JP3927745B2 - Server apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to information processing of a server apparatus that can communicate with an image processing apparatus via a LAN.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an image input / output system, as shown in FIG. 13, an image input / output processing apparatus capable of executing composite image processing having a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc., a so-called multi-function Something like a digital copier 900 was known.
[0003]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the system configuration of this type of image processing apparatus, corresponding to the case of a multi-function digital copying machine, a scanner 920 for reading a document image recorded on paper or the like, and the read image. Or a printer controller 930 that outputs an image sent from a host computer to a medium such as paper, and further controls the operation of the scanner 920 and printer 930 or performs various image processing. 940, an operation unit 910 for providing device operations to the user, a memory 950 for temporarily or permanently storing image data and processing programs, a hard disk 960, and the like.
[0004]
In such a multi-function digital copying machine, it is possible not only to simply copy a document image but also to copy the document image by performing various image processing.
[0005]
For example, various image processing such as negative / positive inversion processing for reversing the black and white of a document, trimming processing for copying only a part of a document, reduction layout processing for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on a single output sheet, etc. Is possible.
[0006]
In addition to copying the original, the image data read by the scanner 920 is transferred to the host computer via the LAN (network), and conversely, a document created by a word processor on the host computer is printed out by the printer 930. You can also.
[0007]
It also has a function of transmitting a document image to a remote fax machine using a fax machine not shown.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional example has the following problems.
[0009]
Such a multi-function digital copying machine has not only a copy function for copying a document image but also a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like, so that a control program for controlling the function becomes complicated.
[0010]
In addition, since various image processing is performed on the original image, the image processing function for realizing the image processing becomes complicated, a storage device for storing the execution program and the like, and temporary image data for image handling. As a result, the storage capacity of the work area memory or the like increases.
[0011]
As a result, the user interface is complicated, unnecessary functions are generated, and costs are increased.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a processing function in which a server device instead of an image processing device analyzes image data and specifies a necessary execution program acquisition source. Therefore, the configuration of the image processing apparatus can be simplified.
In addition, by efficiently receiving and analyzing image data that has been compressed and encrypted from the image processing apparatus, the acquisition destination of the necessary execution program can be obtained while satisfying the confidentiality request for the image data on the image processing apparatus side. It is to provide a mechanism that can notify a requesting image processing apparatus.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The server device according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
A server device capable of communicating with an image processing device via a LAN connected to a file server having storage means for storing an execution program group operable on the image processing device, the execution program operable on the image processing device Storage means for storing a group; receiving means for receiving a storage location information request for acquiring encrypted compressed image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and an execution program to be operated on the image processing apparatus; Notification of analyzing the compressed image data received by the receiving means and notifying the image processing device of storage location information of an execution program to be operated on the image processing device determined by the type of the compressed image obtained from the analysis result And a storage destination execution program acquisition request transmitted from the image processing apparatus. And a sending means for transmitting the execution program are in the image processing apparatus.
[0014]
The information processing method according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
An information processing method in a server apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus via a LAN connected to a file server including a storage unit that stores an execution program group operable on the image processing apparatus, the information processing method comprising: A receiving step for receiving the encrypted compressed image data to be transmitted and a storage location information request for obtaining an execution program to be operated on the image processing apparatus, and analyzing the compressed image data received by the receiving step A notification step of notifying the image processing device of storage location information of an execution program to be operated by the image processing device determined by the type of the compressed image obtained from the analysis result; and a storage location transmitted from the image processing device Based on the execution program acquisition request, the execution program stored in the storage means is sent to the image processing apparatus. And a sending step of.
[0044]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0045]
In the following embodiment, an example of a composite image processing apparatus is shown as an application example of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various other apparatuses. An image processing apparatus in which an image output apparatus communicates with each other, and an image processing system configured to be able to communicate with a file server as an information processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (network) can be easily used Applicable.
