JP2004080452A - Image processing apparatus, and control method and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate setting and operation by improving space efficiency of the apparatus, facilitating development of a relating software, and automating a most part of setting-up of a network relation. <P>SOLUTION: There are contained integrally in a casing a plurality of function sections 103, 104, and 105 each having a network interface and executing different image processing functions singly or in cooperation, a router 102 for executing routing between each of the respective sections 103 to 105 and external network, and a user interface section 101 as a main control section for controlling the communication between each of the respective function sections 103 to 105 and the external network, and the image processing function executed by the respective function sections. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control method for the image processing device, and a control program for the image processing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various information processing apparatuses such as a PC (personal computer), a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile which are used by being connected to a network (WAN such as the Internet, LAN, etc.) are known.
[0003]
In recent years, as a multifunction system, a composite image processing apparatus integrating a plurality of functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile has been known.
[0004]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multi-function system such as a complex image processing apparatus, a configuration in which all functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile are mounted in one device, and a printer or a scanner using a control unit such as a PC. There is known a configuration in which such a device is controlled and the whole is operated as a multifunction system.
[0005]
FIG. 15 shows a first conventional example of a multifunction system. In this configuration, all functions such as a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile are integrated in one device. Thus, the copy function, the scanner function, the printer function, and the facsimile transmission / reception function are realized by one device. The apparatus shown in FIG. 15 connects each block function of the scanner, printer, and facsimile by a bus and an interface circuit unique to the apparatus, and manages and controls each data path by a control unit that integrally controls them, thereby performing each function such as copying. Realize.
[0006]
In the multi-function system of FIG. 15, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus by controlling each block shown, 202 denotes a program ROM, 203 denotes a RAM for storing data, and 204 denotes communication with a public line (PSTN). , A scanner 205 for reading an original, a printer 206 for outputting an image (of a predetermined image recording type such as an electrophotographic type), a network controller 207 for controlling a network connection, and a 208 for facsimile communication. A codec for compressing and decompressing a transmission image or converting electronic data scanned during a scanning operation into a format operable on a PC. A user 209 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display and keys and the like which can be operated by a user. Interface
[0007]
A network such as CSMA / CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection: hereinafter, a more general Ethernet (trade name) is used as a name) is connected to the network controller 207. PCs and other devices are connected on the network.
[0008]
16 and 17 show an outline of the operation of the multifunction system in FIG. 16 and 17, reference numerals 161 to 165 denote data flows at the time of executing functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile.
[0009]
In the copy operation in the multifunction system of FIG. 15, control as shown in FIG. 16 is performed. When a copy operation is instructed on the user interface 209, the original is scanned by the scanner 205 and converted into electronic data. The electronic data is stored in the RAM 203, while the data stored in the RAM 203 is read (FIFO) and sent to the printer 206. The printer 206 performs print processing based on the transmitted data, and the copy processing ends.
[0010]
In the multifunction system shown in FIG. 15, the scanning operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a scan operation is instructed on the user interface 209, the scanner 205 scans a document and converts it into electronic data.
This electronic data is stored in the RAM 203. Next, the scanned electronic data on the RAM is converted into an image file format that can be operated on a PC on the network by the codec 208 and stored in another area of the RAM 203. At the same time, the formatted data is transmitted to the network controller 207. The network controller 207 transmits the formatted image data to the PC connected on the Ethernet (trade name), and the scanning operation ends.
[0011]
In the multifunction system shown in FIG. 15, the printing operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a print operation is instructed from a PC connected to the Ethernet (trade name) and predetermined print data is received by the network controller 207, the data is stored in the RAM 203. After storing one page of print data, the data is stored in the RAM 203. Is developed as electronic data that can be processed by the printer. When the development is completed, the electronic data is sent from the RAM 203 to the printer 206, and the printer 206 performs print processing based on the sent data, and the print processing ends.
[0012]
In the multifunction system shown in FIG. 15, the facsimile transmission / reception operation is controlled as shown in FIG.
[0013]
When a facsimile transmission operation is instructed on the user interface 209, the scanner 205 scans a document and converts it into electronic data. This electronic data is stored in the RAM 203. Next, the scanned electronic data on the RAM 203 is converted into a format capable of facsimile transmission by the codec 208 and stored in another area of the RAM 203. At the same time, the formatted data is transmitted to the modem 204, which connects to the public line and performs facsimile transmission. On the other hand, in the facsimile receiving operation, when a predetermined facsimile data is received by the modem 204 when received from the public line and the modem 204 receives the data, the data in the RAM 203 is then stored in the RAM by the codec 208 by the printer in the printer. It is developed as electronic data that can be processed. When the development is completed, the electronic data is sent from the RAM 203 to the printer 206, the printer 206 performs a printing process based on the sent data, and the facsimile receiving operation ends.
[0014]
All the operations described above are performed by the CPU 201, and the programs executed by the CPU 201 are stored in the ROM 202.
[0015]
FIG. 18 shows a second conventional example of a multifunction system. In this configuration, devices such as a printer and a scanner are controlled using a control means such as a PC, and the whole is operated as a multifunction system. In FIG. 18, an input device such as a scanner and an output device such as a printer and a facsimile are connected to each other via a network to form a multifunction device system. This type of system requires a file server for temporarily storing data on a network and a host for instructing data read from an input device and data transmission to an output device. Each device manages a data path to a file server by a host, and can realize each function.
