JP2002182877A - Information processor and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor, e.g. a client computer and a scanner/printer server for inputting/outputting picture data by using a picture processor on a network, which does not require a user to be aware of items (limit information) that can be set to picture processors such as a scanner or a printer. SOLUTION: The client computer obtains limit information on the printer which is desired to perform print output and updates a setting screen for setting information in a printer on the basis of limit information. The client computer obtains limit information on the printer which is desired to perform print output and, on the basis of the limit information displays the setting items on the setting screen so that the items which cannot be set in the printer cannot be selected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for performing scanner input and print output using an image processing apparatus on a network, for example, a scanner or a printer, for example, a client computer or a scanner / printer server. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, when documents and images created and converted on a computer are output from a printer or image data is taken in from a scanner, these computers, printers, scanners, etc. are connected via a network. This has made it possible for one client user to use a plurality of printers and scanners.

[0003]

However, in this case, in order to obtain the expected input / output result, each client user must use the restrictions on the scanner / printer used (usable paper size, presence / absence of ADF / sorter, maximum reading). Size) must always be considered. If an I / O request that exceeds the limit is made by mistake, either an error results and no I / O result is obtained, or an unexpected I / O result is obtained. However, when the scanner / printer is installed at a position distant from the user or when the number of scanners / printers is large, it is difficult for the user to always be aware of the limitations of the scanner / printer.

The present invention uses a scanner / printer on a network without always being aware of restriction information for specifying items that can be set for an image processing apparatus such as a scanner / printer used by a client user. It is an object to provide an information processing apparatus capable of inputting and outputting image data, for example, a client computer or a scanner / printer server.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: a display control means for displaying a setting screen for making settings for an image processing apparatus; Acquiring means for acquiring restriction information for specifying items that can be set for the apparatus; and displaying the settable items in a selectable state based on the restriction information acquired by the acquiring means. Updating means for updating the setting screen to be set.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a print output or a scanner input is performed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item that can be set on the displayed setting screen. Generating means for generating job data for causing job data to be generated.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, there is provided a receiving means for receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus, wherein the acquiring means designates the information based on the information received by the receiving means. The restriction information of the image processing apparatus obtained is acquired.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the acquisition means performs the acquisition via a network.

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, a display control means for displaying a setting screen for making settings for the image processing apparatus, and an item which can be set for the image processing apparatus are specified. Acquiring means for acquiring limit information for the display device, wherein the display control means displays the settable items in a selectable state on the basis of the limit information acquired by the acquirer, The display of the screen is controlled.

In a seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, a printout or a scanner input is executed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. Generating means for generating job data for causing job data to be generated.

In an eighth aspect based on the sixth aspect, there is provided receiving means for receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus, wherein the acquiring means designates the information based on the information received by the receiving means. The restriction information of the image processing apparatus obtained is acquired.

In a ninth aspect based on the sixth aspect, the acquisition means performs the acquisition via a network.

In a tenth aspect based on the sixth aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, a display control means for displaying a setting screen on which a plurality of image processing apparatuses can be set, and the image processing apparatus is designated. Receiving means for receiving information for the image processing apparatus, and obtaining means for obtaining the restriction information of the image processing apparatus designated by the information received by the receiving means. The setting screen displayed is controlled so that an item that cannot be set for the image processing apparatus cannot be selected based on the information.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, a print output or a scanner input is executed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. Generating means for generating job data for causing job data to be generated.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the acquisition means performs the acquisition via a network.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

According to a fifteenth aspect, in the control method of the information processing apparatus, a display control step of displaying a setting screen for making a setting for the image processing apparatus; Acquiring the restriction information for specifying the setting information, and updating the setting screen displayed so as to display a settable item in a selectable state based on the restriction information acquired in the acquisition step. And an updating step.

In a sixteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, a printout or a scanner input is executed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. And a generating step of generating job data for causing the job data to be generated.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the tenth aspect, a receiving step for receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus is provided, and in the acquiring step, the information is designated based on the information received in the receiving step. The restriction information of the image processing apparatus obtained is acquired.

According to an eighteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, in the acquisition step, the acquisition is performed via a network.

