JP4377981B2 - Multi-function system, input device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a multi-function system. , Input devices and their control More particularly, the present invention relates to a network scanner system including an input device connected to a network and a file for storing images.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a network scanner system in which images from input devices such as scanners and digital cameras are stored in a file via a network in a multi-function system, and the images are processed and edited by a client, the network scanner system And a client host that instructs to read data from the input device and send data to the file (this may also serve as the file server).
[0003]
In such a system, when a network scan is performed by an operation from a scanner, a file server network address, a file format such as image resolution / color space / compression, a file name, and the like are input / set from the scanner operation unit. After that, an instruction to start scanning the original of the scanner is given.
[0004]
When starting a network scan by operation from the client host, input / set the scanner network address, image resolution / color space / compression file format, file name, etc. from the client host operation unit. Then, after setting the network address of the transfer destination file server and securing the standby state for file capture, the scanner operation unit issues an instruction to start manuscript operation.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the former conventional example, in order to specify a file server, set a file format, etc. with a scanner, the scanner operation unit requires a number of key input means and a display unit for viewing a wealth of information. The cost of the scanner was high.
[0006]
In the latter conventional example, in the case of a network having a plurality of scanners and a plurality of file servers, the designation of the file server and the designation of the scanner on the client host becomes complicated and the usability is very poor.
[0007]
The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, eliminates the need for an operation panel that allows an input device such as a scanner to perform complicated operation designation, and eliminates the need for a file device such as a client host to perform complicated operation designation. Na Data can be transferred directly from the input device to the file device via the network. A multi-function system, an input device, and a control method thereof are provided.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to overcome the above problems, the multi-function system according to the present invention realizes a network scan function by a combination of an input device connected to a network, a file device that receives and stores data transmitted via the network, and a management server. In a multi-function system, the management server acquires device information acquisition means for acquiring device information of the input device and the file device, and device information storage for storing the device information acquired by the device information acquisition means in a device information database Based on the device information stored in the device information database, the network addresses of the input device and the file device, and the data is transferred from the input device to the file device. Data format Transfer path information generation means for generating transfer path information including information indicating the transfer path information, transfer path information storage means for storing the transfer path information generated by the transfer path information generation means in a transfer path information database, and the transfer Transfer path information supply means for supplying transfer path information stored in a path information database to the input device and / or the file device; Vessel A device information supply unit that transmits device information to the management server, a transfer path information acquisition unit that acquires the transfer path information from the management server, and a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition unit. From the transfer path information selection means for selecting one transfer path information designated by the user, and the network address of the file device included in the transfer path information according to the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selection means As above In a format according to the data format information From the input device to the file device without going through the management server Scanned with the input device And a data transfer means for transferring data.
[0009]
The input device according to the present invention is an input device connected via a network to a file device and a management server that receive and store data sent via a network, and the device information of the input device is Device information supply means for transmitting to the management server, network addresses of the input device and file device generated based on the device information stored in the management server, and data transfer from the input device to the file device Do Data format Transfer path information acquisition means for acquiring transfer path information including information indicating the network path of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition means and the transfer path information acquisition means. In a format according to the data format information To the file device without going through the management server Scanned with the input device And a data transfer means for transferring data.
[0010]
Also, the input device control method of the present invention includes a file device and a management server for receiving and storing data transmitted via a network. In A method for controlling an input device connected via a network, wherein the device information of the input device is generated based on a device information supply step for transmitting the device information to the management server and the device information stored in the management server. In addition, the network addresses of the input device and the file device and the data are transferred from the input device to the file device. Data format Transfer path information including information indicating the transfer path information acquisition step acquired from the management server, and the network address of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired in the transfer path information acquisition step as the destination, In a format according to the data format information To the file device without going through the management server Scanned with the input device And a data transfer step of transferring data.
[0011]
In addition, the storage medium of the present invention includes a file device and a management server that receive and store data transmitted via a network. In A storage medium for storing a control program of an input device connected via a network in a computer-readable manner, wherein the control program transmits device information of the input device to the management server; Transfer the data from the input device to the file device and the network address of each of the input device and file device generated based on the device information stored in the management server Data format Transfer path information including information indicating the transfer path information acquisition step acquired from the management server, and the network address of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired in the transfer path information acquisition step as the destination, In a format according to the data format information To the file device without going through the management server Scanned with the input device And a data transfer step of transferring data.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
<Example of configuration of multi-function system of this embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a network scanner system which is a multifunction system according to the present embodiment.
