JP6244937B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and a related technology.

  Some MFPs include a web server (also referred to as an internal server) inside and can execute an application software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as an application) via the internal server (see Patent Document 1). ).

  As such an application, there is an application (also referred to as a menu operation application) that displays an MFP menu operation screen on the touch panel of the MFP and receives an operation from a user.

  Such an application is executed by accessing an internal server of the MFP from a web browser (web browser inside the MFP) installed in the MFP. The application can also be executed by accessing the internal server of the MFP from a web browser of a device external to the MFP (for example, a personal computer).

  Such an application is executed using resources of the MFP. For example, when an instruction to print an electronic document stored in a box (folder) in the MFP is given according to a menu operation, the electronic document is printed out using the print output unit (hardware) of the MFP. The In particular, even when an instruction to print an electronic document is given from an external device of the MFP, the print output process is performed using the print output unit (hardware) of the MFP.

JP 2010-57186 A

  By the way, although the above-mentioned technique is to remotely connect a personal computer to an image forming apparatus, it is conceivable to remotely connect to a certain image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus.

  For example, the MFP 10a can be remotely connected from another MFP 10b, and an application (for example, a menu screen operation application) installed in the MFP 10a can be executed in response to a remote operation by the MFP 10b.

  At this time, when the above technique is used, the process corresponding to the execution target command related to the application is executed in the MFP 10a. For example, when a print output instruction is given in the application, an execution target command (print output command) is generated according to the print output instruction, and the process corresponding to the print output command (print output process) is performed by the hardware of the MFP 10a. Wear (print output unit) is used. As described above, when the MFP 10a is remotely operated from another MFP 10b, when the application of the MFP 10a is executed, various processes (processing corresponding to the execution target command) are performed using the resources (including hardware resources) of the MFP 10a. ) Is executed.

  However, it is not always appropriate that the process corresponding to the execution target command related to the application is always executed by the MFP 10a (remote connection destination apparatus) (in other words, the rigid process is executed).

  For example, it is assumed that the MFP 10a disposed relatively far from the user is remotely operated using the MFP 10b disposed relatively close to the user. When using the above technique, in such a remote operation, an application in the MFP 10a operates in response to a remote operation instruction from the MFP 10b, and all processing relating to the application is executed in the MFP 10a. As described above, such processing may include those involving hardware operations such as printout. When such a print output process is executed in the MFP 10a, a user operating the relatively nearby MFP 10b is required to go to the relatively distant MFP 10a to obtain the printed output. As a result, user convenience is reduced.

  As described above, there is a problem that processing using specific hardware (print output processing, etc.) is always executed by the remote connection destination device, and hardware use processing is performed without considering user convenience. To do.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of solving the problem caused by the fact that processing using hardware is always executed by a remote connection destination device when executing an application by remote connection. .

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external apparatus, wherein the image formation is performed in the remote connection from the external apparatus. Receiving means for receiving an execution instruction of an execution target command from among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in a device from the external device; a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation; A determination means for determining whether the execution target command from the external device belongs to a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command, and corresponds to the execution target command Processing control for determining whether or not to execute processing in the image forming apparatus based on the type of the execution target command Comprises a stage, wherein the processing control means, when the command to be executed from the external device is determined to be the second type of command, the image forming process corresponding to the execution object command Permit execution on an apparatus, and prohibit execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command on the image forming apparatus when the execution target command from the external apparatus is the first type command. It is characterized by.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the processing control unit performs processing corresponding to the execution target command when the execution target command is the first type command. Is transmitted to the external device to be executed by the external device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external apparatus, wherein the application mounted on the image forming apparatus in the remote connection from the external apparatus. Receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to, a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation, and a command of a type other than the first type command A determination unit that determines which of the second type of commands the execution target command belongs to, and whether or not the image forming apparatus executes a process corresponding to the execution target command. Processing control means for determining based on the type of command, wherein the processing control means When it is determined that the command is the second type of command, execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted, and the execution target command is the first type command. The image forming apparatus prohibits execution of the processing corresponding to the execution target command, and the image forming apparatus acquires list information relating to an executable command that is executable by the external apparatus. , And the process control means determines that the execution target command is the first type command and the execution target command is the executable command. The fact that a corresponding process is to be executed by the external device is transmitted to the external device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the processing control unit, when the execution target command is included in the list information as the executable command, displays the execution target command. It transmits to the said external device as it is, and the process corresponding to the said execution object command is performed by the said external device, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, the processing control unit can execute the execution target command when the execution target command is the first type command. If it is determined that processing that is not a command but is equivalent to the execution target command can be executed by the external device, an alternative command that executes processing equivalent to the execution target command is generated and the alternative command is generated. Is transmitted to the external device, and processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the external device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the substitute command has setting information included in the execution target command.

The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external apparatus, and the application mounted on the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus Receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to, a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation, and a command of a type other than the first type command A determination unit that determines which of the second type of commands the execution target command belongs to, and whether or not the image forming apparatus executes a process corresponding to the execution target command. Processing control means for determining based on the type of command, wherein the processing control means If it is determined that the serial is the second type of command, and allowed to run in the image forming apparatus of a process corresponding to the execution object command, the command to be executed is in the first type of command In this case, the execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is temporarily prohibited, and the process corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus. Processing for responding to the execution target command is transmitted to the external device for confirmation information for accepting a user instruction, and based on user instruction information returned from the external device in response to transmission of the confirmation information. Whether to execute the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus is determined.

