JP2003208271A - Image forming device associating with other device through network - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of transferring a coordinate parameter for designating a picture layout through a network to a device to be used by a user, and executing prescribed processing based on a function option set by the user who has received the parameter through the network. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a transferring means for transferring option information indicating a plurality of function options settable for prescribed processing and coordinate parameters indicating coordinates on the screen corresponding to the plurality of function options in response to a request from a device connected through a network, and used by a user and a processing control means for controlling the prescribed processing by using hardware resources for executing the prescribed processing at the time of receiving a setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the device. <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 an image processing device, and more particularly, to image data input by a user,
Image input / output devices that input and output images such as copies and faxes that are connected via a network, image output devices that output images such as printers, image storage devices such as file servers and various databases, or image processing. An image forming apparatus that cooperates with each other via a network such as an image processing apparatus and an image input / output apparatus that transmits to an image processing apparatus that performs the image forming apparatus. Further, an image forming method for performing processing in such an apparatus is provided.

An image processing apparatus and an image input / output apparatus which output an image based on image data received from another image processing apparatus or image input / output apparatus, execute predetermined image processing, or accumulate the image data. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that cooperates with each other via a network such as. Further, an image forming method for performing processing in such an apparatus is provided.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional technique for performing processing relating to image data to an image processing apparatus or an image input / output apparatus connected via a network, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-6496
The invention disclosed in the publication is known. The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can be connected to an information output apparatus via a network and that can prevent the output image quality from being impaired when output is performed by all devices on the network. For that purpose, the correction data of the image processing is acquired via the network, the image correction optimum for the output is performed, and the data is output to the device connected to the network.

[0004]

In an image processing apparatus or an image input apparatus connectable to an image input / output apparatus via such a network, when outputting by any apparatus on the network, There is a problem in that the user's operation and image processing are different because the functions are different from each other and have unique features.

For example, if there is a high-performance copier with a sorter or stapler at the network destination and another model or copier with only a single function is at hand, the "Scan To Print" function is used to connect to the network destination. Can be output to the copy machine, but at that time, the finisher or stapler at the network destination cannot be used in the same manner as in normal use.

Further, in image input for the purpose of accumulating images in another server or database instead of paper output, or for secondary use such as OCR, it is necessary to improve accuracy in order to achieve each purpose. There is. To improve the accuracy in this way, it is necessary to change the image processing. Furthermore, it is necessary to prepare a user interface for setting and inputting information necessary for the purpose. It is impossible to prepare a user interface that meets all of these needs in the image input device, and it is difficult to customize the interface to meet the needs.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object thereof is to form an image in which the user interface can be unified regardless of which device on the network is used when the device on the network is used. An apparatus and an image forming method are provided.

Another object is to easily meet various demands of image input / output without changing image processing and preparing a user interface for setting and inputting necessary information. An image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of performing the same are provided.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, based on option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for a predetermined process, A screen generating means for generating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit and coordinate parameters indicating position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components is connected via a network. In response to a request from the device used by the user, a transfer means for transferring the option information and the coordinate parameter, and the plurality of function options displayed from the device by the device using the coordinate parameter. When the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user is received, the predetermined process is performed based on the setting parameter. Configured to have a process control means for controlling the predetermined process using the hardware resources of the fit.

In such an image forming apparatus, since the option information and the coordinate parameters are transferred to the apparatus used by the user via the network, the user uses the screen of the image forming apparatus on the apparatus. Desired function options can be set. The user can also cause the image forming apparatus to perform a predetermined process from the apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus does not need to be provided with a unit for providing a screen similar to that of the image forming apparatus in advance in order to use the processing in the image forming apparatus. Further, it is not necessary to equip the apparatus with a predetermined process provided by the image forming apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 2, the predetermined process is a process relating to image formation,
An application having the image generation control means and the processing control means, managing the hardware resources, and responding to a use request from the application,
It can be configured to have a control service that controls utilization to the hardware resource, and an operating system that controls the application and the control service.

Such an image forming apparatus has a function as a computer apparatus and can directly control hardware resources used for image formation.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, as described in claim 3, in response to a request from the device for confirming the existence of a device capable of the predetermined processing, the image forming device is connected on the network. It may be configured to have a response unit that responds with device identification information including a device address to be specified and a device name.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to notify the apparatus connected via the network that processing is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, as the screen generating means, the image is displayed on the display unit based on the input option information indicating a plurality of input function options relating to the image input processing. Input screen generation means for generating input screen coordinate parameters indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of input function options and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, and a plurality of image processing function options relating to image processing. Image processing screen coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options displayed on the display unit and position coordinates displaying the plurality of display components based on image processing option information indicating Showing an image processing screen generating means for generating a plurality of output function options relating to image output processing Image processing screen coordinate parameters indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options displayed on the display unit and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components are generated based on the force option information. It can be configured to have at least one of the output screen generation means.

In such an image forming apparatus, an input screen,
At least one of the image processing screen and the output screen can be displayed on the display unit, and at least one of the input screen, the image processing screen and the output screen can be displayed by the transfer means.
Option information and screen coordinate parameters for
It can be transferred to a device connected via a network.

Further, according to the present invention, as the processing control means, as the processing control means, an input control means for controlling input processing of an image to generate input image data, and an image for the input image data are provided. At least one of image processing control means for generating image output data for processing and outputting, and output control means for controlling output processing for forming and outputting an image on a medium based on the image output data is provided. Can be configured as.

In such an image forming apparatus, at least one of input processing, image processing and output processing can be performed in response to a request from an apparatus connected via a network.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 6, as the transfer means, the input screen coordinate parameter generated by the input screen creating means specified by the request and the input option relating to the input processing. Input screen transfer means for transferring information to the device, image processing screen coordinate means for transferring image processing screen coordinate parameters generated by the image processing screen creating means, and image processing option information on the image processing to the device. And at least one of the output screen transfer means for transferring the output screen coordinate parameter generated by the output screen creating means and the output option information regarding the output processing to the device.

In such an image forming apparatus, input screen coordinate parameters and input option information for an input screen in response to a request from a device connected via a network,
The image processing screen coordinate parameter and the image processing option information or the output screen coordinate parameter and the output option information can be provided. Therefore, the apparatus can display the input screen, the image processing screen, or the output screen of the image forming apparatus according to the request.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 7, the plurality of the plurality of first function options displayed on the display unit based on the first option information indicating a plurality of first function options which can be set for a predetermined process. Screen generating means for generating a first coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the function option of (1) and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, and a device selected by a user connected through a network. Substitution for replacing the first coordinate parameter by a second coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to a plurality of second function options that can be processed by the device and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. Means and a plurality of second function options to display using the second coordinate parameter, which are set by the user. By setting a parameter indicating one or more said second feature options transmitted to the device can be configured to have a processing requesting means for requesting the predetermined processing to the device.

In such an image forming apparatus, the screen generating means for generating the first coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the image forming apparatus itself is provided from the apparatus selected by the user connected through the network. Further, the screen display can be realized by using the second coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the device. Further, since the setting parameter indicating the second function option set by the user is transmitted to the device, the device can be requested to perform the processing. For example, even if the function of the image forming apparatus is lower than the function of the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network, the high function of the apparatus can be used from the image forming apparatus. Become.

Further, according to the present invention, as the screen generating means, the display unit is based on the input option information indicating a plurality of input function options related to the image input processing by the user. Input screen generating means for generating, as the first coordinate parameter, an input screen coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of input function options to be displayed in and the position coordinates displaying the plurality of display components, A plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options displayed on the display unit and a plurality of display components based on image processing option information indicating a plurality of image processing function options related to image processing by the user; The image processing screen coordinate parameter indicating the position coordinate to be displayed is set to the above first coordinate parameter. And a plurality of displays corresponding to the plurality of output function options to be displayed on the display unit, based on the image processing screen generation means for generating as It can be configured to have at least one of output screen generation means for generating an output screen coordinate parameter indicating a component and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components as the first coordinate parameter.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to display the screen of the apparatus connected via the network regarding the processing desired by the user.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, as the processing requesting means, the user sets from among a plurality of input function options which can be set for the input processing by the apparatus as the processing requesting means. Input processing requesting means for requesting the device to perform the input processing by transmitting an input setting parameter indicating one or more input function options to the device, and a plurality of input processing parameters that can be set for the image processing by the device. Image processing requesting means for requesting the image processing to the apparatus by transmitting to the apparatus image processing setting parameters indicating one or more image processing function options set by the user from the image processing function options; One or more of the user-configured output function options that can be set by the device for the output process. Output processing parameter requesting the output processing to the device by transmitting an output setting parameter indicating the power function option to the device, and the user from the document list regarding the plurality of documents accumulated by the device. By transmitting the document identification information for identifying the document set by the above to the apparatus, it can be configured to have at least one of document acquisition request means for acquiring the document.

In such an image forming apparatus, the processing desired by the user can be performed by the apparatus connected via the network.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sets which can be set for a predetermined process in response to a request from an apparatus used by the user connected through a network. First option for the request, and option information indicating the function option of the display unit, a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit, and coordinate parameters indicating position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. When a setting parameter indicating a function option set by the user is received from the screen web service providing processing means to be provided as a processing result and the device from the plurality of function options displayed by the device using the coordinate parameters, the setting is performed. By controlling the predetermined processing by using the hardware resources for performing the predetermined processing based on the parameters It can be configured to have a processing Web service providing processing means for providing the result as the second processing result.

In such an image forming apparatus, a function equivalent to that of the image forming apparatus described in claim 1 can be provided as a Web service to an apparatus connected via a network.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 11, the predetermined process is a process relating to image formation, which manages the hardware resources and uses from the processing Web service providing processing means. On request,
It may be configured to have a control service for controlling use of the hardware resource, an operating system for controlling each of the screen Web service providing processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit, and the control service. .

Such an image forming apparatus has a function as a computer and can directly control hardware resources used for image formation.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 12, a processing request is received from the device connected via the network, and the screen Web service providing process is performed according to the processing request. Means or processing W
It can be configured to have a Web server unit for transmitting a processing response indicating information provided by the eb service provision processing unit to the apparatus.

In such an image forming apparatus, the Web server unit is connected via a network for providing the screen Web service providing processing unit or the information provided by the processing Web service providing processing unit as a Web service. It is possible to control communication with the device.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 13, the Web server means is a We indicating a Web service provider designated by the processing request.
b It may be configured to have a distributor means for distributing the processing request to the screen web service providing processing means or the processing web service providing processing means based on the service identification information.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to cause the Web service means in accordance with the processing request transmitted from the apparatus connected via the network to perform the processing.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 14, the screen web service providing processing means generates an image generating means for generating the coordinate parameter based on the option information for the predetermined processing. Can be configured to have

In such an image forming apparatus, the image generating means can generate coordinate parameters to be displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus itself based on the option information of the image forming apparatus itself. The device connected via the network can display the same screen as the image forming device by being provided with the coordinate parameters generated by the image generating means as a Web service.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 15, when the image generating means generates the coordinate parameter, the request source information indicating the request source of the request is set in the coordinate parameter. The request source information setting means may be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 16, the image generating means determines, based on the request source information, whether the request is an internal request of the image forming apparatus. And an internal processing request generating means for generating a processing request for requesting the predetermined processing to the processing Web service providing processing means based on the determination result by the determining means. Can be configured as.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to judge whether the Web service provided internally or the Web service provided to the apparatus connected via the network is determined by the coordinate parameter in which the request source information is set. You can Based on the determination result, a processing request can be issued so that the internal Web service can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 17, it is judged whether or not the destination for providing the second processing result as a service is the inside, and based on the judgment result, It can be configured to have a provision destination determining means for notifying the distributor means of the processing request.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to judge whether or not the received processing request is internally issued, and execute the Web service internally based on the judgment result.

Further, according to the present invention, as the eighteenth aspect, the predetermined processing is an input control processing for inputting an image and generating input image data, and an image processing for the input image data to output image data. May be configured to be image processing for generating the output image data, or output control processing for outputting the output image data to a medium.

In such an image forming apparatus, at least one of input processing, image processing and output processing can be performed in response to a request from a device connected via a network.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 19, the processing Web service providing processing means retrieves the setting parameter and the data file attached to the processing request from the processing request. And a processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing on the data file based on the setting parameter extracted by the dispatcher means.

