JP2000209377A - Image processing system and its control method, image processor and its control method, and computer-readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently process image data, preferably, compress an image. SOLUTION: It is decided whether or not image data inputted to the image processor 1001 can be processed as specified. According to the decision result, a request to perform the image process is made. The issued execution request is replied. According to the reply contents, an image processor which is to perform the image process is determined.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are interconnected via a network, a control method therefor, an image processing apparatus and a control method therefor, and a computer-readable memory. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image data obtained by reading an image, such as a facsimile, is compressed and transmitted to another terminal device. There is known an image processing apparatus or system for storing the information in a storage device.

[0003] In these image processing apparatuses or systems, for example, image compression processing is performed at high speed by a dedicated image processing unit for performing image processing incorporated therein.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional image processing apparatus, when a color image is handled,
If the amount of data to be processed is enormous, such as when handling a large number of original images, or if the frequency of use is extremely high, and the processing takes time, the image processing unit becomes a bottleneck, Processing sometimes became slow. Further, when a problem occurs in the image processing unit, the device itself cannot be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and an image processing system and a control method thereof, an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and a computer readable program capable of efficiently executing image data processing. It is intended to provide memory. Preferably, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system and a control method thereof, an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and a computer-readable memory capable of efficiently performing image compression.

[0006]

An image processing system according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement. That is, an image processing system configured by connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus to each other via a network, and instructing image data input to the first image processing apparatus. Determining means for determining whether the performed image processing is executable, issuing means for issuing an image processing execution request based on the determination result of the determining means, and execution issued by the issuing means A response unit that responds to the request; and a determination unit that determines an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing based on a response content of the response unit.

[0007] Preferably, the response content includes at least one of a propriety of the execution request, an executable start time of the image processing, a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed.

Preferably, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining means determines the image processing time which is determined based on the contents of the response and which has the shortest execution time. The device is determined as an image processing device that executes the image processing.

Preferably, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining means includes an image processing apparatus in which a path from the first image processing apparatus via the network is the shortest path. Is determined by the image processing apparatus that executes the image processing.

Preferably, the issuing means issues an image processing execution request to all image processing apparatuses connected to the network except the first image processing apparatus.

Preferably, the issuance unit includes a storage unit for storing a table for managing an issuance order of the image processing apparatus that issues the image processing execution request. Issue an execution request for the image processing. Preferably, the image processing is an image compression processing.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement. That is, an image processing apparatus that is connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, and a determination unit that determines whether the designated image processing can be performed on the input image data, An issuing unit that issues an execution request for the image processing based on the determination result of the determining unit; a receiving unit that receives a response to the execution request issued by the issuing unit; and a response content received by the receiving unit. Determining means for determining an image processing apparatus to request execution of the image processing based on the image processing apparatus.

[0013] Preferably, the response content includes at least one of the following: whether or not the execution request can be made, an executable start time of the image processing, a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed.

[0014] Preferably, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the deciding means determines the image processing which has the shortest execution time of the image processing determined based on the response content. The device is determined as the image processing device that requests the execution of the image processing.

[0015] Preferably, when there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining means includes an image processing apparatus having a shortest path through the network from the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus that requests execution of the image processing is determined.

[0016] Preferably, the issuing means sends the information to all the image processing apparatuses connected on the network.
An execution request for the image processing is issued.

Preferably, the issuing unit includes a storage unit that stores a table that manages an issuance order of the image processing apparatuses that issue the image processing execution requests, and to the image processing apparatus determined according to the table. Issue an execution request for the image processing. Preferably, the image processing is an image compression processing.

A method for controlling an image processing system according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a method for controlling an image processing system in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus are connected to each other via a network, wherein the image data input to the first image processing apparatus is A determining step of determining whether the designated image processing is executable, an issuing step of issuing an image processing execution request based on the determination result of the determining step, and an issuing step of issuing the image processing execution request. And a determination step of determining an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing based on the response content of the response step.

A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, comprising: a determination step of determining whether specified image processing can be performed on input image data; Issuing an image processing execution request based on the determination result of the determination step,
The method includes a receiving step of receiving a response to the execution request issued in the issuing step, and a determining step of determining an image processing apparatus to request the execution of the image processing based on the content of the response received in the receiving step.

A computer readable memory according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
A computer-readable memory storing a program code for controlling an image processing system configured by connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus to each other via a network, wherein the first image processing apparatus is a computer-readable memory. Issue a request for execution of the image processing based on the program code of the determination step for determining whether the specified image processing can be executed on the image data input to the CPU and the determination result of the determination step Program code for the issuing process
A program code for a response step for responding to the execution request issued in the issuing step; and a program code for a determination step for determining an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing based on the response content in the response step. .

A computer readable memory according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
A computer-readable memory that stores a program code for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, and is capable of executing designated image processing on input image data. A program code for an issuance step of issuing an image processing execution request based on the determination result of the determination step; and a response to the execution request issued in the issuance step. And a program code of a determining step of determining an image processing apparatus to request the execution of the image processing based on the response content received in the receiving step.

[0022]

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

First, the configuration of a network system including the image processing apparatus of each embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the entire network system of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes an image processing apparatus according to the present invention;
It has a scanner unit and a printer unit to be described later, and stores an image read from the scanner unit in the local area network 101.
0 (hereinafter referred to as LAN), or
The image received from the printer 10 can be printed out by the printer. An image read from the scanner unit is transmitted by a facsimile transmission unit (not shown) to a wide area network 1030 (hereinafter, referred to as PSTN or ISDN).
An image transmitted to the WAN 1030 or received from the WAN 1030 can be printed out by the printer unit.

A database server 1002 manages a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the image processing apparatus 1001 as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002, which executes processing such as browsing / searching of image data stored in the database 1002. An electronic mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the image processing apparatus 1001 as data attached to an electronic mail.

Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client of the e-mail server 1004.
4 to receive and view the received e-mail, and to transmit the e-mail. 1006 LA the HTML document
N1010 is a WWW server provided to the N1010, and H provided by the WWW server 1006 by the image processing apparatus 1001.
Print out TML documents. 1007 is DNS
Server. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a router, and the LAN 101
0 is connected to the Internet / intranet 1012.

Internet / Intranet 1012
Image processing apparatus 1001, database server 100
2. WWW server 1006, e-mail server 1004
Are similar to the devices 1020, 1021, and 102, respectively.
2, 1023. On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 1001 transmits the FAX 1031 via the WAN 1030.
Can be sent and received. A printer 1040 is also connected to the LAN 1010, and the image processing apparatus 10
01 is configured to be able to print out the read image.

Next, the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Overall Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

The controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner unit 2070 serving as an image input device and a printer unit 2095 serving as an image output device.
By connecting to the N1010 or WAN 1030, image information and device information are input and output. The CPU 2001
A controller that controls the entire image processing apparatus. RA
M2002 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 2002, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The ROM 2003 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive and stores system software and image data.

An operation unit I / F 2006 is an operation unit (UI) 2
012 and an operation unit 2012
Is output to the operation unit 2012. Further, it plays a role of transmitting information input by the user from the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001. The network control unit 2010 connects to the LAN 1010 and inputs and outputs information. The modem 2050 connects to the WAN 1030 and inputs and outputs information. The various devices described above are arranged on the system bus 2007.

The image bus I / F 2005 is connected to the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2 for transferring image data at high speed.
008 is a bus bridge for converting the data structure. The image bus 2008 is a PCI bus or IEEE
1394. The following various devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

Raster image processor (RIP) 2
060 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F 2020 includes a scanner unit 2070
Printer unit 2095 and controller unit 2000
And an interface for performing synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Scanner image processing unit 2080
Performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The image rotation processing unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression processing unit 2040 converts the multi-valued image data into, for example, JPE
G, binary image image data is, for example, JBIG, MMR,
A compression / decompression process such as MH is performed.

Next, a scanner unit 2070 as an image input device and a printer unit 209 as an image output device
The appearance of the image input / output device constituted by 5 will be described with reference to FIG. -Image input / output device FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the image input / output device of the present invention.