The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external apparatus, and the application mounted on the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus Receiving means for receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to, a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation, and a command of a type other than the first type command A determination unit that determines which of the second type of commands the execution target command belongs to, and whether or not the image forming apparatus executes a process corresponding to the execution target command. Processing control means for determining based on the type of command, wherein the processing control means When it is determined that the command is the second type of command, execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted, and the execution target command is the first type command. In this case, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited, and the reception unit, the determination unit, and the processing control unit are middleware that mediates the application and operation system software. The middleware includes a first middleware including the accepting unit, and a second middleware configured separately from the first middleware, and the second middleware is , Provided between the first middleware and the operation system software, the determination means and the processing control means , Characterized in that provided in the second middleware.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the external device includes a web browser, the image forming device includes a web server, The application installed in the image forming apparatus is executed in response to access from the web browser of the external apparatus to the web server of the image forming apparatus.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first type of command should perform a print output operation using print output hardware. A print output command indicating the above is included.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first type of command should perform an image scanning operation using image scanning hardware. An image scan command indicating the effect is included.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer incorporated in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus in response to a remote connection from the external apparatus. A) Remote from the external apparatus In connection, a step of receiving from the external device an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus; and b) a predetermined type of operation involving hardware operation. Determining whether the command to be executed from the external device belongs to one type of command or a second type of command other than the first type of command; c ) Whether to execute the processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is determined by the execution target code. A step of determining based on a command type, wherein in step c) it is determined that the command to be executed from the external device is the second type command. If the execution target command is permitted to be executed in the image forming apparatus, and the execution target command from the external apparatus is the first type command, the execution is executed. Execution of processing corresponding to the target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the step c), when the execution target command is the first type of command, the processing corresponding to the execution target command is Information to be executed by the device is transmitted to the external device.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus in response to a remote connection from the external apparatus, and a) remote from the external apparatus In connection, a step of receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus; b) a first type of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation; A step of determining whether the execution target command belongs to a command or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command; and c) a process corresponding to the execution target command Is determined based on the type of the execution target command. In step c), when it is determined that the execution target command is the second type of command, the processing of the process corresponding to the execution target command is performed. When execution in the image forming apparatus is permitted and the execution target command is the first type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited, and the program is d) causing the computer to further execute a step of acquiring list information relating to executable commands that are commands that can be executed by the external device, and in step c), the execution target command is the first type command. When it is determined that the execution target command is the executable command, the execution target command PC 10_1 executes a process of response by the external device, characterized in that it is transmitted to the external device.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourteenth aspect, in the step c), when the execution target command is included in the list information as the executable command, the execution target command is directly used as the external device. The process corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the external device.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourteenth aspect, in the step c), when the execution target command is the first type command, the execution target command is not the executable command. Is determined that the process equivalent to the execution target command can be executed by the external device, a substitute command for executing the process equivalent to the execution target command is generated, and the substitute command is transmitted to the external device. The processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the external device.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the substitute command has setting information included in the execution target command.
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus in response to a remote connection from the external apparatus, and a) remote from the external apparatus In connection, a step of receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus; b) a first type of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation; A step of determining whether the execution target command belongs to a command or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command; and c) a process corresponding to the execution target command Is determined based on the type of the execution target command. In step c), when it is determined that the execution target command is the second type of command, the processing of the process corresponding to the execution target command is performed. When execution in the image forming apparatus is permitted and the execution target command is the first type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is temporarily prohibited, and the execution target Confirmation information for receiving a user instruction regarding which of the image forming apparatus and the external apparatus should execute processing corresponding to the command is transmitted to the external apparatus, and the external information is transmitted in response to the transmission of the confirmation information. Based on the user instruction information returned from the apparatus, the process corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the image forming apparatus or the Characterized in that either run the apparatus is determined.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus in response to a remote connection from the external apparatus, and a) remote from the external apparatus In connection, a step of receiving an instruction to execute a command to be executed among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus; b) a first type of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation; A step of determining whether the execution target command belongs to a command or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command; and c) a process corresponding to the execution target command Is determined based on the type of the execution target command. In step c), when it is determined that the execution target command is the second type of command, the processing of the process corresponding to the execution target command is performed. When execution in the image forming apparatus is permitted and the execution target command is the first type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited, and the step a) , B), and c) are executed by middleware that mediates the application and operation system software, and the middleware executes first middleware that executes the process including step a), and And a second middleware configured separately from the first middleware, the second middleware being the first middleware Provided between the operating system software, the step b), c) is characterized by being executed by the second middleware.
According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the program according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth aspects of the invention, the image forming apparatus is responsive to access from the web browser of the external apparatus to the web server of the image forming apparatus. The implemented application is executed.
According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the program according to any of the twelfth to twentieth aspects, the first type command indicates that a print output operation using print output hardware should be performed. A print output command is included.
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the twelfth to twentieth aspects, the first type command indicates that an image scanning operation using image scanning hardware should be performed. The image scan command shown in FIG.

  The invention of claim 23 is an image forming system, wherein the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is remotely connected to the image forming apparatus and mounted on the image forming apparatus. And the external device capable of executing the executed application.

According to the invention described in claims 1 to 23, when an application installed in the image forming apparatus is executed in response to a remote connection from an external apparatus, an execution target of a plurality of commands related to the application When the command is the first type of command, the hardware processing corresponding to the execution target command is prohibited from being executed by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the processing corresponding to the execution target command is always performed by the image forming apparatus. It is possible to eliminate problems caused by execution.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a program configuration and the like in a connection destination MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the program structure etc. in MFP (external apparatus) of a connection origin. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a connection destination MFP. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation when an execution target command is a first type command. 12 is a timing chart showing an operation when an execution target command is a second type of command. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the schematic process in this system. It is a figure which shows the screen for confirmation. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another program configuration and the like in a connection source MFP (external device).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 (specifically, 10a and 10b).

  Each element 10 in the system 1 is connected to be communicable with each other via the network 101. The network 101 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet. Further, the connection mode to the network 101 may be wired connection or wireless connection.

  In this embodiment, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 10.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the MFP 10. In FIG. 2, a basic configuration of the MFP 10 is shown. Each of the MFPs 10a and 10b has a basic configuration as shown in FIG.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multi-function device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an input / output unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these components in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 10 and generates image data of the document (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image). is there. The image reading unit 2 is also referred to as a scanning unit.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data related to a print target.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Further, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the network 101. In this network communication, for example, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 10 can exchange various data with a desired destination.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores image data and the like. The storage unit 5 is provided with a plurality of boxes (folders) for each user, and electronic document data (document files) and the like are stored in each box.

