JP2004320621A - Multifunction system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunction system which solves the problem of a range from which information is collected when a network system is structured to obtain the information specific to the device and freely make combination. <P>SOLUTION: In a storing means storing data which image input means and image output means respectively inputs and outputs, storing range management means assigning a storing range for each user, and storing device sharing means sharing the data storing means of the image input devices and image output devices connected to a network among devices on the network are provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multifunction system including an input device and an output device connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many systems have been realized in which an input device such as a scanner or a digital camera and an output device such as a printer or a fax are connected to each other via a network to form a multifunction device system (hereinafter abbreviated as an MFP system). In this type of system, there is a file server for temporarily storing data on a network and a client host for instructing data reading from an input device and data transmission to an output device (this may also serve as the file server). Required.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Many of such network image input devices and image output devices are equipped with a storage device such as a hard disk for temporarily storing data. Further, since the capacity of the storage device is limited and the capacity of the HDD is limited, data cannot be stored without limit. In addition, since the number of devices having a storage device on the network has increased and the capacity of the storage device has increased, the management of the storage devices of the devices configuring the network or the data stored in the storage devices has become difficult. You can use limited devices effectively if you can do it automatically.
[0004]
Network devices such as copiers are used by a plurality of users, and since a variety of data can be stored in a storage device, it is necessary to regularly back up data from the viewpoint of data protection. There is. As described above, it is required that the network devices do not individually manage the storage devices but share the storage devices between networks.
[0005]
For example, data stored in the HDD can be referenced and browsed between devices. It is possible that the image output device refers to the data in the PC, selects the output data, and outputs the data.
[0006]
Data between devices can be used more flexibly. However, a mechanism for copying data in another storage device on the network to a local storage device alone is not sufficient for resource management in a network environment, and it is not necessary to copy the data itself. It is possible to refer to only the information of which network device is in the storage device as the location (address) of the data itself. In addition, by managing resources between devices, a limited capacity can be used efficiently. At present, storage devices of network devices are not flexibly utilized.
[0007]
In order to connect such devices more easily and more effectively, a method of automatically acquiring device-specific information from devices connected on a network is conceivable. The device-specific information is such information that the device is a printer, has a sorter, the paper size is only A4, the storage device, and the capacity. When attempting to construct a system for acquiring the device-specific information and freely combining the information, the range of collecting the information becomes a problem.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, by providing a means for registering in advance devices that can be constituent elements of the multifunction system, a system desired by the user, for example, only devices within one floor can be integrated. I can do it. As a result, it is only necessary to automatically collect information on only registered devices.
[0009]
Also, a means for automatically switching to a device other than the output destination desired by the user among certain devices on the network with a priority based on a certain event and a device for controlling the device are provided. By that. When an unintended accident or the like occurs in a device on the network, the system can function smoothly.
[0010]
For example, when the device A is controlled from the device B, a problem occurs due to the cause C. Therefore, the device D is automatically selected as a substitute device, and information is shown to the user via the user interface. At the same time as showing to the user, the current event is registered in the device information registration means. Register the optimal control route when the same event occurs next time. In this case, if the control device D assigned by the system does not match the device desired by the user, the user has, via the interface, means for selecting a desired device from the devices searched by the system, The information selected by the user is returned to the management server via the user interface. For example, when the user selects a device E instead of a device D. The information is returned to the management server and registered. The data is used for assigning the priority of the device automatically selected by the device.
[0011]
By managing the information unique to the network device as described above, resource management, data management, and device management on the network can be realized.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the system configuration of the first embodiment.
[0014]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technique for connecting devices. In this embodiment, it is assumed that Ethernet (registered trademark) using the TCP / IP protocol is used.
[0015]
Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner that optically reads a document or the like printed on paper or the like, has a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101. The read image data is a three-color RGB color scanner.
[0016]
Reference numeral 103 stores and inputs configuration information (hereinafter, referred to as a transfer path profile) when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device) using a combination of the network scanner 102, the network printers (2095, 2902, 2903), and the network fax 2904. A management server that provides a transfer path profile at the request of a device or output device. The management server is generally realized by installing server software on a personal computer or a workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.
[0017]
Reference numerals 2095, 2902, and 2903 each include a network interface, receive print data and image data transmitted via the network interface, and actually print on a medium such as paper using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. It is a network printer. Network printers 2095, 2902, and 2903 are also connected to each device via the network 101. Here, reference numeral 2095 denotes a black-and-white digital multifunction peripheral having a BOX function, and the BOX function is a function of temporarily storing a scanned image and print data on a hard disk included in the device. The box area can be managed for each user. Reference numeral 2902 denotes a color laser printer, and 2903 denotes a monochrome laser beam printer. A color digital multifunction peripheral (not shown) can also be connected to the network, and has a BOX function like the monochrome digital multifunction peripheral.
