JP2000125073A - Image forming device for network connection - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for network connection which can process information without requiring time and labor, or an extra device. SOLUTION: An image forming device body is equipped integrally with a retrieving and browsing means 20 which retrieves and browses information stored in a data base as another device connected to a network, an information display means 13 which displays the information that the retrieving and browsing means retrieves and browses, and a selecting means 13 which selects the displayed information, and the image forming device is equipped integrally with one of an output function for processing the information selected by the selecting means 13 and a function of transferring the information to the other device through the network in addition to an output function for the information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network to obtain desired information by connecting to the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, the Internet (The Interne)
On t), there are various websites such as various databases. Users in office or home environment
When using Web site information, it is common to download the data once to a personal computer, then output it as paper information using an image forming apparatus (copier, printer) or the like, and use it (for example, by fax). It is.

[0003] On the other hand, a calendar for the general public is printed with information such as Da'an and Buddha's destruction, or printed with recipe information, maxims, etc., daily useful information, etc. Contains various information. In general homes and offices, such a calendar is placed in a place where people are present or where people pass along with memo sheets, telephones, and the like. I often make a plan while checking the information.

[0004]

However, when using the information on the Internet, it is necessary to download necessary information to a personal computer and further temporarily record the information (for example, output it as paper information by a printer). In addition, the operation of the personal computer is troublesome, and a device (for example, a printer) for temporarily recording information is required, so that there is much waste in terms of time and goods (devices).

In the case of the calendar, information required at that time is not provided, the background image (scenery, actress, talent, etc.) of the calendar is not suitable for the atmosphere of the place, or additional information is added to the calendar. There are various inconveniences, for example, there is no writing instrument for handwriting at a close position, or the writing space is small.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to save time and effort.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus for connection to a network which can process information without requiring another device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 has a function of outputting information to an information output medium and connecting to a network and connecting to the network. A network connection image forming apparatus having a communication function with the apparatus, wherein the image formation apparatus for network connection includes information stored in a database as another apparatus connected to the network. A search / browsing means for searching / browsing, an information display means for displaying information searched / browsed by the search / browsing means, and a selection means for selecting information displayed on the information display means. In addition to the function of outputting information to the information output medium, the information processing means processes the information selected by the selection means. At least the information output function or transfer to another device via the line network is provided. Features of any machine The characterized by comprising integrally with the image forming apparatus.

[0008] According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus is provided with the search / browsing means, the information display means, and the selection means as an integrated structure. Since at least one of an information output function (for example, printout) for processing information and a function (for example, facsimile) for transferring information to another device via the line network is provided integrally, it is troublesome to process information. Without additional equipment (eg, fax)
Various processes can be performed by one image forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to the first aspect, wherein the searching / browsing means, the information displaying means, and the selecting means are independent. Configured as a single unit for network control,
After the single device is connected to a network, an image forming apparatus is connected to the single device for use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network, wherein the image forming apparatus connected to the network is remotely monitored. Image forming equipment remote monitoring system,
It is characterized in that the image forming apparatus for connection to the line network is connected and used.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the information display means relates to a calendar. A calendar information display area for displaying information; and a database information display area for displaying information obtained from the database.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the information display means comprises a touch input. It is characterized by a touch panel type information display means for capturing the information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for connecting a network according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. The image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus has a function of connecting to the network by wire or wirelessly.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an Internet image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the Internet image forming apparatus 10.

First, the mechanical configuration of the Internet image forming apparatus 10, which is an "image forming apparatus for connecting to a network", will be described with reference to FIG. Internet image forming apparatus 1
Numeral 0 has an image forming function (copier function) as an “information output medium” as a basic function, and has an operation panel 12 on the upper front side of the housing 11. Operation panel 12
Is provided with a display / operation unit 13 composed of a touch panel type liquid crystal display capable of outputting and inputting information, which is an "information display means", and ten keys 14 and the like. Reference numeral 15 denotes a tray for storing copy paper.

As shown in FIG. 1, a system configuration to which the Internet image forming apparatus 10 is applied includes an Internet IN in addition to the Internet image forming apparatus 10.
And a database of various information existing on the Internet IN which is "another device connected to the line network".
Web site WS. It should be noted that a single device 3 for Internet control, which is a "single device for network control"
0 and the conventional image forming apparatus (copier) 35 will be described as “notes” at the end of the description of the present embodiment.

