JP2001358891A - Multifunctional system, server terminal equipment, job management method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform department management and security management by efficiently managing all kinds of jobs generated on a network. SOLUTION: This system is provided with an address-specifying means for specifying the addresses of plural image processors connected to the network, a department management information generation means for collating address information specified in the address specifying means with an address list for each department registered beforehand and generating department management information and an image output information management means for managing image output information to a device, for which the output destination of images is specified. By the image output information management means, various kinds of information, including charging information, are managed by each department.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction system, a server terminal device, a job management method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to an image in a multifunction multifunction machine configured by combining a plurality of input / output devices connected to a network. It relates to a file management method and an output management method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, codes different from each other for specifying a department or an individual using an image forming apparatus recorded on a plurality of information media are read, and storage means corresponding to the codes are provided, and each code is provided for each image forming cycle. A count-up means has been proposed which receives a count-up signal output to the memory device and counts up the contents stored in a storage area corresponding to the read code one by one.

Further, an invalid code registering means for registering an invalid code, an invalid code canceling means for canceling the registration of the invalid code, a permitting means for permitting registration / cancellation of the invalid code, As a result of comparison with the code, when the code read by the reading means does not match the invalid code registered in the invalid code registering means, an image forming operation permitting means for permitting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus main body is also proposed. Have been.

[0004]

However, the image input / output is not one-to-one as in the prior art, but a multi-function system in which an image input device and an image output device connected to a network are combined. As in the method, it is not possible to count up the number of image forming operations or determine permission / non-permission based on code read information from a storage medium held by a specific person. Therefore, there is a need for a method of managing all jobs generated on a network and efficiently performing department management and accounting management.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to manage all jobs generated on a network so that department management and accounting management can be performed efficiently.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a multifunction system comprising: an address designating unit for designating addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network;
A department management information generating unit for generating department management information by comparing the address information designated by the address designating unit with a pre-registered address list for each department; and outputting an image to a device to which an image output destination is designated. Image output information management means for managing information, wherein the image output information management means manages various information including billing information for each department. Another feature of the present invention is that the image output information management means is provided in a server terminal device connected to the image processing device on the network. Another feature of the present invention is that an address specifying means for specifying addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, address information specified by the address specifying means and a pre-registered section A section management information generating means for collating the address list of the above to generate department management information, an image output permission information managing means for managing image output permission information to a device for which an image output destination is specified, Image output determining means for determining any of permission. Another feature of the present invention is that the image output information management means is provided in a server terminal device connected to the image processing device on the network.

[0007] The server terminal device of the present invention comprises: a job management means for managing a job generated on a network; a network management means including department management and accounting management based on job information managed by the job management means. It is characterized by having.

[0008] A job management method according to the present invention includes an address specifying process for specifying addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network; address information specified in the address specifying process; The above-described image output information management process is performed by performing a department management information generation process of generating department management information by collating with an address list, and an image output information management process of managing image output information to a device that specifies an image output destination. Is characterized in that various information including billing information is managed for each department. Also,
Another feature of the present invention resides in an address specifying process for specifying addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, address information specified in the address specifying process, and a pre-registered address for each department. Department management information generation processing for generating a department management information by collating a list;
Image output permission information management processing for managing image output permission information for a device for which an image output destination is specified, and image output determination processing for determining whether the image output is permitted or not permitted are performed. . Another feature of the present invention is that a job management process for managing a job generated on a network and a network management including a department management and a billing management based on the job information managed by the job management process. And processing is performed.

[0009] A storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a program constituting each means described above is stored so as to be readable from a computer. Another feature of the present invention is that a program for executing the above-described method is stored in a computer-readable manner.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of a multifunction system, a server terminal device, a job management method, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technology for connecting devices.
It is assumed that Ethernet (registered trademark) using the CP / IP protocol is used.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner for optically reading a document or the like printed on a sheet of paper or the like.
1 is connected to each device. The read image data is a RGB color scanner.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a management server, which includes a network scanner 102, a network printer (108,
7, 106) and the network Fax 104 to store configuration information (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer path profile) when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device), and store the stored transfer path profile for an input device and an output device. Provided upon request.

The management server 103 is generally realized by installing server software in a device called a personal computer or a workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

Reference numerals 108, 107, and 106 each include a network interface which receives print data and image data transmitted through the network interface, and converts the print data and image data to media such as paper using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. This is a network printer that performs printing on the printer. Network printers 108, 107, 106
Is also connected to each device via the network 101. Here, reference numeral 108 denotes a black and white digital multifunction peripheral, 107 denotes a color laser printer, and 106 denotes a black and white laser beam printer.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a facsimile (Fax) which has a network interface and transmits and receives image data via a public line 105. Network 101
Image data read by the scanner 102 connected to the
8, 107 and 106, and the management server 103
It is also an interface for inputting and outputting image data to be filed on the public line 105. Hereinafter, details of the hardware and software of the present embodiment will be described.

[Hardware] (Overall Configuration) FIG. 2 shows an overall configuration diagram of hardware. The Controller Unit 2000 includes a Scanner 2070 as an image input device and a Print as an image output device.
This is a controller for inputting and outputting image information and device information by connecting to the LAN 2011 or a public line (WAN) 2051 on the other hand.

The CPU 2001 is a controller for controlling the entire system. RAM 2002 is CPU 200
1 is a system work memory for operation, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. RO
A boot ROM M2003 stores a system boot program.

An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive which stores system software and image data. An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with an operation unit (UI) 2012 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Operation unit 2
012, the information input by the user of this system
Play the role of telling 2001. Network 2010 is LAN
2011, and inputs and outputs information. Modem205
0 is connected to the public line 2051 and inputs and outputs information.

The above devices are arranged on a system bus 2007. Image Bus I / F 2005 is an image bus 2 for transferring image data at high speed with system bus 2007.
008 is a bus bridge for converting the data structure. The image bus 2008 is a PCI bus or IEEE13
94. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008.

Raster image processor (RIP) 2
060 develops a PDL (page description language) code into a bitmap image. Device I / F 2020
Connects the scanner 20000 or printer 2095, which is an image input / output device, to the controller 2000, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The 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 unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 converts the multi-valued image data into JPEG
And the binary image data is converted to JBI
G / MMR / MH compression / expansion processing is performed.

[Image Input / Output Unit] FIG. 3 shows an image input / output device. A scanner unit 2070, which is an image input device, illuminates an image on paper serving as a document and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown) to convert the image into raster image data 2071 (see FIG. 2) into an electric signal.

An original sheet is set on a tray 2073 of an original feeder 2072, and when a user of the apparatus instructs reading and starting from an operation unit 2012, the controller CPU
2001 gives an instruction (2071) to the scanner 2070, and the feeder 2072 feeds the original sheets one by one and performs an operation of reading the original image.

