JP2003189035A - Managing apparatus and managing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus which prevents features not adapted to a part of scanners attached to an image forming apparatus from being wrong set up by a user. <P>SOLUTION: In such an environment that a plurality of image forming apparatus having scanners are connected, one image forming apparatus acquires information of reading features (reading resolution values, types of file formats, etc.), respectively provided for its own scanner and scanners of other image forming apparatus, compares the acquired information every scanner to extract common features to the scanners and displays them on own control panel as a common feature selection screen 1061. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a management device connected to a plurality of image reading devices and its program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a large number of original images are read by a scanner and converted into electronic data, a bundle of originals is divided and set in each of the plurality of scanners, and the reading processes are simultaneously executed in parallel in each scanner. After that, a system is proposed in which electronic images can be converted into electronic data at high speed and easily by combining the original images read by the respective scanners into a single file (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-224369).
Issue Bulletin). According to the publication, a client device is connected to a plurality of scanners via a server, and if a user selects a scanner to be used in the client device and instructs reading start, a document is read in each selected scanner. The reading process is performed, the read original images of each page are combined by the server into one file, and the file is sent to the client device. Hereinafter, such processing is referred to as "divided scanner mode" processing.

[0003]

In the technique according to the above publication, the user can select the scanner he / she wants to use in the client device, but each scanner supports what kind of reading function, for example, the reading resolution is 400 (dpi). "TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)" as the save file format of the read image data, whether or not it corresponds to each value up to 800 (dpi) (for example, 400, 600, 800 (dpi)) Is it only compatible with "TIFF" and "JPEG (Joint Photographic E
xpert Group) "is not compatible with both.

On the other hand, in the split scanner mode, the resolution is usually the same for each scanner (in the above example, the resolution 400
(Dpi), file format "TIFF"). This is because, if the reading process is performed by each scanner at different resolutions, for example, the resolution of the finished file will be different for each page, and it will not be balanced, and if it is printed out, it often becomes unattractive. Also, even if data is read in different file formats, it is not possible to combine them into one file.
In order to avoid such an adverse effect, it is conceivable that the user grasps the functions of a plurality of scanners one by one in advance and sets the resolution and the like to the same value for each scanner.

However, such a thing is difficult as the number of scanners increases, and the function must be remembered each time a new scanner is installed, which is not realistic. Even if you remember them, it is troublesome for a user and it is easy to make an error to artificially extract which function each scanner has in common.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and when a plurality of image reading devices are used in the divided scanner mode or the like, the user is compatible with some image reading devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a management device and its management program capable of preventing a reading function that does not exist from being set by mistake.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a management device connected to a plurality of image reading devices, the image reading using a display means and the plurality of image reading devices. A common function information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a common reading function that can be commonly executed by each image reading device so that data of the same format is generated in each image reading device when processing is performed, Display control means for displaying the common reading function on the display means based on the information acquired by the common function information acquisition means.

Further, the image forming apparatus further comprises function information acquiring means for acquiring information regarding the reading function, and the common function information acquiring means extracts the common reading function from the information acquired by the function information acquiring means. It is characterized by doing. Further, each image reading device is provided with a unique function information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a unique function other than the common reading function, and the display control unit is a unique function based on the information acquired by the unique function information acquisition unit. Is also displayed.

Further, the display control means is provided with a proxy function information acquisition means for acquiring information on a read function which cannot be executed by the one image reading apparatus but can be executed by another image reading apparatus. Is characterized in that it also displays a read function that can be substituted on the basis of the information acquired by the proxy function information acquisition means. The present invention is a program that causes a computer to implement the function of a management device that includes a display unit and that is connected to a plurality of image reading devices, and when the image reading processing is performed using the plurality of image reading devices, The common function information acquisition process that acquires information about a common reading function that can be commonly executed by each image reading device and the common function information acquisition process so that the same format data is generated in each image reading device The computer is caused to execute a process including a display process for displaying the common reading function on the display unit based on the obtained information.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) (1-1. Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

As shown in the figure, this system is composed of image forming apparatuses 110, 120 and 130 connected to a network, here a LAN (Local Area Network) 201. LAN 201 has a PC (Personal Computer)
Client device 140 and server 150
Is also connected, and terminal devices 301 and 302 are also connected via the Internet 202.

The image forming apparatus 110 includes a scanner section 11
1, a printer unit 112, an operation panel 109 and the like.
Then, in addition to the function of executing the print job requested from the client device 140 or the like, a scan job for reading the image of the set document to obtain image data,
It has various functions such as a copy job for printing an original image on paper based on the image data, an image transmission job for transmitting the image data to a destination designated by the user, for example, the server 150, the terminal device 301, or the like. The apparatus is a so-called MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral) that can be used as a scanner, a printer, and a copying machine.

The image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 are also MFPs including the scanner sections 121 and 131, the printer sections 122 and 132, and the like similar to the image forming apparatus 110. The image forming apparatus 110 can execute the divided scanner mode in cooperation with the scanner section 111 of itself and the scanner sections 121 and 131 of the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130. The processing contents in the divided scanner mode will be described later in (1-3. Processing in divided scanner mode).

