expansion processing of JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  Reference numeral 2098 denotes a wireless communication device for reporting to the administrator. This wireless communication apparatus can be connected to a public line or a network and communicated by radio from a device, and is realized by, for example, a PHS or a wireless LAN apparatus. Also, the communication path by 2098 (wireless communication device) is used for normal device operation because it needs to function as a means of reporting to the administrator when an abnormality occurs in the device, public line, or network, 2011 , 2051 is completely independent from the communication path. Also, power supply means (not shown) can be made independent of 2098 (wireless communication means), and can be notified even in the event of a power failure or failure of the main power supply apparatus.

Image Input / Output Unit An image input / output device is shown in FIG. A scanner unit 2070 serving as an image input device illuminates an image on paper as an original and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting the image into raster signal data 2071 into an electrical signal. The manuscript paper is set on the tray 2073 of the manuscript feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 2012, the controller CPU2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (2071), and the feeder 2072 copies the manuscript paper one by one. Feeds and reads the original image.

  The printer unit 2095, which is an image output device, is a part that converts raster image data 2096 into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array. In addition, there is an ink jet method for printing an image directly on a sheet, but any method may be used. The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 from the controller CPU2001. The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 corresponding to the paper feed stages. A paper discharge tray 2111 receives paper that has been printed.

Operation Unit The configuration of the operation unit 2012 is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 2014 is used when starting a document image reading operation. In the center of the start key 2014, there is a green and red two-color LED 2018, which indicates whether or not the start key 2014 can be used. The stop key 2015 works to stop the running operation. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

Scanner Image Processing Unit The configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008 and controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation with a spatial filter. For example, the editing unit 2083 recognizes a closed region surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed region. A scaling processing unit 2084 performs enlargement and reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when changing the resolution of the read image. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table 2085 is table conversion performed to convert image data that is read luminance data into density data. A binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing.

  The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

Printer Image Processing Unit The configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2091 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data from the Network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs processing to smooth out jaggies (roughness of an image appearing in a black and white boundary portion such as an oblique line) of image data after resolution conversion.

Image Compression Unit The configuration of the image compression unit 2040 is shown in FIG. Image bus The / F controller 2041 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus access sequence, timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, mode setting for the image compression unit 2043, etc. Control. The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit is shown below.

  Settings for image compression control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression and JBIG expansion) for the image compression unit 2043. After making the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. The received image data is temporarily stored in the input buffer 2042, and the image is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043. At this time, the input buffer determines whether image data can be transferred between both the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, reads the image data from the image bus 2008, and reads the image compression unit 2043. When it is impossible to write an image to the image, control is performed so as not to transfer data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshaking). The image compression unit 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed, and several lines of image data are prepared in order to compress the first one line. This is because the image cannot be compressed unless it is empty. The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. The output buffer 2045 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 and transfers image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041. The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or expanded) image data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. This series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when the required number of pages has been processed), or until a stop request is issued from this image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression or decompression). It is.

Image Rotation Unit The configuration of the image rotation unit 2030 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2031 is connected to the image bus 2008 to control the bus sequence, control to set a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and timing to transfer image data to the image rotation unit 2032 Take control. The processing procedure of the image rotation unit is shown below.

  Settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 2001 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 via the image bus 2008. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like) for the image rotation unit 2032. After making the necessary settings, the CPU 2001 again permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transfer of image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Here, the size of the image to be rotated is set to 32 × 32 (bit), and the image transfer is performed in units of 32 bits when transferring the image data on the image bus 2008. The image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32 × 32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the above unit data transfer 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses. (See Figure 13)
The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the RAM 2033 so that it is rotated at a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the 32-bit image data transferred first is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

  After the 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotation unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the image bus I / F controller 2031.

  The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008 by continuous addressing.

  Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).

Device I / F Unit The configuration of the device I / F unit 2020 is shown in FIG. The image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. In addition, control signals to the external scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 are generated. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008. The serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023 arranges the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order or decomposes and converts the image data into a data width that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. The parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 2024 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges them in order, and converts the image data into a data width that can be stored in the print buffer 2025. The print buffer 2025 temporarily stores the image data sent from the image bus 2008 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer 2095.

  The processing procedure at the time of image scanning is shown below. The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. If the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when image data is 32 bits or more in the buffer, the image data is sent in 32 bits on a first-in first-out basis from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023. Is transferred to the image bus 2008 through the image bus I / F controller 2021. If the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the buffer is first-in-first-out, sent from the buffer to the serial-parallel / parallel-serial conversion 2023, converted to serial image data, and then converted to serial image data through the image bus I / F controller 2021. Transfer on 2008.

  The processing procedure at the time of image printing is shown below. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, the 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel conversion 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095 Are stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the serial image data sent from the image bus is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024, and the number of input data bits of the printer 2095 is It is converted into image data and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 2095 in a first-in first-out manner.