A scanner unit 207 serving as an image input device
0 illuminates the image on the document and scans the image with a CCD line sensor (not shown), so that the raster image data 20
71 (see FIG. 2) to convert to an electric signal. The original is set on the tray 2073 of the original feeder 2072, and the user instructs the scanner unit 207 to read and instruct the scanner unit 207 to read from the operation unit 2012.
Give instructions to 0. The document feeder 2072 feeds document sheets one by one and performs a reading operation of a document image.

Printer unit 209 serving as an image output device
Reference numeral 5 denotes a portion for converting the raster image data 2096 (see FIG. 2) into an image on a sheet. The recording system is an electrophotographic system using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array. There is an ink jet system or the like for directly recording an image on paper, but any recording system may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the controller unit 2000. The printer unit 2095 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and the corresponding paper cassettes 2101, 2102, 2103, and 21 are provided.
04. The paper discharge tray 2111 is for receiving paper on which recording has been completed.

Next, the appearance of the operation unit 2012 will be described with reference to FIG. Operation Unit FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation unit of the present invention.

The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD.
Is displayed, and when a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the controller unit 2000.
Tell A start key 2014 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. Start key 201
In the center of 4 is a two-color LED 2018 of green and red,
Whether the start key 2014 can be used is notified by the color. A stop key 2015 functions to stop an operation in 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 2012.

The details of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012 will be described later.

Next, the detailed configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080 will be described with reference to FIG. Scanner Image Processing Unit FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the scanner image processing unit of the present invention.

The image bus I / F controller 2081 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls and generates timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter. The editing unit 2083 recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by the marker pen from the input image data, and performs image processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. .

When changing the resolution of the read image, the scaling unit 2084 performs interpolation calculation in the main scanning direction of the raster image to perform enlargement and reduction. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown). The table 2085 is a conversion table for converting image data, which is read luminance data, into density data. Binarization section 2086
Converts the multi-value grayscale image data into a binary value by an error diffusion process or a screen process. The image data that has been subjected to the binarization processing is transferred to the image bus controller 208 again.
1 is transferred onto the image bus 2008.

Next, the detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090 will be described with reference to FIG. Printer Image Processing Unit FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit of the present invention.

The image bus I / F controller 2091 includes:
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls and generates timing of each device in the printer image processing unit 2090. The resolution conversion unit 2092 is a LAN 1010 or WAN 10
The resolution conversion for converting the image data received from the printer 30 into the resolution of the printer unit 2095 is performed. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs jaggies of the image data after resolution conversion (roughness of an image appearing at a black and white boundary such as an oblique line).
Is performed.

Next, a detailed configuration of the image compression processing unit 2040 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image compression processing unit of the present invention.

The image bus I / F controller 2041 is
It is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and output buffer 2045, and controls mode setting for the image compression unit 2043.

The processing procedure of the image compression processing unit 2040 will be described below.

The CPU 200 via the image bus 2008
1 to the image bus I / F controller 2041 for setting for image compression control. With this setting, the image bus I /
The F controller 2041 provides the image compression unit 2043 with settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression / JBI
G expansion etc.). After the necessary settings have been made, the CPU 2001 sends the image bus I / F controller 20 again.
41, the image data transfer is permitted. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041
002 or transfer of image data from various devices on the image bus 2008 is started.

The received image data is stored in the input buffer 20.
The image data is temporarily stored in the storage unit 42, and the image data is transferred at a constant speed in response to an image data request from the image compression unit 2043.
At this time, the input buffer 2042 determines whether image data can be transferred between the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043. Image bus 2
008 and image compression unit 20
If it is not possible to write an image into the memory 43, control is performed so as not to transfer image data (hereinafter, such control is referred to as handshake).

The image compression section 2043 temporarily stores the received image data in the RAM 2044. This is because some lines of image data are required depending on the type of image compression processing to be performed. To compress the first line, image data for several lines must be prepared. This is because image compression cannot be performed. The image data subjected to image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. The output buffer 2045 performs handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043, and transfers image data to the image bus I / F controller 2041.

The image bus I / F controller 2041 transfers the transferred compressed (or decompressed) image data to the RAM 2002 or various devices on the image bus 2008. Such a series of processing is executed by the CPU 20.
01 until there is no processing request (when the necessary number of pages have been processed) or the image compression processing unit 2
This is repeated from 040 until a stop request is issued (for example, when an error occurs during compression and decompression).

Next, a detailed configuration of the image rotation processing unit 2030 will be described with reference to FIG. [Image Rotation Processing Unit] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the image rotation processing unit of the present invention.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 includes:
The image rotator 2032 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus sequence, controls the image rotator 2032 to set a mode and the like, and performs timing control for transferring image data to the image rotator 2032. The image rotation processing unit 20 is described below.
30 shows a processing procedure.

The CPU 200 via the image bus 2008
1 to the image bus I / F controller 2031 to make settings for image rotation control. With this setting, the image bus I
The / F controller 2031 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, setting of image size, rotation direction, angle, etc.) for the image rotation unit 2032. After making the necessary settings,
Again from the CPU 2001, the image bus I / F controller 2
031 to allow image data transfer. According to this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031
Transfer of image data from the device 2002 or various devices on the image bus 2008 is started. Here, the size of the image bus 2008 is 32 bits, the size of the image data to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bit),
It is assumed that image data is transferred in units of 32 bits when image data is transferred onto the image data 008 (the image data to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain image data having a size of 32 × 32 (bit), it is necessary to perform the above-described image data transfer 32 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses. (See FIG. 9). The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is stored in the RAM 20 so that the image data is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading.
33 is written. For example, in the case of a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation, the first transferred 32-bit image data is
Writing is performed in the Y direction as shown in FIG. Then, by reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

After the rotation of the 32 × 32 (bit) image data (writing to the RAM 2033) is completed, the image rotating unit 2032 reads the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and sends the read image data to the image bus I / F controller 2031. Transfer image data.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the image data having been subjected to the rotation processing performs the sequential addressing, and the RAM 2002 or the image bus 200
The image data is transferred to various devices on the device 8. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed).

Next, the detailed configuration of the device I / F 2020 will be described with reference to FIG. Device l / F FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the device I / F unit of the present invention.

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 various devices in the device I / F 2020. Further, it generates control signals to the external scanner unit 2070 and printer unit 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner unit 2070 and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008.

The serial / parallel / parallel / serial conversion unit 2023 arranges or decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order, and converts it into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. Parallel serial / serial / parallel converter 202
A print buffer 202 decomposes or arranges the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 in order.
5 is converted to the data width of the image data that can be stored. The print buffer 2025 temporarily stores the image data sent from the image bus 2008, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the printer unit 2095.

The processing procedure at the time of image scanning is described below.

The image data sent from the scanner unit 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner unit 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when the image data enters the scan buffer 2022 in 32 bits or more, the image data is first-in first-out.
Two bits are sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial / parallel / parallel / serial conversion unit 2023,
The image data is converted into bit image data and transferred to the image bus 2008 via the image bus I / F controller 2021.
When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the image data in the scan buffer 2022 is sent from the scan buffer 2022 to the serial / parallel / serial / serial conversion unit 2023 on a first-in first-out basis, and is converted into serial image data. Controller 2
021 on the image bus 2008.

The processing procedure when printing an image is described below.

When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, 32-bit image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021 and the parallel serial / serial / parallel converter 20
24, the image data is decomposed into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer 2095, and stored in the print buffer 2025. When the image bus 2008 is IEEE1394, the serial image data sent from the image bus 2008 is received by the image bus I / F controller 2021 and the parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion unit 20
24, the image data is converted into image data of the number of input data bits of the printer unit 2095, and stored in the print buffer 2025. The print buffer 202 synchronizes with a timing signal sent from the printer unit 2095.
5 in a first-in first-out manner, the printer unit 209.
Send to 5.

Next, the processing executed in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The processing described in FIG. 12 is executed when the image compression processing unit 2040 is in use or cannot be used for some reason. When performing the image compression processing, the called function performs processing for operating the image compression processing unit 2040 in the function, and returns the result as a return value. A value of 0 is returned if the image compression processing is completed normally, and a sufficiently large value (L) is returned if the image compression processing unit 2040 cannot be used because it is not found or has an abnormality. Note that L is a value in which all the bits are 1. When the image compression processing unit 2040 is in use, a waiting time until the image compression processing unit 2040 becomes usable is returned. If the return value is other than 0, the processing shown in FIG. 12 is started.

