JP2000196635A - Multifunction system and its data transferring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunction system and its data transferring method which eliminate the trouble of user operations while preventing cost increase and also allows flexible setting for each individual. SOLUTION: In this multifunction system in which a copying function is constructed by transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, a transfer path profile generating part 409 generates transfer path information constituting an input-output path from the input device to the output device on the basis of device information 404 proper to the input device and the output device and stores it in a database 405, and a transfer path profile supplying part 408 transfers data from the input device to the output device according to transfer path information supplied according to a transfer request of the input device or the output device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction system and a data transfer method therefor, and more particularly to a multifunction system including an input device and an output device connected to a network, and a data transfer method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are a number of methods for configuring a multifunction device system (hereinafter abbreviated as an MFP system) by connecting input devices such as a scanner and a digital camera and output devices such as a printer and a fax with each other via a network. Has been realized. In this type of system, a file server for temporarily storing data on a network and a client host for instructing reading of data from an input device and transmission of data to an output device (this may also serve as the file server) Is required.

[0003] As an example of a multifunction device, a conventional example in which a copying function is realized by a combination of a scanner as an input device and a printer as an output device will be described.

[0004] A user goes to a location of a scanner, sets a document to be copied, and then goes to a location of a client host to read the document from the scanner. Then by specifying output to the printer,
There is a method for realizing the copying function. Alternatively, there is a method of designating the destination of the read data on the operation panel of the scanner and printing the data on the printer as the destination, thereby realizing the copying function.

When such a device is shared by a large number of users, an ID card or the like is issued for each department and devices that can be used with the ID card are designated.

[0006]

However, in the former method, in order to realize the copying function, it is necessary for the user to move to a location on the client host and to specify the execution of scanning or printing. This is more inconvenient and inconvenient than an actual copier (in which a scanner and a printer are directly connected and integrated).

On the other hand, in the latter method, since the method of designating a destination by a scanner is complicated, a load is imposed on a user and a display screen of an operation panel is provided to realize a new complicated design method. And the number of operation buttons is required, which increases the cost of the scanner.

Further, the use restriction and management for each department using an ID card or the like are not suitable for flexible setting for each individual.

The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks and provides a multi-function system capable of reducing the trouble of user operation while preventing an increase in cost and enabling flexible setting for each individual, and a data transfer method thereof. I do.

[0010]

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, a multifunction system according to the present invention provides a multifunction system in which a copy function is configured by a combination of an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network. Wherein the management server acquires device information unique to each of the input device and the output device, device information storage means for storing the device information acquired by the device information acquisition device in a database, Transfer path information generating means for generating transfer path information constituting an input / output path from the input device to the output device based on the device information stored by the device information storing means; Transfer path information storage means for storing transferred transfer path information in a database; Transfer path information supply means for supplying transfer path information stored by the information storage means in accordance with a transfer request from the input device or the output device, wherein the input device or the output device stores information unique to the device. Device information supply means for transmitting to the management server, transfer path information obtaining means for obtaining transfer path information stored by the transfer path information storage means from the management server, and at least one device obtained by the transfer path information obtaining means Transfer path information selecting means for selecting one of the transfer path information of the above, and data transfer means for transferring data from the input device to the output device in accordance with the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selecting means. It is characterized by.

Here, the transfer path information generating means includes transfer path information setting means for setting the transfer path information. Further, the transfer path information obtaining means obtains only transfer path information related to the respective devices from the transfer path information storage means of the management server, and the transfer path information supply means obtains a transfer request of each of the devices. Supplies only the transfer path information relevant to the requested device. Further, the input device or the output device may be configured to store one or more transfer path information stored in the transfer path information storage unit of the transfer path information storage unit for storing the transfer path information in a database. Transfer path information selecting means for selecting.

Further, the data transfer method of the present invention is a data transfer method in a multi-function system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to configure a copy function, wherein the input device and the Based on the device information unique to each output device, transfer path information that constitutes an input / output path from the input device to the output device is generated and stored in a database, and in accordance with a transfer request of the input device or the output device. Data is transferred from the input device to the output device according to the supplied transfer path information. Here, the generation of the transfer path information includes a step of setting the transfer path information. The method further includes the step of selecting one from the supplied one or more pieces of transfer path information. In the supply of the transfer path information, only the transfer path information related to the requested device is supplied according to the transfer request of each device.

A storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium for storing a data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to configure a copy function. The data transfer control program, the module to obtain device information unique to the input device and the output device, a module to store the obtained device information in a database, based on the stored device information A module for generating transfer path information constituting an input / output path from the input device to the output device, a module for storing the generated transfer path information in a database, and storing the transferred transfer path information in the input device. Or a module for supplying according to a transfer request of the output device. Characterized in that it contains.

A storage medium for storing a data transfer control program in a multi-function system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to constitute a copying function, in a computer-readable manner. A module for transmitting information unique to the device, a module for acquiring transfer path information to be stored, a module for selecting one of the obtained one or more pieces of transfer path information, and a selected transfer path information And a module for transferring data from the input device to the output device according to the following.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Multifunction System of Present Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a multifunction system of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a network 101 is a network using a known technique for connecting devices,
In this embodiment, the TCP / IP protocol is used.
Assumes the use of Ethernet.

The network scanner 102 is a scanner that optically reads a document or the like printed on paper or the like, has a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

The management server 103 stores configuration information (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer path profile) when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device) by combining the network scanner 102 and the network printer 104, and stores input devices and output devices. This is a management server that provides a transfer path profile in response to a request from The management server is generally realized by installing server software on a personal computer or a workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

The network printer 104 has a network interface, receives print data and image data sent via the network interface, and actually prints the data on paper or other media using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. Network printer. The network printer 104 is also connected to each device via the network 101.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that image data transmitted from the network scanner can be immediately printed by the network printer 104. Normally, image data is converted into a well-known page description language (hereinafter, referred to as PDL) and transmitted. Since the details of the PDL are known, the description is omitted.

(Configuration Example of Network Scanner) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the network scanner 102.

Referring to FIG. 2, the scanner engine 201
Is a scanner engine using a known optical reading technology. The CPU 202 is an arithmetic and control processor that controls the entire operation. A random access memory (RAM) 203 temporarily stores image data read by the scanner engine 201, stores working storage information, or stores a porogram loaded via an external storage device or a network (not shown). It is. The ROM 204 is a read-only memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202 is written.

Further, the network I / F 205 is an interface for connecting to the network 101, and the device profile supply unit 206 has a function of transmitting device information of the network scanner 102 to the management server 103. Transfer path profile acquisition unit 207
Obtains the transfer path profile from the management server,
It has a function of storing information in the AM 203. The operation panel 208 is provided to provide a user interface.
An operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons. A user profile acquisition unit 209 has a function of acquiring a user profile from a management server and storing information in the RAM 203.

(Example of Configuration of Network Printer) FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network printer 104.

In FIG. 3, the printer engine 301
Is a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink jet. The CPU 302 is an arithmetic / control processor that controls the entire operation. R
The AM 303 is a random access memory that temporarily stores image data to be printed on the printer engine 301, stores working storage information, or stores a porogram loaded via an external storage device or a network (not shown). It is. The ROM 304 is a CPU 302
Is a read-only memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the above is written.

The network I / F 305 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. The device profile supply unit 306 has a function of transmitting device information of the network printer 104 to the management server 103. Transfer path profile acquisition unit 307
Obtains the transfer path profile from the management server,
It has a function of storing information in the AM 303. The operation panel 308 is used to provide a user interface.
The operation panel includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons. The user profile acquisition unit 309 has a function of acquiring a user profile from the management server and storing information in the RAM 303.

(Configuration Example of Management Server) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server 103.

In FIG. 4, a CPU 401 is an arithmetic / control processor for controlling the entire operation. RAM
Reference numeral 402 denotes a random access memory for storing work storage information and a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 401. The device profile database 404 is
This is a database that stores device profiles of devices connected to the network. The transfer path file database 405 is a transfer database for storing transfer path profiles generated from device profiles.

The network I / F 406 is an interface for connecting to the network 101. The device profile acquisition unit 407 has a function of acquiring a device profile from a device connected to the network and storing the device profile in the device profile database 404. The transfer path profile supply unit 408, according to the request of the device, transfers the transfer path profile database 40
5 has a function of reading the transfer path profile from the device 5 and supplying it to the device via the network.

The transfer path profile generation unit 409 has a function of generating a transfer path profile from the device information written in the device profile database 402 and writing the transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 405. The user profile database 410 is a database that stores a profile for each user.