The image forming apparatuses 110, 120 and 13
0 has basically the same configuration, and only the reading function of the scanner unit is partially different as described later. Therefore, the configuration and the like will be described below for the image forming apparatus 110 and the image forming apparatus 120. , 130 will be described focusing on the parts different from the image forming apparatus 110.

(1-2. Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 110) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 110 is roughly divided into a scanner unit 111, a printer unit 112, and a CP unit.
The management unit 100 includes U113 and the like. The scanner unit 111 feeds the originals set on the original table one by one (one page) and conveys the originals onto the original glass, irradiates the originals on the conveyed original glass to scan the originals, and scans the originals. It is a well-known device that receives reflected light and photoelectrically converts it to obtain image data of an original in page units.

The printer unit 112 executes print processing (printing) by a known electrophotographic method. The management unit 100 includes a CPU 113, a RAM 114, a ROM 1
15, image memory 116, network I / F 117,
Device profile supply unit 118, device profile acquisition unit 119, device profile storage unit 108
And an operation panel 109.

The ROM 115 stores a program for executing the divided scanner mode and a program for executing various jobs such as a copy job. The CPU 113
A necessary program is read from the ROM 115 to execute the split scanner mode or the like. In addition, the entire operations of the scanner unit 111, the printer unit 112, and the like in the copy job and the like are controlled to realize smooth job operation.

The RAM 114 provides a work area for the processing of the CPU 113. The image memory 116 temporarily stores image data of a document read by the scanner unit 111 or the like. The network I / F (interface) 117 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 201 and the like.

The device profile storage unit 108 is a memory that stores information about the reading function of the device (hereinafter referred to as "device profile").
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a device profile in the scanner unit 111 stored in the device profile storage unit 108. In the “Device-type” column, the type of device is shown, and it is described here that it is a scanner. The "Device-id" column shows the device number given in advance to the scanner, and the "Device-address" column shows the network address.

In the "Resolution" column, the size of the resolution that can be supported as the resolution at the time of reading is shown. In the example of FIG.
This indicates that the reading process can be executed at any resolution of (dpi). The “Media-size” column shows the types of document sizes that can be set. The "Color" column indicates whether the reading is for monochrome or for color. In the example of the figure, "mono" indicating monochrome support is described.

The "Magnification" column shows the range of readable magnification. A corresponding file format is shown in the “Document-format” column. The image data of the original is converted into one of the file formats described here and is output. Here, the scanner unit 111 is set to “MR-TIF
It indicates that it is compatible with the file formats "F", "MMR-TIFF", and "PDF".

These are stored in advance except for "Device-address". The “Device-address” is set by the user from the operation panel 109 when the image forming apparatus 110 is connected to the network or the like. By referring to the device profile stored in the device profile storage unit 108, the CPU 113 determines that the scanner unit 111,
It can be determined that the reading process can be performed with the resolution of 00, 400, and 600 (dpi).

As the device profile, the one showing the contents of the printer section 112 is also stored. Further, each of the other image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 also stores its own device profile. Returning to FIG. 2, the device profile acquisition unit 119 issues a device profile transmission request to another image forming apparatus 120 or the like in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 113 in the divided scanner mode, and acquires the device profile of that apparatus.

The CPU 113 obtains the device profile, what kind of reading function the scanner unit 121 of another device has, that is, what resolution of the original image can be read, and the size of the original that can be set. Can determine the size of the document, whether the original image can be read in color or can be read only in monochrome, what range the reading magnification is, and what file format can be converted. In the present embodiment, the "reading function"
Are various functions that can be executed from the start of reading the original image to the output of the image data of the read original. Therefore, for example, the function of reading the original image at a resolution of 400 (dpi), etc. In addition to the functions, conversion functions such as converting the image data after being read into the TIFF file format are also included in the reading functions. Hereinafter, the “reading function” will be simply referred to as “function”.

On the other hand, the device profile supply unit 118
Reads out its own device profile from the device profile storage unit 108 according to an instruction from the CPU 113, and sends the instructed device to the device (C of another device).
When the PU requests the image forming apparatus 110 to send a device profile, the PU sends the device profile to the other device. Note that the acquisition of the device profile from another image forming apparatus and the transmission to the other image forming apparatus are performed by
It is performed by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).

The operation panel 109, as shown in FIG.
Numeric keypad 101, start key 102, stop key 103, "copy" key 104, "scan" key 10
5 and the touch panel 106. Numeric keypad group 10
Each key 1 is used to input the number of copies, the address number of the other party, and the like. The start key 102 is used to start the reading process and the like, and the stop key 103 is used to stop the operation being executed.

On the other hand, the "copy" key 104 is used to select the copy mode, and the "scan" key 105 is used to select the split scanner mode. Information on these key presses is sent to the CPU 113. The touch panel 106 is
The device is a known information input device, and displays various screens for input operation, a function common selection screen described later, and the like according to an instruction from the CPU 113. It also accepts a key input (touch input) from the user and transmits the input information to the CPU 113.