[0016]
For example, in the multifunction system shown in FIG. 18, a network 301 is connected to a network such as an Ethernet (trade name), and a network scanner 302, a management server 303, a network printer 304, and a network facsimile 305 are connected to the network 301.
[0017]
A network scanner 302 is an input device for scanning a document, a network printer 304 is an output device for printing, and a network facsimile 305 is a device connected to a public line for transmitting and receiving image data. These devices have a network interface and a liquid crystal display or the like. This is a device that has a display device and keys and the like that can be operated by a user and that can operate and operate independently of each other.
[0018]
The management server 303 stores information for configuring a virtual multifunction device by combining the functions of the network scanner 302, the network printer 304, and the network facsimile 305, for example, IP address information allocated to each device. The management server 303 has a memory for storing and managing data transmitted from each peripheral. The management server is usually realized by installing server software on a PC or a workstation.
[0019]
19 and 20 show an outline of the operation of the multifunction system of FIG. In FIGS. 19 and 20, reference numerals 191 to 195 denote data flows at the time of executing functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. In this system, a predetermined image processing function can be executed by combining the operations of a plurality of network devices (302, 304, 305).
[0020]
In the multifunction system shown in FIG. 18, the copy operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a copy operation is instructed on the user interface of the network scanner, the network scanner 302 scans a document and converts the document into electronic data. The electronic data is stored in the RAM of the management server 303 via the network 301, and is read from the RAM as needed, and is sent to the network printer 304 via the network 301. The network printer 304 performs print processing based on the transmitted data, and the copy processing ends.
[0021]
In the multifunction system shown in FIG. 18, the scanning operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a scanning operation is instructed on the user interface of the network scanner 302, the network scanner 302 scans a document and converts the document into electronic data. The electronic data is stored in the RAM of the management server 303 via the network 301, read out from the RAM as needed, converted into an image file format operable on a PC, and stored in another area of the RAM. You. At the same time, the formatted data is transmitted from the management server 303, the scan data is received by the PC connected on the network, and the scan operation ends.
[0022]
In the multi-function system shown in FIG. 18, the printing operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a print operation is instructed from a PC connected to the network and the management server 303 receives predetermined print data from the PC, the data is stored in the RAM of the management server 303 and transmitted to the network printer 304 at the same time. After accumulating one page of print data, the network printer 304 develops the data as electronic data that can be processed by the printer. When the development is completed, the network printer 304 performs print processing based on the transmitted data, and the print processing ends.
[0023]
In the multi-function system shown in FIG. 18, the facsimile transmission operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When a facsimile transmission operation is instructed on the user interface of the network scanner 302, the network scanner 302 scans a document and converts the document into electronic data. This electronic data is stored in the RAM of the management server 303. Then, the scanned electronic data on the RAM is transmitted to the network facsimile 305 via the network. The network facsimile 305 converts the received electronic data into a format capable of facsimile transmission (G3 format, TIFF format or the like) and transmits it via a modem 304. The modem 304 connects to a public line and performs facsimile transmission.
[0024]
In the multi-function system shown in FIG. 18, the facsimile receiving operation is controlled as shown in FIG. When the network facsimile 305 receives predetermined facsimile data from the public line, the data is stored in the RAM of the management server 303, and the data in the RAM is stored in the RAM by the codec 308 as needed by the printer. It is developed as electronic data that can be processed. When the development is completed, the electronic data is sent from the RAM of the management server 303 to the printer 306, the printer 306 performs print processing based on the sent data, and the facsimile receiving operation ends.
[0025]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A system in which a plurality of functions are integrated into one device as in the first conventional example (FIGS. 15 to 17) described above has the following problems. Since the multifunction device having the configuration as in the first conventional example is not an independent system for each function, a driver for controlling the function must install a program dedicated to the multifunction device having this special configuration on the PC side. It is installed only to use the multifunction device, and cannot control other devices, for example, other scanners and printers connected to the network. From the viewpoint of developing a driver for these multi-function devices, a driver unique to the device must be developed, so that the development efficiency is very low.
[0026]
On the other hand, in a multifunction system in which a plurality of devices are integrated via control means such as a PC as in the second conventional example (FIGS. 18 to 20), functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile are realized. The device to be used is an existing single-function device. In order to operate this device, it is necessary to set various drivers and use it independently on the network, so complicated work such as acquisition of IP addresses and assignment to each component device is required. appear. In addition, when a system is added, for example, when a network facsimile must be added, if the host PC, each component device, and the network include network management devices such as routers and bridges, the entire system including them is also included. Additional settings must be made. Of course, if these settings are incorrect, the entire system will not operate as a multi-function device, and the user (or service person) must perform complicated tasks accurately. In order to maintain such a system, Advanced expertise is often required for PCs, networks, and components. Further, in order to realize a multifunction system as in the second conventional example, a host PC, a file server, and independent function devices are required, and there is a problem that the space utilization efficiency of the installation location is poor.
[0027]
The object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, and to improve the space efficiency of an apparatus in an image processing apparatus, particularly a system such as a composite image processing apparatus or a multifunction system, and to improve the firmware and related driver software. The object of the present invention is to facilitate development and to facilitate configuration and operation by automatically performing most of the network-related setup.
