JP2007065775A - Terminal device, processing condition designation screen display method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to properly perform designation related to a processing condition to an image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: This terminal device is provided with: a first device attribute information acquisition part acquiring device attribute information SC that is information related to an attribute of the image forming device 2 therefrom; a second device attribute information acquisition part acquiring the device attribute information SC of the image forming device 2 from a device except it; a preferable device attribute information selection part selecting preferable one of the device attribute information SC acquired by the first device attribute information acquisition part 321 and the device attribute information SC acquired by the second device attribute information acquisition part; and a device attribute information answer part answering the device attribute information SC selected by the preferable device attribute information selection part to application software. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device that controls an image forming apparatus such as an MFP via a communication line.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses called various functions or MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) equipped with various functions such as copying, scanning, and faxing have been widely used in offices and the like. In recent years, such an image forming apparatus has been equipped with a connection function to Ethernet (registered trademark), and it is possible to use the image forming apparatus remotely by operating a terminal device such as a personal computer. I can do it now.

  For example, the user does not directly specify the processing conditions of the processing that the image forming apparatus wants to execute by operating the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, but remotely by operating the terminal apparatus via a communication line. Can be specified.

  In recent years, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are often provided in one network (for example, a corporate intranet). Therefore, when the user operates the terminal device to use the image forming apparatus remotely, the user must give processing conditions according to the attributes of the image forming apparatus. This is because an error may occur if a processing condition that does not support an attribute is erroneously given.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to apply a method as described in Patent Document 1. According to this method, the printer driver inquires of the printer about all setting items and setting values that can be operated by the user, and displays the setting items and setting values notified from the printer on the setting screen. Subsequently, the printer driver controls the printer according to the setting value selected by the user on the setting screen.

In this way, by inquiring of the printer about setting items and setting values that can be operated by the user, and acquiring these pieces of information, it is possible to prevent the specification of incompatible processing conditions.
Japanese Patent No. 3573129

  However, in the conventional method as described in Patent Document 1, if the information regarding the setting items and setting values that can be operated from the image forming apparatus cannot be acquired, the user again erroneously sets the unsupported processing condition. There is a risk of giving.

  In view of such a problem, the present invention enables a user to appropriately specify processing conditions for an image forming apparatus even when information regarding attributes cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus. The purpose is to do.

  A terminal device according to the present invention is a terminal device that can be connected to an image forming apparatus via a communication line, and obtains attribute information that is information relating to an attribute of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus. An information acquisition unit; a second attribute information acquisition unit that acquires the attribute information of the image forming apparatus from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus; and a user for specifying processing conditions for the image forming apparatus Either the attribute information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the first attribute information acquiring unit or the attribute information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the second attribute information acquiring unit is displayed on the processing condition designation screen. And a processing condition designation screen display means for displaying based on the above.

  Alternatively, the terminal device according to the present invention is a terminal device that can be connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication line, and the user can use the attribute information that describes the attributes of the image forming apparatus in a predetermined format. The processing condition designation screen display means for displaying a processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for the image forming apparatus, and the attributes of the designation target image forming apparatus that is the target image forming apparatus for designating the processing conditions Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating, and attribute information conversion means for converting attribute information of the designation target image forming apparatus acquired by the attribute information acquisition means into the predetermined format, The processing condition designation screen display means displays the processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for the designation target image forming apparatus by the attribute information conversion means. It is converted into a predetermined format, and displays on the basis of the attribute information of the designated target image forming apparatus, and wherein the.

  According to the present invention, even when information about attributes cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus, the user can appropriately specify processing conditions for the image forming apparatus.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image processing system 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 3. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a platform of the terminal device 3, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module included in the application software 301, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module included in the image forming device control software 302. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device attribute information SC.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2, a plurality of terminal apparatuses 3, a communication line 4, and the like. The image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 3 can be connected to each other via the communication line 4. As the communication line 4, the Internet, an intranet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used. Hereinafter, these image forming apparatuses 2 may be described separately as “image forming apparatus 2A”, “image forming apparatus 2B”,. Similarly, these terminal apparatuses 3 may be described separately as “terminal apparatus 3A”, “terminal apparatus 3B”,.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is a processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as copy, scanner, fax, network printing, and document server. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals).

  The image forming apparatus 2 is installed in offices or offices such as businesses, public facilities such as schools or libraries, stores such as convenience stores, and other various places, and can be shared by a plurality of users.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a mass storage device 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a scanner 20g, a printing device 20h, a communication interface 20j, and the like. .

  The large-capacity storage device 20d is a large-capacity storage device for storing programs such as an operating system and firmware, document data, and the like. As the large-capacity storage device 20d, a storage device that can rewrite data and is nonvolatile, such as a hard disk or a flash memory, is used. A part of the program or data may be stored in the ROM 20c. Programs and data stored in the large-capacity storage device 20d are loaded into the RAM 20b as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU 20a.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling the mass storage device 20d, the scanner 20g, the printing device 20h, the communication interface 20j, the operation panel 20f, and the like.