The user interface 411 includes a keyboard and a display monitor for inputting and editing a user profile to be stored in the user profile database 410. The user profile supply unit 412 has a function of reading a user profile from the user profile database 410 and supplying the user profile to a device via a network.

(Example of Device Profile) Next, a device profile will be described.

The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device necessary to configure the virtual MFP, and is composed of text data as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.

In FIG. 5, Device-type:
Indicates the type of device. FIG. 5 shows that the device is an input device and a scanner.

Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and FIG. 5 indicates that ScannerXXX is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG.
2.16.10.2 indicates the network address of the device.

Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in FIG.
Indicates that resolutions of 0 dpi and 1200 dpi are supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In FIG.
This indicates that paper sizes of 4, 4, and 5 are supported.

Input-feed: indicates a charge unit when the device is used, and in FIG.
This indicates that if a 6-bit image is captured, a charge of 8 yen will be charged.

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device. In FIG. 5, the device outputs JPEG and GIF type images, and
Indicates that output by PS4 type PDL is supported.

Input-command: describes a command for causing the scanner to execute reading from another device. In the case of "A4 / REQ A4-SCAN",
To read in A4 size, use “REQ A4-
SCAN "may be transmitted to the network scanner.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 104.

In FIG. 6, Device-Type:
Indicates the type of device. FIG. 6 shows that the device is an output device and a laser beam printer.

Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and FIG. 6 indicates that LBP-XXX is the model name of the device.

Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In FIG.
2.16.10.3 is the network address of the device.

Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in FIG. 6, 300 dpi, 60
Indicates that a resolution of 0 dpi is supported.

Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In FIG.
Indicates that paper sizes of 3, A4, A5, and B4 are supported.

Output-feed: indicates the unit of charge when the device is used, and FIG. 6 shows that a charge of 10 yen is required when a monochrome image is output in A4 size.

Document-format: is an image format supported by the device.
201, indicates that input by ESC / P is supported.

<Operation Example of Multifunction System of the Present Embodiment> (Collection of Device Profile) The device profile of the device is obtained by the device profile obtaining unit of the management server 103.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103. Note that the device profile acquisition unit is activated when the management server 102 is activated, and operates until the system ends.

In step S701, a device profile acquisition command is issued only once at the time of startup to a device connected to the network. FIG. 8 shows the structure of the device profile acquisition command. “REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, and indicates that the request is a device profile. This device profile acquisition command is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet in TCP / IP.

In step S702, it is determined whether a device profile transfer command has arrived. If not, the process returns to step 702. FIG. 19 shows an example of the structure of a device profile transfer command. "SEN" on the first line
"D" indicates transfer, and "DEVICE-PROFILE" indicates a device profile, indicating that the transfer is a device profile.The following lines indicate the contents of the device profile as in FIG. "
The process ends with the line of “END_OF_PROFILE”.

When the device profile is transferred, the device profile acquisition unit records the device profile in the device profile database 404 in step S703, and returns to step S702 to wait for the next device profile transfer command.

Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from the device will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the device profile supply unit provided on the device side. The device profile supply unit is a network scanner 10
2 is 206 in FIG. 2, and in the case of the network printer 104, it is 306 in FIG. The device profile supply unit is called when the device is started, and continues processing until the device is powered off.

In step S901 of FIG. 9, the device executes the transfer of the device profile to the management server 103 only once at the time of startup. If the management server 103 has been activated, a device profile transfer command is received in step S702 of FIG.
04. If the management server 103 has not been started, the device profile transfer command is sent to the device profile database 4 of the management server 103.
04 is not reflected.

In step S902, it is checked whether a device profile transfer request command has arrived. If not, the process returns to step S902. The device profile transfer request command is sent to the management server 1
If the device profile is transmitted from the management server 103, the device profile transfer command is sent to the management server 103 in step S903 as in step S901.

This process is for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 404 when the management server 103 is started up after the device is running, and the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103. Issues a device profile transfer request command at the time of startup in step S701 in FIG. 7, thereby assuring that the management server 103 has always acquired the device profiles of all the devices connected to the network.

(Generation of Transfer Path Profile) In the management server 103, the device profile database 40
The transfer path profile generation unit 409 generates a transfer path profile based on the device information written in No. 4 and stores it in the transfer path profile database 405. The transfer path profile is generated automatically or based on an operator's instruction or change based on a comparison of the data format and the like between the input device and the output device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the generated transfer path profile.