In such an image forming apparatus, even when the input image data is received as a data file, the setting parameters and the input image data can be taken out by the dispatcher means.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a message exchange means for processing a message set in the processing request and the processing response in a predetermined description format according to a predetermined message exchange protocol, and the processing described above. The first message described in the predetermined description format set in the request is processed, and the description exchange means describes the processing result set as the processing response in the predetermined description format. The means and the description processing means are the screen W
The eb service providing processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit may be configured to be shared.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is not necessary for each processing Web service providing processing means to have a message exchange means and a description processing means.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 21, the plurality of functions displayed on the display unit in response to a request from a device used by the user connected through a network. A coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the option and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, a screen Web service providing processing means for providing as a first processing result for the request, and the device from the device to the device. When the setting position coordinates of the function option set by the user is received from the screen displayed using the coordinate parameter, the above-mentioned setting parameter is created based on the setting parameter created to indicate the function option corresponding to the setting position coordinate. The predetermined processing is controlled by using the hardware resources for performing the predetermined processing, and the result is provided as the second processing result. It can be configured to have a processing Web service providing processing means for.

In such an image forming apparatus, the screen generating means for generating the first coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the image forming apparatus itself is provided from the apparatus selected by the user connected through the network. Further, the screen display can be realized by using the second coordinate parameter for displaying the function option of the device. Further, since the setting parameter indicating the second function option set by the user is transmitted to the device, the device can be requested to perform the processing. For example, even if the function of the image forming apparatus is lower than the function of the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network, the high function of the apparatus can be used from the image forming apparatus. Become.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 22, the predetermined process is a process relating to image formation, which manages the hardware resources and is used by the processing Web service providing processing means. On request,
It may be configured to have a control service for controlling use of the hardware resource, an operating system for controlling each of the screen Web service providing processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit, and the control service. .

Such an image forming apparatus has a function as a computer device and can directly control hardware resources used for image formation.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 23, a processing request is received from the device connected via the network, and the screen Web service providing process is performed according to the processing request. Means or processing W
It can be configured to have a Web server unit for transmitting a processing response indicating information provided by the eb service provision processing unit to the apparatus.

In such an image forming apparatus, the Web server unit is connected via a network for providing the screen Web service providing processing unit or the information provided by the processing Web service providing processing unit as a Web service. It is possible to control communication with the device.

Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 24, the screen Web service providing processing means generates the coordinate parameter on the basis of the option information for the predetermined processing, and makes the request. It is possible to have an image generation unit that sets request source information indicating the request source of the above in the coordinate parameter. Further, according to the present invention, as described in claim 25, when the image generation means is notified of the set position coordinates internally or from the device, the image generation means notifies the processing web service providing processing means as an event. And an event notification unit that operates.

In such an image forming apparatus, since the image generating means has the event notifying means, the image generating means can directly request the processing to the processing Web service providing processing means.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, according to a predetermined message exchange protocol, a processing request for requesting a predetermined process to a device connected via a network and a process request from the device. Web service client means for controlling a processing response that provides a processing result, a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of function options that can be set for the predetermined processing of the apparatus acquired from the apparatus, and the plurality of display components. Based on a screen processing means for displaying a screen on the display unit based on a first coordinate parameter indicating a first position coordinate for displaying the display component, and a processing response regarding the screen display notified from the Web service client means. , The screen processing means is instructed to display the screen, and the screen Depending on the event notified from the management unit may be configured to have a control means for instructing said processing request to the device with respect to the Web service client unit.

In such an image forming apparatus, even if the function of the image forming apparatus as a Web service client is lower than the function of the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network, the high function of the apparatus is provided. Can be used from the image forming apparatus.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the screen processing means is obtained from the device,
The option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for the predetermined process of the device, a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit, and the plurality of display components are displayed. The display unit may be configured to display a screen based on the first coordinate parameter indicating the first position coordinate.

In such an image forming apparatus, even if the function of the image forming apparatus as the Web service client is lower than the function of the apparatus selected by the user connected via the network, the high function of the apparatus is provided. Can be used from the image forming apparatus.

Further, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention can use the processing in the above-mentioned image forming apparatus as an image forming method.

[0061]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] An image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention that fuses various image forming functions (hereinafter referred to as a fusion machine).
Has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Figure 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a compound machine that combines various image forming functions according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the compound machine 1200 is a plotter 1 which is a hardware resource for performing printer processing.
321, a scanner 1324 that is a hardware resource for performing a scanner process, and other hardware resources 1203, and the platform 1
The software 1210 includes a 220 and an application 1230, and an activation unit 1240.

The start-up unit 1240 is first executed when the power of the compound machine 1200 is turned on, and the platform 122
0 or the application 1230 is activated.

API (Application Program Interfac
e) 1205 provides the interface between the application 1230 and the platform 1220. The platform 1220 interprets a processing request from the application 1230 notified via the API 1205 and manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and a control service 1250 described below that generates a hardware resource acquisition request. , A system resource manager (SRM) that arbitrates acquisition requests from the control service 1250.
r) 1223) and the OS 1221.

The control service 1250 is composed of a plurality of service modules.
SCS (System Control Service) 1222 and ECS
((Engine Control Service) 1224 and MCS (Memo
ry Control Service) 1225 and OCS (Operation
panel Control Service) 1226 and FCS (FAX Con
Control Service) 1227 and NCS (Network Control)
Service) 1228 and IMH (Imaging Memory Handle)
r) 1229.

The OS 1221 is an operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes each software of the platform 1220 and the application 1230 as processes in parallel. By using the open source UNIX (registered trademark), the safety of the program can be secured, the network can be supported, and the source code can be easily obtained. Further, royalties of OS and TCP / IP are not required, and outsourcing becomes easy.

The SRM 1223 controls the system and manages the resources together with the SCS 1222, and includes an engine unit such as a scanner and a plotter, a memory, an HDD file, a host I / O (Centro I / F,
Network I / F, IEEE1394 I / F, RS2
32C I / F, etc.) performs arbitration according to a request from an upper layer that uses a hardware resource such as 32 CI / F, and controls execution.

Specifically, this SRM 1223 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is available. Tell upper layers that wear resources are available. In addition, hardware resource utilization scheduling may be performed in response to a request from an upper layer, and the request content (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory reservation, file generation, etc.) may be directly executed. .

The SCS 1222 manages the application (function 1), controls the operation unit (function 2), displays the system screen (job list screen, counter display screen, etc.) (function 3), L
It performs a plurality of functions such as ED display (function 4), resource management (function 5), and interrupt application control (function 6). Specifically, in the application management (function 1), registration of the application,
Perform the process of notifying other applications of the information. In the operation unit control (function 2), exclusive control of the operation unit use right of the application is performed. In the system screen display (function 3), a warning screen corresponding to the state of the engine unit is displayed according to the request content from the application having the operation unit usage right. LE
In the D display (function 4), display control of system LEDs such as a warning LED and an application key is performed. The resource management (function 5) provides a service for exclusive control of engine resources (scanner, staple, etc.) that must be excluded when the application (ECS) executes a job. In the interrupt application control (function 6),
Performs control and services to prioritize specific applications.

The ECS 1224 includes a plotter 1321 and
Scanner 1324 and other hardware resources 12
It controls the engine unit such as 03, and performs image reading and printing operation, status notification, jam recovery, and the like.

The MCS 1225 performs memory control, and specifically, performs acquisition and release of an image memory, use of a hard disk device (HD), compression and expansion of image data, and the like.

The OCS 1226 is a module for controlling an operation panel which is a means for transmitting information between the operator and the main body control, and is a process for notifying the main body control of an operator's key operation event, and a library function for each application to construct a GUI. Is provided, processing for managing the constructed GUI information for each application, display reflection processing on the operation panel, and the like are performed.

The FCS 1227 is used for facsimile transmission / reception from each application layer of the system controller using the PSTN / ISDN network, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, fusion transmission / reception. An API 1205 for performing the above is provided.

The NCS 1228 is a module group for providing services that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. The NCS 1228 distributes the data received from each protocol by the network to each application, and Mediates when data is transmitted from the network to the network side. The NCS 1228 is, for example, at least an ht for performing communication with a device connected via a network.
tpd (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Daemon) 2,
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for transferring files related to the image input / output interface 3
Have and.

The IMH 1229 maps image data from the virtual memory area to the physical memory area. In response to the activation of the process, a system call is performed to map the virtual memory area for the process, and release the mapped virtual memory area at the end of the process.

Application 1230 includes page description language (PDL), PCL and Postscript (PDL).
A printer application 1211, which is a printer application having S), a copy application 1212 which is a copying application, a fax application 1213 which is a facsimile application, a scanner application 1214 which is a scanner application, and a net file application. A certain net file application 1215, an image input / output application 1216 that is an application that controls image input / output, and a transfer application 1217 that transfers an image input / output interface file.
And a document list application 1 that provides a list of managed documents
217 and. Each application 1211-12
Since 17 can operate and execute using each process on the platform 1220, the main part thereof is a screen display control program that performs screen control, key operation control, job generation, and the like. Note that a new application can be installed via the network via the network connected by the NCS 1228. Further, each application can be added or deleted for each application.

As described above, the multi-functional apparatus 1200 centrally processes on the platform 1220 the processing commonly required by each application.

Next, the hardware configuration of the compound machine 1200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the compound machine 1200 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the above. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function peripheral 1200 includes an operation panel 1310 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 133.
0, IEEE13941340, plotter 1321, scanner 1324, and ASIC130 of controller 1300.
1 and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
It is configured to be connected by a bus 1309 or the like.

The controller 1300 has the ASIC 130.
1 to MEM-C1302, HD (Hard Disk) 1303
Etc. are connected and this ASIC1301 and CP
It is connected to U1304 via the NB1305 of the CPU chip set. In this way, the reason for connecting via the NB 1305 is that the interface of the CPU 1304 itself is not open to the public.

Here, the ASIC 1301 and the NB 13
05 is not simply connected via PCI, but is connected via AGP 1308. The reason for making the connection via the AGP 1308 is as follows.
This fusion machine 1200 is the platform 1 shown in FIG.
This is because, in order to control the execution of a plurality of processes forming the 220 and the application 1230, if these are connected by a low-speed PCI, the performance will decrease.

The CPU 1304 controls the entire compound machine 1200, and specifically, the OS 1221.
SCS 122 forming platform 1220 on
2, SRM1223, ECS1224, MCS122
5, OCS1226, FCS1227, NCS122
8, IMH 1229 is started and executed as a process, respectively, and a printer application 1211, a copy application 1212 that forms an application 1230,
Fax application 1213, scanner application 1214,
Net file application 1215, image input / output application 12
16 and the transfer application 1217 are activated and executed. Further, the OS 1221 is used by the scanner 1324 and the plotter 13.
21, and controls other hardware resources such as the hardware resource 1203.

The OS 1221 of the image forming apparatus 1200 is
In this way, in order to directly control each hardware resource used for image processing, a personal computer (P
It is different from operating systems such as C).
This is because the PC can usually control the image forming apparatus such as the scanner or the printer connected thereto, but cannot control the hardware resources in the image forming apparatus.

The NB 1305 has a CPU 1304 and a MEM.
-P1306, SB1307, is a bridge for connecting the ASIC1301, MEM-P1306,
A system memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multi-function peripheral. The SB 1307 is an NB 1305, a ROM, and a PC.
It is a bridge for connecting I devices and peripheral devices. The MEM-C1302 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer,
The ASIC 1301 is an IC for image processing applications having a hardware element for image processing.

The HD 1303 is a storage for accumulating image data, programs, font data, and forms, and the operation panel 1310 receives input operations from the operator and directs them to the operator. It is an operation unit for displaying.

Therefore, the ASIC 1301 has a ME
A RAM interface for connecting the M-C 1302 and a hard disk interface for connecting the HD 1303 are provided, and when inputting / outputting image data to / from these storage units, the input / output destination is RA.
Switch to M interface or hard disk interface.

The AGP 1308 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card, which has been proposed for accelerating graphics processing, and makes the graphics accelerator card faster by directly accessing the system memory with high throughput.

The input processing, the image processing and the output processing that can be provided by the multifunction machine 1200 having the above-described functional configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 are connected via a network. Image input / output application 1216 and transfer application 121 that can be used from other devices
A functional configuration example of No. 7 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image input / output application and the transfer application. In FIG. 3, the image input / output application 1216 mainly controls the process flow control module 450 that controls the process flow of the input process, the image process, and the output process, and the flow of the screen displayed on the operation panel 1302 via the OCS 1226. And a UIF (User InterFace) control module 430.