[0018]
A fax 2904 includes a network interface and transmits and receives image data via a public line 2905. An interface for transmitting image data read by the scanner 102 on the network 101, outputting received image data from the printers 2095, 2902, 2903, and inputting / outputting image data to be filed by the PC 103 on a public line 2905 is also provided. is there.
[0019]
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data transmitted from the network scanner can be immediately printed by the network printer (2095, 2902, 2903), and is converted into a page description language (hereinafter referred to as PDL). No mention is made of such things.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network scanner 102. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technology, 202 denotes a CPU that controls the entire operation, and 203 denotes temporarily storing image data read by the scanner engine 201 or storage information for work. Is a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202 is stored. Further, 205 is a network interface for connecting to the network 101, 206 is a device profile supply unit for transmitting device information of the network scanner 102 to the management server 103, and 207 obtains a transfer path profile from the management server and stores the information in the RAM 203. The transfer path profile acquisition unit 208 to be stored is an operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an LED and a plurality of operation buttons in order to provide a user interface. The digital multifunction peripheral 2095 is also equipped with a network scanner having a similar configuration.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network printer 2903. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink-jet, 302 denotes a CPU that controls the entire operation, and 303 temporarily stores image data to be printed on the printer engine 301. A RAM 303 for storing work storage information is a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 302 is written. 305, a network interface for connecting to the network 101; 306, a device profile supply unit for transmitting device information of the network printer 2903 to the management server 103; 307, a transfer path profile is obtained from the management server; A transfer path profile acquisition unit 308 to be stored is an operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface. Numeral 309 denotes a hard disk for storing printed and scanned data. The network printers 2095 and 2902 connected on the same network have the same basic configuration as the network printer 2903.
[0022]
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view for explaining the configuration of a digital full-color copying machine constituting the multifunction system of FIG.
[0023]
The digital full-color copying machine has a digital color image reader section 40 at the top and a digital color image printer section 41 at the bottom. In the reader unit 40, the original 400 is placed on an original plate 401 made of glass or the like, and copying is started from the operation unit 402. The reflected light image from the original 400 obtained by exposing and scanning the original with the exposure lamp 403 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 404 and then passes through a lens 421 to be condensed on a full-color sensor (line CCD in this embodiment) 405. To obtain a color separation image signal. The color-separated image signal is converted into a digital camera electric signal by an image processing unit 407 via an amplifier circuit 406, subjected to image processing including editing, and sent to the printer unit 41.
[0024]
In the printer unit 41, the image signal from the reader unit 40 is converted into a laser light signal by the laser output unit 408, reflected by the polygon mirror 409, and projected on the surface of the photosensitive drum 410. At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 410 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, uniformly charged by the charger 411, and a light image is emitted for each separation color to form a latent image.
[0025]
Next, a predetermined developing device 421 is operated to develop the latent image, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 410. Further, the toner image is transferred from a recording material cassette 412 to a recording material supplied to a position facing the photosensitive drum 410 via a conveyance system and a transfer device 413. As the transfer drum 413 is rotated, the toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the recording material. As described above, the desired number is transferred to the recording material to form a full-color image.
[0026]
In the case of full-color image formation, when the transfer of the toner images of four colors is completed in this way, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 413 and discharged to the tray 415 via the fixing device 414. When performing double-sided printing, the recording material is guided to the path 417 by the flipper 416, the recording material is reversed by the reversing roller 419, and the recording material is conveyed to the tray 420 for double-sided printing. The recording material conveyed to the double-sided printing tray is conveyed again between the transfer drum 413 and the photosensitive drum 411 by the conveying roller, and an image is formed on the back surface. In addition, it has a Network I / F 422 and can be connected to 101 shown in FIG.
[0027]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image processing unit 407. In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a shading correction circuit, and 502 denotes an input masking circuit. Reference numeral 503 denotes an RGB editing circuit; 504, a color space compression circuit; and 505, a light amount-density conversion (hereinafter, LOG conversion) table. Reference numeral 506 denotes an output masking circuit, 507 denotes a CMYK editing circuit, and 508 denotes a density correction table. Reference numeral 509 denotes a scaling circuit, 510 denotes a spatial filter circuit, 511 denotes a black character processing circuit, and 512 denotes an area generation circuit.