[0046]
[First Embodiment]
<Image input / output device>
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
[0047]
In FIG. 1, the multi-function digital copying machine is roughly divided into an image reader unit 101 that reads an original image and a printer unit 102 that reproduces image data read by the image reader unit 101. The image reader unit 101 is a part that reads a document with a resolution of 400 dpi (dot / inch) and performs digital signal processing.
[0048]
The printer unit 102 is a part that outputs an image corresponding to the original image read by the image reader unit 101 on a designated sheet at a resolution of 400 dpi on a full color.
[0049]
In the image reader unit 101, reference numeral 100 denotes a specular pressure plate. A document 104 on a platen glass (hereinafter, platen) 103 is irradiated with a lamp 105, guided to mirrors 106, 107, and 108, and condensed by a lens 109. An image is formed on a three-line sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 110 that converts the emitted light into an electrical signal, and is sent to the signal processing unit 111 as full color information red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components.
[0050]
The carriage fixing the lamp 105 and the mirror 106 is mechanically moved in a direction perpendicular to the electric scanning (main scanning) direction of the line sensor at a speed v and the mirrors 107 and 108 are at a speed 1 / 2v. Thus, the entire surface of the document is scanned (sub-scanning).
[0051]
The signal processing unit 111 electrically processes the read image signal, decomposes it into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components and sends them to the printer unit 102. . In addition, one component of M, C, Y, and Bk is sent to the printer unit 102 for one document scan in the image reader unit 101, and one printout is completed by a total of four document scans. .
[0052]
M, C, Y, and Bk image signals sent from the image reader unit 101 are sent to the laser driver 112. The laser driver 112 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 113 in accordance with the transmitted image signal. The laser beam scans on the photosensitive drum 117 via the polygon mirror 114, the f-θ lens 115, and the mirror 116.
[0053]
Reference numeral 118 denotes a rotary developing unit, which includes a magenta developing unit 119, a cyan developing unit 120, a yellow developing unit 121, and a black developing unit 122. The four developing units are alternately in contact with the photosensitive drum 117 and formed on the photosensitive drum. The latent image is developed with toner. A transfer drum 123 is configured to wrap a sheet supplied from the sheet cassette 124 or the sheet cassette 125 around the transfer drum 123 and transfer an image developed on the photosensitive drum 117 to the sheet.
[0054]
In this way, after the four colors M, C, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 126 and is discharged after the toner is fixed on the sheet.
[0055]
<Image reader part>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reader unit 101 shown in FIG. 1, and the configuration and operation will be described below.
[0056]
In the figure, reference numerals 201 denote CCD (solid-state imaging device) sensors having spectral sensitivity characteristics of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which correspond to the three-line sensor 110 shown in FIG. Analog image data read by the CCD sensor 201 is input to the A / D conversion unit 202.
[0057]
The A / D converter 202 converts the input signals into 8-bit output 0-255 digital signals, respectively, and outputs the digital signals. The digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 202 is input to the shading correction unit 203. The shading correction unit 203 detects variations in read data due to uneven illumination of the document by the lamp 105 shown in FIG. Correct it.
[0058]
The digital data corrected by the shading correction unit 203 is subjected to interline data interpolation processing in the interline correction unit 204. This is because the CCD sensor 201 has three lines of CCDs arranged at a predetermined interval for reading the RGB image data, so that the reading of R, G, and B is corrected.
[0059]
The digital signal output from the interline correction unit 204 is input to the input signal correction unit 205 and executes a predetermined masking calculation process. This is for correcting that the spectral characteristics of the color separation filter for each reading pixel of the CCD sensor 201 are not ideal characteristics but have unnecessary transmission characteristics.
[0060]
The background processing unit 206 sets the background level of the document so that the brightest color in the document becomes white based on the digital signal from the input signal correction unit 205.
[0061]
The digital signal output from the background processing unit 206 is input to the luminance density conversion unit 207, and the read luminance signals of R, G, and B are converted into the density signals of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y). And logarithmic transformation. The luminance density conversion unit 207 is converted by a lookup table, and the lookup table is configured by a ROM or a RAM.