A printer unit 209 serving as an image output device
Reference numeral 5 denotes a part for converting the raster image data 2096 (see FIG. 2) into an image on a sheet. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array. Although there is an ink jet system for printing an image directly on paper, any system may be used. The print operation is started by the controller CPU 20.
It starts with an instruction 2096 from 01.

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 and 21 are provided.
02, 2103, and 2104. Also, the output tray 2
Reference numeral 111 denotes a sheet for which printing has been completed.

[Operation Unit] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the operation unit 2012. The LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and notifies the controller CPU 2001 of position information when a displayed key is pressed.

A start key 2014 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. Start key 20
At the center of 14 is a two-color LED 2018 of green and red, which indicates whether the start key 2014 is ready for use or not.

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

[Scanner Image Processing Unit] FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2080. The image bus I / F controller 2081 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and controls and timings of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2080. The filter processing unit 2082 performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter.

The editing unit 2083 recognizes, for example, a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from input image data, and performs image processing such as shadowing, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. I do. Magnification processing unit 2084
Performs an enlargement and a reduction by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of a raster image when changing the resolution of a read image.

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 table conversion that is performed to convert image data that is read luminance data into density data. The binarization 2086 binarizes the multi-value grayscale image data by error diffusion processing or screen processing. The processed image data is again transferred to the image bus via the image bus controller 2081.

[Printer Image Processing Unit] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the printer image processing unit 2090. Image bus I / F
The controller 2091 connects to the image bus 2008,
The function of controlling the bus access sequence and the control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 2090 are generated.

A resolution conversion unit 2092 performs resolution conversion for converting image data received from the LAN 2011 or the public line 2051 into the resolution of the printer 2095. The smoothing processing unit 2093 performs a process of smoothing jaggies (roughness of an image appearing at a black-and-white boundary such as an oblique line) of the image data after the resolution conversion.

[Image Compression Unit] The structure of the image compression unit 2040 is shown in FIG. Image bus I / F controller 2041
Is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, performs timing control for exchanging data with the input buffer 2042 and the output buffer 2045, and controls mode setting for the image compression unit 2043. .

The processing procedure of the image compression processing section will be described below. Through the image bus 2008, the CPU 2001 makes settings for image compression control in the image bus I / F controller 2041. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2041 sets the image compression unit 2043 with the settings necessary for image compression (for example, MMR compression, JBIG expansion, etc.).
I do.

After making necessary settings, the CPU 20
01 permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2041 starts transferring image data from the RAM 2002 or each device on the image bus 2008.

The received image data is stored in the input buffer 20.
The image is temporarily stored in the storage unit 42, and the image 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 is the image bus I / F controller 204.
It is determined whether image data can be transferred between the first image compression unit 2043 and the image compression unit 2043. If it is impossible to read image data from the image bus 2008 and write an image to the image compression unit 2043, Then, control is performed so that data transfer is not performed (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 several lines of data are required depending on the type of image compression processing performed when performing image compression. To compress the first one line, several lines of image data are prepared. This is because image compression cannot be performed unless the image is compressed.

The image data subjected to the image compression is immediately sent to the output buffer 2045. Output buffer 204
In 5, handshaking with the image bus I / F controller 2041 and the image compression unit 2043 is performed, and the image data is transferred 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 each device on the image bus 2008.

Such a series of processing is performed until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (when processing of the required number of pages is completed) or until a stop request is issued from the image compression unit (when an error occurs during compression and decompression). Etc.) are repeated.

[Image Rotation Unit] The structure of the image rotation unit 2030 is shown in FIG. Image bus I / F controller 2031
Is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus sequence, performs control for setting a mode or the like in the image rotation unit 2032, and performs timing control for transferring image data to the image rotation unit 2032.

The processing procedure of the image rotation unit will be described below. The image bus I is sent from the CPU 2001 via the image bus 2008.
/ F controller 2031 is set for image rotation control. With this setting, the image bus I / F controller 2
Reference numeral 041 designates settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, etc.) for the image rotation unit 2032.

After making the necessary settings, the CPU 20
01 permits image data transfer to the image bus I / F controller 2041. In accordance with this permission, the image bus I / F controller 2031 starts transfer of image data from each device on the RAM 2002 or the image bus 2008. Here, it is assumed that the image size to be rotated is 32 × 32 (bit) with 32 bits as its size, and that the image data is transferred in units of 32 bits when the image data is transferred onto the image bus 2008 ( The image to be handled is assumed to be binary).

As described above, in order to obtain a 32.times.32 (bit) image, it is necessary to perform the above-described unit data transfer 32 times and to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses ( (See FIG. 9).

The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written to the RAM 2033 so that the image data is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, 90
If the rotation is counterclockwise, the first transmitted 32 bi
The image data of t is written in the Y direction as shown in FIG.

By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated. 32 × 32 (bit) image rotation (R
After writing to the AM 2033), the image rotation unit 2032 reads out the image data from the RAM 2033 by the above-described reading method, and the image bus I / F controller 2
The image is transferred to 031.

The image bus I / F controller 2031 that has received the rotated image data performs RAMA or image bus 2008 by continuous addressing.
Transfer data to each device above. Such a series of processing is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 2001 (until the processing of the required number of pages is completed).

"Device I / F section"
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the F unit 2020. The image bus I / F controller 2021 is connected to the image bus 2008, controls the bus access sequence, and generates control and timing of each device in the device I / F unit 2020. Further, it generates control signals to the external scanner 2070 and printer 2095. The scan buffer 2022 temporarily stores the image data sent from the scanner 2070, and outputs the image data in synchronization with the image bus 2008.

The serial / parallel / parallel / serial converter 2023 arranges or decomposes the image data stored in the scan buffer 2022 in order, and converts the image data into a data width of image data that can be transferred to the image bus 2008. Parallel serial / serial / parallel conversion 2024
The print buffer 202 decomposes the image data transferred from the image bus 2008 or arranges the image data 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 2095.

The processing procedure at the time of image scanning will be described below.
The image data sent from the scanner 2070 is stored in the scan buffer 2022 in synchronization with the timing signal sent from the scanner 2070. When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, when image data enters the buffer in 32 bits or more, the image data is sent from the buffer to the serial / parallel / parallel / serial converter 2023 in a first-in first-out manner for 32 bits. The image data is 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 buffer is first-in first-out, and
The image data is sent from the buffer to the serial / parallel / parallel / serial converter 2023, converted into serial image data, and transmitted through the image bus I / F controller 2021.
8 on.

The processing procedure when printing an image is described below.
When the image bus 2008 is a PCI bus, the 32-bit image data sent from the image bus is transferred to the image bus I / O.
The data is received by the F controller, sent to the parallel-serial / serial-parallel converter 2024, 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 is received by the image bus I / F controller, sent to the parallel / serial / serial / parallel converter 2024, and the input data bit of the printer 2095 is input. The image data is converted into a number of image data and stored in the print buffer 2025. Then, in synchronization with a timing signal sent from the printer 2095, the image data in the buffer is sent to the printer 2095 on a first-in first-out basis.