Further, the user can arbitrarily register a model name for specifying the scanner section 111 on the LAN 201, for example, "scanner 1" or the like from the touch panel 106. The registered model name is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) provided in the CPU 113. The registration of the model name is performed in the same manner in the other image forming apparatuses 120 and 130, and the CPU of each apparatus thereby determines what other scanner unit is connected to the LAN 201. You can

(1-3. Process in Divided Scanner Mode) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the divided reading process executed when the divided scanner mode is selected. This divided reading process is performed by the user on the operation panel 10.
When the "scan" key 105 on the 9 is pressed, C
It is executed by the PU 113. Here, for convenience of description, the scanners 111, 121, 131 are used as the scanners to be used, and among the original bundle of 90 originals (pages), the original bundle of 1st to 30th pages is used. On the document table of the scanner unit 111, the document bundle of the 31st page to the 60th page is on the document table of the scanner unit 121, and the document bundle of the 61st page to the 90th page is on the document table of the scanner unit 131. It is assumed to be set by the user in advance.

As shown in the figure, first, the CPU 113
A destination selection screen is displayed on the touch panel 106 as a display means (step S1). FIG. 6 shows a display example of the destination selection screen 107. This screen 107 is
9 is a screen for selecting a transmission destination of a file of a document image combined in the split scanner mode. In this embodiment,
The combined document image file is transmitted to the device set as the transmission destination here.

The CPU 113 determines whether or not the destination has been selected (step S2). This determination is based on the “Scan To PC” key 10 displayed on the destination selection screen 107.
71, "Scan To E-Mail" key 1072, "Scan To Se"
It is determined by which of the “rver” keys 1073 has been pressed (touched) by the user. If it is determined that the "Scan To Server" key 1073 is pressed ("Y" in step S3), a transfer destination input screen (not shown) is displayed (step S4). On the other hand, when it is determined that the "Scan To PC" key 1071 is pressed ("N" in step S3, "Y" in step S6), a destination input screen (not shown) is displayed (step S7). Also, the "Scan To E-Mail" key 1072
When it is determined that the button has been pressed ("N" in step S6), a destination address input screen (not shown) is displayed (step S6).
8).

On each of these input screens, the user can enter the address of the device to be the destination, and the C
When the PU 113 determines that the input has been completed (step S
If “Y” in step 5), the process proceeds to step S9. The determination of the input completion is made by pressing a key (not shown) indicating the input completion displayed on each input screen. In step S9, a scanner selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch panel 106. In this scanner selection screen,
In the split scanner mode, you can select and input multiple scanners you want to use. In the present embodiment, the scanner units 111, 12 of the image forming apparatuses 110, 120, 130 connected to the LAN 201.
1, 131 are displayed as selectable scanners, and selection inputs are accepted for these scanner units.

When it is judged that the selection input is completed (step S
If “10” is “Y”), the process proceeds to step S11. Here, the determination of the completion of the selection input is made by pressing a selection completion key (not shown) displayed on the scanner selection screen. Here, all the scanner units 111, 12
It is assumed that 1,131 are selected. Step S
In 11, the selected scanner unit 111, 121, 13
1. Acquire the device profile of 1. CPU113
For the device profile of its own scanner unit 111, reads out the device profile stored in the device profile storage unit 108 and acquires it.

On the other hand, with respect to the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130, transmission requests for the device profiles of the scanner units 121 and 131 are issued to the respective image forming apparatuses 1 and 1.
The device profile sent from 20, 130 is received and acquired. If the device profile obtained once is stored in the device profile storage unit 108 in association with the device, the device profile of the device stored in the device profile storage unit 108 will be executed next time when the split scanner mode is executed. The device profile can also be acquired by reading the profile.

Subsequently, the CPU 113 refers to the acquired device profile and refers to each of the scanner units 111 to 13
The functions of the device 1 are compared for each device (step S1).
2). Here, the reading magnification range, the reading resolution, the color / monochrome reading, and the file format type are compared for each device. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the range of the read magnification, the size of the read resolution, whether to read in color / monochrome, and the type of file format for each device. Here, select "MH" in the "File format" column.
-TIFF is `` Modified Huffman-Tagged Image File Form
"at", "MR-TIFF" for "Modified Read-TIFF", "M-TIFF"
"MR-TIFF" is "Modified MR-TIFF" and "PDF" is "Porta
ble Document Format ”,“ JPEG ”is“ Joint Photogra
phic Expert Group ".

From the figure, for example, the scanner section 111 can read a document image at any magnification within a range of 0.5 to 2.0 times, a variable magnification function, a function of reading at a resolution of 200 (dpi), "MMR-TIFF", a function to read at a resolution of 400 (dpi), a function to read at a resolution of 600 (dpi), a function to read in monochrome, and a function to convert the read image data into "MR-TIFF" format
You can see that it has a function to convert to the format and a function to convert to the "PDF" format.

The CPU 113 uses the acquired scanner units 1
The contents are compared for each item (magnification, resolution, etc.) with reference to the device profiles 11 to 131. For example, if the resolution is 60, the resolution of the scanner unit 111 is 60
Each value of 0, 400, 200 (dpi) and the scanner unit 1
21 resolutions 1200, 600, 400, 200 (dp
i) and the resolutions 600 and 40 of the scanner unit 131.
Each value of 0, 200, 100 (dpi) will be compared.