  The scanner 20g is an apparatus that optically reads an image of content such as a sentence, a mathematical formula, a symbol, a photograph, a chart, or an illustration drawn on a document to generate image data.

  The printing device 20h prints an image on a sheet based on the image data obtained by the scanner 20g or the image data transmitted from the terminal device 3 or the like. The communication interface 20j is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem for communicating with other devices via the communication line 4.

  The operation panel 20f includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display and a numeric keypad. The liquid crystal display includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for inputting a type of processing and processing conditions desired by the user, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 20a and the like. Is displayed. The user operates the liquid crystal display or the numeric keypad while looking at these screens to give an instruction to the image forming apparatus 2 to start or stop the processing, and the data destination, printing conditions, scanning conditions, etc. The processing conditions can be specified, and various other items can be specified. In other words, the operation panel 20 f serves as a user interface for a user who operates the image forming apparatus 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 3 in FIG. 1 includes a CPU 30a, a RAM 30b, a ROM 30c, a hard disk 30d, a control circuit 30e, a keyboard 30f, a pointing device 30g, a display 30h, a communication interface 30j, and the like. As the terminal device 3, a personal computer or a workstation is used.

  The keyboard 30 f and the pointing device 30 g are input devices for the user to input various information to the terminal device 3. The display 30h displays various screens for the user. That is, the keyboard 30f, the pointing device 30g, and the display 30h serve as a user interface. Further, as will be described later, the user can use the image forming apparatus 2 remotely by operating the keyboard 30f or the pointing device 30g while viewing the screen displayed on the display 30h.

  The communication interface 30j is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem for communicating with the image forming apparatus 2 or another terminal apparatus 3 via the communication line 4.

  The control circuit 30e is a circuit for controlling the hard disk 30d, the display 30h, the communication interface 30j, and the like.

  An operating system 300, application software 301, image forming apparatus control software 302, and the like are installed in the hard disk 30d. Thereby, a platform as shown in FIG. 4 is realized in the terminal device 3.

  The operating system 300 is software that provides the overall system management and operation environment (user interface) of the terminal device 3. For example, it manages memory, data input / output, user accounts, tasks, and devices. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) using objects such as windows, icons, buttons, and pull-down menus is provided as a user interface.

  The image forming apparatus control software 302 is software for controlling the image forming apparatus 2, and various control commands or modules are prepared.

  The developer uses the control commands or modules of the image forming apparatus control software 302 and the GUI function of the operating system 300 to program the software, that is, the application software 301 for executing various application processes. Can be generated. In the present embodiment, as the application software 301, scanning processing in the image forming apparatus 2 including modules such as a device attribute information request unit 311, a screen display processing unit 312, and a processing condition setting request unit 313 as illustrated in FIG. A case where software for setting processing conditions is installed in the hard disk 30d will be described as an example. In the application software 301, device attribute information SC of each image forming apparatus 2 is registered in advance. The device attribute information SC will be described later.

  Some control commands of the image forming apparatus control software 302 are provided with parameters. Developers must specify parameter values as needed for control commands that have parameters. Or you must let the user specify the value of the parameter. Further, in the control command, prohibited items regarding how to use the image forming apparatus 2 are defined as prohibitions.

  Further, the image forming apparatus control software 302 includes a first device attribute information acquisition unit 321, a second device attribute information acquisition unit 322, a suitable device attribute information selection unit 323, and a device attribute information response unit as illustrated in FIG. 6. 324 and a module for realizing functions such as a processing condition setting command unit 325 are included. According to these modules, processing for replying the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 to which the terminal device 3 is to give a command is realized in accordance with a request from the application software 301.

  The device attribute information SC indicates the specifications (capabilities, specifications) and prohibitions of the image forming apparatus 2 as shown in FIG. The device attribute information SC is preferably described using a language such as WSDL (Web Services Description Language).

  Note that the image forming apparatus control software 302 can be provided as a driver that supplements the function of the operating system 300, or can be provided as middleware between the operating system 300 and the application software 301.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the processing condition designation screen HG1. Next, the image forming apparatus control software 302 for controlling the image forming apparatus 2A and the application software 301 for setting the processing conditions of the scan processing in the image forming apparatus 2A are taken as examples in the image forming apparatus control shown in FIG. Each part of the software 302 and each part of the application software 301 shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

  In FIG. 5, when the operating system 300 detects that a predetermined operation has been performed on the keyboard 30f or the pointing device 30g, the device attribute information request unit 311 of the application software 301 notifies the image forming apparatus control software 302. The device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A is requested. The screen display processing unit 312 generates a processing condition designation screen HG1 as shown in FIG. 8 based on the response from the image forming apparatus control software 302, that is, the device attribute information SC, and performs processing for displaying on the display 30h.

  The processing condition setting request unit 313 requests the image forming apparatus control software 302 to give an instruction to the image forming apparatus 2A to set the processing conditions of the scan processing specified by the user on the processing condition specifying screen HG1. To do.