[0062]
The digital signal output from the luminance density conversion unit 207 is input to the output signal correction unit 208, calculates a black (Bk) signal from the CMY signal, and matches the color of the copy output by the original and the printer unit 102. Then, a predetermined masking operation is performed, and M, C, Y, and Bk signals for output are output in a predetermined bit length, for example, 8 bits, in frame order for each reading operation.
[0063]
The CMYK signal output from the output signal correction unit 208 is input to the spatial filter unit 209 and corrects the spatial frequency. Edge enhancement and smoothing processing suitable for the document image is executed on the image data.
[0064]
After predetermined processing is performed by the spatial filter unit 209, the density conversion unit 210 corrects the density characteristics of the printer unit 102 shown in FIG. The density conversion unit 210 is configured by a lookup table ROM or RAM.
[0065]
On the other hand, reference numeral 211 denotes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that controls the apparatus, and the ROM 212 stores a program for operating the CPU 211. Reference numeral 213 denotes a RAM which is used as a work area for executing various programs and storing coefficients of the respective processing units. Reference numeral 200 denotes a LAN (network).
[0066]
An input image compression unit 214 compresses an input image obtained by reading a document. In this embodiment, the digital signal from the input signal correction unit 205 is compressed. This may be compressed with a digital signal before the input signal correction unit 205. The input image compression unit 214 includes an image compression unit that compresses an input image using a compression method such as JPEG, a work area necessary for image compression, and a RAM as a memory for storing the compressed image.
[0067]
<Register application>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. For example, a program operable on a multi-function digital copying machine (multi-function apparatus) is connected on the network. This corresponds to an example of a network configuration in the case of registration in a file server.
[0068]
In the figure, the multi-function device 400 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 200 via a LAN interface such as 10BaseT having RJ45, for example.
[0069]
A plurality of servers such as a host server such as a host computer 300 and a file server that manages access to files stored in a recording device such as a hard disk are also connected to the LAN 200 and communicate with the multi-function device 400. It is possible.
[0070]
In the host computer 300, when a program file operable on the multifunction device 400 is created, the created program file is transferred to the file server 500 via the LAN 200. The program file created by the host computer 300 preferably conforms to an Internet application language such as HTML, XML, Java or the like.
[0071]
In the file server 500, the program file transmitted from the host computer 300 is stored in a storage device. Further, the host computer 300 notifies the search server 600 of the storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server 500. Preferably, in accordance with the URL format used in the HTTP protocol, for example, the address of the file server 500 is “WWW.pipit.xxxx.co.jp”, and the path indicating the storage location of the program file in the storage device of the file server 500 However, as “pmfp / Japan /”, the program file name is stored in the search server 600 as “index.htm1”.
[0072]
At the same time, the bus indicating the storage location also serves as an identifier of a multifunction device capable of operating the program file, and the search server 600 efficiently stores the program file storage location information notified from the host computer 300, It operates to respond to the inquiry of the program file storage destination requested from the device 400 or the like.
[0073]
<Search application storage location>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. For example, a program file stored in a storage device of a file server to which a multi-function apparatus is connected on the network is stored. This corresponds to an example of a network configuration when searching.
[0074]
In the figure, in order to obtain the optimum program file and parameter file storage destination for performing the copying necessary for the copying operation that can be operated on the multifunction device 400 when the multifunction device 400 performs the copying operation, A packet for inquiring the storage location of the program file is transmitted on the network (LAN) 200.
[0075]
This packet includes a device identifier of the transmission source, and is transmitted as destination unspecified by broadcast or multicast method. Further, a compressed image of the input image compressed by the input image compression unit 214 shown in FIG. 2 is attached to this packet.