[0014]
Reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technology for connecting devices, and in this embodiment, the use of Ethernet using the TCP / IP protocol is assumed. Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner that optically reads a document printed on paper or the like, and includes a network interface and is connected to each device via the network 101.
[0015]
A management server 103 is configuration information (hereinafter referred to as a transfer path profile) for configuring a virtual MFP (in this embodiment, a scanner & network & file device) by a combination of the network scanner 102 and the client host 104. Store and provide a transfer path profile at the request of the input device and file device. The management server 103 is usually realized by installing server software on a personal computer or workstation. The management server 103 has a network interface and is connected to each device via the network 101.
[0016]
A client host 104 has a network interface, and functions as a file server that receives and files image data sent via the network interface.
[0017]
In this embodiment, a network scanner system is described. However, the input device is not limited to a scanner, and may be a digital camera or the like. An output device such as a printer or a facsimile is also connected to the system.
[0018]
(Example of network scanner configuration)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the network scanner 102.
[0019]
The scanner engine 201 is a scanner engine using a known optical reading technique. The CPU 202 is an arithmetic / control processor that controls the overall operation. A RAM 203 is a random access memory that temporarily stores image data read by the scanner engine 201, stores work storage information, or stores a program loaded from an external storage device or host (not shown). . The ROM 204 is a read only memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202 is stored.
[0020]
A network I / F 205 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. The device profile supply unit 206 supplies a device profile that is device information of the network scanner 102 transmitted to the management server 103. The transfer path profile acquisition unit 207 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores the information in the RAM 203. The operation panel 208 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an LED and a plurality of operation buttons in order to provide a user interface.
[0021]
(Client host configuration example)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the client host 104.
[0022]
The CPU 301 is an arithmetic / control processor that controls the overall operation. A RAM 302 is a random access memory that stores work storage information and a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 301. The HD 303 is a hard disk drive device that files image data sent via a network interface and a program downloaded from the network.
[0023]
A network I / F 305 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. The device profile supply unit 306 transmits the device information of the client host 104 to the management server 103. The transfer path profile acquisition unit 307 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores information in the RAM 302. The operation panel 308 is an operation panel for providing a user interface. The operation panel 308 can be replaced by a combination of a CRT display device, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.
[0024]
(Management server configuration example)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management server 103.
[0025]
The CPU 401 is an arithmetic / control processor that controls the overall operation. The RAM 402 is a random access memory that stores work storage information and a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 401. The device profile database 404 is a database that stores device profiles of devices connected to the network. The transfer path profile database 405 is a database that stores a transfer path profile generated from a device profile.
[0026]
A network I / F 406 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. The device profile acquisition unit 407 acquires a device profile from a device connected to the network and stores it in the device profile database 404. The transfer path profile supply unit 408 reads the transfer path profile from the transfer path profile database 405 according to the request of the device, and supplies it to the device via the network. The transfer path profile generation unit 409 generates a transfer path profile from the device information written in the device profile database 402 and writes it in the transfer path profile database 405.
[0027]
(Example of device profile)
Next, a device profile will be described.
[0028]
The device profile is data indicating performance and characteristics related to each device necessary for configuring the virtual MFP (in this embodiment, scanner & network & file device), and is composed of text data as shown in FIG. The
[0029]
FIG. 5 is an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.
[0030]
Device-type: indicates the type of device, and FIG. 5 indicates that the input device is a scanner.
[0031]
Device-Id: indicates the ID of the device, and in FIG. 5, ScannerXXX indicates the ID of the device.
[0032]
Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG. 5, 172.16.10.2 indicates the network address of the device.
[0033]
Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and FIG. 5 indicates that resolutions of 400 dpi, 600 dpi, and 1200 dpi are supported.
[0034]
Media-size: indicates a paper size supported by the device, and FIG. 5 indicates that the device supports A4, A5, and B4 paper sizes.