  In FIG. 6, the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321 performs processing for acquiring the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A from the image forming apparatus 2A. The second device attribute information acquisition unit 322 performs processing for acquiring the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 2A. In this embodiment, it is acquired from the application software 301 of the terminal device 3A. Hereinafter, the device attribute information SC acquired from the image forming apparatus 2A itself is referred to as “first device attribute information SC1”, and the device attribute information SC acquired from another apparatus is referred to as “second device attribute information SC2”. There are things to do.

  The suitable device attribute information selection unit 323 selects which of the first device attribute information SC1 and the second device attribute information SC2 is suitable as the device attribute information SC to be answered to the application software 301.

  The device attribute information reply unit 324 returns the device attribute information SC selected by the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323 to the application software 301.

  In accordance with a request from the application software 301, the processing condition setting command unit 325 performs processing for giving a command to the image forming apparatus 2A to set the processing conditions for the scan processing.

  9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing executed by the application software 301 and the image forming apparatus control software 302, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of device attribute information determination processing, and FIG. 11 is a pull-down menu MN11. It is a figure which shows the example of -MN13.

  Furthermore, the processing procedure of each part of the image forming apparatus control software 302 and each part of the application software 301 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  The device attribute information request unit 311 (see FIG. 5) of the application software 301 first requests the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A from the image forming apparatus control software 302 (# 101 in FIG. 9).

  When the image forming apparatus control software 302 receives a request from the application software 301 (# 121), the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321, the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322, and the preferred device attributes in FIG. The information selection unit 323 determines device attribute information to be answered to the terminal device 3A according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (# 122).

  The first device attribute information acquisition unit 321 is connected to the image forming apparatus 2A and inquires about the reading resolution that can be realized in the image forming apparatus 2A, the size of the original that can be scanned, the color mode, and the like, and information on these is obtained. An attempt is made to receive the device attribute information SC1 from the image forming apparatus 2A (# 501 in FIG. 10).

  When the first device attribute information SC1 can be received (Yes in # 502), the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323 selects the first device attribute information SC1 as the suitable device attribute information SC. (# 503). If it cannot be received (No in # 502), the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322 uses the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A set in the application software 301 as the second device attribute. Obtained as information SC2 (# 504). Then, the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323 selects the second device attribute information SC2 as suitable device attribute information SC (# 505). In this way, suitable device attribute information SC is determined.

  Note that the reason why the first device attribute information SC1 cannot be received is that the image forming apparatus 2A itself does not have a function of transmitting the device attribute information SC, and the software or hardware of the image forming apparatus 2A or the terminal apparatus 3A. Wear error or communication error.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the device attribute information reply unit 324 replies to the application software 301 with suitable device attribute information determined by the procedure described with reference to FIG. 10 (# 123).

  When the device attribute information SC is obtained from the image forming apparatus control software 302 (# 102), the screen display processing unit 312 of the application software 301 generates a processing condition designation screen HG1 as shown in FIG. 8 and displays it on the display 30h. (# 103).

  Here, the user designates the scanning processing conditions desired by the user. To specify the resolution, click the pull-down menu bar PD11. Then, the screen display processing unit 312 is a pull-down including options of reading resolutions that can be realized by the image forming apparatus 2A as shown in FIG. 11A based on the device attribute information SC obtained from the image forming apparatus control software 302. Menu MN11 is displayed below pull-down menu bar PD11. The user clicks and selects an option corresponding to his / her desired processing condition from among these options.

  Similarly, the user clicks the pull-down menu bar PD12 when selecting the size of the document to be read. Then, the screen display processing unit 312 displays, based on the device attribute information SC, a pull-down menu MN12 including options for the size of the original that can be read by the image forming apparatus 2A as shown in FIG. Display below. Alternatively, when selecting a color mode at the time of reading, the pull-down menu bar PD13 is clicked. Then, the screen display processing unit 312 displays a pull-down menu MN13 including color mode options that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 2A as shown in FIG. 11C based on the device attribute information SC. Display below. The user selects one corresponding to a desired processing condition from the options shown in the respective pull-down menus MN12 and MN13.

  However, if the device attribute information SC indicates a prohibition, the screen display processing unit 312 restricts the options of the pull-down menus MN11 to MN13 based on the prohibition. For example, if the device attribute information SC indicates that full-color originals cannot be read with a resolution exceeding 300 dpi, “600 dpi” is selected first in the pull-down menu MN11 of the pull-down menu bar PD11. When the pull-down menu bar PD13 is clicked, the screen display processing unit 312 displays the pull-down menu MN13 so that the “full color” option cannot be selected when the pull-down menu bar PD13 is clicked. Alternatively, when “full color” is previously selected in the pull-down menu MN13 of the pull-down menu bar PD13, the screen display processing unit 312 cannot select the “600 dpi” option when the pull-down menu bar PD11 is clicked. And a pull-down menu MN11 is displayed.