Then, it is judged from the comparison result whether or not there is a common item for each scanner section, and if there is a common item ("Y" in step S13), it is extracted and read in common. It is acquired as information about the function (step S14). For example, if the resolution is 600,
Since the respective values of 400 and 200 (dpi) are common, the respective values are acquired as the information regarding the common reading function in the resolution. If it is "magnification", the range is 2.0 to 0.5 times, if it is "color", it is "monochrome", and if it is "file format", it is "MR-TIFF""MMR-TIFF""PDF". Obtain each type of information. Note that, for example, the scanner unit 1
When 11, 121 and 131 can be read in color, “color” is also a common function.

Then, based on the acquired information, a screen (common function selection screen) showing the contents of a common reading function (hereinafter simply referred to as "common function") that can be commonly executed by the respective scanner units is generated. (Step S15), Step S17
Move on to. Here, the screen 1061 shown in FIG. 8A is generated as an example of the common function selection screen. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no common one among the scanner units 111 to 131 (“N” in step S13), a screen indicating that fact, although not shown here, has no common function. A screen is displayed to show the effect to the user (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S17, each scanner unit 11
The unique function (unique reading function) is extracted from the comparison result for Nos. 1, 121, and 131, and is acquired as information regarding the unique function that each scanner unit independently has. Here, the unique function is something other than the common function,
For example, in the case of “resolution”, 1200 dpi for the scanner unit 121 and 150 d for the scanner unit 131
pi corresponds to that. Further, in “color”, “color” corresponds to that of the scanner unit 121.

Then, of the acquired unique functions, those that do not pose a problem even when used are further extracted and the information thereof is acquired (step S18). Here, what is not a problem when used is a function that does not hinder the synthesis process. To determine which function this corresponds to, see FIG.
It is performed by referring to the table 160 shown in FIG.
This table 160 is stored in advance in the ROM 115, and the CPU 113 has an item in which “OK” is described in the “whether or not to display unique function” column of the table 160 among the unique functions (here, Magnification, resolution and color)
It only obtains information about the function. That is, only the information regarding the functions other than the function regarding the “file format” is acquired. The reason for doing this will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S19, a screen (unique function selection screen) showing the contents of the unique function is generated for each scanner unit based on the information regarding the function acquired in step S18. Here, FIG. 8 (b)
The screen 1062 shown in FIG.
A screen 1063 shown in is generated as an example of a unique function selection screen of the scanner unit 131. Since the function information regarding the file format has not been acquired in step S18, the content thereof is not displayed on both screens 1062 and 1063.

Then, the screen generated in step S15 (however, when the screen is generated in step S16, that screen) and the screen generated in step S19 are hierarchically displayed on the touch panel 106 (step S2).
0). Here, a screen 1064 shown in FIG. 8A (screens 1061, 1062, and 1063, which are overlapped with each other in the order in which the positions are slightly shifted from the top) is displayed.

The common function selection screen 106 shown in FIG. 8A.
1 not only displays the common function, but also can accept a selection input of the displayed function. Therefore, the user can select what he / she wants to set on the common function selection screen 1061. For example, to set the resolution to 600 (dpi), touch the display portion of "600" (dpi) in the resolution field on the common function selection screen 1061 and set the file format to "PDF". In that case, touch the display part of "PDF" in the file format column. For the magnification, refer to "2.0-
When the display portion of "0.5" is touched, the current screen is switched to the magnification setting screen (not shown), and the setting can be made on the magnification display screen.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 8A, when the portion displayed as "scanner 121" on the unique function selection screen 1062 is touched, only the unique function selection screen 1062 is touched instead of the current screen 1064. 10
6 is displayed (state of FIG. 8B). The unique function selection screen 1062 not only displays the unique function, but also allows the displayed one to be selected. Therefore, the user only sets the resolution to 1 for the scanner unit 121.
To set the resolution to 200 (dpi), after selecting the resolution "600" on the common function selection screen 1061, the unique function selection screen 1062 is displayed and "1200" (dpi
By touching the display portion of i), the resolution can be set to 1200 (dpi) only for the scanner unit 121.

The same applies to the unique function selection screen 1063. Therefore, if the scanner unit 13
When it is desired to set the resolution to 150 (dpi) only for 1, the original function selection screen 1063 is displayed (see FIG. 8).
The state (c)) and the resolution “150” (dpi) may be selected. The unique function selection screens 1062 and 1063
When the upper “return” key 1065 is pressed, the screen 1064 is displayed on the touch panel 106 instead of the screen currently displayed. "Scanner 121"
In the display part of "scanner 131", the model name (described above) of the scanner unit actually registered by the user in each device is displayed.

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the user has completed the function selection on the common function selection screen 1061 or the like. This judgment is made by the "completion" key 1066 (see FIG. 8) on the common function selection screen 1061.
This is performed depending on whether (a)) has been pressed. When it is determined that the selection of the function is completed (“Y” in step S21), the selected function is set as the one to be executed at the time of reading, and the setting instruction is sent to the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130. Do (Step S2
2). For example, when the user selects the resolution, the file format, etc. only on the common function selection screen 1061, the resolution, the file format, etc. have the same value in each scanner unit,
The type is set, and the image data of the same format is generated in each of the scanner units 111, 121, and 131.