[0035]
Input-feet: indicates a charging unit when a device is used, and FIG. 5 indicates that a charge of 8 yen is charged when a 16-bit image is captured in A4 size.
[0036]
Document-format: indicates an image format supported by the device, and FIG. 5 indicates that the device supports output of JPEG and GIF type images and output by LIPS type PDL.
[0037]
Input-command: indicates a command for causing the scanner to execute reading from another device, and “A4 • REQ A4-SCAN” in FIG. 5 indicates a command “REQ A4-SCAN” for reading in A4 size. Is transmitted to the network scanner.
[0038]
FIG. 6 is an example of a device profile in the client host 104.
[0039]
Device-Type: indicates the type of device. In FIG. 6, since the client host of this example performs the function of a file server, it indicates that the output device is HD.
[0040]
Device-Id: indicates the ID of the device, and in FIG. 6, PC-XXX indicates the ID of the device.
[0041]
Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG. 6, 172.16.10.3 indicates the network address of the device.
[0042]
Support Mode: indicates a mode in which the file supports Read Only, Write Only, or Read / Write, and FIG. 6 indicates that the file supports a Read / Write mode.
[0043]
“Access-speed:” indicates the data transfer rate of the file, and in FIG. 6, 8 MB / s.
[0044]
Amount File: indicates the total capacity of the file, and in FIG. 6 indicates 5 GB (gigabytes).
[0045]
“Remain File:” indicates the remaining capacity of the file, and FIG. 6 indicates 3.5 GB.
[0046]
The device profile of each device is acquired by the device profile acquisition unit of the management server 103.
[0047]
<Example of operation of multi-function system of this embodiment>
(Collect device profiles)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103. The device profile acquisition unit 407 is activated when the management server 102 is activated, and operates until the system is terminated.
[0048]
In step S701, a device profile acquisition command is issued to all devices connected to the network only once at startup. FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure of a device profile acquisition command. “REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, which indicates a device profile request. This device profile acquisition command is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet in TCP / IP.
[0049]
In step S702, it is determined whether a device profile transfer instruction has arrived. If not, the process returns to step S702 to enter a device profile transfer instruction standby state. FIG. 19 shows a structure example of a device profile transfer command. “SEND” on the first line indicates transfer, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, which indicates transfer of the device profile. The following lines show the contents of the device profile, similar to FIG. 5, and are terminated by the line “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0050]
Upon receiving the device profile transfer, the device profile acquisition unit 407 records the device profile in the device profile database 404 in step S703, returns to step S702, and waits for the arrival of the next device profile transfer command.
[0051]
Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from each device side will be described.
[0052]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile supply unit on the device side. In the case of the network scanner 102, the device profile supply unit is 206 in FIG. 2, and in the case of the client host 104, it is 306 in FIG. The device profile supply unit is called when each device is activated, and continues the processing until the power of each device is turned off.
[0053]
In step S901 in FIG. 9, the device executes device profile transfer to the management server 103 only once at the time of activation. If the management server 103 has been activated, the device profile transfer command in step S702 of FIG. 7 has been received, so this device profile transfer command is reflected in the device profile database 404, but the management server 103 has been activated. If not, the device profile transfer command is not reflected in the device profile database 404 of the management server 103.
[0054]
In step S902, it is checked whether a device profile transfer request command has arrived. If not, the process returns to step S902 to enter a device profile transfer request command standby state. When a device profile transfer request command is sent from the management server 103, in step S903, the device profile transfer command is sent to the management server 103 as in step S901.
[0055]
This process is a process for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 404 when the management server 103 is started up after each device is started. The device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103 performs the processing shown in FIG. 7, it is ensured that the management server 103 always obtains device profiles of all devices connected to the network by issuing a device profile transfer request command at startup in step S701.
[0056]
(Generate transfer path profile)
In the management server 103, based on the device information written in the device profile database 404, the transfer path profile generation unit 409 generates a transfer path profile and stores it in the transfer path profile database 405. The transfer path profile is generated by automatically combining input devices and output devices whose data formats can be matched based on device information in the device profile database 404, or by instructions, additions, and changes by an operator. Created by.