The processing flow control module 450 is a scanner 1324 as an image reading device for inputting an image.
An input control module 410 for controlling the input image, an output control module 420 for controlling a plotter 1321 as an image forming apparatus for outputting an image, and an image processing module for performing image processing on the input image data 601 to generate output image data 602. 440 and each module 41
The process flow of each input process, the image process, and the output process performed at 0, 440, and 420, or the series of process flows as a whole is controlled. For example, the fusion machine 1200
When the input processing, the image processing, and the output processing are continuously performed, the processing flow control module 450 controls each processing according to a predetermined processing flow. Further, as will be described later, in the case of only the requested processing, the processing flow control module 450 controls the corresponding module so that only the requested processing is performed according to the predetermined processing flow.

The UIF control module 430 has an input UIF 460 for providing an input screen, an output UIF 470 for providing an output screen, and an image processing UIF 480 for providing an image processing screen, and according to the display flow. Each UIF 46 is set so that a predetermined screen is displayed on the operation panel 1302 via the OCS 1226.
0, 470 and 480 are controlled.

In FIG. 3, first, the mechanism by which the UIF control module 430 displays an input screen, an image processing screen, and an output screen on the operation panel 1302 of the multi-function peripheral 1200 will be described.

When the compound machine 1200 is activated, the input control module 410 confirms the functions that can be provided by the scanner 1324, such as the document feeder function and the double-sided original reading function, and inputs them.
It is acquired as 33. The input UIF 460 of the UIF control module 430 is based on the input option information 433 acquired by the input control module 410 and is based on the input option information 433.
An input screen coordinate parameter 462 indicating an image such as a text, a button, an icon, and the like that configures an input screen that displays the input processing function that can be provided by 24, and an input screen coordinate parameter 462 indicating the position coordinates where they are arranged is generated. The input screen coordinate parameter 462 generated by the input UIF 460 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430, and the OCS 122 is notified based on the input screen coordinate parameter 462.
6 is displayed as an input screen on the operation panel 1302. The user operates the operation panel 13
When the desired function is set from the input screen displayed on 02, the position coordinates where the image of the text, button, icon, etc. selected by the user is displayed, becomes OCS122.
Input UIF4 of the UIF control module 430 via
60 is notified.

The input UIF 460 is based on the input option information 433 and the input screen coordinate parameter 462.
The function corresponding to the position coordinates notified from the OCS 1226 is notified to the input control module 410 as the input setting parameter 434, and the image input is instructed. The input control module 410 executes the scanner application 1214 based on the input setting parameter 434 to execute the scanner 1
324 is controlled, the input image 600 is read, and the function set by the user is executed with respect to the input image 600. Input image data 601 is generated as a result of being executed by the scanner 1324 under the control of the input control module 410.

Further, the image processing module 440 is provided with an image processing function that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200, for example,
Image processing option information 43 such as the aggregate print function or copy function, frame deletion function, reverse function, stamp function, etc.
The image processing UIF 480 is notified as 5. The image processing UIF 480 of the UIF control module 430, based on the image processing option information 435 notified from the image processing control module 440, is a text that constitutes an image processing screen that displays the image processing function that the multifunction peripheral 1200 can provide. Image processing screen coordinate parameter 48 indicating images of buttons, buttons, icons, etc. and position coordinates where they are arranged.
Generates 2. The image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 generated by the image processing UIF 480 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430, and the OCS 1 is generated based on the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482.
It is displayed as an image processing screen on the operation panel 1302 by 226. When the user sets a desired function from the image processing screen displayed on the operation panel 1302, the position coordinates where the image of the text, the button, the icon, etc. selected by the user is displayed are displayed on the UIF control module 4 via the OCS 1226.
The 30 image processing UIFs 480 are notified.

The image processing UIF 480 notifies the image processing control module 440 of the function corresponding to the position coordinates notified from the OCS 1226 as the image processing setting parameter 436 based on the image processing option information 435 and the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. And instruct image processing. The image processing control module 440 executes image processing on the input image data 601 generated by the input control module 410, and as a result, generates output image data 602.

Similarly, when the compound machine 1200 is started, the output control module 420 causes the plotter 1321 to operate.
Check the functions that can be provided from, such as the finisher function such as punch function and staple function, sort function, stack function, print copy number setting function, paper tray type, double-sided paper feeding function, etc., and output them as output option information 431. get. Output UIF of UIF control module 430
An image 470 includes images such as text, buttons, and icons that form an output screen that displays the output processing function that can be provided by the plotter 1321, based on the output option information 431 acquired by the output control module 410, and the images are arranged. Output screen coordinate parameter 47 indicating the position coordinate
Generates 2. The output screen coordinate parameter 472 generated by the output UIF 460 is notified to the OCS 1226 by the UIF control module 430, and is displayed as an output screen on the operation panel 1302 by the OCS 1226 based on the output screen coordinate parameter 472. When the user sets a desired function from the output screen displayed on the operation panel 1302, the position coordinates where the image of the text, button, icon, etc. selected by the user is displayed are output from the UIF control module 430 via the OCS 1226. The UIF 470 is notified.

The output UIF 470 is based on the output option information 431 and the output screen coordinate parameter 472.
The function corresponding to the position coordinates notified from the OCS 1226 is notified as the output control setting parameter 432 to the output control module 420, and the image output is instructed. The output control module 420 controls the plotter 1321 using the printer application 1211 based on the output setting parameter 432, and the image processing module 440.
The output image data 602 generated by is output from the plotter 1321 as an output image 603 formed as an image on paper or the like.

The control by the UIF control module 430 is performed by, for example, displaying the image processing screen on the operation panel 13
02, the screen for setting the frame width for frame deletion is displayed, or the output screen is displayed on the operation panel 1.
When displayed on 302, the screen flow control is changed so as to display a screen indicating a position where the staple is to be hit. Further, the input option information 433, the image processing option information 435, and the output option information 431 also include a program for controlling the operation panel 1302. Further, the input option information 433 and the output option information 431 as described above are the information of the scanner operation including the information of the paper document and also the information about the operation (control) of the ADF (Automatic Document Feeding Device). . The output option information 431 is information relating to the finisher of the printing paper, and is not limited to the printer processing and is the same when the copy processing is used.

When making a normal copy, input settings relating to image input, for example, settings such as single-sided original or double-sided original, and image processing related to image processing are performed on the input screen displayed on the operation panel 1302. Settings such as frame erasing and output settings related to image output, such as stapling and paper tray settings, are made, and copying is started by the copy start button.

Upon the start of copying, the input control module 4
10 receives the input setting parameter 434, and starts input of the input image 600 according to the input setting parameter 434. The input image 600 input is taken in as input image data 601 by the multi-function peripheral 1200, and the image processing module 440 is executed according to the image processing setting parameter 436.
The input image data 601 image-processed by is passed to the output control module 420 as output image data 602. The output image data 602 is output as an output image 603 to the plotter 1321 by the output control module 420 according to the output setting parameter 432.

In order to make the input processing, image processing, and output processing functions that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200 available from another device connected via the network, the transfer application 1217 is provided from the other device. In response to the request for the screen coordinate parameter of, each screen coordinate parameter 462, 482, 472 is transferred by FTP3 of NCS1228.

When the transfer application 1217 receives a request for an input screen coordinate screen coordinate parameter from another device connected via the network, the transfer application 1217 inputs the input screen coordinate parameter 462 that realizes the same screen display as that of the multi-function peripheral 1200 and at the time of startup. The input option information 433 acquired by the control module 410 is simultaneously transferred to the other device by FTP3. Similarly, when the transfer application 1217 receives a request for an image processing screen coordinate parameter or an output screen coordinate parameter from another device connected via a network, the transfer application 1217 sends the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 or the output screen coordinate parameter 472 by FTP3. Transfer the file to another device.

By downloading and using each screen coordinate parameter transferred in this way by another device,
The other device can display a plurality of functions provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200. Further, the setting parameter indicating the function set by the user is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 1200. The multi-function peripheral 1200 uses the received setting parameters
By replacing the input setting parameter 434, the image processing setting parameter 436, and the output setting parameter 432 of the compound machine 1200 with the corresponding setting parameters, the process according to the setting of the user who is using another device in the compound machine 1200 is performed. It becomes possible to do.

In the functional configuration example of the image input / output application 1216 shown in FIG. 3, the input control module 410, the image processing module 440, the output control module 420, and the UI.
The F control module 430 may be realized by, for example, a Java (registered trademark) program. In this case, a Java (registered trademark) VM (Vir that enables execution of a Java (registered trademark) program indicated by a dotted line
A tual memory) 450 may be provided. Input screen coordinate parameter 462, image processing screen parameter 4
82 and the output screen parameter 472 are provided in a data structure usable in the Java (registered trademark) program.
If a Java (registered trademark) program can be executed in another device connected to the multi-function peripheral 1200 via a network, the input screen coordinate parameter 462 and the image processing screen parameter 482 can be used without depending on the hardware of the other device. And output screen parameters 472 can be provided.

For example, when the device connected to the multi-function peripheral 1200 via the network has a lower function than the multi-function peripheral 1200 or only one function (hereinafter, referred to as a single-function image processing device). A user who uses this single-function image processing apparatus can use the single-function image processing apparatus with the input screen coordinate parameter 462, the image processing screen parameter 482, and the output screen parameter 4 of the multifunction machine 1200.
By acquiring 72 from the compound machine 1200, the high function provided by the compound machine 1200 can be used.
A processing pattern for using the advanced functions of the multifunction machine 1200 in the single-function image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing pattern when the function of the multi-function peripheral is used. The input process, the image process, and the output process are performed by the user, that is, on the premise that the side performing the display process is the single-function image processing device or the multifunction device 1
The processing pattern in the case of performing on the 200 side is shown.

First, the processing pattern in which the input processing is performed by the single-function image processing apparatus, the image processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200, and the output processing is performed by the single-function image processing apparatus is referred to as processing pattern 1. For example, as a situation where this processing pattern 1 is performed, it is desired to use the frame erasing function of the compound machine 1200 as a function of image processing, but the compound machine 12 is located far from the user's position.
00 and there is a single function image processing apparatus nearby, or a case where the multifunction peripheral 1200 is being used by another user.

Next, the input processing is performed by the compound machine 1200,
The processing pattern in which the image processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200 or the single-function image processing apparatus and the output processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200 is referred to as a processing pattern 2. For example, as a situation in which the processing pattern 2 is performed, an ADF (Automatic Docu
ment feeding device) as a function of input processing, and the stapling function of the compound machine 1200 as a function of output processing. Furthermore, if the frame erasing function which is not provided in the single function image processing apparatus but can be provided by the compound machine 1200 is desired, the compound machine 1
There may be a case where image processing is performed at 200.

A processing pattern in which the input processing is performed by the single-function image processing apparatus, the image processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200 or the single-function image processing apparatus, and the output processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200 is referred to as a processing pattern 3. For example, this processing pattern 3
There is a case where the single function image processing apparatus is required to perform the input processing and to use the stapling function of the multifunction peripheral 1200 as the output processing. Further, there may be a case where the multifunction machine 1200 is caused to perform image processing when it is desired to use the frame erasing function which is not provided in the single function image processing apparatus but can be provided by the multifunction machine 1200.

Further, input processing is performed by the multi-functional machine 1200,
The processing pattern in which the image processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200 or the single-function image processing apparatus and the output processing is performed by the single-function image processing apparatus is a processing pattern 4. For example, this processing pattern 4
There is a case where the ADF provided in the multi-function peripheral 1200, which is not included in the single-function image processing apparatus, is desired to be used as the input processing function. Further, there may be a case where the multifunction machine 1200 is caused to perform image processing when it is desired to use the frame erasing function which is not provided in the single function image processing apparatus but can be provided by the multifunction machine 1200.

In the same manner as above, display processing is performed by the multifunction machine 120.
Although it is naturally conceivable that the processing is performed at 0 and other combinations, the purpose of the present invention can be sufficiently shown by describing the above four processing patterns.

These processing patterns 1 to 4
An example of a screen that displays the functions of the multi-function peripheral 1200 on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus as shown in FIG.
The processing flow will be described. In the following description, a copier is assumed as the single function image processing device. For convenience of explanation, an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus will be described. However, each screen coordinate parameter 462, 472, and 482 for displaying is the multi-function peripheral 12.
00, the same display is possible on the operation panel 1302 of the compound machine 1200.