  When the user finishes specifying his / her desired processing conditions in the pull-down menu bars PD11 to PD13 of the processing condition specification screen HG1, the user clicks the “OK” button. Then, the processing condition setting request unit 313 accepts the contents of the processing conditions specified by the user (# 104), and notifies the image forming apparatus control software 302 of the contents to set the processing conditions for the scanning process. A request to this effect is issued to the image forming apparatus 2A (# 105).

  When the request from the application software 301 is received (# 124), the processing condition setting command unit 325 of the image forming apparatus control software 302 displays the processing condition information 71 indicating the processing condition designated by the user on the processing condition designation screen HG1. By transmitting to the forming apparatus 2A, the image forming apparatus 2A is instructed to execute processing condition setting processing for the scan processing (# 125).

  The image forming apparatus 2 </ b> A that has received the processing condition information 71 executes a processing condition setting process for the scanning process based on the processing condition information 71 as in the conventional case.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the target of specifying the processing conditions cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus 2, the device attribute information SC can be acquired from the application software 301. it can. Therefore, it is possible to present appropriate options on the processing condition designation screen HG1 for designating processing conditions.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a modification of the flow of device attribute information determination processing. In the present embodiment, when the device attribute information SC cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 in # 122 of FIG. 9, the device attribute information SC is acquired from the application software 301 of the terminal apparatus 3 itself. The device attribute information SC may be acquired from the application software 301 of another terminal device 3 in the image processing system 1. In this case, for example, the process may be performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a case where the terminal apparatus 3A acquires the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A will be described as an example.

  In FIG. 12, the terminal apparatus 3A can acquire the first device attribute information SC1 directly from the image forming apparatus 2A, as in the case of steps # 501 to # 503 in FIG. 10 (# 601). , # 602), this is determined as suitable device attribute information SC (# 603).

  If it cannot be obtained (No in # 602), the newness (for example, version) of the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A with respect to the other terminal apparatuses 3 (terminal apparatuses 3B, 3C,...). ) Is transmitted (# 604).

  Then, the other terminal apparatuses 3 check the version of the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A registered in the respective application software 301 and reply to the terminal apparatus 3A.

  When the terminal device 3A receives responses from other terminal devices 3, the terminal device 3A compares the versions indicated in these responses with the version of the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A in the application software 301 of the terminal device 3A itself. The terminal device 3 having the newest device attribute information SC is discriminated (# 605).

  If the device attribute information SC in the application software 301 of the terminal device 3A itself is the newest (Yes in # 606), the device attribute information SC is stored in the same manner as in steps # 504 and # 505 in FIG. The second device attribute information SC2 is obtained (# 607), and it is determined that it is suitable (# 609). If the device attribute information SC in the other terminal device 3 is the newest (No in # 606), the device attribute information SC is requested to the terminal device 3 (# 608). Then, the terminal apparatus 3 transmits the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A in its application software 301 to the terminal apparatus 3A. The terminal device 3A acquires the device attribute information SC as the second device attribute information SC2, and determines that this is suitable (# 609).

  According to the method described with reference to FIG. 12, the terminal device 3A inquires all other terminal devices 3 about the newness of the device attribute information SC and obtains the answer. Good. At the time of the inquiry, the version of the device attribute information SC registered in the application software 301 of the terminal device 3A itself is notified. The other terminal devices 3 (3B, 3C,...) Compare the version of the device attribute information SC registered in each application software 301 with the version notified from the terminal device 3A. And only when the former is newer, the answer is notified.

  Further, the determination result of step # 605 may be stored in the image forming apparatus 2A so that the terminal apparatus 3 can refer to it appropriately. For example, the identification information (for example, IP address) of the terminal device 3 having the latest device attribute information SC and the version of the device attribute information SC are stored. As a result, the determination result can be shared between the terminal devices 3, and the time and effort of the determination process after the next time can be reduced. Further, the terminal device 3 referring to these compares the version of the device attribute information SC registered in its application software 301 with the version stored in the image forming apparatus 2A. If the former version is newer, the IP address and version stored in the image forming apparatus 2A are registered in the IP address of the terminal apparatus 3 and the application software 301 of the terminal apparatus 3. Update to attribute information SC version.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of modules included in the image forming apparatus control software 302, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the flow of device attribute information determination processing.

  In the first embodiment, when the terminal device 3 can directly acquire the first device attribute information SC1 from the image forming apparatus 2, the processing conditions as shown in FIG. 8 are based on the first device attribute information SC1. When the designation screen HG1 is displayed and cannot be obtained, the second device attribute information SC2 of the image forming apparatus 2 is obtained from the application software 301, and based on this, the processing condition designation screen HG1 is displayed. In the second embodiment, an attempt is made to acquire both the first device attribute information SC1 and the second device attribute information SC2. If both of them can be acquired, the processing condition designation screen HG1 is displayed based on the newer one.

  The overall configuration of the image processing system 1, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2, the hardware configuration of the terminal apparatus 3, and the platform configuration of the terminal apparatus 3 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.