For the sake of explanation, the entire network system shown in FIG. 1 will be used. An apparatus having image data requiring image compression processing is an image processing apparatus 1001.
And

First, in step S11, the image processing apparatus 1001 broadcasts a use request of the image compression processing unit on the network. Next, in step S12, it is determined whether a plurality of image processing apparatuses on the network that received the use request can accept the request. For example, when the image processing device 1020 can accept the request, the image processing device 1001 determines the address of the image processing device 1020, the waiting time until the image compression processing unit becomes usable, the available compression format, the compression speed, and the data transfer speed. Send to

Next, in step S13, if there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses which can accept the use request, the image processing apparatus 1001 executes the image processing which can execute the currently required compression format among the plurality of data transmitted. Select a processing unit. Next, in step S14, the image processing apparatus having the minimum sum of the waiting time, the compression speed, and the transfer speed of each image processing apparatus is selected. If the value cannot be determined as one image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus having the closest path between the image processing apparatuses is preferentially selected. In step S15, the time for processing the raw data without compression is substituted for the variable A. In addition, the request time required when the image processing apparatus selected in step S14 is requested to perform compression is substituted for the variable B. In addition, the compression time of the own device, which is required when the device waits for a turn and performs the compression process, that is, the return value from the above-described function is substituted for the variable C. At this time, a sufficiently large value (L) is assigned to the variable C when the image compression processing unit of the own device cannot be used.

The processing to be executed in the following is a case where certain image data is compressed and then distributed to N destinations.
Collect the values to be assigned to.

[0069]

(Equation 1)

Qr: raw data amount Qc: compressed data amount Wtp: request destination waiting time Wts: request source waiting time vi: data transfer speed between devices i Vsp: data transfer speed between request source and request destination Cvp: request Destination compression speed Cvs: Requester compression speed In step S16, it is determined whether compressed data is essential. When compressed data is essential (step S16
YES), and proceeds to step S18. In this case, for example, when the image data is stored in the hard disk, it is necessary to reduce the capacity, so that it is determined that the compressed data is indispensable. When image data is transmitted to a certain party, the necessity of compression depends on the format of image data that can be received by the destination, and it is determined whether compressed data is essential. Furthermore, in the case of simultaneous distribution to a plurality of destinations, if the number of destinations and the data amount exceed a certain level, it is determined that compressed data is indispensable in consideration of the load on the network even if it takes time to compress.

On the other hand, if the compressed data is not essential in step S16 (NO in step S16), step S17
To compare the variables A, B, and C described above. If A is the smallest, that is, it is determined that processing without compression is the earliest (YES in step S17), the process proceeds to step S111, and processing is performed using raw data. On the other hand, if A is not the minimum (NO in step S17), step S1
Proceed to 8.

In step S18, B and C are compared, that is, the time for requesting another image device on the network and the time for performing the compression process by itself while waiting in order are compared. If C is equal to or less than B (NO in step S18), the process proceeds to step S110, and the raw data is compressed by the own device. On the other hand, if B is less than C (YE in step S18)
S), and proceed to step S19.

Here, regarding the details of step S19,
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing step S in the first embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a flowchart illustrating details of a process of No. 19.

In step S21, it is determined whether use of the requested image compression processing unit has been permitted. If it is not permitted (NO in step S21), the process waits until it is permitted. On the other hand, if it is permitted (YE in step S21)
S), and proceed to step S22.

In step S22, the request source transmits the image data to the request destination. At the request destination, the received image data is compressed. This processing is the same as the above-described image compression processing (FIG. 7), and thus the details are omitted. After the image compression processing is completed, the compressed data is transmitted to the request source. In step S23, the request source determines whether or not the compressed data has been received. If not received (N in step S23)
O), wait for reception. On the other hand, if it has been received (YES in step S23), the process returns to the normal process, and the image compression request process ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image compression processing is requested to another image processing apparatus on the network and executed as needed, thereby reducing the processing time and the load on the network. Can be reduced. Further, even when a problem occurs in the image compression processing unit, the processing can be executed stably. (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the processing in the case where the image compression processing is requested to all the other image processing apparatuses on the network has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the image compression processing as shown in FIG. An image processing apparatus that requests image compression processing is determined with reference to a request destination table that manages request destinations.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a request destination table for image compression processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 14, when the network is reset, at least one image processing apparatus of the present invention on the network is detected, and the addresses of the image processing apparatuses are stored in order of priority when requesting image compression processing. I do. This priority is determined based on, for example, the characteristics of the image compression unit of each image processing apparatus on the network. By doing so, it is possible to execute a request for more accurate image compression processing.

Next, the processing executed in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the second embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S41, an inquiry is made as to whether or not an image compression process can be requested to the image processing apparatus of interest with reference to the request destination table. In step S42, the reference position of the request destination table is moved to the place of the next priority. In step S43, it is determined whether the compression request has been permitted. If the request is not permitted (NO in step S43), the flow returns to step S41, and a compression request is made to the next image processing apparatus managed in the request destination table. On the other hand, if the request is permitted (YES in step S43), the device that can accept the compression request informs the request source to the request source together with information on the address, the waiting time, the compression format, the compression speed, and the transfer speed.

In step S45, it is determined whether or not the image processing apparatus that has received the compression request can handle a required compression format. If the necessary compression format cannot be handled (NO in step S45), the flow returns to step S41, and a compression request is made to the next image processing apparatus managed in the request destination table. on the other hand,
If the required compression format can be handled (YE in step S45)
S), and proceed to step S46.

The following steps S46 to S412
The processing of step S1 in FIG. 12 described in the first embodiment
5 to S111, which correspond to and are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus are not described in detail.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the priorities of the image processing apparatuses that request the image compression processing are determined, so that the load on the network can be reduced more than in the first embodiment. Thus, efficient image compression processing can be performed. (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 3, in order to execute the processing more efficiently, the contents of the inquiry about the compression request in Embodiments 1 and 2 include the necessary compression format and the upper limit of the compression execution time. The information that the request can be accepted is returned only from the image processing apparatus that can execute the program in a simple compression format and satisfies the condition that the execution time including the waiting time and the transfer time is shorter than the upper limit.

Hereinafter, the processing executed in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the third embodiment of the present invention. First, step S5
In step 1, a broadcast of a compression request or an inquiry about an image compression request by a request destination table is made. Here, the necessary compression format and the upper limit of the execution time are determined. If compression processing at the request source is not possible, no upper limit is set for the execution time. In step S52, it is determined whether a compression request acceptance permission has been received from an image processing apparatus satisfying the conditions. If not received (NO in step S52), the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, when it is received (step S
52, YES), and proceeds to step S53.

When the compression request acceptance permission is received, the time for processing the raw data without compression is substituted for the variable A in step S53. Also, the request time required when the image processing apparatus that has transmitted the compression request acceptance permission is requested to perform compression is substituted into the variable B. In step S55, it is determined whether the compressed data is essential. If it is determined that compressed data is essential (YES in step S55), step S59
Proceed to. On the other hand, when it is determined that the compressed data is not essential (NO in step S55), the process proceeds to step S57.

In step S57, the variables A and B are compared. If A is greater than or equal to B (NO in step S57),
Proceed to step S59. If A is less than B (YES in step S57), the flow advances to step S510.

On the other hand, if the compression request acceptance permission has not been received in step S52, the time for processing the raw data without compression is substituted for the variable A in step S54.
In addition, the compression time of the own device, which is required when the device waits for a turn and performs the compression process, that is, the return value from the above-described function is substituted for the variable C. At this time, a sufficiently large value (L) is assigned to the variable C when the image compression processing unit of the own device cannot be used. In step S56, it is determined whether the compressed data is essential. If it is determined that compressed data is essential (YES in step S56), the flow advances to step S511. On the other hand, when it is determined that the compressed data is not essential (NO in step S56), the process proceeds to step S58.

In step S58, variables A and C are compared. If A is greater than or equal to C (NO in step S58),
Proceed to step S511. On the other hand, if A is less than C (YES in step S56), the process proceeds to step S510.