[software]
Entire System FIG. 73 shows a configuration diagram of the entire network system of the present invention. An apparatus 1001 according to the present invention includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. An image read from the scanner can be sent to a local area network 1010 (hereinafter referred to as LAN), and an image received from the LAN can be printed out by a printer. Further, an image read from the scanner can be transmitted to PSTN or ISDN (1030) by a FAX transmission means (not shown), and an image received from PSTN or ISDN can be printed out by a printer. A database server 1002 manages the binary image and the multi-valued image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002 that can browse / search image data stored in the database 1002. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention as an e-mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client that can receive and browse e-mails received by the e-mail server 1004 and send e-mails. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN. The apparatus 1001 according to the present invention can print out the HTML document provided by the WWW server. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a router that connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet / intranet 1012. The database server (1002), WWW server (1006), e-mail server (1004), and the device similar to the device (1001) of the present invention are connected to the Internet / intranet as 1020, 1021, 1022, and 1023, respectively. ing. A user host (1050) is connected so that various devices including the apparatus of the present invention can be used from the network.

  On the other hand, the apparatus 1001 of the present invention can transmit and receive with the FAX apparatus 1031 via PSTN or ISDN (1030). A printer 1040 is also connected on the LAN, and is configured to print out an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention.

Overall Configuration of Software Block FIG. 4 is a software block diagram of a multi-function machine that implements the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, and is a module that mediates with the device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address-book, that is, a database module that manages data transmission destinations, communication destinations, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to give data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by an operator's operation.

  A Web-Server module 1503 is used to notify the management information of this multifunction device in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a Controll-API 1518, which will be described later, and notified to the Web client via HTTP 1512, TCP / IP 1516, and Network-Driver 1517, which will be described later.

  1504 is a universal-send, that is, a module that manages data distribution, and distributes data instructed to the operator by the UI 1501 to the communication (output) destination similarly designated. Further, when the operator uses the scanner function of this device to instruct distribution data generation, the device is operated via Controll-API 1518 described later to generate data.

  A module 1505 is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  A module 1507 is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  1508 is a module that is executed when a multifunction device similar to this device is designated as the output destination in Universal-Send 1504.

  1509 is a Remote-Copy-Scan module that uses the scanner function of this multifunction device, and outputs the same destination as another multifunction device connected via a network, etc., and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by this multifunction device alone. This module performs processing.

  1510 is a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of this multifunction device, and is equivalent to the copy function realized by this multifunction device alone, with other multifunction devices connected via a network as the input destination. This module performs processing.

  Reference numeral 1511 denotes Web-Pull-Print, that is, a module for reading and printing information on various home pages on the Internet or an intranet.

  A module 1512 is used when the MFP performs communication using HTTP, and provides communication to the Web-Server 1503 and Web-Pull-Print 1511 modules described above using a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module which provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  An SMTP module 1514 provides communication to the e-mail module 1506 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  1515 is an SLM or Salutation-Manager module, which communicates to the database module 1517, DP module 1518, Remote-Copy-Scan 1509 module, and Remote-Copy-Print 1510 module in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by the TCP / IP1516 module described later. It is to provide.

  Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which provides network communication to the various modules described above using a network driver described later.

  A network driver 1517 controls a part physically connected to the network.

  1518 is a Controll-API that provides an interface with downstream modules such as Job-Manager1519, which will be described later, for upstream modules such as Universal-Send 1504, and reduces the dependency between upstream and downstream modules. It enhances the applicability of each.

  Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job-Manager that interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the Controll-API 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which manages and controls various types of data compression / decompression in the process instructed by the Job-Manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE-Encoder, which compresses data read by the scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 in the FBE format.

  1522 is a JPEG-CODEC, which performs JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data in the scan processing executed by Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and the print processing executed by Print-Manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which performs MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1524 denotes a Scan-Manager, which manages and controls scan processing instructed by the Job-Manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver, which communicates with the scanner unit to which the Scan-Manager 1524 and the MFP are internally connected.

  Reference numeral 1526 denotes a Print-Manager that manages and controls print processing instructed by the Job-Manager 1519.

  Reference numeral 1527 denotes an Engine-I / F driver that provides an interface between the Print-Manager 1526 and the printing unit.

  A parallel port driver 1528 provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

  1550 (Security Monitor) is a device status monitoring module that monitors the operating status and environmental status of a device. The Security Monitor 1550 constantly monitors the state of the installation environment of software, hardware, and devices, and when an abnormality is detected, starts the administrator reporting means 2096 and reports the occurrence of the abnormality to the device administrator.

Application An embodiment of an embedded application according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 63 shows a built-in application block relating to distribution of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 4050 is a block showing the operation unit application of the present invention described in 3000.

Reference numeral 4100 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the remote copy application.
Reference numeral 4150 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the broadcast distribution.

  Reference numeral 4200 denotes a block indicating the Web Pull Print module.

  Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating the Web Server module.

  Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating the remote copy receiving side (printing side).

  Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast delivery by a general-purpose printer.

  Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block indicating the remote print receiving side (printing side).

  Reference numeral 4450 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known Notes Server.

  Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block for receiving and storing a binary image from an image transmitted by broadcast distribution.

  Reference numeral 4550 denotes a block for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known mail server.

  Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block that receives and stores multi-valued images transmitted by broadcast distribution.

  4650 is a diagram showing a known Web Server including information content.