The Internet image forming apparatus 10 includes a display / operation unit 13 and a control main unit 20, and the control main unit 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes output information between the main control unit 21 for performing various controls such as the same-size copy, enlargement / reduction copy, copy paper conveyance, and copy density control, which are the basic functions of the copying machine, and the display / operation unit 13. And a display control unit 22 that controls input and output information, an Internet control unit 23 that performs control with the Internet IN, and an Internet communication unit 23 that performs communication with the Internet IN. The display / operation unit 13 is composed of a touch panel type liquid crystal display as described above, and also serves as “search / browsing means”, “information display means”, and “selection means”.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the system of FIG. 1, when an operator (user) makes a predetermined input to the display / operation unit 13 of the Internet image forming apparatus 10 and issues an instruction to search a database on the Internet (step S).
1: Yes), the Internet control unit 23 and the Internet communication unit 24 perform predetermined Internet connection processing and connect to the Internet IN (step S2).

Next, the operator enters the Internet IN
When an input to search for the Internet information of the above various Web sites WS is made, a search item display process of the Internet information is performed (step S3), and an Internet information search process is performed when the search item is designated (step S3)
4). With the above processing, the designated item is selected from the Web site WS, and the display processing on the display / operation unit 13 is performed (step S5).

The operator confirms the contents displayed on the display / operation unit 13 and determines whether or not a process such as a copy process (PPC) or a facsimile process is necessary (step S6). Is the main control unit 21
Under the control of, copying is performed on a normal copy sheet as an "information output function". When a facsimile process is instructed, facsimile transmission is performed to a destination under the control of a facsimile control unit (not shown), and after copying, sorting (grouping) and stapling (binding) are performed as post-processing. , Punching (drilling) and the like are performed in accordance with the respective instructions (step S7). PPC processing in step S6,
If no facsimile processing or the like is required, the process ends (step S6: NO).

If the database is not searched in step S1 (step S1: NO), the copy processing, post-processing, and F
Perform AX processing and the like. In this case, the function is the same as that of a general image forming apparatus (copier) not having the Internet connection function (step S7).

In FIG. 1, if the conventional image forming apparatus (copier) 35 does not include a display / operation unit such as a liquid crystal display, the image forming apparatus 35 will be described as a single unit described below. By connecting the C.30, functions equivalent to those of the present embodiment (internet connection function, general copying machine function) can be exhibited.

That is, the single device 30 includes an Internet communication unit 24, an Internet control unit 23, a display control unit 22, and a display / operation unit 13, and the Internet IN unit.
Sends and receives information to and from the server. The conventional image forming apparatus 35 has a built-in main control unit 21 for processing basic functions as a copier.

(2) Second Embodiment The applicant of the present invention has previously described "image forming apparatus service system".
(Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-195849). This image forming apparatus service system automates the collection of service information of a large number of image forming apparatuses (copiers), the prediction of failures, and the request for service dispatch, so that prompt and accurate treatment can be efficiently performed before a catastrophic failure occurs. It is a system that is designed to be used.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the present embodiment, in which the image forming apparatus service system RC, which is an "image forming apparatus remote monitoring system", has the Internet image forming apparatus 10 and a customer to be described next. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram when a database DB relating to information is connected.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus service system RC connects a large number of copying apparatuses 41a to 41c to a public communication network (Internet) PN1, which is a "line network", via a data communication apparatus 42. The public communication network PN
1 is connected to a management device 43 which is a management center, and when an abnormal event or an abnormal pre-event occurs from the copying devices 41a to 41c, it is transmitted to the management device 43.
The management device 43 sequentially stores the transmission information such as the abnormal event, analyzes the stored information, and predicts the occurrence of a failure and the necessity of a serviceman's visit from the analysis result. In this system, the prediction result is transmitted to the terminal devices 44a to 44c installed at service bases in charge of the target copying apparatus.

The Internet image forming apparatus 10 and the database DB are connected to the image forming apparatus service system RC having such a configuration. In this database DB, services for storing and processing abnormal event data and abnormal processing data of customers (customer data storage processing services) and outsourcing services (contracting the construction and operation of in-house information systems to external specialists) The information about is stored.

According to the system shown in FIG. 4, when the customer data storage processing service is started, post-processing such as search, browsing, print output, stapling, and direct fax transmission of the database DB are performed by one. The processing can be performed by one Internet image forming apparatus 10.

