JP2000183926A - Multifunction system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an operator to execute a desired JOB using available equipment among image inputting equipment and image outputting equipment connected with a network decided according to the operator using this system. SOLUTION: A user ID is inputted by the operating part of digital composite equipment 107. The inputted user ID is compared with user information stored in an HDD, and converted into class information set for each user ID. The equipment information designated by the class is transferred to the operating part. Thus, an operator can execute a desired JOB based on the device profile of the designated equipment on a multifunction system based on the equipment information displayed at the operating part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction system having a plurality of input devices and output devices such as an image input device and an image output device connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many systems have been proposed and put to practical use, in which an image input device such as a scanner or a digital camera and an image output device such as a printer or a facsimile are connected to each other via a network to constitute a multifunction device system. Is coming.

[0003]

Conventionally, an image input device,
As a system for connecting an image output device to a network, a system using a LAN (local area network) used in an office or the like is generally used.
This type of system is based on a PC connected on a LAN.
An operator using a (personal computer) or WS (workstation) is configured to input (scan) or output (print) image or text information or transfer it to another PC or WS, By assigning unique address information to devices connected on the LAN, the devices can be identified. However, such a system has only an entry restriction means (password input) of a PC or WS as a means for specifying an operator to be used. There is a problem that an operator who has entered can use the devices in the system without restriction.

On the other hand, in a multi-function device based on a copying machine or the like (a device having a complex function such as copy, facsimile, printer, etc.), an operator to be used is identified only when the device itself is used in a stand-alone manner. The use restriction (operation card, password input, etc.) of the device itself or the operation mode is restricted. However, since this type of device has no means for imposing any restrictions on image and text information input / output via a network, there is a similar problem that the device can be used without limitation. Occurs.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function system which solves the above problems.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function system having an appropriate number of input devices and output devices connected to a network. Identification means, based on operator information responding to the operator identified by the operator identification means, from among the devices connected to the network,
Device specifying means for specifying a device that can be used by the identified operator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the operator identifying means identifies an operator based on a user ID input from an input means.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the device specifying means specifies a part or all of the output devices connected to the network.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the operator identifying means identifies an operator to any one of a plurality of types based on a user ID input from an input means.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 4, the device designating means changes at least one device to be designated between each of a plurality of types identified by the operator identifying means. I do.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the input means is provided in each of a plurality of devices out of an appropriate number of input devices and output devices connected to the network. It is characterized by the following.

Further, the invention of claim 7 is characterized in that in claim 6, there is provided a means for centrally managing input information from each of the input means.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 7, the input device is an image input device, and the output device is an image output device.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a multifunction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a LAN (network) using a known technique for connecting respective devices. In this embodiment, an Ethernet using the TCP / IP protocol is assumed. It does not place any restrictions on. 102 is a network scanner for optically reading a document having an image or text information printed on paper or the like and converting it into digital information,
LAN1 by the provided network interface
01 is connected to each device. The scanner is R
The color scanner reads an original in three colors of GB.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a server for controlling the entire multifunction system of this embodiment and managing image information and device information of each device. Usually, server software is installed on a personal computer or a workstation. Is realized. A network FAX 104 having a network interface and capable of transmitting and receiving data via the public line 109
It is also possible to transmit image or text data received via the LAN 101 via the public line 109 or output data received via the public line 109 to another printer on the LAN 101.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a network printer having a network interface for printing out image and text data received via the LAN 101 using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic technique or an ink jet technique. Here, reference numeral 105 denotes a monochrome printer for performing monochrome printing. Copying machine-based digital multifunction peripherals 106 and 107 are provided with a network interface and transmit and receive image and text data via the LAN 101. It also has both functions of a network printer. Here, reference numeral 106 denotes a color digital multifunction peripheral, and 107 denotes a black and white digital multifunction peripheral. Reference numeral 108 denotes a file server for temporarily storing data on the LAN 101, which can be used as a digital database.

Next, a multi-function system-compatible device embodying the present invention will be described. In addition, in order to avoid the description of overlapping parts in the description, the following is the most configuration,
The description will be made using a multifunction peripheral with integrated functions.

(Overall Configuration of Hardware) FIG. 2 shows an overall configuration diagram.

A controller unit 2000 is a scanner 2070 as an image input device or an image output device.
It is a controller for inputting and outputting image information and device information by connecting to a printer 2095 and connecting to a LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 on the other hand.