  4700 is a diagram showing a known Web Browser that accesses the Web Server of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

User Interface application
Details of the user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) shown in the block 4050 are as described above. Here, the Address Book 4051 will be described. This Address Book is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the device of the present invention, and the features of the device connected to the network are described therein. For example, those listed below are included.

Official device name or alias name Device network address Device processable network protocol Device processable document format Device processable compression type Device processable image resolution Paper size for printers Paper feed stage information Folder name in which documents can be stored in the case of a server (computer) device Each application described below can determine the characteristics of a delivery destination based on information described in the Address Book 4051.

  The Address Book can be edited, and can be downloaded for use on a server computer or the like in the network, or directly referenced.

Remote copy application The remote copy application determines resolution information that can be processed by the device specified as the delivery destination from the Address Book4051, and compresses the binary image read by the scanner using the known MMR compression. Then, it is converted to a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), sent to the printer device on the network through SLM4103. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Manager).

Broadcast distribution application Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations by one-time image scanning. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer.

  The following is a pure description according to the delivery destination.

  When the destination device determines from the Address Book4051 that LPD (Line Printer Daemon), which is a known network printer protocol, and known LIPS (registered trademark) as a printer control command can be processed, the image determined from the Address Book4051 as well The image is read in accordance with the resolution. In this embodiment, the image itself is compressed using the well-known FBE (First Binari Encoding), further LIPS (registered trademark) coded, and the other party using the LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol. Send to device.

  If the delivery destination device can communicate with the SLM and it is a server device, the server address and the folder designation in the server are determined from the Address Book4051, and the binary image read by the scanner is read as with the remote copy application. It is possible to compress using known MMR compression, convert it into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and store it in a specific folder of a server device on the network through SLM.

  In the device of this embodiment, when the server as the counterpart device determines that the known JPEG-compressed multi-value image can be processed, the multi-value read image similar to the above-described binary image is used. Using compression, it can be converted into a known JFIF and stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through SLM.

  When the delivery destination device is a publicly known E-Mail server, the mail address described in Address Book4051 is identified, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using the well-known MMR compression. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is transmitted to the E-Mail server using the well-known SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) 4153. Subsequent delivery is performed according to Mail Server 4550.

Web Pull Print application
Since the Web Pull Print application is not directly related to the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Web Server application
Since the Web Server application is not directly related to the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Overview of Operation Unit FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the operation unit. The LCD display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits position information to the controller CPU when a displayed key is pressed. A start key (3002) is used when starting a reading operation of a document image. There is a green and red LED in the center of the start key, which indicates whether the start key is ready for use. The stop key (3003) works to stop the current operation. The ID key (3004) is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

Operation screen The functions provided by the device of the present invention are divided into six major categories of Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Management / Configuration, and these are the six displayed on the upper part of the operation screen (FIG. 16). Corresponds to the main tab (COPY / SEND / RETREIVE / TASKS / MGMT / CONFIG) (3011-3016). By pressing these main tabs, switching to the screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab will change, and pressing the main tab will not respond.

  Copy includes a function to perform normal document copying using its own scanner and printer, and a function to perform document copying (remote copying) using its scanner and printer connected to the network. . “Send” is a function for transferring a document placed on a scanner included in the apparatus to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and a plurality of destinations can be designated. Retrieve is a function that retrieves an external document and prints it with the printer of its own device. WWW, e-mail, file transfer and fax can be used as document acquisition means. Tasks automatically processes externally sent documents such as faxes and Internet prints, and creates and manages tasks for performing periodic retrievals. Management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, and account information. In Configuration, you can configure your own settings (network, clock, etc.).

  Hereinafter, a method for setting these functions will be described using an example of an LCD screen display.

ID input screen An ID input screen (FIG. 17) is displayed immediately after power-on and when the ID key is pressed. When the user ID and password are correctly entered on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed and the operation becomes possible. The ID input area (3021) and password input area (3022) can be switched by directly pressing the input area.

COPY screen
When the start button is pressed while the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer.

  The COPY main screen (FIG. 21) includes a printer selection button (3103) and a printer display area (3102), an image quality selection button (3105) and an image quality display area (3104), and a copy parameter display (3101) similar to that of a conventional copier. ), Enlargement / reduction setting buttons (3106, 3107), paper selection button (3108), sorter setting button (3110), duplex copy setting button (3112), density indicator and density setting button (3109), and numeric keypad (3114) Is done.

  When a printer selection button (3103) is pressed, a list (3120 in FIG. 22) of available printers (printers owned by the printer and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down manner. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area (3102).

  When the image quality setting button (3105) is pressed, a list of image quality (FIG. 23) is displayed, from which a desired image quality can be selected.

  When the above-mentioned copy parameter setting button is pressed, a sub screen (enlargement / reduction setting: FIG. 24, paper selection: FIG. 25, sorter setting: FIG. 26, duplex copy setting: FIG. 27) for setting corresponding to each is displayed. Thus, the parameters can be set in the same manner as in the conventional copying machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as a conventional copying machine.

SEND screen
When the start button is pressed when the Send screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and processing for transmitting the read image data by the transmission method specified for the set destination is started.