[Software] “Description of the Entire System” FIG. 75 (corresponding drawing is not attached) shows the configuration of the entire network system of the present embodiment. An apparatus 1001 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later, and stores an image read from the scanner in a local area network 1010.
(Hereinafter referred to as a LAN) or an image received from the LAN can be printed out by a printer. Further, the image read from the scanner is transmitted to the
Send to STN or ISDN (1030), PS
Images received from TN or ISDN can be printed out by a printer.

Reference numeral 1002 denotes a database server which manages a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the apparatus 1001 of this embodiment as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002, which can browse and search image data stored in the database 1002.

An electronic mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the apparatus 1001 of this embodiment as an electronic mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client, which is capable of receiving and browsing the e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and transmitting the e-mail. Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN, and the apparatus 1001 according to the present embodiment can print out an HTML document provided by the WWW server.

A router 1007 connects the LAN 1010 with the Internet / intranet 1012. The above-mentioned database server (1002), WWW server (1006), e-mail server (1004), device (100
Devices similar to 1) are respectively 1020, 1021, 1
022 and 1023.

On the other hand, the device 1001 of this embodiment
Via the TN or ISDN (1030), transmission and reception with the fax machine 1031 are possible. Also, LAN
A printer 1040 is also connected above, and is configured to be able to print out an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present embodiment.

"Overall Configuration of Software Block" FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating software blocks in the multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, and is a module that mediates with a device when an operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

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

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module, which is used to notify management information of the MFP in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a Control-API 1518 described below,
HTTP1512, TCP / IP1516, Network-Driver described later
The Web client is notified via 1517.

1504 is Universal-Send, that is,
This module is responsible for data distribution, and distributes data specified by the operator via the UI 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly specified. If the operator instructs the generation of distribution data using the scanner function of the present apparatus, the control-API 151 described later is used.
The device is operated through the interface 8 to generate data.

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

Reference numeral 1507 denotes a module that is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction device similar to the present device is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module, which uses a scanner function of the multifunction peripheral, sets another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an output destination, and implements a copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This module performs the same processing as.

Reference numeral 1510 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of the multifunction peripheral, uses another multifunction peripheral connected via a network or the like as an input destination, and implements a copy function realized by the multifunction peripheral alone. This module performs the same processing as.

Reference numeral 1511 denotes a Web-Pull-Print, that is, a module for reading and printing information of various homepages on the Internet or an intranet. 151
Reference numeral 2 denotes a module used when the multifunction peripheral communicates using HTTP. The Web-Server 1503 and Web-Pull-Print 151 are used by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.
This is to provide communication to one module.

Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module, which will be described later.
Universal-Send described above by TCP / IP1516 module
It provides communication to a printer module 1505 in 1504. Reference numeral 1514 denotes an SMTP module, and the above-mentioned Univ.
It provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the ersal-Send 1504.

Reference numeral 1515 denotes SLM, that is, Salutation-Mana
A ger module, and a database module 1507, a DP module 1508, and a database module 1507 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by using a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.
Remote-Copy-Scan1509 module, Remote-Copy-Pr
It provides communication to the int 1510 module.

Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module.
The network communication is provided to the various modules by a Network-Driver described later. Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver which controls a portion physically connected to the network.

Reference numeral 1518 denotes a Control-API, which is a Universal
-For the upstream module such as Send 1504, Job-
It provides an interface with downstream modules such as the Manager 1519, and reduces dependencies between upstream and downstream modules to enhance their diversion.

Reference numeral 1519 denotes a Job-Manager, which interprets a process instructed by the above-described various modules via the Control-API 1518 and gives an instruction to each module described later. Further, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the MFP.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager, which is a Job-Man
Various compression of data in the process specified by the ager 1519,
It manages and controls elongation. 1521 is FBE-Enco
der, Job-Manager 1519, Scan-Manager 15
The data read by the scan processing executed by the H.24 is compressed in the FBE format.

Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, and Job-Manage
r1519, the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 1524 and the print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526
It performs JPEG expansion processing of compression and print data.

Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which is a Job-Manager
1519, in the scan processing executed by the Scan-Manager 1524 and in the print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526, the MMR compression of the read data and the MMR decompression processing of the print data are performed.

Reference numeral 1524 denotes a Scan-Manager, which is a Job-Mana
The ger 1519 manages and controls the scanning process specified by the ger 1519. 1525 is a SCSI driver, Scan-Man
The ager 1524 communicates with the scanner unit internally connected to the MFP.

Reference numeral 1526 denotes a Print-Manager, which is a Job-Man.
It manages and controls the printing process specified by the ager 1519. 1527 is an Engine-I / F driver, and Pri
An interface between the nt-Manager 1526 and the printing unit is provided. 1528 is a parallel port driver.
The b-Pull-Print 1511 provides an I / F for outputting data to an output device (not shown) via a parallel port.

[Application] An embodiment of the embedded application according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 illustrates embedded application blocks related to distribution according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 4050 denotes a block indicating the operation unit application described above. Reference numeral 4100 denotes a block indicating the transmission side of the remote copy application.
Reference numeral 4150 is a block diagram illustrating a transmitting side of the broadcast distribution.

Reference numeral 4200 denotes a block indicating a Web Pull Print module. 4250 is a block indicating a Web Server module. Reference numeral 4300 denotes a block indicating a remote copy receiving side (printing side). 4
Reference numeral 350 denotes a block for receiving and printing the image transmitted by the broadcast by a general-purpose printer.

Reference numeral 4400 denotes a block showing the remote print receiving side (print side). 4450 uses the well-known Notes Server to send images sent by broadcast.
This block is received and stored in r. 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 in a known Mail Server.

Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted from the broadcast. 4650 is a well-known Web containing information contents.
Shows Server. 4700 is the Web of the present embodiment.
9 shows a known Web Browser for accessing a server or the like.

Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block. [User Interface Application] block 40
The details of the user interface (hereinafter, UI) shown at 50 are as described above.
The block Address-Book will be described. This Addres
The s-Book is stored in a non-volatile storage device (a non-volatile memory, a hard disk, or the like) in the device of the present embodiment, and the features of the device connected to the network are described therein.

For example, those listed below are included. Formal name or alias name of device, network address of own device, network protocol that device can process, document format that device can process, compression type that device can process, image resolution that device can process, printer device Paper feedable paper size, paper feed stage information, a folder name that can store a document in the case of a server (computer) device, and the like.

Each application described below can determine the characteristics of the distribution destination based on the information described in the Address Book 4051. Also this Addr
The essBook 4051 is editable, and downloads and uses what is stored on a server computer or the like in the network. Alternatively, it is also possible to refer directly.

[Remote Copy Application] The remote copy application sends the resolution information that can be processed by the device specified as the distribution destination to the Address Book 405.
1, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed by using a known MMR compression, converted into a known TI / FF (Tagged Image File Format), passed through the SLM 4103, Send to printer device. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a well-known Salutation Manager (or Smart Li
This is a type of network protocol that includes device control information called nk Manager).