In FIG. 10, Description
The line n: indicates a character string to be displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected.
Y scannerXXX to LBP-XXX ".

The line of “input-device:” indicates the type of the input device.
The row of e: indicates the type of the output device.

The line of “input-address:” indicates the network address of the input device.
The line of t-address: indicates the network address of the output device.

The document-format: line indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path.

The line “Copy-default:” indicates the number of copies to be used by default.

Resolution: indicates the resolution used in this transfer path.

Input-command: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command to read the input device.

(Supply of Transfer Path Profile) The management server usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies a transfer path profile to each device at the request of an input device and an output device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the transfer path profile supply unit in the management server 103. The operation of the transfer path profile supply unit starts when the management server 103 is started.

In step S1101, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 at the time of startup are notified to all devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S1102, it is checked whether or not the transfer path profile database 405 has been changed. If there has been a change, in step S1103, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all the devices connected to the network. I do. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S1104, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in step S1105, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to the requesting device by a transfer path profile transfer command.

If there is no change in step S1102, or if the command has not arrived in step S1104, steps S1102 and S1104 are repeated.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of a transfer path profile request command. “REQ” is a transfer request, “TRANS”
"MISSION-PATH-PROFILE" indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the request is a transfer path profile.

FIG. 13 is a structural example of a transfer path profile transfer command. “SEND” on the first line is transfer, “TR”
ANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE "indicates a transfer path profile and indicates that the transfer is a transfer path profile. The following lines are shown in FIG.
Like 0, it indicates the contents of the transfer path profile, and ends with the line of “END_OF_PROFILE”.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device. Note that the transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 307 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 104.

In step S1401 in FIG. 14, the device issues a transfer path profile request command to the management server 103 to acquire a transfer path profile. By this command, the flow chart of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103 (FIG. 11)
Is determined to be Yes in step S1104, and the transfer of the transfer path profile is performed in step S1105.

If the transfer path profile has been transferred by the transfer path profile transfer command in step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1403 in which the RAM is transferred.
(203 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 303 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 104).

As described above, each device acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103,
303.

(Generation of User Profile) Next, a user profile will be described.

The user profile defines in advance which input / output device can be used for each user. The user profile is stored in the management server 103
Can be input and edited from the user interface 411, and edited in advance before using the system and stored in the user profile database 410.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a user profile stored in the user profile database 410.

In FIG. 20, User: is a user name serving as a personal ID for identifying a user, has a different name for each user, and is displayed on the panel of the device. FIG. 20 shows that the user is registered under the name kajita.

Group: is the organization to which the user belongs, the authority class, and the like. In FIG.
It indicates that it belongs to the group of “design” and “project”.

Password: is a password for authentication of the user, and in FIG. 20, indicates that the password is "1234".

Input-device: indicates a device name of an input device which can be used by the user.
Indicates that scanner001 and scanner008 can be used.

Output-device: indicates the device name of an output device that can be used by the user, and FIG. 20 indicates that LBP07 and LBP05 can be used.

(Supply of User Profile) The management server 103 usually has one or more user profiles, and supplies a user profile to each device at the request of an input device and an output device.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the user profile supply unit 412 in the management server 103. The operation of the user profile supply unit 412 starts when the management server 103 is started.

In step S2101, all user profiles stored in the user profile database 410 at the time of startup are notified to all devices connected to the network by a user profile transfer command. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S2102, it is checked whether or not the user profile database 410 has been changed. If there has been a change, in step S2103, the changed user profile is notified to all devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

In step S2104, it is checked whether a user profile transfer request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in step S2105, all the user profiles stored in the user profile database 410 are notified to the requesting device by a user profile transfer command.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a user profile request command. It is. “REQ” is a transfer request, “TRANSMISSION-USER-PROF”
"ILE" indicates a user profile, and indicates that the request is for a user profile.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a user profile transfer command. It is. “SEND” on the first line is transfer, “TRANSMISSION-USER-PRO”
"FILE" indicates a user profile, which indicates that the user profile is to be transferred. The following lines indicate the contents of the user profile as in FIG. 20, and are terminated by the "END_OF_PROFILE" line. I do.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the user profile acquisition section in the input device and the output device. Note that the user profile acquisition unit is 209 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 309 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 104.