[0028]
The image read by the CCD 405 and converted into the digital image signals R, G, and B by the amplifying device 406 is corrected by the shading correction circuit 501 for the inclination of the light distribution of the lamp light source 403 and the variation of the sensor. After that, the input masking circuit 502 converts the signal into three signals representing the standard color space, and inputs the RGB signal to the RGB editing circuit 503 to perform some editing processing such as color conversion, image synthesis with an external crisis, and character processing signal generation. . Next, the color space compression circuit 504 compresses the color space so that the color of the document does not collapse and falls within the color reproduction range of the printer unit. Further, in the LOG conversion table, the image signal RGB represented by the light amount is converted into three color signals of density signals C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) of the corresponding developer (for example, toner). The output masking circuit 506 at the next stage outputs one color signal for forming an image from CMYBk converted in accordance with the spectral characteristics of the toner in a frame-sequential manner. After adding functions such as painting and coloring by the CMYK editing circuit 507, an image signal having passed through the density correction circuit 508, the scaling circuit 509, and the spatial filter 510 is output to the laser driving circuit.
[0029]
On the other hand, the black character processing circuit 511 detects the boldness, edge, and color of the image from the RGB image signal, and switches the output masking 506, the coefficient of the spatial filter 510, and the number of lines for laser driving according to the result. The area signal generation circuit 512 generates an area signal according to designation by a digitizer or a marker.
[0030]
Also, the configurations of the image processing unit 607 and the image server 601 are shown. An image server 601 is connected to the image processing unit 407 described above via the I / F 602, and temporarily stores image information of a document read and image-processed by the CCD sensor 405. .
[0031]
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a monochrome digital image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a platen glass on which a document is placed at a predetermined position. Reference numeral 702 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on a document table glass. Reference numerals 703, 704, and 705 denote operation mirrors, which are housed in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the document to the CCD unit 706 while reciprocating. The CCD unit 706 includes an imaging lens 707 for forming an image of reflected light from a document, a CCD driver 709 for driving an image sensor 708 composed of a color CCD, and the like. The image signal output from the image sensor 708 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data for each of R, G, and B, and then input to a controller unit 739 that performs image processing and sequence control of the apparatus.
[0032]
Reference numeral 710 denotes a photosensitive drum, which is discharged by a pre-exposure lamp 712 in preparation for image formation. Reference numeral 713 denotes a laser unit B, which is a first exposure unit, and is configured by, for example, a semiconductor laser or the like, and exposes the photosensitive drum 710 based on image data other than black among image data processed by the controller unit 739. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed. A replaceable first developing device 715 can be easily set at a predetermined position in the printer by a user. The first developing device 715 is filled with a developer other than black. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first developing device 715 is filled with a developer (toner) that emits, for example, a red developing color. Reference numeral 716 denotes a second charger, which uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 710 after development by the first developer 715 is performed. Reference numeral 717 denotes a laser unit as a second exposure unit, which is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor laser or the like, exposes the photosensitive drum 710 based on black image data among image data processed by the controller unit 739, and Form a latent image. Reference numeral 718 denotes a second developing device which stores a black developer (toner). A pre-transfer charger 719 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 710 to a sheet. Reference numerals 720, 722, and 724 denote paper feed units. The transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving each of the paper feed rollers 721, 723, and 725, and temporarily stops at the position where the registration roller 726 is disposed. The sheet is re-fed after a timing of starting writing with the formed image is set. Reference numeral 727 denotes a transfer charger, which separates the transfer paper having undergone the transfer operation from the photosensitive drum 710. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 710 without being transferred is collected by the cleaner 711. Reference numeral 729 denotes a transport belt that transports the transfer sheet after the transfer process to the fixing device 730, where the toner on the transfer sheet is fixed by, for example, heat. Reference numeral 731 denotes a flapper, which controls the transport path of the transfer sheet after the completion of the fixing process in one of the arrangement directions of the sheet discharge tray 732 or the intermediate tray 737. Reference numerals 733 to 736 denote feeding rollers, which feed the transfer sheet, for which the fixing process has been completed, to the intermediate tray 737 in an inverted manner when performing multiple recording, or in a non-inverted manner when performing double-sided printing. Reference numeral 738 denotes a re-feed roller, which conveys the transfer sheet placed on the intermediate tray 737 to the position where the registration roller 726 is disposed again. The controller unit 739 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and controls the above-described image forming operation according to an instruction from the operation panel 741. Reference numeral 742 denotes an image server which is connected to the controller unit 739 and temporarily stores image information of a document read by the CCD unit 706 and subjected to image processing by the controller unit 739.