Further, for example, after selecting the magnification “1.0”, the resolution “600 (dpi)”, the color “monochrome” and the file format “PDF” on the common function selection screen 1061, on the original function selection screen 1062. When the resolution “1200 (dpi)” is selected for the scanner unit 121, the magnification “1.0”, the color “monochrome”,
The file format “PDF” is set respectively, and the resolution is “600 (dp
i) ”is“ 1200 (dp
i) ”will be set.

Then, a synthesis condition input screen (not shown) is displayed (step S23). This combining condition input screen is a screen for setting and inputting in what order the original images read in page units by the selected plurality of scanners are combined. For example, the order of synthesis is 1. Scanner section 111, 2. Scanner section 121, 3. In the case of the scanner unit 131, the last page of the document image read by the scanner unit 121 and the first page of the document image read by the scanner unit 121 are continuous, and the last page of the document image read by the scanner unit 121 is continuous. And the first page of the document image read by the scanner unit 131 are continuously combined to form one file. In this embodiment, the order of synthesis is 1. Scanner section 111, 2. Scanner section 121, 3. It is the scanner unit 131. As a result, the first page to the 90th page of the original image of the original stack of 90 pages are arranged in the order of the pages after combination.

When it is judged that the input of the composition condition is completed ("Y" in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25.
This determination is made based on whether or not the "completion" key (not shown) on the composition condition input screen is pressed. When it is determined that the user has pressed the start key 102 (“Y” in step S25), the reading process of the image of the document set in the scanner unit 111 is performed by the set function (for example, magnification 1.0, resolution). 600 (dpi)) and instructs the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 to start reading processing in the scanner units 121 and 131 (step S26).

The CPUs of the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 instructed to read the document image execute the reading process shown in FIG. That is, when a reading instruction from another device is accepted (“Y” in step S51), it is determined whether or not a document is set, and when it is determined that the document is set (“Y” in step S52), the image is displayed. An instruction from the CPU 113 of the forming apparatus 110 (step S22
Device) which has received the reading instruction and executes reading processing based on the set function (step S54).
Here, the generated image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110 (step S55). If it is determined that the original is not set (step S52)
"N"), a message prompting the user to set the document is displayed on his or her touch panel, and step S52
Return to.

Returning to FIG. 5, the CP of the image forming apparatus 110
The U113 scans the scanner unit 11 in step S27.
1. It is determined whether image data is received from each of the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130. The received image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 116. And
If it is determined that the image data has been received, those image data are processed in step S.
Synthesis is performed based on the synthesis condition designated in 23 (step S28). Here, the combining process is executed in the combining work area provided in the RAM 114, and the combination forms a document image file in which pages 1 to 90 are arranged in page order. Then, the combined file is processed in steps S4 and S4.
7 or S8 is transmitted to the destination specified in step S8 (step S29), and the process ends.

The user can display or edit the original image on the screen, for example, by accessing the destination device from the client device 140 or the like and taking out the combined original image file. Also,
The original image can be printed out by any of the printer units. Thus, in this embodiment,
When executing the divided scanner mode, the common function selection screen 106 displays common functions in a plurality of scanner units to be used.
Since the list is displayed as 1, the user can determine at a glance which function is common to each scanner unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly setting a function that some scanner units do not support.

Further, if the function to be set is touch-input from the common function selection screen 1061, the function is automatically set in each scanner unit, so that the input operation for setting is performed for each device. No troublesome work is required for the user, and the operability is greatly improved. Further, not only the common function but also the unique function can be set for each scanner unit. Therefore, for example, when the original bundle includes a large number of originals including photographs and it is desired to read the original with high image quality, the original bundle is set in the scanner unit 121 and the scanner unit 121 is also included.
Only the resolution is "1200 (dpi)" and the color is "color"
If set to, it is possible to obtain a color high-resolution image for the page of the original document including the photograph in the combined file.

Further, among the unique functions, those which pose a problem when used are unique function selection screens 1062, 10
It is not displayed on 63. In this embodiment, as described above, the problematic function is "file format".
I am trying. For example, in the scanner unit 111, this is "MR-T
This is because if “IFF” is selected and “JPEG” is selected by the scanner unit 121, the composition process will be hindered due to the difference in file format, and the composition itself will not be possible. By not displaying the function in question, it is prevented from being erroneously selected by the user, so that the synthesizing process can be properly performed.

In this embodiment, the combined file is transmitted to the designated destination device.
Of course, the printer unit 112 may be configured to execute print output based on the image data of the file. In this case, steps S2 to S8 and S29 are unnecessary, and the process of "printing out the image of the combined file from the printer unit 112 for each page" is executed after step S28.

The reading process shown in FIG. 10 is executed when the CPU of each image forming apparatus 110, 120, 130 receives a reading instruction from another image forming apparatus. That is, the reading process operates in conjunction with the divided reading process. Therefore, for example, when the image forming apparatus 120 is performing the divided reading process, when the image forming apparatus 120 issues a reading instruction to the image forming apparatus 110, the CPU 113 of the image forming apparatus 110.
Accepts the instruction and executes the reading process shown in FIG.