[0057]
FIG. 10 is a structural example of a transfer path profile.
[0058]
Description: indicates a character string displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected. In FIG. 10, “FILE scannerXXX to PC-XXX” is indicated.
[0059]
input-device: indicates the type of the input device, and output-device: indicates the type of the output device.
[0060]
input-address: indicates the network address of the input device, and output-address: indicates the network address of the output device.
[0061]
Document-format: indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path.
[0062]
Resolution: indicates the resolution used in this transfer path.
[0063]
Input-command: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and indicates a command for causing the input device to read.
[0064]
(Supplying transfer path profile)
The management server 103 usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies the transfer path profile to each device in response to a request from the input device and the output device.
[0065]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103. The transfer path profile supply unit 408 starts operating when the management server 103 is activated.
[0066]
In step S1101, all transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 at startup are notified to all devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.
[0067]
In step S1102, whether or not there is a change in the transfer path profile database 405 is checked. If there is a change, in step S1103, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.
[0068]
In step S1104, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has arrived from each device. If it has arrived, in step S1105, all transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to the requested device by the transfer path profile transfer command.
[0069]
FIG. 12 is a structural example of a transfer path profile request command.
[0070]
“REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “TRANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile, which indicates a transfer path profile transfer request.
[0071]
FIG. 13 is a structural example of a transfer path profile transfer command.
[0072]
“SEND” in the first line indicates transfer, and “TRANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile, which indicates transfer of the transfer path profile. The following lines indicate the contents of the transfer path profile, as in FIG. 10, and are terminated by the line “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0073]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device. The transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 307 in FIG. 3 for the client host 104.
[0074]
In step S1401, the network scanner 102 and the client host 104 issue a transfer path profile request command to the management server 103 in order to acquire a transfer path profile. By this command, Yes is determined in step S1104 of the flowchart (FIG. 11) of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103, and the transfer path profile is transferred in step S1105.
[0075]
If the transfer path profile is transferred by the transfer path profile transfer command in step S1402, it is stored in the RAM (203 for the network scanner 102, 303 for the client host 104) in step S1403.
[0076]
As described above, each device (the network scanner 102 and the client host 104) acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores it in the RAMs 203 and 303.
[0077]
(Example of data transmission by scanner)
Next, an example of a process for actually performing a network scan will be described. In this embodiment, a transfer path profile is selected by an operation from the network scanner 102, and the scan data is transferred to the client host 104 and filed.
[0078]
First, the user stands in front of the network scanner 102, sets an original, and then operates the panel to scan.
[0079]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102. 1501 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters, 1502 is a cursor key for selecting each function, and 1503 is an execution button for executing a scan.
[0080]
The user selects a transfer path profile registered in advance by pressing the right key of the cursor key 1502.
[0081]
FIG. 16 shows the display content of the liquid crystal panel 1501 when the right key of the cursor key 1502 is pressed once. The character string of the liquid crystal panel displays the character string indicated by “Description:” in FIG. 10, and indicates that the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 10 is selected. If the network scanner 102 is registered in a plurality of transfer path profiles, another transfer path profile can be selected by further pressing the right key of the cursor key 1502.
[0082]
Here, a network scan using the selected transfer path profile (displayed on the liquid crystal panel) is executed by pressing a scan execution button 1503.
[0083]
According to the transfer path profile of FIG. 13, the network scanner 102 selects 172.16.10.3 (client host 104) written in output-address: as an output device, and has a resolution of 600 dpi written in Resolution: The original is read in, and scan data is transmitted in the LIPS4 format written in Document-format :. The scan data is transferred to the client host 104 via the network 101. At this time, the client host 104 only performs file processing of the transferred scan data regardless of the transfer path profile.
[0084]
(Example of data transmission by client host)
Next, an example in which a transfer path profile is selected from the operation panel of the client host 104 and the network scanner 102 is requested to transmit scan data will be described.
[0085]
First, the client host 104 acquires a transfer path profile in the same procedure as the network scanner 102 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103.
[0086]
Next, a process for actually performing a network scan will be described.
[0087]
The user sets a document on the network scanner 102 and then stands in front of the client host 104 and operates the operation panel 308 to perform a network scan.