  Also, the modules included in the application software 301 of the terminal device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. However, in the image forming apparatus control software 302, as shown in FIG. 13, a first device attribute information acquisition unit 321B, a second device attribute information acquisition unit 322B, a suitable device attribute information selection unit 323B, a device attribute information reply Modules such as a unit 324B and a processing condition setting command unit 325B are included.

  The roles of the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321B to the processing condition setting command unit 325B are respectively the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321 to the processing condition setting command unit 325 (see FIG. 6) in the first embodiment. ). However, the processing procedure and contents of the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322B and the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323B are different from the case of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14, with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14, the respective units illustrated in FIG. The description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, in the terminal device 3A, the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321B uses the first device attribute information SC1 of the image forming apparatus 2A that is the target to be given an instruction as the image forming apparatus 2A. The second device attribute information acquisition unit 322B acquires the second device attribute information SC2 from the application software 301 (# 512). However, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322B acquires the second device attribute information SC2 regardless of whether the first device attribute information SC1 can be acquired.

  If the first device attribute information SC1 can be acquired from the image forming apparatus 2A (Yes in # 513), the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323B determines that the first device attribute information SC1 and the second device attribute The information SC2 is compared to determine which is newer (# 514), and the newer one is selected as device attribute information SC to be answered to the application software 301 (# 515 to # 517). That is, if the first device attribute information SC1 is newer (Yes in # 515), the first device attribute information SC1 is selected as the device attribute information SC to be answered (# 516), and the second device attribute is selected. If the information SC2 is newer (No in # 515), the second device attribute information SC2 is selected as the device attribute information SC to be answered (# 517).

  The comparison between the first device attribute information SC1 and the second device attribute information SC2 may be performed, for example, based on the date and time (creation date and time) when these were generated. Or you may carry out based on these version numbers.

  On the other hand, when the first device attribute information SC1 cannot be acquired (No in # 513), the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323B determines that the second device is the same as in the first embodiment. The attribute information SC2 is selected as the device attribute information SC to be answered (# 517).

  Thereafter, as in the case of the first embodiment, the selected device attribute information SC is returned to the application software 301 by the device attribute information answering unit 324B, and the application software 301 displays the processing condition designation screen HG1. Used.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of modules included in the image forming apparatus control software 302, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the flow of device attribute information determination processing.

  In the first embodiment, the terminal device 3 acquires the second device attribute information SC2 from the application software 301 when the first device attribute information SC1 cannot be directly acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 to which the instruction is given. Based on this, the processing condition designation screen HG1 is displayed. In the third embodiment, when the first device attribute information SC1 cannot be directly acquired, the second device attribute information SC2 is acquired from the other image forming apparatus 2, and the processing condition designation screen HG1 is displayed based on the second device attribute information SC2. To do.

  The overall configuration of the image processing system 1 in the third embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 3, the platform of the terminal device 3, and the modules included in the application software 301 are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is the same as the case of.

  However, in the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus control software 302 includes a first device attribute information acquisition unit 321C, a second device attribute information acquisition unit 322C, and suitable device attribute information as illustrated in FIG. Modules such as a selection unit 323C, a device attribute information response unit 324C, and a processing condition setting command unit 325C are included. The role of the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321C to the processing condition setting command unit 325C is that of the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321 to the processing condition setting command unit 325 (see FIG. 6) in the first embodiment, respectively. Although it is the same as the role, the contents of processing by the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322C and the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323C are slightly different from those in the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the device attribute information SC necessary for the terminal device 3A to display the instruction processing condition designation screen HG1 for the image forming apparatus 2A is acquired with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Each part of FIG. 15 will be described using a case as an example. The description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

  The first device attribute information acquisition unit 321C of FIG. 15 requests the device attribute information SC1 of the image forming apparatus 2A from the image forming apparatus 2A and receives it as in the case of the first embodiment. (# 521 in FIG. 16).

  When the first device attribute information SC1 can be received from the image forming apparatus 2A (Yes in # 522), the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323C, as in the case of the first embodiment, One device attribute information SC1 is selected as suitable device attribute information SC (# 523).

  On the other hand, if it cannot be received (No in # 522), the second device attribute information acquisition unit 322C determines whether or not the device attribute information SC can be transmitted by an image other than the image forming apparatus 2A. An inquiry is made to the forming apparatus 2 (# 524). That is, the image forming apparatus 2 that can transmit the device attribute information SC is searched. As a result, for example, when the image forming apparatus 2B is found as the image forming apparatus 2 capable of transmission, the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2B is received as the second device attribute information SC2 from the image forming apparatus 2B ( # 525). Then, the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323C selects the second device attribute information SC2 as suitable device attribute information SC (# 526).

  In the third embodiment, suitable device attribute information SC is determined in this way. The device attribute information SC is returned to the application software 301 by the device attribute information answering unit 324C, as in the case of each of the embodiments described above, and is used to specify processing conditions for the image forming apparatus 2A. Used to display the processing condition designation screen HG1.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of modules included in the image forming apparatus control software 302, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the flow of device attribute information determination processing.