First, an input screen example using the input screen coordinate parameter 462 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen. In FIG. 5, an input screen G600
Is a button 61 for designating a device for input processing, a button 62 for designating a device for image processing, a button 63 for designating a device for output processing, and a user showing a list of devices on the network. It has a selectable display area 610 and a user selectable display area 620 showing the functions that can be processed by the device selected by the user from the display area 610.

When the user selects the button 61 on the input screen G600, the display area 610 displays a list of inputtable devices existing on the network. In the display area 610, for example, "copy machine" indicating the single-function image processing apparatus itself, "multi-function machine" indicating the multi-function machine 1200 described above as a device on the network, and "device 0".
Device names such as "1", "device 02", "device 03", and "device 04" are displayed. For example, when the user selects “multifunction machine”, the display area 620 displays functions that the “multifunction machine” can provide as input processing.

For example, in the display area 620, the input image 60
"Character" for reading 0 in character mode, input image 6
"Photo" to read 00 in the photo mode, "Automatic density" to set the density setting to "Fusion", "Light" and "Dark" for the user to set the density, one side of the input image 600 Functions such as "single-sided" for inputting only one side and "double-sided" for inputting both sides of the input image 600 are displayed. For example, if the user has "photo"
And “single-sided” are selected, input setting parameters indicating the functions of “photograph”, “automatic density” and “single-sided” corresponding to the selected position coordinates are generated and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the fusion machine 1200 is
The received input setting parameter is input setting parameter 43
4 and the input control module 410 reads the input image 600 from the scanner 1324 using the function indicated by the input setting parameter 434 (that is, “photograph”, “automatic density”, and “single-sided”).

A processing flow between the multifunction machine 1200 and the single-function image processing apparatus, which is performed according to the user's operation on the input screen G600, will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 6
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for realizing display of an input screen of the multi-function peripheral on a single function image device.

In FIG. 6, the input screen G6 displayed by the user on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus.
When the button 61 for designating the device for input processing is selected with 00 (step S311), the single-function image processing device
The presence of an image-capable device among the devices connected via the network is confirmed (step S312). As a confirmation method, all the devices existing on the network may be confirmed by broadcasting, or confirmation may be made with respect to a preset specific device. In response to the presence confirmation from the single-function image processing device, the multi-function peripheral 1200 existing on the network responds to the single-function image processing device with device-specific information including an IP address for identifying the multi-function peripheral 1200, a device name, and the like ( Step S31
3). Upon receiving the device-specific information from the multi-function peripheral 1200 and each device on the network, the single-function image processing device displays a list of device names of each device in the display area 610 of the input screen G600.

When the user selects, for example, the compound machine 1200 (step S314) as the device for performing the input process from the displayed area 610, the single-function image processing apparatus causes the compound machine 1200 to input the input screen coordinate parameter. Request 462 (step S315). Fusion machine 120
0 transmits the input screen coordinate parameter 462 and the input option information 433 to the single function image processing apparatus by FTP3 in response to a request from the single function image processing apparatus (step S316).

When the single-function image processing apparatus receives the input screen coordinate parameter 462 from the compound machine 1200, the single-function image processing apparatus uses the input screen coordinate parameter 462 to display the input screen G6 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus.
The functions that can be provided by the compound machine 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of 00 (step S317). From the display area 620 in which the function is displayed, for example, if the user
When "automatic density" and "single-sided" are selected (step S3
18), the input UIF 112 generates input setting parameters indicating the functions of “photograph”, “automatic density”, and “single-sided” corresponding to the selected position coordinates, and the multifunction machine 1200
(Step S319).

Image input / output application 121 of the fusion machine 1200
6 sets the received input setting parameters as the input setting parameters 434, and the input control module 410 sets the scanner 132 according to the input setting parameters 434.
4, input image 600 is read, and input image data 60
1 is generated (step S320).

By setting the input setting parameter received by the multi-function peripheral 1200 as the input setting parameter 434, the input control module 410 can perform the input processing as if the user set the operation panel 1302 of the multi-function peripheral 1200. You can Upon completing the input processing, the image input / output application 1216 transmits the input result to the single-function image processing apparatus (step S3).
21). The single-function image processing apparatus displays the input result received from the compound machine 1200 on the operation panel (step S322).

With such a processing flow, the user can select a desired function from the function list that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus, and can select the desired function. It is possible to cause the multifunction peripheral 1200 to perform the input processing based on the input processing. For example, even if the user does not have a “photograph” function in the single-function image processing apparatus, the user can cause the multifunction machine 1200 to perform an input process in which the “photograph” function is one of the input setting options. it can.

In the processing flow shown in FIG. 6, the case where the single function image processing apparatus and the multifunction machine 1200 are used has been described, but it is also realized between two multifunction machines 1200 or two single function image processing apparatuses. It is possible.

Next, an example of the image processing screen by the image processing screen parameter 482 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the image processing screen. In FIG. 7, since the image processing screen G630 has the same screen configuration as the input screen G600, the same parts as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. When the user selects the button 62 on the image processing screen G630, the display area 610 displays a list of image-processable devices existing on the network, similar to the input screen G600. When the user selects "multifunction machine", the display area 620 displays a function in which "multifunction machine" can be set as image processing.

For example, in the display area 620, "frame deletion" for erasing shadows around the paper, "reverse" for inverting and copying the image color, "stamp" indicating that image processing has been completed, and dirt on the input image are displayed. "Removal of background stains" for correction, "1x" for processing at the same size as the image, "Paper specified magnification" for processing at the magnification corresponding to the specified paper, and 100% for specifying the magnification of the image using the numeric keypad. "Display" for designating image processing including display, "Edit" for repeatedly processing images on one sheet or combining different images to process on one sheet, "1" for left and right pages Functions such as "division" for processing the sheets one by one are displayed. For example, when the user selects “frame deletion”, “actual size” and “division” as the image processing for one left and right page, “frame deletion”, “actual size” and The image processing setting parameter indicating the function of “division” is generated and transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the compound machine 1200 sets the received image processing setting parameter as the image processing setting parameter 436, and the image processing control module 440 sets the image processing setting parameter 440.
Output image data 602 is generated by performing image processing on the input image data 601 using the function (that is, “frame deletion”, “actual size”, and “division”) designated by.

A processing flow between the multifunction machine 1200 and the single-function image processing apparatus, which is performed according to the user's operation on the image processing screen G630, will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the processing flow for realizing the display of the multi-function peripheral and the input screen in the single function image device.

In FIG. 8, when the user selects the button 62 for designating the device for image processing on the image processing screen G630 displayed on the operation panel of the single function image processing apparatus (step S351), the single function image processing apparatus is The presence of a device capable of image processing among the devices connected via the network is confirmed (step S35).
2). The confirmation method performed by the broadcast or the specific device is the same as the case of the processing flow for realizing the display of the input screen described in FIG. In response to the presence confirmation from the single-function image processing apparatus, the multi-function peripheral 1200 existing on the network is assigned an IP address for identifying the multi-function peripheral 1200,
It responds to the single-function image processing device with device-specific information including the device name and the like (step S353). Upon receiving the device-specific information from the multi-function peripheral 1200 and each device on the network, the single-function image processing device displays a list of device names of each device in the display area 610 of the input screen G600.

When the user selects, for example, the compound machine 1200 from the display area 610 in which the image is displayed (step S354), the single-function image processing apparatus causes the compound machine 1200 to display image processing screen parameters. Request 482 (step S355). Fusion machine 120
0 is the image processing screen parameter 482 and the image processing option information 43 in response to a request from the single-function image processing device.
5 and 5 are transmitted to the single-function image processing apparatus by FTP3 (step S356).

Upon receiving the image processing screen parameter 482 from the multi-function peripheral 1200, the single function image processing device uses the image processing screen parameter 482 to display the image processing screen G630 displayed on the operation panel of the single function image processing device. The functions that can be provided by the compound machine 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 (step S357). For example, when the user selects “frame deletion”, “actual size” and “division” from the display area 620 in which the function is displayed (step S
358), the image processing UIF 113 generates image processing setting parameters indicating the functions of "frame deletion", "actual size" and "division" corresponding to the selected position coordinates, and transfers the image processing setting parameters to the multi-function peripheral 1200 (step S359). ).

Image input / output application 121 of the fusion machine 1200
6 acquires the input image data 601 (step S3)
60). When the input processing is not performed by the multifunction peripheral 1200, the image input / output application 1216 acquires the input image data 601 from the single function image processing device. The image input / output application 1216 sets the image processing setting parameter received from the single-function image processing apparatus as the image processing setting parameter 436, and the image processing control module 440 sets the input image data 60 according to the image processing setting parameter 436.
Image processing is performed on 1 to generate output image data 602 (step S361).

By setting the image processing setting parameter received by the image input / output application 1216 as the image processing setting parameter 436, the image processing control module 4
The image processing device 40 can perform image processing as if set by the user on the operation panel 1302 of the compound machine 1200. Upon completing the image processing, the multi-function peripheral 1200 transmits the image processing result to the single-function image processing apparatus (step S362). The single-function image processing apparatus displays the image processing result received from the compound machine 1200 on the operation panel (step S363).

In the processing flow shown in FIG. 8, the case where the single function image processing apparatus and the multifunction machine 1200 are used has been described, but it is also realized between two multifunction machines 1200 or two single function image processing apparatuses. It is possible. With such a processing flow, the user can select a desired function from the function list that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus.
It is possible to cause the multifunction peripheral 1200 to perform image processing based on the selection.

Further, an example of the output screen by the output screen parameter 472 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the output screen. In FIG. 9, the output screen G640 is
Since it has the same screen configuration as the input screen G600, FIG.
The same parts as those of the above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
When the user selects the button 63 on the output screen G640, the display area 610 displays a list of output-processable devices existing on the network, similar to the input screen G600. When the user selects "Machine",
In the display area 620, the functions that can be set as the output processing by the “multifunction machine” are displayed.

For example, in the display area 620, “sort” is output page by page in order, “stack” is output for each page, “staple” indicating how to staple with four types of staples by icons, and two types of staples are displayed. A function such as "punch" that indicates how to punch a hole with an icon is displayed. For example,
When the user selects any one of the plurality of icons indicating the position of the staple displayed on the "staple", the output setting parameter indicating the "staple" function which specifies the binding corresponding to the selected position coordinate is generated. , To the multifunction machine 1200. The image input / output application 1216 of the multi-function peripheral 1200 sets the received output setting parameter as the output setting parameter 432, and the output control module 420 has the function corresponding to the position coordinates designated by the output setting parameter 432 (that is, “staple”). Output image data 602 using the "sort" and "staple" which are automatically set by selecting ".
An image is formed on a sheet by 21 and output as an output image 603.

A processing flow between the compound machine 1200 and the single-function image processing apparatus, which is performed according to the user's operation on the output screen G600, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for realizing display of an output screen with a compound machine in a single-function image device.

In FIG. 10, the output screen G displayed by the user on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus.
When the button 63 for designating a device for output processing is selected in 640 (step S371), the single-function image processing apparatus confirms the presence of a device capable of image output among the devices connected via the network (step S371). S37
2). The confirmation method performed by the broadcast or the specific device is the same as the case of the processing flow for realizing the display of the input screen described in FIG. In response to the presence confirmation from the single-function image processing apparatus, the multi-function peripheral 1200 existing on the network is assigned an IP address for identifying the multi-function peripheral 1200,
It responds to the single-function image processing device with device-specific information including the device name and the like (step S373). Upon receiving the device-specific information from the multi-function peripheral 1200 and each device on the network, the single-function image processing device displays a list of device names of each device in the display area 610 of the output screen G640.

When the user selects, for example, the compound machine 1200 (step S374) as the device for performing image processing from the display area 610 displayed, the single-function image processing device instructs the compound machine 1200 to output screen coordinate parameters. Request 472 (step S375). Fusion machine 120
0 transmits the output screen coordinate parameter 472 and the output option information 431 to the single function image processing apparatus by FTP3 in response to the request from the single function image processing apparatus (step S376).