[0028]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problems, a plurality of processing units each having a network interface and individually executing different image processing functions or cooperating with each other; In an image processing apparatus, a method of controlling an image processing apparatus, and a control program of an image processing apparatus, in which a router means for performing routing between networks are integrally housed in a housing, by performing network communication with each of the processing units, A configuration including main control means or main control steps for controlling each of the processing units and external network communication and an image processing function executed by each of the processing units is employed.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
As a multifunction system adopting the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the configuration of a composite image processing apparatus in which the functions of a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile are integrated into one unit is shown.
[0031]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a user interface unit including a display device such as a liquid crystal display and keys operable by a user. The user interface unit includes a router 102 compatible with an IPV6 network.
[0032]
The router 102 is controlled by a CPU built in the user interface unit, and a network interface unit connected to one external Ethernet (trade name) is connected to one (or a plurality) of each function placed under the control of the router. Network interface.
[0033]
This router 102 is connected to an external Ethernet (trade name), and at the same time, a function controller of a print unit 103, a scanner unit 104, and a facsimile unit 105 is provided under the router by an Ethernet (trade name) or a network I / F.
[0034]
The scanner unit 104 is an input device for scanning a document. The scanner unit 104 has a CPU system for controlling the scanning operation, a buffer RAM for temporarily storing scan data, and a network interface with a MAC controller having a MAC address printed thereon.
[0035]
The CPU system of this scanner unit can perform the same processing as that of a stand-alone scanner system, and can directly process a command packet from a scanner driver of an external PC.
[0036]
The printing unit 103 includes a printer engine (not shown) of an electrophotographic system or the like (not shown), and includes a CPU system for controlling a printing operation, a buffer RAM for developing and accumulating print data, and a MAC controller having a MAC address printed thereon. Has a network interface.
[0037]
The CPU system of the scanner unit can perform the same processing as a stand-alone printer system, and can directly process a command packet from a printer driver of an external PC.
[0038]
The facsimile unit 405 is a device connected to a public line for transmitting and receiving image data. The facsimile unit 405 internally includes a CPU system for controlling facsimile operation, a buffer RAM for storing facsimile data, a codec for compressing and expanding facsimile data, and a public codec. It has a network interface with a modem that communicates with the line and a MAC controller with the MAC address burned in.
[0039]
As described above, the multifunction system according to the present embodiment has a configuration of a composite image processing apparatus in which each unit is mounted in one housing as in the conventional example in FIG. It is characterized in that the printer, scanner, and facsimile units are interconnected by a network interface instead of being connected to each other by a bus, and operate via IP (V6) -based communication. It is the user interface unit 101 that controls the entire device, and the router 102 included in the user interface unit 101 performs routing of IP datagrams between the internal network and the external network.
[0040]
In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the user interface unit 101 is in charge of the control function and the routing function of the entire device, but the main control means for controlling the entire device is the same as the user interface unit 101 of the present embodiment. However, it does not necessarily need to be integrated with hardware for a user interface.
[0041]
Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described.
[0042]
<Acquisition of IP address under router (Fig. 2)>
When the multifunction device shown in the present embodiment is started, first, the router 102 in the user interface unit 101 determines the IP addresses of all the functions connected under the router. This IP address determination is dynamically performed based on the IPV6 standard as follows.
[0043]
Each function of the print unit 103, the scanner unit 104, and the facsimile unit 105 sends a transmission request of the IP address prefix (upper 64 bits) on the IPV6 network to the router 102 upon activation ((1) in FIG. 2). .
[0044]
On the other hand, the router 102 transmits the prefix for all functions connected under the router ((2) in FIG. 2).
[0045]
Each function (103 to 105) receiving the prefix combines the prefix with 64-bit data generated based on its own MAC address (lower part in FIG. 2) and converts the IP address on the 128-bit IPv6 network into an IP address. Is generated ((3) in FIG. 2).
[0046]
When the IP address is generated, each function sends its own IP address to the network and confirms that the same IP address does not exist under the router.
[0047]
If the same IP address does not exist under the router, the IP address is determined, and the router stores the IP address of each function.
[0048]
As described above, the IP address of each function in the multifunction system can be automatically determined, and the user (serviceman) does not need to perform a troublesome address setting operation.
[0049]
When the IP address of each function is determined, each function (103 to 105) sends device data unique to each function to the router 102 as shown in FIG.
[0050]
For example, in the case of the scanner unit 104, the type of the device (scanner), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0051]
In the case of the print unit 103, the type of the device (printer), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, the printing speed, the connection status of optional devices, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0052]
In the case of the facsimile unit 105, the type of the device (facsimile), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0053]
The router 102 accumulates device data received from each function unit, and displays the status of each unit of the printer, scanner, and facsimile on a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit based on this information.
[0054]
<Function expansion (Fig. 3)>
As described above, since the IP address of each function (103 to 105) in the internal network is automatically determined, it is possible to easily add a function unit without performing a troublesome address setting operation. Further, since the connection of each internal function is a network connection, it is not necessary to use a dedicated connector or the like as in the related art, and the connection can be made only by connecting a network cable.
[0055]
Here, assuming that a new facsimile unit is to be added to the multifunction system in order to support a plurality of lines, an additional facsimile unit 106 having the same configuration as the facsimile unit 103 as shown in FIG. Just connect.
[0056]
At the same time as the connection, the router 102 determines the IP address of the function added to the facsimile unit 106 by the same processing as that shown in FIG.
