CN100465943C - System and device for image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

An image processing system, which includes an image processing device including at least one of an image reading unit which reads an image and generates image data representing the image and an image printing unit which prints an image represented by image data, a service supply unit configured to execute a service regarding at least one of image data generated by the image reading unit and image data representing an image to be printed by the image printing unit, in response to a request from the image processing device, and an information supply unit which supplies the image processing device with information on services executable by the service supply unit. The information supply unit includes a service storage unit that stores the information on services executable by the service supply unit, and a service information transmitting unit that transmits the stored information on services to the image processing device.

Description

Handle the system and the equipment of image

Technical field

Various aspects of the present invention relate to the image processing system of handling image.

Background technology

Used based on network image processing system.An example of based on network image processing system is open in the interim publication of Jap.P. HEI9-238215 number.In the disclosed system of this publication, a digital copy equipment is connected to main frame, this main frame has the function that this digital copy equipment is not had.This digital copy equipment is to the density of main frame transmitting control commands code and image, and the host computer using image editing function relevant with pending view data analyzed the control command code and the carries out image processing that receive simultaneously.

Then, the view data of host process is sent back to digital copy equipment, and prints by digital copy equipment.In this system, if add new function to main frame, represent that the data of new function are provided to digital copy equipment from main frame, operation digital copy equipment selects to be added to the new function of digital copy equipment to ask the user.That is to say that in this system, when new function was selected in digital copy equipment by the user and registered, the user wanted that this new function of using can be utilized.

Yet said system also is not suitable for the environment (as the generic server on the Internet) that a plurality of equipment increases and decreases every day at random.

Especially, when registering this function in the digital copy equipment of user in said system, because adding every function of main frame to all can be used by the user, and in the environment that various types of equipment are added continually and remove (as the generic server on the Internet), user's have in digital copy equipment, carry out very continually registration of function, and increase with quantity of information to be registered.

Summary of the invention

Various aspects of the present invention are favourable, because they provide at least a system and the equipment that network environment is handled image that is suitable for, various types of services of server and quantity of service change continually in network environment.

Note, in the following description, set forth the various connections between the element.Be noted that except as otherwise noted, in normal circumstances, these connections can be direct or indirect, and this instructions is being unrestricted aspect this.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing system is provided, it comprises image processing equipment, this image processing equipment comprises reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that is produced by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, this image processing system also comprises the information providing unit that the executable information on services in service provisioning unit is offered image processing equipment.In this system, the information providing unit comprises the service memory unit of the executable information on services of stores service feed unit, and will be stored in the service information transfers unit of the service information transfers of service memory unit to image processing equipment.This image processing equipment comprises: the service determining unit, and it will present to the user from the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by the service provisioning unit; And the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit.The service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, the service of its carries out image processing device request.

According to above-mentioned image processing system, this image processing equipment (for example multifunction peripheral) allows to select required service, and this service is asked based on the information on services that transmits from the information providing unit by the service provisioning unit.Therefore, image processing equipment there is no need to preserve the information about available COS and position, even the enormous amount of available service ground increases.It should be understood that this image processing system is applicable to many environment, a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

Alternatively, this image processing equipment can comprise the information on services request unit, and the request that it sends service information is to the information providing unit.The service information transfers unit can receive request with response from the information on services request unit with service information transfers to image processing equipment.

Remain alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the services request judging unit, and it judges whether image processing equipment should be in the state of service provisioning unit requests service at image processing equipment.If it is should be from the state of service provision unit requests service at image processing equipment that image processing equipment is judged by services request judgement system, the request that this information on services request unit can send service information is to the information providing unit.

Still alternatively, by showing information on services and accepting the input that the user selects this service, the service determining unit can be determined to treat requested service from the service provisioning unit.

Still alternatively, the service provisioning unit can comprise the Service Notification unit, and its executable information on services in transmission service provisioning unit is to the information providing unit.The information providing unit can comprise the information on services updating block, based on the information on services of service provisioning unit transmission, the information on services of being stored in this information on services updating block update service storage unit.

Still alternatively, if revised the executable service in service provisioning unit, the Service Notification unit can transmit the information on services of modification to the information providing unit.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise the parameter setting information transmission unit, and it will carry out the parameter setting information transmission of the necessary required parameter of service to image processing equipment.In this case, image processing equipment can comprise the parameter setting unit that utilizes parameter setting information to come setup parameter, and the parameter transmission unit, and the parameter that it sets the parameter setting unit is transferred to the service provisioning unit.Service execution unit can be according to from parameter transmission unit institute transmission parameters, carries out image processing equipment institute requested service.

Still alternatively, information providing unit and service feed unit can be carried out on computers.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise image processing equipment, and they each function is as image processing equipment.In this case, at least a portion function of information providing unit can be included in the part of image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise image processing equipment, and they each function is as image processing equipment.In this case, at least a portion function of information providing unit and service feed unit can be included in the part of image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the function executing unit, and the function of its carries out image processing equipment receives service with the response image treatment facility from the service provisioning unit.The information providing unit can comprise the environmental selection unit, and it selects to be suitable for the service of image processing equipment applied environment in the executable service in service provisioning unit.In addition, the service information transfers unit can transmit the relevant information of selecting with the environmental selection unit of service.

Because the service of image processing equipment environment for use is selected to be suitable in the environmental selection unit, the service that image processing equipment can select self applied environment with equipment to be complementary safely.

Still alternatively, environment for use can relate to the performance of the function of image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the environment notification unit, and it offers the environmental selection unit with applied environment.Service can be selected according to the applied environment that the environment notification unit provides in the environmental selection unit.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the user's of sign use image processing equipment user ID unit, the information extraction unit, it extracts the corresponding License Info of user that the user ID unit is identified from database, in this database, each part License Info is associated with the user respectively (service of License Info representative of consumer permission), also can comprise the notification of permit unit, and it recognizes the information providing unit with the License Info that the information extraction unit extracts.In this case, select service in the service that the environmental selection unit can indicate from the License Info that the notification of permit unit provides.

Still alternatively, the language of language and image processing equipment can be set the information of coupling in the service information transfers unit, is transferred to information on services to be supplied.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise that the request with information on services sends to the information on services request unit of information providing unit, and the language notification unit, and it is set language and recognizes the information providing unit.In this case, the service information transfers unit can transmit the information that coupling set in language that language and language notification unit discerned, receives request with the response message feed unit from the information on services request unit.

Still alternatively, the information that is transferred to image processing equipment from the service information transfers unit can have following data structure, and this data structure can make information show on the display unit of image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of this display unit.

Such configuration makes image processing equipment correctly and easily produce screen based on information on services.

Still alternatively, this information can have hierarchy, and the clauses and subclauses that wherein are used to the selection of serving are with predetermined order layering.

Still alternatively, the information providing unit can have display language information, is used for producing information on services with one of multiple different language.The information providing unit can produce information on services, and this information on services is corresponding according to the appointed language of display language information appointment with image processing equipment, and transmits this information on services by the service information transfers unit.In addition, but runs image processing equipment before information on services is transferred to image processing equipment from the information providing unit, is transferred to the information providing unit with the language of appointment, information is shown on the image processing equipment thus, with the information on services that obtains to be complementary with appointed language.

Still alternatively, messaging device can comprise the tabulation generating unit, and the specified service list of information on services that is provided by the service information transfers unit is provided for it, also can comprise list display unit, and it shows this tabulation on the display of image processing equipment.In the case, but the operation service determining unit, so that the services selection service of user from tabulation.

Utilize this configuration, the user of image processing equipment is allowed to select service by the tabulation that shows.Such configuration allows the user easily and reliably to select the service of wanting.

Still alternatively, the tabulation generating unit can produce tabulation, so that the service in the tabulation differs from one another.

Still alternatively, the tabulation generating unit can produce tabulation, so that service is according to predetermined rule classification.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise the information providing unit, and the function of each unit is as the information providing unit.In this case, the tabulation generating unit can produce this tabulation according to the information on services of one of a plurality of information providings unit that is provided to satisfied predetermined generation condition.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the notice request unit, and it sends to the information providing unit with the request of information on services.But the operation information feed unit receives request so that information on services is provided to image processing equipment with the response message feed unit from the notice request unit.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise image processing equipment, and the function of each is as image processing equipment, also can comprise the service provisioning unit, and the function of each unit is as the service provisioning unit.In this case, each image processing equipment can comprise historical generating unit, and it produces historical information, and this historical information is the operation of reception from the service of service provisioning unit about the user.Image processing system can further comprise historical collecting unit, and it obtains historical information from each image processing equipment, also can comprise evaluation unit, and the historical information that it obtains based on historical collecting unit is carried out the evaluation to the service of service provisioning unit.

Utilize this configuration, might estimate every service fast and correctly according to user's welcome degree, this is to compare with the situation of estimating every service based on the questionnaire of serving.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise that evaluation result provides the unit, and the evaluation result that it draws evaluation unit sends to each image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, the service information transfers unit can comprise the tabulation transmission unit, it will represent the service list information of the executable service list in service provisioning unit, with the evaluation result that obtains by evaluation unit, be transferred to image processing equipment, receive the request signal of request service list in response to the service information transfers unit.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise the tabulation generating unit, it produces service list information, wherein comprise service identifiers with predetermined regular allocation, with the evaluation result that obtains by evaluation unit, also can comprise the tabulation transmission unit, its service list information that generating unit obtains of will tabulating sends to one of image processing equipment, receives the request signal of request service list from one of image processing equipment with the Response List transmission unit.

Still alternatively, each image processing equipment can be configured, and so that history information transmittance is arrived historical collecting unit, receives the request of historical information with response.In this case, historical collecting unit can send to the request of historical information each image processing equipment, to obtain historical information from each image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, each image processing equipment can be configured, so that history information transmittance is arrived historical collecting unit.In this case, historical collecting unit can be set to receive historical information by each image processing equipment transmission.

Still alternatively, historical generating unit can comprise the bookmark registering unit that produces bookmark information, the sign of wherein registering destination service is associated with purpose information, this purpose information is used for the request signal of service is sent to the service provision unit that the registration destination service is provided, and imports the user command of service registry and store bookmark information in storage unit with response.In this case, can move each image processing equipment, bookmark information is transferred to historical collecting unit as historical information, from the purpose information of storage unit acquisition corresponding to user's requested service sign, receive the utility command of service from the user with response, thereby the request that will serve sends to the service provisioning unit, and this unit is corresponding to the specified service of utility command.

Still alternatively, historical generating unit can comprise use number record cell, it produces the use information of number of the number of times of representative image treatment facility request service, and information of number is used in storage in its storage unit, and this use information of number produces for every service.In this case, each image processing equipment can be configured, and is transferred to historical collecting unit with the use information of number that will use the number record cell to produce, as historical information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing system is provided, it comprises image processing equipment, this image processing equipment comprises reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, this image processing system also comprises the parameter setting information transmission unit, and the parameter setting information transmission that it will carry out the required parameter of service arrives image processing equipment.In this system, image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, it allows the user select service, and determine that selected service is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit, and comprises the parameter setting unit that utilizes parameter setting information to come setup parameter, with the parameter transmission unit, the parameter that it sets the parameter setting unit is transferred to the service provisioning unit.The service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, and its is according to from parameter transmission unit transmission parameters, carries out image processing equipment institute requested service.

According to above-mentioned image processing system, image processing equipment is allowed to utilize and comes setup parameter from parameter setting information transmission unit transmission parameters set information.The unnecessary information of preserving the related parameter setting of image processing equipment.It should be understood that this image processing system is applicable to many environment, a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

Alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the parameter setting information request unit, and its required parameter set information transmission unit comes the transmission parameter set information.In this case, the parameter setting information transmission unit can be come the transmission parameter set information with response parameter set information transmission unit by the image processing equipment request with the parameter setting information transmission to image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, the parameter setting information request unit can be carried out service with respond services request unit request service provisioning unit from parameter setting information transmission unit required parameter set information.

Still alternatively, by user's input of display parameter setting information and reception setup parameter, but parameter setting unit setup parameter.

Still alternatively, parameter setting information can relate to the setting of parameter, and this parameter is one of relevant image fetching unit and image print unit.

Still alternatively, the parameter by the parameter setting information request can be the part of the parameter that can set in image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing equipment can comprise the sound input block that is used for sound import and the voice output unit that is used for output sound of at least one.In the case, the service provisioning unit can be set carrying out following service, this service is relevant for the sound by the input of sound input block with by in the voice output unit sound to be exported at least one.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise image processing equipment, and the function of each equipment is as image processing equipment.In the case, at least a portion function of service provisioning unit can be included in the part of image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise image processing equipment, and the function of each equipment is as image processing equipment.In the case, at least a portion function of parameter setting information transmission unit can be included in the part of image processing equipment.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise the information providing unit, and it offers image processing equipment with the executable information on services in service provisioning unit.In the case, the service determining unit can be presented to the user with the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allows the user select service from the information that presents, and determines that selected service is asked by the service provisioning unit.

Still alternatively, the parameter setting information that is transferred to image processing equipment from the parameter setting information transmission unit can have following data structure, this structure can make parameter setting information show on the display unit of image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of this display unit.

Such configuration can make image processing equipment based on about the service parameter setting information and correctly and easily produce screen.

Still alternatively, parameter setting information can have hierarchy, the wherein used order layering of clauses and subclauses to be scheduled to of parameter input.

Still alternatively, the information providing unit can have display language information, is used for producing information on services with one of multiple different language.The information providing unit can produce information on services, and this information on services is corresponding according to the appointed language of display language information appointment with image processing equipment, and transmits this information on services by the service information transfers unit.In addition, but runs image processing equipment before information on services is transferred to image processing equipment from the information providing unit, is transferred to the information providing unit with the language of appointment, information is shown on the image processing equipment thus, with the information on services that obtains to be complementary with appointed language.

Still alternatively, image processing system can comprise server, and this server comprises above-mentioned parameter set information transmission unit.In this case, this server can comprise the storage unit of server side, and its stored parameter set information is associated parameter setting information simultaneously with grouping information.This parameter setting information transmission unit can be transferred to image processing equipment with parameter setting information with corresponding grouping information.In this case, image processing equipment can comprise the storage unit of equipment side, its stored parameter set information, simultaneously parameter setting information is associated with grouping information, also can comprise device control cell, this device control cell operation is to judge whether the information that requires is stored in the storage unit of equipment side, if the information that requires is to be stored in the storage unit of equipment side, utilize the information of the requirement in the equipment side storage unit, if information requested is not stored in the storage unit of equipment side, then from the desired information of server requests, and the solicited message that storage server provides in the storage unit of equipment side is associated solicited message simultaneously with corresponding grouping information.In addition, but whether the operational outfit control module reaches a preset upper limit with the information memory capacity of judgment device side storage unit, for the information corresponding to the grouping information of mating predetermined condition is sought the equipment side storage unit, if information finds, the information that while is newly provided by server in the equipment side cell stores, the information that will newly provide is associated with corresponding grouping information simultaneously, then delete information corresponding to the grouping information of coupling predetermined condition, if and the canned data amount does not reach preset upper limit, the information that newly provides in the equipment side cell stores, and in equipment side storage unit deletion information.

According to above-mentioned configuration, carry out the whether judgement of deleted file according to grouping information.Therefore, the deleted possibility of file (information) with the high likelihood that is used again has reduced.Thereby the possibility that obtains the approach of such file has also reduced.The processing load of server (file is offered image processing equipment) reduces.The workability of image processing equipment can be enhanced.

Still alternatively, grouping information can be categorized as the grouping information of the first kind and the grouping information of second type.The grouping information of the first kind can be made up of main grouping information, and the grouping information of second type can comprise main grouping information and sub-grouping information.In this case, but operational outfit control module, whether the information that relates to the grouping information of second type with judgement is stored in the equipment side storage unit, the grouping information that wherein has second type of main grouping information is equal to the main grouping information that is judged the first kind grouping information that satisfies predetermined condition upon the look, thereby from the judgement of carrying out, remove first kind grouping information according to predetermined condition, and seek once more.

Still alternatively, but the operational outfit control module, thus when obtaining information, needs obtain temporal information, with temporal information and corresponding grouping information or corresponding associating information the time, store this temporal information, and utilize temporal information as predetermined condition, seek the information that satisfies predetermined condition.

Still alternatively, but the operational outfit control module, with the occurrence frequency of acquired information request, when this frequency when related with corresponding information or grouping information, this frequency of storage in the equipment side storage unit, and utilize this frequency as predetermined condition, seek the information that satisfies predetermined condition.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the image processing equipment that forms image processing system.This image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, promptly view data and the presentation video print unit that is produced by image fetching unit treated the view data of print image, and comprises the information providing unit that the executable information on services in service provisioning unit is offered image processing equipment.In this structure, image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and the service of definite this selection conduct is by service provisioning unit institute requested service, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit.

According to above-mentioned image processing system, this image processing equipment (for example multifunction peripheral) allows to select required service, and this service is asked based on the information on services that transmits from the information providing unit by the service provisioning unit.Therefore, image processing equipment there is no need to preserve the information about available COS and position, even the quantity of available service increases fully.The image processing system that is applicable to many environment can be provided, and a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the image processing equipment that forms image processing system.This image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, and comprising the parameter setting information transmission unit, it arrives image processing equipment to the parameter setting information transmission of the required parameter of carrying out service.In this structure, image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, it allows the user select service, and determine that selected service is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the service that service determining unit is determined is carried out in its request service provisioning unit, and utilizes the parameter setting unit of parameter setting information setting parameter and the parameter that the parameter setting unit is set is transferred to the parameter transmission unit of service provisioning unit.

According to above-mentioned image processing system, image processing equipment is allowed to utilize and comes setup parameter from parameter setting information transmission unit transmission parameters set information.The unnecessary information of preserving the related parameter setting of image processing equipment.The image processing system that is applicable to many environment can be provided, and a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the server that forms image processing system.This image processing system comprises image processing equipment, this image processing equipment comprises reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the information providing unit that the executable information on services in service provisioning unit is offered image processing equipment.In this structure, server comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data.The information providing unit comprises the service memory unit of the executable information on services of stores service feed unit, and will be stored in the service information transfers unit of the service information transfers of service memory unit to image processing equipment.This image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and the service of determining this selection is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit.The service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, the service of its carries out image processing device request.

Server allows this image processing equipment (for example multifunction peripheral) to select required service, and this service is asked based on the information on services that transmits from the information providing unit by the service provisioning unit.Therefore, image processing equipment is not preserved the information about available COS and position, even the enormous amount of available service ground increases.The server that is applicable to many environment can be provided, and a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the server that forms image processing system.This image processing system comprises image processing equipment, this equipment comprises reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data.In this structure, server comprises the information providing unit that the executable information on services in service provisioning unit is offered image processing equipment.This information providing unit comprises the service memory unit of the executable information on services of stores service feed unit, and will be stored in the service information transfers unit of the service information transfers of service memory unit to image processing equipment.This image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and the service of determining this selection is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit.The service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, the service of its carries out image processing device request.

Server allows the image processing equipment utilization to come setup parameter from parameter setting information transmission unit transmission parameters set information.The unnecessary information of preserving the related parameter setting of image processing equipment.The server that is applicable to many environment can be provided, and a large amount of utilized service increases and decreases (for example generic server on the Internet) every day randomly in these environment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the image processing equipment that forms image processing system.This image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, promptly view data and the presentation video print unit that is produced by image fetching unit treated the view data of print image, and comprises the information providing unit that the executable information on services in service provisioning unit is offered image processing equipment.In this structure, image processing equipment comprises the environment notification unit, this unit offers the information providing unit with the environment for use of image processing equipment, also comprise the service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and the service of determining this selection is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit, and comprising the function executing unit, the function of its carries out image processing equipment receives service with the response image treatment facility from the service provisioning unit.The information on services that the information providing unit provides relates to the service of the environment for use that is suitable for image processing equipment.

Because the selection of environmental selection unit is suitable for the service of the environment for use of image processing equipment, image processing equipment can be selected the service with equipment self environment for use coupling safely.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the server that forms image processing system.This image processing system comprises image processing equipment, this equipment has reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data.In this structure, server comprises the environmental selection unit, the service of the environment for use of image processing equipment is selected to be suitable in this unit in the executable service in service provisioning unit, also comprise the information providing unit, this unit offers image processing equipment with the executable information on services in service provisioning unit.The information that the information providing unit provides relates to the service that the environmental selection unit is selected.

Because the selection of environmental selection unit is suitable for the service of the environment for use of image processing equipment, image processing equipment can be selected the service with equipment self environment for use coupling safely.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the image processing equipment that forms image processing system.This image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, also comprise the information providing unit, this unit offers image processing equipment with the executable information on services in service provisioning unit.In this structure, the information providing unit comprises the service memory unit and the service information transmission unit of the executable information on services of stores service feed unit, and it arrives image processing equipment to the service information transfers of storing in the service memory unit.This image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, this service determining unit is presented to the user with the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the user from the information that presents, select service, and determine that selected service is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit.The information on services that is transferred to image processing equipment from the service information transfers unit has following data structure, and this data structure shows information on the display unit of image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of display unit.

Such configuration makes image processing equipment correctly and easily produce screen based on information on services.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the server that forms image processing system.This image processing system comprises image processing equipment, this equipment has reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data.This server comprises the information providing unit, and this unit offers image processing equipment with the executable information on services in service provisioning unit.The information on services that is transferred to image processing equipment has following data structure, and this data structure shows information on services on the display unit of image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of display unit.

Such configuration makes image processing equipment correctly and easily produce screen based on information on services.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the image processing equipment that forms image processing system.This image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system can comprise the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, and the server that comprises the parameter setting information transmission unit, the parameter setting information transmission that this parameter setting information transmission unit will be carried out the required parameter of service arrives image processing equipment.In this structure, image processing equipment comprises the storage unit of equipment side, its stored parameter set information, simultaneously parameter setting information is associated with grouping information, also can comprise device control cell, this device control cell operation is to judge whether the information that requires is stored in the storage unit of equipment side, if the information that requires is to be stored in the storage unit of equipment side, utilize the information of the requirement in the equipment side storage unit, if information requested is not stored in the storage unit of equipment side, then from the desired information of server requests, and the solicited message that storage server provides in the storage unit of equipment side is associated solicited message simultaneously with corresponding grouping information.Whether the operational outfit control module reaches a preset upper limit with the information memory capacity of judgment device side storage unit, for the information corresponding to the grouping information of mating predetermined condition is sought the equipment side storage unit, if information finds, the information that while is newly provided by server in the equipment side cell stores, the information that will newly provide is associated with corresponding grouping information simultaneously, then delete information corresponding to the grouping information of coupling predetermined condition, if and the canned data amount does not reach preset upper limit, the information that newly provides in the equipment side cell stores, and in equipment side storage unit deletion information.

According to above-mentioned configuration, carry out the whether judgement of deleted file according to grouping information.Therefore, the deleted possibility of file (information) with the high likelihood that is used again has reduced.Thereby reference-to storage has also reduced with the possibility that obtains such file.The processing load of server (file is offered image processing equipment) reduces.The workability of image processing equipment can be enhanced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the image processing equipment that forms image processing system is provided, this image processing equipment comprise reading images and produce this image of expression view data image fetching unit and print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation.This image processing system comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image, also comprise the information providing unit, this unit offers image processing equipment with the executable information on services in service provisioning unit.In this structure, image processing equipment comprises the service determining unit, this service determining unit is presented to the user with the information on services of information providing unit transmission, allow the user from the information that presents, select service, and determine that selected service is asked by the service provisioning unit, also comprise the services request unit, the determined service of service determining unit is carried out in its request service provisioning unit, also comprise the tabulation generating unit, the specified service list of information on services that is provided by the service information transfers unit is provided for it, and comprising list display unit, it is presented at this tabulation on the display of image processing equipment.The operation service determining unit, thus user's services selection service from tabulation allowed.

Utilize this configuration, allow the user of image processing equipment to select service by the tabulation that shows.Such configuration allows the user easily and reliably to select the service of wanting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide the server that forms image processing system.This image processing system comprises image processing equipment, this equipment has reading images and produces the image fetching unit of the view data of this image of expression, with print by at least one unit in the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation, this image processing system also comprises the service provisioning unit of the request of image processing equipment being made response, this unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by image fetching unit and the presentation video print unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data.In this structure, server comprises historical collecting unit, it obtains historical information from image processing equipment, this historical information is relevant for the user's operation that receives the service of operating on the image processing equipment, also comprise evaluation unit, it is based on the evaluation of the historical information execution that obtains from historical collecting unit to service.

Utilize this configuration, might estimate every service fast and correctly to its welcome degree according to the user, this is to compare with the situation of estimating every service based on the questionnaire of serving.

Various aspects of the present invention can be used as the program that is stored in the computer-readable medium, in computer software, carry out, these media include but not limited to RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, CD medium, dvd media, temporary storage, hard disk, floppy disk, permanent storage, and analog.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the sketch of expression whole compositions of the image processing system of various aspects according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram that shows the guidance panel of the MFP (multifunction peripheral) in the image processing system of the various aspects according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the key diagram of expression example of the data structure of the top service definition information of various aspects according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 be expression according to the present invention various aspects relevant duplicate the key diagram of example of the data structure of the service definition information that application serves.

Fig. 5 A is the synoptic diagram of expression example of the services selection screen of various aspects according to the present invention to 5C.

Fig. 6 to 8 is key diagrams expression various aspects according to the present invention and the example data structure of translating the corresponding service of copy services I/F information.

Fig. 9 A is the synoptic diagram of expression example of the parameter entr screen of various aspects according to the present invention to 9E.

Figure 10 A and 10B are used for explaining according to the present invention various aspects, usually the synoptic diagram of the resolution that can set MFP.

Figure 11 represents according to the present invention various aspects, the ladder diagram of the example of carrying out between the function server in MFP and image processing system of getting in touch.

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram of expression MFP process, the various aspects according to the present invention, and it is to be carried out by the control module of MFP that MFP handles.

Figure 13 represents to be used to specify the example of the selection screen of serving designation method.

Figure 14 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the conversation procedure of carrying out by the MFP control module.

Figure 15 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the assigned work activation of carrying out by the MFP control module.

Figure 16 represents according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram that the UI that is carried out by the MFP control module works.

Figure 17 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the input service of carrying out by the MFP control module.

Figure 18 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the output services of carrying out by the MFP control module.

Figure 19 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the LIST SERVER process of carrying out by the control module of LIST SERVER.

Figure 20 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the function server process of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 21 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the service control information process of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 22 and 23 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the conversation procedure of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 24 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the UI course of work of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 25 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the scanning work process of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 26 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the print job process of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 27 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the service of being carried out by the control module of function server increases the process flow diagram of process.

Figure 28 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the service change process of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 29 be expression according to the present invention various aspects, the process flow diagram of the service delete procedure of carrying out by the control module of function server.

Figure 30 to 42 expression is according to the variation of the configuration of the image processing system of illustrative embodiments.

Figure 43 is the process flow diagram of the explanation first definition information list production process.

Figure 44 is the process flow diagram of the explanation second definition information list production process.