In a nineteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

According to a twentieth aspect, in the control method of the information processing apparatus, a display control step of displaying a setting screen for setting the image processing apparatus; An acquisition step of acquiring restriction information for specifying the setting, and in the display control step, based on the restriction information acquired in the acquisition step, the setting displayed to display a settable item in a selectable state. It is characterized by controlling the display of the application screen.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in the twentieth aspect, a print output or a scanner input is executed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. And a generating step of generating job data for causing the job data to be generated.

According to a twenty-second aspect, in the twentieth aspect, a reception step of receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus is provided, and in the obtaining step, the information is specified by the information received in the reception step. The restriction information of the image processing apparatus obtained is acquired.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the twentieth aspect, in the obtaining step, the obtaining is performed via a network.

In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the twentieth aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the control method of the information processing apparatus, a display control step of displaying a setting screen capable of setting each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses is provided. A receiving step of receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus; and an obtaining step of obtaining restriction information of the image processing apparatus specified by the information received in the receiving step. The setting screen displayed is controlled so that an item that cannot be set to the image processing apparatus cannot be selected based on the obtained restriction information.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the twenty-fifth aspect, a print output or a scanner input is executed to the image processing apparatus by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. And a generating step of generating job data for causing the job data to be generated.

In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the twenty-fifth aspect, the acquisition is performed via a network in the acquisition step.

In a twenty-eighth aspect based on the twenty-fifth aspect, the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.

(Function) According to the present invention, with the above configuration, when a client user uses an image processing apparatus such as a scanner or a printer connected to a network, the client user can set the image processing apparatus. Scanner input and printout can be performed efficiently without always being aware of the restriction information for specifying a particular item.

[0034]

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

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a scanner / printer server system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the present embodiment has a digital image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as "scanner") (100) at the top and a digital image printing unit (hereinafter referred to as a printer) for printing out digital images. (30)
0), a digital copier (1000), a scanner / printer server (200) connected to the network (1), and computers (400) of a plurality of client users.

FIG. 2 has a scanner / printer function.
The configuration of this digital copying machine (1000) is shown.

In the scanner (100) section, the scanner controller (101) is at the center of control and performs the following control.

First, the exposure system controller (103) controls the contact type CCD line sensor to scan the original on the original platen and converts it into an analog image signal corresponding to the density of each pixel. This analog image signal is converted by the A / D converter into 8 colors.
It is converted to a bit digital image signal. This image signal (digital) is converted from its luminance level to a level corresponding to the amount of toner, which is a density, by the image processing unit (102). Next, the image processing unit (102) performs various types of image processing such as synthesis, scaling, and movement.

In the printer (300) section, the scanner (1)
The digital image signal sent from the (00) section is converted into a lighting signal for the semiconductor laser section, and the laser drive section (31)
The laser is controlled at 0), and the lighting signal of the laser is output as a pulse width corresponding to the level of the digital image signal.

The laser lighting level is 256 levels (8
bit). In accordance with the digital image signal to be output, the image is sequentially exposed and developed (314) on the photosensitive drum (315) in a digital dot format, transferred to a plurality of sheets (316), and finally fixed (322). It has become an electrophotographic laser beam printer.

The scanner (100) and the printer (3)
The section (00) controls the printer (300) under the control of the scanner (100) section, and can also function as a digital copying machine (1000).

When functioning also as a digital copier (1000), an original image is set on the original platen of the scanner (100), a copy start key is pressed, and an image is read from the scanner according to the above-described process and image processing is performed. An image is formed through the processes of exposure, development, transfer, and fixing in the printer (300), and is output as a gray scale copy.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the client computer (400) on the network.

The client computer (400)
A network controller (420) for controlling a protocol on a network with the scanner / printer server (200); a CPU (405) for central control of a client computer; temporary registration of image data; Hard disk (451) for
And the hard disk controller (45
0), a mouse (431) and a keyboard (441) as means for inputting instructions from a main memory (460) and an operator.
And a keyboard / mouse controller (430) for controlling them, a color display (412) for performing layout, editing, menu display, etc., a display memory (411), and a display controller (4).
10) and an image editing controller (41) for performing image layout and editing on the display memory (411).
3).

FIG. 4 shows a scanner / printer server (200) according to the present invention.