  The input / output unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives input to the MFP 10 and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various types of information. The MFP 10 is provided with a substantially plate-like operation panel unit 6c (see FIG. 1), and the operation panel unit 6c has a touch panel 25 (see FIG. 1) on the front side thereof. The touch panel 25 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and can display various kinds of information and accept an operation input from an operator. For example, the touch panel 25 displays various screens (including button images) such as a menu screen. The operator can set various operation contents of the MFP 10 by pressing a button (button represented by a button image) virtually arranged in the touch panel 25. The touch panel 25 functions as a part of the operation input unit 6a and also functions as a part of the display unit 6b.

  The controller 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 10 and controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (more specifically, program module groups) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM) in the CPU. Note that the software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a program) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory and installed in the MFP 10 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via the network 101 or the like and installed in the MFP 10.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP 10a is a newer model device (or a device having higher functions) than the MFP 10b. Regarding the program, the MFP 10a has a different configuration from the MFP 10b.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a program configuration and the like in the MFP 10a, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a program configuration and the like in the MFP 10b. Note that the hardware 220 in these drawings conceptually shows the above-described various hardware (the image reading unit 2, the print output unit 3, and the like).

  First, the program configuration and the like of the MFP 10a will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 10a is mounted with a group of program modules classified into several layers.

  A predetermined operation system software (OS) 201 is installed in the MFP 10a. Further, firmware 202 (specifically, a program module group that functions as middleware) is further mounted on the OS 201. The firmware 202 is classified into an application platform 203 and a wrapper 204. On the firmware 202, a web browser 207 and other various application programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as applications) 208 are further mounted.

  Examples of the application 208 include an application (also referred to as a menu operation application) that displays a menu operation screen of the MFP 10 on the touch panel 25 and receives an operation from the user. The application 208 is also expressed as a server application that operates in response to access to the web server 205 (described later). The web browser 207 can access a server outside the MFP 10 and can also access a server 205 inside the MFP 10.

  The application platform 203 includes an internal web server (also simply referred to as an internal server) 205. The internal server 205 is a web server provided in its own device, and has a reception unit 11. The accepting unit 11 accepts access from the web browser 207 of the own apparatus (MFP 10a) and / or the web browser of another MFP 10 (for example, 10b). Further, the accepting unit 11 accepts an instruction to execute an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application 208 installed in the MFP 10a in remote connection from an external apparatus (MFP 10b or the like).

  The application platform 203 functions as a platform for executing the application 208 on the OS 201. In short, the application platform 203 has an execution function of the application 208. In the MFP 10a, an application (for example, a web browser 207) that directly operates on the OS 201 is executed, and an appropriate application 208 that is premised on the presence of the application platform 203 is also executed.

  The wrapper 204 is a program having a function that mediates between the application platform 203 and the OS 201. Specifically, the wrapper 204 includes processing units such as the determination unit 15, the acquisition unit 16, and the processing control unit 17. The determination unit 15 determines whether the execution target command received by the reception unit 11 belongs to a first type command or a second type command (described later). The acquisition unit 16 acquires list information L1 (described later) related to commands (executable commands) executable by the MFP 10b from the MFP 10b. The process control unit 17 determines whether or not the MFP 10a can execute the process corresponding to the execution target command. The operation of each of these processing units will be described in detail later.

  The application platform 203 is also referred to as first middleware, and the wrapper 204 is also referred to as second middleware.

  The menu operation application (208) is also expressed as an internal cooperation application. The internal cooperation application is an application that cooperates with the internal server 205 (FIG. 3) provided in the MFP 10, and is also referred to as an internal server cooperation application.

  The internal cooperation application communicates with the internal server 205 via a web browser (also simply referred to as a browser). The internal cooperation application executes various processes in cooperation with the internal server 205 by using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and a script (script written in a script language such as PYTHON). The internal server 205 is also referred to as IWS (Internet web server or internal web server), and the internal linkage application 208 is also referred to as IWS application.

  Next, the program configuration of the MFP 10b will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, although the MFP 10b is provided with the OS 201 and the web browser 207 similarly to the MFP 10a, the MFP 10b does not have some of the above-described program configurations of the MFP 10a. For example, the MFP 10 b does not have the wrapper 204. Further, although the firmware 202b is provided in the MFP 10b, the firmware 202b includes some functions of the application platform 203 (basic functions as firmware (execution function for performing communication operation with other devices, etc.)). Only, and does not have an application execution function. In the MFP 10b, an application (for example, the web browser 207) that directly operates on the OS 201 can be executed, but an application based on the presence of the application platform 203 cannot be executed.

  In this embodiment, a case where the MFP 10b does not have an internal server (see FIG. 3) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the MFP 10b may not include the wrapper 204 and the application platform 203, but the MFP 10b (firmware 202b) may include the internal server 205. Further, the MFP 10b may have an application platform 203 (see FIG. 10). The MFP 10b may also include the wrapper 204, and the MFP 10b may have a program configuration equivalent to that of the MFP 10a.

<2. Operation>
Next, the operation of the system 1 will be described.

  Here, a case where an internal cooperation application (specifically, a menu operation application) is executed as the application 208 will be described.

  This menu operation application 208 operates in cooperation with the internal server 205. The menu operation application 208 displays an operation screen of the MFP 10, receives various operation inputs via the operation screen, and executes an operation corresponding to the operation input.

  More specifically, execution of the menu operation application 208 is started in response to access to a certain address (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/index.html) in the MFP 10a. Here, it is assumed that the IP address of the MFP 10a is “10.123.456.1” and the IP address of the MFP 10b is “10.123.456.2”. In response to the access, the menu operation application 208 cooperates with the internal server 205 to access another specific address (specific address in the MFP 10a) registered in advance in the menu operation application 208. Then, the menu operation application 208 displays the display data for the first operation screen (main menu screen) based on the display data (display data described in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or the like) stored at the specific address. Is returned to the web browser 207 of the access source. As a result, the first operation screen is displayed on the web browser 207 that is the access source.

  Similarly, after that, according to the user's operation, the menu operation application 208 displays the access destination stored in the menu operation application 208 (specifically, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the access destination). ) The next operation is executed based on the information (access destination different from the first access destination). For example, display data for a new operation screen (menu screen) is transmitted to the web browser 207 as the request source based on the URL information of the access destination. As a result, a new operation screen is displayed on the web browser 207, and various menu operations (such as a box menu display instruction operation) using the new operation screen are further accepted. Further, based on the URL information of the access destination, detailed operations of the menu (browsing operation and printing operation of the file stored in the box) are performed.