  The SEND main screen (FIG. 28) includes a destination display area (3202), a detailed destination number display area (3203), a destination scroll button (3204), an address book button (3208), a New button (3209), and an Edit button (3210). , Delete button (3211), Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), File Name input area (3207), Cover page check button (3212), Put Into HD check button (3213), Print Out check button (3214) and a Scan Setting button (3215). At initialization including reset, as shown in FIG. 29, one destination is not displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed.

  A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area (3202). Input is appended to the end sequentially. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area (3203).

  If a delete button (3211) is pressed after selecting a destination from the destination display area, the selected destination is deleted.

  When the Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), and File Name input area (3207) are pressed, a full keyboard is displayed and each input becomes possible.

Address book subscreen
When the Address Book button (3208) is pressed, an address book sub-screen (FIG. 30) is displayed. A destination with a selection mark (3232) in the address book display area (3221) is added to the destination display area (3202) of the SEND main screen by pressing the OK button (3231). The address book display is sorted by class, name ascending order, name descending order by pressing sort item setting buttons (3224 to 3226). The number of items with selection marks is displayed in the item selection number display area (3227).

  When the OK button (3231) or the cancel button (3230) is pressed, the address book sub screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed.

  When the Detail button (3229) is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, the Detail sub-screen (FIG. 31) is displayed. The Detail sub-screen displays all information obtained from the address book as information on the selected item.

Search Sub Screen When the Search button (3228) in the address book sub screen is pressed, a search sub screen (FIG. 32) for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part. In the search target class display area (3245), the search target attribute display area (3247), the search target condition display area (3249), and the search target address book display area (3252), the currently selected one is displayed. When the search target class setting button (3246) is pressed, a search target class list is displayed (FIG. 33). What is selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area. A search target attribute list is displayed by pressing the search target attribute setting button (3248) (FIG. 34). The attributes displayed in this list vary as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common Name / Address / Country (Class: Person), Common Name / Owner / Location / Model / Type / Resolution / Color / Finisher (Class: Printer), Common Name / Member (Class: Group), all attributes (Class: Everything). When the search target condition setting button (3250) is pressed, a search target condition list is displayed (FIG. 35), and a condition is selected from the list. When the search target address book setting button (3253) is pressed, a list of search target address books is displayed (FIG. 36), from which a selection can be made. When the search target attribute value input area (3251) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed, and a value can be input.

  When the Do Search button (3254) is pressed, a search is performed according to the set search condition. The search results are displayed in the search result display area (3241), and the number of cases is displayed in the search result number display area (3244).

  When the Detail button (3255) is pressed with one of the items in the search result display area selected, detailed information (FIG. 31) for that item is displayed.

  A selection mark is added to items to be added to the destination in the search result display area (FIG. 37). When the OK button (3257) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed, the screen returns to the SEND main screen, and the item with the selection mark added is added to the destination. When the cancel button (3256) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, but the destination is not changed.

Detailed destination subscreen
When the New button (3209) on the SEND main screen is pressed, the Person class details sub screen (FIG. 38) is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To enter a destination, press the transmission method selection button (3271 to 3274) corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or press the detailed destination input area (3275 to 3278). The keyboard (FIG. 20) and the full keyboard (FIG. 19) are displayed and others can be input. 3279 to 3282 are buttons for performing transmission options for the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Person class destination is selected on the SEND main screen, the Person class details sub screen (FIG. 39) is also displayed. When the details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding areas of the detailed destination input areas (3275 to 3278) and the keyboard is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the destination of the Data Base class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Data Base class details sub screen (FIG. 40) is displayed. A database name (3311) and a folder list (3312) are displayed on the database class details sub-screen.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Group class destination is selected on the SEND main screen, the Group class details sub screen (FIG. 41) is displayed. Group member display (3321) is displayed on the Group class detail sub-screen.

HD SETTING sub screen
When the Put Into HD check button (3213) is pressed, an HD SETTING sub-screen (FIG. 42) for setting for transmission to the hard disk is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

Print Out subscreen
When the Print Out check button (3214) is pressed, a print out subscreen (FIG. 43) is displayed. On the printout sub-screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, duplex printing, sorting, resolution, etc. are set. When the paper size selection button (3345) is pressed, a list of paper sizes (FIG. 44) is displayed, from which a selection is made. When the sorter selection button (3350) is pressed, a list of selectable sorters (3365) is displayed.

Scan Setting sub screen
When the Scan Setting button (3215) is pressed, the Scan Setting sub-screen (FIG. 46) is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area (3371) in the Scan Setting sub-screen, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas (3377, 3379, 3381). The These values can be changed manually. FIG. 47 is a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down state, and the size and orientation of paper to be used are selected from this list. FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 show a state in which a list of resolutions and scan modes is displayed in a pull-down manner.

RETRIEVE screen
The RETRIEVE main screen (Fig. 50) has sub-tabs for WWW (3401), E-mail (3402), Fax (3403), and FTP (3404), and a PUT INTO HD check button (3405) commonly used in each sub-category. , PRINT SETTING button (3406) is displayed. Pressing the sub-tab displays the corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP sub-screens. During initialization including reset, the WWW subscreen is displayed.

