JP2001282404A - Information processing system and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to appropriate a user interface resource owned by a device to other device and to evade impairment of convenience of a user interface function for original device control as well. SOLUTION: A client computer 13 displays information to be required for the device control on an LCD display 2410 and recognizes a user's intention of the device control by a touch panel 2409. In addition, communication with other device is performed, user interface information from other device is presented to a user according to a request received from other device and user interface information from a touch panel is transferred to other device. And a first interface mode using the LCD display 2410 and the touch panel 2409 for the device control and a second interface mode to couple the LCD display 2410 and the touch panel 2409 with a means to transfer the user interface information are selectively switched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing system having a plurality of devices corresponding to a distributed object environment, and to an information processing device capable of communicating with another device corresponding to a distributed object environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, input devices such as image scanners, digital cameras, and facsimile receiving devices and output devices such as printers and facsimile transmitting devices are connected to each other via a network, and the functions of these single function devices are combined. Research and development of a distributed document processing system that provides complex functions has been actively conducted.

A so-called multifunction printer (MFP) integrating the functions of a plurality of single-function devices in a single housing.
oduct), similarly, it is necessary to cut out a single function inside it and combine it with the functions of other devices via a network to appropriately realize various complex functions, and develop a distributed document processing system. Research is being actively conducted.

[0004] RPC (remote procedure call) and distributed object technologies are widely known as programming models for facilitating the provision of functions across information processing devices distributed on a network. A distributed object is an extension of an object-oriented software model to a distributed system, in which an object on one network node calls (transparently) an operation on an object on the same node on another network node (transparently). It allows you to invoke operations on objects.

[0005] In document processing including document input and document output, it is expected to achieve flexible linkage of a plurality of functions by applying the distributed object technology. Proposal of a system based on distributed objects that has a view other than the distributed processing of information processing such as pure computation, for example, Su
Jini and OMG (Object Manage
ment Group) as part of CORBA's proposal.

If various devices for document processing connected to a network can be controlled by a distributed object, a flexible client application combining various devices for providing objects based on a predetermined interface can be easily described. It is possible to do.
It also dynamically queries the interface for manipulating objects, or dynamically downloads stub objects (or proxy objects) that conceal communications with server objects that are in remote locations and that actually provide services. By doing so, it is also possible to easily describe a client application that can cope with a change in the control interface accompanying expansion of the device.

Also, in order to improve the operability of a new MFP, it is becoming common to have a rich user interface panel having a relatively high resolution and a large display as compared with the conventional MFP.

On the other hand, PDA (personal digital assista) represented by Newton of Apple Inc. and Palm series of 3Com Inc.
nce) has become widespread, and it has become commonplace for mobile phones to perform a part of the function as an information terminal. Research and development of wearable computers are also being actively pursued. Mobile computing using small and light information terminals that can be easily carried by ordinary users is not a portable terminal itself that has many unnecessary resources.
It is an in-computer and is expected to be developed by realizing flexible combination of external resources via a network by a distributed application based on a basic technology such as a distributed object.

[0009] For example, an MFP placed in a convenience store having an advanced network zone by a POS (point-of-sale) network and a PDA carried by a user are connected to an in-store wireless LAN (local area network).
k), a system in which a distributed application running on a PDA dynamically connects the distributed object service of the MFP on the spot and uses resources of a printer or a scanner is easily envisioned.

[0010]

However, even for a device compatible with a distributed object environment such as an MFP that provides device functions such as printing and scanning to a distributed object environment, the user interface resources of the device are provided to other devices. Did not have a mechanism to do it.

[0011] Therefore, a user of a portable terminal such as a PDA can use, for example, an M installed in a convenience store.
In front of the FP, the poor user interface resources of the mobile terminal make it necessary to operate a distributed application that runs on the mobile terminal, with the rich user interface resources in front of you.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, to enable the user interface resources of an apparatus to be used for other apparatuses, and to provide the convenience of a user interface function for original apparatus control. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus that do not impair the performance.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an information processing system having a plurality of devices corresponding to a distributed object environment, the device is required for communication means for communicating with other devices and device control. User interface output means for presenting the user with information, user interface input means for recognizing the user's intention to control the apparatus, and a request from the other apparatus in response to a request received from the other apparatus by the communication means. User interface information transfer means for outputting user interface information to the user interface output means and transferring user interface information from the user interface input means to the another device; and the user interface output means and the user interface input means First interface used for device control And Sumodo, second coupling the user interface input means and the user interface output means to the user interface information transfer means
Mode switching means for selectively switching the interface mode.