[0057]
That is, the extension facsimile unit 106 sends a transmission request of the IP address prefix (upper 64 bits) on the IPV6 network to the router 102 at the same time as the connection, and the router 102 transmits the prefix. The extension facsimile unit 106 that has received the prefix combines the prefix with 64-bit data generated based on its own MAC address, and generates a 128-bit IP address on the IPV6 network. When the IP address is generated, the extension function sends its own IP address to the network and confirms that the same IP address does not exist under the router. If the same IP address does not exist under the router 102, the IP address is determined, and the router stores the IP address of the additional facsimile unit 106.
[0058]
As described above, the function unit can be easily added in the multifunction system, and the IP address can be automatically determined at the same time as the addition.
[0059]
When the IP address of the additional facsimile unit 106 is determined, the additional facsimile unit 106 sends device data unique to each function to the router.
For example, if the added function is a facsimile unit as shown in FIG. 3, the type of device (facsimile), model name of device, resolution, supported paper size, image format supported by the device, and the like. The router accumulates this information and, based on this information, displays information indicating that the facsimile has been added to a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit, and thereafter, the operation status of the added function is also displayed. Display can be performed.
[0060]
<Access from external network side>
The multifunction system according to the present embodiment is accessed from a PC connected to an external network, and an image is taken into the PC by the scanner unit 104, data on the PC is printed out, or a document on the PC is transmitted by facsimile. Is performed by the following procedure.
[0061]
The router 102 of the user interface unit 101 determines the IP address of each function at the time of the above-described activation or at the time of adding a function, and stores the IP address therein as an access list. When the PC connected to the external network accesses the IP address of each function, the router 102 routes the datagram from the outside to the function unit having the corresponding address, or the router 102 holds the datagram as an access list. The IP address is returned to the PC to make it appear as if each function exists independently on the network.
[0062]
It is assumed that a driver for using each function is already installed in the PC connected to the external network. As described above, the CPU system built in each function can perform the same processing as each stand-alone type function, and the driver for each function only needs to be installed in the PC, and a special driver as a multifunction system is required. There is no need to install it on a PC. That is, the driver on the PC side only needs to be able to use known single-function printers, scanners, and facsimile devices via the network, and does not require a dedicated driver for the composite image processing apparatus unlike the related art.
[0063]
Scan / print / facsimile transmission / reception processing is performed as follows.
[0064]
(1) Network scan operation (Fig. 4)
FIG. 4 shows the flow of the command (401) and the data (402) in the network scan.
[0065]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the scanner unit 104 of the present multifunction system looks like a network scanner having a certain unique IP address.
[0066]
The PC sends a command packet to the network scanner to instruct a scanning operation (at this time, a protocol used in a layer higher than the IP is arbitrary. The same applies to print / facsimile processing described later). The IP address obtained by the scanner unit is added to the header of the command packet as described above. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the scanner unit 104. The scanner unit receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data in a predetermined format. The scanner unit 104 transmits the data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0067]
The router that has received the data packet from the scanner unit relays the data packet to the PC that sent the command packet.
[0068]
The PC that has received the packet converts the data packet received by the driver that has already been installed into data that can be processed by the PC, and generates data read by the scanner.
[0069]
(2) Network print operation (FIG. 5)
FIG. 5 shows the flow of the command (501) and the data (502) in the network print operation.
[0070]
When viewed from the PC via the router 102, the print unit 103 of the multifunction system appears as a network printer having a unique IP address. The PC sends a command packet to the network printer to instruct a print operation.
[0071]
The command packet from the PC has a header to which the IP address acquired by the printing unit 103 as described above is added. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information, and sends the command packet to the printing unit 103. At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be printed into a format that can be processed by the printing unit using the driver already installed, and sends this as a print data packet. The IP address obtained by the print unit 103 is also added to the header of the print data packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the print unit. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102, stores one page of print data, develops it as electronic data that can be processed by the printer, and when the development is completed, the print unit 103 sends the data. A recording output process is performed by a print engine (not shown) based on the data.
[0072]
(3) Network facsimile transmission operation (Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 shows the flow of the command (601) and the data (602) in the network facsimile transmission / reception operation.
[0073]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system appears as a network facsimile having a unique IP address. The PC sends a command packet to the network facsimile and instructs a facsimile transmission operation.
[0074]
The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 as described above is added to the header of the command packet. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the facsimile unit 105. At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be facsimile into a format that can be processed by the facsimile unit 105 by the driver that has already been installed, and sends this as a facsimile data packet. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the facsimile data packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105 that has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102 converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and inputs the data to an internal modem. The modem connects to a public line using a known facsimile procedure, and facsimile-transmits the input data.
[0075]
(4) Network facsimile reception operation (Fig. 6)
The state of the network facsimile reception operation is also shown in FIG.
[0076]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system appears as a network facsimile having a unique IP address. In the registration memory of the router 102 of the multifunction system (or the registration memory managed by the CPU of the user interface 101), the IP address of the PC to which the received data is transmitted when the facsimile unit 105 receives the data is set in advance. .
[0077]
When the facsimile unit 105 receives the received data, the facsimile unit 105 sends the received data to the router 102 as a data packet. In this data packet, the IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 as described above is added to the header, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the PC. At the same time, the router 102 sends a status indicating that the facsimile has been received as a command packet. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the command packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the PC. The PC that has received the data packet from the facsimile unit 105 via the router 102 converts the received data into a format that can be operated by the PC, and generates facsimile reception data.