Note that step S59, step S510,
The processing in step S511 is the same as that in FIG.
Step S19, Step S110, Step S1
11 correspond to and are the same as, respectively, and are not described here in detail.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first or second embodiment, by setting conditions in the content of the image compression request, the image compression according to the purpose can be performed. It can be executed more efficiently. [Software] Next, the overall configuration of software for executing the processing of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Overall Software Configuration FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the overall software configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI (user interface), which is a module that mediates with a device when the user performs various operations and settings of the image processing apparatus. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data according to the operation of the user.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book, that is, a database module for managing data transmission destinations, communication destinations, 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 a user's operation.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web Server module, which is used for notifying management information of the image processing apparatus in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information includes a Control API 151 described later.
8 is read via HTTP 1512, TC
P / IP1516, Network Driver15
17 is notified to the Web client.

Reference numeral 1504 denotes Universal Sen.
d, that is, a module that manages data distribution,
The data designated by the operator by 1501 is distributed to the communication (output) destination similarly designated. When the operator instructs generation of distribution data using the scanner function of the image processing apparatus, the apparatus operates the device via a Control API 1518 described later to generate data.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes Universal Send.
This module is executed when a printer is specified as an output destination in 1504.

Reference numeral 1506 denotes a Universal Send.
This module is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in 1504.

Reference numeral 1507 denotes a Universal Send.
This module is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in 1504.

1508 is Universal Send.
This module is executed when a multifunction peripheral similar to the image processing apparatus is designated as an output destination in 1504.

Reference numeral 1509 denotes Remote Copy Sc
is an module that uses the scanner function of the image processing apparatus, performs output processing to another image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like, and performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the image processing apparatus itself. Module.

Reference numeral 1510 denotes Remote Copy Pr.
An int module that uses a printer function of the image processing apparatus, performs processing equivalent to the copy function realized by the image processing apparatus alone, using another image processing apparatus connected via a network or the like as an input destination. Module.

Reference numeral 1511 denotes Web Pull Prin
t, a module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or an intranet.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the image processing apparatus communicates by HTTP.
Web Server with CP / IP1516 module
er1503, Web Pull Print1511
Provides communication to the module.

Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module, which is a Universal by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.
Printer module 15 in sal send 1504
05 is provided for communication.

Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module, which is uni-directional by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.
It provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the rsal Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, that is, Salutat.
It is an ion Manager module.
Universal by P / IP1516 module
Database module 150 in Send 1504
7, DP module 1508 and Remote Cop
y Scan1509 module, Remote Co
It provides communication to the py Print 1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP module.
The network communication is provided by the river.

Reference numeral 1517 denotes a Network Driver
And controls the part physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes a Control API.
It provides an interface to a downstream module such as Job Manager 1519 described later for an upstream module such as Universal Send 1504 and the like, and reduces dependency between upstream and downstream modules and enhances their applicability.

Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job Manager, which controls the Control API 1 from the various modules described above.
It interprets the processing instructed via 518 and gives an instruction to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC Manager, which manages and controls various types of data compression / decompression in the processing specified by the Job Manager 1519.

Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE encoder, which includes Job Manager 1519 and Scan Ma.
The data read by the scan processing executed by the namer 1524 is compressed in the FBE format.

Reference numeral 1522 denotes JPEG CODEC.
Job Manager 1519, Scan Mana
Scan processing and Pr executed by ger1524
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.
ob Manager1519, Scan Manag
Scan processing executed by the er1524 and Pri
In print processing executed by the ntManager 1526, MMR compression of read data and MMR decompression processing of print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager which manages and controls a scan process specified by the job manager 1519.

Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver.
The image processing apparatus communicates with the scanner unit that is internally connected to the image processing apparatus.

Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager which manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519.

An engine I / F driver 1527 provides an interface between the print manager 1526 and a printed material.

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, an embedded application of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. -Application FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the embedded application of the present invention.

Reference numeral 4050 denotes the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing an application for executing the program.

Reference numeral 4100 denotes a block indicating the transmitting side of the remote copy application.

Reference numeral 4150 denotes a block indicating the transmitting side of the broadcast distribution.

Reference numeral 4200 denotes a Web Pull Prin
It is a block showing a t module.

Reference numeral 4250 denotes a block indicating a Web Server module.

Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating the receiving side (printing side) of the remote copy application.

Reference numeral 4350 denotes a block for receiving and printing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a general-purpose printer.

Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block indicating a remote print receiving side (print side).

[0130] Reference numeral 4450 denotes a block for receiving and storing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution using a known Notes Server.

Reference numeral 4500 denotes a block for receiving and storing a binary image of the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution.

Reference numeral 4550 denotes a block for receiving and storing the image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Mail Server.

[0133] Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted from the broadcast.

[0134] Reference numeral 4650 denotes a known Web Server including information contents.

Reference numeral 4700 denotes the Web Server of the present invention.
r is a known WebBrowser that accesses r.

Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

User Interface application User Interface shown in block 4050
The details of e (hereinafter, UI) are as described above, but here, the Address Book 4051 will be described. The Address Book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (a non-volatile memory, a hard disk, or the like) in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in which the characteristics of the devices connected to the network are described. . For example, those listed below are included.

Formal name and alias name of the device Network address of the device Network protocol that the device can process Document format that the device can process Compression type that the device can process Image resolution that the device can process Paper size and paper feed stage information Folder name that can store documents in the case of server (computer) device Each application described below can determine the characteristics of the distribution destination based on the information described in Address Book 4051. Become.

The Address Book 40
Reference numeral 51 is editable, and it is also possible to download and use what is stored in a server computer or the like in the network, or to directly refer to it.

Remote Copy Application The remote copy application stores the resolution information that can be processed by the device specified as the distribution destination in an Address Bo.
ok4051, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, and is then compressed using a known TIFF (Tagged Image).
File Format), and the data is transmitted to the printer device on the network through the SLM 4103. SL
Although not described in detail, M4103 is a well-known Sal
utaion Manager (or Smart
Link Manager) is a type of network protocol that includes device control information and the like.

Broadcast Distribution Application Unlike a remote copy application, a broadcast distribution application can transmit an image to a plurality of distribution destinations by one image scanning. The distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, and can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer.

Hereinafter, description will be made in order according to the distribution destination.

The destination device is an LPD (Line Printer) which is a known network printer protocol.
Address Book 40, which can process a known LIPS as a printer control command.
51, the address booth is similarly determined.
The image is read in accordance with the image resolution determined from k4051 and the image itself is used in the present invention in a known FBE (F
The image data is compressed using first binary encoding, and further LIPS-coded, and transmitted to the partner device using LPR, which is a known network printer protocol.

If the destination device can communicate with the SLM and is a server device, the address book 4051 determines the server address and the designation of the folder in the server, and the binary image read by the scanner as in the remote copy application. Is compressed using a known MMR compression, and is then compressed using a known TIFF (Tagged Im).
age file format, and can be stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

In the device of the present invention, when the server which is the partner device determines that the well-known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image can be processed, the multi-value read image is read in the same manner as the binary image. Using compression, also known JF
It can be converted to an IF and stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

If the destination device is a known E-mail server, the mail address described in the Address Book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using the known MMR compression. Known TIFF (Tagged Image Fil)
e Format) and converts it into a known SMTP (Simpl)
e Mail Transfer Protocol)
Using 4153, send it to the E-mail server.
Subsequent distribution is performed according to Mail Server 4550.

Web Pull Print Application Since the Web Pull Print application is not directly related to the present invention, the description is omitted.

Web Server Application The Web Server application is not directly related to the present invention, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, details of each operation screen of the operation unit 2012 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Operation screen The functions provided by the image processing apparatus of the present invention are Copy / S
end / Retrieve / Tasks / Managme
nt / Configuration, which are divided into six major categories, which are displayed at the top of the operation screen shown in FIG. 19 at the top of the six main tabs (COPY / S
END / RETRIVE / TASKS / MGMT / CO
NFIG) (3011 to 3016). By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not allowed, the display color of the main tab changes,
No response when pressing the main tab.

Copy has a function of performing normal document copying using a scanner and a printer of its own device,
Includes a function (remote copy) for copying documents using a printer connected to the scanner of the own device via a network. Send is a function for transferring a document placed in a scanner of the own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a facsimile, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and can designate a plurality of destinations. Retrieve is a function of acquiring an external document and printing the acquired document on a printer of the own device. WWW, e-mail, file transfer, and fax can be used as a document acquisition means. Tasks automatically processes documents sent from outside such as fax and Internet print, and generates and manages tasks for periodically performing Retrieve. The Management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. Configuration is
Make settings for your device (network, clock, etc.).