  Such an operation of the menu operation application 208 can be performed not only using the web browser 207 of the own device (MFP 10a) but also using the web browser 207 of another device (MFP 10b or the like). It is. In other words, the user can remotely connect to the MFP 10a (also referred to as a connection destination device) using the MFP 10b (also referred to as a connection source device) and execute the menu operation application 208 mounted on the MFP 10a. For example, accessing the MFP 10a (specifically, a specific address of the MFP 10a (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/index.html)) from the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b and operating the MFP 10a (ie, remote It is also possible to perform operations.

  Specifically, the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b (IP address = “10.123.456.2”) accesses the internal server 205 of the MFP 10a (IP address = “10.123.456.1”) in accordance with a user operation. Specifically, access to the menu operation application 208 of the MFP 10a, more specifically, to a specific address (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/index.html) corresponding to the menu operation application 208. Is accessed. In response to the access, the menu operation application 208 installed in the MFP 10a can be executed. In response to this, the MFP 10a transmits menu screen display data to the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b. The web browser 207 of the MFP 10b displays a menu screen on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10b based on the display data (remote display).

  When the “box list display” button is pressed on the menu screen displayed on the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b, the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b accesses the menu operation application 208 of the MFP 10a via the internal server 205 of the MFP 10a. . Specifically, access to a specific address (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/view.lt?id=1001) corresponding to the menu operation application 208 is performed. In response to this, the MFP 10a transmits display data for a list of documents in the box of the MFP 10a to the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b. The web browser 207 of the MFP 10b displays a list of documents in the box of the MFP 10a on the touch panel 25 of the MFP 10b based on the display data (remote display).

  Further, when the “print” button is pressed on the menu screen displayed on the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b, the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b accesses the menu operation application 208 of the MFP 10a. Specifically, access to a specific address (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/ptint.py?id=0001) corresponding to the menu operation application 208 is performed. Note that “id = 0001” is a print parameter set (setting information) set in advance, and this print parameter set includes print target data, the number of prints, detailed print settings, and the like.

  In this way, on the menu operation screen displayed by the browser of the remote connection source MFP 10b, the user gives an instruction to print out a specific document file stored in the box of the MFP 10a. According to the instruction, a specific document file is printed out.

  Here, in normal remote operation, all operations corresponding to the instruction are performed in the MFP 10a (remote connection destination device). In other words, when the present invention is not applied, printing of a specific document file is always executed by the MFP 10a. Such a technique is also referred to as a technique according to a comparative example. In other words, in the technique according to this comparative example, the processing using the hardware of the MFP 10 among the processing to be executed by the menu operation application 208 is always executed using the hardware of the own apparatus (MFP 10a).

  However, if the processing using the hardware of the MFP 10 is always executed by the MFP 10a, the following inconvenience may occur.

  For example, a situation is assumed in which a user operates the MFP 10b disposed slightly away from the MFP 10a and remote access from the MFP 10b to the MFP 10a is performed. In this situation, when the technique according to the comparative example is used, print output processing by remote operation is always executed using the hardware of the MFP 10a. For this reason, there is a problem that the user operating the MFP 10b is required to move to an arrangement position of the MFP 10a that is slightly away from the MFP 10a, and to obtain a printed output by the MFP 10a, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a technique that allows a document file to be printed out by the MFP 10b (connection source device) instead of the MFP 10a (connection destination device) will be described. In this embodiment, in response to a print output instruction (remote print output instruction) for a document file, a print output operation (specific hardware operation) itself using the print output unit 3 is performed not by the MFP 10a but by the MFP 10b. That is, the print output operation is performed using the print output unit 3 of the MFP 10b (print output hardware among the hardware 220 (FIG. 4) of the MFP 10b). According to this, the document file stored in the box of the MFP 10a can be printed out by the MFP 10b used by the user for remote operation. Since the print output is output by the relatively nearby MFP 10b, the user is not forced to move to the relatively distant MFP 10a.

  First, as described above, in remote connection from the MFP 10b (external device) to the MFP 10a, a specific address corresponding to the menu operation application 208 (for example, https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/ptint.py?id = 0001) is accessed and an instruction to print the document in the box of the MFP 10a is given.

  The menu operation application 208 (“app1”) is composed of a plurality of module programs (print output program module, document list display program module, and the like). For example, when access to “https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/view.lt?id=1001” is performed, the program module for displaying a document list is operated. When access to “https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/ptint.py?id=0001” is performed, the print output program module operates.

  In response to the print instruction for the document in the box, the MFP 10a accepts an execution instruction for an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the menu operation application 208 installed in the MFP 10a. Specifically, in a remote connection from the MFP 10b (external device) to the MFP 10a, an execution instruction for an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the menu operation application 208 installed in the MFP 10a is sent to the internal server 205 (specifically, Accepting part 11) accepts.

  Specifically, when the access information “https://10.123.456.1/iws/app1/ptint.py?id=0001” from the MFP 10b is received by the reception unit 11, the application platform 203 is based on the access information. Of the plurality of commands related to the menu operation application 208, the following two execution target commands are interpreted as being accepted. Note that these execution target commands are realized using various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and the like.

  One is a command (tmp_doc = mfp_get_boxdata (box_id = 5, doc_id = 1)) for acquiring box data. “Mfp_get_boxdata” is a function (command) indicating that document data should be acquired from a box. “Mfp_get_boxdata (box_id = 5, doc_id = 1)” is a command indicating that the document data of document number “1” (doc_id = 1) should be acquired from the box of box number “5” (box_id = 5). .

  The other is a command (ng = mfp_print_document (tmp_doc, n = 2)) that instructs print output. “Mfp_print_document” is a function (command) indicating that document data should be printed out. “Mfp_print_document (tmp_doc, n = 2)” is a command indicating that two copies (n = 2) of the in-box document (tmp_doc) acquired by the first command should be printed.