A CPU 2001 controls the entire apparatus. R
The AM 2002 is a work memory for the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM and stores a boot program of the apparatus. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive and stores control software including control procedures as shown in FIG. 10, image data, and the like. The control software is read out as needed and stored in the RAM 2002
Loaded on.

An operation unit I / F 2006 is an operation unit (UI) 2
012, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Also, information input by the user of the apparatus from the operation unit 2012
Play the role of telling 2001. The Modem 2050 connects to the public line 2051 and inputs and outputs information.

The above devices are arranged on a system bus 2007.

Image Bus I / F 2005 is the system bus 2
007 and an image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speed
Is a bus bridge for connecting the data structure and converting the data structure.
The image bus 2008 is a PCI bus or IEEE139.
4 The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

The network 2010 is connected to the LAN 101 and inputs and outputs information. A raster image processor (RIP) 2060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F unit 2020 includes a scanner 2070 and a printer 209 which are image input / output devices.
5 and the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Scanner image processing unit 208
0 performs correction, processing, and editing on the input image data.
The printer image processing unit performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on the print output image data.

The configuration as described above has a configuration in which the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 are separated in consideration of the expandability of the image processing portion, and a general computer configuration is applied. Things. In the above configuration, the image bus interface is made general-purpose, and the degree of freedom in which image processing can be arbitrarily combined and the expandability are given in consideration of future possibilities. Especially for the codec part, various standards may be proposed in the future,
Connected to the image bus side for easy replacement. (Image Input / Output Unit) FIG. 3 shows an image input / output device.

A scanner 2007 as an image input device
Illuminates an image on paper serving as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert the image into raster image data 2071 into an electric signal. The manuscript paper is set on the tray 2073 of the manuscript feeder 2072, and when the apparatus user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 2012 (FIG. 4), the controller CPU 2001 gives an instruction to the scanner 2070 (2071).
Numeral 2 feeds an original sheet one by one and performs an operation of reading an original image.

Printer 2095 which is an image output device
Is a part that converts the raster image data 2096 into an image on paper, which is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and discharges ink from a micro nozzle array to directly print an image on paper. There is an ink jet system for printing, but any system may be used. The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction 2096 from the controller CPU 2001. The printer 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected.
101, 1022, 2103, and 2104. Also,
The paper discharge tray 2111 receives printed paper.

(Operation Unit) FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation unit 2012.

The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU 2001 when a displayed key is pressed. A start key 2014 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key 2014, there are LEDs 2018 of two colors, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key 2014 can be used.

A stop key 2015 functions to stop the operation during operation. An ID key 2016 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 2017 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

(Scanner Image Processing Unit) The configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 is shown in FIG.

The image bus I / F controller 2081 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter.

The editing unit 2083 recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. I do. Magnification processing unit 2084
Performs an enlargement and a reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of a raster image when changing the resolution of a read image. Zooming in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown).

The table 2085 is used to convert image data, which is read luminance data, into density data. The binarization 2086 binarizes multi-value grayscale image data by a known halftone processing technique (error diffusion processing or screen processing).

The processed image data is transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081 again.

(Printer Image Processing Unit) The configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 is shown in FIG.

The image bus I / F controller 2091 includes:
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data received from the Network 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs a process of smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary such as an oblique line) of the image data after the resolution conversion.

(Device I / F Unit) Device I / F Unit 2
020 is shown in FIG.

The image bus I / F controller 2021 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls and generates timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. Further, it generates control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070,
The image data is output in synchronization with the image bus 2008.

The serial / parallel / parallel / serial converter 2023 arranges or decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order, and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. Parallel serial / serial / parallel converter 202
Reference numeral 4 denotes a print buffer 20 which decomposes image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data in order.
25 is converted into a data width of image data that can be stored in the image data.

The print buffer 2025 is connected to the image bus 2
008 is temporarily stored, and the image data is output in synchronization with the printer 2095.

(Overall Configuration of Software) FIG. 8 shows a software block configuration.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, which is a module that mediates with an apparatus when an operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes a database module for managing an Address-Book, that is, a destination of data transmission, a destination of communication, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to provide data transmission / communication destination information to each module described later by an operation of an operator.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module.
Used to notify management information of this MFP in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a Controll-API 1518 described later, and an HTTP 1512, TCP / IP 1516, Network-Dr
The Web client is notified via iver1517.