Figure 45 is the process flow diagram that explanation UI (user interface) provides process.

Figure 46 is the process flow diagram of explanation menu procedure for displaying.

Figure 47 is the process flow diagram of form of description procedure for displaying.

Figure 48 is the process flow diagram of explanatory text/password input procedure for displaying.

Figure 49 is the process flow diagram that the input procedure for displaying is selected in explanation.

Figure 50 is the process flow diagram of supporting paper gatherer process.

Figure 51 is the process flow diagram of explanation cache management information updating process 1.

The process flow diagram of Figure 52 and 53 expression explanation deleted file decision processes 1.

Figure 54 is the process flow diagram of explanation cache memory registration process 1.

The example of Figure 55 and 56 expression cache management information.

Figure 57 is the process flow diagram of explanation cache management information updating process 2.

The process flow diagram of Figure 58 and 59 expression explanation deleted file decision processes 2.

Figure 60 is the process flow diagram of explanation cache memory registration process 2.

Figure 61 is the process flow diagram of explanation frequency renewal process.

Figure 62 represents the example of the data structure of webpage.

Figure 63 represents the example of homepage.

Figure 64 represents the example of the html file of traffic management webpage.

Figure 65 is the sketch according to the image processing system of second illustrative embodiments.

Figure 66 is the process flow diagram of explanation MFP process.

Figure 67 is the example of explanation LIST SERVER tabulation.

Figure 68 represents the example of top service definition information.

The example of Figure 69 presentation class service definition information.

Figure 70 represents to be stored in the data structure of the information in the service definition information storage area.

Figure 71 is the process flow diagram of explanation services selection screen production process.

Figure 72 represents the example by the services selection screen of services selection screen production process generation.

Figure 73 represents one of a plurality of variations of MFP process.

Figure 74 is the process flow diagram of explanation server right of priority renewal process.

The variation of Figure 75 and 76 expression MFP processes.

Figure 77 is the sketch according to the image processing system of the 3rd illustrative embodiments.

Figure 78 A, 78B and 78C explanation correspond respectively to the example of the services selection screen of many service definition information.

Figure 79 to 81 expression is the example of the service definition information in Figure 78 A, 78B and 78C respectively.

Figure 82 is the process flow diagram of explanation MFP process.

Figure 83 is the process flow diagram of explanation LIST SERVER process.

Figure 84 is the process flow diagram of explanation applicating history recording process.

The example of the data structure of Figure 85 display application history file.

Figure 86 is the process flow diagram of bookmark registration process.

The example of Figure 87 A display bookmark file.

Figure 87 B is the process flow diagram that bookmark shows connection procedure.

Figure 88 A is the process flow diagram of explanation service application information transmission course.

Figure 88 B is the process flow diagram of explanation service application information production process.

Figure 89 shows the example of the service application information that the service application information production process produces.

Figure 90 is the process flow diagram of explanation application message collection process.

Figure 91 is the process flow diagram of reception of explanation application message and registration process.

Figure 92 illustrates the example of service application information database.

Figure 93 is the process flow diagram of explanation service evaluation process.

Figure 94 is the process flow diagram of the pre-evaluation procedure of explanation.

Figure 95 illustrates the example of evaluation table.

Figure 96 is the process flow diagram of explanation service definition information renewal process.

Figure 97 A illustrates the example of the service definition information of being upgraded by the service definition information renewal process.

Figure 97 B explanation is based on the example of the services selection screen of the service definition information of upgrading.

Figure 98 is the process flow diagram of explanation service definition information renewal process.

The process flow diagram of the example of Figure 99 A service definition information that to be explanation produced by the service definition information renewal process of Figure 98.

Figure 99 B is the example of the services selection screen of the service definition information shown in Figure 99 A.

Figure 100 is the process flow diagram of account for screen procedure for displaying.

Embodiment

Below with reference to accompanying drawing, describe according to illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 is the sketch according to the image processing system 100 of first illustrative embodiments of the present invention.As shown in Figure 1, image processing system 1 comprises MFP (multifunction peripheral) 10, LIST SERVER 20, and the function server 30 that can communicate with one another by wide area network 1 (for example the Internet).MFP 10, and LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are connected to wide area network 1 by router two, 3 and 4 separately.For example, router two is a broadband router, and closing all of the port under the normal condition, the packet that is complementary by the request with internal unit (for example MFP 10) output only is to be connected to external unit (for example function server 30) with its operation.

More particularly, about being sent to the packet of the internal unit (for example MFP 10) in the sub-network, router two is only by being judged as those packets to the response that request is done of internal unit, and blocks other packet.That is, router two blocks the uncommitted visit from 1 couple of MFP 10 of wide area network as fire wall.

MFP 10 has phone (voice communication) function, scanner functions, printing function, copy function and facsimile function.MFP 10 can utilize the various services by relevant these functions of network 1.Particularly, function server 30 is carried out the service of one of function corresponding to MFP 10, and response is made in the request of MFP 10.In system 100, LIST SERVER 20 will be provided to MFP 10 relevant for the information of service, and this service can be provided by function server 30.

Below, will explain the configuration of MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30.As shown in Figure 1, MFP 10 comprises control module 11, operating unit 12, reading unit 13, record cell 14, communication unit 15, storage unit 16, sound input block 17, voice output unit 18 and display unit 19.Control module 11 comprises unshowned CPU (central processing unit) among Fig. 1, ROM (ROM (read-only memory)) and RAM (random access storage device), and the various parts among the control MFP10.In the ROM of control module 11, the program (referring to Figure 12 and 14 to 18) that storage is carried out by CPU.

Fig. 2 represents the guidance panel 12a of operating unit 12.Operation unit 12 accepting user's operation, and offers the user by guidance panel 12a with notice.Especially, guidance panel 12a comprises duplicate key 41, scanner key 42, fax key 43, services key 44, setting key 45, directionkeys 46,47,48 and 49, OK key 50 and cancel key 51.In addition, guidance panel 12a comprises display 52.

Read the recording medium (for example a piece of paper) of thin slice type as the reading unit 13 of scanner and go up the image that forms (printing), and produce view data corresponding to institute's reading images.Form image as the record cell 14 of printer corresponding to the view data on the thin slice.

Communication unit 15 controls are by the communication of network 1.Storage unit 16 comprises the non-volatile ram of storing various types of data.

Sound input block 17 comprises the microphone in the handheld device (not shown) that is installed in MFP 10.Sound input block 17 produces the voice data (for example PCM data) of expression sound that this microphone obtains.Voice output unit 18 comes output sound by the loudspeaker that is installed in the loudspeaker in the handheld device or be installed in MFP 10 main bodys.

Below, will the configuration of LIST SERVER 20 be described.LIST SERVER 20 comprises control module 21, communication unit 22 and storage unit 23.Control module 21 comprises the unshowned CPU of Fig. 1, ROM and RAM, and the various parts in the control LIST SERVER 20.In the ROM of control module 21, the program that the CPU of storage control unit 21 carries out.

Communication unit 22 is by network 1 control communication.Storage unit 23 comprises HDD (hard drive), wherein stores various types of information.Especially, storage unit 23 has service definition information storage unit 24, the fragment of the information 25 of stores service definition therein.

Service definition information 25 is the information (for example purpose of the type of every service and every service) relevant for service that function server 30 can provide.If service definition information is received by MFP 10, MFP 10 shows services selection screen (referring to Fig. 5) on display 52, selects service with the user who asks MFP 10.

In the present embodiment, the service that function server 30 can provide is divided into three classes, comprises " data storage service ", " print service " and " duplicate requests service ".Utilize the services selection screen, MFP10 at first shows three service types, and the request user selects one of these classifications, and shows the service that belongs to selected classification, and the request user selects one of these services.In service definition information storage unit 24, storage is corresponding to the service definition information (hereinafter often being called top service definition information) of the services selection screen of selecting classification with corresponding to the service definition information of the services selection screen of selecting service.

Fig. 3 represents the example of top service definition information 25.Fig. 4 represents the example corresponding to the service definition information 25 of " duplicating the application service ".Shown in Fig. 3 and 4, service definition information is described by XML (extendible SGML).About the explanation of the marker character that uses in the XML data shown in Fig. 3 and 4, expression in the table 1 below.

Table 1

If MFP 10 receives top service definition information, MFP 10 shows services selection screen (referring to Fig. 5 A) on display 52.On this services selection screen, the upper position character display " directory service " of display 52 is as showing title " title ".Under title " directory service ", character display " data storage service ", " print service " and " duplicating the application service ".In this stage, if operation directionkeys 46 and one of 47 up or down, pointer (Fig. 5 A to 5C in a pointed frame of dotted line) just moves up or down.If press OK key 50, then confirm to have selected clauses and subclauses of pointer appointment.

Each clauses and subclauses in the services selection screen are associated with ID corresponding to the service definition information 25 of each classification by " link position ".If confirmed the selection of clauses and subclauses, then will offer MFP10 corresponding to the service definition information 25 of the ID of selected clauses and subclauses.

For example, if in the services selection screen shown in Fig. 5 A, select " duplicating the application service ", then MFP10 receives the service definition information shown in Fig. 4, and MFP10 receives the service definition information shown in Fig. 4, the services selection screen shown in the displayed map 5B on display 52 then.Especially, " duplicate the application service " speech is presented at the top of display 52 as " title ".Under this title, show vocabulary " watermark is duplicated ", " translation is duplicated ", " original reading " and " sound-text transforms ".

Shown in Fig. 5 B,, provide arrow up and down on the right side of display 25a, with these clauses and subclauses of rolling up or down if when all these clauses and subclauses can not be simultaneously displayed on the display 52.In this screen, if being shown device 52, one or more clauses and subclauses hide, the arrow color of pointing to the direction of hiding the clauses and subclauses existence is a black.Hide if be shown device 52 without any clauses and subclauses on the direction of arrow indication, then the color of arrow is a white.Therefore, the user can notice whether have hiding clauses and subclauses.Because in the screen shown in Fig. 5 B, the arrow color of directed downwards is a black, the user can notice under clauses and subclauses " original reading " and have one or more clauses and subclauses.If the user operates downward directionkeys 47 under the state of Fig. 5 B, then clauses and subclauses are rolled downwards, clauses and subclauses " sound-text transforms " occur under clauses and subclauses " original reading ", shown in Fig. 5 C.

Similar with the situation of Fig. 5 A, being chosen in the services selection screen shown in Fig. 5 B and the 5C of clauses and subclauses confirmed.Each clauses and subclauses is associated with the URL (" link position ") of every service of request.If confirmed the selection of clauses and subclauses, then asked corresponding to the service on the URL of selected clauses and subclauses.

Next the configuration of explanation function server 30.Function server 30 comprises control module 31, communication unit 32 and storage unit 33.Control module 31 comprises CPU, ROM and the RAM that Fig. 1 does not show, and is controlling the various parts in the function server 30.The program that storage CPU carries out among the ROM of control module 31.The performance of control module 31 is far above the performance of the control module 11 of MFP10.Therefore, this function server can be carried out the complex process that MFP10 is difficult to carry out.

Communication unit 32 is being controlled the data communication of passing through network 1.Storage unit 33 comprises the individual HDD (hard drive) that has various types of information.Especially, storage unit 23 has service I/F (interface) information area 34 that has service I/F (interface) information 36 fragments and the service software zone 35 that has service software 37 fragments.

The fragments store of service software 37 is in service software zone 35, and the fragment of service software 37 is corresponding to function server 30 available services separately.Especially, function server 30 service that can provide comprise the service of the view data that the reading unit 13 about MFP10 produces, the service of the service of the voice data that produces about the sound input block 17 of MFP10, the view data printed about the record cell 14 of MFP10 and about the service of the voice data of the voice output of the voice output unit 18 of representing MFP10.The described process of following Figure 22 to 26 is that the fragment by service software 37 reaches.

Service I/F information 36 is used for obtaining to carry out the necessary parameter of service from MFP10.Especially, if MFP10 has received service I/F information 36, then display parameter entr screen on the display 52 (referring to Fig. 9 A to 9E) comes setup parameter with the user of request MFP10.In service I/F (interface) information area 34, there is the fragment that corresponds respectively to function server 30 service available service I/F information 34.

Fig. 6 to 8 has shown an example of service I/F information 36.Service I/F information 36 shown in Fig. 6 to 8 is used to translate copy services, wherein text data is handled the image that produces by OCR (optical character recognition) from reading unit 13 and is discerned, generate the view data of representative corresponding to the data of the translation of text data, this view data is printed by record cell 14.Service I/F information 36 also can be described by the SGML identical with service definition information 25.The definition of the marker character that uses among Fig. 6 to 8 is as shown in table 2.In table 2, master data is identical with those data shown in the table 1.

Table 2

If MFP10 has received the service I/F information 36 shown in Fig. 6 to 8, the parameter entr screen shown in the displayed map 9A then on the display 52 of guidance panel 12a.In the parameter entr screen, character string " translation is duplicated " conduct " title " is presented at the top of display 52.Under this title, vocabulary " speech selection " is shown as input clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Name ").At this input bar now, vocabulary " English is to Japanese " and " Japanese is to English " are as showing corresponding to the clauses and subclauses of optional parameter.In this stage, move up or down selector bar purpose pointer by one of operation directionkeys 46,47 up or down.

Except " speech selection ", input clauses and subclauses " scanner setting ", " print setting " and " note " also are available in the parameter entr screen.

Shown in Fig. 9 A, if all input clauses and subclauses can not be simultaneously displayed on the display 52, then at the right-hand member of display 52 with left end portion is provided to the right and left arrow, with the clauses and subclauses of horizontal rolling input.In this screen, if being shown device 52, one or more input clauses and subclauses hide, the arrow color of pointing on the direction of hiding the existence of input clauses and subclauses is a black.Be not shown device 52 and hide if import clauses and subclauses on the direction of arrow points, the color of arrow be white.Therefore, the user can notice whether have hiding clauses and subclauses.Because pointing to the arrow color of right direction on the screen shown in Fig. 9 A is black, the user can notice on the right side of input clauses and subclauses " speech selection " and have one or more input clauses and subclauses.If the user operates directionkeys 49 to the right under the state of Fig. 9 A, the expression on the screen is changed to a kind of expression of " scanner setting " input clauses and subclauses, shown in Fig. 9 B.

Shown in Fig. 9 B, under speech " translation is duplicated ", vocabulary " scanner setting " is shown as input clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Name ").Under these input clauses and subclauses, show that vocabulary " normal character ", " small characters " are as the clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Select ") corresponding to available parameter.

" normal character " expression read-out resolution is set at 300 * 300dpi." small characters " expression read-out resolution is made as 600 * 600dpi.In this illustrated embodiment, available resolution was limited to the resolution of the part that MFP10 can support during scanner was provided with.

Usually, MFP10 provides 3 kinds of resolution, and 200 * 200dpi, 300 * 300dpi and 600 * 600dpi are shown in Figure 10 A.When user instruction MFP10 begins to read the image that forms on the prototype, the setting screen quilt shown in the displayed map 10A.On the setting screen shown in Figure 10 A, allow the user to select one of these 3 kinds of resolution.

On the contrary, under the situation of translation copy services, minimum resolution 200 * 200dpi is disabled, because when the resolution of image is hanged down, the accuracy that reads that OCR handles reduces.Read functions can be set to monochrome and read, to strengthen the accuracy that reads of OCR processing.

If under the state of the parameter entr screen shown in the displayed map 9B, press directionkeys 49 to the right, the expression on the screen becomes a kind of expression with " print setting " conduct input clauses and subclauses.

Shown in Fig. 9 C, under vocabulary " translation is duplicated ", vocabulary " print setting " is shown as input clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Name ").Under these input clauses and subclauses, show that vocabulary " print speed is preferential " " normally " " meticulous " is as the clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Select ") corresponding to optional parameter.

Shown in Fig. 9 C,, then provide arrow up and down, with these clauses and subclauses of vertical rolling on the right side of display 52 if all clauses and subclauses can not be simultaneously displayed on the display 52.In this screen, if being shown device 52, one or more clauses and subclauses hide, the arrow color of pointing to the direction of hiding the existence of input clauses and subclauses is a black.Be not shown device 52 and hide if import clauses and subclauses on the direction of arrow points, the arrow color be white.Therefore, the user can notice whether have hiding clauses and subclauses.

For example, if operation downward-direction key 47 is to move down pointer under the state of Fig. 9 C, clauses and subclauses are rolled downwards, and vocabulary " meticulous " appears under the vocabulary " normally ", shown in Fig. 9 D.

The print resolution of clauses and subclauses " print speed is preferential " expression record cell 14 is made as 200 * 200dpi.The print resolution of clauses and subclauses " normally " expression record cell 14 is made as 300 * 300dpi, and the print resolution of clauses and subclauses " meticulous " expression record cell 14 is made as 600 * 600dpi.In this illustrated embodiment, available resolution is limited to the part of the resolution of MFP10 support in the print setting.Usually, MFP10 provides 4 kinds of print resolution, and 200 * 200dpi, 300 * 300dpi, 600 * 600dpi and 1200 * 1200dpi are shown in Figure 10 B.When input during print command, for example outer computer is to the order of MFP10, then the setting screen shown in the displayed map 10A.On the setting screen shown in Figure 10 B, allow the user to select one of these four kinds of resolution.

On the contrary, in the translation copy services, print resolution 1200 * 1200dpi can not realize, because print resolution is useless when being higher than the highest read-out resolution of scanner in setting.It should be noted that in print setting low resolution is selectable, with the needs of response to the printing speed image, its sacrifice with resolution is a cost.In this illustrated embodiment, because setting, scanner is limited to monochrome image, print setting is limited to monochromatic the printing.

If press directionkeys 49 to the right under the state of Fig. 9 C or 9D, then the expression on the screen becomes a kind of expression with input clauses and subclauses " note ", shown in Fig. 9 E.

Shown in Fig. 9 E, under vocabulary " translation is duplicated ", vocabulary " note " is shown as input clauses and subclauses (" Disp_Name ").Under these input clauses and subclauses, show the input domain that note is used.Black surround among Fig. 9 E is the pointer that is used for importing note.For instance, use header or the footer of the note of user by the entr screen input of Fig. 9 E as print image.

As mentioned above, the user selects to import the parameter of clauses and subclauses " speech selection ", " scanner setting " and " print setting ", and imports note by Fig. 9 A to the entr screen shown in the 9E.OK key 50 on the push panel 12a has just been confirmed the selection by each clauses and subclauses of pointer appointment, has also confirmed the input of note.The parameter of selecting sends to the URL of the program of handling input parameter.

In above-mentioned assignment procedure, the available parameter of setting in the clauses and subclauses can change based on the selection parameter that belongs to another input clauses and subclauses.For example, if select " normal character " to set relevant parameter as scanner, then the parameter " high-resolution " that print setting is relevant can not be selected, although make that read-out resolution is made as 300 * 300dpi, print resolution does not wish to be set at 600 * 600dpi.

The communication of carrying out in the image processing system 100 will be described below.In image processing system 100, MFP10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 communicate with one another based on HTTP1.1 (HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)).In image processing system 100, equipment is by utilizing relevant HTTP request or to the message of HTTP request responding and exchange command and response each other.

Exchange each and send to the order of server 20 or 30 and send to the order of MFP10, so that MFP10 moves as customer equipment from server 20 or 30 from MFP10.Therefore, even broadband router 2 uses, also may prevent the order that broadband router 2 blocks from server 20 or 30 to MFP10 under normal the setting.

More particularly, be accompanied by the message of the POST order of HTTP request by use, MFP10 sends order to server 20 or 30.Under such a case, promptly when server 20 or 30 when MFP10 receives the inquiry of relevant multifunctional equipment control command, if server has the MFP order, server 20 or 30 sends it back the http response message that is accompanied by multifunction peripheral order (MFP order) to MFP10.

Below, with reference to Figure 11 MFP10 being described with the embodiment that communicates by letter between the function server 30, Figure 11 represents the ladder diagram of communicating by letter between MFP10 and the function server 30.As shown in figure 11, between function server 30 and MFP10, set up the session that finishes until this service from the beginning of service.In this session, at first, MFP10 request function server 30 starts service.Then, function server 30 sends it back session id to MFP10.Use the sign of this session id as session in the appointed function server 30.After MFP10 determined session id, MFP10 sent session ID with request, and simultaneously, function server 30 is specified this session based on the session id that receives.Such configuration makes function server 30 can handle a plurality of sessions simultaneously.

Receive after the session id, MFP10 periodically sends and is used for the MFP order inquiry that request function server 30 is issued the order of MFP10.If function server 30 does not have to send to the order of MFP10, then function server 30 is beamed back the information that the deixis server does not have order to MFP10.

In this illustrated embodiment, function server 30 at first sends UI (user interface) work activation command to MFP10.The UI work order is used for notifying MFP10UI equipment (as guidance panel 12a) to bring into use.After MFP10 sends the UI work order, the communication of beginning UI work.Should be pointed out that UI work is communicated by letter and session is carried out simultaneously.

To be used for discerning the work ID that session works and send to function server 30 with UI work activation command.In the communication of UI work, MFP10 sends to function server 30 with session ID and work ID with request, and simultaneously, function server 30 is specified this work based on the session id that receives with work ID.Thereby function server 30 can be handled multinomial work simultaneously.UI work below will be described in more detail.

Then, function server 30 sends the input service activation command at preset time to MFP10.This input service activation command is used for notifying the startup of MFP10 input equipment (as reading unit 13 or sound input block 17).Thereby between MFP10 and function server 30, start communicating by letter of input service.Similar with UI work, UI work is carried out simultaneously with session.The ID that will work sends to MFP10 with the input service activation command from function server 30.MFP10 sends the request that is accompanied by session id and work ID to function server 30, and simultaneously, function server 30 is specified a job based on the session id that receives with work ID.Hereinafter input service will be described in more detail.

Next, function server 30 sends the output services activation command at preset time to MFP10.This output services activation command is used for notifying the startup of MFP10 output device (as record cell 14 or voice output unit 18).Thereby between MFP10 and function server 30, start communicating by letter of input service.Similar with UI work and input service, output services and session are carried out simultaneously.The ID that will work sends to MFP10 with the output services activation command from function server 30.MFP10 sends the request that is accompanied by session id and work ID to function server 30, and simultaneously, function server 30 is specified a job based on the session id that receives with work ID.Hereinafter output services will be described in more detail.

After this, function server 30 sends the notice that the indication output services stop at preset time to MFP10.Then, function server 30 sends the notice that the indication input service stops at preset time to MFP10.Next, function server 30 sends the notice that notice indication UI work stops at preset time to MFP10.Then, function server 30 sends the notice of indication end of service to MFP10 at preset time.

After this, with reference to Figure 11 the communication in the UI work is described.In UI work, MFP10 at first sends a MFP work order inquiry to function server 30.This MFP work order inquiry is used for inquiring about the order that sends to MFP10 to function server 30.Then, function server 30 sends parameter request to function server 30.This parameter request is used for asking the user of MFP10 to set the necessary parameter of execution service.To serve I/F information 36 and send to MFP10 from function server 30 with this parameter request.

When MFP10 when function server 30 is received parameter request, MFP10 goes up the display parameter entr screen based on the service I/F information 36 that receives at display 52 (referring to Fig. 9).Then, MFP10 sends parameter of user to function server 30.

When function server 30 when MFP10 receives parameter, function server 30 is to MFP10 send server accepting state, this accepting state is to point out whether function server 30 successfully receives the notice of parameter from MFP10.

By after utilizing the server accepting state and confirming that function server 30 successfully receives these parameters, function server 30 sends a service state request to function server 30 and arrives at MFP10, and this request is the information of relevant service state.

When function server 30 was received the service state request, function server 30 sent the service status information of the state of representing function server 30 and service to MFP10.After this, Exchange Service state request and service status information between function server 30 and MFP10.

Describe input service in detail below with reference to Figure 11.In input service, MFP10 at first sends the multifunction peripheral status information (MFP status information) of expression MFP10 state to function server 30.Then, function server 30 sends the MFP parameter to MFP10.These MFP parameters are meant the parameter of the input equipment of user's appointment in the UI work.

When MFP10 received the MFP parameter, MFP10 sent the multifunctional equipment accepting state to function server 30, and it shows that MFP10 successfully receives data from function server 30.

If function server 30 confirms that by utilizing the multifunctional equipment accepting state MFP10 successfully receives data, function server 30 sends the input request of data to MFP10, and this request of data MFP10 sends the input data corresponding to this work.If this work be scanning work (promptly, the work of carrying out in the service relevant) with the view data of reading unit 13 generations, then the input data corresponding to this work are meant the view data that reading unit 13 produces, perhaps, if this work be the sound input service (promptly, the work of carrying out in the service relevant with the voice data of sound input block 17 generations), then importing data is PCM data.

When MFP10 received the input request of data, MFP10 carried out input operation (as the operation of reading images or the operation of sound import) by user interface request user, and sent the input data that obtain to function server 30.When function server 30 was received input data from MFP10, function server 30 sent the service status information of the state of represent function server 30 and serving to MFP10.

Then, will output services be described with reference to Figure 11.At first, MFP10 sends the MFP status information of the state of representing MFP10 to function server 30.Then, function server 30 sends the MFP parameter to MFP10.The MFP parameter is meant the parameter of the output device of user's appointment in the UI work.

When MFP10 received the MFP parameter, MFP10 sent expression MFP10 successfully receives data from function server 30 multifunctional equipment accepting state to function server 30.

If function server 30 confirms that by utilizing the multifunctional equipment accepting state MFP10 successfully receives data, function server 30 sends output data to MFP10.If output services be print job (promptly, the work of carrying out in the service relevant) with the view data of record cell 14 printings, these output data presentation video data then, perhaps, if this work is voice output work (work of carrying out in promptly relevant with the PCM data of the sound of representing 18 outputs of the voice output unit service), then output data is the PCM data.

When MFP10 when function server 30 is received output data, MFP10 utilizes output data to carry out output procedure (as the printing of image or the output of sound).Then, MFP10 sends the MFP status information of the state of expression MFP10 to function server 30.When function server 30 was received the MFP status information, function server 30 sent the service status information of the state of presentation function server 30 and service to MFP10.

After this, will the processing that MFP10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are carried out be described.

Figure 12 is a process flow diagram, is illustrated in the control MFP processing of execution down of the control module 11 of MFP10.At first, in step S101, control module 11 is carried out the initialization procedure of MFP10.Then, in step S102, control module 11 is received an order input.This order input is meant that command M FP10 carries out the input of particular procedure.For example, ordering input is by the key input of operating unit 12 inputs or the order of transmitting from outer computer by the user.

In step S103, control module 11 judges whether the order of input is the order that instruction MFP10 changes to service mode.Especially, in step S102, whether the user's operation among the control module 11 determining step S102 is the operation of the services key 44 on the push panel 12a.If the order of input input is not the order (S103:NO) that instruction MFP10 changes to service mode, control proceeds to step S104, carries out the processing corresponding to another pattern of user's input among the step S102.For example, carry out print processing in step S104, then, control turns back to step S102.