In step S2401, each device
To obtain a user profile, the management server 103
Issue a user profile request command to According to this command, “Yes” is determined in step S2104 of the flowchart (FIG. 21) of the user profile supply unit 412 in the management server 103, and step S21 is performed.
At 05, a user profile is transferred.

If the user profile is transferred according to the user profile transfer command in step S2402, it is stored in the RAM (203 for the network scanner 102, 303 for the network printer 104) in step S2403.

As described above, each device acquires the user profile from the management server 103, and
3 is stored.

(Example of Data Transfer from Scanner to Printer) Next, a process of printing a document actually read from the scanner by the printer will be described.

A user stands in front of the network scanner 102, sets a document, and then operates the panel to perform printing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 208 of the network scanner 102. FIG.
, 1501 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters, 1502 is a cross key for selecting each function, 1503
Is an execution button for executing a scan.

The user selects a user profile by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1502.

FIG. 25 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal panel (1501 in FIG. 15) when the right key of the cross panel is pressed once. The character string on the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown as User: in FIG. 20, and indicates that the user profile shown in FIG. 20 is selected.

If a plurality of user path profiles are registered in the network scanner 102, another transfer path profile can be selected by further pressing the right key of the cross panel 1502. When the user profile is selected, only the user profile in which the device name of the network scanner 102 is described is displayed on the input device of the user profile, and other user profiles cannot be selected. The selected user profile is confirmed by pressing the down key.

[0108] When it is determined, the process proceeds to the password input mode. In FIG. 26, 0 is displayed at the first digit of the four digits of the password, * is displayed at the remaining digits, and a cursor is displayed below 0. In this state, by pressing the up key and the down key of the cross panel 1502 in FIG.
The numerical value of the password can be increased or decreased between 0 and 9. After setting the correct numerical value, the digit to be set is shifted right by one with the right key, and the password of the next digit is set. By pressing the left key, you can return the cursor digit to the digit that has already been set. By repeating the above, when the password conforming to the selected user profile is completely entered, the password is confirmed by pressing the down key. The network scanner 102 compares the password with the password in the user profile, and if the password matches, the process proceeds to the selection of the next transfer profile. If the passwords do not match, the operation is canceled and the process returns to the initial standby state.

After the passwords match and the process proceeds to the selection of the transfer profile, the user selects the transfer path profile. FIG. 16 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal panel 1501 after the password verification is completed. The character string on the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown in Description: in FIG. 10 and indicates that the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 10 is selected.

When a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the network scanner 102, another transfer path profile can be selected by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1502. In this case, as for the transfer profile displayed in this case, only the device whose output device is specified as the output destination described in the user profile is selected and displayed. Therefore, the user can select the transfer path profile only within the specified range of his / her user profile.

Here, by pressing the scan execution button 1503, a copy function using this transfer path profile is executed. According to the transfer path profile in FIG. 13, the network scanner 102 outputs
address: 172.16.10.3 (network printer) described in “address:” is selected as an output device, and Res.
The document is read at a resolution of 600 dpi written in “solution:” and the print data is transmitted in the LIPS4 format written in “Document-format:”. The number of copying is performed only once as described in Copy-default :.

The print data is transferred to the network printer 104 via the network 101. At this time,
The network printer 104 only performs the printing process of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.

In the above embodiment, the method of selecting the transfer path profile on the operation panel of the network scanner 102 and transferring the print data to the network printer 104 has been described.
A method of selecting a transfer path profile from the operation panel of FIG. 1 and requesting the network scanner 102 to transmit print data will be described.

In the above embodiment, the network printer 104 allows the network scanner 102 to store the user profile and the transfer path profile in the management server 10.
3, the user profile and the transfer path profile are obtained.

The user sets a document on the network scanner 102, stands in front of the network printer 104, and operates the panel to perform printing.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 308 in the network printer 104.

In FIG. 17, reference numeral 1701 denotes a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters; 1702, a cross key for selecting each function; and 1703, an execution button for executing printing.

The user selects a user profile by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1702.

FIG. 25 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal panel 1701 when the right key of the cross panel is pressed once. The character string on the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown as User: in FIG. 20, and indicates that the user profile shown in FIG. 20 is selected.

When a plurality of user path profiles are registered in the network printer 104, another transfer path profile can be selected by further pressing the right key of the cross panel 1702. When the user profile is selected, only the user profile in which the device name of the network printer 104 is described is displayed on the input device of the user profile, and other user profiles cannot be selected. The selected user profile is confirmed by pressing the down key.