WWW subscreen
When the start button is pressed while the WWW sub-screen is displayed, the home page is printed according to each setting displayed on the screen. However, nothing will work if the start button is pressed when nothing is displayed in the URL input area.

  When the URL input area (3411) on the WWW sub-screen (FIG. 50) is pressed, the full keyboard (3040) is displayed and the URL can be directly input. When the Link Depth (3412) and Max Pages (3414) input areas are pressed, the numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and a numerical value can be directly input.

Bookmark sub screen
When the Bookmark button (3419) is pressed, the Bookmark sub screen (3460) is displayed. A list of bookmarks that have been set is displayed in the bookmark display area (3461) in the Bookmark sub-screen, and a selected display state is displayed by pressing any one of the lines. When the OK button (3466) is pressed, the Bookmark sub screen is closed and the URL corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the URL input area of the WWW sub screen. Description of the functions of other buttons in the Bookmark subscreen is omitted.

E-mail sub screen
On the E-mail sub-screen (FIG. 51), settings for receiving E-mail are made. When each input area (3431 to 3433) is pressed, a full keyboard (FIG. 19) is displayed and input becomes possible.

Fax sub screen
On the Fax sub screen (FIG. 52), a fax number is entered. When the input area (3441) is pressed, a numeric keyboard (FIG. 20) is displayed and a fax number can be input.

FTP Server subscreen
On the FTP Server sub-screen (FIG. 53), settings are made to receive data from the server. When each input area (3451 to 3453) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

HD Setting Sub Screen When the Put Into HD check button (3406) common to each category is pressed, the HD Setting sub screen (FIG. 42) is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HD Setting subscreen.

Print Setting Subscreen Pressing the Print Setting button (3406) common to each category displays the Print Setting subscreen (FIG. 55). The function is the same as the Send Print Out subscreen.

TASKS screen
If the start key is pressed while the TASKS screen is displayed, an automatic RETRIEVE operation is executed according to the parameters set on the TASKS screen.

  On the TASKS main screen (FIG. 56), WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, and Fax Polling sub-tabs (3501 to 3505) are displayed. At initialization including reset, a WWW sub-screen (FIG. 56) is displayed.

WWW subscreen
In the WWW task list display area (3511), tasks held in the device are displayed in the input order. Selection marks are added to tasks that actually need to be executed. A task for which no selection mark is displayed is held in the device as a task, but is not actually executed.

  When a New button (3513) is pressed, a WWW task detail subscreen (FIG. 57) is displayed, and a new task can be input. The WWW task details subscreen will be described later.

  If you click the Edit button (3514) with one task selected from the WWW task list, the WWW task details sub-screen (Figure 57) containing the selected task information is displayed, and you can edit the settings. become.

  When the Delete button (3515) is pressed with one task selected from the WWW task list, the selected task is deleted.

WWW task details subscreen
The WWW task details sub-screen (Fig. 57) includes components (3521 to 3533) that have the same functions as the RETRIEVE main screen and RETRIEVE WWW sub-screen, check time display area (3534), check time setting button (3535), PRINT A WHEN CHANGED check button (3536), a transfer check button (3537), an OK button (3539), and a cancel button (3538) are displayed. Description of the parts common to RETRIEVE is omitted.

  The check time display area (3534) displays blank when the WWW task setting sub-screen is displayed with the New button, and displays the set task execution time when displayed with the Edit button. Also, immediately after the setting is made on the check time sub-screen described later, the set task execution time is displayed.

  When the check time setting button (3535) is pressed, a check time sub-screen, which will be described later, is displayed, and the timing for executing the task can be set.

Check Time Sub Screen On the check time sub screen (FIG. 58), a schedule mode setting button (3551 to 3553), a time input area (3554), an OK button (3558), and a cancel button (3557) are displayed. In addition, among the schedule mode setting buttons, when the Once button (3551) is selected, a month input area (3555) and a date input area (3556) are displayed. When the Weekly button (3552) is selected, a day setting check button (3561) is displayed. When the Monthly button (3553) is selected, the date input area (3571) is displayed. When each input area is pressed, a numeric keyboard (FIG. 20) is displayed, and numerical values can be entered. The day setting check button can select a plurality of days of the week.

MGMT screen FIG. 61 is a Management screen. Detailed description is omitted.

CONFIG screen FIG. 62 is a configuration screen. Detailed description is omitted.

Full Keyboard The full keyboard (FIG. 19) is displayed when the character input area is pressed. www. When the button (3041) and the com button (3042) are pressed, the characters “www.” And “com” are input, respectively. Since the other keys have the same functions as before, the description is omitted.

Ten Keyboard The ten keyboard (FIG. 20) is displayed when the numeric input area or the month input area is pressed. A description of each key is omitted.

Error screen The error screen (FIG. 18) is displayed when there is any error.

  The error screen includes a message display area (3031) for displaying an error message in text, and an OK button (3032) for closing the error screen.

Device Information Service (DIS)
A database that stores setting values for devices, functions of devices (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, etc. in the controller in a data format that conforms to the Control API, and the I / F of the database to the Device Information Service , Referred to as DIS). FIG. 64 shows the exchange between the DIS 7102, the Job Manager 7101, and the Scan and Print Document Managers 7103 and 7104.

  Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is instructed directly from the job manager 7101 to each document manager, and static information such as device functions and job contents refers to the DIS 7102. Static and dynamic information and events from each Document Manager are transmitted to the Job Manager 7101 via the DIS 7102.

  When setting and retrieving data from each Document Manager to the DIS database, the DIS internal data format is Control API compliant, so the data format that complies with the Control API and the data format that each Document Manager can understand Perform the conversion process. For example, when setting status data from each Document Manager, device-specific data is interpreted, converted to corresponding data defined by the Control API, and written to the DIS database.

  When setting and obtaining data from the Job Manager to the DIS database, no data conversion occurs between the Job Manager and the DIS.

  In addition, in the DIS, event data is updated based on various event information notified from Document Manager.

  FIG. 65 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DB) held in the DIS, and each DB will be described. A rounded rectangle in FIG. 65 represents each DB.

  7201 is a supervisor DB that holds status and user information about the entire device. Information that needs to be backed up, such as user ID and password, is stored in an HD device or a non-volatile storage device such as a backup memory. Retained.

  Reference numeral 7202 denotes a Scan Component DB, and 7203 denotes a Print Component DB. These Component DBs are held corresponding to the respective components. For example, in the case of a device composed only of a printer, only the Print Component DB exists, and for example, in the case of a device equipped with a FAX, the FAX Component DB is held. When initializing each Component DB, the corresponding Document Manager sets the function and status of the Component.

  7204 is the Scan Job Service DB, and 7205 is the Print Job Service DB. Like the Component DB, these Job Service DBs also set functions that can be used by the corresponding Document Manager at the time of initialization and their support status.

  Next, Job DB and Document DB will be described. 7206 is a Scan Job DB, 7207 is a Job DB of the Print Job DB, 7208 is a Scan Document DB, and 7209 is a Print Document DB.

  Job DB and Document DB are dynamically allocated and initialized by Job Manager each time a Job and its accompanying Document are generated, and necessary items are set. Each Document Manager reads the items necessary for processing from Job DB and Document DB before starting Job processing, and starts Job. After that, when Job ends, these Job and the DB of Document attached to it are released. Since a Job has one or more Documents, multiple Document DBs may be reserved for a Job.

  7210 is a database holding event information notified from each Document Manager, and 7211 is a counter table for recording the number of scans and the number of prints of the apparatus.

  Events notified from Document Manager include Component status transition from Scan Document Manager, Scan processing operation completion and various errors, Component Status transition from Print Document Manager, Print processing operation completion, paper jam, paper feed There is a cassette open or the like, and an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

  When an event is issued from Document Manager, DIS registers an event ID issued in event database 7211 and detailed data associated with the event if necessary. Further, when event cancellation is notified from Document Manager, event data designated to be deleted is deleted from the event database 7211.

  When an event is polled by Job Manager, DIS refers to the event database 7210, returns the event ID that is currently occurring and, if necessary, detailed data associated with the event to Job Manager, and the current event has occurred. If not, reply to that effect.

  In addition, when an event of completion of scan processing operation or completion of print processing operation is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan or print is updated. The counter written by this software is written back every time the value is updated in the backed-up memory device or the nonvolatile storage device of the HD device so that the value is not lost due to accidental power interruption or the like.

Scan Operation Details of the scan operation will be described below. FIG. 66 is a conceptual diagram of blocks related to the scanning operation. A CPU 8101 and a memory 8102, an image compression / decompression board 8104, a scanner 8107, and a SCSI I / F circuit 8103 for providing an I / F for connecting this system are connected to the PCI bus 8105. A SCSI I / F circuit 8103 and a scanner (or a scanner functional unit of a copier having a composite function) 8107 are connected by a SCSI interface cable 8106.

  An IDE controller 8108 is connected to the PCI bus 8105 and is connected to an IDE hard disk 8110 via an IDE cable 8109. FIG. 67 shows a software structure related to the scanning operation. JobManager 8201 has a function for classifying and storing application level requests. DIS8202 stores parameters necessary for scanning operation from the application level. Requests from applications are stored in the memory 8102. The scan operation management unit 8203 acquires information necessary for scanning from the JobManager 8201 and the DIS8202. The scan operation management unit 8203 receives the job number and document number table data 8301 of FIG. 68 from the JobManager 8201, and receives the scan parameter 8302 from the DIS 8202 based on the job number and document number table data 8301. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

  The scan operation management unit 8203 passes the scan parameters 8302 acquired from the DIS 8202 to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in the order of document numbers. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the SCSI control unit 8207 according to the content of the scan image attribute 8308. Accordingly, by operating the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PCI 8105 in FIG. 66, a scan is executed by sending a SCSI control command to the scanner 8107 via the SCSI cable 8106. The scanned image is stored in the memory 8102 through the SCSI controller 8103 via the SCSI cable 8106 and further via the PCI 8105. The scan sequence control unit 8204 compresses the scan image stored in the memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302 when the scan is completed and the image is stored in the memory 8102 via the PCI8105. Therefore, a request is issued to the compression / decompression control unit 8205. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 that has received the request uses the CODEC 8104 connected to the PCI 8105 to perform compression by specifying the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image in the Memory 8102 via the PCI 8105.