  In the third embodiment, when the device attribute information SC (first device attribute information SC1) of the image forming apparatus 2 to which the instruction is given cannot be obtained directly from the image forming apparatus 2, the other image forming apparatus 2 Device attribute information SC (second device attribute information SC2) is acquired, and based on this, the processing condition designation screen HG1 is displayed. However, since there may be a difference in specifications or prohibition between the two image forming apparatuses 2, if the second device attribute information SC2 is used to display the processing condition designation screen HG1, an inappropriate option may appear. There is a risk that various options will be missed.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the image processing system 1 is configured as follows so that more preferable device attribute information SC can be obtained when the first device attribute information SC1 cannot be acquired.

  The overall configuration of the image processing system 1 in the fourth embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatus 3, the platform of the terminal apparatus 3, and the modules included in the application software 301 are the first and third modules. This is the same as the case of the embodiment.

  However, in the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus control software 302 includes a first device attribute information acquisition unit 321D, a suitable device attribute information selection unit 323D, and a device attribute information response unit 324D, as shown in FIG. Modules such as a processing condition setting command unit 325D, a device attribute information generation unit 326D, and a standard device attribute information acquisition unit 327D are included.

  The roles of the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321D, the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323D, the device attribute information answer unit 324D, and the processing condition setting command unit 325D are respectively the first device attribute information in the third embodiment. The roles of the acquisition unit 321C, the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323C, the device attribute information response unit 324C, and the processing condition setting command unit 325C (see FIG. 15) are the same. However, the preferred device attribute information SC selection method by the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323D is slightly different from that in the third embodiment. In addition, the hard disk 30d is provided with a storage area for storing attribute difference information SCd described later.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, each part of FIG. 17 will be described focusing on differences from the third embodiment. The description overlapping with the first or third embodiment is omitted.

  In the terminal device 3, the attribute difference information SCd of each image forming apparatus 2 is prepared in advance (# 531 in FIG. 18). The attribute difference information SCd is generated as follows. One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 2 having a function of transmitting their own device attribute information SC are determined as alternative image forming apparatuses. Hereinafter, an alternative image forming apparatus is referred to as an “alternative image forming apparatus”. For example, a standard specification image forming apparatus 2 is determined as an alternative image forming apparatus. The device attribute information SC of each image forming apparatus 2 is acquired in advance. Then, the difference between the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 and the device attribute information SC of the alternative image forming apparatus is obtained. The difference information thus obtained becomes the attribute difference information SCd of the image forming apparatus 2. The attribute difference information SCd is stored in the hard disk 30d in association with the identification information (for example, IP address) of the image forming apparatus 2.

  When the application software 301 requests the device attribute information SC of a predetermined image forming apparatus 2 (here, image forming apparatus 2A), the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321D performs the first and third As in the case of the embodiment, it requests the device attribute information SC1 of the image forming apparatus 2A from the image forming apparatus 2A and attempts to receive it (# 532).

  When the device attribute information SC (first device attribute information SC1) can be received from the image forming apparatus 2A (Yes in # 533), the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323D performs the first and third implementations. As in the case of the embodiment, the first device attribute information SC1 is selected as suitable device attribute information SC (# 534).

  On the other hand, if it cannot be received (No in # 533), the standard device attribute information acquisition unit 327D sends the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 to the image forming apparatus 2 that is an alternative image forming apparatus. And obtain this (# 535). The device attribute information generation unit 326D corrects the acquired device attribute information SC using the attribute difference information SCd of the image forming apparatus 2A, thereby generating and reproducing the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A (# 536). . For example, the acquired device attribute information SC indicates that reading at 200 dpi, 300 dpi, and 600 dpi is possible, but the attribute difference information SCd indicates that reading at 600 dpi is not possible. If so, correction is performed to remove information indicating that reading at 600 dpi is possible from the device attribute information SC.

  Then, the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323D selects the corrected device attribute information SC as suitable device attribute information SC (# 537).

  In the fourth embodiment, suitable device attribute information SC is determined in this way. The device attribute information SC is returned to the application software 301 by the device attribute information answering unit 324D and the processing conditions for specifying the processing conditions for the image forming apparatus 2A, as in each of the embodiments described above. Used to display the processing condition designation screen HG1.

[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of modules included in the image forming apparatus control software 302, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the flow of device attribute information determination processing.

  In the fourth embodiment, when the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the target of the command cannot be directly acquired from the image forming apparatus 2, the image forming apparatus control software 302 of the terminal device 3 performs other image formation. The device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the target of the command is generated by correcting the device attribute information SC of the apparatus 2 using the attribute difference information SCd. In the fifth embodiment, the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the command target is generated using other types of information.

  The overall configuration of the image processing system 1 in the fifth embodiment, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the terminal device 3, the platform of the terminal device 3, and the modules included in the application software 301 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment. This is almost the same as the case of.