  These two execution target commands are normally (in the above comparative example) interpreted by the application platform 203 (see FIG. 3), and the interpretation result is passed to the OS 201 and executed by the OS 201. However, here, the two execution target commands are passed from the application platform 203 to the wrapper 204 (not directly to the OS 201), and the processes of steps S11 and S12 are performed (see FIG. 5).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP 10a according to this embodiment. 6 and 7 are timing charts showing an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation when the execution target command is a second type command (described later). FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an operation when the execution target command is a first type command (described later). Hereinafter, the description will be continued with reference to FIGS.

  In step S11, the MFP 10a (specifically, the determination unit 15) determines whether or not the execution instruction of the execution target command is from an external device. Based on the IP address of the transmission source device, it is determined whether or not the execution instruction of the execution target command is from an external device.

  If the execution instruction of the execution target command is not from an external device (from the web browser 207 of the MFP 10a itself), the process proceeds to step S30 and a normal operation is performed. That is, the execution target command is interpreted by the application platform 203 (see FIG. 3), and the interpretation result is passed to the OS 201 and executed by the OS 201. For example, a print output based on the print output command is always printed out using the print output unit of the MFP 10a.

  On the other hand, if the execution instruction of the execution target command is from an external device, the process proceeds to step S12. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the execution instruction is determined to be an instruction from the external apparatus (MFP 10b) based on the IP address (10.123.456.2) of the transmission source apparatus.

  In the next step S12, the MFP 10a (specifically, the determination unit 15) determines the type of the execution target command.

  Here, a plurality of commands that can be executed by the MFP 10a are classified in advance into the following two types of commands.

  The first type of command is one or more specific commands that are determined in advance with the operation of the hardware of the MFP. For example, the first type of command includes a print output command (mfp_print_document) and the like. The print output command is a command (command) indicating that a print output operation should be performed by the print output unit (print output engine (print output hardware)).

  The second type of command is a type of command other than the first type of command. For example, the second type of command includes a command (mfp_get_boxdata) for acquiring document data from a box.

  In step S12, it is determined whether each execution target command belongs to the first type command or the second type command, and branch processing based on the determination result is performed. In other words, a process of determining whether to permit the MFP 10a to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command (specific hardware process) based on the type of the execution target command is performed.

  When the execution target command is the second type command, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13 (see also FIG. 6). In step S <b> 13, the process control unit 17 is allowed to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command on the own apparatus (MFP 10 a). In step S14, the MFP 10a executes the execution target command. Specifically, the interpretation result of the execution target command by the application platform 203 is passed to the OS 201 as it is, and the processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the OS 201. For example, the interpretation result by the application platform 203 of the command (mfp_get_boxdata) for obtaining the document data from the box is directly passed to the OS 201 via the wrapper 204, and the OS 201 extracts the designated document data from the designated box in the MFP 10a. get. The acquisition result (designated document data) is passed (returned) to the wrapper 204, and is passed (returned) to the application platform 203 and the application 208 as necessary. In this way, the execution target command (mfp_get_boxdata) is processed by the MFP 10a (see also FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, when the execution target command is the first type command, the process proceeds from step S12 to step S21 (see FIG. 5).

  In step S21, the process control unit 17 prohibits the MFP 10a from executing the process corresponding to the execution target command (see also FIG. 7).

  In the next step S22, the acquisition unit 16 performs processing for acquiring from the external device (MFP 10b) list information L1 (see FIG. 8) relating to executable commands that are commands that can be executed by the external device (MFP 10b). Here, it is assumed that the MFP 10b has the list information L1 therein, and the list information L1 is transmitted from the MFP 10b to the MFP 10a in response to an inquiry from the MFP 10a. Further, the firmware 202b of the MFP 10b has a function of executing a communication operation with another apparatus. A function for receiving an inquiry from the MFP 10a and a result (list information L1 and the like) for the inquiry from the MFP 10b to the MFP 10a. It has a function of transmitting (replying).

  For example, when the MFP 10a accesses the specific address of the MFP 10b (“http://10.123.456.2/active”), the MFP 10a makes an inquiry to the MFP 10b, and the list information L1 is returned. The list information L1 lists commands (executable commands) (such as “mfp_print_document”) that can be executed by the external apparatus (MFP 10b). Commands that cannot be interpreted (executed) by the external apparatus (MFP 10b) are not included in the list information L1. For example, when the MFP 10b cannot interpret (execute) the command “mfp_print_document”, the command is not included in the list information L1.

  In step S23, an execution instruction indicating that the process corresponding to the execution target command (first type command) should be executed by the external apparatus (MFP 10b) is transmitted from the MFP 10a (process control unit 17) to the MFP 10b.

  Specifically, first, when it is determined that the execution target command is an executable command of the MFP 10b based on the list information L1 acquired in step S22, the execution instruction command is transmitted to the MFP 10b as it is. More specifically, when the execution target command (print output command (mfp_print_document)) is included in the list information L1 as an executable command, the execution target command (mfp_print_document) is directly transferred to the MFP 10b. Information about the print parameters is also transmitted to the MFP 10b. In response to this execution instruction, the MFP 10b executes a process (print output process) corresponding to the execution target command.

  Further, although the execution target command is not described in the list information L1 (the execution target command itself is not an executable command), it is determined that processing equivalent to the execution target command can be executed by the external device (MFP 10b). In this case, the process control unit 17 of the MFP 10a generates a “substitute command” (a command for executing a process equivalent to the execution target command) and transmits the substitute command to the MFP 10b. In response to the execution instruction by such an alternative command, processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed in the MFP 10b.

  For example, if it is determined that the print output command (mfp_print_document) that is the execution target command is not described in the list information L1 (the print output command is not an executable command by the MFP 10b), it is equivalent to the execution target command. Whether the process can be executed by the MFP 10b is determined based on the process conversion list information L2 (see FIG. 8) of the MFP 10a. When it is determined that the process equivalent to the execution target command can be executed by the MFP 10b, an alternative command for executing the process equivalent to the print output command is generated based on the process conversion list information L2.

  Here, the process conversion list information L2 of the MFP 10a is list information that defines a correspondence relationship between a command to be executed and a basic command (for example, a general command in firmware (a basic command common to many models)). It is. The process conversion list information L2 is stored in advance in the storage unit 5 of the MFP 10a. In the processing conversion list information L2, for example, two basic commands (“create_pcprintjob” and “send_pcjob”) related to the PC print command are described in association with the print output command “mfp_print_document”. The “PC print command” is a print output external instruction command sent to the MFP 10 from an external personal computer (PC) or the like.