A method for setting these functions will be described below.

ID input screen Immediately after the power is turned on and when the ID key is pressed, the ID input screen shown in FIG.
The D input screen 3020 is displayed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the operation screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed and the operation becomes possible. ID input area 3021 and password input area 302
2 can be switched by directly pressing the input area.

COPY Screen When the COPY screen is displayed and the start button is pressed, the scanner operates, and the selected printer outputs a copy according to each setting parameter displayed on the screen.

COPY main screen 3100 shown in FIG.
Are the printer selection button 3103 and the printer display area 3102, the image quality selection button 3103
105 and Image Quality display area 31
04, copy parameter display 31 similar to conventional copy machine
01, an enlargement / reduction setting button 3106, 3107, a paper selection button 3108, a sorter setting button 3110, a duplex copy setting button 3112, a density indicator and density setting button 3109, and a numeric keypad 3114.
The enlargement / reduction setting buttons 3106 and 3107, the paper selection button 3108, the sorter setting button 3110, and the two-sided copy setting button 3112 are collectively called a copy parameter setting button.

When the printer selection button 3103 is pressed, a list 3120 of available printers (printers owned by the own device and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down manner as shown in FIG. When a printer is selected, the list 3120 disappears,
The selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area 3102.

Image Quality setting button 3
When the user presses the button 105, the image query shown in FIG.
ty list 3125 is displayed, and the desired Ima
geoQuality can be selected.

When the copy parameter setting buttons described above are pressed, sub-screens for making settings corresponding to the respective buttons (enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen 3130 shown in FIG. 24, paper selection sub-screen 3140 shown in FIG. 25, and FIG. 26) A sorter setting sub-screen 3150 and a double-sided copy setting sub-screen 3160 shown in FIG. 27 are displayed, and parameters can be set in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as in a conventional copying machine.

SEND screen When the start button is pressed when the Send screen is displayed, the scanner operates to start processing for transmitting the read image data to the set destination by the specified transmission method.

SEND main screen 3200 shown in FIG.
Are the destination display area 3202 and the detailed destination number display area 320
3, destination scroll button 3204, AddBook
(Address Book) button 3208, New button 32
09, Edit button 3210, Delete button 3
211, Subject input area 3205, Message
Ge input area 3206, File Name input area 3
207, Cover Page check button 321
2, Put Into HD check button 3213,
Print Out check button 3214, Scan
It comprises a Setting button 3215. At the time of initialization including reset, as shown in FIG.
The main screen 3201 displays an operation explanation screen without displaying any destination in the destination display area.

A list of input destinations is displayed in a destination display area 3202. Inputs are added sequentially to the end. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area 3203. When a delete button 3211 is pressed after selecting a destination from the destination display area, the selected destination is deleted.

[0162] Subject input area 3205, Mes
When the user presses the “sage” input area 3206 and the “File Name” input area 3207, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input becomes possible.

Address Book Sub Screen When the AddBook button 3208 is pressed, an address book sub screen 3220 shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. By pressing the OK button 3231, the destination marked with the selection mark 3232 in the address book display area 3221 is displayed in SE.
It is added to the destination display area 3202 of the ND main screen.
The display of the address book is a sort item setting button 3224-3.
Pressing 226 sorts by class, in ascending name order, and in descending name order. The number-of-selected-items display area 3227 displays the number of items marked with a selection mark.

When the OK button 3231 or the Cancel button 3230 is pressed, the address book sub screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed.

When a detail button 3229 is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, a detail sub screen 3235 shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. Det
All information obtained from the address book as information on the selected item is displayed on the aile sub-screen.

Search sub-screen Search button 322 in address book sub-screen
When 8 is pressed, a search sub screen 3240 shown in FIG. 32 for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part. Search target class display area 32
45, search target attribute display area 3247, search target condition display area 3249, search target address book display area 32
52 displays the currently selected item.

When a search target class setting button 3246 is pressed, a search target class list 3260 shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. The one selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area. Search target attribute setting button 3248
By pressing, the search target attribute list 3 shown in FIG.
261 is displayed. The attributes displayed in the search target attribute list 3261 change as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common Name ・ Ad
dress Country (Class: Person)
n) 、 Common Name ・ Owner ・ Loca
Tion Model / Type / Resolution
n ・ Color ・ Finisher (Class: Prin
ter), Common Name / Member (class: Group), all attributes (class: Ever)
yting).

When a search target condition setting button 3250 is pressed, a search target condition list 3262 shown in FIG. 35 is displayed, and a condition is selected from the search target condition list 3262. When a search target address book setting button 3253 is pressed, a search target address book list 326 shown in FIG.
3 is displayed, and it is possible to select from among them.
When the search target attribute value input area 3251 is pressed, a full keyboard 3040 shown in FIG. 63 is displayed, and a value can be input.

When the Do Search button 3254 is pressed, a search is performed according to the set search conditions.

The search results are displayed in a search result display area 3241, and the number of search results is displayed in a search result number display area 3244.

When one of the items in the search result display area 3241 is selected and the “Detail” button 3255 is pressed, the detailed information 223 shown in FIG.
5 is displayed.

A selection mark is added to items in the search result display area 3241 to be added to the destination as shown in FIG. When the OK button 3257 is pressed, the search sub screen is closed, the screen returns to the SEND main screen, and the item to which the selection mark has been added is added to the destination. Can
When the cel button 3256 is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen, but the destination remains unchanged.

-Detailed destination sub-screen When the New button 3209 on the SEND main screen is pressed,
Person class details sub screen 3270 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and a new destination can be set. Enter the destination by the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, F
Transmission method selection buttons 3271 to 327 corresponding to (TP)
4 or the detailed destination input area 3275 to 3278 is pressed, a ten-key keyboard 3050 shown in FIG. 64 for fax, and a full keyboard 304 shown in FIG. 63 for others.
0 is displayed and input becomes possible. 3279-3282 are
These buttons are used to perform transmission options for each transmission method, but detailed description is omitted here.

On the SEND main screen, when the destination of the Person class is selected, the Edit button 321 is displayed.
Also when 0 is pressed, the Person class details sub screen 3290 shown in FIG. 39 is displayed. The details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding areas of the detailed destination input areas 3275 to 3278. When the numeric keyboard 3050 shown in FIG. 64 is displayed by the method described above, the destination can be edited.

On the SEND main screen, select Data Bass
If the Edit button 3210 is pressed while the destination of the e-class is selected, Data Ba shown in FIG.
The se class details sub screen 3310 is displayed. A database name 3311 and a folder list 3312 are displayed on the database class details sub screen 3310.

When the Edit button 3210 is pressed while the destination of the Group class is selected on the SEND main screen, a Group class details sub screen 3320 shown in FIG. 41 is displayed. A group member display 3321 is displayed on the Group class details sub screen 3320.

-HD SETTING sub-screen Pressing the Put Into HD check button 3213 performs settings for transmission to the hard disk.
HD SETTING sub-screen 3330 shown in FIG.

-Print Out sub-screen When the Print Out check button 3214 is pressed,
A printout sub screen 3340 shown in FIG. 43 is displayed. On the printout sub screen 3340, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, double-sided printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set. Pressing a paper size selection button 3345 displays a paper size list 3360 shown in FIG.
Choose from there. When a sorter selection button 3350 is pressed, a selectable sorter list 3365 shown in FIG. 46 is displayed.

Scan Setting sub-screen When the Scan Setting button 3215 is pressed, a Scan Setting sub-screen 3370 shown in FIG. 44 is displayed. P in Scan Setting sub screen
When one scan setting is selected from the reset mode selection area 3371, the preset resolution, scan mode, and density corresponding to the selected one are displayed in the respective display areas 337.
7, 3379, 3381. These values can be changed manually. A screen 3390 shown in FIG. 47 is a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down manner.
Select the size and orientation of the paper to be used from this list. Reference numerals 3391 shown in FIG. 48 and 3392 shown in FIG. 49 respectively show a state in which a resolution and a scan mode list are displayed in a pull-down manner.