If the command instruction MFP10 of input changes to service mode (S103:YES), control proceeds to step S105.In step S105, control module 11 shows on display 52 selects screen, and whether the request user determination user wants to select the service (to function server 30 requests) of requirement from tabulation, perhaps directly specify the URL of the destination of the service that requires.Then, control module 11 is waited for user's input.Import if receive the user, control module 11 judges whether and select from service list to function server 30 requested service (S105).

If in step S105, judge and from service list, select (S105:YES) to function server 30 requested service, control proceeds to step S106, and wherein control module 11 sends the request (service list refer request) of service list to LIST SERVER 20.In step S106, control module 11 sends the request of top service definition information 25 (referring to Fig. 3) to LIST SERVER 20.MFP10 can be configured to have in the storage unit 23 URL of the top service definition information of request.

More particularly, in step S106, the destination-address of MFP10 in being stored in storage unit 16 in advance sends the HTTP request based on HTTP1.1, with the request service list.As mentioned below, after LIST SERVER 20 was received this request, LIST SERVER was beamed back the function information request as http response to MFP10.This function information request is used to the information (function information) of asking MFP10 to transmit relevant MFP10 function.

After LIST SERVER 20 receiving function information request, MFP10 is to LIST SERVER 20 sending function information (S106a) at MFP10.In this illustrated embodiment, the information of the scanner functions (for example speech " scanning ") that expression reading unit 13 obtains, the information of the printing function (for example speech " printing ") that expression record cell 14 obtains, the sound input that expression sound input block 17 and sound output unit 18 obtain and the information of output function (as speech " sound "), relevant information set in the language of shown language on the expression display 52, includes in the function information that offers LIST SERVER 20.

If LIST SERVER 20 is from MFP10 receiving function information, LIST SERVER 20 produces top service definition information (will be described in more detail below), and it is sent to MFP10 as http response.

The information relevant according to the language that comprises in the function information, one of information that information of being described by Japanese from LIST SERVER 20 message transfers parts and message part are described by foreign language (as English).Explanation under the situation that the message part that below provides service definition information 25 is described with Japanese.

Next, in step S107, control module 11 receives top service definition information 25 by communication unit 15 from LIST SERVER 20.

In step S107a, control module 11 is checked the language of top service definition information 25.In step S107b, control module 11 judges whether the language of service definition information is complementary with the current language of setting for MFP10.If the current language of the language of service definition information 25 and MFP10 is set do not match (S107b:NO), control module 11 changes the language of MFP10 to be set, so that can correctly show service definition information (S107c) on the display 52 on the guidance panel 12a.If the current language of the language of service definition information 25 and MFP10 is complementary (S107b:YES), control proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, control module 11 utilizes the service definition information 25 that receives among the step S107 to produce the services selection screen, and shows this screen (referring to Fig. 5 A) on display 52.Then, control proceeds to step S110.

If in step S105, judge not to be to be selected from service list (S105:NO) to function server 30 requested service, then control proceeds to step S109, control module 11 produces entr screen, allows the user directly to import URL, and show entr screen on display 52.Then, control proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, control module 11 is accepted user's operation by guidance panel 12a, with the service of decision from function server 30 receptions.If carry out this user's operation, control proceeds to step S111, and control module 11 judges whether user's operation is the operation of selecting link.Especially, in step S111, if successfully select on the services selection screen that the user shows in step S108, perhaps successfully import URL in the entr screen that in step S109, shows, control module 11 judges that user's operation is the operation of selecting link.

If user's operation is not the operation (S111:NO) of selecting link, control proceeds to step S112, and whether the user who receives among control module 11 determining step S110 operation is the operation that stops service mode.If user's operation is the operation (S112:YES) that stops service mode, control proceeds to step S102.That is to say, in this case, stop process as service mode.

In step S112, not the operation (S112:NO) that stops service mode if judge user's operation, control proceeds to step S113, and control module 11 produces beep sound.Then, control proceeds to step S110.That is, if the user who accepts among step S110 operation is not the operation of selecting link, and not the operation that stops service mode, it is invalid to notify this user of user to operate then to produce beep sound.

If user's operation is the operation (S111:YES) of selecting link, control proceeds to step S114, and control module 11 judges whether the link of selecting is the URL of service.

If the link of selecting be not service URL (that is, the link of selection is the URL of service definition information 25) (S114:NO), control proceeds to step S115a.In step S115a, control module 11 asks service definition information (if directly import URL based on the information (ID) of link position from LIST SERVER 20, then based on this URL), from LIST SERVER 20 receiving function information request, then to LIST SERVER 20 sending function information.Next, in step S115b, MFP10 receives service definition information 25 from LIST SERVER 20.Then, control turns back to step S108, so that show new services selection screen on the display 52.

If the link of selecting is the URL (S114:YES) of service, control proceeds to step S116, carries out hereinafter (referring to Figure 14) handled in the session of describing.After step S116 finished, control turned back to step S102.

Next, the session processing of carrying out among the step S116 of process flow diagram to the MFP processing with reference to Figure 14 (Figure 12) makes an explanation.

In the beginning that session is handled, by the URL transmission Service Activation instruction (S201) to service, MFP10 is based on the service (when the user directly imports URL, then based on this URL) of the selection of " link position " excited users in the service definition information 25.

Response is made in Service Activation instruction to S201, and MFP10 receives session id (S202) from function server 30.Incidentally, the middle session id that produces in the step S805 that function server shown in Figure 20 is handled, it is carried out by the control module 31 of function server 30, and by 30 transmission of the function server among the step S809 of function server processing.

Subsequently, MFP10 to function server 30 transmission " MFP orders inquiry " (inquiring the relevant instruction of MFP10) (S203).The session id that receives among the S202 is attached in the MFP instruction inquiry.

As the response that the MFP instruction of S203 is inquired about, MFP10 receives order (S204) from function server 30.

Subsequently, MFP10 judge the order that receives among the S204 whether be work activation command (above-mentioned UI work activation instruction, input service activation instruction or output services activation instruction) (S205).Incidentally, the output (hereinafter explaining) in step S1003, S1007 that session shown in Figure 22 is handled or S1011 of work activation command, its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.The URL of work ID and work destination receives from function server 30 with the work activation command.

If the order that receives among the S204 is work activation command (S205:YES), MFP10 preserves the necessary resource of execution work (S206), and the process (the work activation of appointment) that begins to activate assigned work (S207).Then, control module 11 is waited for preset time (S208) at interval, and control turns back to step S203.

If the order that receives among the S204 is not work activation command (S205:NO), MFP10 judges whether this order is that work stops order (S209).Incidentally, output in step S1019, S1021 that session shown in Figure 26 is handled or S1023 (hereinafter explaining) is ordered in the work termination, and it is by control module 31 execution of function server 30., stop order from function server 30 receptions with work corresponding to the work ID of the work that is terminated.

Stop order (S209:YES) if the order that receives among the S204 is work, MFP10 stops the work corresponding to work ID, discharges resource (S210) simultaneously.Then, MFP10 waits for preset time (208) at interval, and control turns back to step S203.

If the order that receives among the S204 is not work termination order (S209:NO), MFP10 judges whether this order is represented " not having order ", that is, whether the response that the MFP order of S203 is inquired about shows not order (S211).

If the order that receives among the S204 is represented " not having order " (S211:YES), MFP10 waits for preset time (S208) at interval.Then, control turns back to step S203.

If the order that receives among the S204 is not represented " not having order " (S211:NO), MFP10 judges whether this order is that session stops order (S212).Incidentally, session command for stopping output in the step S1026 that session shown in Figure 23 is handled (hereinafter explaining), its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.

Stop order (S212:YES) if the order that receives among the S204 is session, MFP10 stops the conversation procedure of Figure 14.

If the order that receives among the S204 is not the end of service order, promptly, if not being work activation command, work termination order, " not having order " or session, this order do not stop ordering (S212:NO), MFP10 fill order fault processing (for example showing error message on the display 52 of guidance panel 12a) (S213), then, stop the conversation procedure of Figure 14.

Next, will explain the work activation of the appointment that in the step S207 of conversation procedure (Figure 14), begins with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 15.

In the beginning of the work activation of appointment, whether the work of MFP10 judgment task activation command appointment is UI work (S301).

If the work by the appointment of work activation command is UI work (S301:YES), MFP10 activates UI work, the destination URL (S302) of transfering work ID and work simultaneously.Then, MFP10 stops the work activation of appointment.

If the work of work activation command appointment is not UI work (S301:NO), whether the work of MFP10 judgment task activation command appointment is scanning work (S303).

If the work of work activation command appointment is not scanning work (S303:NO), whether the work of MFP10 judgment task activation command appointment is phonological working (S304).

If the work of work activation command appointment is scanning work (S303:YES), or phonological working (S304:YES), MFP10 activates the work of input, simultaneously the destination URL (S305) of transfering work ID and work.Then, MFP10 stops the work activation of appointment.

If the work of work activation command appointment is not phonological working (S304:NO), whether the work of MFP10 judgment task activation command appointment is print job (S306).

If the work of work activation command appointment is not print job (S306:NO), whether the work of MFP10 judgment task activation command appointment is speaker operation (S307).

If the work of work activation command appointment is print job (S306:YES), or speaker operation (S307:YES), MFP10 activates output services, simultaneously the destination URL (S308) of transfering work ID and work.Then, MFP10 stops the work activation of appointment.

If the work of work activation command appointment is not speaker operation, if i.e. this order is not UI work, scanning work, phonological working, print job or speaker operation (S307:NO), MFP10 stops the work activation of appointment.

Next, work makes an explanation to UI with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 16, it activates in the step S302 of the work activation (Figure 15) of appointment, so that operate simultaneously with session work.

In the beginning of UI work, MFP10 writes MFP work order inquiry (the relevant order to MFP10 of inquiry) as transmission data (S400) at the storage area of regulation.The transmission data are the information of using among the step S406 (hereinafter explaining), wherein send to function server 30 as the information that the transmission data write with session id or work ID.The storage area (transmission data storage areas) of transmission data forms in the regulation zone of the RAM (not shown) of the control module 11 of MFP10.

Subsequently, MFP10 judges whether the termination order (S401) from session.Incidentally, send in the step S210 of the conversation procedure of Figure 14 from the termination order of session, its control module 11 by MFP10 is carried out.

If the termination order (S401:YES) from session is arranged, the MFP10 announcement session stops (S402).Then, UI work stops.

If from the termination order (S401:NO) of session, whether MFP10 decision operation panel 12a is not in busy state (S403).Especially, when busy sign " Fu " (expression guidance panel 12a whether be in busy state) is opened, MFP10 decision operation panel 12a is in busy state (when busy sign " Fu " when closing, then not being in busy state).

If guidance panel 12a is in busy state (S403:YES), then MFP10 waits for and discharges (S404) until guidance panel 12a from busy state.

If guidance panel 12a is not in busy state (S403:NO), MFP10 then opens busy sign " Fu " (S405).

Next, control module 11 judges whether the transmission data are service I/F information transmission requests (S405a).Should point out that if treatment step S313 at first, the transmission data are the requests of service I/F information transmission, yet, if step S313 in the phase process of back, the transmission data are not the requests of service I/F information transmission.If the transmission data are service I/F information transmission requests (S405a:YES), control proceeds to step S405b, carries out the file gatherer process of describing subsequently, to obtain service I/F information 36 (S405b).

Then, control module 11 writes MFP work order inquiry (the relevant order to MFP10 of inquiry) (S405c) in the storage area of transmission data.Then, control proceeds to step S411, closes busy sign " Fu ".

If the transmission data are not service I/F information transmission requests (S405a:NO), control proceeds to step S406.In step S406, control module 11 is transferred to function server 30 (S406) to the information that writes as the transmission data together with session id and work ID.

As the response to transmission information among the S406, MFP10 receives MFP order (S407) from function server 30.

Subsequently, MFP10 judges whether the MFP order that receives among the S407 is parameter request (S408).Incidentally, by function server 30 transmission (hereinafter explaining), carry out by its control module 31 by function server 30 in the step S1102 of the UI course of work shown in Figure 24 for parameter request.Above-mentioned service I/F information 36 receives from function server 30 with parameter request.

If the MFP that receives in S407 order is parameter request (S408:YES), control proceeds to step S408a.

In step S408a, control module 11 is checked the language of service I/F information 36.In step S408b, control module 11 judges whether the language of service I/F information 36 is complementary with the current language of setting for MFP10.If the current language of the language of service I/F information 36 and MFP10 is set do not match (S408b:No), 11 of control modules change the language of MFP10 to be set, so that correctly show service I/F information 36 on the display 52 on the guidance panel 12a.If the current language of the language of service I/F information 36 and MFP10 is set be complementary (S408b:YES), control proceeds to step S409.

In step S409, MFP10 reminds the user to carry out the input operation of setup parameter according to the service I/F information 36 display parameter entr screens on the last display 52 of guidance panel 12a.In step S410, MFP10 writes input parameter (parameter of user's input) as the transmission data, input parameter is transferred to function server 30 (S410) in the transmission data storage areas.Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.When not not being in busy state (S403:No) from the termination order (S401:No) of session and guidance panel 12a, the parameter that writes as the transmission data will be transferred to function server 30 in above-mentioned steps S406.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is not parameter request (S408:No), MFP10 judges whether the MFP order is service status information (S412).Incidentally, by function server 30 transmission (hereinafter explaining), carry out by the control module 31 of its function server 30 in the step S1113 of the UI course of work shown in Figure 24 for this service status information.Service I/F information 36 and error code receive from function server 30 with service status information.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is service status information (S412:YES), control proceeds to step S412a.

In step S412a, control module 11 is checked the language of service status information.In step S412b, control module 11 judges whether the language of service status information is complementary with the current language of setting for MFP10.If the current language of the language of service status information and MFP10 is set do not match (S412b:No), control module 11 changes the language of MFP10 to be set, so that correctly show service status information on the display 52 on the guidance panel 12a.If the current language of the language of service status information and MFP10 is set be complementary (S408b:YES), control proceeds to step S413.

In step S413, MFP10 is according to service status information display message on the display on the guidance panel 12a 52.In step S421, MFP10 writes service status information request (order of the operational status information of the service that request function server 30 is carried out) in the transmission data storage areas, as the transmission data, so that the service status information request is sent to function server 30 (S421).Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.When not from the termination order (S401:NO) of session, and guidance panel 12a is not when being in busy state (S403:NO), and the service status information request that writes as the transmission data is transferred to function server 30 in step S406.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is not service status information (S412:NO), MFP10 judges whether the MFP order is status information request (S414).

If the MFP that receives in S407 order is status information request (S414:YES), MFP10 writes MFP status information (state of expression MFP10) in the transmission data storage areas, as the transmission data, so that the MFP status information is sent to function server 30 (S415).Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.When not from the termination order (S401:NO) of session, and guidance panel 12a is not when being in busy state (S403:NO), and the MFP status information that writes as the transmission data will be transferred to function server 30 in step S406.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is not status information request (S414:NO), MFP10 judge the MFP order whether be server accepting state (general presentation function server 30 whether from MFP10 reception information) (S416).

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is server accepting state (S416:YES), MFP10 judges whether the server accepting state represents improper reception (NG) (S417).

If the server accepting state is represented improper reception (NG) (S417:YES), MFP10 writes previous information (before being transferred to the information of function server 30) in the transmission data storage areas, as the transmission data, so that previous information (information re-transmission) is transferred to function server 30 (S418) again.Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.

If the server accepting state is not represented improper reception (NG) (S417:NO), MFP10 writes service status information request (order of request service operations status information) in the transmission data storage areas, as the transmission data, so that the service status information request is transferred to function server 30 (S422).Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.

Incidentally, when the termination order (S401:NO) that does not have from session, and when guidance panel 12a is not in busy state (S403:NO), the retransmission information or the service status information request that write as the transmission data will be transferred to function server 30 in step S406.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is not server accepting state (S416:NO), MFP10 judges whether the MFP order represents " not having order ", that is, whether the response that the MFP work order of transmitting among the S406 is inquired about shows not order (S419).

If the MFP that receives among S407 order expression " does not have order " (S419:YES), MFP10 writes MFP work order inquiry (inquiring the information concerning order of MFP10) in the transmission data storage areas, as the transmission data, so that give function server 30 (S423) with MFP work order query transmission.Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.When not from the termination order (S401:NO) of session, and guidance panel 12a is not when being in busy state (S403:NO), and the MFP work order inquiry that writes as the transmission data will be transferred to function server 30 in step S406.

If the MFP that receives among S407 order is not represented " not having order " (S419:NO), MFP10 fill order fault processing (S420).Then, MFP10 closes busy sign " Fu " (S411), and after this, control turns back to step S401.

After this, the caching function of MFP10 will be explained.Have cache area in the storage unit 16, make the data or the file that receive by communication unit 12 can carry out high-speed cache.Storing cache management information (being used for the file that store in the management of cache zone) and file in cache area, these files are associated with cache management information simultaneously.Figure 55 shows the embodiment of cache management information.Shown in Figure 55, cache management information comprises the filename and the temporal information (Time) of URL (the therefrom destination-address of request target), group ID (grouping information of address), high speed buffer storage file, and temporal information represents that file storage is in the time that the request of cache area or acquisition file is sent once more.

Should be pointed out that group ID is an option.Group ID is divided into two types: a class group ID and two class group ID.One class group ID only forms (" // " character before appears in each clauses and subclauses for the second time among Figure 55) by main group ID.Two class group ID form (occurring " // " character afterwards for the second time) by main group ID and son group ID.

In Fig. 6, by＜GID〉the group ID that represents of mark is included in the service I/F information 36.

After this, with reference to Figure 50 the file gatherer process of carrying out among the step S405b of Figure 16 is described.At first, control module 11 judges whether the file (as service I/F information) of request is stored in cache area (S2151).Especially, control module 11 checks whether find the URL that asks in the data slot of clauses and subclauses URL in the cache management information (referring to Figure 55).If found the URL (S2151:YES) of request in the cache management information, carry out hereinafter 1 (S2153) handled in the cache management information updating of describing in detail.Then, control module 11 is read the file (S2155) of request from high-speed cache.

If do not find the URL (S2151:NO) of request in the cache management information, then from server (function server or LIST SERVER), obtain the file (S2157) of request.Then, control module 11 is attempted file storage in high-speed cache.

Especially, control module 11 is checked remaining cache area whether low (S2159).If remaining cache area low (S2159:YES) is carried out hereinafter with the deleted file decision process of describing in detail 1, to determine removing file (S2161) from cache area.

Next, control module 11 judges whether the result of deleted file decision process 1 represents " can not delete " (S2163).If the result of deleted file decision process 1 be " can not delete " (S2163:YES), control proceeds to step S2169.If the result of deleted file decision process 1 be not " can not delete " (S2163:NO), file decision process 1 judged should from cache area, remove (S2165) from the file that high-speed cache removes.In this case, will from cache management information, remove corresponding to the record of the file that removes.

With file in step S2165 after high-speed cache removes, control turns back to step S2159.If remaining cache area not low (S2159:NO) is carried out high-speed cache registration process 1, with the file storage that obtains in cache area (S2167).Among the step S2169, can show information on the display 52 based on the acquisition file.Then, the file gatherer process stops.

Next with reference to Figure 51 the cache management information updating process of carrying out among the step S2153 of Figure 50 1 is described.In this process, the 11 usefulness current time of control module replace the writing time (S2553) corresponding to the file of asking in the cache management information (referring to Figure 55).Then, cache management information updating process 1 stops.

Next with reference to Figure 52 and 53 the deleted file decision process of carrying out among the step S2161 of Figure 50 1 is described.At first, control module 11 is distributed to variable N with 0, and initialization temporarily tabulate (S2351).Then, control module 11 makes variable N increase by 1 (S2353).Next, control module 11 judges whether cache management information has N bar record (S2355).

If cache management information has N bar record (S2355:YES), control module 11 judges whether N bar record has group ID (S2357).If N bar record has group ID (S2357:YES), control module 11 judges whether group ID is included in (S2361) in the interim tabulation.If N bar record does not have group ID (S2357:NO), control module 11 duplicates the URL and the temporal information (S2359) of N bar record in the interim tabulation.Then, control turns back to step S2353.

Interim tabulation is meant the temporary realm that defines among the RAM of control module 11.Can store many in this storage area to URL and temporal information or group ID and temporal information.

If the group ID of N bar record is included in (S2361:YES) in the interim tabulation, control module 11 is compared the temporal information of N bar record with the temporal information of respective record in the interim tabulation, with the temporal information of judging N bar record whether than the temporal information in the interim tabulation newly (S2365).

If the group ID of N bar record is not included in (S2361:NO) in the interim tabulation, control module 11 duplicates the group ID and the temporal information (S2363) of N bar record in the interim tabulation.Then, control turns back to step S2353.

If judge the temporal information new (S2365:YES) of the temporal information of N bar record than respective record in the interim tabulation in step S2365, control module replaces the temporal information (S2367) of record in the interim tabulation with the record of N bar record in the cache management information.Then, control turns back to step S2353.If the temporal information of N bar record is than the temporal information old (S2365:NO) of respective record in the interim tabulation, control does not then change the temporal information in the interim tabulation and turns back to step S2351.

If judge among the step S2355 that cache management information does not have N bar record (S2355:NO), control proceeds to the step S2369 among Figure 53.In step S2369, control module 11 judges whether N is 1.If N is 1 (S2369:YES), the All Files that control module 11 is determined to be stored in the cache area can not be deleted (S2373) at all.Then, deleted file decision process 1 stops.

If N is not 1 (S2369:NO), control module 11 determine with interim tabulation in all records the URL or the corresponding file of group ID of the oldest record of temporal information should from interim tabulation, delete (S2371).If the deletion file destination is related with group ID, control module 11 judges whether group ID is a class group ID (S2375).If group ID is not a class group ID (S2375:NO), deleted file decision process 1 stops.

If group ID is a class group ID (S2375:YES), control module 11 judges whether two class group ID corresponding to a class group ID are present in (S2377) in the interim tabulation.Especially, the main group of control module 11 search ID organizes two consistent class group ID of ID with the master of a class group ID.

If do not find two such class group ID (S2377:NO) in the interim tabulation, deleted file decision process 1 stops.If found two such class group ID (S2377:YES) in the interim tabulation, control module 11 is deleted a class group ID from interim tabulation, and makes N reduce by 1 (S2379).Then, control turns back to step S2369, to repeat the process from step S2369.

Next, with reference to Figure 54 the high-speed cache registration process of carrying out among the step S2167 of Figure 50 1 is described.In this process, control module 11 in cache area, and is created the file storage that obtains to comprise URL, group ID (if its exists), filename and the new record of current time, and this new record is stored in (S2551) in the cache management information.

It should be understood that and in the step S107 of MFP process (Figure 12), to carry out above-mentioned file acquisition process (Figure 50), to read from cache area or to the file (service definition information) of storage request wherein.

As mentioned above, before receiving requested service, MFP10 obtains service definition information 25 from LIST SERVER 20, and obtains service I/F information 36 from function server 30.Carry out the collection of this information (file) by above-mentioned file gatherer process (Figure 50),, then do not obtain the file of request and use high speed buffer storage file from server if wherein found the file of request in the cache area.When obtaining file (not finding the cache area) from server, add the file that obtains to cache area.

For using the limited cache area of storage size effectively, the judgement whether high speed buffer storage file is deleted is carried out (referring to Figure 52 and 53) on group ID basis.Therefore, can reduce certain file that obtains by chance (service definition information 36) is deleted the file (service definition file 25) that may reuse very much from cache area possibility, thus, also reduce the operation of obtaining the file of request again.That is to say, can reduce the processing load of server and network.Because relevant use is the response difference of the file of ID reduction on the same group mutually, also strengthened the availability of MFP10.

In this illustrated embodiment, the oldest file is deleted (referring to the step S2375 of Figure 53) from cache area.That is to say, can be retained in cache area by the nearest file that frequency of utilization is high.Therefore, strengthened the utilization ratio of cache area.

Two types group ID (a class group ID and two class group ID) can be used for the cache management of file.As for main group ID identical a class and two class group ID, with the deletion of one of such group ID corresponding file be limited.Especially, in this case, reduced will corresponding to the file of a class group ID early than corresponding to the file of other class group ID from the possibility of cache area deletion (referring to the step S2375 of Figure 53 to S2379).

After this, provide process to be described with reference to the UI (user interface) that carries out among the step S409 of Figure 45 to UI work (Figure 16).At first, 11 pairs of service I/F information 36 from function server 30 transmission of the control module of MFP10 are analyzed (S1500).Especially, 11 pairs of control modules comprise the data structure of the service I/F information 36 of menu information and analyze, described menu information is used to prepare to allow the user to import the menu image of all kinds parameter, and feasible performance specification according to display 52 correctly shows the menu image based on service I/F information on display 52.

Next, control module 11 is according to analysis result display menu image (S1501) on display 52 of service I/F information 36.If by the menu image input data that show among the step S1505, control module 11 judges whether the data of input are the orders (S1510) of request entries exchange.If order is entries exchange (S1510:YES), control turns back to step S1505, for next clauses and subclauses show another menu image.

If order is not entries exchange (S1510:NO), control module 11 judges whether to have selected data transmission (S1515).If selected data transmission (S1515:YES), control module 11 generates transmission data (S1520).Then, the service I/F information that provides of control module 11 delete function servers 30.Although in this process, in step S1525, deleted the load of service I/F information with the storage of reduction MFP10 relevant data, yet, can pass through the caching function of MFP10 in cache area stores service I/F information.

If do not select data transmission (S1515:NO), control module 11 has judged whether to select the title in the menu image (S1530).If non-selected title (S1530:NO), control turns back to step S1505.If selected title (S1530:YES), the data type of the clauses and subclauses of " title " appointment (" type ") be " menu " (S1535).If data type be " menu " (S1535:YES), control proceeds to step S1540, carries out menu procedure for displaying (referring to Figure 46).If the judgment data type is not " menu " among the step S1535, control proceeds to S1545, carries out FORM procedure for displaying (referring to Figure 47).

After this, with reference to Figure 46 the menu procedure for displaying is described.At first, control module 11 show labels＜Title〉and＜Link_Title〉data designated (S1600).In this case, determine the line number of demonstration according to the specification of display 52.Next, control module 11 judges whether the order (key input) by the menu image input is " returning ".If this order be " returning " (S1605:YES), the menu procedure for displaying, control turns back to the step S1505 of Figure 45.

If the order be not " returning " (S1605:NO), control module 11 judges whether this order asks entries exchange (S1610).If command request entries exchange (S1610:YES), control module 11 show labels " Title " and " Link_Title " data designated (S600).If order is not entries exchange (S1610:NO), that is, if select link, control proceeds to step S1615.

In step S1615, control module 11 judges whether to supress " OK " button 50.If do not press " OK " button 50 (S1615:NO), control turns back to step S1610.If supress " OK " button 50 (S1615:YES), operation control module 11 is to be connected to MFP10＜Link_Title〉URL of the service of sign definition.If MFP10 is connected to this link, then delete the service definition information of obtaining (S1625).Although in this process, in step S1625, deleted service definition information, with reduce the storage of MFP10 relevant data load, yet caching function that can be by MFP10 is in cache area stores service definition information.