[0088]
FIG. 17 is a display of the operation panel 308 in the client host 104, which shows standard settings.
[0089]
Reference numeral 1701 denotes a selection button for selecting a transfer path profile registered in advance. The transfer path profile selected by the selection button 1701 is displayed on the path selection display 1702. In this example, the character string shown in Description: of the transfer path profile in FIG. 13 is displayed. In addition, the display of 1704 also displays the transfer path profile selected by the selection button 1701, and the input-device :, output-device :, input-address :, output-address :, resolution of the transfer path profile of FIG. :, Document format: and the status of the device are displayed.
[0090]
A cancel button 1705, an OK button 1706, and a network scan function using the transfer path profile is executed by pressing the OK button 1706.
[0091]
According to the transfer path profile of FIG. 13, the client host 104 selects 172.16.10.2 (network scanner 102) written in input-address: as an input device, and reads written in input-command: A read request is made by sending a command to the input device. When the network scanner 102 receives the read command, scanning is started, the scan image is transferred to the client host 104 at the resolution and image format specified by the transfer path profile, and the client host 104 files the file.
[0092]
When the operator wants to set the details of the scanner, he presses the property button 1703 and sets it.
[0093]
FIG. 18 shows an operation panel that appears when the property button 1703 is pressed.
[0094]
Reference numeral 1801 denotes a document scan range setting button, which is a full scan by default. When the scan range setting button 1801 is pressed, a scan range is set by a range range specification 1802. 1803 to 1808 are scanning image quality settings, 1804 to 1806 are scanner brightness settings, 1805 is an AE automatic brightness setting, 1804 is a darkening button, and 1806 is a brightening button. The brightness is displayed on the brightness display 1803. Reference numeral 1807 denotes an image type display such as a photograph, a document, or a letter read from the scanner, and is selected by an image type selection button 1808. In this example, a photo is selected.
[0095]
Reference numerals 1809 to 1811 designate pages of a document to be scanned, and 1809 is a button for scanning all pages, and is turned on by default. Reference numeral 1810 denotes a button for designating a page to be scanned, and a page to be scanned is input to a page designation field 1811. Reference numeral 1813 denotes a setting cancel button, and reference numeral 1814 denotes a setting OK button.
[0096]
According to the above embodiment, it is assumed that all transfer path profiles are stored in the management server. However, in order to enable scanner processing even when the management server is not activated, The transfer path profile may be registered in the non-volatile memory. Furthermore, each device may have a function equivalent to that of the management server.
[0097]
In addition, according to the above embodiment, the client host and the management server are separately arranged on the network. However, even if the client host also serves as the management server or the network scanner also serves as the management server, it is equivalent. Needless to say, this function is realized.
[0098]
Further, according to the above embodiment, the scanner is a B & W scanner, but it may be a color scanner and the document format may be a compressed image such as JPEG.
[0099]
In addition, other settings such as color balance and γ can be set by setting properties on the client host, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. .
[0100]
In addition, even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, etc.) composed of a single device. You may apply to the component of.
[0101]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0102]
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, or the like can be used.
[0103]
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) operating 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.
[0104]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that 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.
[0105]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0106]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is no need for an operation panel that allows an input device such as a scanner to perform complicated operation designation, and it is unnecessary to cause a file device such as a client host to perform complicated operation designation. Data can be transferred directly from the input device to the file device via the network. A multi-function system, an input device, and a control method thereof can be provided.
[0107]
In other words, the management server transfers data from the network scanner to the client host and uses complex configuration information for realizing network scan as a transfer path profile. And the network scanner acquires the transfer path profile From the network scanner, the network scan function can be performed simply by selecting which transfer path profile to use, which gives the user convenience and eliminates the need for an operation panel that allows the scanner to specify complicated operations. Reduction is possible.
[0108]
Also, the management server transfers data from the network scanner to the client host, and uses complex configuration information for realizing network scanning as a transfer path profile. And the client host acquires the transfer path profile From the client host, the network scan function can be performed simply by selecting which transfer path profile to use, which gives the user convenience and eliminates the need for the client host to perform complicated operation designation.