This apparatus is roughly divided into a main controller (210) for controlling the entire scanner / printer server (200), a network controller (220) for controlling protocol processing on a network, and a packet extracted by the protocol. Network server controller (221) that controls the server as a server, such as analyzing the contents of data and separating image data, a hard disk controller (230) that controls one or a plurality of hard disks, and a hard disk (23) connected to the hard disk controller (23).
1), a queue management controller (270) for managing / controlling queuing file data registered on the hard disk, queue table data (271) for its management information, and raster images based on separated image data / command data. A raster image storage unit (700) that stores / manages data and its position / attribute information and performs layout and the like is provided. Note that the queuing data refers to command data that is input and held until executed.

As an interface, a digital copier (1000) exchanges image data, control information, commands, and the like, and switches the digital copier (1000) when a plurality of digital copiers (1000) are connected. A mouse (244), a keyboard (245), a keyboard / mouse controller (243) for controlling them, a layout / edit /
It comprises a display (242) for displaying a menu, a display memory (241), and a display controller (240).

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a raster image storage unit (700) in the scanner / printer server.

The raster image storage unit (700) controls an image main controller (710) for controlling the entire raster image data, and efficiently arranges and manages raster image data in a raster image memory (760). Memory management controller (720), its management table (770), already registered image data, or image editing controller (730) that performs enlargement / reduction / deformation editing when registering an image in memory, to the printer unit A layout controller (750) that performs layout editing in real time when outputting is mainly configured.

When outputting image data in the memory, the digital interface controller (79)
0), the image data is transferred to the digital printer unit (300), and a print image can be obtained.

The raster image storage (700) and the scanner /
The image data and instructions for the main bus of the printer server (200) are based on a specific format, and are connected to the image main controller (710) and the scanner / printer server (100) via the bus controller (740). 200).

The raster image storage section (700) can manage image data in two modes, a file management mode and a page mode.

The first file management mode is a function for storing / managing a plurality of image data. The stored image data is registered in accordance with an instruction from the main controller (210) of the scanner / printer server. A plurality of image data are laid out, respectively, and output to the digital printer unit (300) via the digital interface controller (790) to obtain a print image. At this time, the plurality of image data are stored in the raster image memory (76
0) is divided into a plurality of parts and managed, and the start address on the memory and its image data length, the attribute of the image data,
The position information and the like of the layout output of the image data are registered in the position / attribute information table (770), and are managed by the memory management controller (720). The position and size designated by an image editing controller (730) that performs image conversion and enlargement / reduction / deformation editing of the registered image data and a layout controller (750) that performs layout editing when the image data is actually output. Then, it is output to the digital printer unit (300) via the color digital interface controller (790). Therefore, since the original image data is always stored in the memory, it is possible to change the layout output.

In the page mode, which is another memory management mode, the raster image memory (760) is treated as one sheet of paper, and the memory is managed by width (WIDTH) / height (HEIGHT). Are respectively subjected to image conversion such as enlargement / reduction / deformation by the image editing controller (730) when being laid out on the memory, and fitted into the designated layout position on the memory.

As described above, the layout controller (75)
The position and size specified by 0) are output to the digital printer unit (300) via the digital interface controller (790).

The client computer (400) and the scanner print server (200) use a group of data strings called packets as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as one block to exchange packets. It is carried out.

The structure of the packet is such that the destination network address is set at the beginning, the source network address is set next, the actual packet data follows the frame size information of the packet, and finally the reliability of data transfer is set. An error check such as a CRC called a tailor is added to improve the performance. This packet data part (100
02), any data can be entered. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
0003) and a data block (10100).

As shown in FIG. 6, the header section (10003) of the packet data section (10002) first has a header code indicating header information at the beginning, and then determines what function the packet data has. , A continuous packet ID (10030) indicating a continuous NO when one data is composed of a plurality of packets, a total packet ID (10031) indicating the total number of packets, and an actual Data block part (1010
The data length (1002) indicates the length of the data (0). The function code section (10
020) is a function ID (10021) indicating the type of the scanner / printer server and a job type ID (1002) indicating the type of the job for the server.
2), a job ID (10
023).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the data block portion (10100) of the packet data portion (10002) has a command block (10005) based on the content of the job type ID (10022) of the function code portion of the header portion. , Status block (10006),
It is divided into an image data block (10007) and an image information block (10008).