[0033]
FIG. 8 shows a detailed block configuration of the controller unit 739. Referring to FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU that controls the controller unit 739 overall, and sequentially reads and executes control means (control programs) stored in the ROM 203. An address bus and a data bus of the CPU 801 are connected to loads described later via a bus driver circuit and an address decoder circuit of 802. Reference numeral 804 denotes a RAM serving as a main storage device that is used as storage of input data, a work storage area, and the like. An image processing unit 743 receives an image signal output from the CCD unit 706, performs image processing described later, and outputs control signals for the laser unit A 817 and the laser unit B 814 according to the image data. The laser beams output from the laser units A817 and B814 irradiate and expose the photosensitive drum 710 as described above, and at the same time, are detected by the beam detection sensors A813 and B814, respectively. The CPU 801 generates a synchronization signal when each laser beam exposes the photosensitive drum 710 based on the detection result. Further, the CPU 801 controls an image processing unit 806 and an I / F 302 that controls an interface with the image server 742 via an I / O controller 805 that controls the load of the apparatus according to the setting contents set on the operation panel 741. Control. For example, when the copy mode is set to perform the trimming process on the operation panel 102, predetermined image data is read from the image server 742 via the I / F 302, and the image processing unit 107 performs the trimming process. After that, the image data is transferred to the laser unit B 714 and the laser unit A 717. In addition, the sequence control of the apparatus is performed by the CPU 801 via the I / O controller 805, the motors 807, the clutch 808, the solenoids 809, the paper detection sensors 810, the remaining toner detection sensor A 811, the remaining toner detection sensor B 812, the high pressure control This is performed by controlling the unit 815 and the like.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 103. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a CPU for controlling the overall operation; 902, a RAM for storing work storage information and a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 901; 904, a device profile for devices connected to the network; 905, a transfer path profile database for storing a transfer path profile generated from the device profile; 906, a network I / F for connecting to the network 101; 910, a network configured as a multifunction system The device registration unit 907 in which the IP address of the device above is registered, acquires the device profile of the device registered in the device registration unit among the devices connected to the network, and obtains the device profile database 40. A transfer path profile supply unit 908 reads a transfer path profile from the transfer path profile database 905 in accordance with a request from the device, and supplies the transfer path profile to the device via a network. This is a transfer path profile generation unit that generates a transfer path profile from the device information and writes it to the transfer path profile database 905.
[0035]
Also, the device profile storage unit in the management server can store the frequency of use of the device.
[0036]
Next, a device profile will be described.
[0037]
The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device necessary to configure the virtual MFP, and is composed of text data as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.
[0038]
In FIG. 10, Device-Type: indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an input device and indicates a scanner. Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and in this case, indicates that Scanner XXX is the model name of the device. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device, and in this case, indicates that 172.16.10.2 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that a resolution of 400 dpi, 600 dpi, and 1200 dpi is supported. Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports A4, A5, and B4 paper sizes. “Input-feed:” indicates the charge when the device is used. In this case, if a 16-bit image in A4 size is captured, a charge of 8 yen is required. Document-format: is an image format supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports output of JPEG and GIF type images and output of LIPS4 type PDL. Input-command: describes a command for causing the scanner to execute reading from another device. “A4 / REQ A4-SCAN” indicates that a command “REQ A4-SCAN” should be transmitted to the network scanner in order to perform reading in A4 size. "Status:" indicates the status of the device. "SCAN-OK" indicates that scanning is currently possible, and "Jam" indicates that a paper jam has occurred in the scanner.
[0039]
FIG. 11 is an example of a device profile in the network printer 2903.
[0040]
In FIG. 11, Device-Type: indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an output device and indicates a laser beam printer. Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and in this case, indicates that LBP-XXX is the model name of the device. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device, and in this case, indicates that 172.16.10.3 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the resolution supports 300 dpi and 600 dpi. Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports the paper size of Letter, Letter R, and Legal. “Cassette;” indicates the paper cassette stage equipped and the paper size thereof. Here, it can be seen that the upper row contains the letter R and the lower row contains the legal size. Output-speed: indicates the print speed, and here indicates that the speed is 6 sheets / minute of Letter paper. Output-feed: indicates the charge when the device is used, and Document-format: indicates that a charge of 10 yen is required when a monochrome image is output at the letter size in this case. This is an image format, and indicates that input by LIPS4, N201, and ESC / P is supported. “Option” indicates information about an option device connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that nothing is connected. Status: indicates the status of the printer, "Print-OK" indicates that the printer is in a printable state and is waiting for a print job, "Busy" indicates that the printer is currently printing, and "Jam". "" Indicates that a paper jam has occurred.
[0041]
FIG. 12 is an example of a device profile in the network printer 2095.