[0109]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network scanner.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client host.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management server.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a network scanner.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a client host.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a device profile acquisition unit of the management server.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a device profile acquisition command.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a device profile transfer instruction.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a transfer path profile.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a transfer path profile request command.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a transfer path profile transfer command.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in an input device and an output device.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel in a network scanner.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating display contents of the liquid crystal panel when the right key of the cursor key is pressed once.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel in a client host.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing property display in a client host.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a structure example of a device profile transfer instruction.

Claims (10)

In a multifunction system that realizes a network scan function by a combination of an input device connected to a network, a file device that receives and stores data sent via the network, and a management server,
The management server is
Device information acquisition means for acquiring device information of the input device and the file device;
Device information storage means for storing the device information acquired by the device information acquisition means in a device information database;
Based on the device information stored in the device information database, a transfer path including the network addresses of the input device and the file device, and information indicating the data format when transferring data from the input device to the file device Transfer path information generating means for generating information;
Transfer path information storage means for storing the transfer path information generated by the transfer path information generation means in a transfer path information database;
Transfer path information supply means for supplying transfer path information stored in the transfer path information database to the input device and / or the file device;
It said input equipment is,
Device information supply means for transmitting device information to the management server;
Transfer path information acquisition means for acquiring the transfer path information from the management server;
Transfer path information selecting means for selecting one transfer path information designated by the user from among a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquiring means;
In accordance with the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selection means, the network device address of the file device included in the transfer path information is used as the destination, in a format according to the information indicating the data format , without passing through the management server. A multi-function system comprising: data transfer means for transferring scan data read by the input device from the input device to the file device. The transfer path information acquisition means acquires transfer path information related to each device from the transfer path information stored in the transfer path information database by the transfer path information storage means of the management server,
2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer path information supply means supplies transfer path information related to a device that has requested transfer according to the transfer request of each device. The input device or the file device has second transfer path information storage means for storing the transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition means;
The transfer path information selection means selects one transfer path information designated by the user from a plurality of transfer path information stored in the second transfer path information storage means of the input device or file device. The multi-function system according to claim 1.   The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein the transfer path information includes information indicating a destination of the file device. An input device connected via a network with a file device and a management server that receive and store data sent via the network,
Device information supply means for transmitting device information of the input device to the management server;
Each network address of the input device and the file device generated based on the device information stored in the management server, and information indicating a data format when transferring data from the input device to the file device are included. Transfer path information acquisition means for acquiring transfer path information from the management server;
With the network address of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition means as the destination, in the format according to the information indicating the data format , the input to the file device without going through the management server An input device comprising: data transfer means for transferring scan data read by the device. Transfer path information selection means for selecting one transfer path information designated by the user from a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition means;
6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein the data transfer unit transfers data based on the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selection unit. A display means for displaying a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the transfer path information acquisition means;
The input device according to claim 6, wherein the transfer path information selection unit selects one transfer path information designated by the user from the transfer path information displayed on the display unit.   The input device according to claim 5, wherein the transfer path information acquisition unit acquires transfer path information related to the input device from the management server. A file device and a control method for a connected input device via the network to the management server to receive the data sent over the network storage,
A device information supply step of transmitting device information of the input device to the management server;
Each network address of the input device and the file device generated based on the device information stored in the management server, and information indicating a data format when transferring data from the input device to the file device are included. Transfer path information acquisition step for acquiring transfer path information from the management server;
The network device address of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired in the transfer path information acquisition step is the destination according to the information indicating the data format, and the input to the file device without passing through the management server And a data transfer step of transferring scan data read by the device. A file device and a storage medium for computer-readable storing a control program of the management server via a network connected input device for receiving a data storage that is sent over the network,
The control program is
A device information supply step of transmitting device information of the input device to the management server;
Each network address of the input device and the file device generated based on the device information stored in the management server, and information indicating a data format when transferring data from the input device to the file device are included. Transfer path information acquisition step for acquiring transfer path information from the management server;
The network device address of the file device included in the transfer path information acquired in the transfer path information acquisition step is the destination according to the information indicating the data format, and the input to the file device without passing through the management server A data transfer step of transferring scan data read by the device .

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