The command block (10005)
Is composed of layout positions, color balance data, and the like, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a general flow of a printing operation procedure of the scanner / printer server system having the above configuration. Hereinafter, the procedure shown in the figure will be described in detail.

<Activation of Scanner / Printer Server> When the scanner / printer server (200) is activated, the main controller (2) first detects restrictions on the connected digital copier (1000).
10) is a digital interface controller (79)
0) and sends a command requesting notification of restrictions to all connected digital copiers (1000). Note that the restrictions are parameters depending on the capabilities of the copying machine, such as the maximum image reading range / maximum resolution of the scanner, the maximum output range / maximum resolution / maximum number of layouts of the printer, and usable paper sizes. Digital copier receiving this command (1000)
Of the scanner controller (101) and the printer controller (3)
01) and notifies this code to the scanner / printer server (200). The digital interface controller (79
0) notifies the main controller (210) of information on the acquired restrictions, and the main controller (21)
0) stores it in the main memory (260) as table data (FIG. 10) (S1).

The scanner / printer server (20)
During the operation of (0), the power of the digital copying machine (1000) is turned off or the paper cassette (32
Since there is a possibility that the state of 3) may be changed, the above-described restriction items are detected periodically.

<Layout Processing on Client Computer> (FIG. 13) On the client computer (400), the DTP
(Disk Top Publishing) software is stored in the main memory (46) from the hard disk (451).
0) and is executed by the CPU (405) (S21). The user checks the mouse (431) and keyboard (441) while checking on the display (412).
Is performed directly while checking the layout of a document and various image data (a multi-valued image such as a natural image captured by an illustration / scanner or the like formed by a vector) on the display (412) (S22).

When a multi-valued natural image is laid out on a document image, the image can be subjected to mask processing and cropped by a binary bit map image.

The image editing controller (413) registers the processing procedure of an arbitrary document image / multi-value image data / binary bitmap mask image, etc., on the main memory (460) as needed. S25) When the format of one page is completed, the hard disk controller (450) is controlled and registered as a format of one page on the hard disk (451) (S26).

<Generation of Raster Image> During this time, the document image developed on the display memory (411) is displayed on the display (412), and when it is finally completed, it is laid out on the hard disk. Based on the various information of the document image, the document or image laid out and converted into a multi-value raster image by the device driver software in the ROM (S28). At this time, position information and color correction information at the time of layout output are registered on the hard disk together with the image data as command data (S2).
9).

The multi-valued raster image thus converted includes vector-based information such as characters and illustrations, data of a multi-valued raster image such as a laid-out natural image, mask commands for mask processing, and masks for the mask processing. It is created by device driver software based on the binary bitmap mask image data of the data.

<Request for Print Queue Information / Restriction Information> (FIG. 14) When the raster image is created, the user issues a print request to the DTP software. In response, the client computer (400) instructs the network controller (420) to operate the network controller (22) of the scanner / printer server (200).
0).

Based on the network address of the scanner / printer server registered in the client computer in advance, a network controller (420)
Sets the destination address of the packet base (10001), and sets the ID of the printer uniquely determined as the ID for identifying the function in the function ID of the header part. Since the job has not yet been determined, the job ID is set to 0, and the type ID of the job is set to the ID of a uniquely determined command indicating that it is a command data block.

At this time, the data block portion includes the current print queue state information on the scanner / printer server side,
And a printer status request command to obtain information on printer restrictions.

The client computer (400)
The packet data is transferred to the scanner / printer server (20) via the network controller (420).
0) (S30).

On the scanner / printer server side, the main controller (210) separates the content of the packet into a header portion and a data block portion, analyzes that the content of the data block portion is a command, and analyzes the command. Perform the following processing. Since the request from the client side is a printer status request command, the main controller (210)
A request is made to the queue management controller (270) as to whether or not there is queue information of the printer corresponding to (10021), and the restriction information table data (FIG. 10) stored in the main memory (260) is referenced. .

<Referring to Queuing Table> The queuing table is configured so that a plurality of print / scan jobs requested by a client can be registered (FIG. 8).

The queue management controller checks the queue type in the queuing table and searches for a queue corresponding to the specified function ID (10021). If it exists, the entire status information is created from the queuing table data. If there are a plurality of targets, a plurality of pieces of overall status information are created.