"Broadcast Distribution Application" Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images 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 Address Book states that the destination device can process LPD (Line Printer Daemon), a well-known network printer protocol, and LIPS, a well-known printer control command.
4051, the Address Book 40
Image reading is performed in accordance with the image resolution determined from the image resolution 51, and in the present embodiment, the image itself is a known FBE (Firs
(T Binary Encoding), and further LIPS-coded, and transmitted to the partner device using LPR, which is a known network link protocol.

The device of the distribution destination can communicate with the SLM,
In the case of the server device, the server address and the designation of the folder in the server are determined from the Address Book 4051, and similarly to the remote copy application, the image binary image read by the scanner is compressed by using the well-known MMR compression. Known TI / FF (Tagged Image File F
and store it in a specific folder on a server device connected to the network through SLM.

In the device of this embodiment, when the server as the partner device determines that the known JPEG-compressed multi-valued image can be processed, the multi-value read image is read in the same manner as the above-described binary image. Using the well-known JPEG compression, the well-known JF
It can be converted to an I / F and stored in a specific folder of a server device connected to the network via SLM.

If the destination device is a well-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 well-known MMR compression. It is known TI
/ FF (Tagged Image File Format)
(Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) 4153, and send it to the E-mail server. Subsequent delivery is Mail
It is executed according to Server 4550.

(Web Pull Print application)
Since the Web Pull Print application is not directly related to the present embodiment, the description is omitted. (Web Server Application) The Web Server application is not directly related to the present embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[Outline of Operation Unit] FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the operation unit of the apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The D display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU when a displayed key is pressed.

A start key (3002) is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. A stop key (3003) functions to stop the operation during operation. An ID key (3004) is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail. “Operation screen” The functions provided by the device of this embodiment
-Send-Retrieve-Tasks-Management-Configuration 6
Divided into two major categories. These are shown in FIG.
6 main tabs (COPY-SEND-RETREIVE-TASKS-MGMT) displayed at the top of the operation screen (3010) shown in FIG.
-CONFIG) (3011 to 3016).

By pressing these main tabs, switching to a screen of each category is performed. When switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab changes, and there is no response even when the main tab is pressed.

Copy has a function of copying a normal document using its own scanner and printer, and a function of copying a document using a printer connected to its own scanner and a network (remote Copy).

Send is a function for transferring a document placed in the scanner of the own device to an e-mail, a remote printer, a facsimile, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and it is possible to designate a plurality of destinations.

Retrieve is a function for acquiring an external document and printing the document on its own printer. 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.

Management manages jobs, address books, hook marks, documents, account information, and the like. In Configuration, settings related to the own device (network, clock, etc.) are performed. Hereinafter, a method of setting these functions will be described using an example of an LCD screen display.

"ID input screen" Immediately after the power is turned on and when the ID key is pressed, as shown in FIG.
20) is displayed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed, and the operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area (3021) and the password input area (3022) can be performed by directly pressing the input area.

[COPY Screen] When the start button is pressed when the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer.

As shown in FIG. 16, the COPY main screen (3100) includes a printer selection button (3103) and a printer display area (3102), an image quality selection button (3105), and an image quality display area (310).
4) Copy parameter display similar to that of a conventional copier (3
101), scaling buttons (3106, 310)
7), a paper selection button (3108), a sorter setting button (3110), a two-sided copy setting button (3112), a density indicator and density setting button (3109), and a numeric keypad (3114).

When the printer selection button (3103) is pressed, as shown in FIG. 17, a list (3120) of available printers (printers owned by itself and printers connected via a network) is displayed in a pull-down display. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears, and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area (3102).

When the image quality setting button (3105) is pressed, a list of image quality (3125 in FIG. 18) is displayed, from which a desired image quality 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 in FIG. 19, paper selection sub-screen 3140 in FIG. 20, and sorter setting sub-screen in FIG. 21) Screen 315
0, a double-sided copy setting sub-screen 3160) shown in FIG. 22 is displayed, and parameters can be set in the same manner as the setting in the 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.

The SEND main screen (3200 in FIG. 23)
Destination display area (3202), detailed destination number display area (32
03), destination scroll button (3204), address book button (3208), New button (3209), E
dit button (3210), Delete button (3211, Sub
ject input area (3205), Message input area (320)
6), File Name input area (3207), Cover page
Check button (3212), Put Into HD check button (3213), Print Out check button (32
14), and a Scan Setting button (3215).

At the time of initialization including reset, as shown in FIG. 24, a SEND initial screen 3201 is displayed, and no destination is displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed. A list of input destinations is displayed in the 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).

After selecting a destination from the destination display area,
Pressing the Delete button (3211) deletes the selected destination. Subject input area (3205), Messa
ge input area (3206), File Name input area (320
Pressing 7) displays a full keyboard and allows each input.

[Address Book Sub Screen] Address Boo
When the k button (3208) is pressed, as shown in FIG.
The address book sub screen (3220) is displayed. Select mark (323) in the address book display area (3221)
By pressing the OK button (3231), the destination marked with 2) is displayed in the destination display area (3
202).

The display of the address book can be classified by class by pressing the sort item setting buttons (3224 to 3226).
Sorted in ascending name order and descending name order. The number of selected items is displayed in the item selection number display area (3227). 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 the Detail button (3229) is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, a Detail sub screen (3235) is displayed as shown in FIG. Detail
The sub screen displays all information obtained from the address book as information on the selected item.

[Search sub-screen] When a Search button (3228) in the address book sub-screen is pressed, a search sub-screen (see FIG. 27) for searching for a destination from the local address book or an external address server is displayed. 3
240) is displayed. The upper part of the search sub screen is a search condition setting part. Search target class display area (324
5) The currently selected item is displayed in the search target attribute display area (3247), search target condition display area (3249), and search target address book display area (3252).

When the search target class setting button (3246) is pressed, a search target class list is displayed as shown in FIG. 28 (3260). The one selected from this list is displayed in the search target class display area. By pressing the search target attribute setting button (3248), a search target attribute list is displayed as shown in FIG. 29 (326).
1).

The attributes displayed in this list change as follows depending on the selected search target class. Common
Name Address, Country (Class: Person), Common
Name / Owner / Location / Model / Type / Resolution /
Color, Finisher (Class: Printer), Common, Name,
Member (class: Group), all attributes (class: Eve
rything).

When the search condition setting button (3250) is pressed, a search condition list is displayed as shown in FIG. 30 (3262), and a condition is selected from the list. When the search target address book setting button (3253) is pressed, a list of search target address books shown in FIG. 31 is displayed (3263), and it is possible to select from the list. When the search target attribute value input area (3251) is pressed,
A full keyboard (3040 in FIG. 58) is displayed, and a value can be input.