RETRIEVE screen A RETRIVE main screen 3400 shown in FIG.
WWW3401, E-mail3402, Fax340
3. Put Into HD check button 3405, Print Setting button 34 commonly used in FTP 3404 sub-tabs and sub-categories
06 is displayed. Pressing a subtab displays the corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP subscreens. RETRI at initialization including reset
The VE main screen 3400 is displayed as a WWW sub screen 3400.

WWW sub-screen When the start button is pressed when the WWW sub-screen is displayed, the home page is printed according to the settings displayed on the screen. However, when the start button is pressed when nothing is displayed in the URL input area, nothing functions.

When a URL input area 3411 on the WWW sub screen 3400 is pressed, a full keyboard 30 shown in FIG.
40 is displayed, and direct entry of the URL is enabled. Li
nkDepth3412 and Max Pages34
When the input area 14 is pressed, the numeric keyboard 3 shown in FIG.
050 is displayed, and it becomes possible to input a numerical value directly.

E-mail sub-screen In the E-mail sub-screen 3430 shown in FIG.
Make settings for receiving mail. Each input area 34
Pressing 31 to 3433 causes the full keyboard 3 shown in FIG.
040 is displayed and input becomes possible.

Fax sub-screen In the fax sub-screen 3440 shown in FIG. 52, a fax number is input. When the input area 3441 is pressed, FIG.
Is displayed, and a fax number can be input.

-FTP Server sub-screen In the FTP Server sub-screen 3450 shown in FIG. 53, settings for receiving data from the server are made. When each of the input areas 3451 to 3453 is pressed, a full keyboard 3040 shown in FIG. 63 is displayed and input becomes possible.

-Bookmark sub-screen When the Bookmark button 3419 is pressed, a Bookmark sub-screen 3460 shown in FIG. 54 is displayed. B
A list of set bookmarks is displayed in a bookmark display area 3461 in the OKMARK sub-screen 3460, and when any one of the rows is pressed, a selected display state is set. Click OK button 3466 and you will see the Bookma
The rk sub-screen is closed, and the URL corresponding to the selected item is displayed in the URL input area of the WWW sub-screen. The description of the functions of the other buttons in the Bookmark sub screen is omitted.

HD Setting Screen When the Put Into HD check button 3406 common to each category is pressed, the HD Set screen shown in FIG. 42 is displayed.
A ting sub screen 3330 is displayed. Function is SEN
This is the same as the HD Setting sub-screen of D.

A Print Setting sub-screen When a Print Setting button 3406 common to each category is pressed, a Print Set button shown in FIG. 55 is displayed.
A ting sub screen 3470 is displayed. Function is SEN
This is the same as the D Print Out sub-screen.

TASKS Screen When the start key is pressed while the TASAKS screen is displayed, an automatic RETIVE operation is executed in accordance with the parameters set on the TASKS screen.

The TASKS main screen 350 shown in FIG.
0 is WWW, E-mail, Print Receive
ve, Fax Receive, Fax Pollin
g subtabs 3501 to 3505 are displayed. At the time of initialization including reset, the WWW sub screen 3 shown in FIG.
400 is displayed.

WWW sub-screen In the WWW task list display area 3511, the tasks held in the device are displayed in the input order. Tasks that need to be actually executed are marked with a selection mark. Tasks for which no selection mark is displayed are held in the device as tasks, but are not actually executed.

When the New button 3513 is pressed, a WWW task details sub screen 3520 shown in FIG. 57 is displayed, and a new task can be input. The WWW task details sub screen will be described later.

When an Edit button 3514 is pressed with one task selected from the WWW task list, a WWW task details sub-screen 3520 shown in FIG. 57 including the selected task information is displayed, and the settings are edited. It becomes possible.

When the Delete button 3515 is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, the selected task is deleted.

• WWW task details sub-screen 3520 shown in FIG.
Components 3521 to 35 having functions common to the ETRIVE main screen and the RETRIVE WWW sub-screen
33, check time display area 3534, check time setting button 3535, Print When Cha
nged check button 3536, transfer check button 3537, OK button 3539, Cancel button 3
538 is displayed. The description of the parts common to RRIVE is omitted.

The check time display area 3534 has the WW
When the W task setting sub-screen is displayed by the New button, it is blank, and when it is displayed by the Edit button, the set task execution time is displayed. Immediately after the setting is performed on the check time sub-screen described later, the set task execution time is displayed.

When the check time setting button 3535 is pressed, a check time sub-screen, which will be described later, is displayed, and it becomes possible to set the timing for executing the task.

Check Time Sub Screen The check time sub screen 3550 shown in FIG. 58 displays schedule mode setting buttons 3551 to 3553, a time input area 3554, an OK button 3558, and a Cancel button 3557. In addition, when the Once button 3551 is selected from the schedule mode setting buttons, the month input area 3555 and the date input area 35
56 is displayed. When the Weekly button 3552 is selected, a day setting check button 3561 is displayed on the check time sub screen 3560 shown in FIG. Mont
When the hly button 3553 is selected, a date input area 3571 is displayed on the check time sub screen 3570 shown in FIG. When each input area is pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and a numerical value can be input. The day setting check button allows selection of a plurality of days.

MGMT Screen FIG. 61 shows the Management screen.

CONFIG screen FIG. 62 is a configuration screen.

Full Keyboard A full keyboard 3040 shown in FIG. 63 is displayed when a character input area is pressed. WWW. Button 304
1. When the user presses the com button 3042,
W. And "com" are input. The other keys have the same functions as in the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Numeric Keyboard A numeric keyboard 3050 shown in FIG. 64 is displayed when a numeric input area or a month input area is pressed. Description of each key is omitted.

Error Screen An error screen 3030 shown in FIG. 65 is displayed when there is any error.

An error screen 3030 has a message display area 3031 for displaying an error message in text,
An OK button 3032 for closing the error screen is included.・ Device Information Service
ce (DIS) A database that holds setting values for jobs, functions of devices (scanners, printers, etc.), status, billing information, and the like in a controller in a data format conforming to the Control API, and an I / F with the database is D.
device Information Service
(Hereinafter, referred to as DIS). FIG.
6, DIS7102, JobManager 7101, and DocumentMana of Scan and Print
ger ScanManager 7103, Pri
The exchange with the ntManager 7104 is shown.

Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is transmitted from JobManager 7101 to each Docume.
The ntManager is directly instructed, and the DIS 7102 refers to the static information such as the function of the device and the content of the job. Static, dynamic information and events from each DocumentManager can be sent to JobMa via DIS7102.
The information is transmitted to the namer 7101.

From each DocumentManager, D
When setting and acquiring data in the database of IS7102, the internal data format of DIS7102 is Cotro.
Since it is compliant with the API, the data format conforming to the Control API and each Document Manag
Performs a mutual conversion process with a data format that er can understand. For example, when setting status data from each Document Manager, the device-specific data is interpreted, converted into corresponding data defined by the Control API, and written to the database of the DIS 7102. JobManager 7101 to D
When setting and acquiring data in the IS7102 database, the JobManager 7101 and the DIS7
No data conversion occurs between 102.

[0207] Also, each Docum is stored in the DIS 7101.
The event data is updated based on various event information notified from the entManager.

Next, various databases (hereinafter, referred to as DBs) held in the DIS will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing various databases held in the DIS of the present invention. The round rectangles in FIG. 67 represent individual DBs.

[0210] Reference numeral 7201 denotes a SupplierDB, which is a DB that holds status and user information of the entire device. Information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and a password, is stored in a non-volatile storage such as an HD device or a backup memory. Held by the device.

Reference numeral 7202 denotes ScanComponentD.
B and 7203 are PrintComponentDBs, and these ComponentDBs are existing Comp
It is held corresponding to each content. For example, for a device consisting of only a printer, PrintComponen
Only the tDB 7203 exists, and for example, in the case of a device having a FAX, the FAXComponentDB is held. At initialization, each ComponentDB has
The corresponding DocumentManager is C
Set the function and status of the component.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes ScanServiceDB,
Reference numeral 7205 denotes a PrintServiceDB, and these JobServiceDBs are also ComponentDs.
As in B, the corresponding Document at the time of initialization
The Manager sets the functions that can be used on the device and their support status.