[0076]
The search server 600 connected to the network receives the packet sent from the multi-function device 400, the device identifier of the transmission source included in the packet, and the program file stored in the search server 600 described in FIG. Based on the storage location information, from the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400, the optimum storage location of the program file and parameter file when the multi-function device 400 copies the image is inquired, and the result is The function device 400 is notified via the LAN 200.
[0077]
In the example of FIG. 4, the multi-function device 400 transmits a packet including “DeviceType: = pmfp, Country: = Japan” as a device identifier on the LAN 200, and the search server 600 is a device identifier “pmfp, Japan”. ”Is searched, and if there is matching data, address (URL) data indicating the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the multi-function device 400.
[0078]
<Acquisition and execution of application>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. For example, a program file operable on the multi-function apparatus 400 is transmitted from a file server 500 connected on the network. This corresponds to an example of a network configuration in the case of obtaining and executing.
[0079]
In the figure, a program file operable on the multi-function device 400 is stored in a storage device of the file server 500, and the procedure described in FIG. 4 or an operation panel (not shown) previously connected to the multi-function device 400 is stored. The program file storage location information is acquired by an operation from the above, and a packet requesting acquisition of the program file is sent to the file server 500 based on the program file storage location information. In the present embodiment, the address of the file server 500 and the program file in the storage device are described by describing “http://www.pipit.xxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/index.html1” in the request packet. Is stored.
[0080]
The file server 500 transmits a program file (index.html in the example) from the storage device in accordance with the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multi-function device 400. In the multi-function device 400, the program file transferred from the file server 500 is translated and executed by a program file interpreter stored in a CPU, ROM, or the like inside the multi-function device 400. Preferably, the program file acquired from the file server 500 is described according to the HTML format shown in FIG.
[0081]
6 to 8 are diagrams showing an example of a program file in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the examples of FIGS. 6 to 8, the acquired program file (Index.html) is displayed on the operation unit. It is a program for controlling the menu, and ““ Account ”,“ Job Control ”,“ Service Maintenance ”” is displayed on the operation unit of the multi-function device 400.
[0082]
In addition, a program file can be linked (linked) to other program files. For example, by storing storage location information of a subprogram in the program file, the program file is stored when the subprogram becomes necessary. Control such as acquiring a program according to the destination information is realized.
[0083]
For example, when the Job Control is displayed on the operation unit, an execution program for executing the Job Control is prepared as a subprogram, and when the Job Control is executed, the Job Control program is executed according to the storage location information. To obtain control.
[0084]
<Search server application search operation flow>
Here, the search server 600 makes a series of queries for inquiring about the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file that is most suitable when the multifunction device 400 copies the image information from the compressed image sent from the multifunction device 400. The operation of will be described.
[0085]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the search server on the network shown in FIG.
[0086]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 701 denotes a RAM which stores the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400. A color determination unit 702 determines whether the original read by the multi-function device 400 is color or monochrome from the compressed image. Reference numeral 703 denotes a file search unit, which inquires about necessary program file and parameter file storage destinations based on the result determined by the color determination unit 702 and notifies the multi-function device 400 of the result via the LAN 200.
[0087]
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether the original is color or monochrome from the compressed image, and the optimal storage destination of the program file and parameter file is inquired according to the result when copying by the multi-function device 400. In this case, the color determination unit 702 determines whether the original image to be copied by the multi-function device 400 is a character or a natural image as a sentence / natural image determination unit, and a program optimal for the determination. A configuration may be used in which the file and parameter file storage destinations are inquired.
[0088]
FIG. 10 is a color space diagram for explaining the determination processing in the color determination unit 702 shown in FIG.
[0089]
In the figure, a color determination unit 702 determines whether the original image is a color image or a monochrome image from the RGB signal values of each pixel of the compressed image. The RGB signal is converted into a uniform color space (Lab color space or the like), and the number of pixels falling within a predetermined threshold 711 is determined by the Lab value of each pixel.
[0090]
For example, when all the pixels are within the threshold 711, it is determined as a monochrome document, and when there are 10% or more of all pixels outside the threshold 711, it is determined as a color document. Needless to say, the threshold value and the determination percentage can be varied.