  When determining that the MFP 10b can execute a process equivalent to the execution target command based on the process conversion list information L2, the process control unit 17 determines that the print output command “mfp_print_document (tmp_doc, n = 2) ”is generated. As an alternative command, a PC print command or the like is used. For example, based on the processing conversion list information L2, two subcommands “job = create_pcprintjob (tmp_doc, n = 2)” and “send_pcjob (“ 10.123.456.2 ”, job)” are generated as alternative commands. The former subcommand (create_pcprintjob) is a command for generating a PC print job, and the latter subcommand (send_pcjob) is a command for transmitting the PC print job generated by the former subcommand. In the former subcommand, two arguments (a parameter indicating a target document of a PC print job and a parameter indicating the number of printed sheets) are designated. In the latter subcommand, two arguments (a parameter indicating the IP address of the MFP 10b and a parameter for specifying the target of a PC print job) are specified.

  Then, the process control unit 17 transmits the two subcommands to the MFP 10b. The designated parameter (data) is also transmitted as part of the alternative command. For example, the entity data of the designated parameter “tmp_doc” is also transmitted. The designation parameter “tmp_doc” includes data related to the print target data and the number of printed sheets. Note that print settings and the like are also transmitted as necessary.

  In this way, an alternative command or the like that also has setting information (print target data, number of prints, print detail settings, etc.) included in the original execution target command is transmitted to the MFP 10b. In response to such a transmission operation, the MFP 10b executes processing corresponding to the execution target command.

  If the execution target command is not described in the list information L1 and an alternative command based on the processing conversion list information L2 cannot be created, the MFP 10a (the processing control unit 17 or the like) Error message display data is transmitted to the browser (here, the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b). Upon receiving the display data, the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b displays an error message (such as a message indicating that the user instruction content (print instruction) cannot be executed) based on the display data.

  According to the operation described above, when the menu operation application 208 installed in the MFP 10a is executed (remote execution) in response to remote connection (remote operation by the user) from the MFP 10b (external device), the menu operation application Whether or not the MFP 10a can execute the process corresponding to the execution target command among the plurality of commands related to 208 is determined based on the type of the execution target command. Specifically, when the execution target command is the second type command, execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the MFP 10a is permitted. On the other hand, when the execution target command is the first type command (print output command or the like), execution of processing (hardware processing) corresponding to the execution target command in the MFP 10a is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects caused by the processing corresponding to the execution target command being always executed by the MFP 10a (remote connection destination device). In other words, in the remote operation, the problem caused by the processing using the MFP hardware is always executed by the MFP 10a (remote connection destination device) can be solved. More specifically, the problem caused by the fact that a device that is relatively difficult to be directly contacted by a user (a remote connection destination device) is always used to perform a specific hardware process can be solved.

  For example, when the execution target command is a print output command (first type command), the hardware process (print output process) corresponding to the print output command is executed in the MFP 10a (remote connection destination device). It is forbidden. According to this, the convenience for the user can be improved. Specifically, the user does not have to go to the place where the MFP 10a is relatively far away to get the printed output. This effect is particularly noticeable when the MFP 10a arranged at a location very far from the user (for example, another office of the company) is remotely operated using the MFP 10b near the user. It is also possible to avoid leakage of confidential information from the printed output output by the MFP 10a because unintended print output is not performed in the MFP 10a (unintentional device).

  In addition, processing using specific hardware (print output engine or the like) is not directly executed by the MFP 10a, but compatible hardware (print output engine or the like) in the external device (MFP 10b) of the operation source (connection source) is used. Can be executed. Therefore, in the remote operation, it is possible to obtain an advantage by using the hardware of the device (MFP 10b) on the remote operation side.

  For example, information indicating that the MFP 10b should execute a process (print output process) corresponding to the execution target command (print output command) is transmitted to the MFP 10b, and the process corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the MFP 10b. According to this, since the user can receive the printed output in the operation target MFP 10b (the MFP 10b in the vicinity of the user) without moving to the arrangement location of the MFP 10a, high convenience can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, after the execution target command is received by the MFP 10a (after the execution of the remote process is started), the processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed in the MFP 10a only by the processing in the MFP 10a. Acceptance is decided. In other words, whether or not the MFP 10a executes the corresponding process of the execution target command is determined without performing communication with the MFP 10b. According to this, compared to a case where the permission / prohibition is determined with communication processing between the MFP 10a and the MFP 10b, changes to the program configuration or the like of the MFP 10b are suppressed to a minimum (more preferably, the You can avoid making changes).

  In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the firmware (middleware) 202 is configured in two layers of the first middleware 203 and the second middleware 204, and the second middleware 204 is the first layerware. It is provided between the middleware 203 and the operation system software 201. The determination unit 15 and the processing control unit 17 are provided (additionally) in the second middleware (wrapper) 204 different from the first middleware (including the reception unit 11) 203. Therefore, it is possible to easily configure a software system having an extended function with respect to the first middleware without greatly changing the first middleware 203.

  In the above embodiment, after the MFP 10a acquires the list information L1 from the MFP 10b and the MFP 10a confirms that the MFP 10b can perform the print output process, the print output command is sent from the MFP 10a to the MFP 10b. Although the aspect transmitted to is illustrated, it is not limited to this. For example, the first type command (print output command or the like) may be unconditionally transmitted from the MFP 10a to the MFP 10b without performing the confirmation process based on the list information L1. Alternatively, the substitute command based on the list information L2 may be transmitted from the MFP 10a to the MFP 10b without performing the confirmation process based on the list information L1.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the menu operation application (internal cooperation application) was mainly illustrated as the application 208, it is not limited to this. For example, the application 208 may be a cloud printing application (for example, an application that downloads and prints out an electronic document (document data) stored on the cloud).