The data of the overall status information is a queue corresponding to the designated function ID (10021), the registered queue ID, the server ID / network ID of the scanner / printer server which is the target of the queue, and
It consists of the total number of queues currently registered and error codes.

<Reference of Restriction Information> Subsequently, the main controller (210) refers to the restriction information table data (FIG. 10) stored in the main memory (260), and specifies the designated function ID (10021). )
Extract restriction information corresponding to.

Then, the data of the overall status information and the restriction information is set in the data block portion of the packet data, the job type ID in the header is set to the status block ID, and returned to the client computer which issued the status request. (S31).

At this time, if there is no queue information or restriction item information, a uniquely determined error code is set in the data block portion of the packet data and returned to the client computer which issued the status request.

<Print Settings by User> The client computer divides / analyzes the contents of the packet data returned from the file server in the same manner as the file server described above, and registers a registration queue ID corresponding to a currently valid scanner / printer server. Function ID specified
The printer obtains the restriction item information corresponding to (10021) (S32).

Then, the device driver on the client computer displays a setting screen for prompting the user to make print settings. At this time, the range of the parameter to be set is determined based on the obtained restriction information, and the user is urged to make the setting within the range (S33).

FIG. 11 shows that the maximum resolution = 2
This is a setting screen when 00 dpi, usable paper size = A4, B4, and no sorter. On this setting screen, the setting range of the resolution is specified, and unusable paper sizes and setting items related to sorter control are set to dim.
(A shaded portion in the figure by making it impossible to input with a key or a mouse) to specify a settable parameter range for the user.

If the user is satisfied with the restrictions of the printer specified by himself, he can click the "OK" button after setting each parameter to actually perform the printing process. If you are dissatisfied with the restrictions of the printer you have specified, click the "Cancel" button to close this setting screen, specify another printer again, and issue a print request again.

<Register a job in the queuing table>
The device driver on the client computer sets the destination address of the packet-based (10001) file server in the same procedure as the issuance of the status required R command described above, and sets the function ID in the header portion as the ID for identifying the function. A unique printer ID is set. The job ID is set to 0 because the job has not yet been determined, and the job type ID
Is set to the ID of a uniquely determined command indicating that the command is a data block. At this time, the data block section sets a job registration command for registering a new print job in the print queue on the file server side, and also sets a parameter of the determined registration queue ID in the command section. Similarly, this packet is issued to the scanner / printer server (S34).

<Issuance of New Job ID of Scanner / Printer Server> On the scanner / printer server side, the main controller (210) separates the contents of the packet into a header part and a data block part in the same manner as described above.
Analyzes that the content of the data block is a command,
Perform processing according to the job registration command. The main controller (210) sends a registration queue ID specified in the job registration command to the queue management controller.
A new job is registered in the queuing table of the printer corresponding to, and a job ID at that time is newly issued.
At that time, the job ID is set in the status block of the packet to be returned as the status, and the packet is returned to the client computer in the above-described procedure.

Thereafter, scan / print processing in the network is performed using the job ID as an identification key.

<Client Print Job Registration / Image Data Transfer> The client device driver obtains the job ID from the status packet returned from the scanner / printer server (S35). Rasterized image data registered on the hard disk,
The command data containing the layout information is read in, the packet-based job ID is set to the same value as that obtained, and the command type is set as the job type ID. At this time, the data block section sets a print execution command, and in the command section, print information such as layout information to be printed, color balance information, the number of prints, print size, magnification, output resolution, and the like of image data. Size (width, height), image data type (RGB, CMYK, Bit
parameters such as map, 8-bit Palette, image data transfer unit (line-sequential, plane-sequential, dot-sequential), and sorter control information. At this time, the number of packets to be sent as a whole from the command block to the image data block is calculated from the size of the image data and the type of the image, and the total number of packets (including the command packet) is calculated as the total packet of the header. Set to ID. These packets are successively transferred from the client computer to the scanner / printer server according to the procedure described above (S36).

In the continuous transfer of packets, some command packets are transferred first, and subsequently, packets of image data are transferred (S37). Command, image data, job type ID in the header following each transfer
Sets the respective types, and the job ID is registered in the queue. Consecutive packet IDs in the header portion are sequentially transmitted from 0 to total packet ID-1 in order from the packet from the top (S
38).