[0078]
<Operation by multiple functions (conflict control)>
In the multi-function system according to the present embodiment, in addition to using each of the above-described function units, that is, the print unit, the scanner unit, and the facsimile unit, respectively, of course, an operation using a plurality of function units, for example, a copy operation of a document, a scanner, Processing such as facsimile transmission of the image read by the unit can also be performed in the present multifunction system.
[0079]
(1) Copy operation (FIG. 7)
The copy operation is performed by the print unit 103 and the scanner unit 104 as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows the flow of the command (701) and data (702) during this copy operation.
[0080]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0081]
When viewed from the router 102, the scanner unit 104 of the present multifunction system looks like a network scanner having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, when viewed from the router side, the print unit of the multifunction system looks like a network printer having a unique IP address. When a copy instruction is sent from the user interface unit by the user, the router 102 sends a command packet to the scanner unit 104 to instruct a scanning operation. This command packet has a header to which the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added, and the scanner unit 104 receives a command packet from the router 102 based on the header information. At the same time, the router 102 sends a command packet to the printing unit to instruct a printing operation. This command packet has a header to which the IP address obtained by the print unit is added, and the print unit receives a command packet from the router 102 based on the header information.
[0082]
The scanner unit 104 receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits the data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0083]
The router 102 that has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 routes this data packet to the printing unit. After receiving the data packet from the scanner unit 104 via the router 102, the printing unit accumulates one page of print data and then develops it as electronic data that can be processed by the printer.
[0084]
If a trouble such as a paper jam (1401) occurs in the printing unit for some reason during this copying operation as shown in FIG. A status packet 1402 expressing an error status such as whether the error has occurred is transmitted.
[0085]
Upon receiving the status packet 1402, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) issues a stop command packet 1403 to the scanner unit 104 to stop the scanning operation of the scanner, and displays the user interface unit 101 with a display device such as a liquid crystal display. Error information indicating that a printer jam has occurred during copying. Note that this error information display is for notifying the user of an error state of each function unit, so that a similar voice message is output, a buzzer sound or a light emitting unit is driven instead of the error information display. (The same applies to other error information displays).
[0086]
Also, if a trouble such as a document conveyance jam occurs in the scanner unit 104 for some reason during the copy operation, the scanner unit 104 similarly asks the router 102 which path of the scanner the jam has occurred. And the like, and transmits a status packet of jam information including such information.
[0087]
Upon receiving the status packet, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) issues a stop command packet to the printing unit 103 to stop the printing operation of the printing unit, and transmits the stop command packet to a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit 101. An error information indicating that a scanner jam has occurred during copying is displayed.
[0088]
When the expansion of the image data is completed in the print unit 103, the printer unit performs a print process based on the transmitted image data, and the print process ends. The copying operation is performed by the above series of operations.
[0089]
During the copying operation, a command packet is transmitted from the PC on the external network to the operating function unit (for example, the scanner unit 104), and when the operation of the function unit (for example, the scanning operation) is instructed, (Hereinafter, an example of access to the scanner unit 104 will be described.)
[0090]
Since the command packet transmitted from the external PC has a header to which the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added, the router 102 attempts to perform routing based on the header information. Since the CPU 104 recognizes that the scanner unit 104 is operating, it returns a BUSY flag to the source of the command packet with the BUSY flag set, or ignores the packet, Rejects access from a PC on an external network as a network scanner. The reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring of the command packet, or rejection of the connection can be performed under the control of the router 102 or by the CPU of the user interface unit 101.
[0091]
Also, when a command packet is transmitted from the PC on the external network to the printing unit 103 in operation during the copying operation and the printing operation is instructed, a reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, or connection Rejection.
[0092]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, during the copy operation by the scanner unit 104 and the print unit 103, a facsimile which is not related to the copy operation (the flow of copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1002) from a PC on the external network. If the command packet 1001 is sent to the unit 105 and a network facsimile transmission operation is instructed, this request may be accepted.
[0093]
Since the IP address obtained by the facsimile unit is added to the header of the command packet 1001 for instructing the network facsimile transmission operation transmitted from the external PC, the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, while the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing a copy operation, the facsimile unit 105 can recognize that it is operable. Therefore, routing is performed as requested from the outside, and the command packet 1001 is transmitted. The data is sent to the facsimile unit 105 (1003).
[0094]
At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be transmitted by facsimile into a format that can be processed by the facsimile unit by using the driver already installed, and transmits this as a facsimile data packet 1004. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the facsimile data packet 1004. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the facsimile data packet 1004 to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105 that has received the facsimile data packet 1004 from the PC via the router converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and transmits the data via a modem.
[0095]
In this way, even when a certain function unit is operating, it is possible to operate a function unit unrelated to the processing. For example, as described above, even during copying, facsimile transmission data can be received from a PC and transmitted by network facsimile.
[0096]
(2) Facsimile transmission operation (FIG. 8)
The facsimile transmission operation is performed using the scanner unit 104 and the facsimile unit 105 as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the flow of a command (801) and data (802) during this facsimile transmission operation.
[0097]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0098]
When viewed from the router 102 side, the scanner unit 104 of the multifunction system appears as a network scanner having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system is viewed as a network facsimile having a certain unique IP address when viewed from the router 102 side.