In the first aspect, the mode switching means can switch from the first interface mode to the second interface mode in accordance with a mode switching operation by the user interface input means.

In the first aspect, the mode switching means can switch from the second interface mode to the first interface mode in accordance with a mode switching operation by the user interface input means.

In the first aspect, the mode switching means can switch from the first interface mode to the second interface mode in response to a request from another device.

In the first aspect, the mode switching means can switch from the second interface mode to the first interface mode in response to a request from another device.

In the first aspect, in the second interface mode, when an event for presenting information necessary for controlling the apparatus to the user occurs, information for calling the user's attention from the user interface output means is provided. The information processing apparatus may further include first event notification means for outputting.

[0019] In the first aspect, in the first interface mode, when an event that another device should present information to the user occurs, information for calling the user's attention is output to the user interface output means. A second event notification unit may be further provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the user interface output means may include an image display control means for displaying an image, and the first event notification means displays a message or an icon in the image display area to give the operator's attention. Can be evoked.

According to a seventh aspect, the user interface output means can include an image display control means for displaying an image, and the second event notification means displays a message or an icon in the image display area to give the operator's attention. Can be evoked.

According to the present invention, the image display area can be a status line.

In the eighth aspect, the image display area can be a dialog box.

[0024] In claim 6, the first event notification means includes:
By turning on, off, or blinking the lamp, the user's attention can be alerted.

[0025] In claim 7, the second event notifying means comprises:
By turning on, off, or blinking the lamp, the user can be alerted.

[0026] In claim 6, the first event notification means comprises:
The sound can alert the operator.

[0027] In claim 7, the second event notifying means comprises:
The sound can alert the operator.

According to the first aspect, the user interface output means can present information necessary for controlling the apparatus to the user by using an image.

In the first aspect, the user interface output means can present information necessary for device control to the user by voice.

In the first aspect, the user interface output means can present information necessary for device control to the user by sound.

In the first aspect, the user interface input means can recognize the user's intention to control the apparatus obtained through the hardware key.

In the first aspect, the user interface input means can recognize the user's intention to control the apparatus obtained through the touch panel.

In the first aspect, the user interface input means can recognize the user's intention to control the apparatus obtained through the pointing device.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus compatible with a distributed object environment and capable of communicating with another apparatus, wherein a user interface output means for presenting information necessary for apparatus control to a user; User interface input means for recognizing an instruction to control the apparatus, and in response to a request received from the other apparatus, outputting user interface information from the other apparatus to the user interface output means; Means for transferring user interface information from the means to the other device, a first interface mode in which device control is performed by the user interface output means and the user interface input means, and the user interface output means And the user interface Graphics and input means characterized in that it comprises a second interface mode and selectively switching mode switching means for said user interface information device control is coupled to the transfer means is carried out.

In a preferred embodiment, the mode switching means comprises:
It is possible to switch from the second interface mode to the first interface mode according to a mode switching operation on the user interface input means.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the mode switching means comprises:
It is possible to switch from the first interface mode to the second interface mode in response to a request from another device.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the mode switching means comprises:
The mode can be switched from the second interface mode to the first interface mode in response to a request from another device.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the user interface output means can include an image display control means for displaying an image on a display unit.

In the twenty-fifth aspect, a first notification means for outputting necessary information to the user interface output means when it is necessary to present information necessary for device control to the user in the second interface mode. Can be.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the first interface mode, a second notifying means for outputting necessary information to the user interface outputting means when another device should present information to the user occurs. it can.

[0041]

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

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. The networks 1101 and 1102 are WAN (wide area network)
ork).

The network 1101 is, for example, an in-store LAN laid in a certain convenience store, and includes a distributed object environment-compatible image input / output device (hereinafter, referred to as an image input / output device) 1201, a lookup server computer 14, a client computer 13 is always connected.