<Scanner / Printer Server Queue Registration> The scanner / printer server receives the above-described command packet / image data packet from the client and checks whether the specified job ID exists. The file is sequentially registered on the hard disk in the scanner / printer server as an inking file (S39). Then, the ID of the queuing file registered on the hard disk in the scanner / printer server is registered in the queue of the job ID obtained from the command packet (S40). The job ID and the queuing file ID are managed as one set in the queuing table. The command packet / image data packet registered on the hard disk is managed as one file data on the scanner / printer server.

<Queue Check of Scanner / Printer Server> (FIG. 15) The main controller (210) of the scanner / printer server (200) performs the queue management controller (270) at regular intervals registered in the ROM (260). ) Is requested for queuing table information (S5).
0). When a newly registered job is found from the queuing table information (S51), the corresponding file information (packet data from the client registered as a file) is read from the hard disk (231) and the file information is read out. Only the command packet part is extracted from the information (S52).

<Image File ID Request> Main Controller (210) of Scanner / Printer Server (200)
Sets up the image controller (710) of the raster image storage unit via the bus controller (740) so as to operate in the file management mode described above. As a result, the image controller initializes the memory management controller to manage the raster image memory in the file management mode, and transfers the queued image data to the raster image memory (76).
In order to register in (0), an arbitrary file ID of the image data to be registered is set in the memory management controller (S53). The memory management controller uses this as an image file ID for management / identification.

The print information / image attribute parameters of the queuing image data are stored in the position information table (77).
0) (S54).

<Transfer of Image Data Portion to Raster Image Memory> The main controller (210) extracts only the image data portion from the file information of the previously obtained queuing file on the hard disk (231), and The image data is transferred to the raster image memory (760) (S55). The transferred image data is managed by dividing the raster image memory (760) into a plurality of pieces as an image file, and includes a start address on the memory and its image data length, image data attributes, and a layout output position of the image data Image file ID such as information described above
Based on information registered in the position / attribute information table (770) corresponding to the raster image memory (76).
0) is registered.

<Layout Output of Image Data> After registration of all image data packets is completed, the main controller (21)
0) is the number of prints of the position / attribute information table,
The layout information is set in the layout controller (750) when the layout is output (S56), and the layout controller performs enlargement / reduction / deformation editing to the designated position and size (S57). The data is transferred via the controller (790), output to the digital printer unit (300) (S58), and the image requested by the user is printed.

<Status information setting such as outputting / completion>
In this way, the status that the scanner / printer server is executing is indicated by the queue management controller (270).
And can be monitored. The status includes a set of a job ID of a current print output execution queue, a current output number, an output end flag, and the like.

Here, only the status flow will be described below.

First, when the command parameters are registered in the raster image storage unit, the ID of the job to be executed is set in the execution queue (10203) of the queuing table, the job status (10215) is set to data transfer, and the print Print the total number of prints (10
216), and the number of printed sheets (1021)
7) is set to 1.

When the raster image storage unit (700) starts printing out, the main controller (2)
10) changes the job status (10215) of the job data in the queuing table to print in progress.

At the time when printing is started, the main controller (210) inquires the status of printing to the raster image storage unit (700) at regular intervals, thereby obtaining the current number of printed sheets and error status such as out of paper. Is confirmed, and the information is set as a parameter of print executed (10311) in the queuing table (S
59).

<Client Status Information Monitoring> After the client computer (400) issues a print execution packet and issues all command packets and image data packets, the status of the queuing table on the scanner / printer server side is changed. Will be monitored. C of the client computer (400)
The PU (405) is connected to the network controller (42).
0), a command packet of a job status request command is issued. This command packet returns the job information of the queuing table of the job ID specified as a parameter to the client side, whereby the information of the current job can be monitored.

The job information is monitored by the CPU (405) of the client computer (400) based on the status information obtained from the scanner / printer server, based on the job ID of the printed data and the registration destination scanner / printer server. The ID and the queuing table are displayed on the display controller (410). Each ID can be displayed in comparison with a unique name managed on the scanner / printer server / client computer, thereby making it easy to see the identification of the server. On the displayed queuing table of the scanner / printer server, the current execution process of the scanner / printer server, the number of printed sheets, and the error status can be displayed. From the scanner / printer server side with the packet of

With this monitor function, the client side can know the completion of printing (S
60).