[0091]
In addition to the determination of only color or monochrome, for example, it is possible to add a determination result indicating whether the image has a lot of skin color, whether it has a lot of red, or a lot of blue.
[0092]
In FIG. 10, for example, in order to determine whether the image has a lot of skin color, the determination is performed based on the number of pixels that fall within a predetermined threshold 712. Similarly, in the case of red, the determination is made based on the number of pixels falling within a predetermined threshold 713. In the case of red, if there are 40% or more of all pixels within the threshold 713, it is determined that the document is rich in red. Needless to say, the above-mentioned threshold value and the percentage of determination are variable.
[0093]
As a result of the determination by the color determination unit 702, in the case of a color image, the parameter file is stored so that the optimum parameter file for copying the color document is sent to each processing unit of the image reader unit 101 in FIG. The file search unit 703 queries the destination.
[0094]
If it is determined that the image has a lot of skin color, the file search unit 703 inquires about the storage location of the parameter file so as to send a parameter file that is weighted especially for the color matching of the skin color peripheral color. In the case of a monochrome image, the file search unit 703 inquires about the storage location of the program file so as to send the optimal program file for copying the monochrome image.
[0095]
<Application acquisition operation flow>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to an image processing parameter file acquisition processing procedure. In addition, (801)-(810) shows each step.
[0096]
In the host computer 300, a program file that can be operated on the multi-function device 400 in advance, here, an image processing parameter file for each image processing unit of the image reader unit 101 when copying a full-color document, and an image reader when copying a monochrome document. An image processing parameter file and a program file for each image processing unit of the unit 101 are created, and the created parameter file and program file are transferred to the file server 500 via the LAN 200 and stored as a library in a storage device of the file server 500. I'm allowed. At the same time, the host computer 300 notifies the search server 600 of the storage location information of the parameter file and program file transferred to the file server 500.
[0097]
The address indicating the storage location of the parameter file and the program file in the storage device of the file server 500 is “www.pipit.xxx.co.jp”, and the address of the file server 500 is in the storage device of the file server 500. The path indicating the storage location of the parameter file and the program file is stored in the search server 600 as “pmfp / japan /”, and further, for example, the image processing parameter file name for full-color original copy is stored in the search server 600 as “keishu.html1”. The
[0098]
At the same time, the path indicating the storage position also serves as an identifier of a multifunction device that can operate the image processing parameter file for full-color document copying. The search server 600 notifies the image processing parameter file for full-color document copying notified from the host computer 300. It is assumed that the storage location information is efficiently stored, and the operation is performed in response to the inquiry about the storage location of the full color original copy image processing parameter file requested from the multi-function device 400 or the like.
[0099]
When the original is copied in the multi-function device 400 (801), on the multi-function device 400, the input image compressing unit 214 shown in FIG. 2 reads the original and compresses the read input image (802).
[0100]
Then, in order to obtain the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file that is most suitable for copying the read document operable on the multi-function device 400, the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file on the local area network (LAN) 200 is obtained. And a compressed image are transmitted (803).
[0101]
Next, the search server 600 connected to the network receives the packet sent from the multi-function device 400, and stores it in the search server 600 described in FIG. 3 and the transmission source device identifier included in the packet. Based on the stored program file storage location information, the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400 is determined according to the procedure described above (804). Here, for example, this original is a color original and the red color is displayed. If it is determined that the number of images is large, the storage destination of the program file and parameter file that are most suitable when the corresponding color image is copied by the multi-function device 400 is inquired (805). Then, the result is notified to the multi-function device 400 via the LAN 200 (806).
[0102]
The multi-function device 400 transmits a packet including “DeviceType: = pmfp, Country: = Japan” as a device identifier on the LAN 200, and the search server 600 matches the device identifier “pmfp, Japan”. When the program file is searched and there is matching data, address (URL) data indicating the storage destination of the image processing parameter file for the output signal correction unit 208 is transmitted to the multi-function device 400.