After this, with reference to Figure 47 description list lattice procedure for displaying.At first, control module 11 shows by sign＜Title〉and＜Disp_Name〉data designated (S1700).In this case, determine the line number of demonstration according to the specification of display 52.Next, control module 11 judges whether the order (key input) by the menu image input is " returning ".If this order be " returning " (S1705:YES), the form procedure for displaying stops, control turns back to the step S1505 of Figure 45.

If order be not " returning " (S1705:NO), control module 11 judges whether order asks entries exchange (S1710).If command request entries exchange (S1710:YES), control module 11 have judged whether to confirm the selection (S1715) of clauses and subclauses.If confirmed the selection (S1715:YES) of clauses and subclauses, control module 11 judges whether form types is text (S1720).If form types is text (S1720:YES), then execution contexts is imported procedure for displaying in step S725.

If form types is not text (S1720:NO), control module 11 judges whether form types is password-type (S1730).If form types is password-type (S1730:YES), then carry out password input procedure for displaying (S1735).In password input procedure for displaying, use the speech of password input to be converted to other symbol, and on display 52, show the symbol of conversion, to hide the speech of input.

If form types is not password-type (S1730:NO), control module 11 judges whether form types is to select type (S1740).If form types is to select type (S1740:YES), then carry out and select the input procedure for displaying, select clauses and subclauses (S1745) to show.If form types is not to select type (S1740:NO), the form procedure for displaying stops, and control turns back to the step S1505 of Figure 45.

After this, with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 48, describe text input procedure for displaying and password input procedure for displaying, Figure 48 can be applicable to this two kinds of processes.At first, control module 11 shows by sign＜Disp_Name〉data designated and text input frame (S1800).Next, control module 11 judge the order (key input) by the menu image input whether be " returning " (S1805).If this order be " returning " (S1805:YES), the form procedure for displaying stops, control turns back to the step S1700 of Figure 47.

If the order be not " returning " (S1805:NO), whether control module 11 judgment data import (S1810).If the data (S1810:YES) of existing input, control module 11 show the data (S1815) of input in text box.If data are input (S1805:NO) not, control module 11 is accepted text input (S1820).Next, control module 11 judges whether to supress " OK " button 50 (S1825).If do not press " OK " button 50 (S1825:NO), control turns back to step S1810.

If supress " OK " button 50 (S1825:YES), control module 11 is estimated the data (S1830) of input.Then, control turns back to step S1800.

After this, with reference to Figure 49 selection input procedure for displaying is described.At first, control module 11 shows by sign＜Disp_Name〉and＜Disp_Select〉data designated (S1900).Next, control module 11 judges whether the order (key input) by the menu image input is " returning ".If this order be " returning " (S1905:YES), select the input procedure for displaying to stop, control turns back to the step S1700 of Figure 47.

If order be not " returning " (S1905:NO), control module 11 judges whether order asks entries exchange (S1910).If command request entries exchange (S1910:YES), control module 11 judge whether to supress " OK " button 50 (S1915).If do not press " OK " button 50 (S1915:NO), control turns back to step S1910.If supress " OK " button 50 (S1915:YES), control module 11 is confirmed this selection (S1920).Then, control turns back to step S1900.

As mentioned above, generate the menu information based on service definition information 25 or service I/F information, it has reflected the specification of the unit (for example printer unit or scanner unit) of MFP10, thereby the menu information that generates is offered MFP10.MFP10 generates menu image based on menu information, and according to specification display menu image on display 52 of the display 52 of guidance panel 12a, so that allow the user to select requested service and setup parameters from function server 30.

Therefore, no matter what specification the display unit of MFP10 is, the figure of all possible display menu.Image processing system 100 provides the service of requirement for the user.

In image processing system 100, be built into a hierarchical format based on the menu information of service definition information 25 or service I/F information 36, and for each pieces of information indicates, so that each information all is identified and defines.Such configuration makes MFP10 easily generate menu image, generates the required time of menu image with reduction, and reduces the processing load of MFP10.The data communication efficient of MFP10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 is also strengthened.

After this, make an explanation with reference to the input service that the process flow diagram of Figure 17 pair is handled with session and UI work is operated simultaneously, described input service is to activate in the step S305 of assigned work activation (Figure 15).

In the beginning of input service, MFP10 judges whether input equipment (reading unit 103 (when service is the service of the view data that generates of relevant reading unit 103) or sound input block 107 (when service is relevant with the voice data of sound input block 107 generations)) is in busy state (S501).Especially, when busy sign " Fi " (expression input equipment whether be in busy state) when opening, MFP10 judges that input equipment is in busy state (when busy sign " Fi " when cutting out, then not being in busy state).

If input equipment is in busy state (S501:YES), MFP10 then waits for up to input equipment and discharge (S502) from busy state.If input equipment is not in busy state (S501:NO), MFP10 then opens busy sign " Fi " (S503), and the MFP status information is transferred to function server 30 (S504) with session id, work ID and error code.

In order to respond the MFP status information of transmitting among the S504, MFP10 receives MFP parameter (S505) from function server 30.Incidentally, by function server 30 transmission (hereinafter explaining), carry out by its control module 31 by function server 30 in the step S1203 of scanning work process shown in Figure 25 for the MFP parameter.

Subsequently, MFP10 judges whether the termination order (S506) from session.Incidentally, in the step S210 of the conversation procedure of Figure 14, send and stop order from session.

If from the termination order (S506:NO) of session, MFP10 does not judge whether normally received MFP parameter (S507) among the S505.

If abnormal receive (S507:NO) of MFP parameter, MFP10 gives function server 30 with improper reception (NG) as the MFP receipt status notification, described accepting state represents whether MFP10 normally receives information (S508) from function server 30, and after this, control turns back to step S505.Incidentally, the MFP accepting state is transferred to function server 30 with session id and work ID.

If the MFP parameter normally receives (S507:YES), MFP10 will normally receive (OK) and give function server 30 (S509) as the MFP receipt status notification.

Subsequently, MFP10 receives input request of data (S510) from function server 30.Incidentally, function server 30 is transmission input request of data in the step S1209 of scanning work process shown in Figure 25 (hereinafter explaining), and its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.

Subsequently, with S506 similar (S511), MFP10 judges whether the termination order from session.

If, then whether normally do not received input request of data (S512) among the MFP10 determining step S510 from the termination order (S511:NO) of session.

If abnormal receive (S512:NO) of input request of data, then MFP10 is notified to function server 30 (S513) with improper reception (NG), and after this, control turns back to step S510.

If the input request of data normally receives (S512:YES), MFP10 is provided with parameter, and the prompting user carries out input operation and (showing on the display 52 of guidance panel 102a such as " setting the file on the scanner and press the OK key." or the message of " pick up a receiver and sound import "), and then to function server 30 transmission input data (S514).The view data that the input data also can be the view data that read from semiconductor memory (as storage card), read from storage unit 16, or the like.Incidentally, will import data and be transferred to function server 30 with session id and work ID.

Subsequently, MFP10 parameter reconfiguration setting (S515) in step S514.Subsequently, MFP10 receives service status information (S516) from function server 30, and closes busy sign " Fi " (S517).Incidentally, function server 30 (is hereinafter explained) the transmission service status information in the step S1208 or S1212 of scanning work process shown in Figure 25, and its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.

If the termination order from session is arranged in step S506 (S506:YES) or S511 (S511:YES), straight continuing of control proceeds to step S517, and MFP10 closes busy sign " Fi " (S518).After this, the MFP10 announcement session stops (S518).Then, input service stops.

After this, make an explanation with reference to the output services that the process flow diagram of Figure 18 pair is handled with session, UI work and input service are operated simultaneously, described output services are to activate in the step S305 of assigned work activation (Figure 25).

In the beginning of output services, MFP10 judges whether output device (record cell 104 (when service is relevant with the view data of the image of expression record cell 104 printouts) or voice output unit 108 (when service is relevant with the voice data of the sound of expression voice output unit 108 outputs)) is in busy state (S601).Especially, when busy sign " Fo " (expression output device whether be in busy state) when opening, MFP10 judges that output device is in busy state (when busy sign " Fo " is not in busy state when closing).

If output device is in busy state (S601:YES), MFP10 waits for, discharges (S602) up to output device from busy state, and after this, control turns back to step S601.

If output device is not in busy state (S601:NO), MFP10 opens busy sign " Fo " (S603), and the MFP status information is transferred to function server 30 (S604) with session id, work ID and error code.

In order to respond the MFP status information of transmitting in S604, MFP10 receives MFP parameter (S605) from function server 30.Incidentally, function server 30 is transmission MFP parameter in the step S1303 of print job process shown in Figure 26 (hereinafter explaining), and its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.

Subsequently, MFP10 judges whether the termination order (S606) from session.Incidentally, send the termination order from session among the step S210 of conversation procedure shown in Figure 14, its control module 101 by MFP10 is carried out.

If from the termination order (S606:NO) of session, MFP10 does not judge whether normally received MFP parameter (S607) among the S605.

If abnormal receive (S607:NO) of MFP parameter, MFP10 is notified to function server 30 with improper reception (NG) as the MFP receiving status information, described receiving status information represents whether MFP10 has normally received information (S608) from function server 30, after this, control turns back to step S605.Incidentally, the MFP receiving status information is transferred to function server 30 with session id and work ID.

If the MFP parameter normally receives (S607:YES), MFP10 will normally receive (OK) and be notified to function server 30 (S609) as the MFP receiving status information.

Subsequently, MFP10 receives output data (as view data or voice data) (S610) from function server 30.Incidentally, function server 30 is the transmission output data in the step S1309 of print job process shown in Figure 26 (hereinafter explaining), and its control module 31 by function server 30 is carried out.

Subsequently, similar with S606, MFP10 judges whether the termination order from session, (S611).

If from the termination order (S611:NO) of session, then MFP10 does not judge whether normally received output data (S612) in step S610.

If abnormal receive (S612:NO) of output data, then the 30 improper receptions (NG) of MFP10 informing function server (S613) after this, are controlled and are turned back to step S610.

If output data normally receives (S612:YES), MFP10 is provided with parameter, and the process (output of the sound of representing as the image and the voice data of pictorial data representation) of carrying out this output data of output (S614).

Subsequently, the parameter (S615) that is provided with among the MFP10 replacement step S614, and the MFP status information is transferred to function server 30 (S616) with session id, work ID and error code.

Subsequently, MFP10 receives service status information (S617) from function server 30, and closes busy sign " Fo " (S618).Incidentally, function server 30 is the transmission service status information in the step S1308 of print job process shown in Figure 26 or S1312 (hereinafter explaining), and it is by control module 31 execution of function server 30.

If the termination order from session is arranged in step S606 (S606:YES) or S611 (S611:YES), then control is directly to step S618 and closes busy sign " Fo ".After this, the MFP10 announcement session stops (S619).Then, output services stop.

After this, the LIST SERVER process of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20 being carried out with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 19 makes an explanation.When LIST SERVER 20 is received the HTTP request, start the LIST SERVER process.

In the beginning of LIST SERVER process, the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20 (after this also being called " LIST SERVER 20 " for short) receives HTTP request (S701).

Subsequently, LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the HTTP request that receives at S701 is service registry order (S702).Incidentally, the service registry order is added the step S1406 of process in the service shown in the Figure 27 (hereinafter explaining) that is carried out by the control module 31 of function server 30, is transmitted by function server 30.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is service registry order (S702:YES), LIST SERVER 20 receives the content of service definition information 25, registers a new service (S703).Especially, be registered in the service definition information 25 in the service definition information storage unit 24 that is stored in storage unit 23 about the information of new service.After this, LIST SERVER 20 transmits http response (S704).Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not service registry order (S702:NO), LIST SERVER 20 judge the HTTP request whether be service update command (for example, request or report are used to ask the URL's that serves alternative) (S705).Incidentally, the service update command is transmitted by function server 30 at the step S1503 of the service alternative Process shown in the Figure 28 (hereinafter explaining) that is carried out by the control module 31 of function server 30.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is a service update command (S705:YES), LIST SERVER 20 receives the content of service definition information 25, update service (S706).Especially, the information that is included in a service of the service definition information 25 in the service definition information storage unit 24 that is stored in storage unit 23 is updated.After this, LIST SERVER 20 transmits http response (S704).Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not a service update command (S705:NO), LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the HTTP request is service delete instruction (S707).Incidentally, the service delete command is transmitted by function server 30 at the step S1602 of the service delete procedure shown in the Figure 29 (hereinafter explaining) that is carried out by the control module 31 of function server 30.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is a service delete command (S707:YES), LIST SERVER 20 deletions are corresponding to the service definition information 25 (S708) of the specified service of service delete instruction.Especially, it is deleted to be included in the information of specified services of the service definition information 25 in the service definition information storage unit 24 that is stored in storage unit 23.After this, LIST SERVER 20 transmits http response (S704).Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not a service delete instruction (S707:NO), LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the HTTP request is service list refer request (S709).Incidentally, the service list refer request is transmitted by MFP10 in the step S106 of the MFP process of being carried out by the control module 101 of MFP10 (Figure 12).

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is service list refer request (S709:YES), control proceeds to the step S2006 that carries out the first definition information list generative process (referring to Figure 43).At step S2006, LIST SERVER 20 generates top service definition information 25.Then, LIST SERVER 20 transmits the http response (S704) that comprises top service definition information 25.Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not service list refer request (S709:NO), LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the HTTP request is service reference request (S711).Incidentally, the service reference request is transmitted by MFP10 in the step S115a of the MFP process of being carried out by the control module 101 of MFP10 (Figure 12).

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is service reference request (S711:YES), control proceeds to the step S2012 that carries out the second definition information list generative process (referring to Figure 44).At step S2012, LIST SERVER 20 generates service definition information 25.Then, LIST SERVER 20 transmits the http response (S704) that comprises service definition information 25.Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not service reference request (S711:NO), LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the HTTP request is the server management commands (S713) that is used for administrative directory server 20.Incidentally, the process that transmits server management commands is not directly related with the present invention, therefore, omits its explanation at this.

If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is server management commands (S713:YES), LIST SERVER 20 activation server management functions (S714), and transmit http response (S704).Then, the LIST SERVER process stops.If the HTTP request that receives at S701 is not server management commands (S733:NO), LIST SERVER 20 transmits http response (S704).Then, MFP stops the LIST SERVER process.

After this, will explain the first definition information list generative process of under the control of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20, carrying out with reference to Figure 43.At first, LIST SERVER 20 systematic function information request (S2102), and this function information request is sent to MFP10 (S2104) as http response.The function information request is to be used for asking MFP10 to send the order of information of the function of relevant MFP10.

After MFP10 receiving function information request, request is sent to LIST SERVER 20 (S2106) to MFP10 as HTTP with function information.In this illustrated embodiment, comprise that the function information of " SCAN ", " PRINT ", " VOICE " and language is sent to LIST SERVER from MFP10.Receive the HTTP request from MFP10 after, whether LIST SERVER 20 arbitration functions information obtained (S2108).If function information obtained (S2108:YES), LIST SERVER 20 read the value (S2110) of " Link_DevResource " sign that is included in the top service definition information 25.Especially, at step S2110, obtain its message part by the service definition information of describing by the language of the language message appointment in the function information.

In the storage unit 23 of LIST SERVER 20, the ID value of statistical indicant is stored, and is associated with their language separately simultaneously.In example shown in Figure 3, value ' 11111110 ' is assigned to " ID " sign, the information that should show with Japanese as expression service I/F information.According to service definition information shown in Figure 3 25, " SCAN " and " VOICE " is as being included in first " Link " sign (" Link ", "/Link ") in " Link_DevResource " sign value be read, " PRINT " is as being included in second " Link " sign (" Link ", "/Link ") in " Link_DevResource " sign value be read, and " PRINT " and " SCAN " is read as the value that is included in " Link_DevResource " sign in the 3rd " Link " sign (" Link ", "/Link ").These value representations of " Link_DevResource " sign receive the required function of corresponding with service on MFP10.

At step S2112, the highest one of the value that " Link_DevResource " that obtains at step S2110 indicates is selected as target.Then, at step S2114, LIST SERVER 20 judges whether the function of MFP10 indicated in the function information that step S2108 obtains satisfies specified function in target " Link_DevResource " sign.If in " Link_DevResource " sign specified all functions by function information in indicated function support, the judged result of step S2114 is " YES ".

If the judged result of step S2114 is " YES ", control proceeds to the step S2116 that LIST SERVER 20 registrations comprise " Link " sign of target " Link_DevResource " sign in the service definition information tabulation.If the judged result of step S2114 is " NO ", control proceeds to step S2118.The service definition information tabulation is XML data (they are sky in original state), and wherein the information of link flag before link flag is registered.

At step S2118, LIST SERVER 20 judges whether all " Link_DevResource " signs are processed.Not processed if not all " Link_DevResource " signs, select next target (S2120).Then, control turns back to step S2114.If all " Link_DevResource " signs processed (S2118:YES), first service definition information tabulation generative process stops.Therefore the service definition information tabulation that generates is sent back to MFP10 at step S704.

Because MFP10 has " SCANNER ", " PRINT " and " VOICE " all functions, generate the service I/F information 36 that comprises all functions shown in Figure 3 for MFP10.If the do not have function MFP (MFP B) of " VOICE " is provided in image processing system 100, for MFP B generates the service I/F information 36 that only comprises print service, and service definition information is shown (S108).

After this, will be described in the following second definition information list generative process of carrying out of control of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20 with reference to Figure 44.At first, LIST SERVER 20 systematic function information request (S2202), and this function information request is sent to MFP10, as http response (S2204).The function information request is the order of the information of the function that is used to ask MFP10 to send relevant MFP10.

After MFP10 receiving function information request, request is sent to LIST SERVER 20 (S2206) to MFP10 as HTTP with function information.In this illustrated embodiment, comprise that the function information of " SCAN ", " PRINT ", " VOICE " and language is sent to LIST SERVER from MFP10.Receive HTTP request from MFP10 after, whether LIST SERVER arbitration functions information obtained (S2208).If function information obtained (S2208:YES), LIST SERVER 20 reads by URL service specified definition information 25 from service definition information storage unit 24, and reads the value (S2210) of " Link_DevResource " mark that is included in the service definition information 25.Especially, at step S2210, obtain about the service definition information of message part by the specified language description of the language message in the function information.

From service definition information shown in Figure 3 25, " PRINT " and " SCAN " is read out, as being included in first " Link " mark (" Link ", "/Link ") in the value of " Link_DevResource " mark, " PRINT " and " SCAN " is read out, as being included in second " Link " mark (" Link ", "/Link ") in the value of " Link_DevResource " mark, " PRINT " and " VOICE " is read out, as being included in the 3rd " Link " mark (" Link ", "/Link ") in the value of " Link_DevResource " mark, and " PRINT " and " VOICE " is read out, as the value that is included in " Link_DevResource " mark in the 4th " Link " mark (" Link ", "/Link ").These value representations of " Link_DevResource " mark receive the required function of corresponding with service on the MFP10.

At step S2212, the highest one of the value of " Link_DevResource " mark that obtains at step S2210 is selected as target.Then, at step S2214, whether the function of the MFP10 that the function information that LIST SERVER 20 judgements obtain in step S2208 is indicated satisfies specified function in target " Link_DevResource " mark.If all functions of appointment are by function support indicated in the function information in target " Link_DevResource " mark, the judged result of step S2214 is " YES ".

If the judged result of step S2214 is " YES ", control proceeds to step S2216, and LIST SERVER 20 registrations here comprise " Link " mark of target " Link_DevResource " mark in the service definition information tabulation.If the judged result of step S2214 is " NO ", control proceeds to step S2218.The service definition information tabulation is XML data (they are sky in original state), and wherein bookmark is registered with the information before the bookmark.

At step S2218, LIST SERVER 20 judges whether that all " Link_DevResource " marks are processed.Processed if not all " Link_DevResource " marks, select next target (S2220).Then, control turns back to step S2214.If all " Link_DevResource " marks processed (S2218:YES), second service definition information tabulation generative process stops.Therefore the service definition information tabulation that generates is sent back to MFP10 at step S704.

As mentioned above, LIST SERVER 20 generates service definition information 25, like this, is included in the service definition information 25 with the service of the function match of MFP10.Such configuration prevents to be selected by the user with the unmatched service of the function of MFP10.Based on the service definition information 25 of generation mentioned above, the service that the MFP10 request is selected by the user.Therefore, MFP10 can receive the service with its function match reliably.

Shown in Figure 43 and 44, based on the function information that provides from MFP10 in to S2108 or step S2202 to S2208 at step S2102, LIST SERVER 20 can generate service definition information 25.Therefore, for LIST SERVER 20, the function information of store M FP10 is unnecessary in advance.About information management, the load that reduces LIST SERVER 20 becomes possibility, surpasses a MFP even provide in image processing system 100.

After the request that receives from MFP10 service list, LIST SERVER 20 will send to MFP10 to the request of function information at step S2106 or S2206, after this, and as request responding, from MFP10 receiving function information to function information.That is to say, when the request of service list is sent by MFP10, carry out providing function information to LIST SERVER 20.

Used specified language description the function information because be provided to the message part of the service definition information 25 of MFP10 from LIST SERVER 20, form the services selection screen reliably with the desired language of the user of MFP10 and become possibility.

After this, will explain, by the aforementioned functional server process of control module 31 execution of function server 30 with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 20.When the HTTP request is received by function server 30, beginning function server process.

In the beginning of function server process, the control module 31 of function server 30 (after this also abbreviating " function server 30 " as) receives HTTP request (S801).

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the HTTP request that receives at S801 is Service Activation order (S802).Incidentally, the Service Activation order is transmitted by MFP10 in the step S201 of the performed conversation procedure (Figure 14) of the control module 101 of MFP10.

If asking at the HTTP of S801 reception is Service Activation order (S802:YES), function server 30 generates session ids and transmits data, and the process of activation execution service (especially, hereinafter with the conversation procedure of explaining (Figure 22)) (S1305).After this, this process proceeds to step S809.

If the HTTP request that receives at S1301 is not Service Activation order (S1302:NO), function server 30 judges whether the HTTP request is end of service order (S806).Incidentally, the end of service order is transmitted by MFP10, with response from user's termination order (as interrupting) (as, cancel key 51 presses in the implementation of service).

If the HTTP request that receives at S801 is end of service order (S806:YES), function server 30 discharges session id and reservation of resource (S807), and after this, control proceeds to step S809.

If the HTTP request that receives at S801 is not end of service instruction (S1306:NO), function server 30 is carried out service control information process (S1308), and after this, control proceeds to step S809.Hereinafter will explain the details of this service control information process (Figure 21).

At step S809, function server 30 transmits the http response that can comprise generation information.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether service control information process (S808) is performed (S810).

If service control information process is performed (S810:YES), function server 30 sets " sign of transmission " to the memory address (S1311) corresponding to session id or work ID, and the expiry feature server process.If service control information process also is not performed (S810:NO), function server 30 expiry feature server process.

After this, will explain the service control information process of in the step S808 of function server process (Figure 20), carrying out with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 21.

In the beginning of service control information process, function server 30 judges whether to exist the information (S901) of the service that will be sent to.Especially, function server 30 judges whether the HTTP request that receives comprises the information about service (session or work) in the S801 of function server process (Figure 20).

If there is the information (S901:YES) of the service that will be sent to, function server 30 identifications are corresponding to the process of session id or work ID, that is, and and as the process (S902) of the destination of the information in the HTTP request that is included in reception.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether this process (as the destination of the information in the HTTP request that is included in reception) can be identified (S903).

If this process is because certain type mistake can not be identified (S903:YES), function server 30 generation error announcement informations (S904).Then, service control information process stops.

If this process can be identified (S903:NO), function server 30 send information to the process (S905) of identification, and after this, control proceeds to step S906.

If there is no will be sent to the information (S901:NO) of service, control is directly to step S906.

At step S906, function server 30 identifications are corresponding to the storer of the storage response message (being sent back to MFP10) of session id or work ID.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the storer of storage response message can be identified (S907).

If the storer of storage response message can not be identified (S907:YES), function server 30 generation error announcement informations (S904), and stop service control information process.

If the storer of storage response message can be identified (S907:NO), function server 30 judges whether to exist the information (S908) that will be sent to MFP10.

If there is the information (S908:YES) that will be sent to MFP10, function server 30 generates MFP control command (S909) based on response message.Then, service control information process stops.

If there is no will be sent to the information (S908:NO) of MFP10, function server 30 generates the information (S910) of expression " no MFP order ".Then, service control information process stops.

Below, will explain the conversation procedure of carrying out by the control module 31 of function server 30 with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 22 and 23.Because conversation procedure changes according to the type of service, will provide following explanation, as an example about the conversation procedure of translating copy services.Figure 22 and 23 conversation procedure begin (Figure 20) at the step S805 of function server process.

In the beginning of conversation procedure, function server 30 (control module 31) is carried out initialization procedure (S1001), after this, activates service side UI work (S1002).After a while with service in detail side UI work (Figure 24).

Subsequently, function server 30 is worked UI, and order transmits (S1003) to activation command as MFP.Especially, MFP order is written into the aforementioned memory that is used for storing response message, after this " is transmitted sign " by the step S811 of function server process (Figure 20) is set, and MFP orders the transmission of (UI work activation instruction) to be identified thus.UI work activation command is transmitted with the destination URL of work ID and work.

Subsequently, function server 30 is judged parameter input whether be done (S1004).Whether whether parameter input is done, be based on the parameter input and finish notice and by the back step S1611 of the UI course of work (Figure 24) explained is sent and judge.

If parameter input is not done (S1004:NO) yet, then function server 30 is judged whether notified termination (S1005) of session.Incidentally, session is in the back with notified termination among the step S1109 of the UI course of work (Figure 24) explained.

If the also not notified termination of session (S1005:NO), control turns back to step S1004.If the notified termination of session (S1005:YES), control proceed to the step S1024 of back with Figure 23 of explanation.

If the parameter input is done (S1004:YES), then function server 30 activates service side scanning work (S1006).The back will be explained service side scanning work (Figure 25) in detail.

Subsequently, order transmits (S1007) to function server 30 as MFP with scanning work (input service) activation command.The scanning work activation command is transmitted with the destination URL of work ID and work.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the preparation of scanner finishes (S1008).Whether whether the preparation of scanner is finished, be based on scanner and be ready to complete notice and by the back step S1213 of the scanning work process (Figure 25) explained sent and judge.

If scanner prepares also not finish (S1008:NO), function server 30 is judged whether notified termination (S1009) of session.Incidentally, session is in the back with notified termination among the step S1207 of the scanning work process (Figure 25) explained.

If the not notified termination of session (S1009:NO), control turns back to step S1008.If the notified termination of session (S1009:YES), control proceed to the step S1022 of back with Figure 23 of explanation.

If scanner prepares to finish (S1008:YES), function server 30 activates service side print job (S1010).The back will be explained service side print job (Figure 26) in detail.