Reference numeral 1504 denotes a Universal-Send, that is, a module which manages data distribution. The module 1504 distributes data specified by the operator via the UI 1501 to the communication (output) destination specified at the same time. When the operator instructs to generate distribution data using the scanner function of the device, the device is operated via the Control-API 1518 described later to generate data.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module that is executed when a printer is specified as an output destination in the Universal Send 1504. A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is specified as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1507 denotes a module that is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction peripheral similar to the present apparatus is designated as an output destination in the Universal Send 1504. Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module, which uses the scanner function of the multifunction peripheral, outputs to another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like, and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This is a module that performs processing.

Reference numeral 1510 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses a printer function of the multifunction peripheral, uses another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination, and implements a copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This module performs the same processing as. Reference numeral 1511 denotes a Web-Pull-Print module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or an intranet.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the multifunction peripheral communicates by HTTP.
Web-Server 150 mentioned above by IP1516 module
3, which provides communication to the Web-Pull-Print 1511 module. Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module.
The communication is provided to the printer module 1505 in the sal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module. The above-mentioned Univ.
It provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the ersal-Send 1504. 1515 is SLM, namely Saluta
This is a tion-Manager module, which will be described later in TCP / IP1.
The Universal-Send 1504 described above using the 516 module
Database module 1517, DP module 1518, and Remote-Copy-Scan 1509 module in the
It provides communication to the Remote-Copy-Print 1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module which provides network communication to the above-described various modules by using a Network-Driver described later. 1517
Is a network driver that controls a part physically connected to the network. 1518 is Co
This is an ntroll-API, which provides an interface to downstream modules such as Job-Manager 1519 described later for upstream modules such as Universal-Send 1504, and reduces the dependency between upstream and downstream modules to reduce It is intended to enhance the diversion of the product.

Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job-Manager, which interprets a process instructed by the above-described various modules via the Control-API 1518 and gives an instruction to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the MFP. Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which is Job-Mana
ger 1519 various kinds of data compression and
It manages and controls elongation.

Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE-Encoder.
The data read by the scanning process executed by the Manaer 1519 and the Scan-Manager 1524 is compressed in the FBE format. 1522 is JPE
G-CODEC, Job-Manager 1519, Scan-M
Scan processing executed by anager 1524 and Pr
In print processing executed by the int-Manager 1526, JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which is Jo
In the scan processing executed by the b-Manager 1519 and the Scan-Manager 1524, and the print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526, MMR compression of read data and MMR decompression processing of print data are performed. Reference numeral 1524 denotes a Scan-Manager, which is a Job-Manager.
1519 manages and controls the scanning process instructed.

Reference numeral 1525 denotes a scanner driver.
-Communication between the Manager 1524 and the scanner unit internally connected to the MFP. 1526 is Print-
Manager, which manages and controls the printing process instructed by Job-Manager 1519. Reference numeral 1527 denotes a printer driver, which provides an I / F between the Print-Manager 1526 and a printing unit. Reference numeral 1528 denotes a parallel port driver, which provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

Next, a device profile in the multifunction system will be described.

FIG. 9 is an example of a device profile in a multifunction peripheral embodying the present invention.

In the figure, "Device-Type" indicates the type of the device. In this case, it is assumed that the device is a multifunction device and has a scanner as an input device and a laser beam printer as an output device. Is shown. Device-ID:
Indicates the model name of the device. In this case, CLC-XXX
Is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, the network address of the input device is 172.16.10.2, and the network address of the output device is 172.16.1.10. 3
Is shown. Resolution: is the resolution supported by the device, in this case 300dp
i, indicates that the resolution of 600 dpi is supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In this case, the device
Indicates that Paper sizes of Letter-R, Leagal, Legal-R, and Statement are supported. "Cassette" indicates the paper cassette stage provided and the paper size. In this case, the first row is Letter-R, the second row is Legal, 3
Legal on the top, Letter on the fourth, Statement on the fifth,
The sixth row indicates that a sheet of Legal-R size is stored.

Output-speed: indicates the print speed. In this case, the output speed is 28 sheets / min for monochrome output of Letter paper, and 7 sheets / min for color output. . Output-fee: indicates the charge when using the device. In this case, it indicates that a charge of 10 cents is required for monochrome output in Letter size, and a charge of 40 cents is required for color output. .

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device. In this case, LIPS4,
N201 indicates that input by ESC / P is supported. Option; indicates Option device information to be connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that a sorter having a stapling function of 20 bins and a duplex unit for performing duplex printing are provided.

This device profile is possessed by all devices constituting the multifunction system.
The information is automatically transmitted and received when the system or each device is activated, and is stored and stored in the Adress-Book 1502 as common information.