[0099]
When an instruction for facsimile transmission is sent from the user interface unit 101 by the user, the router 102 sends a command packet to the scanner unit 104 to instruct a scanning operation. At the same time, the router 102 sends a command packet to the facsimile unit and instructs a facsimile transmission operation.
[0100]
The scanner unit 104 receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits the scan data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0101]
The router 102 that has received the scan data packet from the scanner unit 104 routes the data packet to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105, which has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 via the router 102, converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and transmits this via a modem.
[0102]
If a trouble such as a document jam occurs in the scanner unit 104 for some reason during the facsimile transmission operation, the scanner unit 104 sends information such as which path of the scanner the jam occurs to the router 102. The status packet containing the jam information is transmitted (similar to the description given with reference to FIG. 14). The router 102 receiving this signal issues a stop command packet to the facsimile unit 105 to stop the facsimile transmission operation, and displays error information indicating that a scanner jam has occurred on a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit 101. .
[0103]
Further, if a transmission trouble occurs in the facsimile unit 105 for some reason during the facsimile transmission operation, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status packet of jam information including transmission trouble information to the router 102 (FIG. 14). As described above). Upon receiving this, the router 102 issues a stop command packet to the scanner unit 104 to stop the scanning operation, and displays error information indicating that an error has occurred during facsimile transmission on a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit 101. Do.
[0104]
When a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating scanner unit 104 during the facsimile transmission operation and the scanning operation is instructed, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) operates the scanner unit. Since it is recognized that the command packet 104 is operating, the command packet is responded to by the BUSY flag, the command packet is ignored, or the connection is rejected as described above.
[0105]
Also, when a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating facsimile unit 105 during the facsimile transmission operation and the facsimile transmission operation is instructed, similarly, a reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, Or respond by rejecting the connection.
[0106]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, during a facsimile transmission operation by the scanner unit 104 and the facsimile unit 105, a print operation not related to a facsimile transmission operation (the flow of copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1102) from a PC on an external network. If a command packet is sent to the unit 103 to instruct a network print operation, this request may be accepted.
[0107]
Since the IP address obtained by the print unit 103 is added to the header of the command packet 1101 transmitted from the external PC, the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, since the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing a facsimile transmission operation, the print unit 103 has recognized that it is operable, so it performs routing as requested from the outside, and executes the command packet 1101. Is sent to the printing unit 103 (1103).
[0108]
At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be printed into a format that can be processed by the printing unit 103 by the driver that has already been installed, and sends this as a print data packet 1104. The IP address acquired by the print unit 103 is also added to the header of the print data packet 1104. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information, and sends the print data packet 1104 to the print unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102, accumulates one page of print data and then develops it into electronic data that can be processed by the print engine.
[0109]
When the development of the image data is completed, the print unit 103 performs a print process based on the transmitted data, and the print process ends. Thus, even during the facsimile transmission operation, the network print from the PC can be executed simultaneously.
[0110]
(3) Facsimile receiving operation (FIG. 9)
The facsimile receiving operation is performed using the print unit 103 and the facsimile unit 105 as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows the flow of a command (901) and data (902) during this facsimile transmission operation.
[0111]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0112]
When viewed from the router side, the printing unit 103 of the present multi-function system appears as a network printer having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, when viewed from the router side, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multi-function system displays a certain unique IP address. Looks like a network facsimile with an address.
[0113]
When facsimile reception by the facsimile unit 105 is started in response to an incoming call from a public line or the like, the facsimile unit 105 decodes the received data into data that can be processed by the print unit 103 and sends the data to the router 102 as a data packet. . At the same time, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status to the effect that the facsimile has been received to the router 102 as a command packet.
[0114]
The router 102 that has received the received data packet from the facsimile unit 105 routes the data packet to the printing unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the facsimile unit 105 via the router 102, stores one page of print data and then develops the image data into electronic data that can be processed by the print engine. When the development of the image data is completed, the printing unit 103 performs a printing process based on the transmitted data.
[0115]
If a trouble such as a paper jam occurs in the printing unit for some reason during the facsimile receiving operation, the printing unit 103 informs the router 102 of information such as in which paper path of the printer the jam has occurred. Is transmitted (similar to the description given with reference to FIG. 14). The router 102 receiving this command issues a command packet to the facsimile unit 105 to perform a facsimile memory reception operation, and displays error information indicating that a printer jam has occurred on a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit 101. .
[0116]
Further, if a reception trouble occurs in the facsimile unit 105 for some reason during the facsimile reception operation, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status packet of jam information including information on the reception trouble to the router 102 (see FIG. 14). (Same as described.) Upon receiving this, the router 102 issues a command packet to the printing unit 103 to print the reception error information, and displays an error information display indicating that an error has occurred during facsimile reception on a display device such as a liquid crystal display of the user interface unit 101. Do.
[0117]
When a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating printing unit 103 during the facsimile receiving operation and a printing operation is instructed, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) prints the command. Since it is recognized that the command packet 103 is operating, the command packet is responded to by a reply with the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, or rejecting the connection as described above.
[0118]
Also, when a command packet is sent to the operating facsimile unit 105 from the PC on the external network during the facsimile reception operation to instruct the facsimile transmission (reception) operation, a reply by the BUSY flag, the command Responds by ignoring the packet or rejecting the connection.