When the single-function image processing apparatus receives the output screen coordinate parameter 472 and the output option information 431 from the multi-function peripheral 1200 (step S377), it uses the output screen coordinate parameter 472 to operate the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus. Output screen G64 displayed in
Functions that can be provided by the compound machine 1200 are displayed in the display area 620 of 0 (step S378). By this execution, the multifunction machine 1 is displayed in the display area 620 of the output screen G640 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus.
The functions that can be provided by the 200 are displayed. For example, when the user selects one of the icons indicating the position of "staple" from the display area 620 in which the function is displayed (step S379), the output UIF 114 displays the function of "staple" corresponding to the selected position coordinate. The output setting parameters shown are generated and transferred to the compound machine 1200 (step S380).

Image input / output application 121 of the fusion machine 1200
6 acquires the output image data 602 (step S3)
81). When the output processing is not performed by the multi-function peripheral 1200, the image input / output application 1216 acquires the output image data 602 from the single-function image processing apparatus (step S38).
2). The image input / output application 1216 sets the output setting parameter received from the single-function image processing apparatus as the output setting parameter 431, and the output image data 602 is output by the output control module 420 to the output setting parameter 431.
The image is output as an output image 603 which is formed on a sheet in accordance with (step S383).

By setting the output setting parameter received by the image input / output application 1216 as the output setting parameter 431, the output control module 420 performs the output processing as if the user set the operation panel 1302 of the multifunction machine 1200. can do. Upon completing the output processing, the image input / output application 1216 transmits the image processing result to the single-function image processing apparatus (step S384). The single-function image processing apparatus displays the output result received from the compound machine 1200 on the operation panel (step S384).

In the processing flow shown in FIG. 10, the case where the single function image processing apparatus and the multifunction machine 1200 are used has been described, but it is also realized between two multifunction machines 1200 or two single function image processing apparatuses. It is possible. With such a processing flow, the user can select a desired function from the function list that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200 displayed on the operation panel of the single-function image processing apparatus, and output based on the selection. It is possible to cause the multi-function peripheral 1200 to perform the processing.

Processing patterns by the combination of the input processing, the image processing and the output processing shown in FIG. 4 using the user interface realized by the screens and the processing flows described in FIGS. 6 to 10 are shown in FIGS. This will be described in detail in 14. Single Function Image Processing Device 100
Is, for example, a single copy machine that provides only a copy function, and includes, for example, an input processing unit 102 that reads an input image 600 formed on a sheet, and input image data that is generated by reading the input image 600. An image processing unit 104 that performs image processing on the image processing apparatus, an output processing unit 106 that forms output image data that has been subjected to the image processing on a sheet and outputs the output image 603, and an operation panel 120 operated by a user. , And an operation control unit 116 that controls display on the operation panel 120.

Further, the operation control section 110 inputs the input screen coordinate parameter 1 for displaying the input screen G600 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 120.
And an image processing UIF 113 for generating an image processing screen parameter 148 for displaying an image processing screen G630 as shown in FIG.
Based on the output process UIF 114 for generating the output screen coordinate parameter 147 for displaying the output screen G640 as shown in FIG. 9 and the screen parameters 146, 147 and 148 provided by the respective user interfaces 112 to 114. , OCS 116 controlling operation panel 120.

Further, the operation control unit 110 has a Java (registered trademark) VM 118 when the user interface program for realizing each of the user interfaces 112 to 114 is a Java (registered trademark) program. On the other hand, in the single-function image processing apparatus 100, each processing unit of the operation control unit 110 is configured to be realized by a Java (registered trademark) program, so that the OCS1
Even when there is no 16, it is possible to maintain the affinity with the compound machine 1200.

In FIGS. 11 to 14, Java (registered trademark) VM450 and Java (registered trademark) VM are shown.
The portions indicated by dotted lines except 118 are provided as constituent elements, but are not used in the example of the processing pattern. In addition, a portion indicated by a double line indicates a portion replaced with the data file transmitted from the compound machine 1200 or the single-function image processing apparatus 100. Processing Pattern 1 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of processing pattern 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, display processing, input processing, and output processing are performed by the single-function image processing apparatus, and only image processing is performed by the multifunction machine 1200.

First, the user operates the operation panel 1
When the single-function image processing apparatus 100 itself is selected from 20 as the device that performs the input processing, the single-function image processing apparatus 1 is based on the input screen coordinate parameter 146 generated by the input UIF 112 originally included in the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
The input processing functions that 00 can provide are displayed on the operation panel 120. When the user selects a feature,
The input UIF 112 generates an input setting parameter (not shown) indicating the function set by the user. The input processing unit 102 reads the input image 600 according to the input setting parameter (not shown) indicating the function set by the user, which is generated by the input UIF 112, and generates the input image data 601.

Next, the user operates the operation panel 1
When the multi-function peripheral 1200 is selected from 20 as the device that performs image processing, the image processing screen coordinate parameters (not shown) generated by the existing image processing UIF 113 are acquired from the multi-function peripheral 1200 according to the processing flow shown in FIG. It is replaced with the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. The image processing UIF 113 displays the image processing function that can be provided by the multi-function peripheral 1200 on the operation panel 120 via the OCS 116 based on the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. When the user selects a feature,
The image processing UIF 113 generates an image processing setting parameter 136 indicating the function set by the user. The single-function image processing apparatus 100 uses the image processing setting parameter 136.
And the input image data 601 generated by the input processing unit 102 are transferred to the multifunction machine 1200 as a file. The input image data 601 may be transferred in response to a request from the image input / output application 1216 of the compound machine 1200.

In the multifunction machine 1200, the image processing setting parameter 136 received from the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
Then, the image processing setting parameter 436 of the image input / output application 1216 is replaced. Then, the image processing module 440 performs image processing on the input image data 601 received from the single-function image processing apparatus 100 based on the image processing setting parameter 436, and generates output image data 602 as a result. Output image data 602
Is transferred to the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
The output image data 602 may be transferred in response to a request from the single-function image processing apparatus 100.

Furthermore, the user selects the operation panel 1
When the single-function image processing apparatus 100 itself is selected as the device that performs output processing from 20, the single-function image processing apparatus 1 is based on the output screen coordinate parameter 147 generated by the output UIF 114 originally included in the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
The output processing functions that 00 can provide are displayed on the operation panel 120. When the user selects a feature,
The output UIF 114 generates an output setting parameter (not shown) indicating the function set by the user. The output processing unit 106 forms the output image data 602 on a sheet or the like according to the output setting parameter (not shown) generated by the output UIF 114 and indicating the function set by the user, and outputs it as the output image 603.

As described above, the user can cause only the image processing to be performed by the multifunction machine 1200 connected via the network 15.・ Processing pattern 2
It is a figure which shows the example of the process pattern 2 shown in FIG. 12
In, only display processing is performed by a single-function image processing device,
Input processing, image processing, and output processing are performed by the compound machine 1200.

In FIG. 12, the multifunction machine 12 is used as a device for the user to perform input processing, image processing and output processing from the operation panel 120 of the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
When 00 is selected, the input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by the existing input UIF 112 is replaced with the input screen coordinate parameter 462 acquired from the multi-function peripheral 1200 according to the processing flow of FIG. Input U
The IF 112 operates the OCS 116 to operate the operation panel 120 based on the input screen coordinate parameter 462.
The input processing function that the multi-function peripheral 1200 can provide is displayed on the screen. When the user selects a function, the input UIF112
Generates an input setting parameter 134 indicating the function set by the user. The single-function image processing apparatus 100 transfers the input setting parameter 136 to the multifunction peripheral 1200 as a file.

In the multifunction machine 1200, the input setting parameter 134 received from the single-function image processing apparatus 100
Input setting parameters 434 of the image input / output application 1216
Is replaced. The input image 600 is read by the input control module 410, and the input image data 601 is generated by the multifunction machine 1200.

Similarly, according to the processing flow of FIG. 8, the existing image processing UI in the single-function image processing apparatus 100 is used.
An image processing setting indicating the image processing function set by the user from the image processing screen of the multifunction peripheral 1200 displayed by the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 in which the image processing screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by F113 is replaced. According to the parameter 136, the compound machine 120
The image processing setting parameter 436 of 0 is replaced.
According to the replaced image processing setting parameter 436, the image processing module 440 causes the output image data 6
02 is generated.

Further, similarly, according to the processing flow of FIG.
The output screen coordinate parameter 472 in which the output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) generated by 14 is replaced.
The output processing setting parameter 132 indicating the function of the output processing set by the user from the output screen of the multifunction peripheral 1200 displayed on the basis of the above is replaced with the output processing setting parameter 432 of the multifunction peripheral 1200. The output processing module 420 outputs the output image 603 according to the replaced output setting parameter 432.

As described above, the user can cause the multifunction peripheral 1200 connected via the network 15 to perform all the input processing, the image processing, and the output processing. Further, the image processing may be performed by the single function image processing 100. In that case, the single-function image processing apparatus 100 acquires the input image data 601 from the multi-function peripheral 1200, and performs the image processing on the input image data 601 to output the output image data 6
02 together with the output setting parameter 132
Configured to send to 200.・ Processing pattern 3
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the processing pattern 3 shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, display processing and input processing are performed by a single-function image processing apparatus, and image processing and output processing are performed by the multifunction machine 1.
Performed at 200.

In FIG. 13, the user selects the single-function image processing 100 itself as a device for performing input processing from the operation panel 120 of the single-function image processing apparatus 100, and performs the image processing and the output processing as a multi-function machine 1.
If you select 200, the single-function image processing device 100
The input image 600 is read by the input processing unit 102, and the input image data 600 is generated. Then, Figure 1
Similarly to the processing pattern 1 of No. 1, the single-function image processing apparatus 10
Existing image processing screen coordinate parameter at 0 (not shown)
Is an image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 of the fusion machine 1200.
Is replaced by After that, in the image input / output application 1216 of the multifunction machine 1200, the single-function image processing apparatus 100
According to the image processing setting parameter 436 replaced by the image processing setting parameter 136 received from
The image processing module 440 generates output image data 602. Further, similar to the processing pattern 2 of FIG. 12, the existing output screen coordinate parameter (not shown) in the single-function image processing apparatus 100 is replaced with the output screen coordinate parameter 472 of the multi-function peripheral 1200. Then, the fusion machine 120
In the image input / output application 1216 of 0, the output module 420 outputs the output image 603 according to the output setting parameter 432 replaced by the output setting parameter 132 received from the single-function image processing apparatus 100.

As described above, the user performs only the input processing with the single-function image processing apparatus 100, and the image processing and the output processing are connected via the network 15.
It can be done at zero. Further, the image processing may be performed by the single function image processing 100. In that case,
The single-function image processing apparatus 100 is configured to transmit output image data 602 obtained by performing image processing on the input image data 601 generated by the input processing unit 102, to the multi-function peripheral 1200 together with the output setting parameter 132.
Processing pattern 4 FIG. 14 is a processing pattern 4 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the example of. In FIG. 14, the display processing and the output processing are performed by the single-function image processing apparatus, and the input processing and the image processing are performed by the multifunction machine 1200.

In FIG. 14, the single function image processing apparatus 1 is used as a device for a user to perform input processing and output processing from the operation panel 120 of the single function image processing apparatus 100.
If 00 is selected and the multi-function peripheral 1200 is selected as a device that performs image processing, the existing input screen coordinate parameter (not shown) is set in the single-function image processing apparatus 100, as in the processing pattern 2 of FIG. It is replaced with the input screen coordinate parameter 462 of the compound machine 1200. After that, in the image input / output application 1216 of the multifunction machine 1200, the input setting parameter 43 replaced by the input setting parameter 134 received from the single-function image processing apparatus 100.
4, the input control module 410 generates the input image data 601. Furthermore, the single-function image processing device 10
Existing image processing screen coordinate parameter at 0 (not shown)
Is an image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 of the fusion machine 1200.
Is replaced by After that, in the image input / output application 1216 of the multifunction machine 1200, the single-function image processing apparatus 100
According to the image processing setting parameter 436 replaced by the image processing setting parameter 136 received from
The image processing module 440 generates output image data 602. Then, the single-function image processing apparatus 100 acquires the output image data 602 from the compound machine 1200, performs the output processing by the existing output processing unit 106, and outputs the output image 603.

As described above, the user can cause the multifunction peripheral 1200 to perform the input processing and the image processing from the single-function image processing apparatus 100, and can cause the single-function image processing apparatus 100 to perform the output processing after the image processing. it can. Further, the image processing may be performed by the single function image processing 100. In that case, the single-function image processing apparatus 100 is the multifunction machine 1
Output image data 602 obtained by acquiring input image data 601 from 200 and performing image processing on the input image data 601.
Together with the output setting parameter 132
It is configured to send to 0.