Next, a method of designating a device to be used based on operator information, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

First, when using the present multi-function system, the operator inputs a user ID using the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG. 4 in advance. User ID
Is input from the touch panel sheet according to an instruction (not shown) displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 when the operator presses the ID key 2017. The input user ID is transferred to the Controller-Unit 2000, input to the CPU 2001 via the operation unit I / F 2006, temporarily stored in the RAM 2002, and
The user ID stored in the RAM 2002 that is stored until B is completed is compared with the user information stored in the HDD 2004 in advance, and is converted into class information set for each user ID. In the multifunction system according to the present embodiment, each user ID can be classified into five classes. In addition, devices on the multifunction system that can be used are specified for each class, and the specified device information is stored in the operation unit I.
The data is transferred to the operation unit 2012 via the / F 2006 and displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 as needed. On the other hand,
If the operator does not input a predetermined user ID according to the above procedure, the user is automatically classified into the lowest class.

The above control sequence is shown in a control flowchart (FIG. 10). FIG. 11 shows an example of the used device designation content for each class in the multifunction system configuration shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, step 1 (S1)
In, the class classification is set to the lowest class, and S2
Displays a user ID input request message on the operation unit. Next, in S3, it is determined whether or not the ID key of the operation unit has been pressed. If the ID key has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S8.

In S4, the process waits until the input of the ID from the operation unit is completed. When the input is completed, in S5, the input user ID is stored in the RAM.
Is determined as to whether or not the user ID is stored in the HDD 2004 in advance. If the user ID is not stored in advance, the process proceeds to S8. If the user ID is stored in advance, the class classification is determined in S7. The class is changed to the class corresponding to the user ID, and the device information designated by the class is transferred to the operation unit in S8.

Next, in S9, it is determined whether or not the start key of the operation unit has been pressed. If the start key has not been pressed, the process returns to S3. If the start key has been pressed, the process proceeds to S10 to execute the designated JOB. That is, the operator can execute a desired job based on the device profile of the device on the specified multi-function system.

In this embodiment, a method of inputting a user ID from an operation unit is used as an operator identification method for identifying an operator who uses the system. However, a known operator identification method (for example, a mechanical structure) is used. , An ID card having a memory function, another ID medium, or a human body characteristic such as a fingerprint or a fundus pattern, may be used. Also,
The user ID is not limited to the one that specifies the operator itself, but may be a social group to which the operator belongs (for example, a department to which the operator belongs, a post, etc.).

Further, in this embodiment, five classifications are performed as the device designation method. However, at least two or more class classifications are included, and a class that can designate a part of devices in the system is included. I just need to be.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the embodiment has been described using a single device on a multi-function system having an operation unit. However, the operator information obtained by the operator identification means is obtained. On the basis of the,
The present invention does not depart from the gist of the present invention as long as it is possible to designate a device that can be used by an operator from devices connected to the network as a system.

That is, for example, the operator information input for each device is temporarily transferred to the server 103 shown in FIG. 1, and the server 103 determines the information specifying the devices that can be used by the operator. It is also possible to use a centralized management type configuration in which devices on the system are designated and controlled based on the information.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a multifunction system constituted by combining a plurality of input devices and output devices connected to a network, a system determined according to an operator who uses the system. Using the above available equipment, the operator can execute the desired job.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the present multifunction system.

FIG. 2 is an overall hardware configuration diagram of an apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an image input / output device.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a scanner image processing unit.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a printer image processing unit.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a device I / F unit.

FIG. 8 is a software block configuration diagram of an apparatus embodying the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a device profile.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of contents of device designation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 LAN 107 Digital MFP

Claims (8)

[Claims] In a multifunction system having an appropriate number of input devices and output devices connected to a network, an operator identifying means for identifying an operator, and operator information responding to the operator identified by the operator identifying means. And a device designating means for designating a device that can be used by the identified operator from devices connected to the network based on the multifunction system. 2. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein said operator identification means identifies an operator based on a user ID input from an input means. 3. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the device specifying unit specifies a part or all of the output devices connected to the network. 4. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein said operator identifying means identifies an operator to one of a plurality of types based on a user ID input from an input means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the device designating means designates at least one device to be designated among the plurality of types identified by the operator identifying means.
A multi-function system characterized by different settings. 6. A multi-function device according to claim 2, wherein said input means is provided in each of a plurality of devices out of an appropriate number of input devices and output devices connected to said network. Function system. 7. The multi-function system according to claim 6, further comprising means for centrally managing input information from each of said input means. 8. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein the input device is an image input device, and the output device is an image output device.