When the confirmation is made, the process proceeds to the password input mode. In FIG. 26, 0 is displayed at the first digit of the four digits of the password, * is displayed at the remaining digits, and a cursor is displayed below 0. In this state, the cross panel 1
By pressing the up key and the down key 702, the numerical value of the password password can be increased or decreased. After setting the correct number, move the digit to be set one place to the right with the right key,
Set the next digit password. By repeating the above, when the password of the selected user profile is completely input, the password is confirmed by pressing the down key. The network printer 104 compares and compares the password with the password in the user profile, and if the password matches the password, proceeds to the selection of the next transfer profile. If the passwords do not match, the operation is canceled and the process returns to the initial standby state.

After the password matches and the process proceeds to the selection of the transfer profile, the user presses the right key of the cross panel 1702 to select the transfer path profile. FIG. 16 shows the display contents of the liquid crystal panel 1701 after the password verification is completed. The character string on the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown in Description: in FIG. 10 and indicates that the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 10 is selected.

If a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the network printer 104, another transfer path profile can be selected by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1702. At this time, only the transfer path profile including the input device described in the input device of the already selected user profile is selectively displayed.

By pressing the print execution button 1703, a copy function using this transfer path profile is executed. According to the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 13, the network printer 104 has input-add
Select 172.16.10.2 (network scanner) written in “ress:” as an input device, and select “Input”.
A read request is made by transmitting a read command written in -command: to the input device.

Upon receiving the read command, the network scanner 102 reads the document in the paper size specified as a reply and transmits data to the network printer 104.

According to the above embodiment, the input / output device has requested the transfer of all transfer path profiles to the management server 103. However, when a plurality of input / output devices are connected to the network 101, In some cases, there is a transfer path profile that does not use a certain device, and storing that information in the RAM of the device may be useless. Therefore, it is conceivable to extend the transfer path profile transfer request and extend the command so that only the transfer path profile related to the own machine is transferred.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a command statement that is an extension of the transfer path profile transfer request command of FIG. "MA
TCH Input-address = 172.16.
10.2 "part indicates that the address of the input device is 1
Indicates that a request for a transfer path profile conforming to 72.16.10.2 is being made.

The same applies to the user profile, and it is conceivable to extend the command so that only the user profile related to the own machine is transferred.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a command sentence obtained by expanding the user profile transfer request command shown in FIG. "MAT
CH Input-address = 172.16.1
The 0.2 ”part indicates that the address of the input device is 17
Indicates that a user profile request conforming to 2.16.10.2 is being made.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the transfer path profile and the user profile are all stored in the management server. However, in order to enable printing even when the management server is not running. Alternatively, the transfer path profile and the user profile may be registered in the nonvolatile memory of each device. Furthermore, each device may have a function equivalent to that of the management server.

Further, according to the above embodiment, it is assumed that the user profile is selected on the operation panel of the device and the password is input. However, the user can carry the non-volatile storage medium (for example, (Magnetic card, IC card, etc.)
May be configured to execute a procedure for selecting / inputting a user profile and a password by attaching the user profile to a storage medium reading interface provided in each device.

Further, according to the above embodiment, when a user profile is used, whether or not the user can be used is determined from the user name. However, the group information included in the user profile is checked to determine the specific group. A usable device may be set for each device.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), a single device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) ) May be applied to each function.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0139]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multi-function system which can save the trouble of user operation while preventing an increase in cost and can perform flexible setting for each individual, and a data transfer method thereof. it can.

That is, data is transferred from the network scanner to the network printer, the transfer path profile management server has complicated configuration information for realizing copying, and the network scanner selects which transfer path profile to use. A copy function becomes possible only by providing the user with convenience, and an operation panel for making the scanner perform complicated operation designation is not required, so that cost can be reduced. Furthermore, by allowing the management server to hold user information as a user profile and selecting a user profile before selecting a transfer path profile, it is possible to limit the devices that can be used for each user.

Also, data is transferred from the network scanner to the network printer, and complicated configuration information for realizing copying is stored in the management server as a transfer path profile, and the network printer selects which transfer path profile to use. This allows the copy function to be performed simply by giving the user convenience, and eliminates the need for an operation panel that allows the printer to perform complicated operation designations, thereby reducing costs and allowing user information to be stored in the management server as a user profile. By allowing the user to select a user profile before selecting a transfer path profile, it is possible to limit the devices that can be used for each user.