In the above processing patterns 1 to 4, the multi-function peripheral 1200 and the single-function image processing apparatus 100 are connected to the network 1
Although the example in which the image processing apparatuses are connected via 5 has been described, the present invention can be applied to a mode in which three or more image processing apparatuses are connected.

As described above, in the first embodiment, an option (ADF, double-sided AD) attached to the compound machine 1200 connected by the network 15 from any image processing apparatus is used.
The input image 600 can be input using (F, etc.). For example, if the input image 600 (original) is a double-sided ADF1
An image can be continuously input from a plurality of double-sided originals using a multifunction machine 1200 equipped with 350 and output to a single-function image processing apparatus 100 (copier) having only a pressure plate.

Further, by using an option (finisher, punch, staple, etc.) attached to the multifunction machine 1200 from any single-function image processing apparatus 100 on the network 15 to the multifunction machine 1200 connected by the network 15, The output image 603 can be output. For example, it is possible to output an image from a single-function copy machine or personal computer (PC) by using the output option of a full-function, high-function printer or copy machine. At this time, since the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 is acquired via the network 15, it is not necessary to newly prepare a user interface in the single-function image processing apparatus 100 operated by the user, and the multifunction machine 120 can be used from anywhere.
It can be instructed by the same operation as the interface provided by 0. Even when a device to which a new function is added is connected to the network 15, even if the existing single-function image processing apparatus 100 on the operating side does not know the function, the user operates the interface of the multifunction machine 1200. You can use it as it is.

Further, if the high-performance multifunction peripheral 1200 exists on the network 15, the input image data 601 is sent to the multifunction peripheral 1200, and the output image data 602 is sent to the single function image processing apparatus 100 on the output side. Accordingly, even in the single-function image processing apparatus 100 that does not have high-performance image processing, the same function can be realized. At this time,
Single-function image processing apparatus 1 on the operation side for image processing functions and settings
Even if the user does not know 00, the processing can be performed by the same operation from any device.

In this embodiment, the network 15
Only a plotter 1321 of the compound machine 1200 as an output option, a scanner 1324 of the compound machine 1200 as an input option, and a single-function image processing apparatus 100 (copier) as an input and output option are provided above, but a plurality of them are provided. Is also possible. All options, for example, devices connected to the network 15 or scanners, printers, copiers, etc. as functions, can share the respective functions. Further, the output destination is not limited to printing on paper, and electronic data may be used for storing and storing documents in a server or the like. Alternatively, the input side may be a document management server, a document management server, and electronic data instead of paper originals. In this way, by storing as a document, it is possible to reuse the data that already exists as image data, and the frequently used data can be stored in the network 15.
You can use it with various output methods that use options just by setting it above. [Second Embodiment] In a second embodiment, a multi-function peripheral that provides the same processing as that of the first embodiment as a Web service will be described.

Web related to image processing according to the second embodiment
The functional configuration and hardware configuration of the multi-function peripheral that provides the service are the same as the functional configuration and hardware configuration of the multi-function peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but will be described below. Web service providing processing unit 41,
42, 44, and 244 are the image input / output Web application 121.
The process corresponding to 6 is performed. In the second embodiment, the input screen, the image processing screen, and the output screen are provided on the operation panel of the client device connected via the network, and the input process, the image process, and the output process are performed on the Web based on the user's setting. FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 on the multifunction machine 1200 provided as a service
Described in.

The processing examples described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are, in the network, a compound machine 1200 for providing a Web service, another image processing apparatus corresponding thereto, and a client device having a Web service client function (described later). At least 3 of the client device 1200C)
It is assumed that more than one image processing device is connected. In this processing example, an MFP 1200 that provides image processing as an image processing screen and a Web service, and an MFP 1200.
Web services that can receive web services from
A client device having a service client function will be described by taking image processing as an example. Similarly, input processing and output processing can be realized.

First, in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, it is assumed that the client device 1200C has an image processing UIF480C realized by a program equivalent to the image processing UIF480 of the compound machine 1200.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the first functional arrangement of a multi-function peripheral which provides a Web service relating to image processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 15, a Web service related to image processing will be described for convenience of description, but a Web service related to input processing and output processing can be realized with the same configuration.

In FIG. 15, the compound machine 1200 includes an image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 244, an image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 for executing image processing,
A service destination determination unit 5 that determines whether or not an internal SOAP command is issued, and http (Hypertext Transfer P
HTTP request and HTTP according to
It has a Web server 500 that controls communication with a device connected via the network 15 in response.

The Web server 500 uses the URI (Uniform Resource Identifie) specified by the HTTP request.
r) or a distributor 30 that distributes a Web service providing processing unit corresponding to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and http (Hypertext Tr
httpd (Hyperte) that controls communication by ansfer Protocol
xt Transfer Protocol Daemon) 2. Also,
The MFP 1200 is a SOAP (Simple Object Access P
parse HTTP request and HT according to
SOAP processing unit 70 that creates a TP response, and XM
An XML processing unit 50 that processes a message according to L (eXtensible Markup Language), and these are shared by all Web service providing processing units 244 and 44. Further, the dispatchers 64 and 65 are implemented by dividing the parameter set as a message and the data file into the image processing UIF 480 and the image processing control module 440, respectively.

First, the compound machine 1200 displays an image processing screen on the operation panel 1321 of the compound machine 1200, and the image processing setting parameter 43 indicating the user's setting.
A processing flow of image processing according to No. 6 will be described.

In response to a request from the user for the image processing screen, the image processing UIF 480 determines the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 based on the image processing option information 435.
And the image processing screen is displayed on the operation panel 132.
Display in 1. When the image processing UIF 480 generates the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482,
Request source information indicating that the image processing screen is requested by itself is set in the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. The user sets desired function options from the displayed image processing screen (step S40).
1). Since the image processing UIF 480 internally issues the SOAP command to the image processing Web service providing processing unit 44, the image processing UIF 480 notifies the XML processing unit 50 of a response in which the destination is the image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 (step S402). ). The image processing UIF 480 determines whether or not to internally issue the SOAP command based on the request source information of the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 (in this case, the compound machine 1200).

The image processing UIF 480 uses the position coordinates notified by the user's setting, the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482, and the image processing option information 435 to set the function option corresponding to the position coordinates to the image processing setting parameter 436. Message and the input image data 601 are processed as attachments.
Notify the ML processing unit 50. Image processing setting parameter 4
36 and the input image data 601 may be used as the attachment. Also, only the image processing setting parameter 436 is set to X.
The input image data 601 is processed by the ML processing unit 50,
The image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 may be acquired as necessary.

The XML processing section 50 generates XML 26 indicating this response and the SOAP processing section creates a SOAP command (step S403). The service destination determining unit 5 determines whether or not the SOAP command created by the SOAP processing unit 70 is an internal SOAP command issuance. In this case, since it is determined that the SOAP command is internally issued, the service destination determination unit 5
Notifies the distributor 30 of the SOAP command (step S404).

When the distributor 30 receives the SOAP command from the service destination judgment unit 5, the URL
The processing is distributed to the image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 designated by (step S405). The SOAP processing unit 70 uses the SO issued by the image processing UIF 480 notified as an HTTP response according to SOAP.
The AP command is processed (step S406). Furthermore,
From the message processed by the XML processing unit 50, the dispatcher 65 extracts the image processing setting parameter 436 and the input image data 601 and notifies the image processing control module 440 (step 407). The image processing control module 440 performs image processing on the input image data 601 according to the image processing setting parameter 436 to generate output image data 602.

Next, the processing flow when the HTTP request for requesting the image processing screen is received from the client device 1200C will be described.

When the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request for requesting the image processing screen from the client device 1200C according to HTTP by httpd2 (step S410), the distributor 3
0, the image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 2
44 is notified (step S411). The image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 244 is the SOPA processing unit 7.
At 0, the request is processed according to SOAP, and the XML processing unit 50 is notified. The XML processing unit 50 processes the message described in XML, and the dispatcher 64
Takes out the message and notifies the image processing UIF 480 (step S413).

The image processing UIF 480 designates the client device 1200C as the destination in response to a request for the image processing screen from the client device 1200C, and then sets the image processing option information 435 and the image processing screen coordinate parameter 48.
2 is notified to the XML processing unit 50 (step S41).
4). The XML processing unit 50 uses the image processing option information 4
35 and the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 as a message described in XML to generate XML 26, and SO
The AP processing unit 70 generates a response according to SOAP and notifies the service destination determination unit 5 (step S
415).

The service destination determination unit 5 determines that the destination is the multi-function peripheral 1
The Web service providing processing units 44 and 244 of 200 are determined, and the response is notified to httpd2.
The httpd2 transmits as an HTTP response according to HTTP (step S430).

Further, when the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request for requesting the image processing from the client device 1200C (step S410), the image processing W is performed through the steps S405, S406 and S407 in the same manner as above.
When the image processing control module 440 of the eb service provision processing unit 44 is notified of the processing request, the image processing control module 440 performs image processing on the input image data 601 based on the image processing setting parameter 436, and outputs the output image data 602. Is generated and the processing result is notified to the XML processing unit 50 (step S428). In this case, the client device 12 uses the output image data 602 as an attachment.
00C may be provided. Alternatively, the output image data 602 may be provided in response to the acquisition request.

The XML processing unit 50 generates the XML 26 in which the processing result is described in XML, and the SOAP processing unit 70 sends a response according to SOAP to the Web server 50.
0 is notified to httpd2 (step S429).
The httpd2 transmits to the client device 1200C as an HTTP response according to HTTP (step S430).

In the first functional configuration example of the multi-function peripheral 1200 as described above, for example, an input screen Web service providing processing unit for providing a screen for input processing with the same configuration and an input Web service providing process for performing input processing are provided. And an output screen Web service providing processing unit that provides a screen for output and an output Web service providing processing unit that performs output processing, and an input screen Web service providing processing unit or an output screen Web service providing process. The input Web service providing processing unit and the output Web service providing processing unit are provided by respectively providing the service destination determining unit 5 that determines whether or not the SOAP command is an internally issued SOAP command with respect to the response provided by the unit. And can be used internally.

Next, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration example of a client device which receives a Web service from the multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the client device 1200C mainly displays an image processing screen provided from the multi-function peripheral 1200 on the operation panel 1321.
An image processing screen processing unit 244C that causes the multifunction peripheral 1200 to display the image on the multifunction peripheral 1200, and the multifunction peripheral 1200.
And a Web service client 10 that controls communication according to SOAP, and a control module 430C that controls an event from the image processing screen processing unit 244C.

The image processing screen processing section 244C causes the operation panel 1321C to display an image screen based on the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482.
480C.

The Web service client 10 uses the SO
It has a SOAP processing unit 12 that controls message exchange according to an AP, and an XML processing unit 13 that processes a message in XML.

In FIG. 16, the control module 430C is used.
When the user selects the image processing screen of the multi-function peripheral 1200 from the initial screen displayed on the operation panel 1321C (step S405), the image processing UI
The F480C notifies the control module 430C of an event indicating a request for the image processing screen (step S40).
6). The control module 430C notifies the Web service client 10 of a request indicating a request for an image processing screen based on the event (step S40).
7). The Web service client 10 causes the XML processing unit 13 to send a message indicating the content of the request to the XML.
The XML processing unit 12 generates the XML 26 described in
(Step S408). SOPA processing unit 12
Transmits the XML 26 to the multi-function peripheral 1200 by SOAP (step S410).

When the Web service client 10 receives the HTTP response to the HTTP request indicating the request for the image processing screen of the client device 1200C (step S430). HTT in the SOAP processing unit 12
The P response is processed according to SOAP (step S
431), the XML processing unit 13 extracts the image processing option information 435 and the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 from the message described in XML and notifies the control module 430C of the information (step S432). Further, the control module 430C controls the image processing UIF480.
The image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 is notified to C (step S433).

When the image processing screen is displayed on the operation panel 1321C by the image processing UIF480C and the user sets the function (step S434), the image processing UIF480C displays the image processing screen coordinates from the position coordinates specified by the user on the operation panel 1321C. Based on the parameter 482 and the image processing option information 435, the image processing setting parameter 436 indicating the function option corresponding to the position coordinates is generated, and the event is notified to the control module 430C (step S).
435).