[0119]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, during the facsimile receiving operation by the print unit 103 and the facsimile unit 105, the PC on the external network has no relation to the facsimile receiving operation (the flow of copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1202). When a command packet is sent to the scanner unit 104 to instruct the scanner unit 104 to operate the network scanner, this request may be accepted.
[0120]
The command packet transmitted from the external PC has a header to which the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, although the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing the facsimile reception operation, the scanner unit 104 can recognize that it is operable, and therefore performs routing as requested from the outside, and executes the command packet 1201. Is sent to the scanner unit 104 (1203).
[0121]
The scanner unit 104 receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits this data to the router 102 as a scan data packet 1204. The router 102 that has received the data packet 1204 from the scanner unit 104 routes this data packet 1204 to the PC that has sent the command packet. The PC that has received the scan data packet converts the data packet into data that can be processed by the PC using an installed driver to generate data read by the scanner.
[0122]
As described above, even during the facsimile reception operation, the network scanner from the PC can be executed simultaneously.
[0123]
According to the above embodiment, space efficiency can be improved by storing a plurality of processing functions (multi-functions) such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile in an integrated housing. Since it is built in the interface unit 101 and automatically assigns an IP address to each processing function using the IPV6 protocol, there is no need for the troublesome work of manually setting the IP address as in the related art.
[0124]
In addition, a plurality of processing functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile of the apparatus need only be able to operate as if each function is an independent device by using an IP address assigned to each function as a unit. That is, in the present embodiment, the respective functions (the print unit 103, the scanner unit 104, and the facsimile unit 105 in FIG. 1) as shown in FIG. 18 correspond to the network printer 304 and the network scanner 302 in a system including separate devices. , Operates like a network facsimile 305.
[0125]
For this reason, the user of the PC only needs to install the driver software required by the user among the processing functions such as the printer, the scanner, and the facsimile, and thus does not need the complicated driver dedicated to the multifunction peripheral unlike the related art. In addition, the resources of the memory capacity and the disk capacity of the PC can be effectively used, and the development of the driver software can be greatly simplified.
[0126]
The firmware of each unit (print unit 103, scanner unit 104, and facsimile unit 105 in FIG. 1) that executes a plurality of processing functions, such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile, basically inputs / outputs each IP address as a unit. Therefore, it is only necessary to create the firmware as a substantially single function firmware, so that software development on the multifunction system side is very easy. For example, if the firmware of a single-function network device (the network printer 304, the network scanner 302, and the network facsimile 305 in FIG. 18) already exists, the firmware is partially modified to easily support the multi-processing function. The firmware of each processing unit can be created.
[0127]
In addition, the multifunction system according to the present embodiment is not limited to simply storing each unit corresponding to a plurality of processing functions in the same device, but is also provided with a main control unit (user interface unit 101) including a router unit. Means are used to perform conflict control of each processing unit and perform error processing when a failure such as a jam occurs. In the contention control of each processing unit, when a packet requesting an operation arrives at the processing unit that is operating as described above, the main control unit (user interface unit 101) transmits the packet to the PC (or another device) of the transmission source. Since the proxy response is performed by a method such as returning a busy message or rejecting the connection, there is no problem that each processing unit is overloaded.
[0128]
In addition to the busy return and connection rejection to the above packet source, a memory for buffering the packet is provided in the main control means. The means may buffer this packet until the operation of the processing unit is completed, and may perform control to send the buffered packet to the processing unit when the operation of the processing unit is completed.
[0129]
Further, as described above, according to the configuration in which the states of the plurality of processing units are monitored by the main control unit and error processing is performed in the event of a failure such as a jam, the failure of each processing unit is displayed on the operation panel. Even in a configuration in which each processing unit operates independently, the operation of a plurality of processing units can be monitored with one display (see FIG. 18). In the conventional configuration, it is necessary to monitor the states of the indicators of a plurality of devices.) The monitoring of the state of each function processing unit by such a main control unit can be realized extremely easily by using a protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
[0130]
According to the configuration in which the main control unit (user interface unit 101) includes a router unit and connects each function processing unit, various advantages can be obtained as follows.
[0131]
In the conventional configuration as shown in FIG. 18, network cables for devices (in FIG. 18, the network printer 304, the network scanner 302, and the network facsimile 305) that realize each function must be wired to the network hub (or another router or bridge). However, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, each function processing unit can be connected in advance from the router 102 to the inside of the device, while the burden on the user / serviceman is extremely large. A hub (or other router or bridge) requires at most one cable. As a result, the burden of system management on the user / serviceman can be greatly reduced. Further, as described above, according to the IPV6 standard, an IP address can be automatically distributed from a router to each function processing unit, so that a complicated setting operation is not required in this sense.
[0132]
Further, by incorporating the router 102, packet filtering can be performed by the main control unit (user interface unit 101) as necessary. That is, a router and a main control unit constitute a firewall, and prohibit or partially permit access to each function processing unit from outside a preset address range or outside a preset network domain. can do.
[0133]
In the above description, it is assumed that an independent IP address is allocated to each function processing unit. However, according to the configuration in which the router 102 is built in the main control unit, if necessary, NAT (Network Address Translation), NAPT (NAPT) By performing address (or further port) conversion control by Network Address Port Translation or the like, it is also possible to access each function unit from the outside via only a single IP address. For example, the PC-side driver software created for a conventional integrated multifunction system as shown in FIG. 17 is created on the assumption that the multifunction system accesses via only a single IP address. With the above control, it is possible to support the driver software on the PC side created on the premise of a single IP address, accept access from such driver software, and operate each function unit. it can.