[0042]
In FIG. 12, Device-Type: indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an output device and indicates a laser beam printer. Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and in this case, indicates that GP-XXX is the model name of the device. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device, and in this case, indicates that 172.16.10.2 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the resolution supports 300 dpi and 600 dpi. Media-size: indicates a paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports a paper size of Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, and Statement. “Cassette;” indicates the paper cassette stage equipped and the paper size thereof. Here, it can be seen that the size of Letter R is stored in one stage, the size of Legal in two stages, the size of Legal in three stages, the size of Letter in four stages, the size of Statement in five stages, and the size of Legal R in six stages. Output-speed: indicates the print speed, and here indicates that the speed is 32 sheets / minute of Letter paper. Output-feed: indicates the charge when the device is used, and Document-format: indicates that a charge of 10 yen is required when a monochrome image is output at the letter size in this case. This is an image format, and indicates that input by LIPS4, N201, and ESC / P is supported. Option: indicates Option device information to be connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that a sorter having a stapling function of 20 bins and a duplex unit for performing duplex printing are provided. Status: indicates the status of the printer, "Print-OK" indicates that the printer is in a printable state and is waiting for a print job, "Busy" indicates that the printer is currently printing, and "Jam". "" Indicates that a paper jam has occurred. “HDD” indicates that DEVICE; GP-XXX has a hard disk, the capacity of which is 10 Gbytes, and the capacity is 50%. “HDD-USER” indicates the name of a user who manages resources in the hard disk and whether or not the user's management area is open to the network. In the figure, USER A / USER B / USER C are user names, which are OPEN / CLOSE / CLOSE, respectively.
[0043]
The device profile of the device is obtained by a device profile obtaining unit of the management server 103.
[0044]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103.
[0045]
The device profile acquisition unit is activated when the management server 102 is activated, and operates until the system ends. The flowchart of FIG. 13 shows one acquisition cycle. At 1301, a device profile acquisition command is issued to the first device registered in the device registration unit 1310 on the network. At 1302, it is waited whether the device profile information has arrived. At 1303, the transferred device profile is stored in the database 1304. At 1304, it is confirmed whether or not the device profiles of all the registered devices have been acquired. When the acquisition is completed by the determination in 1304, the acquisition cycle is ended (1306). If not completed, in 1305, the next registered device address is set, and the profile of the set device is obtained. This cycle is performed for all registered devices, and the acquisition cycle ends.
[0046]
FIG. 14 shows the structure of the device profile acquisition command.
[0047]
“REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, indicating that the request is a device profile. This device profile acquisition command is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet in TCP / IP.
[0048]
In step 1302, a comparison is made as to whether or not a device profile transfer instruction has arrived.
[0049]
FIG. 14 shows the structure of the device profile transfer command.
[0050]
“SEND” on the first line indicates a transfer, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, indicating that the transfer is a device profile.
[0051]
The following lines indicate the contents of the device profile as in FIG. 10 and end with the line of “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0052]
When the device profile is transferred, in 1303, the device profile acquisition unit records the device profile in the device profile database 1304, and returns to 1302 to wait for the next device profile transfer command.
[0053]
Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from the device side will be described.
[0054]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device profile supply unit on the device side. The device profile supply unit is 206 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 306 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903.
[0055]
The device profile supply unit is called when the device is started, and continues processing until the device is powered off.
[0056]
In FIG. 15, at 1501, the device transfers the device profile to the management server 1503 only once at the time of startup. If the management server 103 has been activated, the device profile transfer command is received at 1302 in FIG. 13 and reflected in the device profile database 904. If the management server 103 is not running at this time, the device profile transfer command is not reflected in the device profile database 904 of the management server 103.
[0057]
At 1505, it is checked whether there is a change in the device profile or at 1502, it is checked whether a device profile transfer request command has arrived. If the device profile has not been changed or has not arrived, the process returns to 1505 and 1502 to form a permanent loop. When the device profile transfer request command is sent from the management server 103, the device profile transfer command is issued to the management server 103 at 1503, similarly to 1501. This processing is a means for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 904 when the management server 103 is booted up after the device is running. The device profile acquisition unit 907 of the management server 103 shown in FIG. By issuing a device profile transfer request command at 1301 at the time of startup, it is assured that the management server 103 has always acquired the device profiles of all the devices connected to the network.
[0058]
In the management server 103, the transfer path profile generation unit 909 generates a transfer path profile based on the device information written in the device profile database 904, and stores the generated transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 905.