Subsequently, order transmits (S1011) to function server 30 as MFP with print job (output services) activation command.The print job activation command is transmitted with the destination URL of work ID and work.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the preparation of printing finishes (S1012).Print to prepare whether to finish, be based on to print and be ready to complete notice and whether by the back step S1313 of the print job process (Figure 26) explained sent and judge.

If print to prepare also not finish (S1012:NO), function server 30 is judged whether notified termination (S1013) of session.Incidentally, session is in the back with notified termination among the step S1307 of the print job process (Figure 26) explained.

If the not notified termination of session (S1013:NO), control turns back to step S1012.If the notified termination of session (S1013:YES), control proceed to the step S1020 of back with Figure 23 of explanation.

If print to prepare to finish (S1012:YES), control proceeds to the step S1014 of Figure 23, and function server 30 is read the data (view data that is produced as reading unit 103) of input.

Subsequently, be included in the text (handling) in the view data of reading among the step S1014 by view data is carried out OCR by identification, function server 30 produces the view data that is used to print, and the text of identification is carried out Translation Processing, and is that the text of translating is set printing layout (S1015).

Subsequently, the view data that is used to print (print data) that produces at S1015 of output (S1016).

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the data inputs (reading) of whole input data finish (S1017).If (S1017:NO) do not finished in the data input, control turns back to step S1014.

If the input of the data of whole input data is done (S1017:YES), function server 30 judges whether the data outputs (view data that is used to print) of whole output data finish (S1018).If (S1018:NO) do not finished in data output, control turns back to step S1014.

If (S1018:YES) finished in the output of the data of whole output data, function server 30 print jobs stop order (together with the work ID of the print job that is terminated) as MFP command transfer (S1019), after this, stop service side print job (S1020).

Subsequently, function server 30 stops order (together with the work ID of the scanning work that is terminated) as MFP command transfer (S1021) with scanning work, after this, stops service side scanning work (S1022).

Subsequently, function server 30 stops order (together with the work ID of the UI work that is terminated) with UI work and as MFP command transfer (S1023), after this, stops service side UI work (S1024).

After this, function server 30 executive termination processes for example discharge storer (S1025), as MFP command transfer end of service order (S1026), stop the conversation procedure among Figure 22 and 23.

Below, will explain UI work disposal (service side UI work) with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 24, it is to be activated in the step S1002 of above-mentioned conversation procedure (Figure 22), to operate with function server process and conversation procedure simultaneously.

In the beginning of UI work disposal, function server 30 receives MFP work order inquiry (S1101) from MFP10.Incidentally, MFP work order inquiry is set to the transmission data (Figure 16) in the MFP10 of the step S400 of the UI work of being carried out by the control module 11 of MFP10 or S423, and by the transmission of the MFP10 among the step S406 of UI work (Figure 16).

Subsequently, function server 30 transmission parameter requests (the necessary parameter setting of request service execution) are to MFP10, as MFP order (S1102).Incidentally, parameter request is transmitted (service I/F information 36 is corresponding to the translation copy services in this example) together with the service I/F information 36 of storage in the service I/F information area 34 of storage unit 33.

Subsequently, function server 30 initialization error counts (S1103).

Subsequently, function server 30 receives parameter (S1104) from MFP10.Incidentally, parameter is set to the transmission data among the MFP10 among the step S410 of the performed UI work (Figure 16) of the control module 11 of MFP10, and by the transmission of the MFP10 among the step S406 of UI work (Figure 16).

Subsequently, function server 30 is judged these parameters of receiving at S1104 whether normal (S1105).

If parameter undesired (S1105:NO), function server 30 be based on initialized error count among the S1103, judge S1105 judge whether cause " NO " for twice (S1106).

If having twice, the judgement of S1105 do not cause " NO ", promptly, if the judgement of S1105 be for the first time " NO " (S1106:NO), function server 30 transmission are represented the server accepting state (showing whether function server 30 normally receives information from MFP10) of " server reception NG (improper reception) " to MFP10 (S1107), and increase by 1 (S1108) to error count.Then, control turns back to step S1104.

If the judgement of S1105 causes " NO " for twice (S1106:YES), function server 30 announcement session are ended (S1109).Then, the UI work disposal stops.

If the parameter that receives among the S1104 is normal (S1105:YES), the server accepting state of function server 30 transmission expressions " server receives OK (the normal reception) " is to MFP10 (S11I0), and (S1111) finished in the input of announcement session parameter.

Subsequently, function server 30 receives service status information request (S1112).Incidentally, the service status information request is set as the step S421 of UI work or the transmission data (Figure 16) among the MFP10 among the S422, and as mentioned above by the transmission of the MFP10 among the step S406 of UI work.

Subsequently, function server 30 is transferred to MFP10 (S1113) with service status information, and control turns back to step S1112.Therefore, repeat the reception of service status information request and returning of service status information, stopped by another processing up to circulation from MFP10.Incidentally, service status information is transmitted together with service I/F information 36 and error code.

Below, with interpreting scan work disposal (service side scanning work), it is to be activated in the step S1006 of conversation procedure (Figure 22), to operate with function server processing, conversation procedure and UI work disposal simultaneously with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 25.

In the beginning that scanning work is handled, function server 30 receives MFP status information (S1201) from MFP10.Incidentally, the MFP status information is the MFP10 transmission among the step S504 of the input service (Figure 17) carried out by the control module 11 of MFP10.

Subsequently, function server 30 initialization error counts (S1202).

Subsequently, the parameter that receives among the step S1104 based on UI work disposal (Figure 24), function server 30 will be transferred to MFP10 for the parameter of reading unit 13 (scanner), as MFP parameter (S1203).

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the MFP parameter has normally been received (S1204) by MFP10.Especially, if function server 30 is transfused to normal receive (as the MFP receiving status information) of step S509 (Figure 17) notice of work, these MFP parameters are judged as normally and receive.Notify improper reception (as the MFP receiving status information) if function server 30 is transfused to the step S508 (Figure 17) of work, these MFP parameters are judged as and are not normally received.

If the MFP parameter is not normally received (S1204:NO) by MFP10, based on initialized error count among the S1202, function server 30 judge S1204 judge whether cause " NO " for twice (S1205).

Do not cause " NO " if the judgement of S1204 has twice, that is, if the judgement of S1204 be for the first time " NO " (S1205:NO), function server 30 increases by 1 (S1206) to error count.Then, control turns back to step S1703.

If the judgement of S1204 causes " NO " for twice (S1205:YES), function server 30 announcement session are ended (S1207), and the service status information of transmission expression " non-normal termination " is to MFP10 (S1208).Then, scanning work is handled and is stopped.

If these parameters have normally been received (S1204:YES) by MFP10, function server 30 announcement session scanners prepare to finish (S1213), and the request of data of transmission input (request is corresponding to the data input of the type of work) is to MFP10 (S1209).

Subsequently, function server 30 receives input data (S1210) from MFP10.Incidentally, the input data are the MFP10 transmission among the step S514 of the input service (Figure 17) carried out by the control module 11 of MFP10.

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether scanning work is handled is fair termination (S1211).Be not judged as fair termination (S1211:NO) if scanning work is handled, the service status information of function server 30 transmission expressions " non-normal termination " is to MFP10 (S1208).Then, scanning work is handled and is stopped.

On the other hand, be fair termination (S1211:YES) if the scanning work process is judged, the service status information of function server 30 transmission expressions " fair termination " is to MFP10 (S1212).Then, the scanning work process stops.

Below, will explain with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 26, be activated with the print job process (service side print job) of operating simultaneously with function server process, conversation procedure, the UI course of work and scanning work process at the step S1010 of conversation procedure (Figure 22).

In the beginning of print job process, function server 30 receives MFP status information (S1301) from MFP10.Incidentally, the MFP status information is transmitted by MFP10 in the step S604 of the output services of being carried out by the control module 11 of MFP10 (Figure 18).

Subsequently, function server 30 initialization error counts (S1302).

Subsequently, based on the parameter that receives in the step S1104 of the UI course of work (Figure 24), the parameter that function server 30 transmission are used to print is to MFP10, as MFP parameter (S1303).

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the MFP parameter has normally been received (S1304) by MFP10.Especially, if function server 30 is output normal receive (as the MFP receiving status information) of the step S609 notice of work (Figure 18), the MFP parameter is judged and is normally received.If function server 30 is output the step S608 of work (Figure 18) and notifies improper reception (as the MFP receiving status information), the MFP parameter is judged and is not normally received.

If the MFP parameter is not normally received (S1304:NO) by MFP10, based on initialized error count among the S1302, function server 30 judge S1304 judge whether cause " NO " for twice (S1305).

Do not cause " NO " if the judgement of S1304 has twice, that is, if the judgement of S1304 be for the first time " NO " (S1305:NO), function server 30 increases by 1 (S1306) to error count.Then, control turns back to step S1303.

If the judgement of S1304 causes " NO " for twice (S1305:YES), function server 30 notice replies are ended (S1307), and the service status information of transmission expression " non-normal termination " is to MFP10 (S1308).Then, the print job process stops.

If the MFP parameter has normally been received (S1304:YES) by MFP10, function server 30 announcement session are printed and are ready to complete (S1313), and after this, the print data that continues to generate is transferred to MFP10 (S1309).

Subsequently, function server 30 receives MFP status information (S1310) from MFP10.Incidentally, the MFP status information is transmitted by MFP10 in the step S616 of the output services of being carried out by the control module 11 of MFP10 (Figure 18).

Subsequently, function server 30 judges whether the print job process is fair termination (S1311).Be not fair termination (S1311:NO) if the print job process is judged, the service status information of function server 30 transmission expressions " non-normal termination " is to MFP10 (S1308).Then, the print job process stops.On the other hand, be fair termination (S1311:YES) if the print job process is judged, function server 30 will represent that the service status information of " fair termination " is transferred to MFP10 (S1312).Then, the print job process stops.

Below, will explain with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 27, add process by the service that the control module 31 of function server 30 is carried out.When assigned operation was carried out by the keeper of function server 30, service interpolation process began.

In the beginning of service interpolation process, the program (service software 37 of a new service) that function server 30 allows the keeper carry out the service that will be added copies to the operation (S1401) of assigned catalogue.

Subsequently, it is the processing (S1402) of URL that function server 30 is carried out the address translation of version in S1401, and allows title (service name) that the keeper imports the service of interpolation (S1403).

Subsequently, function server 30 allows the keeper import the classification (S1404) of the service of interpolation.In this step, the keeper can import in aforementioned three classifications " data storage service ", " print service " and " replication application service ".

After this, function server 30 be stored in the title imported among the S1403 and with they with S1404 that the URL that generates in step S1402 is associated in the classification (S1405) imported, and 20 interpolation (registration) services of notice LIST SERVER, by transmitting the service registry order to LIST SERVER 20 (S1406) together with title, classification and URL in step S1405 storage.Then, service interpolation process stops.

Below, will explain the service change process of carrying out by the control module 31 of function server 30 with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 28.When the operation of appointment was carried out by the keeper of function server 30, the service change process began.

In the beginning of service change process, function server 30 allows the keeper carry out to be used to and changes operation (S1501) about the attribute data of service.

Subsequently, function server 30 storage titles and classification (S1502) that the change that they are associated with URL is served.

After this, the 20 change services of function server 30 notice LIST SERVER are by transmitting the service update command to LIST SERVER 20 (S1503) together with title, classification and URL.Then, the service change process stops.

Below, will explain the service delete procedure of carrying out by the control module 31 of function server 30 with reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 29.When the operation of appointment was carried out by the keeper of function server 30, the service delete procedure began.

In the beginning of service delete procedure, function server 30 allows the keeper specify the deletion (S1601) of a service by selecting attribute data.

Subsequently, by transmitting the service delete instruction together with title, classification and URL to LIST SERVER 20, the 20 deletion services (S1602) of function server 30 notice LIST SERVER.

After this, function server 30 dependency data deletions record (S1603), and deletion is corresponding to the program (service software 37) of URL (S1604).Then, the service delete procedure stops.

In the above-described embodiment, reading unit 13 is corresponding to image read system, and record cell 14 is corresponding to image print system, and sound input block 17 is corresponding to the sound input system, and voice output unit 18 is corresponding to voice output system.Step S103 in the MFP process of Figure 12 judges system corresponding to services request, and step S106 and S115 are corresponding to the information on services Request System.Operating unit 12 and step S108 and S110 to the combination of S115 corresponding to serving decision systems.The step S201 of the conversation procedure among Figure 14 is corresponding to the services request system.The step S400 of the UI work among Figure 16 and S406 are corresponding to the parameter setting information Request System.The combination of the step S409 of the UI work among operating unit 12 and Figure 16 is corresponding to parameter setting system.The step S406 of the UI work among Figure 16 and S410 are corresponding to the parameter transmission system.MFP10 with these functions is corresponding to image processing equipment.The process of being carried out by service software 37 is corresponding to the service execution system.Among the step S1602 of the step S1406 of service interpolation process (Figure 27), the step S1503 of service change process (Figure 28) and service delete procedure (Figure 29) each is corresponding to the Service Notification system.Function server 30 with these functions is corresponding to service provider system.

The service definition information storage unit 24 of storage unit 23 is corresponding to the service memory system.Step S702, S703 and S705 to S708 corresponding to the information on services update system.The step S704 that carries out after step S710 or the S712 is corresponding to the service information transfers system.LIST SERVER 20 with these functions is corresponding to information providing system.

The step S1102 of the UI work of being carried out by function server 30 (Figure 24) is corresponding to the parameter setting information transmission system.

As mentioned above, image processing system comprise MFP10, carry out service with response from the function server 30 of the request of MFP10 and provide that function server 30 supported about the information of service LIST SERVER 20 to MFP10.Based on the service definition information 25 from LIST SERVER 20 transmission, MFP10 determines from function server 30 requested service.And MFP10 is provided with the necessary parameter of execution of service.

It should be understood that the environment (service as on the Internet) that quantity that image processing system 100 is suitable for serving from day to day increases at random and reduces.That is to say that in image processing system 100, based on the service definition information 25 from LIST SERVER 20 transmission, MFP10 can discern the type of the receivable service of MFP10 and the position of service.Therefore, for MFP10, the information of preserving in MFP10 about the position of the type of service and service is unnecessary.

The load that alleviates the user of the MFP10 in the environment that the quantity of the load of MFP10 and service increases at random continually and reduce becomes possibility.It also is possible stoping the stored number increase that is used in the relevant information of serving of MFP10 storage, even effectively the quantity of service increases considerably.It is possible stoping unnecessary information to rest among the MFP10.

These advantages can keep at the environment of the possibility that has the specification that changes the used parameter of service execution.

Because conduct is to the MFP10 request responding, service definition information 25 and service I/F information 36 are from the Server Transport to MFP10.Therefore, according to this illustrative embodiment, on MFP10, receive service definition information 25 and service I/F information 36 and the setting that do not change broadband router 2 possibility that becomes.

Have only when MFP10 sends services request to function server 30, service definition information 25 and service I/F information 36 just are transferred to MFP10.Therefore, according to this illustrative embodiment, prevent to be transferred to the MFP10 possibility that becomes more than essential service definition information 25 and service I/F information 36.Therefore can reduce the load on the MFP10.

In image processing system 100, show on the display 52a of the guidance panel 12a of MFP10 based on the information of service definition information 25 with service I/F information 36, with permission user selection function server 30 requested service, and the service initialization parameter for selecting.Such configuration makes the user of MFP10 carry out the service of wanting on MFP10.

In image processing system 100, if the service that function server 30 is supported is changed, the information of relevant service change is informed to LIST SERVER 30 from function server 30.Therefore, according to this illustrative embodiment, the service that LIST SERVER 20 unnecessary analytic function servers 30 can be carried out.In brief, the relevant information of service is effectively collected.The information of nearest relevant service is provided to MFP10 immediately.Such information providing case (wherein the information of relevant service is provided by function server 30) is favourable, because the analysis of all available service on the LIST SERVER 20 is very difficult, particularly in the system that available service is distributed in a plurality of servers.

In image processing system 100, but defined setup parameter is to be limited to partial parameters available among the MFP10 in the service definition information 36.Therefore, according to this illustrative embodiment, prevent the use in each service of unsuitable parameter.It may carry out every service.

Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to specific preferred implementation, other illustrative embodiment is possible.

In above-mentioned illustrated embodiment, MFP10 at first receives the top service definition information 25 of the service definition information sheet of storing in the service definition information storage unit 24 in the LIST SERVER 20, to allow user's selection sort, after this receive and the corresponding service definition information of selecting 25 of classification, select service to allow the user.Yet, the service definition information 25 that MFP10 can once receive more than a slice (or all sheets) from LIST SERVER 20.

These examples that are not limited to describe in the above-mentioned illustrated embodiment by service I/F information 36 requested parameters (resolution, or the like).Be included in the selection between monochrome and the colour, various types of parameters of density of toner (print density) and capacity optionally are used as the parameter of using in the service according to the type of serving.

In above-mentioned illustrated embodiment, the parameter that service I/F information 36 makes it to use is that those have higher or than the parameter of low value.But the value that service I/F information makes it the parameter that can not use is not limited to these values.For example, if three kinds of read-out resolutions, 200dpi, 300dpi and 600dpi are available in MFP10, and the serviced I/F information 36 of resolution 300dpi makes unavailable.

In Fig. 1, a MFP10 illustrates by example, has wherein represented to be connected to a LIST SERVER 20 of network 1 and a system configuration of a function server 30.But, be not limited to such example according to the system configuration of image processing system of the present invention.

For example, the MFPs10 sheet can be provided in image processing system.In this case, the MFP10 of each sheet operation, the LIST SERVER of sharing from MFPs10 20 receives service definition information, and asks service to the function server 30 that MFPs10 shares.

Alternately or in addition, in image processing system, may provide LIST SERVER 20 more than one.In this case, first LIST SERVER 20 can be configured, and so that top service definition information 25 to MFP10 to be provided, configurable second LIST SERVER 20 arrives MFP10 with the service definition information that each classification is provided.

Alternately or in addition, in an image processing system, may provide function server 30 more than one.In this case, the function of the function of transmission service I/F information 36 and this service of execution can be carried out on different function server 30 respectively.About the execution of service, handle the function of conversation procedure and the function of execution work process and can on different function server 30, finish respectively.

About the type of service, function server can be carried out different services respectively.For example, system can comprise the function server of carrying out service A, carries out the function server of service B, C and D, carries out the function server of service E and F.In this case, one of function server of carrying out service can have the function that service I/F information 36 is transferred to MFP10, or has the function that the different function server of this service function of execution can have transmission service I/F information 36 with those.

The function that LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are reached can realize on computers.The function that LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are reached can realize in a MFP of image processing system.

After this, with 13 embodiment that describe according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.

Embodiment 1

Figure 30 represents first embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 30, image processing system 101 comprises MFP A, LIST SERVER A and function server A and B.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router R (broadband router).LIST SERVER A and function server A and B are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 101 are to provide to surpass one function server in system 101.Each can carry out one or more services function server A and B, and the service I/F information of transmitting corresponding to each service arrives MFP A.The service definition information 25 to MFP A of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A and B are supported.The service that MFP A wants from one of function server A and B request.Function server A or B transmission are corresponding to the service I/F information 36 to MFP A of ask service, and MFP A offers function server A or the parameter of B to import simultaneously.

Image processing system 101 is useful in such a case, and the ISP who promptly surpasses utilizes system 101 that their services separately are provided independently.

In image processing system 101, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A and B corresponding with service provide the system and the parameter setting information transmission system.

Embodiment 2

Figure 31 represents second embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 31, image processing system 102 comprises MFP A, comprises computer A and the function server B of LIST SERVER A and function server A.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Computer A and function server B are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 102 are that LIST SERVER A and function server B can realize on computer A, and the function server above is provided in system 102.

Similar with first embodiment, each can carry out one or more services function server A and B, and transmission is corresponding to the service I/F information 36 to MFP A of each service.The service definition information 25 to MFPA of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A and B are supported.The service that MFP A wants from one of function server A and B request.Function server A or B transmission are corresponding to the service I/F information 36 to MFP A of ask service, and MFP A offers function server A or the parameter of B to import simultaneously.

Because LIST SERVER A and function server B can realize (that is, the function of LIST SERVER A and function server B can be carried out) on computer A on computer A, system 102 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 102, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A and B corresponding with service provide the system and the parameter setting information transmission system.

Embodiment 3

Figure 32 represents the 3rd embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.Shown in figure 32, image processing system 103 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP B of LIST SERVER A, comprises MFP C and function server A and the B of function server C.MFP A, B and C are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and B are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 103 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 103, and LIST SERVER B is included among the MFP B, and function server C comprises among the MFP C and provides in system 103 and surpasses one function server.

In image processing system 103, each can carry out one or more services function server A, B and C, and the service I/F information of transmitting corresponding to each service 36 arrives one of MFP.The service definition information 25 of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and C supported is to one of MFP A, B and C.Each service of wanting from one of function server A, B and C request of MFP A, B and C.Function server A, B or C transmission are arrived one of MFP A, B and C corresponding to the service I/F information 36 of ask service, and each offers function server A, B or the parameter of C to import while MFP A, B and C.

According to image processing system 103, need not be LIST SERVER B and the independent computing machine of function server C use.Therefore, system 103 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 103, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A, B and C, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A, B and C corresponding with service provide the system and the parameter setting information transmission system.

Embodiment 4

Figure 33 represents the 4th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 33, image processing system 104 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP F of LIST SERVER F and function server F, and function server A and B.MFP A and F are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and B are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 104 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 104, and LIST SERVER F and function server F are included among the MFP F and provide in system 104 and surpass one function server.

In image processing system 104, each can carry out one or more services function server A, B and F, and the service I/F information of transmitting corresponding to each service 36 arrives one of MFPs.One of the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER F transfer function server A, each service that B and F supported and F.Each service of wanting from one of function server A, B and F request of MFP A and F.Function server A, B or F transmission are arrived one of MFP A and F corresponding to the service I/F information 36 of ask service, and each offers function server A, B or the parameter of F to import while MFP A and F.

According to image processing system 104, need not be LIST SERVER F and the independent computing machine of function server F use.Therefore, system 104 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 103, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A and F, LIST SERVER F corresponding informance provides system, and function server A, B and F corresponding with service provide the system and the parameter setting information transmission system.

Embodiment 5

Figure 34 represents the 5th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 34, image processing system 105 comprises MFP A, LIST SERVER A, function server A, and I/F information server A.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.LIST SERVER A, function server A and I/F information server A are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

(and the following examples) in the present embodiment, the server with function of transmission service I/F information 36 is called as I/F information server A, has the server of carrying out service function and is called as function server.

The characteristics of image processing system 105 are that the function of execution service function and transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in two independent servers respectively.

In image processing system 105, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A is supported.MFP A asks correspondence to want the service I/F information 36 of serving from I/F information server A, and I/F information server A provides service I/F information 36 to MFP A simultaneously.MFP A offers the input parameter of function server A with the request service.

In image processing system 105, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A corresponding with service provides system, and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server A.

Embodiment 6

Figure 35 represents the 6th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 35, image processing system 106 comprises MFP A, comprises the computer A of LIST SERVER A and function server A, and I/F information server A.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Computer A and I/F information server A are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 106 are that the function of execution service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 are to realize in two independent servers respectively, and LIST SERVER A and function server A are comprised in the computer A.

In image processing system 106, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A is supported.MFP A asks correspondence to want the service I/F information 36 of serving from I/F information server A, and I/F information server A provides service I/F information 36 to MFP A simultaneously.MFP A offers the input parameter of function server A with the request service.

Because the function of LIST SERVER A and function server A is to be finished by single computer (computer A), system 106 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 106, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A corresponding with service provides system, and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server A.

Embodiment 7

Figure 36 represents the 7th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 36, image processing system 107 comprises MFP A, comprises the computer A of LIST SERVER A and I/F information server A, and function server A.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Computer A and function server A are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 107 are that the function of execution service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 are to realize in two independent servers respectively, and LIST SERVER A and I/F information server A are comprised in the computer A.

In image processing system 107, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A is supported.MFP A asks correspondence to want the service I/F information 36 of serving from I/F information server A, and I/F information server A provides service I/F information 36 to MFP A simultaneously.MFP A offers the input parameter of function server A with the request service.

Because the function of LIST SERVER A and I/F information server A is to finish in single computer (computer A), system 107 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 107, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A corresponding with service provides system, and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server A.

Embodiment 8

Figure 37 represents the 8th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 37, image processing system 108 comprises MFP A, comprises the computer A of LIST SERVER A, I/F information server A and function server A.MFP A is connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Computer A is connected to WAN by router R.

The characteristics of image processing system 108 are that the function of execution service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 are to realize in two independent servers respectively, and LIST SERVER A, I/F information server A and function server A are comprised in the computer A.

In image processing system 108, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of each service that LIST SERVER A transfer function server A is supported.MFP A asks correspondence to want the service I/F information 36 of serving from I/F information server A, and I/F information server A provides service I/F information 36 to MFP A simultaneously.MFP A offers the input parameter of function server A with the request service.

Because the function of LIST SERVER A, I/F information server A and function server A is to finish on single computer (computer A), system 108 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 108, MFP A correspondence image treatment facility, LIST SERVER A corresponding informance provides system, and function server A corresponding with service provides system, and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server A.

Embodiment 9

Figure 38 represents the 9th embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 37, image processing system 109 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP B of LIST SERVER B, comprises the MFP C of function server C, comprises MFP D and function server A and the B of I/F information server D.MFP A, B, C and D are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and B are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 109 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 109, carrying out the function of service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in independent server respectively, in system 110, provide and surpass one function server, LIST SERVER B is included among the MFPB, function server C comprises among the MFP C and I/F information server D is included among the MFP D.

In image processing system 109, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and C supported is to one of D.MFP A to D each from I/F information server D request service I/F information 36 corresponding to ask service, I/F information server D provides and serves I/F information 36 and arrive MFP A to one of D simultaneously.Each offers function server A to the input parameter of one of C with the request service to MFP A to D.

According to image processing system 109, need not provide independent computing machine for the function of LIST SERVER B, function server C and I/F information server D.Therefore, system 109 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 109, MFP A is to each correspondence image treatment facility of D, LIST SERVER B corresponding informance provides system, and each function corresponding with service of function server A to C provides system, the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server D.

Embodiment 10

Figure 39 represents the tenth embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 39, image processing system 110 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP B of LIST SERVER B and function server B, comprises MFP C and function server A and the B of I/F information server C.MFP A, B and C are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and E are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 110 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 110, carrying out the function of service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in independent server respectively, in system 110, provide and surpass one function server, LIST SERVER B and function server B are included among the MFP B, and function server C is included among the MFP C.

In image processing system 110, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and E supported is to one of C.MFP A, B and C each from I/F information server C request service I/F information 36 corresponding to ask service, I/F information server C provides and serves I/F information 36 and arrive one of MFP A, B and C simultaneously.Each offers one of function server A, B and E input parameter with the request service MFP A, B and C.