[0134]
In the above description, an example in which an IP address is dynamically and automatically distributed to each function processing unit using the IPV6 has been described. However, networking inside the device does not necessarily need to be performed by the IPV6. However, if a protocol such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used, it is not always impossible for the network inside the device to distribute such a dynamic and automatic IP address.
[0135]
The control procedure in the above embodiment can be supplied in a state stored in a ROM (not shown) in the main control means (the user interface unit 101 in FIG. 1) or any other storage means. Since it can be connected to a network, it can be supplied by being downloaded from an external PC or server to a medium such as a RAM or a non-volatile ROM of the main control means using an arbitrary protocol via a network.
[0136]
In the above description, printer, scanner, and facsimile communication are considered as information processing functions of the composite image processing apparatus. However, a plurality of information processing functions integrated in one apparatus are not limited to the above, and may be other information processing functions. Any information processing function may be used.
[0137]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a plurality of processing units each having a network interface and individually executing different image processing functions, or executing in cooperation with each other, In an image processing apparatus, a method for controlling an image processing apparatus, and a control program for an image processing apparatus, in which a router means for performing routing between external networks is integrally housed in a housing, a network communication is performed with each of the processing units. The main unit for controlling the image processing functions executed by the respective processing units and the external network communication and the image processing functions executed by the respective processing units, or the configuration including the main control step is adopted, so that the space efficiency of the apparatus is improved. Firmware and related driver software, and facilitate network-related setup. By performing a large part of the flop automatically set, there is an excellent effect that, operations can be easily performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus employing the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an IP address acquisition process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the addition of a function unit in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a network scan process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a network print process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a network facsimile transmission / reception process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile transmission process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile receiving process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile transmission process in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile receiving process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a function status acquisition process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing processing when a failure such as a jam occurs in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a conventional multifunction system.
16 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in the conventional device of FIG.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in the conventional device of FIG.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a different configuration of a conventional multifunction system.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in the conventional device of FIG. 18;
20 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation in the conventional device of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 User interface section
102 router
103 Print section
104 Scanner unit
105 Facsimile part
106 Extension facsimile unit

Claims (18)

A plurality of processing units each having a network interface, each performing a different image processing function singly or in cooperation,
A router means for performing routing between each of the processing units and an external network; and performing network communication with each of the processing units to perform network communication with each of the processing units and an image processing executed by each of the processing units. Main control means for controlling functions;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a housing that integrally houses the processing units, the router unit, and the main control unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the processing units generates a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the respective processing units and the router unit communicate with each other using an IPV6 protocol. 2. When a packet for requesting an operation is transmitted from an external network to an operating processing unit, the main control unit buffers the packet until the operation of the processing unit ends. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a packet requesting an operation is transmitted from the external network to the operating processing unit, the main control means performs a busy return or connection rejection to the packet transmission source. An image processing apparatus as described in the above. The main control unit obtains error status information indicating an operation state of each processing unit by performing network communication with each processing unit, and notifies a user of an error state of each processing unit based on the content thereof. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein error information for performing the operation is output. A plurality of processing units each having a network interface and independently executing different image processing functions or cooperating with each other, and router means for performing routing between each of the processing units and an external network are integrated in the housing. In the control method of the image processing apparatus to be accommodated in
An image processing apparatus comprising a main control step of controlling each of the processing units and external network communication by performing network communication with each of the processing units and an image processing function executed by each of the processing units. Control method. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein each of the processing units generates a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router unit. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the respective processing units and the router unit communicate with each other using an IPV6 protocol. When a packet for requesting an operation is transmitted from an external network to an operating processing unit, the packet is buffered under the control of the main control step until the operation of the processing unit ends. Item 8. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to Item 7. When a packet for requesting an operation is transmitted from an external network to an operating processing unit, a busy return or connection rejection is performed to the packet transmission source under the control of the main control step. 8. The control method of the image processing device according to 7. In the main control step, error status information indicating an operation state of each processing unit is obtained via network communication with each processing unit, and a user is notified of an error state of each processing unit based on the content of the error status information. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein error information for outputting is output. A plurality of processing units each having a network interface and independently executing different image processing functions or cooperating with each other, and router means for performing routing between each of the processing units and an external network are integrated in the housing. In the control program of the image processing apparatus to be accommodated,
An image processing apparatus comprising a main control step of controlling each of the processing units and external network communication by performing network communication with each of the processing units and an image processing function executed by each of the processing units. Control program. 14. The control program according to claim 13, wherein each of the processing units generates a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router unit. 14. The control program for an image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the processing units and the router unit communicate using an IPV6 protocol. When a packet for requesting an operation is transmitted from an external network to an operating processing unit, the packet is buffered under the control of the main control step until the operation of the processing unit ends. Item 14. A control program for an image processing device according to item 13. When a packet for requesting an operation is transmitted from an external network to an operating processing unit, a busy return or connection rejection is performed to the packet transmission source under the control of the main control step. A control program for the image processing apparatus according to claim 13. In the main control step, error status information indicating an operation state of each processing unit is obtained via network communication with each processing unit, and a user is notified of an error state of each processing unit based on the content of the error status information. 14. The control program for an image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein error information for outputting is output.

Images