When a large number of transfer path profiles and user profiles are registered in the management server, each device transfers only the transfer path profile and the user profile relevant to itself, thereby reducing the load on the network. In addition to the reduction, the RAM of the device for storing the transfer path profile and the user profile can be saved, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, since each device stores the transfer path profile and the user profile in the non-volatile memory, even when the management server is not activated, the information of the transfer path profile and the user profile built in the device is used. Printing becomes possible.

Further, since the user profile and the password are stored in the portable nonvolatile memory,
Selection of a user profile and input of a password can be performed only by inserting a nonvolatile memory.

In addition, not only the user name but also the devices that can be used can be set for each group to which the user belongs, so that efficient user management is possible.

[0146]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a multifunction system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network scanner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network printer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the network scanner.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a network printer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a device profile acquisition unit of the management server.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device profile acquisition instruction.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a device profile supply unit in an input device and an output device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile request command.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transfer path profile transfer command.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in an input device and an output device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel in the network scanner.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of display contents on a liquid crystal panel after a user profile is selected.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel in the network printer.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a command sentence obtained by expanding the transfer path profile transfer request command shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a user profile.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a user profile supply unit in the management server.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user profile request command.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a user profile acquisition unit in an input device and an output device.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing display contents of the liquid crystal panel when the right key of the cross panel is pressed once.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing display contents on a liquid crystal panel after a user profile is selected.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a statement expanded from the user profile transfer request command of FIG. 22.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Negishi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masahito Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Naoki Tomi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideaki Shimizu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Makoto Takayama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A multi-function system in which a copy function is configured by a combination of an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein the management server stores device information unique to each of the input device and the output device. Device information obtaining means for obtaining, device information storing means for storing the device information obtained by the device information obtaining means in a database, and the output device from the input device based on the device information stored by the device information storing means. Transfer path information generating means for generating transfer path information that constitutes an input / output path leading to the transfer path information; transfer path information storing means for storing the transfer path information generated by the transfer path information generating means in a database; The transfer path information stored in the storage unit is used for the transfer request of the input device or the output device. Therefore,
A transfer path information supply unit for supplying, the input device or the output device transmitting device-specific information to the management server; and a transfer stored by the transfer path information storage unit. Transfer path information obtaining means for obtaining path information from the management server; transfer path information selecting means for selecting one of the one or more transfer path information obtained by the transfer path information obtaining means; A data transfer unit for transferring data from the input device to the output device in accordance with the transfer path information selected by the selection unit. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein said transfer path information generating means includes transfer path information setting means for setting said transfer path information. 3. The transfer path information obtaining means obtains only transfer path information related to each device from the transfer path information storage means of the management server, and the transfer path information supply means obtains each of the devices. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein only the transfer path information related to the requested device is supplied according to the transfer request. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input device or the output device stores: a transfer path information storage unit that stores the transfer path information in a database; and one or more transfer path information stored in the transfer path information storage unit of each device. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, further comprising transfer path information selecting means for selecting one. 5. A multifunction system in which a copy function is configured by a combination of an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein the management server stores device information unique to each of the input device and the output device. Device information obtaining means for obtaining, device information storing means for storing the device information obtained by the device information obtaining means in a database, and the output device from the input device based on the device information stored by the device information storing means. Transfer path information generating means for generating transfer path information that constitutes an input / output path leading to the transfer path information; transfer path information storing means for storing the transfer path information generated by the transfer path information generating means in a database; The transfer path information stored in the storage unit is used for the transfer request of the input device or the output device. Therefore,
The input device and the output device each have a device information supply unit that transmits information unique to the device to the management server, and the input device includes: Transfer path information obtaining means for obtaining transfer path information stored by the transfer path information storage means from the management server; and a transfer path for selecting one of the one or more transfer path information obtained by the transfer path information obtaining means. A multi-function system comprising: an information selection unit; and an output unit that causes the output device to perform an output operation in accordance with the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selection unit. 6. The multi-function system according to claim 5, wherein said transfer path information generating means includes transfer path information setting means for setting said transfer path information. 7. The transfer path information acquiring means of the input device acquires only transfer path information related to the input device from the transfer path information storage means of the management server, wherein the transfer of the management server is performed. Path information supply means,