  However, an MIB (Management Information Base) is provided in the image processing system 1 to manage information regarding each image forming apparatus 2. In the fifth embodiment, the image forming apparatus control software 302 includes a first device attribute information acquisition unit 321E, a suitable device attribute information selection unit 323E, and a device attribute information response unit 324E, as shown in FIG. Modules such as a processing condition setting command unit 325E, a device attribute information generation unit 326E, and an MIB information acquisition unit 328E are included.

  The first device attribute information acquisition unit 321E, the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323E, the device attribute information response unit 324E, the processing condition setting command unit 325E, and the device attribute information generation unit 326E are respectively the same as those in the fourth embodiment. The roles of one device attribute information acquisition unit 321D, preferred device attribute information selection unit 323D, device attribute information response unit 324D, processing condition setting command unit 325D, and device attribute information generation unit 326D (see FIG. 17) are the same. However, the method for generating device attribute information SC by the device attribute information generation unit 326D is different from that in the fourth embodiment. In addition, the template TP data is stored in the hard disk 30d.

  The template TP is a form or format of the device attribute information SC defined according to the WSDL description rule. The device attribute information SC can be generated by storing information on the specifications and prohibitions of the image forming apparatus 2 in the template TP.

  Hereinafter, the difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The description overlapping with the first or fourth embodiment is omitted.

  A template TP is prepared in advance in the terminal device 3 (# 541 in FIG. 20). When the device attribute information SC of a predetermined image forming apparatus 2 (here, image forming apparatus 2A) is requested from the application software 301, the first device attribute information acquisition unit 321E performs the first and fourth implementations. As in the case of the embodiment, the device attribute information SC (first device attribute information SC1) of the image forming apparatus 2A is requested to the image forming apparatus 2A and an attempt is made to receive it (# 542).

  When the first device attribute information SC1 can be received from the image forming apparatus 2A (Yes in # 543), the preferred device attribute information selection unit 323E is the same as in the first and fourth embodiments. The first device attribute information SC1 is selected as suitable device attribute information SC (# 544).

  On the other hand, if it could not be received (No in # 543), the MIB information acquisition unit 328E accesses the MIB and acquires device information DI relating to the specifications and prohibitions of the image forming apparatus 2A (# 545). The device attribute information generation unit 326E generates the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2A by applying the acquired device information DI to the template TP (# 546).

  Then, the suitable device attribute information selection unit 323E selects the generated device attribute information SC as suitable device attribute information SC (# 547).

  In the fifth embodiment, suitable device attribute information SC is determined in this way. The device attribute information SC is returned to the application software 301 by the device attribute information answering unit 324E, as in the case of each of the embodiments described above, and is used to specify processing conditions for the image forming apparatus 2A. Used to display the processing condition designation screen HG1.

  According to the first to fifth embodiments, even when the device attribute information SC of the image forming apparatus 2 that is the target for specifying the processing conditions cannot be obtained from the image forming apparatus 2, the device attribute is obtained from another apparatus or program. The information SC can be acquired or the device attribute information SC can be reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to present appropriate options on the processing condition designation screen HG1 for designating processing conditions.

[Application example]
As described above, when the terminal device 3 cannot directly acquire the device attribute information SC from the image forming apparatus 2 that is a target to which a processing condition setting instruction is given, the terminal device 3 itself software or other Alternative device attribute information SC is acquired from the apparatus, or alternative device attribute information SC is generated based on some information. However, the specification or prohibition indicated in the device attribute information SC may be slightly different from the actual specification or prohibition of the image forming apparatus 2 unless it is obtained directly from the image forming apparatus 2.

  Therefore, if the device attribute information SC cannot be directly acquired from the image forming apparatus 2, the display condition of the processing condition designation screen HG1 (see FIG. 8) may be changed to notify the user to that effect. Good. For example, a message notifying that may be added to the processing condition designation screen HG1. Alternatively, the display colors of the pull-down menu bars PD11 to PD13 may be changed.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the device attribute information SC is used for displaying the processing condition designation screen HG1, but it can also be used for other purposes. For example, when specifying processing conditions by entering a value in a text box instead of selecting an option from a pull-down menu bar, whether the value entered in the text box is appropriate You may check based on the specification or prohibition shown in the attribute information SC. As a result, it is possible to prevent giving a command that may cause an error to the image forming apparatus 2.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the case where the processing conditions of the scan process are set in the image forming apparatus 2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applied to the case where the settings related to other types of processing are performed. be able to. For example, when the image displayed on the display 30h of the terminal device 3 is printed on the image forming apparatus 2 (that is, in the case of network printing), the present invention is also applied to the case where the printing conditions are set in the image forming apparatus 2. be able to. Alternatively, when setting the size, access right, owner, etc. of a personal box (a storage area corresponding to a personal folder in a personal computer) provided in the mass storage device 20d of the image forming apparatus 2 Can also be applied.