Next, JobDB and DocumentDB will be described. 7206 is ScanJobDB, 72
07 is each JobDB of PrintJobDB, 7208
Is ScanDocumentDB, 7209 is Prin
tDocumentDB.

JobDB and DocumentDB are Job
JobM each time b and its associated Document are generated
An operator 7101 dynamically secures and initializes and sets necessary items. Each Document
The Manager reads items necessary for processing from the JobDB and the DocumentDB before starting the processing of the Job, and starts the Job. After that, when the Job ends, these Jobs and the Docume attached to the Jobs are terminated.
The ntDB is released. Job is one or more Docum
ent, so multiple Docu for a certain Job
There is a case where the mentDB is secured.

Reference numeral 7210 denotes each DocumentManag.
A database 7211 holding the event information notified from the er, and a CounterTable 7211 for recording the number of scans and the number of prints of the apparatus.

The events notified by DocumentManager include ScanManager7103.
There is a state transition of the Component from, the completion of the Scan processing operation, and various errors. Also, PrintMan
The state transition of the component from the aggregator 7104, the completion of the print process, a paper jam, a paper feed cassette open, and the like. Then, an event ID for identifying each event is predetermined.

When an event is issued from each DocumentManager, the DIS 7102 sets the Event
The event ID issued to the Table 7211 and, if necessary, detailed data accompanying the event are registered. In addition, when notification of cancellation of an event is notified from each DocumentManager, the event data designated to be canceled is deleted from the Event Table 7211.

If an event is bowled by the JobManager 7101, the DIS 7102
With reference to the entTable 7210, the current event ID and, if necessary, detailed data attached to the event are returned to the JobManager 7101. If no event is currently generated, the fact is returned.

Also, when the Scan processing operation is completed, Print
When the event of the processing operation completion is notified, Scan,
The counter value of the user who has performed the printing is updated. This software counter is written back to the backed-up memory device or the non-volatile storage device of the HD device each time the value is updated so that the value is not lost due to accidental power-off or the like.

Next, details of the scanning operation will be described. Scan Operation First, a hardware configuration of a system that performs a scan operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a system for performing a scan operation according to the present invention.

In FIG. 68, the PCI bus 8105
PU 8101 and memory 8102, image compression / decompression unit 8
SCSI controller 810 that provides an I / F for connecting this system with scanner 104 and scanner 8107
3 are connected. A SCSI controller 8103 and a scanner (or a scanner function unit of a copier having a composite function) 8107 are connected to a SCSI cable 8106.
Connected by The PCI bus 8106 has an ID
An E controller 8108 is connected, and is connected to an IDE hard disk 8110 via an IDE cable 8109.

Next, the software configuration of a system that performs a scanning operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 69 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a system for performing a scan operation according to the present invention.

The JobManager 8201 has a function of classifying and storing application-level requests. The DIS 8202 stores parameters required for a scan operation from the application level. The request from the application is stored in the memory 8102.
The scan operation management unit 8203 uses the JobManager
Information necessary for performing a scan is acquired from 8201 and DIS8202. The scan operation management unit 8203
70. In the parameter table as shown in FIG. 70, the table data 8301 including the job number and the document number is received from the obManager 8201, and the scan parameters 8302 are received from the DIS 8202 based on the table data 8301. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

The scan operation management unit 8203 is the
The scan parameters 8302 obtained from the scan 202 are transferred to the scan sequence control unit 8204 in document number order. Upon receiving the scan parameter 8302, the scan sequence control unit 8204 sets the scan image attribute 83
08 controls the SCSI control unit 8207. As a result, the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PCI bus 8105 is operated, and the SCSI controller 8103 is operated.
SCSI to scanner 8107 via cable 8106
Scanning is performed by sending a control command.
The scanned image is sent to a SCSI controller 8103 via a SCSI cable 8106, and further to a PCI
The data is stored in the memory 8102 via 8105.

When the scan is completed, the scan sequence control unit 8204 controls the memory 8 via the PCI bus 8105.
When the scan image is stored in the memory 1022, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 compresses the scan image stored in the memory 8102 according to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of the scan parameter 8302 at the time when the scan image is stored in the
Make a request for Upon receiving the request, the compression / decompression control unit 8205 uses the compression / decompression unit 8104 connected to the PCI bus 8105 to perform compression by designating the scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204. The compression / decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image in the memory 8102 via the PCI bus 8105.

The scan sequence control unit 8204 includes a compression / decompression control unit 8205 in which the scan image compression format 830
9. Compress the scanned image into the format specified in
At the time when the scan parameter 8302 is stored,
81 according to the image file type 8307 of
02 is converted into a file. The scan sequence control unit 8204 sends the scan parameters 8 to the file system 8206.
A request is made to create a file in the file format specified by the image file type 8307 of 302.

The file system 8206 receives the image file type 83 from the scan sequence control unit 8204.
According to 07, the compressed image stored in the memory 8102 is filed and transferred to the IDE controller 8108 via the PCI bus 8105.

[0230] Next, the I
By transferring the data to the DE hard disk 8110, the scanned compressed image is converted into a file. When the file system 8206 stores the filed image on the IDE hard disk 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204 determines that the processing of one document on the scanner 8107 has been completed, and notifies the scan operation management unit 8203 of the scan completion. Send back. At this point, the scanner 8
If an unscanned document exists on 107 and a scan request is issued from JobManager 8201, a scan operation is again requested to scan sequence control unit 8204 using scan parameter 8302 stored in DIS8202. I do.

When there is no unscanned document on the scanner 8107, or when the JobManager
If there is no scan request from the job manager 8201, it is determined that the scan operation has been completed and JobManager
A scan end notification is issued to the group 8201.

Next, details of the printing operation will be described. Print Operation First, the hardware configuration of a system that performs a print operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a system for performing a printing operation according to the present invention.

The CPU 9001, the memory 9002, the image compression / decompression board 9004, and the printer 9007 are connected to the PCI bus 9005 by the I / O for connecting this system.
The engine I / F 9003 that provides the / F is connected. Engine I / F board 9003 and printer (or printer function unit of copier having multiple functions) 90
07 is connected by an engine I / F cable 9006.

Engine I / F 9003 has a DPR
AM and printer 9007 via this DPRAM
Setting of parameters, reading of printer status, and exchange of print control commands. The engine I / F 9003 is a video controller (not shown).
VCLE (Video Cl) provided from the printer 9007 via the engine I / F cable 9006
Ock) and HSYNC, the PCI bus 9005
The image data developed above is transmitted to the printer 9007 via the engine I / F cable 9006.

A timing chart of various signals in the transmission of the image data will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 72 is a timing chart of various signals in transmitting image data according to the present invention.

VCLK is constantly output and HSYNC is output.
Is given in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer 9007. The video controller sets the image width (WID
The data corresponding to (TH) is read from the set memory (SOURCE) on the PCI bus 9005 and output to the engine I / F cable 9006 as image data (VideoData). This is designated line (LINE
S) After repeating, generate an IMAGE_END interrupt.

As described above, the Control API is executed from the application program on the CPU 9001.
When a print job instruction is passed to
The API calls this a controller-level JobManag
The job is passed to the er7101 as a job. Furthermore, this Job
The Manager 7101 changes the setting of the job to DIS71.
02, and instructs PrintManager 7104 to start a job. PrintManager71
04 receives the job, reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS, and reads the engine I / F 9003 and DP
This is set in the printer 9007 via the RAM.

Next, a print parameter register table for managing the setting items of the engine I / F 9003 will be described with reference to FIG. 73, and a printer for managing the setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer 9007 will be described. A communication command table with the engine I / F will be described with reference to FIG.

For the sake of simplicity, this job is assumed to be a non-compressed, letter (11 "× 8.5") size binary image, two-page, one-copy print, and a printer having a performance of 600 dpi. The operation will be specifically described.

First, when this job is received, PrintM
The analyzer 7104 determines the width of this image (in this case, 8.
The number of image bytes is calculated.

WIDTH = 8.5 × 600/8 ÷ 630
(Bytes) Next, the number of lines is calculated.

LINES = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines) These calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given image of the first page is stored are set in WIDTh, LINES, and SOURCE shown in FIG. 73. .
At this point, the engine I / F 9003 has completed preparation for image output, but has not output image data because HSYNC from the printer has not arrived (VCLE has arrived).