[0104]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the restriction information for specifying the items that can be set for the image processing apparatus such as the scanner or the printer connected on the network is always conscious. Without this, efficient scanner input and printer output can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a scanner / printer system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a client computer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a scanner / printer server according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a raster image storage unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a network packet unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a data block unit of a network packet according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a queuing table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a data block portion of a print execution command according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a restriction item information table of the scanner / printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a setting screen of the printer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a general flowchart of the server system of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart 1 of the server system of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart 2 of the server system of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart 3 of the server system of the embodiment.

Claims (28)

[Claims] A display control unit configured to display a setting screen for performing setting for the image processing apparatus; an obtaining unit configured to obtain restriction information for specifying an item that can be set for the image processing apparatus; An information processing apparatus comprising: updating means for updating the setting screen displayed so as to display a settable item in a selectable state based on the restriction information obtained by the obtaining means. . And generating means for generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A receiving unit for receiving information for designating the image processing apparatus, wherein the acquiring means acquires restriction information of the image processing apparatus specified by the information received by the receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit performs the acquisition via a network. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 6. A display control means for displaying a setting screen for making settings for the image processing apparatus, and an obtaining means for obtaining restriction information for specifying items that can be set for the image processing apparatus. The display control means controls the display of the setting screen displayed so as to display a settable item in a selectable state based on the restriction information acquired by the acquisition means. Information processing device. And generating means for generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: 8. A receiving means for receiving information for specifying the image processing apparatus, wherein the obtaining means obtains restriction information of the image processing apparatus specified by the information received by the receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition unit performs the acquisition via a network. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size. 11. A display control means for displaying a setting screen capable of setting each of a plurality of image processing apparatuses, a receiving means for receiving information for designating an image processing apparatus, Acquiring means for acquiring restriction information of the image processing apparatus designated by the information received by the means, wherein the display control means controls the image processing apparatus based on the restriction information acquired by the acquiring means. An information processing apparatus for controlling display of a setting screen displayed so as to make an unsettable item unselectable. And generating means for generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input by using a parameter set in an item which can be set on the displayed setting screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the acquisition unit performs the acquisition via a network. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size. 15. A display control step of displaying a setting screen for making settings for an image processing apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring restriction information for specifying items that can be set for the image processing apparatus, Based on the restriction information obtained in the obtaining step,
An updating step of updating the setting screen displayed so as to display a settable item in a selectable state. 16. A generating step of generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input using a parameter set in an item that can be set on the displayed setting screen. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: 17. A receiving step for receiving information for specifying the image processing apparatus, wherein the obtaining step obtains restriction information of the image processing apparatus specified by the information received in the receiving step. The control method for an information processing device according to claim 15, wherein: 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein in the obtaining step, the obtaining is performed via a network. 19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size. 20. A display control step of displaying a setting screen for making settings for the image processing apparatus, and an obtaining step of obtaining restriction information for specifying items that can be set for the image processing apparatus. In the display control step, based on the restriction information acquired in the acquisition step, display control is performed on the setting screen displayed so as to display settable items in a selectable state. Information processing device. 21. A generating step of generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input by using a parameter set in an item that can be set on the displayed setting screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, comprising: 22. A receiving step for receiving information for specifying the image processing apparatus, wherein the obtaining step obtains restriction information of the image processing apparatus specified by the information received in the receiving step. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein: 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein in the obtaining step, the obtaining is performed via a network. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size. 25. A display control step of displaying a setting screen capable of making settings for a plurality of image processing apparatuses, a receiving step of receiving information for designating the image processing apparatuses, An acquisition step of acquiring restriction information of the image processing apparatus designated by the information received in the step, wherein the display control step performs a process on the image processing apparatus based on the restriction information acquired in the acquisition step. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: controlling display of a setting screen displayed so as to make an unsettable item unselectable. 26. A generating step of generating job data for causing the image processing apparatus to execute a print output or a scanner input by using a parameter set in an item that can be set on the displayed setting screen. The method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to claim 25, comprising: 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein, in the obtaining step, the obtaining is performed via a network. 28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the settable item specified by the restriction information is a paper size.