[0103]
Subsequently, a full color original copy image processing parameter file operable on the multi-function device 400 is stored in a storage device of the file server 500, and an operation panel (not shown) connected to the multi-function device 400 or the like. To obtain the information on the storage destination of the image processing parameter file for full-color original copy, in particular, the parameter file weighted for color matching of the red peripheral color (807), and the red peripheral color image processing for the full-color original copy Based on the parameter file storage location information, a packet for requesting acquisition of the parameter file is sent to the file server 500 (808). In the request packet, “http://www.pipit.xxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/keishu.html1” is described to copy the address of the file server 500 and the full-color manuscript copy in the storage device. The storage location of the red peripheral color image processing parameter file is indicated.
[0104]
Then, the file server 500 transmits a red peripheral color image processing parameter file (for example, keisu.html in the example) for full-color document copy from the storage device in accordance with the contents of the acquisition request packet received from the multi-function device 400 (809). ).
[0105]
Next, in the multi-function device 400, the red peripheral color image processing parameter file for full-color original copy transferred from the file server 500 is translated by a program file interpreter stored in the CPU, ROM, etc. in the multi-function device 400. When executed (810), the processing is terminated, but the acquired red peripheral color image processing parameter file (keishu.html) for full-color original copy is stored in the RAM as necessary.
[0106]
The acquired red peripheral color image processing parameter file (keishu.html) for full-color original copy is a program that stores, as image processing coefficients for full-color original copy, parameters that are weighted especially for color matching of the red peripheral color. is there.
[0107]
<Application execution flow>
With respect to the execution operation of the red peripheral color image processing parameter file for full-color original copy in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the full-color original copy execution operation flow will be described below.
[0108]
Image processing parameters supplied by the red peripheral color image processing parameter file for full-color original copying described in FIG. 11 are translated by a program file interpreter stored in the CPU 211 and ROM 212 of the image reader unit 101 in the multi-function device 400. At the same time as it is processed and executed, it is stored in the RAM 213 as necessary.
[0109]
In order to improve the accuracy of color matching between the color original image and the color of the copy output output from the printer unit 102, particularly the color matching of the red peripheral color, the image processing coefficient of each image processing unit of the image reader unit 101 is rewritten.
[0110]
For example, in the image reader unit 101, each parameter of the background processing unit 206, the luminance density conversion unit 207, the output signal correction unit 208, and the spatial filter unit 209 is rewritten to improve red reproducibility.
[0111]
As a result, it is possible to perform copy output with parameters that are optimal for copying and outputting the red peripheral color, which is suitable for the read original, instead of the image processing coefficient prepared in advance.
[0112]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when copying a document in the multi-function device 400 as shown in FIG. 2, on the multi-function device 400, the input image compression unit 214 in FIG. The image is compressed.
[0113]
Then, in order to obtain the storage destination of the program file and the parameter file that is most suitable for copying the read document operable on the multi-function device 400, the storage of the program file and the parameter file on the local area network (LAN) 200 is performed. A packet for inquiring about the destination and a compressed image are sent out.
[0114]
Then, the search server 600 connected to the network receives the packet transmitted from the multi-function device 400 and stores it in the search server 600 described in FIG. 3 and the device identifier of the transmission source included in the packet. Based on the program file storage location information, the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400 is determined according to the procedure described above. Here, for example, it is assumed that this original is a color original and an image with many red colors. When the determination is made, the storage location of the program file and parameter file that are most suitable when the multi-function device 400 copies the corresponding color image is inquired.
[0115]
The case where the result is notified to the multi-function device 400 via the LAN 200 has been described. Determination of the compressed image sent from the multi-function device 400, for example, determination of whether the original is a color original or a monochrome original. 9 is added to the input image compression unit 214 of the image reader unit 101 without adding the determination unit as shown in FIG. 9, and the determination result is sent from the multi-function device 400 to the packet. A program file and a parameter file that are optimally copied when the multi-function device 400 corresponding to the determination result is sent based on the program file storage location information stored in the search server 600. It is good also as a structure which inquires the storage location of.