Next, PrintManager 7104
Is a predetermined address (Bo) of the DPRAM shown in FIG.
okNo) is written as the number of output copies. Then 1
A request to feed the output paper for the page (FEED_RE
Q), and IMAGE_EN from the printer 9007
Wait for D. When IMAGE_REQ is received from the printer 9007, IAMGE_START is issued. In response to this, the printer 9007 starts outputting HSYNC and outputs HSY.
The engine I / F 9003 that has been waiting for NC outputs an image. The printer 9007 outputs IMAGE_END when detecting the rear end of the output sheet, and outputs SHEET_OOUT when the output sheet is discharged. PrintMa
“nager7104” is IMAGE_END of the first page.
In response, the second page WIDTH, LINES,
SOURCE is set to engine I / F9003, and FE
Issue ED_REQ and wait for IMAGE_REQ. 2
The operation after IMAGE_REQ of the page is 1
Same as the page.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) Etc.).

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 implements 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 instructions 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. In the present embodiment, image compression is taken as an example of image processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other processing, for example, processing related to image synthesis, color processing, or coordinate conversion processing. . In short, any process that requires a long processing time may be used.

[0252]

As described above, it is possible to provide an image processing system, a method of controlling the same, an image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same, and a computer-readable memory capable of efficiently executing processing of image data. Further, it is possible to provide an image processing system and a control method thereof, an image processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and a computer-readable memory capable of efficiently performing image compression.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire network system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an image input / output device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of an operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a scanner image processing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image compression processing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image rotation processing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the image rotation processing of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the image rotation processing of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a device I / F unit of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of a process in step S19 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a request destination table of an image compression process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of software of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embedded application according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing each operation screen of the operation unit of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing exchange between DIS of the present invention and JobManager, ScanManager, and PrintManager.

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing various databases held in the DIS of the present invention.

FIG. 68 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a system that performs a scan operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a system that performs a scan operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 70 is a diagram showing an example of a parameter table according to the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a system that performs a print operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 72 is a timing chart of various signals in image data transmission of the present invention.

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of a print parameter register table in the engine I / F of the present invention.

FIG. 74 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication command table between the printer of the present invention and an engine I / F.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1001 Image processing device 1010 LAN 1030 WAN 2000 Controller unit 2001 CPU 2002 RAM 2003 ROM 2004 HDD 2005 Image bus I / F 2006 Operation unit I / F 2007 System bus 2008 Image bus 2010 Network control unit 2012 Operation unit 2020 Device I / F 2030 Image rotation processing unit 2040 Image compression processing unit 2050 Modem 2060 RIP 2070 Scanner unit 2080 Scanner image processing unit 2090 Printer image processing unit 2095 Printer unit

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system comprising a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus connected to each other via a network, wherein the image processing apparatus includes: Determining means for determining whether the image processing instructed by the user is executable, issuing means for issuing an image processing execution request based on the determination result of the determining means, and issuing means for issuing the image processing request. An image processing system comprising: a response unit that responds to the execution request; and a determination unit that determines an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing based on the response content of the response unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content of the response includes at least one of availability of the execution request, an executable start time of the image processing, a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed. An image processing system according to claim 1. 3. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses that can execute the image processing, the determining unit determines an image processing apparatus that has the shortest execution time of the image processing determined based on the response content. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to execute the image processing. 4. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determination unit determines an image processing apparatus that is the shortest path from the first image processing apparatus through the network. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to execute the image processing. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the issuing unit issues an image processing execution request to all image processing apparatuses other than the first image processing apparatus connected to the network. The image processing system described in the above. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the issuing unit includes a storage unit configured to store a table that manages an issuance order of the image processing apparatus that issues the image processing execution request. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system issues a processing execution request. 7. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein said image processing is image compression processing. 8. An image processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, the image processing apparatus determining whether image processing of designated image data can be performed on input image data. Determining means, issuing means for issuing an execution request for the image processing based on the determination result of the determining means, receiving means for receiving a response to the execution request issued by the issuing means, and receiving means A determination unit that determines an image processing device that requests execution of the image processing based on the response content received in (1). 9. The content of the response includes at least one of a propriety of the execution request, an executable start time of the image processing, a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 10. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses that can execute the image processing, the determining unit determines an image processing apparatus that has the shortest execution time of the image processing determined based on the response content. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus that requests execution of the image processing is determined. 11. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining unit determines an image processing apparatus having a shortest path from the image processing apparatus via the network to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus that requests execution of the image processing apparatus is determined. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the issuing unit issues an execution request of the image processing to all image processing apparatuses connected on the network. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a storage unit configured to store a table for managing an issuance order of the image processing apparatus that issues the image processing execution request. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus issues a processing execution request. 14. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said image processing is image compression processing. 15. A method for controlling an image processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus connected to each other via a network, the method comprising: A determining step of determining whether or not the image processing instructed to the image data is executable; an issuing step of issuing an image processing execution request based on a determination result of the determining step; An image processing system comprising: a response step of responding to the execution request issued in the step; and a determination step of determining an image processing apparatus to execute the image processing based on a response content in the response step. Control method. 16. The contents of the response include at least whether or not the execution request can be made, an executable start time of the image processing,
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method includes one of a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed. 17. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining step includes the step of determining the image processing apparatus having the shortest execution time of the image processing determined based on the response content. The method according to claim 15, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to execute the image processing. 18. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining step includes the step of: determining an image processing apparatus in which a path through the network from the first image processing apparatus is the shortest path. The method according to claim 15, wherein the image processing apparatus is configured to execute the image processing. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the issuing step issues an image processing execution request to all image processing apparatuses other than the first image processing apparatus connected to the network. The control method of the image processing system described in the above. 20. The issuance step includes a storage step of storing, in a storage medium, a table for managing an issuance order of the image processing apparatuses that issue the image processing execution requests, to an image processing apparatus determined according to the table 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein a request to execute the image processing is issued. 21. The control method according to claim 15, wherein the image processing is an image compression processing. 22. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, the method comprising: determining whether image processing designated for input image data can be executed; A determining step of determining; an issuing step of issuing an execution request of the image processing based on a determination result of the determining step; a receiving step of receiving a response to the execution request issued in the issuing step; And a determining step of determining an image processing device to request the execution of the image processing based on the response content received in (1). 23. The response content includes at least the propriety of the execution request, the executable start time of the image processing,
23. The control method according to claim 22, further comprising any one of a processing format, a processing speed, and a data transfer speed. 24. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining step includes the step of determining the image processing apparatus having the shortest execution time of the image processing determined based on the response content. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the image processing apparatus that requests the execution of the image processing is determined. 25. When there are a plurality of image processing apparatuses capable of executing the image processing, the determining step includes determining the image processing apparatus having the shortest path from the image processing apparatus via the network to the image processing apparatus. 23. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the image processing apparatus that requests execution of the image processing apparatus is determined. 26. The method according to claim 22, wherein the issuing step issues an image processing execution request to all image processing apparatuses connected on the network. . 27. The issuance step includes a storage step of storing, in a storage medium, a table that manages an issuance order of the image processing apparatuses that issue the image processing execution requests, to an image processing apparatus determined according to the table. 23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising issuing an execution request for the image processing. 28. The control method according to claim 22, wherein the image processing is an image compression processing. 29. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for controlling an image processing system configured by connecting a plurality of image processing apparatuses including a first image processing apparatus to each other via a network, A program code for a determining step of determining whether or not image processing instructed to image data input to the first image processing apparatus is executable; and performing the image processing based on a determination result of the determining step. A program code of an issuing step for issuing an execution request of the above, a program code of a response step for responding to the execution request issued in the issuing step, and an image for executing the image processing based on a response content in the response step. A program code for a determining step of determining a processing device. 30. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to a plurality of image processing apparatuses via a network, the image processing being instructed for input image data. A program code of a determining step of determining whether or not the image processing is executable; a program code of an issuing step of issuing an image processing execution request based on a determination result of the determining step; A program code of a receiving step of receiving a response to the execution request, and a program code of a determining step of determining an image processing device to request the execution of the image processing based on the content of the response received in the receiving step. A computer-readable memory characterized by the following.