The image input / output device 1201 is a Java JINI or CO
It supports a distributed object environment such as RBA. In the lookup server computer 14, a service proxy object required for remotely operating the image input / output device 1201 from the client computer 13 is registered together with its attribute information. The client computer 13 is a PDA carried by the customer, and is temporarily connected to the network 1101 by a wireless LAN or the like.
Further, the client computer 13 can remotely control the image input / output device 1201 and the distributed object environment-compatible image input / output device (hereinafter, referred to as image input / output device) 1202, respectively.

The network 1102 is, for example, an L installed at the workplace of a customer visiting a convenience store.
An image input / output device 1202 is always connected.

The image input / output device 1202 is a Java JINI or CO
It supports a distributed object environment such as RBA.

As described above, the networks 1101 and 11
Since the image input / output devices 02 are connected to each other via a WAN (wide area network), the image input / output devices 1201 and 1202 can transfer respective data via the network 11.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the image input / output device 1201 of FIG. 2, reference numeral 1101 denotes the same part as FIG. Reference numeral 3 denotes an image input / output control unit, which is connected to the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2, and includes a facsimile unit 4, a storage unit 5, a computer interface unit 7,
RIP (raster image processor) unit 8 and operation unit 9
And a core 10.

The reader section 1 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the image input / output control section 3. The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to image data from the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper. The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and compresses the compressed image data. The image data is transmitted via a telephone line. The image data to be sent and received
The data can be temporarily stored in the hard disk 6 connected to the storage unit 5.

The storage section 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core section 10 and stores it in the hard disk 6 together with an ID number for searching the image data. Further, the storage unit 5 searches compressed image data stored in the hard disk 6 based on the code data transferred via the core unit 10, reads out and expands the searched compressed image data, and expands the expanded image data. The data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The computer interface unit 7 is an interface between the network 1101 and the core unit 10, and includes the client computer 13 and the image input / output device 1
It exchanges data with the CPU 202. RIP
The unit 8 expands code data (PDL) representing an image transferred from the network 1101 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. First, the reader unit 1 will be described. The document feeder 101 feeds the document one by one in the order of the top of the platen glass 102.
The document is fed upward, and after the document reading operation is completed, the document on the platen glass 102 is discharged. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 104 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected by mirrors 105, 106, 107 and lens 10
8 guides the CCD image sensor 109. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD image sensor 109. The image data output from the CCD image sensor 109 is transferred to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 after performing predetermined processing.

Next, the printer section 2 will be described. The laser driver 221 drives the laser emission unit 201, and causes the laser emission unit 201 to emit laser light corresponding to the image data output from the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3. The laser beam from the laser light emitting unit 201 is scanned on the photosensitive drum 202, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. The latent image on the photosensitive drum 202 is
Thereby, a developer (toner) is attached. Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, the cassette 20
4 and the cassette 205, and feeds the recording paper to the transfer unit 206, where the toner image on the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper to which the toner image has been transferred is transferred to the fixing unit 207, and the toner image on the recording paper is fixed by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by discharge rollers 208,
The finisher 220 sorts the recording sheets by bundling the discharged recording sheets, and stabilizes the sorted recording sheets.

When double-sided printing is set, after the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209. . Refeeding conveyance path 2
The recording paper guided to 10 is transferred to the transfer unit 2 at the timing described above.
06 is fed.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the operation unit 9 of FIG. FIG.
Reference numeral 2602 denotes a panel on which a liquid crystal display 2601 with a touch panel and a plurality of hard keys are arranged. 2603 is LED (light emitting diod)
e) A display section for displaying a state.
Reference numeral 2604 denotes a screen contrast adjustment dial for adjusting screen contrast.

The operation unit 9 further includes a buzzer (not shown) and the like. The button image displayed on the liquid crystal display 2601 is linked with the input coordinate calculation of the touch panel,
Functions as a software key. An operation instruction and an operation setting to the image input / output device are performed by a user interface.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the core unit 10 of FIG. 5, 1, 2, 4 to 9 indicate the same parts as in FIG.
The core unit 10 has interfaces 120 and 122, a data processing unit 122, a CPU 123, and a memory 124.