[0059]
FIG. 16 shows the structure of the transfer path profile. In FIG. 16, the line of “Description:” indicates a character string to be displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected, and indicates that “Scanner XXX to LBP-XXX” is used in this transfer path. The line of "input-device:" indicates the type of the input device, and the line of "output-device:" indicates the type of the output device. The line of "input-address:" indicates the network address of the input device, and the line of "output-address:" indicates the network address of the output device. The line “Document-format:” indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path. The -default: line indicates the number of copies to be used by default. Resolution: indicates the resolution used in this transfer path. Input-command: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command for causing the input device to read the information.
[0060]
The management server usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies a transfer path profile to each device in response to a request from an input device and an output device.
[0061]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transfer path profile supply unit in the management server 103. The operation of the transfer path profile supply unit starts when the management server 103 is started. In step 1701, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 905 are notified to all devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command at the time of startup. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.
[0062]
At 1702, it is checked whether or not the transfer path profile database 905 has been changed. If there has been a change, at 1703, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.
[0063]
In step 1704, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in 1705, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 905 are notified to the requesting device by a transfer path profile transfer command.
[0064]
FIG. 18 shows the structure of the transfer path profile request command. “REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “TRANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile, indicating that the request is a transfer path profile.
[0065]
FIG. 19 shows the structure of the transfer path profile transfer command. “SEND” in the first row indicates a transfer, and “TRASNMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile, which indicates that the transfer is a transfer path profile. The following lines indicate the contents of the transfer path profile as in FIG. 16, and are terminated by the line of “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0066]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device. The transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 307 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903.
[0067]
In 2001, the device issues a transfer path profile request command to the management server 103 to acquire a transfer path profile. According to this command, “Yes” is determined in the flowchart 1704 of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103, and the transfer of the transfer path profile is performed in 1705. When the transfer path profile is transferred according to the transfer path profile transfer command in 2002, the transfer path profile is stored in the RAM (203 for the network scanner 102 and 303 for the network printer 2903) in 2003. As described above, each device acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores it in the RAM 203 or 303.
[0068]
FIG. 21 illustrates an environment composed of a plurality of multifunction systems. The multifunction system that has been put together indicates that the information management server of the devices that make up the multifunction system owns it.
[0069]
Thus, when automatic selection is performed as a substitute device in the event of a failure of the output destination printer during remote copy, the range of devices to be selected is limited in the system.
[0070]
Therefore, the management server 103 of each of the illustrated systems A, B, and C has individual device information (device profile). Normally, the range of collecting information on the devices constituting the multifunction is limited to the devices in the system, which are managed by the server.
[0071]
When it is desired to control a device of another system, for example, when it is desired to read the data by the network scanner of the system A and output the data by the network printer of the system B, information can be exchanged between the devices between the management servers. When an attempt is made to output to another multifunction system from a device, a device profile transfer request is issued to the management server, and an output destination is determined based on the profile information.
[0072]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a case where the device is automatically switched. In the case of performing cascade copy in which one copy job is distributed to two printers and output is performed, first, in (1), information notifying that the user has entered a copy operation is transmitted to the management server. (2) Check the status of the printer to which the copy job is to be transferred. (3) In this case, since the printer B cannot output for some reason, return information to that effect to the server. (4) The management server is returned from the printer B. It finds a printer that can receive and output information and selects a printer C, and simultaneously displays the selected information on the operation unit of the scanner to show the user.
[0073]
(Overview of operation section)
FIG. 23 showing the configuration of the operation unit is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102. The LCD display unit (2301) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, transmits position information to the controller CPU. A start key (2302) is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key is usable. A stop key (2303) functions to stop the operation during operation. An ID key (2304) is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key (2305) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.
[0074]
Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.
[0075]
(Operation screen)
FIG. 24 shows the operation unit screen. Here, all functions that can be realized by a combination of devices currently on the network are displayed. For example, all functions on the network 101 are as follows.
[0076]
Mono color copy: Scanner 102, 2095 → Printer 2095, 2902, 2903, 2904
Color copy: scanner 102 → printer 2902
Fax transmission: scanner 2904, 102, 2095 → transmission 2904
Fax reception: reception 2904 → printers 2904, 2902, 2903, 2095
Binding: up to 20 staples 2095
Double-sided printing available: Double-sided unit 2095
Paper size: Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, Statement
[0077]
FIG. 25 is displayed so that the above functions can be performed. However, since this operation screen is for the scanner 102, there is no function display for performing fax reception. The main screen (2500) includes a copy mode key (2520), a fax transmission mode key (2521), and a scanner mode key (2522), which are currently selected and perform a remote copy on a network, and a fax transmission mode key (2521). And an Image Quality selection button (2505) for selecting a monochrome mode and a color mode, an Image Quality display area (2504) for displaying the selected Image Quality, a status of the apparatus, a copy magnification, a paper size, and the number of copies to be displayed. Copy parameter display area (2501), enlargement / reduction setting buttons (2506, 2507), paper selection button (2508), sorter setting button (2510), duplex copy setting button (2512), density indicator, And a density setting button (2509) and a numeric keypad (2514).