[0116]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the compressed image data is transferred over the network has been described. However, a predetermined encryption process is performed on the compressed image data based on a user request so that confidentiality can be maintained. May be.
[0117]
According to the above-described embodiment, by providing a control program operable in the multi-function digital copying machine, an execution program, and a mechanism for downloading various image processing parameters from a file server registered on the network, only necessary functions are provided. It is possible to provide an inexpensive multi-function digital copier by having only a necessary minimum storage capacity, automatically determining a read image, and providing only necessary functions.
[0118]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.
[0119]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read out by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
[0120]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0121]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0122]
The functions shown in FIG. 11 in this embodiment may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0123]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0124]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0125]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.
[0126]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0127]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0128]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, instead of the image processing device, the server device performs a processing function of analyzing the image data and specifying the acquisition source of the necessary execution program, so that the configuration of the image processing device can be simplified. Can be
In addition, by efficiently receiving and analyzing image data that has been compressed and encrypted from the image processing apparatus, the acquisition destination of the necessary execution program can be obtained while satisfying the confidentiality request for the image data on the image processing apparatus side. The requesting image processing apparatus can be notified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine to which an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reader unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a network system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a program file in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a program file in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a program file in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a search server on the network shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
10 is a color space diagram for explaining a determination process in a color determination unit illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of this type of image processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
300 Host computer
400 Multi-function device
500 file server
600 search server

Claims (10)

A server device capable of communicating with the image processing device via a LAN to which a file server having storage means for storing an execution program group operable on the image processing device is connected,
Receiving means for receiving a storage location information request for acquiring encrypted compressed image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and an execution program to be operated on the image processing apparatus;
Notification for analyzing the compressed image data received by the receiving means and notifying the image processing device of storage location information of an execution program to be operated by the image processing device determined by the type of the compressed image obtained as a result of the analysis Means,
The server apparatus characterized by having. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage destination information conforms to a URL format used in an HTTP protocol. The server apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution program group stored in the storage unit acquires and updates the latest execution program group from a host computer via the LAN. 4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the execution program group includes a parameter file attached to each execution program. The notifying means determines whether the image information to be processed by the image processing apparatus is color or monochrome when analyzing the compressed image data, determines the color tones included in the image information, and the image information is text A determination of an original / natural image original, an MTF determination of the image information, a background level determination of the image information, a determination of whether the image information is printed matter or photographic paper, and a line number determination of the image information are performed. The server device according to claim 1. An information processing method in a server apparatus capable of communicating with the image processing apparatus via a LAN connected to a file server including a storage unit that stores an execution program group operable on the image processing apparatus ,
A receiving step of receiving a storage location information request for acquiring encrypted compressed image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus and an execution program to be operated on the image processing apparatus;
Notification of analyzing the compressed image data received in the receiving step and notifying the image processing device of storage location information of an execution program to be operated on the image processing device determined by the type of the compressed image obtained as a result of the analysis Process,
An information processing method characterized by comprising: The information processing method according to claim 6 , wherein the storage location information conforms to a URL format used in an HTTP protocol . The information processing method according to claim 6 , wherein the execution program group stored in the storage unit acquires and updates the latest execution program group from a host computer via the LAN . 9. The information processing method according to claim 8 , wherein the execution program group includes a parameter file attached to each execution program . The notifying step determines whether the image information to be processed by the image processing apparatus is color or monochrome when analyzing the compressed image data, determines the color to be included in the image information, and the image information is text A document / natural image document determination, an MTF determination of the image information, a background level determination of the image information, a determination of whether the image information is printed matter or photographic paper, and a line number determination of the image information are performed. The information processing method according to claim 6 .

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