The image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the interface 122. The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing, and compresses and decompresses image data. The data processing unit 121 internally has a page memory capable of storing image data equivalent to A4 / Letter size for a plurality of pages. Have. The image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 121 is
The data is temporarily stored in the page memory, then compressed and transferred to the storage unit 5 via the interface 120.

Code data (PDL) representing an image input via the computer interface unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the interface 120, and then transferred to the RIP unit 8 and expanded into image data. After the obtained image data is transferred to the data processing unit 121, it is temporarily stored in the page memory, and then compressed and transferred to the storage unit 5.

The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, temporarily stored in a page memory, compressed, and transferred to the storage unit 5. The image data from the storage unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, decompressed and temporarily stored in the page memory, and then transferred to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the computer interface unit 7.
The storage unit 5 can input and output image data and non-image data via the computer interface unit 7 and provide a data storage function to an external device.

After inputting various image data to the data processing unit 121 and temporarily storing the image data in the page memory, before transferring the image data to the storage unit 5, the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, computer The transfer to the interface unit 7 can also be performed by switching the internal selector.

The CPU 123 performs such control according to a control program stored in the memory 124 and a control command transferred from the operation unit 9. Memory 12
Reference numeral 4 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.

As described above, the document image is read, the image is printed, the image is transmitted / received, the image is stored, and the data is input / output from / to the computer via the data processing unit 121 and the storage unit 5 centering on the core unit 10. It is possible to perform processing combining functions such as the above.

Next, the job control in the image input / output device will be described with reference to FIG. 6, which shows the logical units of the job control. The unit of job control is input and output processing for a set of image data including a plurality of pages. As a result, the controlled jobs are roughly classified into image input jobs and image output jobs.

An image input job 411 for sequentially recording image data read by the reader unit 1 in the storage unit 5 and an image input job 412 for sequentially recording image data developed by the RIP unit 8 in the storage unit 5 When,
An image input job 413 for sequentially recording image data received by the facsimile unit 4 in the storage unit 5 and an image input job 414 for sequentially recording image data input from the computer interface unit 7 in the storage unit 5 are further classified. You.

The image input / output device according to the present embodiment provides a function of using the storage unit 5 for storing non-image data.
1 and the image output job 414 can also handle non-image data.

The image output job includes an image output job 401 for sequentially outputting the image data read from the storage unit 5 to the printer unit, an image output job 403 for sequentially outputting the image data read from the storage unit 5 to the facsimile unit, Image data read from the storage unit 5 is classified into an image output job 404 that sequentially outputs the image data to the computer interface unit 7.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a unit obtained by combining a plurality of jobs (hereinafter referred to as a session). In FIG. 7, a copy session 501 controls an image input job 411 and an image output job 401 in combination as a session. Reference numeral 502 denotes a PDL print session, which controls the combination of the image input job 412 and the image output job 401 as a session. A facsimile reception session 503 controls the combination of the image input job 413 and the image output job 401 as a session. 50
Reference numeral 4 denotes a printer session, and an image input job 414
And an image output job 401 in combination to control the session.

A facsimile transmission session 505 controls the combination of the image input job 411 and the image output job 403 as a session. 50
Reference numeral 6 denotes a scan session, and an image input job 411
And the image output job 404 are combined and controlled as a session. A FAX modem reception session 507 controls the combination of the image input job 413 and the image output job 404 as a session. A FAX modem transmission session 508 controls the combination of the image input job 414 and the image output job 403 as a session.

A session is a control unit including one or more jobs. For example, the image input job 412 is treated as one session, and the image output job 401
May be treated as a session, or the image input job 412, the image output job 401, and the image output job 403 may be combined and treated as one session.

FIG. 8 shows the client computer 1 of FIG.
3 is shown. The client computer 13 is characterized by an algorithm of running software, and the behavior of the software will be described later. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 2400 denotes a PDA, and a CPU 2401;
RAM 2402, ROM 2403, network interface 2412, touch panel controller (TPC) 2405, LCDC 2406, DKC 2
407 are connected to each other via a system bus 2413.