[0078]
When the paper selection button (2508) is pressed, a screen shown in FIG. 26 appears. Here, the display is performed based on the Cassette information of the image output device on the network. The paper sizes stored in the cassettes of all the image output devices are displayed, and the paper size can be selected. Here, it is indicated that five types of paper, Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, and Statement, are contained in the cassette of the image output device on the network. However, since the printer cannot be used when the printer 2095 is operating, the two types of paper sizes, Legal R and Statement, which are stored only in this printer are displayed in gray characters and cannot be pressed. . When the job in progress of the printer 2095 is completed and the printer 2095 becomes operable, the Legal R and Statement paper displays return to the same display as the other paper displays and become selectable. As in the case of the operation, even when the paper cannot be printed because the paper is out, the paper cannot be selected. In addition, when a color copy is selected, the selection keys other than Letter and Legal set in the color printer 2902 are switched to a display that cannot be pressed.
[0079]
Since the sorter is connected only to the printer 2095 and the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the sorter setting button (2510) are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job is completed, it can be pressed. When the sorter setting button (2510) is pressed at that time, a screen shown in FIG. 26 appears. The maximum function of the bookbinding optional device connected to the image output device on the network 101 is the sorter of the printer 2095, and staples can be selected as shown in the Option information shown in FIG.
[0080]
Similarly, the duplex unit is mounted only on the printer 2095. Since the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the duplex copy setting button (2512) are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job is completed, the user can press the button. When the user presses a two-sided copy setting button (2512), a screen shown in FIG. 27 appears, and the two-sided copy mode can be selected.
[0081]
In the control route screen shown in FIG. 29, when an image read from a scanner connected to the network is output from the remote printer B, the remote printer B cannot output the image for some reason. FIG. The output route 2701 is represented by a solid line. This screen is displayed when the automatic selection of the output device is performed. By pressing the respective icons A (2701), B (2702), and C (2703) on the screen, the following screen is displayed. The screen moves to the device status screen shown in FIG.
[0082]
30. On the B status screen, the status of the printer B is displayed in FIG. In the case of FIG. 30, the device B cannot be controlled at present, and the cause is indicated by a message 2801 to indicate that a jam has occurred. Also, a button 2802 for switching to the status screen of the device C automatically selected as the output destination this time is provided, and information on the device C can be known as shown in the status screen of FIG. 31. Here, the information shown indicates that output is possible or not is controllable, and the information 2901 indicates that the function of the device is monochrome printing, stapling possible, and double-sided printing possible. .
[0083]
If the device C matches the device desired by the user, the user presses the close button 2902 to return to the control route screen again. Then, it can be output by selecting an OK button 2706.
[0084]
If the function indicated on the C status screen does not match the device desired by the user, the user presses a “Go to device selection screen” button 2705 to move to the device selection screen and display a screen on which another device can be selected. FIG. 32 The device selection screen shows the group number 3001 of the multifunction system to which the device belongs and the names (C to G) 3002 of the devices belonging to the device. Thus, the status 3003 of each device can be known. In addition, when a desired device is not found in the group, a group selection screen shown in FIG. 33 is provided in which the user can check information of devices in another group by pressing a “to another group” button 3004. On the group selection screen shown in FIG. 33, information 3101 indicating which department the group belongs to can be known. This information is shown in a column called group property 3102. In the case of FIG. 33, the group 3 is selected in the group selection field 3103, and it can be seen that the group 3 is on the floor 3 in the ABC office, the ABC business unit, and the ABC section.
[0085]
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing storage device management on a network. Each of the image forming apparatuses A3201 and B3202 has a hard disk that stores data distributed from a network and stores image data read by a scanner. If the hard disk of the image forming apparatus B 3202 can be accessed from the PC 3204 of the administrator A, an area 3203 is opened on the network. In addition, the PC 3205 of the administrator B can access the PC. In this case, (1) the administrator B writes the data 3206 in the area managed by the administrator A, and (2) sends the image forming apparatus B to the administrator A by information transmission means such as an e-mail. The information that the administrator B has written the data to the management area of the administrator A in the owned hard disk is notified. The administrator A can access the area 3203 based on the information, refer to the data, or {3}, and obtain and output information on other outputable image forming apparatuses by a management server (not shown). Further, since the management area 3203 is open on the network, the data of the management area 3203 in the hard disk of the image forming apparatus B can be accessed and output from the image forming apparatus A. (4) It is possible to mutually back up data by exchanging device profiles in each storage device by a management server (not shown).