According to image processing system 110, need not be LIST SERVER B, the function of function server C and I/F information server C provides independent computing machine.Therefore, system 110 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 110, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A, B and C, LIST SERVER B corresponding informance provides system, and each corresponding with service of function server A, B and E provides the system and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server C.

Embodiment 11

Figure 40 represents the 11 embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 40, image processing system 111 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP B of LIST SERVER B and I/F information server B, comprises MFP C and function server A and the E of function server C.MFP A, B and C are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and E are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 111 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 111, carrying out the function of service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in independent server respectively, in system 111, provide and surpass one function server, LIST SERVER B and I/F information server B are included among the MFP B, and function server C is included among the MFP C.

In image processing system 111, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and E supported is to one of C.MFP A, B and C each from I/F information server B request service I/F information 36 corresponding to ask service, I/F information server B provides and serves I/F information 36 and arrive one of MFP A, B and C simultaneously.Each offers one of function server A, B and E input parameter with the request service MFP A, B and C.

According to image processing system 111, need not be LIST SERVER B, the function of function server C and I/F information server B provides independent computing machine.Therefore, system 111 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 111, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A, B and C, LIST SERVER B corresponding informance provides system, and each corresponding with service of function server A, B and E provides the system and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server B.

Embodiment 12

Figure 41 represents the 12 embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 41, image processing system 112 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFPB of LIST SERVER B, comprises the MFP C of function server C and I/F information server C, and function server A and E.MFP A, B and C are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and E are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 112 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 112, carrying out the function of service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in independent server respectively, in system 112, provide and surpass one function server, LIST SERVER B is included among the MFPB, and function server C and I/F information server C are included among the MFP C.

In image processing system 112, the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and E supported is to one of C.MFP A, B and C each from I/F information server C request service I/F information 36 corresponding to ask service, I/F information server C provides and serves I/F information 36 and arrive one of MFP A, B and C simultaneously.Each offers one of function server A, B and E input parameter with the request service MFP A, B and C.

According to image processing system 112, need not be LIST SERVER B, the function of function server C and I/F information server C provides independent computing machine.Therefore, system 112 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 112, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A, B and C, LIST SERVER B corresponding informance provides system, and each corresponding with service of function server A, B and E provides the system and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server C.

Embodiment 13

Figure 41 represents the 13 embodiment according to the configuration of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in figure 41, image processing system 113 comprises MFP A, comprises the MFP B of LIST SERVER B, function server B and I/F information server B, and function server A and E.MFP A and B are connected to Local Area Network, and this LAN is connected to a wide area network (WAN) by router (broadband router) R.Function server A and E are connected to WAN by its router R separately.

The characteristics of image processing system 113 are to provide to surpass one MFP in system 112, carrying out the function of service and the function of transmission service I/F information 36 is to realize in independent server respectively, provide to surpass one function server in system 112, LIST SERVER B, function server C and I/F information server B are included among the MFP B.

In image processing system 113, one of the service definition information 25 to MFP A of LIST SERVER B transfer function server A, each service that B and E supported and B.MFP A, B each from I/F information server B request service I/F information 36 corresponding to ask service, I/F information server B provides and serves I/F information 36 and arrive one of MFP A and B simultaneously.Each offers one of function server A, B and E input parameter with the request service MFP A and B.

According to image processing system 113, need not be LIST SERVER B, the function of function server B and I/F information server B provides independent computing machine.Therefore, system 113 can lower expense finish.

In image processing system 113, each correspondence image treatment facility of MFP A and B, LIST SERVER B corresponding informance provides system, and each corresponding with service of function server A, B and E provides the system and the corresponding parameter setting information transmission system of I/F information server B.

In above-mentioned first embodiment, cache management information comprises URL (being requested the address of file), group ID (grouping information of address), the filename of high speed buffer storage file, and temporal information (this is the time that is stored in cache area or obtains file once more when file).But shown in Figure 56, the frequency of request can be stored in the cache management information, replaces temporal information.

If the cache management information shown in use Figure 56, the cache management information updating process of representing among Figure 57 2 can replace cache management information updating process 1 to be performed, the deleted file decision process of representing among Figure 58 2 can replace the high-speed cache registration process 2 that deleted file decision process 2 is performed and Figure 60 represents can replace high-speed cache registration process 1 to be performed.

To cache management information updating process 2 be described with reference to Figure 57.In this process, control module 11 adds 100 frequencies (S2557) that arrive corresponding to the record of institute's demand file.Then, cache management information updating process 2 stops.

Below, will deleted file decision process 2 be described with reference to Figure 58 and 59.At first, control module 11 is distributed to variable N with 0, and initialization temporarily tabulate (S2451).Then, control module 11 makes variable N increase by 1 (S2453).Then, control module 11 judges whether cache management information has N record (S2455).

If cache management information has N record (S2455:YES), control module 11 judges whether N record has group ID (S2457).If N record has group ID (S2457:YES), control module 11 judges whether group ID is included in (S2461) in the interim tabulation.If N record do not have group ID (S2457:NO), control module 11 duplicates the URL and the frequency (S2459) of N record in the interim tabulation.Then, control turns back to step S2453.

The memory block that defines among the RAM of interim tabulation expression control module 11.Manyly can be stored in this storage area URL and frequency or group ID and frequency.

If the group ID of N record is included in (S2461:YES) in the interim tabulation, control module 11 is compared the frequency of N record with the frequency of respective record in the interim tabulation, to judge that whether N frequency that writes down be greater than the frequency (S2465) in the interim tabulation.

If the group ID of N record is not included in (S2361:NO) in the interim tabulation, control module 11 duplicates the group ID and the frequency (S2463) of N record in the interim tabulation.Then, control turns back to step S2453.

If judge the frequency (S2465:YES) of the frequency of N record greater than respective record in tabulating temporarily at step S2465, the frequency (S2467) that writes down in interim tabulation of record replacement of control module with N in cache management information record.Then, control turns back to step S2453.If frequency is not more than the frequency (S2465:NO) of respective record in the interim tabulation, control turns back to step S2451, and does not change the frequency in the interim tabulation.

If judge that at step S2455 cache management information does not have N record (S2455:NO), control proceeds to the step S2469 among Figure 59.At step S2469, control module 11 judges whether N is 1.If N is 1 (S2469:YES), the All Files that control module 11 is determined to be stored in the cache area can not deleted (S2477).Then, deleted file decision process 2 stops.

If N is not 1 (S2469:NO), control module 11 is determined should delete (S2471) with URL with record of the minimum frequency of all records in the interim tabulation or the corresponding file of group ID from interim tabulation.If the deletion file destination is related with group ID, control module 11 judges whether group ID is the group ID (S2475) of the first kind.If group ID is not the group ID (S2475:NO) of the first kind, deleted file decision process 2 stops.

If group ID is the group ID (S2475:YES) of the first kind, control module 11 judges whether the group ID corresponding to second type of the group ID of the first kind exists (S2479) in interim tabulation.Particularly, control module 11 is sought the group ID of its main group ID second type consistent with the main group of ID of the group ID of the first kind.

If the group ID that finds the second such type is not in interim tabulation (S2379:NO), deleted file decision process 2 stops.If the group ID that finds the second such type is in interim tabulation (S2479:YES), control module 11 is deleted the group ID of the first kind from interim tabulation, and N is reduced by 1 (S2481).Then, control turns back to step S2469, to repeat the process from step S2469.

Below, with reference to Figure 60 high-speed cache registration process 2 will be described.In this process, control module 11 in cache area, and is created the new record that comprises URL, group ID (if its exists), filename and frequency (=100) to the file storage that obtain, and new record is stored in (S2555) in the cache management information.

If the cache management information of representing among use Figure 56, the frequency renewal process below then in MFP10, carrying out.

Figure 61 is the process flow diagram of frequency renewal process, and it is when MFP10 starts, and is performed in the opening process of MFP10.In this process, each frequency (Figure 56) quilt in the cache management information is divided by 2 (S2559).Part behind the radix point can be cast out.Then, control module 11 is waited for 24 hours (S2561).Then, control turns back to step S2559.

The caching function of describing in the above-mentioned embodiment can be used to obtain general webpage, as shown in Figure 62.By utilizing META to be marked at definitions section ID (the group ID of the first kind) in the html file of homepage (referring to Figure 63), with utilize META to be marked at definitions section ID (the group ID of second type) in the html file of traffic management page or leaf (referring to Figure 64), might prevent from that homepage all is stored at homepage and traffic management page or leaf under the situation of cache area to delete from cache area.That is to say that even after homepage is stored in cache area, file newly is stored in cache area, the situation that the response time that can avoid visiting homepage became greater than the response time of accessing communication amount management page takes place.

Second embodiment

Image processing system according to second embodiment of the invention hereinafter will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.In this illustrated embodiment, those elements identical with first embodiment are assigned identical reference number, and no longer repeat the explanation to it.Hereinafter, will the feature of image processing system 201 be described.It should be noted that the various processing that illustrate in first embodiment also can carry out in image processing system 201.

Figure 65 is the structural drawing according to the image processing system 201 of second embodiment.Shown in Figure 65, image processing system 201 comprises MFP (multifunction peripheral) 10, LIST SERVER 20 (LIST SERVER B, C and D) and the function server 30 that can communicate with one another by wide area network 1 (as the Internet).MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are connected to wide area network 1 directly or indirectly by router (2,3,4,5,6) separately.For example, router two is a broadband router.

More particularly, for the packet that is sent to internal unit in the sub-network (as MFP 10), those packets that router two only allows to be judged as the response that the request of internal unit is done pass through, and tackle other packet.That is to say that router two is as fire wall, interception is from the unauthorized access to MFP 10 of wide area network 1.

Hereinafter, will the MFP process be described with reference to Figure 66.Figure 66 is the process flow diagram of the MFP process carried out under the control of the control module 11 of MFP 10 of explanation.At first, in step S3102, control module 11 is carried out the initialization procedure of MFP 10.Then, in step S3104, control module 11 input that takes orders.This order input MFP of presentation directives 10 carries out the input of specific processing.For example, this order input is by the key input of operating unit 12 inputs or the order of transmitting from outer computer by the user.

In step S3106, control module 11 judges whether the order of input is the order that instruction MFP 10 changes to service mode.Specifically, in step S3106, whether the user's operation among the control module 11 determining step S3104 is the push of guidance panel 12a being gone up services key 44.If the order of importing input is not the order (S3106:No) that instruction MFP 10 changes to service mode, control proceeds to step S3108, and the user imports the processing of corresponding another pattern among execution and the step S3104.For example, carry out print processing in step S3108, then, control turns back to step S3104.

If the order of input is the order (S3106:Yes) that instruction MFP 10 changes to service mode, control proceeds to step S3110.In step S3110, control module 11 shows on display 52 selects screen, and whether request user decision user from tabulation wants to select the service (being asked to function server 30) wanted, perhaps directly specifies the URL that wants the purpose file of serving.Then, control module 11 is waited for user's input.If user's input is received, control module 11 judges whether should select (S3110) from service list to function server 30 requested service.

If judge in step S3110 and select (S3110:Yes) to function server 30 requested service from service list, control proceeds to step S3111.

In step S3111, control module 11 selects to be positioned at the LIST SERVER (one of LIST SERVER B, C and D) at LIST SERVER tabulation top.Hereinafter, the LIST SERVER of selection is called as target directory server 20.

Below, control module 11 sends the service list request to target directory server (S3112).Figure 67 has illustrated the example of LIST SERVER tabulation.Shown in Figure 67, the LIST SERVER tabulation comprises one or more LIST SERVER addresses from the reception service list.More particularly, in step S106, MFP 10 sends the purpose file address request service list that HTTP asks target directory server based on HTTP1.1.After LIST SERVER 20 received request, LIST SERVER was beamed back service definition information 25 to MFP 10, as the http response based on HTTP1.1.

Service definition information 25 comprises that a plurality of services that the request user supports from function server 30 are (as " data storage service ", " print service ", " duplicate the application service ") the middle information (top service definition information 25) of selecting the demonstration services selection screen of service, and show that the services selection screen makes the user select the information (classification service definition information 25) of classification.

In step S3112, control module 11 sends the HTTP request of the address of all fragments of access services definition information.Figure 68 has illustrated the example of top service definition information 25.Figure 69 has illustrated the example of classification service definition information 25.

Below, in step S3113, control module 11 receives service definition information 25 from target directory server 20, and it is stored in the service definition information storage area.Specifically, every data of the service definition information 25 of reception are stored in the service definition information storage area.

For example, if the multi-disc service definition information 25 shown in Figure 68 receives from LIST SERVER A, the item name that then receives title, the menu quantity in the top service definition information 25 (referring to " the menu quantity " among Figure 70) of the LIST SERVER A of multi-disc service definition information and offer the user is registered in the service definition information storage area that Figure 70 represents.In this case, " LIST SERVER A " is registered and is the LIST SERVER title, and the value of " Num_Link " mark is registered the quantity into menu, and the value of " language " mark is registered and is language, and the value of " Link_Title " mark is registered and is item name.In addition, also be registered, be associated with separately service name simultaneously corresponding to the address of classification service.In the example that Figure 10 represents, the value of " Link_Location " mark in the classification service definition information 25 is registered and is " SUB_MENU address ", is associated with the value of " Link_Title " mark simultaneously.

Next, in step S3114, control module 11 judges whether LIST SERVER all in the LIST SERVER tabulation is processed.If all LIST SERVER do not have all processed (S3114:NO), then select next LIST SERVER (S3115).Then, control proceeds to step S3112.Execution in step S3112 is to S3115, up to the processing of all LIST SERVER being carried out these step procedure in order.

If all LIST SERVER all processed (S3114:YES), then control proceeds to step S3116, is stored in the service definition information 25 of service definition information storage area and produces the services selection screen based on current.Specifically, in step S3116, carry out services selection screen production process.

If execution in step S3116 at first after the initialization of MFP process, then the services selection screen represented of displayed map 5A.If execution in step S3116 after control is returned from step S3130, then the services selection screen represented of displayed map 5A or 5C.

Then in step S3110, judge to function server 30 requested service and from service list, do not select (S3110:No), control proceeds to step S3108, here control module 11 produces entr screen, allows the user directly to import URL, and show entr screen on display 52.Then, control proceeds to step S3120.

In step S3120, control module 11 is accepted the operation of user by guidance panel 12a, with the service of decision from function server 30 receptions.If carry out user's operation, then control proceeds to step S3122, and here control module 11 judges whether user's operation is the operation of selecting link.Specifically, in step S3122, if the user successfully selects on the services selection screen that step S116 shows, if perhaps successfully import URL by the entr screen that shows at step S118, then control module 11 judges that user's operation is the operation of selecting link.

If user's operation is not the operation (S3122:No) of selecting link, then control proceeds to step S3124, and here control module 11 judges whether the user's operation that receives is the operation that stops service mode in step S3120.If user's operation is the operation (S3120:Yes) that stops service mode, then control proceeds to step S3104.That is to say, in this case, as the process termination of service mode.

If judging user's operation in step S3124 is not the operation (S3124:No) that stops service mode, then control proceeds to step S3126, and here control module 11 produces beep sound.Then, control turns back to step S3104.That is to say that if the user who accepts operation is not to select the operation of link and stop a kind of in the operation of service mode, then producing beep sound is invalid to notify this user's operation of user in step S3120.

If user's operation is the operation (S3122:Yes) of selecting link, then control proceeds to step S3128, and here control module 11 judges whether the link of selecting is service chaining (ID).

If the link of selecting be not service chaining (that is to say that the link of selection is the URL of service definition information 25) (S3128:No), then control proceeds to step S3130.In step S3130, control module 11 request service lists, and receive service definition information 25.Then, control turns back to step S3116, so that new services selection screen display is on display 52.

If the link of selecting is service chaining (S3128:Yes), then control proceeds to step S3132, carries out session here and handles (referring to Figure 14).After session was finished dealing with, control turned back to step S3104.

Below with reference to Figure 71, the services selection screen production process of carrying out among the step S3116 of Figure 66 is described.At first, control module 11 obtains storage area (S4002) for the server address table.Then, the top information in the control module 11 selection service definition information storage areas is as target information (S4004).The data of service definition information are registered in the service definition information storage area among the step S3113 of Figure 66, and the scope of definition from the LIST SERVER name entry to the item name clauses and subclauses is as target.

Below, control module judges whether " NULL " distributed to target data as LIST SERVER title (S4006).(S4006:No), then control module 11 is read the LIST SERVER title if " NULL " distributed to target data (that is to say, the title of LIST SERVER 20 is distributed to target data), and it is stored in demonstration storage area (S4008).This demonstration storage area is to be used to store the storage area that is presented at the information on the display 52, and shows that the storage area canned data is presented on the display 52.

Below, read and LIST SERVER title corresponding " menu quantity " value from target information, and it is distributed to variable N (S4010).Next, control module 11 judges that whether N is greater than 0 (S4012).If N is greater than 0 (S4012:YES), then control module 11 is read classification from target information, and in the data (S4014) that show that the storage area storage is read.

Then, control module 11 is read the submenu address from target information, selects a top submenu address as target (S4016).Then, the address (value of " Link_Location " in the service) that control module 11 is read target submenu address (S4018) and judges whether this address equals the address (S4020) in the server address table.If the server address table does not comprise the address (S4020:NO) that equals target submenu address, then this address is stored in (S4022) in the server address table.Then, read the service name (value of " Link_Title ") of target submenu, and it is stored in viewing area (S4024).Then, control proceeds to step S4026.

If the server address table comprises the address (S4020:YES) that equals target submenu address, then control proceeds to step S4060, and does not carry out step 4022 and 4024.

Next, control module 11 service name (that is to say that target information does not exist) that judges whether " NULL " distributed to the target submenu (S4026).If there be (S4026:NO) in target information, then control turns back to step S4018, and repeating step S4018 to S4026 is so that all submenus are processed.All submenu addresses if processed (S4026:YES), then control module 11 deducts 1 (S4028) from N.Then, control turns back to step S4012, so that make all menus in the target information all processed.

If all menus in the target information all processed (S4012:NO) then select following a slice information in the service definition information storage area as target information (S4030).Then, control turns back to step S4006, so that make message slots all in the service definition information storage area all processed.

If all message slot all processed (S4006:YES), the storage area that obtains among the release steps S4002 (S4032).Then, services selection screen production process stops.

Figure 72 has shown the example of the services selection screen that the services selection screen production process by Figure 71 is produced.From Figure 72 as can be seen, avoided generic service between LIST SERVER A and the B repeat show.In the example of Figure 72, " NEWSREPORT " among the LIST SERVER B is removed with the application service of duplicating of " WATERMARK COPY ", because the address of these services equals the corresponding address of LIST SERVER A.

As mentioned above, according to second illustrated embodiment, generated the services selection screen of reflection, and the services selection screen that allows the user to pass through to be generated is selected service from the service list that receives more than one LIST SERVER 20.Such configuration allows the user easily and reliably to select the service of wanting.

In the services selection screen in the step S3116 of Figure 66, can avoid the demonstration that repeats more than generic service among one the LIST SERVER A.That is to say to have only different COS to be presented on the services selection screen as option.Therefore, prevented that identical service is simultaneously displayed on the services selection screen.Such configuration makes MFP 10 can not show identical service simultaneously and makes the user puzzled.

Owing to avoided the demonstration that repeats of service, the necessary viewing area that shows service list is minimized.Should be appreciated that such configuration is very useful, because the size of display 52 is limited.Also can avoid the unnecessary operation of the service that selection is wanted on display 52.

When the service that in step S3110, allows the user to select to want, obtain service definition information 25 at every turn can be from repeating step S3111 to S3115.

Below, will some variations of the MFP processing of representing among Figure 66 be described.

Change 1

Figure 73 has shown first variation of the MFP processing of representing among Figure 66.In Figure 73, first feature that changes only has been described and has omitted those identical steps among Figure 66.In this process, handling step S3102 after S3110, if the result of determining step S3110 is " YES ", treatment step S4202 then.In step S4202, control module 11 judges whether priority flag is updated.If the LIST SERVER of registration does not have right of priority (referring to Figure 67) in the LIST SERVER tabulation, then priority flag is set to " 0 ", if the LIST SERVER of registration has right of priority in the LIST SERVER tabulation, then priority flag is set to " 1 ".

If priority flag is not updated (priority flag=" 0 ") (S4202:YES), then control proceeds to step S4204, carries out server right of priority renewal process here.Then, control proceeds to step S4206.If priority flag is updated (S4202:NO), then control proceeds to step S4206 and need not to carry out server right of priority renewal process.

In step S4206, the server that has highest priority (having greatest preference value) in the LIST SERVER tabulation in all LIST SERVER of registration is selected as target (target directory server).Below, control module 11 responds from the target directory server request.Specifically, control module 11 sends " ping " and orders target directory server.

If received response (S4210:YES), then select the target (S4212) of this target directory server as the request service list to " ping " order from target directory server.Then, control module 11 comes from the LIST SERVER request service list of selecting by the HTTP request to a top service definition information 25 of request of LIST SERVER (S4214) transmission of selecting.If LIST SERVER receives this HTTP request, then LIST SERVER is beamed back top service definition information 25 and is given MFP 10.

Next, control module 11 shows services selection screen (S4216) based on service definition information 25, and control proceeds to step S3120 then.

If response is not received (S4210:NO), then control module 11 is judged all LIST SERVER of registering in the LIST SERVER tabulation whether processed (S4218).If all LIST SERVER of registration do not have all processed (S4218:NO) in the LIST SERVER tabulation, then control module 11 selects to have the LIST SERVER of highest priority as target (S4220) in all not processed LIST SERVER in the LIST SERVER tabulation.Then, control turns back to step S4208.

If all LIST SERVER all processed (S4218:YES) of registration in the LIST SERVER tabulation are then carried out server and selected wrong fault processing (S4222), then, control turns back to step S3104 (referring to Figure 66).

Below with reference to Figure 74, the server right of priority renewal process of carrying out among the step S4204 with explanation Figure 73.At first, control module 11 is chosen in the LIST SERVER registered in the top-level directory server list as target directory server (S4302).Then, control module 11 sends " ping " and orders this LIST SERVER, with request response (S4304).If received response (S4306:YES) from target directory server, then control module 11 obtains ttl value (movable time (Time to Live)) from the header of this response (tcp data bag), and with its storage, simultaneously this ttl value related with target directory server (S4308).Then, control proceeds to step S4312.

If do not receive response (S4306:NO), then control module 11 is distributed to ttl value with 0, and stores this ttl value, simultaneously this ttl value related with target directory server (S4310).Then, control proceeds to step S4312.

In step S4312, control module 11 judges whether all LIST SERVER are all processed in the LIST SERVER tabulation.If all LIST SERVER not all processed (S4312:NO) in the LIST SERVER tabulation then select in the LIST SERVER tabulation next LIST SERVER as target (S4314).If all LIST SERVER all processed (S4312:YES) in the LIST SERVER tabulation, then control module 11 is adjusted the priority value in the LIST SERVER tabulation, make LIST SERVER according to the series classification that successively decreases of ttl value, so that LIST SERVER is according to the series classification that successively decreases (S4316) of priority.

Then, control module 11 changes the right of priority mark into the value (S4318) of the renewal that shows this mark.

According to changing 1, might a service definition information 25 form the services selection screens according to the selected LIST SERVER of step S4206 to S4212.Be selected from the LIST SERVER that can respond among the step S4206 to S4212 owing to have the LIST SERVER of highest priority, this service definition information can obtain from only LIST SERVER.

In the server right of priority renewal process of server right of priority, the server with higher ttl value is assigned with higher-priority in the tabulation of definition LIST SERVER.Ttl value is a reference value that is used for estimating the trunking (as router) that the communication path between two equipment inserts.When relaying time numerical value becomes hour, it is big that ttl value becomes.If relaying time numerical value is less, it is contemplated that then the communication path as network is short.That is to say that this communication path with less relaying time numerical value can be considered to have the path of suitable network condition.

Therefore, set right of priority by utilizing ttl value, might be only from the LIST SERVER acquisition service definition information of the equipment that is considered to have suitable network condition.As a result, based on service definition information 25, produce services selection screen (in step S3116) from the LIST SERVER with suitable network condition (being positioned at nearer network site).

In this changed, ttl value was used to produce right of priority.But, can adopt the another one standard to produce right of priority.For example, the echo request based on ICMP can be used for producing right of priority.In this case, each request all is transferred to LIST SERVER 20, and measures up to the received time of the response of this echo request.Network distance is short more, and the response time is short more.Therefore, the response time can be used for producing right of priority.

Change 2

Figure 75 has shown that second of the MFP shown in Figure 66 changes.In Figure 75, second feature that changes only has been described and has partly omitted those identical steps among Figure 66.Handling step S3102 after S3112, wrong (S4402) taken place to receive in control module 11 judgements in the receiving course of service definition information.If the service definition information 25 of the type of asking among the step S3112 is not stored in LIST SERVER 20, then LIST SERVER 20 sends error notification to MFP 10.Therefore, in this case, MFP 10 can notice that receiving mistake takes place.

If receive mistake (S4402:YES) takes place, then control module 11 query directory servers 20 redirects destination server (LIST SERVER request service list) (S4404).Then, control turns back to step S3112, from the destination server request service list that redirects.When each LIST SERVER 20 can not provide service list to MFP 10, each LIST SERVER 20 had the address that redirects destination server of pointing to MFP10.

If receive the wrong generation (S4402:NO) that do not have, then control proceeds to the step S3113 of Figure 66.

In second changed, control module 11 inquiries redirected after the destination server, and control turns back to step S3112.But before step S4404, can not make the LIST SERVER 20 of response to the request of MFP 10 in step S3112 can deletion from LIST SERVER tabulation, shown in the step S4403 of Figure 76.

According to second variation, that is to say service definition information can not be obtained from LIST SERVER that MFP 10 can obtain to redirect target.Therefore, MFP 10 can redirect server from this and obtain service definition information 25.

Especially, the LIST SERVER that can not make response to the request of MFP 10 is deleted from the tabulation of the LIST SERVER shown in Figure 76.Therefore, prevent that MFP 10 is not from making the LIST SERVER request service list of response to the request of MFP 10.

Also first variation and second feature that changes can be combined, shown in Figure 60 and 61.In Figure 60, if having the LIST SERVER of higher-priority can not response of step S4214 in the request (S4402:YES) of service list, then the server requests service list (S4404) of MFP 10 from redirecting.In Figure 61, the LIST SERVER that can not make response to the request of MFP 10 is from the LIST SERVER tabulation deleted (S4403).

The 3rd embodiment

Below, with the image processing system that illustrates with reference to the accompanying drawings according to the 3rd embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, those elements identical with first illustrated embodiment are assigned identical reference number, and will can not repeat the explanation to it.Hereinafter, will the feature of image processing system 301 be described.Should be noted that the various processing that illustrate in first embodiment also can carry out in image processing system 301.

Figure 77 is the structural drawing according to the image processing system 301 of the 3rd embodiment.Shown in Figure 77, image processing system 301 comprises MFP (multifunction peripheral) 10, LIST SERVER 20 and the function server 30 that can communicate with one another by wide area network NT (as the Internet).MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are connected to wide area network 1 by router (2,3,4) separately.For example, router (2,3,4) is a broadband router.