When the Do Search button (3254) is pressed,
The search is performed according to the set search conditions. The search result is displayed in the search result display area (3241), and the number of cases is displayed in the search result number display area (3244).

When the Detail button (3255) is pressed while one of the items in the search result display area is selected, FIG.
As shown in (3), detailed information (323
5) is displayed. Items included in the search result display area to be added to the destination include, as shown in the search result example of FIG.
A selection mark is added (3265).

When the OK button (3257) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen.
The item to which the selection mark has been added is added to the destination.
When the cancel button (3256) is pressed, the search sub screen is closed and the screen returns to the SEND main screen.
The destination has not changed.

[Detailed Destination Sub Screen] When the New button (3209) on the SEND main screen is pressed, the Per
The son class details sub screen (3270) is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To input the destination, press the transmission method selection button (3271 to 3274) corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP), or
When the detailed destination input area (3275 to 3278) is pressed, a ten-key keyboard (3050) is displayed for a fax, and a full keyboard (3040) is displayed for others, and input becomes possible. Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

When the Edit button (3210) is pressed with the Person class destination selected on the SEND main screen, the Person class details sub-screen (3290) shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. Detailed destination input area (327
5 to 3278), the details of the selected destination are displayed. When the keyboard is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited.

On the SEND main screen, when the destination of the Data Base class is selected, the Edit button (3210)
Is pressed, the Data Base class details sub screen (3310) shown in FIG. 35 is displayed. A database name (3311) and a folder list (3312) are displayed on the database class details sub screen.

When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the destination of the Group class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Group class details sub screen (3320) shown in FIG. 36 is displayed. A group member display (3321) is displayed on the Group class details sub screen.

[HD SETTING Subscreen] Put Into HD
When the user presses the check button (3213), as shown in FIG.
HD SETTIN for setting to send to hard disk
The G sub screen (3330) is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

[Print Out Sub Screen] When the Print Out check button (3214) is pressed, a print out sub screen (3340) shown in FIG. 38 is displayed. On the printout sub screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, double-sided printing, sorting, resolution, and the like are set. When the paper size selection button (3345) is pressed, a list of paper sizes (3360) shown in FIG. 39 is displayed, from which a selection is made. When the sorter selection button (3350) is pressed, a list of selectable sorters (3365) shown in FIG. 40 is displayed.

[Scan Setting Sub Screen] Scan Setting
When the button (3215) is pressed, the Scan Sett shown in FIG.
The ing sub screen (3370) is displayed. Scan Setting
When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area (3371) in the sub-screen, the preset resolution, scan mode, and density corresponding to the selected one are displayed in the respective display areas (3377, 3379, 3381).
These values can be changed manually.

A screen 3390 shown in FIG. 42 is a screen in which a paper size selection list is displayed in a pull-down display, and a paper size and a direction to be used are selected from this list. 339 in FIG.
Reference numerals 1 and 3392 in FIG. 44 each indicate a state in which a resolution and a scan mode list are displayed in a pull-down manner.

"RETRIEVE screen" RETRIEVE shown in FIG.
WWW (3401) and E-mail are displayed on the main screen (3400).
(3402), Fax (3403), FTP (3404) subtabs and PUTINT commonly used in each subcategory
An OHD check button (3405) and a PRINTSETTING button (3406) are displayed. Pressing a subtab displays the corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP subscreens. At initialization including reset, the WWW sub screen is displayed.

[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, if nothing is displayed in the URL input area, no function is performed even if the start button is pressed.

When a URL input area (3411) on the WWW sub-screen (3400) is pressed, a full keyboard (304) is pressed.
0) is displayed, and direct entry of the URL is enabled. Link
When the Depth (3412) and Max Pages (3414) input areas are pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and it becomes possible to directly input numerical values.

[Bookmark Sub Screen] Bookmark Button (3
419), the Bookmark sub screen (3
460) is displayed. A list of set bookmarks is displayed in a bookmark display area (3461) in the Bookmark sub-screen, and a selected display state is established by pressing any one line. When the OK button (3466) is pressed, the Bookmark 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.

"E-mail sub-screen" E-mail shown in FIG.
On the sub screen (3430), settings for receiving E-mail are made. When each of the input areas (3431 to 433) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

[Fax Sub Screen] In the Fax Sub Screen (3440) shown in FIG. 47, a fax number is input. When the input area (3441) is pressed, the numeric keyboard (305) is pressed.
0) is displayed, and the fax number can be input.

[FTP Server Sub-Screen] F shown in FIG.
On the TP Server sub screen (3450), settings for receiving data from the server are made. Each person's area (3451-
Pressing 3453) displays a full keyboard (3040) and allows input.

[HD Setting Sub Screen] When the Pull Into HD check button (3405) common to each category is pressed, the HD Setting sub screen (3330) shown in FIG. 37 is displayed.
Is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HDSetting sub screen.

[Print Setting Sub Screen] By pressing the Print Setting button (3406) common to each category,
The Print Setting sub screen (3470) shown in FIG. 50 is displayed. The function is the same as Send's Print Out sub screen.

[TASKS screen] When the start key is pressed while the TASKS screen shown in FIG.
Automatic RET according to the parameters set on the S screen
The RIEVE operation is performed. TASKS main screen (3500)
Include WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, FaxReceive, Fax
Polling sub tabs (3501 to 505) are displayed. At initialization including reset, the WWW sub screen (350
0) is displayed.

[WWW Sub-Screen] In the WWW task list display area (3511), tasks held in the device are displayed in the order of input. 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, the state shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and a new task can be input. The WWW task details sub screen will be described later.

When the Edit button (3514) is pressed while one task is selected from the WWW task list, the WWW task details sub screen (35) including the selected task information is displayed.
20) is displayed, and the setting can be edited.
Delete with one task selected from the WWW task list
Pressing the button (3515) deletes the selected task.

"WWW Task Details Sub-Screen" The RETRIEVE main screen and the RETRIE
The components (3521 to 533) having common functions on the WWW sub screen of VE, the check time display area (3
534), check time setting button (3535), PR
INTWHEN CHANGED check button (3536), transfer check button (3537), OK button (3539),
A cancel button (3538) is displayed. RETRIEVE
The description of the parts common to the above is omitted.

The check time display area (3554)
When the WWW 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. 53 has a schedule mode setting button (3551-3553), a time input area (3554), an OK button (3558), and a cancel button (3557). ) Is displayed.

In addition, when the Once button (3551) is selected among the schedule mode setting buttons, a month input area (3555) and a date input area (3556) are displayed.

FIG. 5 is displayed when the Weekly button (3552) is selected.
As shown in FIG. 4, the check time sub screen weekly (35
60), a day setting check button (3561) is displayed.

When the Monthly button (3553) is selected, as shown in FIG. 55, the check time sub-screen Monthly
At (3570), a date input area (3571) is displayed. When each input area is pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed as shown in FIG. 59, and a numerical value can be input. The day setting check button allows selection of a plurality of days.