The control module 430C notifies the XML processing unit 13 of the image processing setting parameter 436 (step S436). The XML processing unit 13 generates the XML 26 in which the image processing setting parameter 436 is described in XML. Similarly to the above, an HTTP request indicating a request for image processing is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 1200 through steps S405 and S410. After that, an HTTP response indicating the processing result of the image processing for the HTTP request indicating the image processing request is sent to the client device 1200.
When the C web service client 10 receives the data (step S430), the SOAP processing unit 12 detects the SOA.
The HTTP response is processed according to P (step S
431), X indicating the processing result by the XML processing unit 13
The message described in ML is taken out and notified to the control module 430C (step S439).

In such a client device 1200C, W itself for input control, image processing, output control, etc. is used by itself.
Network 1 without eb service function
5, the multi-function peripheral 1200, which provides the high function of the above 5, can perform the processing.

A client device 12 as shown in FIG.
By including the functional configuration of 00C in the multi-function peripheral 1200 shown in FIG.
It has a client function, and it becomes possible to share a screen and a function among a plurality of multifunction machines 1200.

17 and 18, the client device 1200C is the image processing UI of the multifunction machine 1200.
A case will be described in which the image processing UI F480C-1 different from F480 is provided and only the same screen display as that of the multi-function peripheral 1200 can be performed.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration example of a multi-function peripheral which provides a Web service relating to image processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, a Web service related to image processing will be described for convenience of description, but a Web service related to input processing and output processing can be realized with the same configuration.

In FIG. 17, the compound machine 1200 includes an image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 244, an image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 for executing image processing,
According to http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol),
It has a Web server 500 that controls communication with a device connected via the network 15 by an HTTP request and an HTTP response.

The Web server 500 uses the URI (Uniform Resource Identifie) specified by the HTTP request.
r) or a distributor 30 that distributes a Web service providing processing unit corresponding to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and http (Hypertext Tr
httpd (Hyperte) that controls communication by ansfer Protocol
xt Transfer Protocol Daemon) 2. Also,
The MFP 1200 is a SOAP (Simple Object Access P
parse HTTP request and HT according to
SOAP processing unit 70 that creates a TP response, and XM
An XML processing unit 50 that processes a message according to L (eXtensible Markup Language), and these are shared by all Web service providing processing units 244 and 44. Further, a dispatcher 64-1 for extracting and notifying a parameter set as a message to the image processing UIF480-1 is installed.

First, the compound machine 1200 displays an image processing screen on the operation panel 1321 of the compound machine 1200, and the image processing setting parameter 43 showing the user's setting.
A processing flow of image processing according to 6-1 will be described. Upon request of the image processing screen from the user, the image processing UIF480-1 displays the operation panel 132.
1 to generate an image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 based on the image processing option information 435 and display the image processing screen. When the image processing UIF 480-1 generates the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482, the multifunction machine 1200
Request source information indicating that the image processing screen is requested by itself is set in the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482. The user sets desired function options from the image processing screen displayed on the operation panel 1321 (step S501). Image processing UIF480-
1 determines whether the position coordinates (pointer) notified by the user's setting is generated as the image processing setting parameter 436-1 and the request source information of the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 indicates the multifunction peripheral 1200 itself. To do.
In this case, since the function providing source information indicates the multifunction peripheral 1200 itself, the event is notified to the image processing Web service providing processing unit 44 (step S502).

Upon receiving the event, the image processing control module 440 performs image processing on the input image data 601 based on the image processing setting parameter 436-1 to generate output image data 602.

Next, a processing flow when an HTTP request for requesting an image processing screen is received from the client device 1200C will be described.

When the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request for requesting the image processing screen from the client device 1200C according to HTTP by httpd2 (step S510), the distributor 3
0, the image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 2
44 is notified (step S511). The image processing screen Web service providing processing unit 244 is the SOPA processing unit 7.
At 0, the request is processed according to SOAP, and the XML processing unit 50 is notified. The XML processing unit 50 processes the message described in XML, and the dispatcher 64
-1 determines whether or not the message is fetched and the URL is designated. In this case, since the URL is designated, the image processing UIF480-1 is notified by the URL (step S513).

The image processing UIF 480-1 generates the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 based on the image processing option information 435. At this time, the client device 1 is used as the request source information in the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482.
Image processing screen coordinate parameter 48 by specifying 200C
2 is notified to the XML processing unit 50 (step S51).
4). The XML processing unit 50 uses the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 as the message described in XML and XM.
L26 is generated, and SOAP is processed by the SOAP processing unit 70.
A response according to is generated and is notified to httpd2 of the Web server 500 (step S515). htt
pd2 transmits as an HTTP response according to HTTP (step S530).

Further, when the Web server 500 receives the HTTP request requesting the image processing from the client device 1200C (step S510), through the steps S511 and S512, similarly to the processing of the HTTP request indicating the request of the image processing screen, The dispatcher 64-1 notifies the image processing UIF480-1 that the request is made by the position coordinate (pointer) on the screen designated by the user (step S520). Similarly to the above, the image processing UIF 480-1 generates the image processing setting parameter 436-1 indicating the function option corresponding to the notified position coordinate (pointer) and notifies the image processing control module 440 by an event (step S502). ).

Upon receiving the event, the image processing control module performs image processing on the input image data 602 based on the image processing setting parameter 436-1 to generate output image data 602, and outputs the processing result to the XML processing unit 50. (Step S528). In this case, the client device 1 uses the output image data 602 as an attachment.
It may be provided to 200C. Alternatively, the output image data 602 may be provided in response to the acquisition request.

The XML processing unit 50 generates the XML 26 in which the processing result is described in XML, and the SOAP processing unit 70 sends a response according to SOAP to the Web server 50.
0 is notified to httpd2 (step S529).
The httpd2 transmits to the client device 1200C as an HTTP response according to HTTP (step S530).

In the second functional configuration example of the multi-function peripheral 1200, for example, an input screen Web service providing processing unit for providing a screen for input processing with the same configuration and an input Web service providing process for performing input processing are provided. And an output screen Web service providing processing unit that provides a screen for output and an output Web service providing processing unit that performs output processing, and an input screen Web service providing processing unit or an output screen Web service providing process. The event may be configured to be notified to the input control module or the output control module that executes the input process in response to the response provided by the unit.

Next, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration example of a client device that receives a Web service provided from the multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, the client device 1200C mainly displays an image processing screen provided from the multi-function peripheral 1200 on the operation panel 1321.
An image processing screen processing unit 244C that causes the multifunction peripheral 1200 to display the image on the multifunction peripheral 1200, and the multifunction peripheral 1200.
And a Web service client 10 that controls communication according to SOAP, and a control module 430C that controls an event from the image processing screen processing unit 244C.

The Web service client 10 uses the SO
It has a SOAP processing unit 12 that controls message exchange according to an AP, and an XML processing unit 13 that processes a message in XML.

In FIG. 18, the control module 430C is used.
When the user selects the image processing screen of the compound machine 1200 from the initial screen displayed on the operation panel 1321C by the user (step S502), the image processing UI
The F480C notifies the control module 430C of an event indicating a request for the image processing screen (step S40).
3). The control module 430C notifies the Web service client 10 of a request indicating a request for an image processing screen based on the event (step S40).
4). The Web service client 10 causes the XML processing unit 13 to send a message indicating the content of the request to the XML.
The XML processing unit 12 generates the XML 26 described in
(Step S405). SOPA processing unit 12
Transmits the XML 26 to the multi-function peripheral 1200 by SOAP (step S410).

When the Web service client 10 receives the HTTP response to the HTTP request indicating the request for the image processing screen of the client device 1200C (step S530). HTT in the SOAP processing unit 12
The P response is processed according to SOAP (step S
531), the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 is extracted from the message described in XML by the XML processing unit 13 and notified to the control module 430C (step S532). Further, the control module 430C notifies the image processing UIF480C-1 of the image processing screen coordinate parameter 482 (step S533).

When the image processing screen is displayed on the operation panel 1321C by the image processing UIF480C-1 and the user sets a function (step S534), the image processing UIF480C-1 displays the position coordinate (pointer designated by the user on the operation panel 1321C. )
Is notified to the control module 430C by an event (step S535).

The control module 430C notifies the XML processing unit 13 of the image processing setting parameter 436 (step S536). The XML processing unit 13 generates the XML 26 in which the image processing setting parameter 436 is described in XML. Similarly to the above, an HTTP request indicating a request for image processing is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral 1200 through steps S405 and S410. After that, an HTTP response indicating the processing result of the image processing for the HTTP request indicating the image processing request is sent to the client device 1200.
When the C web service client 10 receives the data (step S530), the SOAP processing unit 12 calculates the SOA.
The HTTP response is processed according to P (step S
531), X indicating the processing result by the XML processing unit 13
The message described in ML is taken out and notified to the control module 430C (step S539).

[0209] In such a client device 1200C, W itself for input control, image processing, output control, etc.
Network 1 without eb service function
5, the multi-function peripheral 1200, which provides the high function of the above 5, can perform the processing.

A client device 12 as shown in FIG.
By including the functional configuration of 00C in the multi-function peripheral 1200 shown in FIG.
It has a client function, and it becomes possible to share a screen and a function among a plurality of multifunction machines 1200.

On the operation panel 1321C of such a client device 1200C, for example, FIG.
A screen G650 as shown in is displayed. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the client device. 19, a screen G650 includes a display area 651 for designating a device for input processing, a display area 652 for designating a device for image processing, and a display area for designating a device for output processing. 653 and. Each display area 65
1, 652, and 653 are display areas 610 for displaying a list of processable devices, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 9.
And a display area 620 for displaying a list of functions that can be provided by the device selected by the user from the display area 610.

On the screen G650, the user selects the other image device 12 from the display area 610 as a device for input processing.
00A and select another image device 1200 from the display area 620.
Select the functions that A can provide. In addition, the user selects the multifunction device 120 from the display area 610 as a device for performing image processing.
0 is selected, and the function that the multi-function peripheral 1200 can provide is selected from the display area 620. Further, the user selects another image device 1200B from the display area 610 as a device that performs output processing, and selects a function that the other image device 1200B can provide from the display area 620. These selections made by the user are selected by the input setting parameter 434 and the image processing setting parameter 436.
And the other image device 12 as the output setting parameter 432.
00A, the compound machine 1200, and the other image device 1200B.

According to the first and second embodiments, the user interface provided by each image processing apparatus can be used even if the model of the user interface is different, and users who have different original operations such as color and monochrome. The same can be done with the interface. Also, by using the existing operation panel 1321 and 1321C mechanism without developing a special mechanism, it is possible to easily perform the same processing even when the user interface is different. In addition, maintenance and improvement for each module becomes easy.

[0214]

As described above, according to the present invention, each user interface for performing the input process, the image process and the output process and the option information indicating the function executable in each process are networked. It can be provided to another image processing apparatus via. Therefore, when using the image processing apparatus on the network, the user interface can be unified and processed regardless of which image processing apparatus on the network is operated. Also,
Since the function set by the user can be received as a setting parameter via the network, the user can cause another image processing apparatus on the network to perform processing according to the setting parameter.

Further, according to the present invention, the input side image processing apparatus for inputting image data and the output side image processing apparatus for outputting image data can be selected from the plurality of image processing apparatuses in the existing display unit. . Image data can be transferred from the input image processing device to the output image processing device and output. Therefore, the user does not need to implement the image processing function even with a personal computer having no image processing function, nor to prepare a special user interface for setting or inputting necessary information. Various requests for image input / output can be easily made via the network.

[0216]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a compound machine that combines various image forming functions according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a compound machine 1200 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an image input / output application and a transfer application.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing pattern when the function of the multi-function peripheral is used.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for realizing display of an input screen with a multi-function peripheral in a single-function image device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for realizing display of an input screen with a compound machine in a single-function image device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for realizing the display of the multi-function peripheral and the output screen on the single-function image device.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing pattern 1 shown in FIG.

12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing pattern 2 shown in FIG.

13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing pattern 3 shown in FIG.