Similar with first illustrated embodiment, MFP 10, LIST SERVER 20 and function server 30 are according to the HTTP1.1 exchange data packets.

Below with reference to Figure 82 the MFP process is described.The MFP process is to carry out under the control of the control module 11 of MFP 10.At first, in step 5101, control module 11 is carried out the initialization procedure of MFP 10.Then, in step S5102, control module 11 input that takes orders.This order input MFP of presentation directives 10 carries out the input of particular procedure.For example, this order input is by the key input of operating unit 12 inputs or the order of transmitting from outer computer by the user.

In step S5103, control module 11 judges whether the order of input is the order that instruction MFP 10 changes to service mode.Specifically, in step S5103, control module 11 judges whether user's operation is the operation of the services key 44 on the push panel 12a in step S5102.If the order input of input is not the order (S5103:No) that instruction MFP 10 changes to service mode, then control proceeds to step S5104, here carry out with step S5102 in the user import the processing of corresponding another pattern.For example, carry out print processing in step S5104, then, control turns back to step S5102.

If the command instruction MFP 10 of input changes to service mode (S5103:Yes), then control proceeds to step S5105.In step S5105, control module 11 shows on display 52 selects screen, and whether request user decision selects the service (to 30 requested service of function server) wanted from tabulation, perhaps directly specifies the URL that wants the purpose file of serving.Then, control module 11 is waited for user's input.If user's input is received, then control module 11 judges whether should select (S5105) from service list to function server 30 requested service.

If judge in step S5105 and select (S5105:Yes) to function server 30 requested service from service list, then control proceeds to step S5105.

Next, control module 11 sends LIST SERVER 20 (S3112) is arrived in the request of service list.Specifically, control module 11 transmissions are to the request signal (referring to Figure 79) of top service definition information.In this request signal, also comprise ID and the IP address of distributing to MFP 10.After LIST SERVER 20 received request, this LIST SERVER was beamed back service definition information 25 and is given MFP 10, as the http response based on HTTP1.1.

Below, in step S5107, control module 11 receives service definition information 25 from LIST SERVER 20.Then, control module 11 shows the services selection screen based on the service definition information 25 that receives on display 25.Figure 80 and 81 has also illustrated the example of service definition information.Figure 78 A, 78B and 78C represent to correspond respectively to the services selection screen of Figure 79,80 and 81 multi-disc service definition information 25.

If at first execution in step S5108, then the services selection screen shown in the displayed map 78A after the initialization of MFP process.If execution in step S5108, then the services selection screen shown in displayed map 78B or the 78C after control turns back to step S5117.

If in step S5105, judge and from service list, do not select (S5105:No) to function server 30 requested service, then control proceeds to step S5109, control module 11 produces entr screen, allows the user directly to import URL, and show entr screen on display 52.Then, control proceeds to step S5110.

In step S5110, control module 11 is accepted to select from user's operation of the service of function server 30 receptions by guidance panel 12a.If carry out user's operation, then control proceeds to step S5111, and here control module 11 judges whether user's operation is the operation of selecting link.Specifically, in step S5111, if the user successfully selects on the shown services selection screen of step S116, if perhaps by successfully import URL on the shown entr screen of step S5109, then control module 11 judges that user's operation is the operation of selecting link.

If user's operation is not the operation (S5111:No) of selecting link, then control proceeds to step S5112, and here control module 11 judges whether the user's operation that receives is the operation of bookmark registration in step S5110.If user's operation is the operation (S5112:Yes) of bookmark registration, then control proceeds to step S5113, for the clauses and subclauses (service) of current selection are carried out the bookmark registration process.After the bookmark registration process was finished, step S5110 was returned in control.

If user's operation is not the operation (S5112:No) of bookmark registration, then control proceeds to step S5114, and here control module 11 judges whether the user's operation that receives is the operation that stops service mode in step S5110.If user's operation is the operation (S5114:Yes) that stops service mode, then control turns back to step 5102.That is to say that in this case, the service mode process stops.

In step S5114, not the operation (S5114:No) that stops service mode if judge user's operation, then control proceeds to step S5115, and control module 11 produces beep sound.Then, control turns back to step S5110.That is to say, if the user who accepts in step S5110 operation is not the operation of the operation of selecting link, registration bookmark and stops any in the service mode operation that it is invalid then producing beep sound so that notify this user's operation of user.

If user's operation is the operation (S5111:Yes) of selecting link, then control proceeds to step S5112, and here control module 11 judges whether the link of selecting is the URL of service.If the link of selecting is not the URL (S5116:No) of service, then based on the specified ID of Link_Location mark among service definition information 25b (Figure 80) or the 25c (Figure 81) (if directly import URL, then be URL), control module 11 request service definition information 25 receive service definition information 25 (S5117) then.Then, control turns back to step S5108, so that new services selection screen is displayed on the display 52.

If the link of selecting is the link (S5116:Yes) of service, then control module 11 is carried out the historical record processes (referring to Figure 84) of using, so that storage about the use history (referring to Figure 85) of selecting service (S5118) in using history file.Next, in step S5120, control module 11 distributes the dispute of selecting that is linked to, and requires the service receiving course.Conversation procedure shown in Figure 14 in first illustrated embodiment can be carried out in step S5120, as the service receiving course.Then, control turns back to step S5102.

Figure 83 has shown the directory service processing that LIST SERVER 20 is carried out.At first, LIST SERVER 20 receives HTTP request (S5201) from MFP 10.Then, LIST SERVER 20 judges whether this HTTP request is service list request (S5202).If this HTTP request is service list request (S5202:YES), then control proceeds to step S5203, and LIST SERVER 20 storage ID and IP addresses here make this ID be associated with IP address in the customer data base 26 simultaneously.Then, read top service definition information 25 (S5204).Then, control proceeds to step S5208.

If this HTTP request is not service list request (S5202:YES), then LIST SERVER 20 judges whether this HTTP request is the service definition information request (S5205) of sending among the step S5117.If (S5202:YES), then read service specified definition information (S5206) from service definition information storage unit 24.Then, control proceeds to step S5208.

If this HTTP request is not the service definition information request (S5205:NO) of sending among the step S5117, then control proceeds to step S5207, carries out another process here.Then, control proceeds to step S5208.In step S5208, the http response that comprises the service definition information that step S5204 or S5208 read is sent to MFP10.

Hereinafter, will the use historical record process that MFP 10 carries out be described with reference to Figure 84.Figure 85 is the example of the data structure of the use history file of storage in the storage unit 16.Use the definition of employed mark in the history file as shown in table 3.

Table 3

Shown in Figure 85, use history file to form, and the History_Title mark by one or more historical marks, History_URL mark and History_Count mark be included in (History) and (/between History).The History_Count mark is represented the quantity of the access times " n " of service specified in the employed History_URL mark.When carrying out the service receiving course of server, each number of times " n " increases (S5120).The service name of appointment in the History_URL mark of the History mark that the History_Title mark is represented to belong to identical.

In using the historical record process, control is single. and first URllL at first reads and uses history file (S5501).Then, control module judges whether the URL of the URL that equals selected link (service) is stored in this use history file.If equal the URL of the URL of selected link (service) is (S5502:YES) that is stored in this use history file, and then control module increases the History_Count mark that belongs to identical historical mark.Then, control proceeds to step S510.

If equal the URL of the URL of selected link (service) is not (S5502:NO) that is stored in this use history file, and then control module adds new historical mark to use history file (I is stored in RAM) (S5504) temporarily.Then, control module 1l new historical mark (＜History 〉,＜/history) between add the History_Title mark of the title of the selected service of expression.

In step S5506, control module 11 historical mark (＜History 〉,＜/history) between add the History_URL mark of the URL of the selected service of expression.Then, control module adds History_Count mark (it is assigned with " 1 " as the number of times that uses service) (S5507) between historical mark.In step 5510, the use history file that upgrades among the RAM is stored in the storage unit 16.Then, stop using the historical record process.

Hereinafter, the bookmark registration process that will under the control of the control module 11 of MFP, carry out with reference to Figure 86 explanation.Figure 87 A has shown the example of the bookmark file of storing in the storage unit 16 of MFP10.The definition of the mark of expression is applied to the mark of bookmark file in the table 3.

Shown in Figure 87 A, this bookmark file comprises one or more bookmarked.Bookmark_Title mark and Bookmark_URL mark be included in bookmarked (＜Bookmark〉and＜/Bookmark) between.Bookmark_URL is the URL that is used to illustrate the target device of the service of reception, and Bookmark_Title is used to illustrate Bookmark_URL mark service specified title.

Shown in Figure 86, at first, control module 11 is read bookmark file from storage unit 16, and it is stored in (S5601) among the RAM temporarily.Then, in step S5602, control module 11 judges whether bookmark file comprises the service name (in bookmark file Bookmark_Title mark represented service name) identical with selected clauses and subclauses (service) service specified title (the represented service name of Link_Title mark in the service definition information).

If the judged result of step 5602 is " YES ", then control proceeds to step S5603, the value of the Bookmark_URL mark of being found among the step of the URL of the Link_Location mark of the selected clauses and subclauses appointment of the control module 11 usefulness replacement here S5602.Then, control proceeds to step S5610.

If the judged result of step 5602 is " NO ", then control module 11 adds the new bookmark mark to bookmark file (S5604).Then, control module 11 adds the Bookmark_Title mark between the new bookmark mark, and the Link_Title mark value of selected clauses and subclauses in the service definition information is assigned to Bookmark_Title mark (S5605).

Next, control module 11 adds the Bookmark_URL mark between the new bookmark mark, and the value of the Link_Location mark of selected clauses and subclauses in the service definition information is assigned to Bookmark_URL mark (S5606)

Then, control module 11 copies to storage unit 16 by the bookmark file that will upgrade among the RAM and upgrades bookmark file.Next, control module 11 message that interim demonstration instruction is write comments on a document volume on display 52a, the screen representation of the previous message that arrives the services selection screen that shows of change then.Then, stop the bookmark registration process.

Hereinafter will show connection procedure with reference to figure 87B explanation bookmark.As user during, under the control of the control module 11 of MFP 10, carry out bookmark and show connection procedure by operating unit 12 input bookmark display commands.Bookmark shows that connection procedure is to carry out in the step S5104 that MFP handles.

At first, control module 11 is read bookmark file (S5651) from storage unit 16.Then, control module 11 display bookmark on display 52 is selected screen (S5652).In selecting screen, bookmark shown the selection clauses and subclauses of representing the specified service name of Bookmark_Title mark in the bookmark file respectively.

Next, control module 11 is waited for user's input (S5653).If by operating unit 12 input commands is that (S5653:NO, S5654:YES), then bookmark shows that connection procedure stops in the termination order.If the order of input is bind command (S5653:YES), then utilizes with the corresponding Bookmark_Title mark value of clauses and subclauses and the Bookmark_URL mark value of current selection and carry out use historical record process (Figure 84) (S5655).In step S5656, utilize value as the Bookmark_URL of the selected clauses and subclauses of disputing on, start service receiving course (conversation procedure).Then, stop bookmark and show connection procedure.

Hereinafter, will use message transmitting procedure with reference to the service that figure 88A explanation is carried out under the control of the control module 11 of MFP.Message transmitting procedure is used in the service of can repeatedly carrying out in MFP 10 opening processes.Figure 88 B has shown the service use information production process that the step S5710 of Figure 88 A is performed.

Figure 89 has shown the example of the service use information that service use information production process produces.The definition of the mark shown in the table 3 is used to serve the mark of use information.

Shown in Figure 88 A, at first, control module 11 is waited for, up to receive service use information from LIST SERVER 20, perhaps uses one of history file and bookmark file to be updated.If service uses information request to be received (S5701:YES), then carry out service use information production process (S5710).

If service uses information request not to be received, and one of use history file and bookmark file are updated, and (S5701:NO, S5702:YES), then control proceeds to step S5710.

In service use information production process (Figure 88 B), at first, the service use information among the control module 11 protection RAM produces zone (S5711).Then, control module 11 writes the ID mark (S5712) that himself ID is described in this zone.Then, control module 11 is read bookmark file (S5713) from storage unit 16, and detects the quantity (S5714) of the bookmarked in the bookmark file.

Then, control module 11 produces the Num_Bookmark mark of the quantity of the bookmarked that detects among the description of step S5714, and is written into (S5715) in this zone.Next, control module 11 writes the data (S5716) in the bookmark file in this zone.In step S5717, control module 11 is read the use history file from storage unit 16.Then, control module 11 detects the quantity (S5718) of using historical mark in the history file.

Then, control module 11 produces the Num_History mark of the quantity of the historical mark that detects among the description of step S5718, and is written into (S5719) in this zone.Next, control module 11 writes the data of using in the history file (S5720) in this zone.Then, stop service use information production process.

With reference to figure 88A, after step S5710 finished, control module 11 used the service that produces in the step 5710 information transmission to LIST SERVER 20 again.Then, stop service and use message transmitting procedure.

Hereinafter, the use infonnation collection process that will under the control of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20, carry out with reference to Figure 90 explanation.Use infonnation collection process in LIST SERVER 20 opening processes, can be repeated to carry out.

At first, control module 21 is waited for, up to reaching preset time (S5801).If reach the schedule time (S5801:YES), then control module 21 is selected in the customer data bases ID minimum among the ID, and defining selected ID is Target id (S5802).In addition, in step S5802, control module 21 is read an IP address corresponding to the MFP 10 of this Target id.

Next, control module 21 sends the ID address (S5803) that service uses information request to read in the step S5802.Then, in step S5804, carry out and use message pick-up and registration process.The request of sending in step S5803 is received with Target id corresponding MFP 10.After MFP 10 received request, MFP 10 sent use information to LIST SERVER 20.

Figure 91 is the process flow diagram that message pick-up and registration process are used in explanation, and wherein LIST SERVER 20 operations are to receive use information and its service of being stored in is used in the information database 27.Hereinafter, will use message pick-up and registration process be described with reference to Figure 91.

At first, control module 21 is waited for, is received (S5901) up to use information by communication unit 21.If use information is received (S5901:YES), the ID mark that comprises in the information based on using of being received of control module 21 and then to providing the device id of the source device of use information to discern (S5902) as LIST SERVER 20.

Then, control module 21 judges whether the use information of the device id of being discerned is registered in service and uses in the information database 27 (S5903).If the use information of the device id of being discerned is not registered in service and uses in the information database 27 (S5903:NO); then 21 pairs of services of control module use the storage area of Target id use information in the information database 27 to protect (S5904), and the service that will write based on the data of the use information in the storage area is used in the information database 27 (S5905).

Figure 92 has illustrated the example of the service use information database 27 that is stored in the storage unit 23.Shown in Figure 92, service uses multi-disc bookmark data that information database 27 comprises each device id and multi-disc to use the weighting access times and the repeat number " rp " (referring to Figure 94) of historical data (hereinafter be called and use related data), access times, each equipment relevant with one of corresponding bookmark data and use historical data.

Bookmark data is to comprise the service name of the destination service of registering in the bookmark file and the data of URL (that is to say the value of bookmarked).Use historical data to comprise service name, URL and the access times " n " (that is to say the value of historical mark) of destination service.

In step S5905, control module 21 writes the bookmark data of each sheet based on corresponding bookmarked at the storage area of the device id of being discerned, and writes the use historical data of each sheet at the storage area of the device id of being discerned based on corresponding historical mark.Then, stop using message pick-up and registration process.

If the use information of the device id of being discerned (with the using relevant data) service that is registered in is used in the information database 27 (S5903:YES); the old use related data of the device id discerned of control module 21 deletion then; so that guarantee the space (S5906) of use related data in database 27 of the device id (newly) discerned, and (newly) use related data of ten times of ID being discerned is write in the protection zone of database 27 (S5907).Then, stop use message pick-up and the registration process of Figure 91.In step S5904 and S5905, about the information of weighting access times and repeat number " rp " does not write respective regions in the database 27.

Again with reference to Figure 90, finish use message pick-up and registration process after (S5804), control module 21 is judged all devices ID whether processed (S5805) in the customer data base 26.If all devices ID in the customer data base 26 does not have processed (S5805:NO), then control proceeds to step S5806, select next device id here in the device id from customer data base 26, and the IP address of from customer data base 26, reading the ID of new selection.Then, control turns back to step S5803.

If all devices ID in the customer data base 26 processed (S5805:YES), then control module 21 is carried out service evaluation process (S5807).After finishing the service evaluation process, use infonnation collection process to stop.

Control module 21 operation is so that repeat use message pick-up and the corresponding process of registration process with Figure 91, thereby the service use information that send automatically from MFP 10 are handled, then new database 27 more.

Hereinafter, the service evaluation process that will under the control of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20, carry out with reference to Figure 93 explanation.At first, control module 21 is carried out pre-evaluation procedure (S6000).

Figure 94 is the process flow diagram that pre-evaluation procedure has been described.Hereinafter, pre-evaluation procedure will be described.At first, control module 21 is selected minimum ID from serve the device id that uses registration the information database 27, as Target id, and from serving the use related data (S6001) of using information database 27 to read Target id.

Next, contained multi-disc is used go up most in the historical data one as target data in the use related data of control module 21 select target ID, and the access times " n " of the service of the corresponding target data of identification (that is to say the access times " n " that control module 21 obtains in the target data) (S6002).

Then, control module 21 access times " n " of target data are distributed to target data weighting access times " N " (S6003).Next, control module 21 judges that whether access times " n " are more than or equal to 2.If access times " n " are more than or equal to 2 (S6004:YES), then control module 21 " 1 " is distributed to the target data of Target id repeat number " rp " (S6005).Then, control proceeds to step S6007.

If access times " n " are less than 2 (S6004:NO), then control module 21 " 0 " is distributed to the target data of Target id repeat number " rp " (S6006).Then, control proceeds to step S6007.

In step S6007, control module 21 judges whether all sheets of use historical data in the Target id are processed.If use all sheets of historical data not have all processed (S6007:NO) in the Target id, then the next one that contained multi-disc is used historical data in the use related data of control module 21 select target ID is as next target data, and identification and the corresponding service access times of next target data " n " are (S6008).Then, control turns back to step S1003, here control module 21 access times " n " of next target data are distributed to next target data weighting access times " N " (S6003).

If use all sheets processed (S6007:YES) of historical data in the Target id, then control module 21 judges whether evaluation can ask the possibility of serving.If possible the setting value of property is set to " ON ", and then control module 21 judges that possibility is evaluated as and will be performed.If possible the setting value of property is set to " OFF ", and then control module 21 judges that possibility is evaluated as and will be performed.The setting value of possibility can be switched to ON or OFF by the keeper of LIST SERVER 20.

If possible property is evaluated as and will be performed (S6009:NO), and then control proceeds to step S6020.If possible the property evaluation will be performed (S6009:YES), and then control proceeds to step S6010.In step S6010, one that goes up most in the contained multi-disc bookmark data in the use related data of control module 21 select target ID as target data, and whether judgement and the corresponding service of target data use historical data to be stored in the use related data of Target id (S6011).

If use historical data to be stored in the use related data of Target id (S6011:YES) with the corresponding service of target data, then control module 21 will serve access times " n " and distribute to Weighted Service access times " N " with predetermined value.Then, control proceeds to step S6014.Various values can be used as predetermined value.In the example of Figure 92, use α=1.

If use historical data not to be stored in the use related data of Target id (S6011:NO) with the corresponding service of target data, then control proceeds to step S6013, and here control module 21 is distributed to the α value and served the weighting access times " N " that use in the information database 27.Then, control proceeds to step S6014.

In step S6014, control module 21 is distributed to " 1 " and serve the repeat number " rp " of using the corresponding service of target data of Target id in the information database 27.Next, in step S6015, control module 21 judges whether all sheets of the bookmark data in the use related data of Target id are processed.If all sheets of the bookmark data in the use related data of Target id do not have all processed (S6015:NO), then the next one of the contained multi-disc bookmark data of the use related data of control module 21 select target ID is as next target data (S6016), and whether judgement and the corresponding service of next target data use historical data to be stored in the use related data of Target id (S6011).

If the sheet of all bookmark data processed (S6015:YES) in the use related data of Target id, then control proceeds to step S6020, and here control module 21 judges whether all devices ID in the service use information database 27 is processed.If service uses all devices ID in the information database 27 not have all processed (S6020:NO), then control proceeds to step S6021, select the next one in the device id of control module 21 from service use information database 27 here, and read the use related data of selected ID.Then, control module 21 select multi-disc contained in the next Target id to use to go up most in the use historical data in the related data one is as target data, and the corresponding service access times of identification and target data " n " number (that is to say the access times " n " that control module 21 obtains in the target data) (S6002).

If all devices ID processed (S6020:YES) in the information database 27 is used in service, then pre-evaluation procedure stops.

Again with reference to Figure 93, after pre-evaluation procedure was finished, control module 21 was read evaluation table 28 from storage unit 23, and the service at top of service list of selecting to be arranged in evaluation table 28 registrations is as destination service (S6100).And in step S6100, the total bookmark of control module 21 initialization (" 0 " is distributed to) is counted S_Bk, total access times S_N and total repeat number S_rp.Figure 95 has illustrated the example of evaluation table 28.

Next, one that selection is gone up most in the device id of control module 21 from service use information database 27 as Target id (S6101).Then, control module 21 judge the bookmark of destination service be registered in the corresponding MFP 10 of Target id in whether be directed (S6103).Specifically, in step S6103, control module 21 is judged the bookmark data of whether having found destination service in the use related data of Target id.If in the use related data of Target id, found the bookmark data of destination service, then control module 21 judge the bookmark of destination service be registered in the corresponding MFP10 of Target id in be directed.

If the judged result of step S6103 is " YES ", then control proceeds to step S6104, and total bookmark is counted S_Bk increases by 1.Then, control proceeds to step S6105.If the judged result of step S6103 is " NO ", then control proceeds to step S6105.

In step S6105, control module 21 judges whether to have write value in weighting access times " N " in the data storage areas of the Target id of being stored in the information database 27 are used in service.If write value (S6105:YES) in the weighting access times " N " in the data storage areas of the Target id of in service use information database 27, being stored, then control proceeds to step S6106, here control module 21 is increased to the value of the weighting access times " N " in the data storage areas that is written to Target id among total access times S_N, so that upgrade total access times S_N.

Next, the repeat number " rp " that is write in the data storage areas of control module 21 with Target id is increased to among total repeat number S_rp (S6107) together with weighting access times " N ".Then, control proceeds to step S6108.If the judged result of step S6105 is " NO ", then control proceeds to step S6108, and not treatment step S6106 and S6107.

In step S6108, control module 21 judges whether all devices ID in the service use information database 27 is processed.If service uses all devices ID in the information database 27 not have all processed (S6108:NO), then control module 21 is selected next ID from the device id that uses registration the information database 27 in service, as next Target id (S6109).Then, control proceeds to step S6103, here control module 21 judge the bookmark of destination service be registered in the corresponding MFP10 of next Target id in whether be performed.

If all devices ID all processed (S6108:YES) in the information database 27 is used in service, then control proceeds to step S6110.In step S6110, control module 21 is that total bookmark is counted the function E=f of S_Bk, total access times S_N and total repeat number S_rp (S_Bk, S_N S_rp) are calculated evaluation of estimate E according to parameter.

Following expression can be used as evaluation function f:

f(S_Bk，S_N，S_rp)＝S_N·(1+S_rp/10)+β·S_Bk

Wherein β comprises 0 steady state value (integer).

Next, in step S6120, control module 21 judges whether all services of registering in the service list of evaluation table 28 are all processed.If all services of registering in the service list of evaluation table 28 do not have all processed (S6121:NO), then control module 21 selects next service as destination service from service list, and total bookmark of initialization (" 0 " is distributed to) destination service is counted S_Bk, total access times S_N and total repeat number S_rp.

If service definition information renewal process (S6130) is then carried out in all services processed (S6121:YES) of registering in the service list of evaluation table 28.After the service definition information renewal process was finished, the service evaluation process stopped.

Hereinafter, the service definition information renewal process that will under the control of the control module 21 of LIST SERVER 20, carry out with reference to Figure 96 explanation.Figure 97 A has shown the example of the service definition information that the service definition information renewal process is upgraded.

At first, one among the multi-disc low level services definition information 25c that control module 21 is selected to be stored in the service definition information storage unit 24 as destination service definition information 25c (S6201), and it is stored in (S6202) among the RAM temporarily.Then, control module 21 reads the evaluation of estimate E (S6203) that defines the corresponding service of each Link mark of being stored among the information 25c with destination service from evaluation table 28.

Then, based on the evaluation of estimate of each service that in step S6203, obtains, control module 21 by the descending of evaluation of estimate E to the Link mark among the destination service definition information 25c classify (S6204).Then, control module 21 is written to the service definition information 25c that is revised among the step S6204 in the service definition information storage unit 24, finishes the renewal (S6205) of service definition information 25c thus.

Next, control module 21 all sheets whether all processed (S6206) of judging the low level services definition information 25c that is stored in the service definition information storage unit 24.If all sheets of low level services definition information 25c are all processed (S6206:NO) not, then control turns back to step S6201, selects in the sheet not processed among the low level services definition information 25c one as target here.

If all sheets all processed (S6206:YES) of low level services definition information 25c, then the service definition information renewal process stops.

If to have with the 25c of service definition information shown in Figure 84 in the service definition information 25c of the corresponding evaluation of estimate E of Link mark carry out the service definition information renewal process, the service definition information 25c that structure upgrades shown in Figure 97 B then.It should be noted that these services are stored with the descending of evaluation of estimate E.When in the step S6108 of MFP 10 processes, carrying out the services selection screen of the service definition information of upgrading, on display 52, show such screen (Figure 97 B).

The variation of the service definition information renewal process of Figure 96 hereinafter has been described.Figure 25 is the process flow diagram of variation that the service definition information renewal process of Figure 96 has been described.In this changed, evaluation of estimate E was displayed on the display 52.Figure 99 A is the example by the service definition information 25c of the service definition information renewal process generation of Figure 98.Figure 99 B is the example of the services selection screen of the service definition information 25c shown in Figure 99 A.

In the service definition information renewal process of Figure 98, at first, one among the multi-disc low level services definition information 25c that control module 21 is selected to be stored in the service definition information storage unit 24 as destination service definition information 25c (S6301).Then, control module 21 is read destination service definition information 25c from storage unit 23, and it is stored in (S6302) among the RAM temporarily.

Next, select Link mark (S6303) in the Link mark that control module 21 illustrates from destination service definition information 25c.Next, control module 21 reads the evaluation of estimate E (S6204) with the corresponding service of selected Link mark (target Link mark) from evaluation table 28.

Then, control module 21 target Link mark (＜Link 〉,＜/Link) between write the Link_Evaluation mark of the evaluation of estimate E that explanation obtains in step S6304.For example, if evaluation of estimate is 30, then target Link mark (＜Link 〉,＜/Link) between write character string＜Link_Evaluation 30＜/Link_Evaluation.Link_Evaluation is defined as the mark of explanation evaluation of estimate.