"MGMT screen" 3600 shown in FIG.
Is a Management screen. Detailed description is omitted.

"CONFIG screen" 37 shown in FIG.
00 is a Configuration screen. Detailed description is omitted.

"Full keyboard" As shown in FIG.
The full keyboard (3040) is displayed when a character input area is pressed. WWW button (3041), COM
When the button (3042) is pressed, "WWW" and "C
The character "OM" is input. The other keys have the same functions as those of the related art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

"Ten keyboard" As shown in FIG.
The numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed when a numerical value input area or a month input area is pressed. Description of each key is omitted.

"Error Screen" As shown in FIG. 61, the error screen (3030) is displayed when there is any error. The error screen includes a message display area (3031) for displaying an error message in text, and an OK button (3032) for closing the error screen.

"Device Information Service (DI
S) ”A database that stores setting values for jobs, functions of devices (scanners, printers, and the like), status, billing information, and the like in a controller in a data format compliant with the Control API, and an I / F between the database and Devi.
ce Information Service (hereinafter referred to as DIS)
Is defined as

FIG. 62 shows DIS 7102 and Job Manag.
er7101, Scan Manager 7103, Print Manage
This shows the exchange with r7104. Basically, dynamic information such as a job start command is transmitted from Job Manager 7101 to each Docume.
The command is directly instructed to the nt manager, and static information such as the function of the device and the content of the job refers to the DIS 7102. each
Static and dynamic information and events from the Document Manager are transmitted to the Job Manager 7101 via the DIS 7102.

When data is set and obtained from each Document Manager to the DIS database, since the internal data format of the DIS conforms to the Control API, the
l Perform mutual conversion between API-compliant data formats and data formats that each Document Manager can understand.

For example, when setting the status from each Document Manager, the device-specific data is interpreted, converted into the corresponding data defined by the Control API, and written to the DIS database.

When setting and acquiring data in the database of the DIS from the Job Manager, the Job Manager and the D
No conversion of data occurs between ISs. In the DIS, event data is updated based on various event information notified from the Document Manager.

FIG. 63 shows various databases (hereinafter referred to as DBs) held in the DIS, and each DB will be described. The round rectangles in FIG. 63 represent individual DBs.

In FIG. 63, reference numeral 7201 denotes a supervisor.
It is a DB that holds status and user information for the entire device. This is because information that needs to be backed up, such as a user ID and a password, is held in a non-volatile storage device such as an HD device or a backup memory.

Reference numeral 7202 denotes a Scan Component DB, and reference numeral 7203 denotes a Print Component DB. these
The Component DB is stored for each existing Component. For example, if the device consists only of a printer, Prin
Only the Component DB exists. For example, in the case of a device having a FAX, the FAX Component DB is held. each
When initializing the Component DB, the corresponding Docum
The ent Manager sets the function and status of the Component.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes the Scan Job Service DB, 7
205 is a Print Job Service DB, and these Jobs
Similarly to the Component DB, the Service DB sets the functions that can be used by the corresponding Document Manager on the device at the time of initialization and the support status of them.

Next, the Job DB and Document DB will be described. 7206 is Scan Job DB, 7207 is Print Jo
b Each DB of Job DB, 7208 is Scan Document DB, 7
Reference numeral 209 denotes a Print Document DB.

The Job DB and Document DB are dynamically secured and initialized by the JobManager every time a Job and a Document attached thereto are generated, and necessary items are set.
Each Document Manager starts the Job DB and
Read the items required for processing from Document DB and start Job.

After that, when the Job ends, these Jobs and the DB of the Document attached thereto are released. J
Since ob has one or more Documents, a plurality of Document DBs may be secured for a certain Job.

Reference numeral 7210 denotes a database holding event information notified from each Document Manager, and reference numeral 7211 denotes a counter table for recording the number of times of scanning and the number of times of printing of the apparatus.

Events notified from the Document Manager include transition of the component state from the Scan Document Manager, completion of the scanning process, various errors, and print D.
Event ID to identify each event, such as component status transition from the ocument Manager, print processing completion, paper jam, paper cassette open, etc.
Is predetermined.

When an event is issued from the Document Manager, the DIS registers the issued event ID in the event database 7211 and, if necessary, detailed data accompanying the event. Also, when notification of event release is notified from Document Manager, the event data designated to be released is deleted from the event database 7211.

When the event is polled by the Job Manager, the DIS is stored in the event database 7210.
And returns the event ID of the event that has occurred and the detailed data attached to the event to the Job Manager if necessary. If no event has occurred, return the fact.

When the event of the completion of the scanning process or the completion of the printing process is notified, the counter value of the user who performed the scan and print 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.

[Scan Operation] The details of the scan operation will be described below. FIG. 64 is a conceptual diagram of a block related to the scanning operation. CPU 81 is connected to PCI bus 8105
01, memory 8102, image compression / decompression board 810
4, a scanner 8107, and a SCSI I / F circuit 8103 that provides an I / F for connecting this system
Is connected.

A SCSI I / F circuit 8103 and a scanner (or a scanner function unit of a copying machine having a composite function)
8107 are connected by a SCSI interface cable 8106. Also, IDE Cont.
roller8108 is connected and IDE Cable8109
Is connected to the IDE Hard Disk 8110 via the.

FIG. 65 shows a software structure relating to the scanning operation. 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 communicates with the Job Manager 8201 and the DI
Information necessary for performing the scan is acquired from S8202.

The scan operation management unit 8203 is a job manag.
The table data of the document number of the table data of the job number in FIG. 73 is received from the er8201.
Then, scan parameters 8302 are received from the DIS 8202 based on the table data of these job numbers and document numbers. As a result, scanning is performed based on the scanning conditions requested by the application.

The scanning 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 830
8, the SCSI controller 8207 is controlled.

By operating the SCSI controller 8103 connected to the PC 18105 in FIG. 64, the scanner 8107 is connected via the SCSI cable 8106.
The scan is executed by sending a SCSI control command to the scanner. The scanned image is supplied to the SCSI controller 8103 via the SCSI cable 8106, and
It is stored in the Memory 8102 via C18105.

When the scan is completed, the scan sequence control unit 8204 executes the Memory 8102 via the PC 18105.
When the image is stored in the scan parameter 830
According to the content of the scan image compression format 8309 of Me 2,
A request is issued to the compression / decompression control unit 8205 to compress the scan image stored in the mory 8102.

The compression / decompression control unit 820 receiving the request
No. 5 performs compression by specifying a scan image compression format 8309 from the scan sequence control unit 8204 using the CODEC 8104 connected to the PC 18105. compression·
The decompression control unit 8205 stores the compressed image in the Memory 8102 via the PC 18105.

The scan sequence control section 8204 controls the compression / decompression control section 8205 to control the scan image compression format 830.
Compress the scanned image into the format specified in Step 9
At the time when the scan parameter 8302 is stored,
Memory 8102 according to the image file type 8307 of
File of the compressed scanned image stored in.