14 is a diagram showing an example of a processing pattern 4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration of a compound machine that provides a Web service related to image processing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a diagram showing a first functional configuration example of a client device that receives a web service provided from the multi-function peripheral shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second functional configuration example of a compound machine that provides a Web service related to image processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a diagram illustrating a second functional configuration example of a client device that receives a web service provided from the multi-function peripheral illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the client device.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 single-function image processing device 1200 fusion machine, 1210 software group 1216 image input / output application, 1217 transfer application 1218 document list application 1230 application, 1220 platform 1221 OS, 1222 SCS 1223 SRM, 1224 ECS 1225 MCS, 1226 OCS 1227 FCS, 1228 NCS 1229 IMH, 1240 Multifunction machine starting unit 1300 Controller, 1301 ASI
C 1302 MEM-C, 1303 HD 1304 CPU, 1305 NB 1306 MEM-P, 1307 SB 1308 AGP, 1310 Operation panel 1320 Fax control unit 1330 USB, 1340 IEEE
E1394 1350 Engine part, 1500 Network I / F part 1510 Printer, 1520 Scanner 1530 FAX unit

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit and the plurality of display components are displayed on a display unit based on option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for a predetermined process. The option information and the coordinate parameter are transferred in response to a request from a screen generating unit that generates a coordinate parameter indicating a position coordinate to be displayed and a device that is used by the user and is connected via a network. And a setting parameter indicating a function option set by the user from the plurality of function options displayed by the device using the coordinate parameters, the predetermined processing is performed based on the setting parameter. A processing control means for controlling the predetermined processing by utilizing hardware resources for performing the image processing. Forming apparatus. 2. The predetermined process is a process relating to image formation, which manages an application having the image generation control means and the processing control means, the hardware resources, and responds to a use request from the application. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control service that controls utilization of the hardware resource, and an operating system that controls the application and the control service. 3. Device identification information including a device address for specifying the image forming device on the network and a device name in response to a request from the device for confirming whether or not the predetermined process is possible. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a response unit that responds by. 4. As the screen generating means, a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of input function options displayed on the display unit based on input option information indicating a plurality of input function options related to image input processing. Based on input screen generation means for generating input screen coordinate parameters indicating position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, and image processing option information indicating a plurality of image processing function options related to image processing, Image processing screen generation means for generating image processing screen coordinate parameters indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options to be displayed and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, and image output processing Based on the output option information showing multiple output function options for At least one of output screen generation means for generating image processing screen coordinate parameters indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options displayed on the screen and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: 5. An input control means for controlling input processing of an image to generate input image data as the processing control means, and an image to generate image output data for performing image processing on the input image data to output. 5. At least one of processing control means and output control means for controlling output processing for forming an image on a medium and outputting the image based on the image output data. The image forming apparatus according to the item. 6. The input screen transfer means for transferring the input screen coordinate parameter generated by the input screen generation means specified by the request and the input option information regarding the input processing to the apparatus, as the transfer means. Image processing screen transfer means for transferring the image processing screen coordinate parameters generated by the image processing screen generation means and image processing option information relating to the image processing to the device, and output screen coordinates generated by the output screen generation means. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of output screen transfer means for transferring a parameter and output option information regarding the output processing to the apparatus. 7. Based on first option information indicating a plurality of first function options that can be set for a predetermined process,
A screen generation means for generating a first coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display constituent parts, and connected via a network. A second coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to a plurality of second function options processable by the device transmitted from the device selected by the user and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. From the replacing means for replacing the first coordinate parameter and the plurality of second function options displayed by using the second coordinate parameter, a setting parameter indicating the one or more second function options set by the user is set. And a processing request means for requesting the device to perform the predetermined process by transmitting to the device. An image forming apparatus comprising. 8. The screen generation means includes a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of input function options displayed on the display unit, based on input option information indicating a plurality of input function options related to image input processing. Based on input screen generation means for generating an input screen coordinate parameter indicating the position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components as the first coordinate parameter, and image processing option information indicating a plurality of image processing function options related to image processing. Then, an image processing screen coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of image processing function options displayed on the display unit and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components is generated as the first coordinate parameter. Image processing screen generating means and a plurality of output function options related to image output processing. An output screen coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of output function options displayed on the display unit and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components based on output option information indicating the option. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising at least one of output screen generating means for generating as the first coordinate parameter. 9. As the processing requesting means, an input setting parameter indicating one or more input function options set by the user from a plurality of input function options settable by the apparatus for the input processing is provided. Input processing requesting means for requesting the input processing to the apparatus by transmitting to the apparatus, and one of a plurality of image processing function options settable for the image processing by the apparatus set by the user. Image processing requesting means for requesting the image processing of the device by transmitting the image processing setting parameter indicating the image processing function option described above to the device, and a plurality of image processing setting means that can set the output process by the device Output setting parameter indicating one or more output function options set by the user from the output function options A document for identifying the document set by the user from the document list relating to the plurality of documents accumulated by the device, by outputting the document to the device by outputting the document to the device. By sending the identification information to the device,
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising at least one of document acquisition requesting means for acquiring the document. 10. The option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for a predetermined process in response to a request from a device used by a user connected through a network, and the information displayed on a display unit. Screen Web service providing processing means for providing a plurality of display parts corresponding to a plurality of function options and coordinate parameters indicating position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display constituent parts as a first processing result for the request, and the above device. When the device receives a setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user from the plurality of function options displayed by the device using the coordinate parameter, a hardware resource for performing the predetermined process based on the setting parameter is received. A process We which utilizes the above to control the predetermined process and provides the result as the second process result.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a service providing processing unit. 11. The predetermined process is a process related to image formation, which manages the hardware resources and executes the process We.
b A control service that controls the use of the hardware resource in response to a use request from the service providing processing unit, and controls each of the screen Web service providing processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit and the control service. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an operating system that operates. 12. A processing request is received from the device connected via the network, and information provided by the screen Web service providing processing unit or the processing Web service providing processing unit is received in response to the processing request. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a Web server means for transmitting the processing response shown to the apparatus.
1. The image forming apparatus according to 1. 13. The web server means performs processing to the screen web service providing processing means or the processing web service providing processing means based on web service identification information indicating a web service providing source specified by the processing request. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a distributor that distributes the request. 14. The screen web service providing processing means, based on the option information for the predetermined processing,
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an image generating unit that generates the coordinate parameter. 15. The image generation means includes request source information setting means for setting, in the coordinate parameter, request source information indicating a request source of the request when generating the coordinate parameter. 14. The image forming apparatus according to 14. 16. The image generation means determines, based on the request source information, whether or not the request is an internal request of the image forming apparatus, and the determination means. 3. An internal processing request generating means for generating a processing request for requesting the predetermined processing to the processing Web service providing processing means based on the result, based on the result.
5. The image forming apparatus according to item 5. 17. A determination of a providing destination that determines whether the providing destination that provides the second processing result as a service is the inside and notifies the distributor means of the processing request based on the determination result. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising means. 18. The predetermined processing is an input control processing for inputting an image to generate input image data, an image processing for performing image processing on the input image data to generate output image data, or a medium for outputting the output image data. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is an output control process for outputting to the. 19. The processing Web service providing processing means includes a dispatcher means for extracting the setting parameter and a data file attached to the processing request from the processing request, and the setting parameter extracted by the dispatcher means. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a processing execution unit that executes the predetermined processing on the data file based on the processing. 20. Message exchange means for processing a message set in the processing request and the processing response in a predetermined description format according to a predetermined message exchange protocol, and a description described in the predetermined description format set in the processing request. And a description processing unit that processes one message and describes the processing result set as the processing response in the predetermined description format. The message exchange unit and the description processing unit provide the screen Web service. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is shared by a processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit. 21. A plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options to be displayed on a display unit and a plurality of display configurations in response to a request from a device used by the user connected through a network. From the screen displayed by the device using the coordinate parameter, the user can select the coordinate parameter indicating the position coordinate for displaying the part, the screen Web service providing processing unit that provides the result as the first processing result for the request, Upon receiving the set position coordinates of the set function option, the hardware resource for performing the predetermined process is used based on the setting parameter created to indicate the function option corresponding to the set position coordinate. A process Web service providing processing unit that controls a predetermined process and provides the result as a second process result is provided. An image forming apparatus comprising Rukoto. 22. The predetermined process is a process relating to image formation, which manages the hardware resources and executes the process We.
b A control service that controls the use of the hardware resource in response to a use request from the service providing processing unit, and controls each of the screen Web service providing processing unit and the processing Web service providing processing unit and the control service. 22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an operating system that operates. 23. A processing request is received from the device connected via the network, and information provided by the screen Web service providing processing unit or the processing Web service providing processing unit is received in response to the processing request. 23. The apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a Web server means for transmitting the processing response shown to the apparatus.
2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. 24. The screen Web service providing processing means, based on the option information for the predetermined processing,
24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an image generation unit that generates the coordinate parameter and sets request source information indicating a request source of the request in the coordinate parameter. 25. The image generation means includes an event notification means for notifying the processing Web service providing processing means as an event when the setting position coordinates are notified internally or from the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 24. 26. A Web service client means for controlling a processing request for requesting a predetermined processing to a device connected via a network and a processing response for providing a processing result for the processing request from the device according to a predetermined message exchange protocol. And a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options that can be set for the predetermined process of the device, which are acquired from the device, and first position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. The screen processing means for displaying a screen on the display unit based on the one coordinate parameter, and the screen processing means for instructing the screen display based on the processing response related to the screen display notified from the Web service client means. Depending on the event notified from the screen processing means, Image forming apparatus characterized by a control means for instructing said processing request to the device to the Web service client unit. 27. The screen processing means, the option information indicating a plurality of function options acquired from the device and settable for the predetermined process of the device, and the plurality of function options displayed on a display unit. Based on a plurality of display components corresponding to and a first coordinate parameter indicating a first position coordinate displaying the plurality of display components,
An image forming apparatus characterized by displaying a screen on a display unit. 28. Based on option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for a predetermined process, a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit and the plurality of display constituent parts are displayed. The above-mentioned option information and the above-mentioned coordinate parameters are transferred in response to a screen generation procedure for generating the coordinate parameter indicating the position coordinate to be displayed and a request from the device used by the user connected via the network. And a setting parameter indicating a function option set by the user from the plurality of function options displayed by the apparatus using the coordinate parameters, the predetermined processing is performed based on the setting parameter. And a processing control procedure for controlling the predetermined processing by using hardware resources for performing the processing. Image forming method. 29. Based on first option information indicating a plurality of first function options that can be set for a predetermined process, a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options displayed on the display unit and the plurality of display parts. A screen generation procedure for generating a first coordinate parameter indicating a position coordinate for displaying a display component, and a plurality of second functions that can be processed by the device transmitted from a device selected by a user and connected via a network. A replacement procedure for replacing the first coordinate parameter with a second coordinate parameter indicating a plurality of display components corresponding to the option and position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components, and displaying using the second coordinate parameter. From the plurality of second function options, a setting indicating the one or more second function options set by the user. By sending parameters to the device, an image forming method characterized by having a processing request procedure for requesting the predetermined processing to the device. 30. The option information indicating a plurality of function options that can be set for a predetermined process in response to a request from a device used by the user, which is connected via a network, and is displayed on a display unit. A screen Web service providing processing procedure for providing a plurality of display components corresponding to the plurality of function options and coordinate parameters indicating position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components as a first processing result for the request; Hardware for performing the predetermined process based on the setting parameter when the setting parameter indicating the function option set by the user is received from the plurality of function options displayed by the device using the coordinate parameter from the device. The resource is used to control the predetermined processing, and the result is provided as the second processing result. Management Web
An image forming method comprising: a service providing processing procedure. 31. A plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options to be displayed on a display unit and the plurality of display configurations in response to a request from a device used by the user connected through a network. From the screen displayed by the device using the coordinate parameters, the coordinate parameters indicating the position coordinates for displaying the parts, the screen Web service providing processing procedure provided as the first processing result for the request, Upon receiving the set position coordinates of the set function option, the hardware resource for performing the predetermined process is used based on the setting parameter created to indicate the function option corresponding to the set position coordinate. There is a processing Web service providing processing procedure for controlling a predetermined processing and providing the result as a second processing result. The image forming method according to claim Rukoto. 32. A Web service client procedure for controlling, according to a predetermined message exchange protocol, a process request for requesting a predetermined process to a device connected via a network and a process response for providing a process result from the device for the process request. And a plurality of display parts corresponding to the plurality of function options that can be set for the predetermined process of the device, which are acquired from the device, and first position coordinates for displaying the plurality of display components. The device according to the screen processing procedure for displaying the screen on the display unit based on the one coordinate parameter and the event notifying the second position coordinate indicating the position set by the user on the screen from the screen processing procedure. And a control procedure for instructing the above processing request to Law.