<3. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when a command related to specific hardware (first type command) is executed by the MFP 10a as an execution target command in response to a remote operation from the MFP 10b, the command corresponds to the execution target command. Although an example in which execution of the process to be performed by the MFP 10a is unconditionally (always) prohibited is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the user may be inquired as to whether the process corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the MFP 10a or the MFP 10b, and the process corresponding to the user's instruction in response to the inquiry may be executed.

  More specifically, when the execution target command is the first type command, the process control unit 17 first executes the execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command (execution target command corresponding process) in the MFP 10a. Ban. Then, the process control unit 17 displays display data (confirmation information) for a confirmation screen for accepting a user instruction regarding which of the MFP 10a and the MFP 10b should execute the process corresponding to the execution target command, and the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b. Send to. Based on the confirmation information, the MFP 10b displays a confirmation screen using the web browser 207 of the MFP 10b.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing such a confirmation screen. On the confirmation screen, there are two options: “Do you want to execute this process (print output process) on the connection destination device (MFP 10 a) or on this device (MFP 10 b)?”. In addition to the displayed wording, two buttons 31 and 32 corresponding to the two options are displayed. The user gives a user instruction by pressing a button corresponding to a desired option among the two buttons 31 and 32 (“connection destination device” and “this device (connection source device)”).

  Then, information (user instruction information) based on the user instruction input on the confirmation screen is transmitted from the MFP 10b to the MFP 10a. Based on the user instruction information returned (transmitted) from the MFP 10a, the MFP 10a (processing control unit 17) determines whether the MFP 10a or the MFP 10b executes the corresponding process for the execution target command.

  When the user instruction information indicating that the execution process for the execution target command is to be executed by the MFP 10b (operation source apparatus) is received, it is determined that the execution process for the execution target command should be executed by the MFP 10b. Operations similar to S22 and S23 are executed.

  On the other hand, when user instruction information indicating that the execution process of the execution target command is to be executed by the MFP 10a (operation destination apparatus) is received, it is determined that the execution process of the execution target command should be executed by the MFP 10a. The prohibition of execution of the processing corresponding to the target command in the MFP 10a is released. Then, the corresponding process for the execution target command is executed in the MFP 10a. For example, a print output process using the print output unit 3 of the MFP 10a is executed.

  According to such an operation, it is possible to respond more flexibly than when a specific hardware operation (for example, a print output operation) in the MFP 10a is always prohibited. For example, since both the MFP 10a and the MFP 10b exist in the vicinity of the user and the MFP 10a is being used by another user, the remote operation is started using the MFP 10b, but the other user of the MFP 10a is in the middle of the remote operation. It is assumed that the use by has ended. In such a situation, it is possible to perform print output using a more suitable desired device (for example, MFP 10a). For example, it is possible to perform print output at a relatively high speed using the relatively high speed MFP 10a.

  Further, whether or not to perform such an inquiry operation may be switched by a user setting in the MFP 10a.

  In the above-described embodiment and the like, the print output command is mainly exemplified as the predetermined first type command accompanied by the hardware operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the above concept can be applied to an image scan command, and the first type of command can include an image scan command. The image scan command is a command indicating that an image scanning operation should be performed using an image reading unit (scan engine (image scanning hardware)) (document image data should be generated by the image scanning operation).

  More specifically, in a mode in which the MFP 10a is remotely operated using the browser of the MFP 10b and a scan operation execution command is executed by the MFP 10a, the scan operation in the MFP 10a (connection destination device) can be prohibited. It is. According to this, the problem caused by the fact that a device that is relatively difficult to be directly contacted by the user (remote connection destination device) is always used and a specific hardware process (scan process) is performed can be solved. For example, the user does not have to move to perform the scanning operation to the disposition location of the MFP 10a that is relatively far away, and the convenience of the user can be improved. In other words, in a situation where the MFP 10a is arranged at a location away from the user operating the MFP 10b, it is possible to avoid the MFP 10a from waiting for a scanning operation regardless of the user's intention. It is.

  In addition, processing that uses specific hardware (image scan engine) is not directly executed by the MFP 10a, but using corresponding hardware (image scan engine or the like) in the external device (MFP 10b) of the operation source (connection source). It is possible to execute. According to this, in the remote operation, it is possible to obtain an advantage by using the hardware of the apparatus (MFP 10b) on the remote operation side. For example, the user can perform scan processing on the operation target MFP 10b (the MFP 10b in the vicinity of the user) without moving to the location where the MFP 10a is disposed, and thus high convenience can be obtained.

  In addition, various commands related to the authentication operation of the authentication hardware (various authentication devices (fingerprint authentication device and card type authentication device, etc.)) and various types of charging operation of the charging hardware (coin-insertion type charging device) The command and the like are also exemplified as a first type of command that is determined in advance with hardware operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 6c Operation panel part 10 MFP (image forming apparatus)
25 Touch Panel 101 Network 201 Operation System Software (OS)
202 Firmware 203 Application Platform 204 Wrapper 205 Internal Server 207 Web Browser 208 Application

Claims (23)