  The scan sequence control unit 8204 compresses the scan image into the format specified by the scan image compression format 8309 by the compression / decompression control unit 8205 and stores it in the memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302. File compressed compressed images. The scan sequence control unit 8204 requests the file system 8206 to create a file in the file format specified by the image file type 8307 of the scan parameter 8302. The file system 8206 converts the compressed image stored in the Memory 8102 into a file according to the image file type 8307 from the scan sequence control unit 8204, transfers it to the IDE Controller 8108 via the PCI8105, and transfers the IDE Hard Disk 8110 via the IDE Cable8109. The scanned compressed image is converted into a file by transferring to. When the file system 8206 stores the image filed in the IDE Hard Disk 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204 sends back a scan end notification to the scan operation management unit 8203, assuming that one current process on the Scanner 8107 is completed. .

  At this time, if there is a document that has not yet been scanned on the Scanner 8107 and there is a scan request from the Job Manager 8201, the scan sequence control unit uses the scan parameter 8302 stored in the DIS 8202 again to perform a scan operation. Request.

  If there is no unscanned document on the Scanner 8107, or if there is no scan request from the JobManager 8201, a scan end notification is issued to the JobManager 8201 as the scan operation is completed.

Printing Operation The printing operation will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 69 is a conceptual diagram of blocks related to the printing operation. A CPU 9001, a memory 9002, an image compression / decompression board 9004, a printer 9007, and an engine I / F board 9003 that provides an I / F for connecting this system are connected to the PCI bus 9005. The Engine I / F board 9003 and a printer (or a printer function unit of a copier having a composite function) 9007 are connected by an engine interface cable 9006.

  The Engine I / F board has a DPRAM inside, and through this DPRAM, parameter settings to the printer, printer status reading, and print control commands are exchanged. This board also has a video controller, and sends image data developed on PCI to the printer via the engine interface cable in accordance with VCLK (Video Clock) and HSYNC given from the printer via the engine interface cable. This transmission timing is shown in FIG. VCLK always keeps coming out, and HSYNC is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. The video controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the set memory (SOURCE) on the PCI and outputs it as a video signal to the engine interface cable. After this is repeated for the specified number of lines (LINES), an IMAGE_END interrupt is generated.

  As described above, when a print job instruction is passed from the application program on the CPU to ControllAPI, ControllAPI passes this as a job to the job manager at the controller level. Furthermore, this Job Manager stores the job settings in DIS and instructs the Print Manager to start the job. When Print Manager accepts a job, it reads the information necessary for job execution from DIS and sets it to the printer via the Engine I / F board and DPRAM.

  FIG. 71 shows setting items of the Engine I / F board, and FIG. 72 shows setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer.

  For the sake of simplicity, the operation will be specifically described on the assumption that this job is non-compressed, letter (11 "× 8.5") size binary image, 2-page one-part print, and the printer has a performance of 600 dpi.

  First, when this job is received, Print Manager calculates the number of image bytes of the width of this image (in this case, the 8.5 "side).

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600 ÷ 8 ≒ 630 (Bytes)
Next, the number of lines is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines)
These calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given first page image is stored are set in WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. At this point, the Engine I / F board is ready for image output, but the HSYNC signal from the printer has not arrived (VCLK has come) and no image data has been output.

  Next, Print Manager writes 1 as the number of output copies to a predetermined address (Book No) of DPRAM shown in FIG. Thereafter, an output paper feed request (FEED_REQ) for the first page is issued, and an IMAGE_REQ from the printer is awaited. When IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer, IMAGE_START is issued. In response to this, the printer starts to issue HSYNC, and the Engine I / F board waiting for HSYNC outputs an image. When the printer detects the trailing edge of the output paper, it outputs IMAGE_END, and when the output paper is discharged, it outputs SHEET_OUT. Print Manager receives IMAGE_END of the first page, sets WIDTH, LINES, and SOURCE of the second page to the Engine I / F board, issues FEED_REQ, and waits for IMAGE_REQ. The operation after the IMAGE_REQ of the second page comes is the same as that of the first page.

  Next, function management for each user according to the present invention will be described.

  When performing user management, the operation unit 3000 of the apparatus displays an ID number and a password waiting for the user as shown in FIG. 17 and prohibits operations on the apparatus unless the correct ID and password are input. . In order to manage the users of the apparatus, a user management table 101 shown in FIG. 1 is held in the storage device of the apparatus. Note that this user management table can be backed up to a nonvolatile storage device inside the device or held by a remote user management server connected via a network. Refer to the user management table in the user authentication process. If it is possible. 110 is a user ID assigned to each user, 111 is a personal identification number of each user, and 120 is a permitted function list indicating whether or not each user is permitted to use various functions of the apparatus. As functions of the apparatus of the present embodiment, a copy 121, a print 122, a BOX storage (scanned image storage) 123, a FAX 124, an Internet-FAX 125, and an E-mail transmission 126 are shown. In the user management table of FIG. 1, use of 1 is permitted for each function, and use of 0 is prohibited for each function. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the functions can be further divided into details. For example, by dividing the functions of COPY into color COPY and monochrome COPY, usage restrictions and management regarding the color function of the apparatus can be performed. Further, the registration of user information in the user management table in the present embodiment will be described on the assumption that the administrator of the apparatus has performed in advance using the operation unit of the apparatus main body or a user management server connected remotely. In the example of FIG. 1, the user corresponding to the user ID 100 is permitted to use all the functions of the apparatus, but the user corresponding to the user ID 103 is permitted to use only FAX.