The CPU 2401 executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed according to a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 2403, and executes the system bus 24.
13 is a device for controlling each device connected to the device 13 as a whole. The program ROM of the ROM 2403 has a CP
The control program of U2401 is stored. RAM
Reference numeral 2402 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 2401. The touch panel controller 2405 controls an input from the touch panel 2409. An LCD (liquid crystal display) controller 2406 controls display on the LCD display 2410. The disk controller 2407 controls access to the external storage device 2411 as necessary. Network interface 2408
Executes communication control processing with another host computer or each input / output device via a network.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the lookup server computer 14 of FIG. The look-up server computer 14 may be a general-purpose computer having a well-known hardware configuration, and the function that characterizes it is performed by an algorithm of operating software.
For example, this software can be operated on the hardware of the image input / output device 1202. In this case, the image input / output device 1202 also serves as the lookup server computer 14. The behavior of the software will be described later.

The lookup server computer 14 has C
PU2501, RAM2502, ROM2502
, A network interface 2512, a keyboard controller 2505, and a CRT (cathode ray tub).
e) Controller 2506 and disk controller 2
507 are connected to each other via a system bus 2510.

The CPU 2501 executes processing in accordance with a program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 2503, and generally controls each device connected to the system bus 2513. RAM 25
02 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 2501. Keyboard controller 250
Numeral 5 controls key input from a keyboard 2509 or a pointing device (not shown). The CRT controller 2506 controls display on the CRT display 2510. Disk controller 250
Reference numeral 7 controls access to an external storage device 2511 such as a hard disk or a floppy (registered trademark) disk that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. A network interface 2508 executes a communication control process with another host computer or each input / output device via a network.

Next, a distributed object system according to the present embodiment will be described. This distributed object system is similar to the Java Jini framework.

The memory 124 (FIG. 5) of the core unit 10
A plurality of service objects, each of which is a software unit for using a device function realized by each session as a service, are stored. The service object is configured to correspond to each of the services provided by the devices, such as PDL print, image print, image scan, fax transmission, fax reception, data storage, device management, and job management.

A service object is a kind of software structure called an object in a known object-oriented technology, and includes an interface for providing a function to a client and an implementation for realizing a function requested by the interface by controlling the device. Have. In particular, the service object according to the present embodiment is a kind of object in the known distributed object technology, and includes not only client software arranged in a memory space local to the device, but also an external device ( For example, it is configured such that the above-mentioned interface can be called and the service can be used also from the client software arranged in the memory space of the client computer 13). An outline of a configuration in which a service object according to the present embodiment provides a service to a client will be described below.

FIGS. 10 and 11 conceptually show the structure of a data storage service object which is one of the service objects.

FIG. 10 shows a general object-oriented system in which the client software uses an interface from the space of the memory 124 inside the apparatus. The data storage service object provides an interface for the client to use the storage unit 5 inside the device as a secondary storage device. The interface includes a descriptor for generating a file stored in the storage unit 5 and acquiring a descriptor for accessing the generated file.
open and close to declare access to the file complete
Read to read data from file, write to write data to file, and unlink to delete file
And an interface defined by a set of operations provided by a known general file system.

When each operation defined by the interface is called, control software for providing an implementation corresponding to the interface is activated. As a result, the CPU 123 controls the storage unit 5 to realize predetermined functions corresponding to each operation.

The above shows the behavior of a general object-oriented system in which the client software uses an interface from the space of the memory 124 inside the device.

As shown in FIG. 11, a service object, which is a distributed object system, includes a service proxy object arranged in a memory space of another remote device (for example, client computer 13) and a memory space inside the device. And a service implementation object arranged in a distributed manner to provide a service interface to client software in a memory space of a remote device.

The data storage service proxy object provides an interface for the client to use the storage unit 5 inside the device as a secondary storage device. The interface includes an open for generating a file stored in the storage unit 5 and obtaining a descriptor for accessing the generated file, a close for declaring completion of access to the file, and a data transfer from the file. It has the same interfaces as those described above, such as read for reading, write for writing data to a file, and unlink for erasing a file.

When each operation defined by the interface is called from the client in the memory space of the remote device, software for transferring the operation call request to the device via the network is activated. In accordance with the software, the CPU of the remote device encodes the value of the identifier for identifying the requested operation and the data structure passed as an argument in the call into a byte string that can be transmitted via the network. This encoding process is called marshalling or serialization (serialization), and several techniques are known. Then, the CPU of the remote device transmits the encoded byte sequence to the device via the network. OMG IIO for communication
Protocols such as P and Sun's RMI are used.