6. The multifunction system according to claim 5, wherein only the transfer path information related to the requested device is supplied according to the transfer request of the input device. 8. The input device, wherein: the transfer path information storage means for storing the transfer path information in a database; and one or more transfer path information stored in the transfer path information storage means of the input device. 6. The multi-function system according to claim 5, further comprising a transfer path information selecting unit that performs the transfer. 9. A multifunction system in which a copy function is configured by a combination of an input device, an output device, and a management server connected to a network, wherein the management server transmits device information unique to each of the input device and the output device. Device information obtaining means for obtaining, device information storing means for storing the device information obtained by the device information obtaining means in a database, and the output device from the input device based on the device information stored by the device information storing means. Transfer path information generating means for generating transfer path information that constitutes an input / output path leading to the transfer path information; transfer path information storing means for storing the transfer path information generated by the transfer path information generating means in a database; The transfer path information stored in the storage unit is used for the transfer request of the input device or the output device. Therefore,
The input device and the output device each include a device information supply unit that transmits information unique to the device to the management server, and the output device includes: Transfer path information obtaining means for obtaining transfer path information stored by the transfer path information storage means from the management server; and a transfer path for selecting one of the one or more transfer path information obtained by the transfer path information obtaining means. A multifunction system comprising: an information selection unit; and an input unit that causes the input device to perform an input operation in accordance with the transfer path information selected by the transfer path information selection unit. 10. The multi-function system according to claim 9, wherein said transfer path information generating means includes transfer path information setting means for setting said transfer path information. 11. The transfer path information acquiring means of the output device acquires only transfer path information related to the output device from the transfer path information storage means of the management server, wherein the transfer of the management server is performed. Path information supply means,
10. The multifunction system according to claim 9, wherein only the transfer path information related to the requested device is supplied according to the transfer request of the output device. 12. The output device, wherein: the transfer path information storage means for storing the transfer path information in a database; and one or more transfer path information stored in the transfer path information storage means of the output device. 10. The multi-function system according to claim 9, further comprising: transfer path information selecting means for performing the operation. 13. A multifunction system configured to copy data by transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device, wherein device information acquisition is performed to acquire device information unique to each of the input device and the output device. Means, transfer path information generating means for generating transfer path information constituting an input / output path from the input device to the output device based on the obtained device information and storing the transfer path information in a database, and the stored transfer path. Transfer path information supply means for supplying information in accordance with a transfer request from the input device or the output device; anddata transfer means for transferring data from the input device to the output device in accordance with the supplied transfer path information. Features a multi-function system. 14. The multifunction system according to claim 13, wherein said transfer path information generating means includes transfer path information setting means for setting said transfer path information. 15. The multi-function system according to claim 13, further comprising transfer path information selecting means for selecting one from one or more transfer path information supplied by said transfer path information supplying means. 16. The multi-function system according to claim 13, wherein said transfer path information supply means supplies only the transfer path information related to the requested device in accordance with a transfer request of each device. . 17. A data transfer method in a multi-function system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to configure a copy function, wherein device information unique to each of the input device and the output device is provided. On the basis of, based on the transfer path information supplied according to a transfer request of the input device or the output device, generates transfer path information constituting an input / output path from the input device to the output device and stores the information in a database. A data transfer method comprising transferring data from the input device to an output device. 18. The data transfer method according to claim 17, wherein the generation of the transfer path information includes a step of setting the transfer path information. 19. The data transfer method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of selecting one from the supplied one or more pieces of transfer path information. 20. The data transfer method according to claim 17, wherein in the supply of the transfer path information, only the transfer path information related to the requested device is supplied in accordance with a transfer request of each device. . 21. A storage medium for storing, in a computer-readable manner, a data transfer control program in a multifunction system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to constitute a copying function, wherein the data transfer is performed. A control program for acquiring device information specific to each of the input device and the output device; a module for storing the acquired device information in a database; and the output from the input device based on the stored device information. A module for generating transfer path information constituting an input / output path to a device; a module for storing the generated transfer path information in a database; and a transfer request for the stored transfer path information to the input device or the output device. And a module that supplies according to Storage media. 22. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a data transfer control program in a multi-function system for transferring data from an input device connected to a network to an output device to configure a copy function, wherein the data transfer is performed. A module for transmitting information unique to the device, a module for acquiring transfer path information to be stored, a module for selecting one of one or more acquired transfer path information, and a selected transfer path information And a module for transferring data from the input device to the output device according to the following.