Further, in the above, since the scanner section 111 does not have the unique function, the unique function selection screen is not displayed for the scanner section 111, but of course, if the scanner section 111 has the unique reading function, it is unique. It will be displayed as a function selection screen. In this case,
The screen 1064 in (a) includes a common function selection screen, a unique function selection screen of the scanner unit 111, and a scanner unit 121 from the top.
Of the original function selection screen and the original function selection screen of the scanner unit 131 are displayed in four layers.

Further, the display of the screen is not limited to the hierarchical display, and for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the common function and the unique function can be displayed in different colors in one screen. (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, for example, 1 is set on the original function selection screen 1062 of the scanner unit 121.
When 200 (dpi) is selected, the scanner unit 121 is configured to read at that resolution. However, in the present embodiment, for example, a certain function has a function of the scanner unit 1.
11 can be executed by the scanner unit 131 but cannot be executed by the scanner unit 131, the scanner unit 131 is made to perform the processing based on the function, which is the difference from the first embodiment.

Specifically, for example, the scanner unit 111 cannot convert the image data of the read document into the data of the "JPEG" file format, but the scanner unit 121 can convert it to that file format. The image data is sent to the scanner unit 121, and the scanner unit 121
At, you will have the file converted to the "JPEG" file format and sent back to you.

This proxy processing does not correspond to all functions. For example, the image data read in monochrome by the scanner unit 111 is converted into the scanner unit 12
This is because it cannot be converted into color image data with 1. Here, a table 170 showing the function of proxy substitution as shown in FIG. 12 is stored in advance in the ROM 115, and items (magnification and resolution (however, from low resolution to high resolution are designated as proxy in this table 170). (Representation is not possible for conversion), and functions for file format) are performed only on behalf of others.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the contents of the divided reading process in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, this divided reading process is almost the same as the divided reading process of the first embodiment, and steps S31 and S32 are added between steps S17 and S18, and steps S27 and S28 are added. The difference is that the processes of S33 and S34 are executed instead of. Therefore, the different parts will be mainly described here, and the description of the common parts will be omitted.

First, when the CPU 113 acquires the information indicating the content of the unique function in step S17, it determines whether or not there is a substitute function among the acquired unique functions (step S31). This judgment is made by referring to the table 170 shown in FIG. If it is determined that there is a proxy available ("Y" in step S31), the process proceeds to proxy processing in step S32.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the contents of the sub-routine for the proxy processing. As shown in the figure, first, in step S321, a combination condition input screen is displayed on the touch panel 106, and in step S322, the user inputs a combination condition. The processes of steps S321 and S322 are the same as the processes of S23 and S24 of FIG.

When it is judged that the input of the composition condition is completed ("Y" in step S322), the information regarding the function judged as the substitute function is acquired (step S323), and the substitute function is selected based on the acquired information. A screen is generated (step S324), and the screen is displayed on the touch panel 10.
6 is displayed (step S325). Here, the screen 180 shown in FIG. 15 is generated and displayed as an example of the substitute function selection screen. As shown in the figure, the substitute function selection screen 180 displays the contents of common functions and substitute functions in different colors. here,
About "Magnification" Magnification "2.0-4.0""0.5-
0.2 "range," 150 (dp
i) ”and“ File format ”,“ MH-TIFF ”and“ JPE ”
"G" is displayed as a substitute function. In addition, "color"
No substitute function is displayed for. This is because, as described above, the scanner unit 111 can only read in monochrome, and the monochrome image data read by the scanner unit 111 cannot be converted into color image data on behalf of another scanner unit 121 or the like. .

This also applies to the resolution, and 1200 (dpi) is not displayed as a substitute function. In other words, by adding some processing to the image data that has already been read, what can be changed to the intended one is displayed as the substitute function. Returning to FIG. 14, in step S326, it is determined whether or not the user has completed selection of various functions on the substitute function selection screen 180. This judgment is made by the "completion" key 18 on the substitute function selection screen 180.
It is performed depending on whether 1 is pressed. Here, it is assumed that the common function is selected such that the magnification is “1.0”, the resolution is “600 (dpi)”, and the color is “monochrome”, and the substitute function “PDF” is selected for the file format. To do.

When it is judged that the function selection is completed ("Y" in step S326), it is judged whether or not the substitutable function is included in the selected functions (step S).
327). Here, it is determined that the substitute function is included (“Y” in step S327), and the scanner unit that should execute the substitute function is specified (step S).
328). This process is performed by selecting one of the scanner units when there is a plurality of scanner units capable of executing the substitute function and when there is a plurality of scanner units. The selection method may be arbitrary,
For example, if the device profile includes information indicating the installation location, it is possible to select the scanner section installed at the location closest to itself. Here, it is assumed that the scanner unit 121 is specified.

Then, the selected function is set to itself as a function to be executed at the time of reading, and the setting instruction is given to the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 (step S).
329). This process is the same as step S22. Here, “1.0” is set as the magnification, “600 (dpi)” is set as the resolution, “monochrome” is set as the color, and “JPEG” is set as the file format.