An image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external device,
A receiving unit that receives an execution instruction of an execution target command from a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus ;
The first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by the operation of the hardware and the second type command which is a command of a type other than the first type of command may be received from the external device. Determining means for determining whether the execution target command belongs;
A process control means for determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute a process corresponding to the execution target command based on a type of the execution target command;
With
The processing control means includes
Permitting execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus when the execution target command from the external device is determined to be the second type of command;
When the execution target command from the external device is the first type command, the image forming apparatus prohibits execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The process control means, when the execution target command is the first type command, transmitting to the external device that the processing corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the external device; An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external device,
A receiving unit that receives an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application implemented in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
Whether the execution target command belongs to a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command Determining means for determining
A process control means for determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute a process corresponding to the execution target command based on a type of the execution target command;
With
The processing control means includes
When it is determined that the execution target command is the second type command, the execution of the processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
When the execution target command is the first type of command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring list information on executable commands that are commands executable on the external device;
Further comprising
When it is determined that the execution target command is the first type command and the execution target command is the executable command, the processing control unit performs processing corresponding to the execution target command. An image forming apparatus that transmits to the external apparatus information to be executed by the external apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
When the execution target command is included in the list information as the executable command, the processing control unit transmits the execution target command as it is to the external device, and performs processing corresponding to the execution target command. An image forming apparatus that is executed by an external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
When the execution target command is the first type command, the processing control unit can execute the same process as the execution target command on the external device, although the execution target command is not the executable command. Is generated, an alternative command for executing processing equivalent to the execution target command is generated, the alternative command is transmitted to the external device, and the processing corresponding to the execution target command is performed. An image forming apparatus that is executed by an external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the substitute command has setting information included in the execution target command. An image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external device,
A receiving unit that receives an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application implemented in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
Whether the execution target command belongs to a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command Determining means for determining
A process control means for determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute a process corresponding to the execution target command based on a type of the execution target command;
With
The processing control means includes
When it is determined that the execution target command is the second type command, the execution of the processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
When the execution target command is the first type command, execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is temporarily prohibited, and the process corresponding to the execution target command is User instruction sent to the external apparatus for confirmation information for accepting a user instruction regarding which of the forming apparatus and the external apparatus should be executed, and returned from the external apparatus in response to the transmission of the confirmation information An image forming apparatus that determines whether processing corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus based on information. An image forming apparatus capable of executing an application in response to a remote connection from an external device,
A receiving unit that receives an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application implemented in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
Whether the execution target command belongs to a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command Determining means for determining
A process control means for determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute a process corresponding to the execution target command based on a type of the execution target command;
With
The processing control means includes
When it is determined that the execution target command is the second type command, the execution of the processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
When the execution target command is the first type of command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited,
The reception unit, the determination unit, and the processing control unit are provided as middleware that mediates the application and operation system software,
The middleware includes a first middleware including the receiving unit, and a second middleware configured separately from the first middleware,
The second middleware is provided between the first middleware and the operation system software,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the determination unit and the processing control unit are provided in the second middleware. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The external device has a web browser,
The image forming apparatus has a web server,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the application installed in the image forming apparatus is executed in response to an access from the web browser of the external apparatus to the web server of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of command includes a print output command indicating that a print output operation using print output hardware should be performed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first type of command includes an image scan command indicating that an image scan operation using hardware for image scan should be performed. In a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus according to a remote connection from an external apparatus,
a) receiving, from the external device, an instruction to execute an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming device in a remote connection from the external device;
b) The first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by the operation of hardware and the second type command which is a command type other than the first type command are sent from the external device. Determining whether the execution target command belongs to,
c) determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command based on the type of the execution target command;
A program for executing
In step c) ,
When it is determined that the execution target command from the external device is the second type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
When the execution target command from the external apparatus is the first type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited.   The program according to claim 12,
  In step c), when the execution target command is the first type command, the fact that processing corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the external device is transmitted to the external device. A featured program. In a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus according to a remote connection from an external apparatus,
a) receiving an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
b) The execution target command may be a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by a hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command. Determining whether or not
c) determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command based on the type of the execution target command;
A program for executing
In step c) ,
If the execution target command is determined to be the second type of command, execution in the image forming apparatus of a process corresponding to the execution object command is permitted,
If the execution object command is the first type of command execution in the image forming apparatus of a process corresponding to the execution object command is prohibited,
The program is
d) obtaining list information on executable commands that are commands executable on the external device;
Further executing on the computer,
In the step c), when it is determined that the execution target command is the first type command and the execution target command is the executable command, a process corresponding to the execution target command is performed on the external device. Is transmitted to the external device.   The program according to claim 14, wherein
  In the step c), when the execution target command is included in the list information as the executable command, the execution target command is transmitted as it is to the external device, and a process corresponding to the execution target command is performed. A program characterized by being executed by   The program according to claim 14, wherein
  In the step c), when the execution target command is the first type command, the execution target command is not the executable command, but a process equivalent to the execution target command can be executed by the external device. When it is determined that there is an alternative command, an alternative command for executing processing equivalent to the execution target command is generated, the alternative command is transmitted to the external device, and processing corresponding to the execution target command is executed by the external device A program characterized by letting   The program according to claim 16, wherein
  The substitute command has setting information included in the execution target command.   In a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus according to a remote connection from an external apparatus,
  a) receiving an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
  b) The execution target command may be a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by a hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command. Determining whether or not
  c) determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command based on the type of the execution target command;
A program for executing
  In step c),
    When it is determined that the execution target command is the second type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
    When the execution target command is the first type command, execution of the process corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is temporarily prohibited, and the process corresponding to the execution target command is performed in the image forming apparatus. Confirmation information for accepting a user instruction regarding whether to execute with the external device is transmitted to the external device, and the user instruction information returned from the external device in response to the transmission of the confirmation information Based on this, it is determined whether the process corresponding to the execution target command is to be executed by the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus.   In a computer built in the image forming apparatus capable of executing an application installed in the image forming apparatus according to a remote connection from an external apparatus,
  a) receiving an execution instruction of an execution target command among a plurality of commands related to the application installed in the image forming apparatus in a remote connection from the external apparatus;
  b) The execution target command may be a first type command of a predetermined type accompanied by a hardware operation or a second type command that is a command type other than the first type command. Determining whether or not
  c) determining whether to permit the image forming apparatus to execute the process corresponding to the execution target command based on the type of the execution target command;
A program for executing
  In step c),
    When it is determined that the execution target command is the second type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is permitted,
    When the execution target command is the first type command, execution of processing corresponding to the execution target command in the image forming apparatus is prohibited,
  Steps a), b), and c) are executed by middleware that mediates the application and operation system software.
  The middleware includes a first middleware that executes processing including the step a), and a second middleware configured separately from the first middleware,
  The second middleware is provided between the first middleware and the operation system software,
  Steps b) and c) are executed by the second middleware.   The program according to any one of claims 12 to 19,
  The program installed in the image forming apparatus is executed in response to an access from the web browser of the external apparatus to the web server of the image forming apparatus.   The program according to any one of claims 12 to 20,
  The first type of command includes a print output command indicating that a print output operation using print output hardware should be performed.   The program according to any one of claims 12 to 20,
  The first type command includes an image scan command indicating that an image scan operation using hardware for image scan should be performed. An image forming system,
An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
It said external device capable of remotely connected, to execute the application that is mounted on the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus,
An image forming system comprising:

Images