If the Link_Evaluation mark has been written among the destination service definition information 25c, then the evaluation of estimate E that obtains among the control module 21 usefulness step S6304 substitutes the value of Link_Evaluation mark.

Next, in step S6306, control module 21 judges that all Link among the destination service definition information 25c mark whether processed (S6306).If all the Link marks among the destination service definition information 25c are all processed (S6306:NO) not, then control turns back to step S6303, and here control module 21 selects in the not processed Link mark one as target Link mark.

If all the Link marks processed (S6306:YES) among the destination service definition information 25c, then the control module 21 update service definition information 25c that will temporarily be stored among the RAM is written to (S6307) in the service definition information storage unit 24.Next, in step S6308, control module 21 judges whether all sheets of the low level services definition information 25c that is stored in the service definition information storage unit 24 are all processed.If all sheets of low level services definition information 25c are all processed (S1308:NO) not, then control turns back to step S6301, selects in the not processed sheet of low level services definition information 25c one as target here.

If all sheets all processed (S1308:YES) of low level services definition information 25c, then the service definition information renewal process stops.By the service definition information renewal process, service definition information is updated shown in Figure 99 A, wherein inserts the Link_Evaluation mark in each Link mark.

Figure 100 is the following process flow diagram of the screen display process of execution of control of the control module 11 of the MFP 10 of explanation in the step S5108 of MFP process (Figure 82).At first, control module 11 is based on the service definition information that is received among step S5107 or the S5117, and the title viewing area on display 52 has shown illustrated character string in the Title mark.Then, control module 11 judges whether the service definition information 25 that is received has Link_Evaluation mark (S6402).

If the service definition information 25 that is received does not have Link_Evaluation mark (S6402:NO), then control module 11 shows the specified selector bar purpose character string of Link_Title mark (classification is perhaps represented the character string of classification or service) (S6404) by order (referring to Fig. 2 A to 2C) illustrated in the service definition information 25 on the tabulation viewing area of display 52.

If the service definition information 25 that is received has Link_Evaluation mark (S6402:YES), then control proceeds to step S6403, and here control module 11 judges whether the evaluation of estimate usage flag of being stored among the MFP 10 is ON.For example, in step S5104, the user can switch to ON or OFF with evaluation of estimate usage flag and rearrangement mark (will be described hereinafter) by screen is set.

If the evaluation of estimate usage flag is not ON (S6403:NO), then control proceeds to step S6404.If the evaluation of estimate usage flag is ON (S6403:YES), then control proceeds to step S6405, and here control module 11 judges to reset to mark whether it is ON.

If resetting mark is not ON (S6405:NO), then control proceeds to step S6406, here control module 11 on the tabulation viewing area of display 52 according to service definition information 25 in the order of Link mark of explanation show by the specified selector bar purpose character string of Link_Title mark (expression service) and showing by the specified evaluation of estimate E of each Link_Evaluation mark shown in Figure 99 B on corresponding selector bar purpose right side.Then, the screen display process stops.

If resetting mark is ON (S6405:YES), then control proceeds to step S6407, here control module 11 comes the specified selector bar purpose character string of the Link_Title mark on the tabulation viewing area of display 52 (expression is served) is classified with the descending of evaluation of estimate specified in the Link_Evaluation mark contained in the Link mark, and shows this character string on the tabulation viewing area on the display 52.Then, the screen display process stops.If wherein processed with the service definition information of evaluation of estimate shown in Figure 99 A of the corresponding service of Link mark, the services selection screen shown in the displayed map 97B on the display in step S6407 52 then.

As mentioned above, according to this illustrated embodiment, information is used in the service that has obtained to comprise the historical information that user's operation of being undertaken by MFP 10 by the user obtains, and based on the service use information that is obtained and each service is estimated.Therefore, and based on the questionnaire of service is compared the situation that each service is estimated, might estimate each service fast and correctly according to user's welcome degree.

According to this illustrated embodiment, evaluation result is included among the service definition information 25c, and when when MFP 10 sends the request of service definition information 25c, evaluation result is transferred to source device (MFP 10).Based on the service definition information 25c that is received, MFP 10 shows the services selection screen.Therefore, the user can select suitable service by the services selection screen from service, and receives the service that this is fit to.

Therefore, might strengthen availability as service provider system.

As mentioned above, LIST SERVER 20 is arranged the Link mark of service definition information 25c with the descending (referring to the step S6204 of Figure 96) of evaluation of estimate E.Therefore, MFP 10 need not to have the function of the Link mark being classified by the descending of evaluation of estimate.Therefore,, the cost of MFP 10 might be remained on low-levelly, and allow the user easily to select desired services according to present embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 10 of registration in customer data base 26 sends the historical information request periodically, based on current bookmark file and use history file, each MFP 10 (it receives request) generates service use information, and provides it to LIST SERVER 20 simultaneously.Therefore, LIST SERVER 20 can automatically obtain to serve use information, and estimates every service periodically and correctly.

In the above-described embodiment, structure MFP 10 is so that use the historical record process or when newly-generated use history file of bookmark registration process or bookmark file, send service use information from trend LIST SERVER 20 at every turn.Therefore, LIST SERVER 20 can be estimated every service fast and exactly in the service evaluation process.It should be noted user's operation that the service evaluation process can be carried out by the keeper of LIST SERVER 20 and carry out initialization.

The information (bookmark data and use historical data) that is based on two types owing to this evaluation is carried out, and compares with situation about estimating based on one of bookmark data and use historical data, might estimate every service more accurately.According to this illustrated embodiment, might provide the practicality of system for the user provides highly welcome service and enhancement service.

Claims (55)

1, image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, it comprises following at least one unit, promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation;

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out the service relevant at least one view data, described view data comprises the view data of being treated print image by the view data of described image fetching unit generation and the described image print of expression unit; With

The information providing unit, it is connected with described service provisioning unit by network, and the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit is offered described image processing equipment, wherein:

Described information providing unit comprises:

The service memory unit, it stores the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit; And

The service information transfers unit, it arrives described image processing equipment with the service information transfers of storage,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit,

Wherein said service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, and it carries out described image processing equipment requested service; With

The Service Notification unit, it arrives described information providing unit with the executable service information transfers in described service provisioning unit; And

Described information providing unit comprises the information on services updating block, and it upgrades the information on services of storing in the described service memory unit based on the information on services of described service provisioning unit transmission;

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment from described service information transfers unit has following data structure, described data structure can make described information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

2, image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises the information on services request unit, and it sends to described information providing unit with the request of information on services; And

Described service information transfers unit to described image processing equipment, receives request with response from described information on services request unit with service information transfers.

3, image processing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises the services request judging unit, and it judges described image processing equipment whether in following state, and promptly described image processing equipment should be from described service provisioning unit requests service; And

If it is should be from the state of described service provision unit requests service at described image processing equipment that services request judgement system judges described image processing equipment, described information on services request unit sends to described information providing unit with the request of information on services.

4, the described image processing system of any one claim as described above, the user input of wherein said service determining unit by showing information on services and accepting to select service determined by described service provisioning unit institute requested service.

5, image processing system as claimed in claim 1, if the executable service in wherein described service provisioning unit is modified, described Service Notification unit arrives described information providing unit with the service information transfers of revising.

6, image processing system as claimed in claim 1 further comprises the parameter setting information transmission unit, and the parameter setting information transmission that it will carry out the required parameter of service arrives described image processing equipment,

Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:

The parameter setting unit, it utilizes described parameter setting information to come setup parameter; With

The parameter transmission unit, the parameter that it sets described parameter setting unit is transferred to described service provisioning unit,

Wherein said service execution unit is according to from described parameter transmission unit institute transmission parameters, carries out described image processing equipment institute requested service.

7, image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said information providing unit and described service provisioning unit are carried out on computers.

8, image processing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of image processing equipments, and they each function is as described image processing equipment,

At least a portion functional packet of wherein said information providing unit is contained at least one of described a plurality of image processing equipments.

9, image processing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of image processing equipments, and they each function is as described image processing equipment,

At least a portion functional packet of wherein said information providing unit and described service provisioning unit is contained at least one of described a plurality of image processing equipments.

10, image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises the function executing unit, and it carries out the function of described image processing equipment, receives service from described service provisioning unit to respond described image processing equipment;

Described information providing unit comprises the environmental selection unit, and it selects the service of the applied environment of suitable described image processing equipment in the executable service in described service provisioning unit; And

The transmission of described service information transfers unit is relevant for the information of the selected service in described environmental selection unit.

11, image processing system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said applied environment relates to the performance of the function of described image processing equipment.

12, image processing system as claimed in claim 10, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises the environment notification unit, and it offers described environmental selection unit with described applied environment;

The applied environment that described environmental selection unit provides according to described environment notification unit is selected service.

13, as any one described image processing system of claim 10 to 12, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The user ID unit, its sign is used the user of described image processing equipment;

The information extraction unit, it extracts the user's who is identified corresponding to described user ID unit License Info from database, and in described database, every License Info is associated with the user respectively, the service of described License Info representative of consumer permission; With,

The notification of permit unit, it recognizes described information providing unit with the License Info that described information extraction unit extracts, and

Select service in the service that indicate described environmental selection unit from the License Info that the notification of permit unit provides.

14, image processing system as claimed in claim 10, the information that is complementary is set with the language of language and described image processing equipment in wherein said service information transfers unit, is transferred to information on services to be supplied.

15, image processing system as claimed in claim 14, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The information on services request unit, it sends to described information providing unit with the request of information on services; And

The language notification unit, it is set language and recognizes described information providing unit, and

The information that is complementary set in the language that described service information transfers unit transmission language and described language notification unit are discerned, and receives request to respond described information providing unit from described information on services request unit.

16, image processing system as claimed in claim 1, the described information that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment from described service information transfers unit has hierarchy, and the clauses and subclauses that wherein are used for services selection are with predetermined order layering.

17, as claim 1 or 16 described image processing systems, wherein:

Described information providing unit has display language information, is used for producing information on services with one of multiple different language;

Described information providing unit produces information on services, and described information on services is corresponding according to the appointed language of described display language information appointment with described image processing equipment, and transmits this information on services by described service information transfers unit; And

Move described image processing equipment, before being transferred to described image processing equipment from described information providing unit at described information on services, the language of appointment is transferred to described information providing unit, utilize this language, display message on described image processing equipment, thereby the information on services that the language of acquisition and described appointment is complementary.

18, image processing system as claimed in claim 1,

Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:

The tabulation generating unit, it produces the specified service list of information on services that described service information transfers unit provides, and

List display unit, it shows described tabulation on the display of described image processing equipment,

Wherein move described service determining unit, so that the services selection service of user from described tabulation.

19, image processing system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said tabulation generating unit produces described tabulation, so that the service in the described tabulation differs from one another.

20, as claim 18 or 19 described image processing systems, wherein said tabulation generating unit produces described tabulation, so that service is according to predetermined rule classification.

21, image processing system as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

Described image processing system comprises a plurality of information providings unit, and the function of each unit is as described information providing unit; And

Described tabulation generating unit produces described tabulation according to the information on services that is provided to one of satisfied a plurality of information providings unit of being scheduled to the generation condition.

22, image processing system as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises the notice request unit, and it sends to described information providing unit with the request of information on services; And

Move described information providing unit so that described information on services is provided to described image processing equipment, receive request from described notice request unit to respond described information providing unit.

23, image processing system as claimed in claim 1,

Wherein said image processing system comprises:

A plurality of image processing equipments; With

A plurality of service provisionings unit,

Wherein each image processing equipment comprises historical generating unit, and it produces historical information, and described historical information is the operation of reception from the service of a plurality of service provisionings unit about the user,

Wherein said image processing system further comprises:

Historical collecting unit, it obtains described historical information from each image processing equipment; And

Evaluation unit, it carries out the evaluation to the service of described a plurality of service provisionings unit based on the historical information that described historical collecting unit obtains.

24, image processing system as claimed in claim 23 comprises that further evaluation result provides the unit, and the evaluation result that it draws described evaluation unit sends to each image processing equipment.

25, image processing system as claimed in claim 23, wherein said service information transfers unit comprises the tabulation transmission unit, it will represent the service list information of the executable service list in described service provisioning unit, with the evaluation result that obtains by described evaluation unit, be transferred to described image processing equipment, to respond the request signal that described service information transfers unit receives the request service list.

26, image processing system as claimed in claim 23 further comprises:

The tabulation generating unit, it produces service list information, wherein comprises with the service identifiers of predetermined regular allocation and the evaluation result that is obtained by described evaluation unit; And

The tabulation transmission unit, it sends to one of described image processing equipment with the service list information that described tabulation generating unit obtains, to respond described tabulation transmission unit receives the request service list from one of described image processing equipment request signal.

27, as any one described image processing system of claim 23 to 26, wherein:

Set each image processing equipment,, receive the request of historical information with response so that described history information transmittance is arrived described historical collecting unit; And

Described historical collecting unit sends to each image processing equipment with the request of historical information, to obtain described historical information from each image processing equipment.

28, image processing system as claimed in claim 23, wherein:

Set each image processing equipment, so that described history information transmittance is arrived described historical collecting unit; And

Set described historical collecting unit, to receive historical information by each image processing equipment transmission.

29, image processing system as claimed in claim 23, wherein:

Described historical generating unit comprises the bookmark registering unit that produces bookmark information, the sign of wherein registering destination service is associated with purpose information, user command with response input service registry, and in storage unit, store described bookmark information, the request signal that described purpose information is used for serving sends to the described service provision unit that the registration destination service is provided; And

Move each image processing equipment, described bookmark information is transferred to described historical collecting unit as historical information, thereby when receiving the utility command of service from the user, from the purpose information of described storage unit acquisition corresponding to user's requested service sign, thereby the request that will serve sends to described service provisioning unit, and this unit is corresponding to the specified service of utility command.

30, image processing system as claimed in claim 23, wherein:

Described historical generating unit comprises use number record cell, and its produces the use information of number of the number of times of representative image treatment facility request service, and stores described use information of number in its storage unit, and this use information of number is every service generation; And

Set each image processing equipment, be transferred to described historical collecting unit with the use information of number that described use number record cell is produced, as historical information.

31, image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, it comprises following at least one unit, promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation;

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data; With

The parameter setting information transmission unit, the parameter setting information transmission that it will carry out the required parameter of service arrives described image processing equipment,

Wherein said image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it allows the user select service, and determines that selected service is asked by described service provisioning unit;

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit;

The parameter setting unit, it utilizes parameter setting information to come setup parameter; With

The parameter transmission unit, the parameter that it sets described parameter setting unit is transferred to described service provisioning unit, and

Wherein said service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, and its is according to from described parameter transmission unit transmission parameters, carries out described image processing equipment institute requested service;

Described image processing equipment comprises the parameter setting information request unit, and it asks described parameter setting information transmission unit to transmit described parameter setting information; And

Described parameter setting information transmission unit to described image processing equipment, is transmitted described parameter setting information to respond described parameter setting information transmission unit by described image processing equipment request with described parameter setting information transmission;

Wherein said parameter setting information request unit is carried out service from described parameter setting information transmission unit required parameter set information to respond the described service provisioning of described services request unit requests unit;

Wherein the parameter setting information that is transferred to described image processing equipment from described parameter setting information transmission unit has following data structure, this data structure can make described parameter setting information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

32, image processing system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the user by display parameter setting information and reception setup parameter imports described parameter setting unit setup parameter.

33, image processing system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said parameter setting information relates to setup parameter, and described parameter is about one of described image fetching unit and described image print unit.

34, image processing system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the parameter by described parameter setting information request is the part of the parameter that can set in described image processing equipment.

35, image processing system as claimed in claim 31, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises at least one as lower unit, promptly is used for the sound input block and the voice output unit that is used for output sound of sound import; And

Described service provisioning unit is set carrying out following service, this service is relevant for the sound by described sound input block input with by in the described voice output unit sound to be exported at least one.

36, image processing system as claimed in claim 31 comprises a plurality of image processing equipments, and the function of each equipment is as described image processing equipment,

At least a portion functional packet of wherein said service provisioning unit is contained in the part of described a plurality of image processing equipments.

37, image processing system as claimed in claim 31 comprises a plurality of image processing equipments, and the function of each equipment is as described image processing equipment,

At least a portion functional packet of wherein said parameter setting information transmission unit is contained in the part of described a plurality of image processing equipments.

38, image processing system as claimed in claim 31 further comprises the information providing unit, and it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit,

Wherein said service determining unit is presented to the user with the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allows the user select service from the information that presents, and determines that selected service is asked by described service provisioning unit.

39, image processing system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said parameter setting information has hierarchy, the wherein used order layering of clauses and subclauses to be scheduled to of parameter input.

40, as claim 31 or 39 described image processing systems, wherein:

Described information providing unit has display language information, is used for producing information on services with one of multiple different language;

Described information providing unit produces information on services, and described information on services is corresponding according to the appointed language of display language information appointment with described image processing equipment, and transmits this information on services by described service information transfers unit; And

Move described image processing equipment, before information on services is transferred to described image processing equipment from described information providing unit, the language of appointment is transferred to described information providing unit, and information shows on described image processing equipment thus, with the information on services that obtains to be complementary with appointed language.

41, image processing system as claimed in claim 31 further comprises server, and described server comprises described parameter setting information transmission unit,

Wherein said server further comprises the storage unit of server side, and its stored parameter set information is associated described parameter setting information simultaneously with grouping information,

Wherein said parameter setting information transmission unit is transferred to described image processing equipment with corresponding grouping information with described parameter setting information,

Wherein said vision facilities comprises:

The storage unit of equipment side, its stored parameter set information is associated described parameter setting information simultaneously with grouping information; With

Device control cell; Move described device control cell to judge whether the information that requires is stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; If the information that requires is to be stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; Utilize the information of the requirement in the described equipment side memory cell; If the information of request is not stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; Then from the desired information of described server request; And the solicited message that storage is provided by described server in the memory cell of described equipment side; Simultaneously described request information is associated with corresponding grouping information

Wherein move described device control cell and whether reach preset upper limit with the information memory capacity of judging described equipment side storage unit, for the information corresponding to the grouping information of mating predetermined condition is sought the equipment side storage unit, if information finds, then delete information corresponding to the grouping information of the described predetermined condition of coupling, the information that newly provides by described server is provided in described equipment side storage unit simultaneously, the information that will newly provide is associated with corresponding grouping information simultaneously, if and the canned data amount does not reach described preset upper limit, the information that newly provides in described equipment side cell stores, and deletion information in described equipment side storage unit not.

42, image processing system as claimed in claim 41, wherein:

Described grouping information can be categorized as the grouping information of the first kind and the grouping information of second type;

The grouping information of the described first kind is made up of main grouping information;

The grouping information of described second type comprises main grouping information and sub-grouping information;

Move described device control cell, whether the information that relates to the grouping information of described second type with judgement is stored in described equipment side storage unit, the grouping information that wherein has described second type of main grouping information is equal to the main grouping information that is judged the first kind grouping information that satisfies predetermined condition upon the look, thereby from the judgement of carrying out, remove described first kind grouping information according to predetermined condition, and seek once more.

43, image processing system as claimed in claim 41, wherein:

Move described device control cell, thereby when obtaining information, needs obtain temporal information, with described temporal information and corresponding grouping information or corresponding associating information the time, store this temporal information, and utilize described temporal information, seek the information that satisfies described predetermined condition as predetermined condition.

44, as any one described image processing system of claim 41 to 43, wherein

Move described device control cell, with the occurrence frequency of acquired information request, when described frequency when related with corresponding information or grouping information, is stored this frequency in described equipment side storage unit, and utilize this frequency as predetermined condition, seek the information that satisfies described predetermined condition.

45, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out the service relevant at least one view data, described view data comprises the view data of being treated print image by the view data of described image fetching unit generation and the described image print of expression unit; With

The information providing unit, it is connected with described service provisioning unit by network, and the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit is offered described image processing equipment,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit;

Wherein said service provisioning unit comprises the Service Notification unit, and it arrives described information providing unit with the executable service information transfers in described service provisioning unit; And

Described information providing unit comprises the information on services updating block, and it upgrades the information on services of storing in the described service memory unit based on the information on services of described service provisioning unit transmission;

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment has following data structure, and this data structure can make described information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

46, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out the service relevant at least one view data, described view data comprises the view data of being treated print image by the view data of described image fetching unit generation and the described image print of expression unit; With

The parameter setting information transmission unit, it arrives described image processing equipment to the parameter setting information transmission of the required parameter of carrying out service,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it allows the user select service, and determines that selected service is asked by described service provisioning unit;

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the service that described service determining unit is determined;

The parameter setting unit, it utilizes described parameter setting information setting parameter; And

The parameter transmission unit, the parameter that it sets described parameter setting unit is transferred to described service provisioning unit;

Described image processing equipment comprises the parameter setting information request unit, and it asks described parameter setting information transmission unit to transmit described parameter setting information; And

Described parameter setting information transmission unit to described image processing equipment, is transmitted described parameter setting information to respond described parameter setting information transmission unit by described image processing equipment request with described parameter setting information transmission;

Wherein said parameter setting information request unit is carried out service from described parameter setting information transmission unit required parameter set information to respond the described service provisioning of described services request unit requests unit;

Wherein the parameter setting information that is transferred to described image processing equipment from described parameter setting information transmission unit has following data structure, this data structure can make described parameter setting information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

47, server that forms image processing system,

Described image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, this equipment comprise following at least one unit, and promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation; And

The information providing unit, it is connected with described service provisioning unit by network, and the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit is offered described image processing equipment,

Described server comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image, wherein:

Described information providing unit comprises:

The service memory unit, it stores the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit; With

The service information transfers unit, it will be stored in the service information transfers of described service memory unit to described image processing equipment,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit, and

Wherein said service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, and it carries out described image processing equipment requested service; With

The Service Notification unit, it arrives described information providing unit with the executable service information transfers in described service provisioning unit;

Wherein said information providing unit comprises the information on services updating block, and it upgrades the information on services of storing in the described service memory unit based on the information on services of described service provisioning unit transmission;

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment from described service information transfers unit has following data structure, described data structure can make described information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

48, server that forms image processing system,

Described image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, this equipment comprise following at least one unit, and promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation; With

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image

Described server comprises:

The information providing unit, it is connected with described service provisioning unit by network, and the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit is offered described image processing equipment, wherein:

Described information providing unit comprises:

The service memory unit, it stores the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit; With

The service information transfers unit, it will be stored in the service information transfers of described service memory unit to described image processing equipment,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit, and

Wherein said service provisioning unit comprises service execution unit, and it carries out described image processing equipment requested service; With

The Service Notification unit, it arrives described information providing unit with the executable service information transfers in described service provisioning unit;

Wherein said information providing unit comprises the information on services updating block, and it upgrades the information on services of storing in the described service memory unit based on the information on services of described service provisioning unit transmission;

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment from described service information transfers unit has following data structure, described data structure can make described information show on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

49, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data; With

The information providing unit, it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit, wherein:

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The environment notification unit, it offers described information providing unit with the environment for use of described image processing equipment;

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit;

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit; With

The function executing unit, the function of described image processing equipment is carried out in described function executing unit, receives service from described service provisioning unit to respond described image processing equipment, and

The information on services that wherein said information providing unit provides relates to the service of the environment for use that is suitable for described image processing equipment.

50, server that forms image processing system,

Described image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, this equipment have following at least one unit, and promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation; With

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image

Described server comprises:

The environmental selection unit, it selects to be suitable for the service of the environment for use of described image processing equipment in the executable service in described service provisioning unit; With

The information providing unit, it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit,

The information that wherein said information providing unit provides relates to the service that described environmental selection unit is selected.

51, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data; With

The information providing unit, it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit,

Described information providing unit comprises:

The service memory unit, it stores the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit; With

The service information transfers unit, it arrives described image processing equipment to the service information transfers of storing in the described service memory unit,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit,

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment from described service information transfers unit has following data structure, and this data structure shows information on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

52, server that forms image processing system,

Described image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, this equipment have following at least one unit, and promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation; With

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image

Described server comprises:

The information providing unit, it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit,

The information on services that wherein is transferred to described image processing equipment has following data structure, and this data structure shows information on services on the display unit of described image processing equipment, and no matter the specification of described display unit.

53, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data; With

Server, it comprises the parameter setting information transmission unit, the parameter setting information transmission that the required parameter of service will be carried out in this unit arrives described image processing equipment,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The storage unit of equipment side, its stored parameter set information is associated described parameter setting information simultaneously with grouping information; With

Device control cell; Move described device control cell to judge whether the information that requires is stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; If the information that requires is to be stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; Utilize the information of the requirement in the described equipment side memory cell; If the information of request is not stored in the memory cell of described equipment side; Then from the desired information of described server request; And the solicited message that the described server of storage provides in the memory cell of described equipment side; Simultaneously described request information is associated with corresponding grouping information

Wherein move described device control cell and whether reach preset upper limit with the information memory capacity of judgment device side storage unit, for the information corresponding to the grouping information of mating predetermined condition is sought the equipment side storage unit, if information finds, the information that while is newly provided by described server in described equipment side cell stores, simultaneously the described information that newly provides is associated with corresponding grouping information, then delete information corresponding to the grouping information of the described predetermined condition of coupling, if and the canned data amount does not reach described preset upper limit, the information that newly provides in described equipment side cell stores, and in described equipment side storage unit deletion information.

54, image processing equipment that forms image processing system, described image processing equipment comprises following at least one unit, it is reading images and the image fetching unit that produces the view data of representing this image and printing image print unit by the image of pictorial data representation

Described image processing system comprises:

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image relevant at least one service in the following view data; With

The information providing unit, it offers described image processing equipment with the executable information on services in described service provisioning unit,

Described image processing equipment comprises:

The service determining unit, it will present to the user from the information on services of described information providing unit transmission, allow the Information Selection service of this user from presenting, and determine that the service of this selection is asked by described service provisioning unit; With

The services request unit, it asks described service provisioning unit to carry out the determined service of described service determining unit,

The tabulation generating unit, the specified service list of information on services that is provided by described service information transfers unit is provided for it; With

List display unit, it is presented at described tabulation on the display of described image processing equipment,

Wherein move described service determining unit, thereby allow user's services selection service from described tabulation.

55, server that forms image processing system,

Described image processing system comprises:

Image processing equipment, this equipment have following at least one unit, and promptly the image fetching unit of the view data of reading images and this image of generation expression and printing are by the image print unit of the image of pictorial data representation; With

The service provisioning unit, it makes response to the request of described image processing equipment, described service provisioning unit is set to carry out relevant at least one service in the following view data, i.e. view data that produces by described image fetching unit and the described image print of the expression unit view data for the treatment of print image

Described server comprises:

Historical collecting unit, it obtains historical information from described image processing equipment, and described historical information is relevant for the user's operation that receives the service of operating on the described image processing equipment; With

Evaluation unit, it is based on the evaluation of the historical information execution that obtains from described historical collecting unit to described service.

Images