In a memory space local to the device, software generally called an object request broker constantly monitors reception of request data from the network. Upon receiving the byte sequence, the object request broker decrypts the byte sequence, calls the operation of the original object, restores the data structure passed as an argument to the operation, and calls the corresponding operation of the service implementation object. As a result, control software for providing an implementation corresponding to the interface is activated. As a result, C
The PU 123 controls the storage unit 5 to realize predetermined functions corresponding to each operation.

However, the client software does not need to be programmed in consideration of the fact that the service implementation object that actually implements the service of the device exists in another memory space via the network. In other words, the process of encoding the operation call and the communication process via the network are hidden by the service proxy object, so that the client software operates as if the service object is mounted in the same memory space as itself. , You can easily use the service. Providing network transparency to the client software programmer in this way is one of the key advantages of a distributed object environment.

The encoding and communication processes performed by the service proxy object in the above description are processes based on a predetermined encoding algorithm and a predetermined communication protocol. That is, these processes can be strictly defined independently of different interfaces in each service object.

Therefore, a compiler (generally called an IDL compiler) provided in a distributed object environment reads a description in which a service interface is strictly defined as data, interprets and converts the data, thereby mechanically providing a service proxy object. Program can be generated. The programmer who builds the system is I
Another advantage of a distributed object environment is that it is easy to obtain a service proxy object program using a DL compiler as a tool.

Next, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 shows a process until the service proxy object is hair-loaded from the peripheral device to the lookup server computer 14. At the moment when the image input / output device 1202 is connected to the network 1101, a broadcast packet is sent to the network 1101 as to whether a lookup server computer exists. Then, the lookup server computer 14 that has received the thrown packet notifies the image input / output device 1202 of the presence of the lookup server computer 14. afterwards,
The image input / output device 1202 registers the driver 617 in the lookup server computer 14 found.

The image input / output devices 1201 and 1202 connected to the network register the service proxy objects in the lookup server computer 14, respectively. In the look-up server computer 14, the registered service proxy object is, as shown in FIG. 14, the registered date and time and the service name (peripheral device name).
And attributes such as service specifications and service locations. The types of attributes to be registered are Ji
A standard schema has been established by the ni community.
Also, unique information unique to the service can be registered as an attribute. The lookup server computer 14 responds to an inquiry from the client software,
It is configured to respond with each attribute of the registered service.

Referring to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a process until the service proxy object is downloaded from the lookup server computer 14 to the client computer 13. When the client computer 13 uses the image input / output device 1202, first, the lookup server computer 14 is searched for a service proxy object corresponding to what service. Then, the client computer 13 downloads the desired service proxy object from the lookup server, and communicates with the image input / output device 1202 that provides the target service.

When the client computer 13 receives a request to “receive print service” or “receive scan service”, the client computer 13 first looks at the management table of the lookup server computer 14 (FIG. 14) and It is checked whether a new service is registered, and the desired service is downloaded from the lookup server computer 14.

In the distributed object system according to the present embodiment, the service employs a model in which the right to use the service is lent (leased) to the client for a certain period. That is, the image input / output device 1202 uses the service of the lookup server computer to register its existence with the lookup server, and the registration also has an expiration date. Even after the registration has been made, it will expire soon unless the registration is repeated periodically. According to this mechanism, when various servers that are clients of the lookup server lose their functions due to a system failure or the like, the problem that invalid information continues to be registered in the lookup service forever is reduced.

FIG. 15 schematically shows a configuration of a distributed application of the distributed object system according to the present embodiment. The client software running on the client computer 13, which is a PDA, accesses a storage device inside the image input / output device 1202 located at a remote location by using a storage service object in the same manner as described in FIG. For example, when displaying a list of files, it is more convenient to display a file on a relatively large screen than on a small screen of the client computer 13.

Then, the client software searches the lookup server computer 14 connected to the same convenience store LAN 1101 for a higher-resolution user interface service, and searches the store LAN.
The user interface service object of the image input / output device 1201 connected to 1101 is obtained. The client software calls the operation of the downloaded user interface service proxy object, and draws the display of the graphical user interface required by the operation unit of the image input / output device 1201 and acquires the input from the touch panel.