Similarly, when the outsourcing service is started, the operation result (final paper information or intermediate paper information) is searched, browsed, printed out, post-processed, and directly faxed. Processing can be performed by the Internet image forming apparatus 10.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 5 shows an Internet calendar 50 according to this embodiment.
1 is a system configuration diagram to which is applied. The Internet calendar 50 of the present embodiment has an image forming apparatus function (copier function) as a basic function, similarly to the Internet image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. The Internet calendar 50 is obtained by replacing the display / operation unit 13 of the Internet image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 2) with a calendar unit 51 in appearance. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the already described portions, and redundant description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the Internet calendar 50 includes the control main unit 20 (see FIG. 1) and a calendar unit 51 composed of a liquid crystal display capable of inputting and outputting information of a touch panel type. . The calendar section 51 includes a display / operation area 51a that is a “database display area” and a display / operation area 51b that is a “calendar information display area”.

The display / operation area 51a is a Web site W
Acquisition (display) of picture information (landscape, masterpiece, abstract picture, actress, talent, car, etc.), Internet information (text information, recipe, calendar, history of the day, etc.) from S, memo information, handwritten design, etc. Can be displayed and
The operation unit 51b can display calendar information and input memo information.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the system of FIG. 5, the operator operates the display / operation unit 51a of the Internet calendar 50.
When a predetermined input is performed, a process for setting a calendar information area and the like is performed (step S11). When an instruction to search a database on the Internet is further performed (step S12: Yes), the Internet calendar 50 is set. Performs predetermined Internet connection processing and connects to the Internet IN (step S13).

Next, various Webs on the Internet IN
When an input to search for the Internet information of the site WS is made, a search item display process of the Internet information is performed (step S14), and when a search item is designated, an Internet information search process is performed (step S15). When displaying Internet information (Step S16:
Yes), display processing of various information such as calendar information and picture information is performed (step S17), and the process ends.

If the Internet information is not to be displayed in step S16 (step S16: NO), the process ends.

In the third embodiment, as described above, the case where the display / operation unit 13 shown in FIG. 2 is replaced by the calendar unit 51 has been described. However, the Internet calendar 50 (see FIG. 5) is a single device. As an independent configuration. In this case, the main control unit 21 does not need to control the image forming apparatus (for example, a copy function), and simply transmits and receives information between the calendar unit 51 and the Internet IN.

In each of the above embodiments, a case where a copying machine is used as an image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a facsimile machine (FAX) and a printer in addition to a copying machine. Of course.

Further, the line network in each of the above embodiments
The connection to the Internet, a public communication network, or the like may be wired or wireless (for portable terminals, etc.).

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus of the present invention integrally includes a search / browsing means, an information display means, and a selection means.
Since at least one of an information output function (for example, printout) for processing selected information or a function (for example, FAX) for transferring to another device via a network (Internet) is integrally provided, Does not take much time and does not require another device (for example, a facsimile), and various processes can be performed by one image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 IN Internet DB database PN Public communication network RC Remote monitoring system for image forming apparatus WS Web site 10 Internet image forming apparatus 11 Housing 12 Operation panel 13 Display / operation section 20 Control body section 21 Main control section 22 Display control section 23 Internet control Unit 24 internet communication unit 30 unit device for internet control 35 conventional image forming apparatus 50 internet calendar 51a, 51b display / operation unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for connection to a network having a function of outputting information to an information output medium and a function of communicating with another device connected to the network and connected to the network. An image forming apparatus for connecting to the network, a search / browsing unit for searching / browsing information stored in a database as another device connected to the network, and a search / browsing unit for searching / browsing. Information display means for displaying the obtained information, and a selection means for selecting the information displayed on the information display means, are integrally provided in the image forming apparatus main body, and in addition to the function of outputting information to the information output medium, The image forming apparatus is provided with at least one of a function of processing information selected by the selection unit, a function of outputting information or a function of transferring the information to another apparatus via the network. Network connection Image forming apparatus. 2. The search / browsing means, the information display means, and the selection means are configured as independent single devices for controlling a network, and after connecting the single device to a network, the image forming apparatus is connected to the single device. 2. The image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is used by connecting. 3. An image forming apparatus remote monitoring system for remotely monitoring an image forming apparatus connected to a line network, wherein the image forming apparatus for connecting to the line network is connected and used. An image forming apparatus for connecting to a network according to claim 2. 4. The information display means according to claim 1, further comprising a calendar information display area for displaying information relating to the calendar, and a database information display area for displaying information obtained from the database. Item 4. An image forming apparatus for connection to a network according to any one of Items 3. 5. The image forming apparatus for connection to a network according to claim 1, wherein said information display means is a touch panel type information display means for receiving a touch input. 6. The network according to claim 1, wherein the network-forming image forming apparatus has a function of connecting to the network in a wired or wireless manner. An image forming apparatus for connection.