  When the user uses the apparatus, user authentication and apparatus state switching are performed according to the flow shown in FIG. In 201, the operation unit of the apparatus is the ID input screen of FIG. 17, and when the user inputs an ID number and a password in 202, searches 110 and 111 of the user management table are performed. First, an ID number is searched for in 203, and if there is no matching registered ID number, an error display shown in FIG. 18 is displayed as an authentication error in 210, the user is notified of this, and the ID input screen is displayed again. Return. If there is a matching ID number, the personal identification number of the ID is checked at 204. If they do not match, the error display shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the operation unit 3000, and the screen returns to the ID input screen again. When both the ID and the password are matched, it is determined that the user authentication is successful, and the user management table 120 is searched to check the functions permitted for the user. Here, a function that is set to 1 and permitted to be used is specified on the user management table, the display of the operation unit 3000 is changed to the function screen, and the user authentication process is terminated. Here, the user management table 120 is also checked when the function tabs 3011 to 3016 for transitioning to other function screens are pressed. As a result, if the function is permitted for the user, the function screen corresponding to the pressed function tab is displayed, and the function can be used. When the use is not permitted, the display shown in FIG. 3 is performed on the operation unit 3000, the user is notified that the use of the function is not permitted, and the function is not shifted to a usable state. Use of this function is prohibited.

The block diagram of the user management table of this invention. The flowchart of the authentication process of this invention. An error screen that is displayed when an unavailable function is selected. The whole software block diagram of this system. 1 is an overall block diagram of this system. FIG. 3 is an external view of a scanner unit, a printer unit, and an operation unit. Operation part. The block diagram of a scanner image processing part. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printer image processing unit. The block diagram of an image compression process part. The block diagram of a device I / F part. The block diagram of an image rotation part. Explanatory drawing of an image rotation process. Explanatory drawing of an image rotation process. The entire operation unit. Operation screen. ID input screen. Error screen. Full keyboard screen. Ten keyboard screen. Copy main screen. Printer list display screen. Image Quality list display screen. Scale setting sub-screen. Paper selection subscreen. Sorter setting sub-screen. Double-sided copy setting subscreen. SEND main screen. SEND initial screen. Address book screen. Detailed information screen. Address search screen. Search target class list display screen. Search target attribute list display screen. Search target condition list screen. Display address book list for search. Screen of search result example. Detailed destination (New) screen. Detailed destination (Person) screen. Detailed destination (Data Base) screen. Detailed destination (Group) screen. Hard disk setting screen. Print setting screen. Paper size list display screen. Sorter list display screen. Scan settings screen. Paper size list display screen. Resolution list display screen. Scan mode list display screen. Retrieve main (WWW) screen. E-Mail screen. FAX screen. FTP screen. Bookmark screen. Retrieve print setting screen. TASKS main screen. WWW detailed setting screen. Check time sub (Once) screen. Check time sub (Weekly) screen. Check time sub (Monthly) screen. Management sub-screen. Configuration subscreen. The block diagram of embedded application description. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating exchange between DIS and Job Manager, Print Manager, and Scan Manager. It is a figure which shows the database and counter inside DIS. The block diagram of the hardware control regarding a scan. The block diagram of the software control in a scan. Schematic diagram of a parameter table in scanning. The block diagram regarding printing. FIG. 7 is a timing diagram of print image data transfer. Print parameter register table in the Engine I / F board. A communication command table between the printer and the Engine I / F board. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire network system.

Claims (3)

A user management table for storing identification information, authentication information, and usable function information of a legitimate user of the device;
User registration information corresponding to individual users of the device can be registered and deleted in the user management table, user registration deletion means,
For each user registered by the user registration means, use permission function registration deletion means that can add and delete available device functions to the user management table;
A user authentication unit that compares the user authentication information registered in the user management table in advance by the user registration unit with the user authentication information input by the user, and determines whether the user is a valid user;
When it is determined by the user authentication means that the user is a valid user of the device, only the functions that the user is permitted to use the device can be used corresponding to the functions permitted to the user in the user management table. An image processing apparatus characterized by causing transition to   Independent of the user management table, holds an administrator user registration table of the device, and only the administrator user registered in advance can execute the user registration deletion means and the use permission function registration deletion means, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A user management server that holds the user management table, the user registration deletion means, and a use permission function registration deletion means, and is connected to the apparatus via a network;
The user management table is not held, and in the user authentication, an inquiry is made to the user management server with the input authentication information. Based on the authentication result, whether or not the user authentication is possible and if the authentication is successful, the user is permitted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function determination is performed.

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