When the user executing the client software looks at the operation unit 9 of the image input / output device 1201 in the store, for example, a function unique to an apparatus such as a copy control screen shown in FIG. The screen for controlling is displayed. Here, when the user presses a soft key labeled Special Features on the touch panel display, a screen (FIG. 16) for selecting a desired function from a list of special functions is displayed.

Here, when the user presses the soft key labeled UI Service, the screen is switched to the screen shown in FIG. FIG.
Is a screen drawn by the client software of the client computer 13 via the user interface service object provided by the image input / output device 1201. On the screen, a list of user files stored in a storage device inside the image input / output device 1202 acquired by the client software via the storage service object is displayed.

When the user touches any of the rows in the list, an input event from the touch panel is transmitted to the client software via the user interface service object. The client software detects the event, and further displays a menu for selecting operations such as displaying detailed information of the file displayed on the line touched by the user, downloading, deleting, and terminating the application. .

When the user interface processing required by the client software is completed, the client software calls a service use completion notification operation for the user interface service object.
As a result, the screen of FIG. 17 is erased, and the screen returns to the original screen of the apparatus as shown in, for example, FIG. 4 or FIG.

In FIG. 17, the black band at the bottom of the screen is not the client software but the image input / output device 120.
An area 1 is displayed to monitor an event on the touch panel. A button marked “Back” arranged on the right side of this area is a soft key for returning to the original operation screen of the image input / output device 1201. When the user touches this soft key, the screen changes to a screen as shown in FIG. 4 or 16 at any time by the control program of the image input / output device 1201. When the user again operates as shown in FIG.
By pressing the UI Service soft key, the screen of FIG. 17 can be returned.

The icon arranged on the left side of this area and the message of Pater Jam!
Reference numeral 01 denotes a status line display managed by notifying that a paper jam has occurred in the apparatus and calling attention to the user.

Whenever the user touches the softkey labeled Status, details of the status of the device are displayed.

In the present embodiment, when a user interface service is activated when an event that requires the user's attention occurs in the device, the control program of the device is displayed in the status line at the bottom of the screen. Described an example of displaying an icon and a message in
Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, an external client may be configured to display an overlapping dialog on a screen displayed by the user interface service. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the screen is forcibly changed to the original screen of the device as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which one of the status line display, the dialog display, and the forced screen transition is selectively used according to the priority of the event. LED2
A configuration may be adopted in which the user's attention is alerted by a 603, a buzzer, or the like.

In the present embodiment, FIG.
The example in which the operation unit is controlled by the user interface service by the user touching the UI Service soft key has been described.However, the UI Service can be forcibly acquired control right of the operation unit, and the client software The transition from the screen of FIG. 4 or the like to the screen of FIG. 17 may be automatically performed by starting the use of the interface service object or calling the forced activation operation.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the client software uses the user interface service of a nearby device having richer user interface resources to easily provide a user interface that is easy for the user to use. Can be provided.

[0107]

As described above, according to the present invention,
With the configuration described above, in a network system based on distributed objects, it is possible to divert the user interface resources of a device to other devices, and the convenience of the user interface function for original device control is also improved. It can be prevented from being damaged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a distributed object environment-compatible image input / output device 1201 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an appearance of an operation unit 9 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit 10 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing job control in a distributed object environment-compatible image input / output device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a unit obtained by combining a plurality of jobs.

8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a client computer 13 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lookup server computer 14 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a data storage service object which is one of service objects.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a data storage service object which is one of service objects.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a method in which a peripheral device registers a service proxy object in the lookup server computer 14.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a method in which a client computer 13 acquires a service proxy object from a lookup server.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management table of the lookup server computer 14.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a software structure as a distributed application of client software.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device-specific control screen displayed on the operation unit of the distributed object environment-compatible image input / output device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image input / output device, including an area drawn by the client software via the user interface service object.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit of the image input / output device in which a device-specific dialog further overlaps an area drawn by the client software via the user interface service object.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 image input / output control unit 4 facsimile unit 5 storage unit 7 computer interface unit 8 RIP unit 9 operation unit 10 core unit 14 lookup server computer 213 client computer 1101, 1102 network 1201, 1202 compatible with distributed object environment Image input / output device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5E501 AA02 AA04 AA07 AB04 BA05 CA04 CA05 CA07 CB05 CB13 5K048 AA04 BA10 CA08 DA02 DC04 DC07 EA11 EB02 EB03 FB08 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA07 HA13 HA21 5K101 KK11 NN03 NN03 LL03 NN19 NN21 NN34 SS07 TT06 UU16