  In addition, the entire image processing system 1, the image forming apparatus 2, the terminal device 3, or the configuration of each unit, the processing content, the processing order, and the like can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

  The present invention is particularly preferably used for a terminal device that controls an image forming apparatus via a communication line.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of an image processing system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of the platform of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of the module contained in application software. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of modules included in image forming apparatus control software. It is a figure which shows the example of device attribute information. It is a figure which shows the example of a process condition designation | designated screen. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by application software and image forming apparatus control software. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a device attribute information determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a device attribute information determination process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of a module included in image forming apparatus control software. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a device attribute information determination process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of a module included in image forming apparatus control software. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a device attribute information determination process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of a module included in image forming apparatus control software. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a device attribute information determination process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of a module included in image forming apparatus control software. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a device attribute information determination process.

Explanation of symbols

2 Image forming device 3 Terminal device 4 Communication line 312 Screen display processing unit (processing condition designation screen display means)
321, 321B, 321C, 321D First device attribute information acquisition unit (first attribute information acquisition means)
322, 322B, 322C Second device attribute information acquisition unit (second attribute information acquisition means)
326D, 326E Device attribute information generation unit (attribute information conversion means)
327D Standard device attribute information acquisition unit (attribute information acquisition means)
328E MIB information acquisition unit (attribute information acquisition means)
HG1 processing condition specification screen SC device attribute information (attribute information)

Claims (10)

A terminal device connectable to an image forming apparatus via a communication line,
First attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information which is information relating to attributes of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus;
Second attribute information acquisition means for acquiring the attribute information of the image forming apparatus from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus;
The attribute information or the second attribute information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the first attribute information acquiring unit is displayed on the processing condition specifying screen for the user to specify processing conditions for the image forming apparatus. Processing condition designation screen display means for displaying based on any of the attribute information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition means;
The terminal device characterized by having. The second attribute information acquisition unit acquires the attribute information of the image forming apparatus when the first attribute information acquisition unit cannot acquire the attribute information of the image forming apparatus.
The terminal device according to claim 1. The second attribute information acquisition unit acquires the attribute information of the image forming apparatus from a storage medium provided in the terminal apparatus itself or another terminal apparatus,
The processing condition designation screen display means displays the processing condition designation screen based on the latest attribute information when a plurality of the attribute information is acquired by the second attribute information acquisition means.
The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2. The processing condition designation screen display means is configured to display the processing condition designation screen among the attribute information acquired by the first attribute information acquisition means and the attribute information acquired by the second attribute information acquisition means. Display based on the newer of
The terminal device according to claim 1. The processing condition designation screen display means is acquired by the first attribute information acquisition means to display a display form of the processing condition designation screen to be displayed based on the attribute information acquired by the second attribute information acquisition means. Different from the display form of the processing condition designation screen displayed based on the attribute information,
The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A terminal device connectable to an image forming apparatus via a communication line,
A processing condition designation screen display means for displaying a processing condition designation screen for the user to designate processing conditions for the image forming apparatus based on attribute information in which attributes of the image forming apparatus are described in a predetermined format. When,
Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information indicating an attribute of a designation target image forming apparatus which is a target image forming apparatus for designating processing conditions;
Attribute information conversion means for converting the attribute information of the designation target image forming apparatus acquired by the attribute information acquisition means into the predetermined format,
The processing condition designation screen display means converts the processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for the designation target image forming apparatus into the predetermined format by the attribute information conversion means. Display based on the attribute information of the target image forming apparatus,
A terminal device characterized by that. A processing condition designation screen display method for causing a terminal device to display a processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for an image forming apparatus,
Attempt to acquire attribute information that is information related to the attribute of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus via a communication line,
When the attribute information of the image forming apparatus cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus, the attribute information is acquired from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus,
Displaying the processing condition designation screen on a terminal device based on the acquired attribute information;
A processing condition designation screen display method characterized by that. A processing condition designation screen display method for causing a terminal device to display a processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for an image forming apparatus,
Obtaining attribute information that is information relating to attributes of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus via a communication line;
Obtaining the attribute information of the image forming apparatus from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus;
Displaying the processing condition designation screen on a terminal device based on the latest of the acquired attribute information;
A processing condition designation screen display method characterized by that. A processing condition designation screen display method for causing a terminal device to display a processing condition designation screen for designating processing conditions for an image forming apparatus,
A first step of attempting to obtain attribute information in which attributes of the image forming apparatus are described in a predetermined format;
A second step of acquiring attribute information of the image forming apparatus described in another format when the attribute information of the image forming apparatus cannot be acquired in the first step;
A third step of converting the attribute information acquired in the second step into the predetermined format;
A fourth step of displaying the processing condition designation screen based on the attribute information acquired in the first step or the attribute information converted in the third step;
A processing condition designation screen display method characterized by comprising: A computer program for use in a computer that specifies processing conditions via a communication line for an image forming apparatus,
A first process of acquiring attribute information, which is information relating to attributes of the image forming apparatus, from the image forming apparatus;
A second process of acquiring the attribute information of the image forming apparatus from an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus;
A processing condition designation screen for the user to designate processing conditions for the image forming apparatus is either the attribute information acquired in the first process or the attribute information acquired in the second process. A third process to display based on,
A computer program for causing a computer to execute.