Then, the start key 102 is set by the user.
If it is determined that is pressed (“Y” in step S330), the reading process of the image of the document set on the scanner unit 111 is started, and at the same time, the image forming apparatuses 120, 1
The CPU 30 is instructed to start the reading process in the scanner units 121 and 131 (step S331). Here, the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 instructed to start the reading process execute the reading process shown in FIG. 10 as in the first embodiment.

The CPU 113 performs a reading process based on the set function (magnification is "1.0", resolution is 600 (dp
i) ”, and the reading process for changing the color to“ monochrome ”) is executed in its own scanner unit 111, and when that is completed, the image data obtained by this is the scanner unit specified in step S328, here the scanner unit. The process of transmitting to the image forming apparatus 120 including 121 is performed (step S
332). Then, an instruction is given to execute the process of converting the image data into the data of the selected proxy function, here "PDF" file format (step S333), and then the image data after conversion of the file format is returned. Instruct (step S334) and return to the main routine.

By this instruction, the image forming apparatus 120
Reading processing of the original image set in the scanner unit 121 of itself (magnification is "1.0", resolution is "600 (dp
i) ”, the color is“ monochrome ”, and the file format is“ PDF ”), and the image data obtained by the reading is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110 and transmitted from the image forming apparatus 110. The image data that comes
A process of converting the data into the F ”file format is performed, and the converted image data is sent back to the image forming apparatus 110.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 130 reads the original image set in its own scanner section 131 (magnification is "1.0", resolution is "600 (dpi)",
A reading process in which the color is “monochrome” and the file format is “PDF” is performed, and the image data obtained thereby is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 110. Returning to FIG. 13,
In step S33, the CPU 113 determines whether or not the image data of the original is received from another image forming apparatus, here, the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130. The received image data is stored in the image memory 116. The image data sent from the image forming apparatus 120 includes the image data when the scanner unit 121 reads the document set on itself, and the image data converted to the “PDF” file format by the agency. Is included. Therefore, when the image data read by the scanner unit 111 is also stored in the image memory 116, it has the same “PDF” file format as the image data from the other scanner units 121 and 131.

When it is determined that the image data of all the originals (including the image data returned by the proxy) has been sent from the image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 ("Y" in step S33), step S321, The original image is combined based on the combining condition set in S322 (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S29. This combining process is the same as the combining process in step S28.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S327 in FIG. 14 that the substitute function is not selected, that is, only the common function is selected, the process proceeds to step S335. The processes of steps S335, S336, and S337 are the same as S22, S25, and S26 of FIG.
That is, the selected function is set in the scanner section 111 as a function to be executed at the time of reading, and the setting instruction is given to the other image forming apparatuses 120 and 130 (step S335). Then, when it is determined that the start key 102 is pressed by the user (step S
In "336", "Y"), the document reading process is executed (step S337), and the process returns to the main routine.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
The substitute function is displayed on the touch panel 106, and when the function is selected, the processing based on the function is performed in another image forming apparatus. Therefore, even if one of the three scanner units does not have a certain function, if the function can be executed by a substitute, the three scanner units can be used to read in parallel at the same time. Since the processing can be executed and there are functions that cannot be executed, the number of scanner units that should be used for the reading processing is limited (for example, to two), and the time required for reading cannot be shortened (for example, three scanners cannot be used). If you want to read at the same time and only two devices can be used, it will naturally take a long time to read). It should be noted that it takes some time for the image data to be transmitted and received between the image forming apparatuses by the proxy,
The time is much shorter than the time required to read a large number of originals, and the effect of time saving is not diminished.

According to the present invention, the computer performs processing such as display of the above-mentioned common function selection screen, acceptance of selection input of the displayed common function, etc., setting instruction to each scanner unit of the accepted common function, etc. It can also be applied to a program to be executed. In that case, the program does not need to include all the modules for causing the computer to execute the above-described processing, and may be installed separately, for example, a communication program or a program included in an OS (Operating System). You may make it a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can perform.

(Modifications) The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the following modifications are possible. . (1) In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 110 is configured to include the scanner unit 111 as an image reading apparatus, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the scanner unit 111 may be connected to the image forming apparatus 110 as an external device (the scanner unit 111 and the management unit 100 may be connected via a network). In this case, the scanner unit 111 as an external device stores its own device profile, and is configured to transmit the device profile to the image forming apparatus 110 when receiving an instruction to transmit the device profile.

Further, the client device 140 connected to the LAN 201 is provided with the same configuration as the management unit 100, and the client device 140 side displays a common function selection screen and the like, and accepts selection input of the function,
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a reading instruction based on the received function is instructed to be executed to another image forming apparatus. further,
It is also possible to connect a plurality of image reading devices having the same configuration as the management unit 100 to the network and execute a divided reading process. That is, the present invention is based on the management unit 100.
The invention is not limited to the configuration in which the image reading device and the image reading device are provided in the same device, and may be applied to a configuration in which the management unit 100 and a plurality of image reading devices are connected via a network or the like.