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 stores the Memory 81 according to the image file type 8307 from the scan sequence control unit 8204.
02 into a file,
Transfer to IDE Controller 8108 via PC 18105 and IDE Hard Disk 81 via IDE Cable 8109
Then, the scanned compressed image is converted to a file by transferring the compressed image to a file.

When the file system 8206 stores the filed image in the IDE HardDISK 8110, the scan sequence control unit 8204
It is determined that the processing of the upper one document has been completed, and a scan completion notification is sent back to the scan operation management unit 8203.

At this point, there is a document on the Scanner 8107 that has not been scanned yet, and the Job Manager 8107
If there is a scan request from 201, DI
Scan parameters 830 stored in S8202
2 to request a scan operation from the scan sequence control unit.

If there is no unscanned document on the Scanner 8107, or if there is no scan request from the JobManager 8201, a scan end notification is issued to the Job Manager 8201 assuming that the scan operation has ended.

[Print Operation] The print operation will be described in detail below. FIG. 66 is a conceptual diagram of a block related to a printing operation. CPU on PCI bus 9005
9001 and memory 9002, image compression / decompression board 9
004 and an engine I / FF board 9 for providing an interface for connecting the printer 9007 and this system
003 is connected.

An Engine I / F board 9003 and a printer (or a printer function unit of a copying machine having a composite function) 9007 are connected to the engine interface cable 90.
06. The Engine I / F board has a DPRAM inside, and through this DPRAM, sets parameters to the printer, reads the status of the printer, and exchanges print control commands.

This board has a video controller, and transmits image data developed on the PCI via the engine interface cable in accordance with VCLK (Video Clock) and HSYNC given from the printer via the engine interface cable. Send to printer.

FIG. 6 shows the timing of this transmission.
It looks like 7. VCLK is constantly output, and HSYNC is applied in synchronization with the start of one line of the printer. The Video controller reads data for the set image width (WIDTH) from the memory (SOURCE) on the set PCI,
Output to the engine interface cable as a Video signal. After repeating this for the specified number of lines (LINES), an IMAGE END interrupt is generated.

As described above, when a print job instruction is passed from the application program on the CPU to the Control API, the Control API passes this as a job to the Job Manager at the controller level. Furthermore this
Job Manager stores the job settings in DIS and prints it.
Instruct Manager to start the job. When the Print Manager receives the job, it reads information necessary for job execution from the DIS, and sets the information in the printer via the Engine I / F board and DPRAM.

FIG. 68 shows the setting items of the Engine I / F board.
FIG. 69 shows the setting items, control commands, and status commands via the DPRAM of the printer. For the sake of simplicity, the job is uncompressed, a two-page copy of a letter (11 "× 8.5") size binary image, and a printer
The operation will be specifically described assuming that it has a performance of 0 dpi.

First, upon receiving this job, Print Manag
er calculates the number of image bytes of the width of the image (in this case, the side of 8.5 ″). WIDTH = 8.5 × 600/8 ≒ 630 (Bytes) Next, the number of lines is calculated. = 11 × 600 = 6600 (Lines)

The calculated values and the SOURCE address where the given first page image is stored are shown in FIG.
Set to WIDTH, LINES, SOURCE shown in 8. At this point, the Engine I / F board is ready for image output, but the HSYNC signal from the printer has not been received (VCL
K has come) does not output image data.

Next, the Print Manager shown in FIG.
The number of output copies "1" is written into a predetermined address (Book No) of the DPRAM, and then a paper feed request (FEED_REQ) for the first page is issued, and an IMAG from the printer is issued.
Wait for E # REQ. When IMAGE # REQ comes from the printer, IMAGE #
Issue START.

In response to this, the printer starts outputting HSYNC, and the Engine I / F board which has been waiting for HSYNC outputs an image. When the printer detects the trailing edge of the output paper,
Outputs IMAGE # END, and when the output paper is ejected, SHEETOUT
Is output.

Print Manager is IMAGE # END on the first page
In response, the second page WIDTH, LINES, SOURCE Engine
Set to the I / F board, issue FEED # REQ, and send IMAG # FRE
Wait for Q. The operation after IMAGE_REQ of the second page comes
It is the same as the first page.

[Device Profile Information] Next, the department management at the center of the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, department management information is generated from an IP address used to specify an image input / output destination and an IP address list registered in the management server 103, and image output information to a device whose output destination is specified is managed. This enables information such as billing to be managed for each department.

The above charging information is generated based on the following profile. Device profiles are virtual
This is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device required to configure the MFP, and is composed of text data as shown in FIG.

FIG. 70 shows an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102. In FIG. 70, “Device-Type;” indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an input device and indicates a scanner. “Device-Id;” indicates a device model name, and in this case, indicates that Scanner-XXX is the device model name.

"Device-address;" indicates the network address of the device. In this case, "172.16.1.
0.2 is the network address of the device.

"Resolution;" is the resolution supported by the device, in this case, 400 dpi, 600 dpi, 1
Indicates that a resolution of 200 dpi is supported. "M
edia-size; "indicates a paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports A4, A5, and B4 paper sizes.

[0200] "Input-fee;" indicates a charge when the device is used. In this case, when a 16-bit image of A4 size is captured, a charge of "8 yen" is charged.

"Document-format;" is an image format supported by the device. In this case, the device
GIF type image output and LIPS4 type PDL
Indicates that output by is supported.

The device to which the output image is supplied is “Internet Fax”, and its IP addresses 192, 168.
0.1 indicates that the section to which the IP address belongs is “section A” based on the registration information of the user.

FIG. 71 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 106. In FIG. 71, “Device-Type;” indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an output device and indicates that it is a laser beam printer (LBP).

"Device-Id;" indicates the model name of the device. In this case, "LBP-XXX" indicates that the model name of the device. “Device-Address;” indicates the network address of the device. In this case, “172.16.
10.3 "indicates the network address of the device.

"Resolution;" is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that resolutions of 300 dpi and 600 dpi are supported. "Media-size;"
Indicates the paper size supported by the device, in which case the device supports the "Letter, Letter R, Legal" paper size.

"Cassette;" indicates the installed paper cassette stage and its paper size. Here, it can be seen that LetterR is stored in the upper row and Legal size is stored in the lower row.

[0207] "Output-speed;" indicates the print speed, and here indicates that the speed is 6 sheets / minute of Letter paper. “Output-fee;” indicates a charge when the device is used, and indicates that a charge of “10 yen” is required when a black-and-white image is output at the spot letter size.

“Document-format;” is an image format supported by the device, and includes LIPS4, N201,
Indicates that input by ESC / P is supported.
[Option;] indicates information about Option devices connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that nothing is connected.

The device to which the input image is supplied is a PC, and its IP address is based on the registration information of the user, and the section to which the IP address “192.168.0.2” belongs is “section B”. Is shown.