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An information processing system having a plurality of devices compatible with a distributed object environment, said device comprising: communication means for communicating with another device; and user interface output means for presenting information necessary for device control to a user. A user interface input unit for recognizing a user's device control intention; and a user interface information from the other device output to the user interface output unit in response to a request received from the other device by the communication unit. A user interface information transfer unit for transferring user interface information from the user interface input unit to the another device; a first interface mode using the user interface output unit and the user interface input unit for device control And the user interface An information processing system comprising: a mode output unit for selectively switching between a face output unit and a second interface mode for coupling the user interface input unit to the user interface information transfer unit. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means switches from said first interface mode to said second interface mode in accordance with a mode switching operation by a user interface input means. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means switches from said second interface mode to said first interface mode in accordance with a mode switching operation by a user interface input means. 4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means switches from said first interface mode to said second interface mode in response to a request from another device. 5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means switches from said second interface mode to said first interface mode in response to a request from another device. 6. The user interface output unit according to claim 1, wherein, in the second interface mode, when an event for presenting information necessary for the device control to the user occurs, the user interface output unit calls the user's attention. An information processing system further comprising first event notification means for outputting information for the first event. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the first interface mode, when an event that another device needs to present information to the user occurs, the user interface output unit draws the user's attention. An information processing system further comprising a second event notification unit that outputs information. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the user interface output means includes an image display control means for displaying an image, and wherein the first event notification means displays a message or an icon in an image display area to provide an operator with an image. An information processing system that calls attention. 9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the user interface output unit includes an image display control unit that displays an image, and the second event notification unit displays a message or an icon in an image display area to provide a user with an image. An information processing system that calls attention. 10. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the image display area is a status line. 11. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the image display area is a dialog box. 12. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the first event notifying means calls attention of a user by turning on, off, or blinking a lamp. 13. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein said second event notification means calls a user's attention by turning on, off, or blinking a lamp. 14. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the first event notification means calls the operator's attention by a sound. 15. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the second event notification means calls the operator's attention by a sound. 16. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface output means presents information necessary for device control to a user by an image. 17. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface output means presents information necessary for device control to a user by voice. 18. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface output means presents information necessary for device control to a user by sound. 19. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface input unit recognizes a user's intention to control the device obtained through a hardware key. 20. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface input unit recognizes a user's intention to control the device obtained through a touch panel. 21. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface input means recognizes a user's intention to control the device obtained through a pointing device. 22. An information processing apparatus compatible with a distributed object environment and capable of communicating with another apparatus, a user interface output means for presenting information necessary for apparatus control to a user, and an instruction for apparatus control from the user. A user interface input unit for recognizing a user interface, in response to a request received from the other device, outputting user interface information from the other device to the user interface output unit, and a user interface from the user interface input unit. A user interface information transfer unit for transferring information to the another device; a first interface mode in which device control is performed by the user interface output unit and the user interface input unit; a user interface output unit and the user interface input Means The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising a mode switching means for switching said second interface mode the user interface information device control is coupled to the transfer means is carried out selectively. 23. An information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said mode switching means switches from said second interface mode to said first interface mode in response to a mode switching operation on said user interface input means. . 24. An information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said mode switching means switches from said first interface mode to said second interface mode in response to a request from said another apparatus. 25. An information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said mode switching means switches from said second interface mode to said first interface mode in response to a request from said another device. 26. An information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said user interface output means includes image display control means for displaying an image on a display unit. 27. The first notification according to claim 25, wherein in the second interface mode, when it is necessary to present information necessary for device control to a user, the first notification outputs necessary information to the user interface output unit. An information processing apparatus comprising means. 28. The second notification according to claim 25, wherein in the first interface mode, when the other device needs to present information to a user, the second information outputs necessary information to the user interface output unit. An information processing apparatus comprising means.