(2) In the divided reading process, the common function and the like are displayed on the touch panel 106, and the setting of the function can be performed on the touch panel 106. However, for example, only the common function is displayed. Even with the configuration (that is, the configuration in which the user has to manually input the setting of the function in each scanner unit), the user can determine at a glance which function is common to each scanner. Therefore, as compared with the conventional configuration in which the user himself needs to grasp the functions of each scanner one by one and extract which one is common, it is convenient and erroneous judgment for the user. You can get the effect of not doing.

(3) In the above embodiment, the items to be compared as the functions of the scanner section are read magnification, read resolution, color / monochrome, and file format. However, the items are not limited to these, and can be set, for example. The size of the original document, the type of image processing such as dither processing, and the like can be included. Further, when the output is made in the format of PDL (Page Description Language), the type can be included in the reading function. In this case, if a certain type of language is set as a common function, each scanner unit Data of the same format (data including image data) corresponding to the type is generated and transmitted to the management unit 100.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the user first selects a plurality of scanner units that he / she wants to use, and acquires the device profile for the selected scanner units. However, for example, the selection process is not performed. Forced LA
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the device profiles of all the scanner units connected to N201 are acquired. The image forming apparatus including the scanner unit is LAN2.
If only two units are connected to 01, the input operation can be simplified by omitting the selection process.

(5) In the above embodiment, each image forming apparatus acquires the device profile of another image forming apparatus from the other image forming apparatus via the network. ROM, RA
The reading of the device profile recorded in M or the like may be acquired. (6) Further, in the above-described embodiment, the contents of the functions are compared for each scanner unit and the contents of the common functions and the like are displayed based on the comparison result. it can. A service person or the like can previously store the content of the function common to each scanner unit in a memory such as RAM or EEPROM, and in the divided reading process, read the content of the common function stored in the memory. Then, the content of the common function is displayed based on the information indicating the content.

By doing so, in addition to the same effect that the common function can be discriminated at a glance, the burden on the CPU is reduced by eliminating the processing such as acquisition of the device profile and extraction of the contents of the common function. You can also In addition to the common function, if a unique function and a proxy function are stored in advance, the same screen (common function selection screen, unique function selection screen, etc.) as in the above embodiment can be displayed.

[0084]

As described above, the management apparatus of the present invention displays the common reading function for each image reading apparatus. Therefore, the user can determine at a glance which reading function is common in each image forming apparatus to be used, and the user's time and erroneous judgment by artificially judging the common function as in the past. You can get the effect of eliminating.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 110.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a device profile stored in a device profile storage unit 108 in a scanner unit 111.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel 109.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of division reading processing executed when the division scanner mode is selected.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission destination selection screen 107.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the range of reading magnification, the size of reading resolution, whether to read in color / monochrome, and the type of file format for each device.

8A is a diagram showing an example in which a common function selection screen 1061 and unique function selection screens 1062 and 1063 are hierarchically displayed, and FIG. 8B is a unique function selection screen 106.
It is a figure which shows an example of the said screen when 2 is displayed, (c) is a figure which shows an example of the said screen when the original function selection screen 1063 is displayed.

9 is a diagram showing the contents of a table 160. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of reading processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a common function and an original function are displayed on one screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of a table 170.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of divided reading processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of a sub-routine for proxy processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a proxy function selection screen 180.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Administration Department 106 touch panel 108 device profile storage unit 109 Operation panel 110, 120, 130 image forming apparatus 111, 121, 131 scanner unit 113 CPU 114 RAM 115 ROM 116 image memory 118 Device Profile Supply Unit 119 Device profile acquisition unit 140 client devices 160, 170 tables 180 Substitutable function selection screen 1061 Common function selection screen 1062, 1063 Original function selection screen

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A management device connected to a plurality of image reading devices, wherein the display device and the image reading device of the same format when the image reading process is performed using the plurality of image reading devices. Based on the information acquired by the common function information acquiring unit, the common function information acquiring unit that acquires information regarding a common reading function that can be commonly executed by the image reading apparatuses so that data is generated, and A management device comprising: a display control unit that displays the common reading function on a display unit. 2. A function information acquisition unit for acquiring information about a read function of each image reading apparatus, wherein the common function information acquisition unit extracts the common read function from the information acquired by the function information acquisition unit. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. An original function information acquisition unit for acquiring information on an original function other than a common reading function provided in each image reading apparatus, wherein the display control unit is based on the information acquired by the original function information acquisition unit. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unique function is also displayed. 4. The display control means comprises: for one image reading device, proxy function information acquisition means for acquiring information on a read function that cannot be executed by the one image reading device but can be executed by another image reading device. 3. The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a reading function capable of acting on the basis of the information acquired by the proxy function information acquiring means. 5. A program for causing a computer to realize the function of a management device that includes display means and is connected to a plurality of image reading devices, wherein the image reading process is performed using the plurality of image reading devices. , Common function information acquisition processing that acquires information regarding a common reading function that can be commonly executed by each image reading apparatus, and common function information acquisition processing so that data of the same format is generated in each image reading apparatus. A management program that causes a computer to execute a process including a display process for displaying the common reading function on the display unit based on the acquired information.