FIG. 72 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer. In FIG. 72, “Device-Type;” indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an output device and indicates a laser beam printer (LBP).

"Device-Id;" indicates the model name of the device. In this case, it indicates that GP-XXX is the model name of the device. “Device-Address;” indicates the network address of the device. In this case, “172.1.
"6.10.4" indicates the network address of the device.

"Resolution;" is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that resolutions of 300 dpi and 600 dpi are supported. "Media-size;"
Indicates the paper size supported by the device, in which case the device is Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, St
Indicates support for atement paper sizes.

[Cassette;] indicates the installed paper cassette stage and its paper size. Here, 1
Letter R in the row, Legal in the second row, Legal in the third row, Let in the fourth row
It can be seen that the size of the statement ter is stored in the fifth row, and the size of the Legal R is stored in the sixth row.

“Output-speed;” indicates the print speed, and here indicates that the speed is 32 sheets / minute of Letter paper. “Output-fee;” indicates the charge when the device is used. In this case, when a monochrome image is output in the Letter size, the charge of “10 yen” is required.

“Document-format;” is an image format supported by the device, and includes LIPS4, N201, ES
Indicates that C / P input is supported. [Optio
n;] indicates information about the 0ption device connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that a sorter having a staple function of 20 bins and a duplex unit for performing duplex printing are provided. The device to which the input image is supplied is a PC (Web-site), and its IP address “192, 168.0.3” is based on the registration information of the user, and the section to which the IP address belongs is section C. It is shown that.

If the user defines in advance the correspondence between the IP address and the department name, the department management information is automatically written into the above profile, and is hierarchized on the department management database as shown in FIG. It is managed in the state that was done.

After the end of the print job, referring to the above profile, the database is automatically searched for which department the customer accessing the image forming means belongs to, and the counter in the counter table managed by the DIS 7102 is searched. The accounting information and the like of the department to which the specified IP address belongs can be totalized and managed from the information. The information collected individually is stored in a database together with its history, and the information can be downloaded at any time in a network system.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but is also applicable to an apparatus composed of one device. You may.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are implemented in an apparatus connected to the above-described various devices or a computer in a system so that various devices are operated so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Supplies the software program code for performing the
The invention implemented by operating the various devices according to the program stored in U) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer,
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, R
OM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions described in the above embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) in which the program code runs on the computer. Alternatively, even when the functions described in the above-described embodiments are implemented in cooperation with other application software or the like, it goes without saying that such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is stored based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention also includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in or performs some or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0223]

According to the present invention, as described above, according to the present invention, all the jobs generated on the network can be managed, so that the customer accessing the image forming means belongs to any department. To search for accounts, sum up billing information for each department, and manage them. Further, it is possible to store individually totaled information in a database together with its history, and to download the information as needed in a network system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image input / output device.

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

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

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image compression unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image rotation unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of image transfer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of writing image data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a device I / F unit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating software blocks in the multifunction peripheral of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating embedded application blocks related to distribution according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a COPY main screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a list of available printers.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a list of Image Quality.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an enlargement / reduction setting sub-screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sorter setting sub screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a sorter setting sub screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a SEND main screen.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a SEND initial screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an address book sub screen.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a detailed information screen.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an address search screen.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display example of a search target class list.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a search target attribute list.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display example of a search target condition list.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a display example of a search target address book list.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a search result.

FIG. 33 is a (New) diagram showing a detailed destination.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing (Person) indicating a detailed destination.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing (Data Base) showing a detailed destination.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing (Group) indicating a detailed destination.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a hard disk setting screen.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a print setting screen.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a paper size list display.

FIG. 40 is a view showing a sorter list display.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a scan setting screen.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a paper size list display.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a resolution list display.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a scan mode list display.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a RITRIVER main screen.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an E-Mail screen.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a fax screen.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an FTP screen.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a bookmark screen.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a RITRIVER-print setting screen.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a TASKS main screen.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a WWW detailed setting screen.

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Once).

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Weekly).

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a check time sub screen (Monthly).

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a Management sub-screen.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a Configuration sub-screen.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing a full keyboard.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a numeric keyboard.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an ID input screen.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing an error screen.

FIG. 62 shows DIS, Job Manager, Scan Manager, and
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating exchange with a Print Manager.

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing various databases held in the DIS.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing the concept of a block relating to a scanning operation.

FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating a software structure related to a scan operation.

FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a block related to a printing operation.

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating transmission timing of image data.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing setting items of an I / F board.

FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating setting items, control commands, and status commands via a DPRAM of the printer.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the network scanner.

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a network printer.

FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in a network printer.

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing table data of a document number.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing the structure of a department management database.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing the configuration of the entire system of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Network 102 Network Scanner 103 Management Server 104 Network Fax 106, 107, 108 Network Printer

Continued on front page F-term (reference) 5B021 AA01 CC05 EE04 5B089 GA16 GB02 JA35 JA36 JB15 KA13 KA15 KB04 KC60 LB08 LB14 LB26 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AA29 AA35 AB38 AB42 AC21 AC41 AC42 AC55 AF00 AF08 BA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] An address designating unit for designating addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, collating address information designated by the address designating unit with a pre-registered address list for each department. Department management information generating means for generating department management information, and image output information management means for managing image output information to a device that has designated an image output destination. A multi-function system characterized by managing various information including each department. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein said image output information management means is provided in a server terminal device connected to said image processing device on said network. 3. An address specifying means for specifying addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, and the address information specified by the address specifying means is collated with a pre-registered address list for each department to manage departments. Department management information generation means for generating information; image output permission information management means for managing image output permission information for a device that has designated an image output destination; and an image for determining whether the image output is permitted or not permitted A multi-function system comprising: output determination means. 4. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein said image output information management means is provided in a server terminal connected to said image processing apparatus on said network. 5. A system comprising: job management means for managing a job generated on a network; and network management means including department management and accounting management based on job information managed by the job management means. Server terminal device. 6. An address designating process for designating addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, collating address information designated in the address designating process with a pre-registered address list for each department. Performing a department management information generation process of generating department management information by performing a process, and an image output information management process of managing image output information to a device for which an image output destination is specified. The image output information management process includes accounting information. A job management method characterized by managing various information for each department. 7. An address specifying process for specifying addresses of a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, and comparing the address information specified in the address specifying process with a pre-registered address list for each section to manage the sections. Department management information generation processing for generating information; image output permission information management processing for managing image output permission information for a device that has designated an image output destination; and an image for determining whether the image output is permitted or not permitted A job management method comprising performing output determination processing. 8. A job management process for managing a job generated on a network, and a network management process including a department management and a billing management based on job information managed by the job management process. Job management method. 9. A storage medium storing a program constituting each means according to claim 1 so as to be readable from a computer. 10. A storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to any one of the above items 6 to 8 so as to be readable from a computer.