[0086]
Next, a process of actually performing printing will be described.
[0087]
The user stands in front of the network scanner 102, sets a document, and then operates the panel to perform printing.
[0088]
First, a function to be performed is selected on the operation panel 2300. By pressing a scan execution button 3002, a copy function using the selected transfer path profile is executed. The printer can perform any of 2095, 2902, 2903, and 2904, for example, when copying one copy in monochrome. Here, a transfer path profile is selected in a predetermined procedure. Since the selection is a monochrome copy,
Fastest printer → Next fastest printer →
Next fastest printer → Color printer
Are prioritized in this order. In this case, since the fastest printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the transfer path pull file of the next fastest printer 2903 is selected.
[0089]
According to the transfer path profile in FIG. 19, the network scanner 102 selects 172.16.10.3 written in output-address: as an output device, reads the original at the resolution of 600 dpi written in Resolution :, and reads the document. -Format: The print data is transmitted in the LIPS4 format described in "format:". The number of copies is performed only once as described in -default :.
[0090]
The print data is transferred to the network printer 2903 via the network 101.
[0091]
At this time, the network printer 2903 only performs the printing process of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in a multifunction system in which a plurality of image input devices and image output devices are connected on a network, a management server that monitors information of each device is provided on the network. Of course, it is possible to manage data storage devices, share data, and share resources. Also, a mechanism for backing up between devices can be easily realized.
[0093]
Also, in the event of a system failure, for example, if the user wants to output from the desired output device, but does not have the driver software to control the output device on the host side and cannot output, the output from the output device instead of that device is performed. The system can operate smoothly without making the user aware of the information or the like. Further, by incorporating environment settings that are useful for the user, a more productive and convenient system can be constructed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network scanner 102;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network printer 2903.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a configuration of a digital full-color copying machine constituting a multifunction system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal structure of an image processing unit 407.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit and an image server.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a monochrome digital image processing apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed block configuration of a controller unit 739.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server 103.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a device profile in a network printer 2903.
FIG. 12 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 2095.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103.
FIG. 14 shows the structure of a device profile acquisition command and a transfer command.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a device profile supply unit on the device side.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server 103;
FIG. 18 shows the structure of a transfer path profile request command.
FIG. 19 shows the structure of a transfer path profile transfer instruction.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in an input device and an output device.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an environment configured by a plurality of multifunction systems.
FIG. 22 is a view for explaining a case of automatically switching devices.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102.
FIG. 24: Operation unit screen 1
FIG. 25: Operation unit screen 2
FIG. 26 is a paper selection sub screen.
FIG. 27: Sorter setting sub screen
FIG. 28: Duplex copy setting sub screen
FIG. 29 is a control route display screen
FIG. 30: B status screen
FIG. 31: C status screen
FIG. 32: Device selection screen
FIG. 33: Group selection screen
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing storage device management on a network.

Claims (8)

A device registration means for positioning an image input device connected to a network, a multi-function system combining image output devices as a component of the multi-function system from devices on the network,
An image input device registered in the device registration unit, a device information obtaining unit for obtaining device-specific information from the image output device,
Device information storage means for storing information obtained by the device information acquisition means,
A function determining unit that determines a function that can be configured by a combination of an input image device and an output image device from information in the device information storage unit,
In a multifunction system characterized by having
Storage means for storing data input and output by the image input means and image output means, storage area management means for allocating an area to be stored for each user in the storage means;
A multi-function system comprising a storage device sharing unit for sharing the data storage unit of the plurality of image input devices and image output devices connected to the network between devices on the network. The storage area management means further comprises a notification means for notifying a manager of an accessed area when data is read from or written to the storage device by another device on a network. 2. The multifunction system according to 1. 3. The multi-function system according to claim 2, wherein said notifying unit notifies access information of the management area by e-mail. 4. The multifunction system according to claim 3, wherein the access information can be any information such as an access user name, a file name, and a time written in a storage device. 3. The multi-function system according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of persons can be the manager in the management area. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein a protocol for performing communication between the devices constituting the multi-function system is not limited to TCP / IP, and has means capable of supporting any communication means. 2. The multifunction system according to claim 1, further comprising means for allowing a user to recognize the information notified by said information notifying means via a user interface. 2. The multi-function according to claim 1, wherein the image input device and the image output device connected to the network have a unit for mutually backing up the contents of the data storage unit when the respective devices are not operating. system.

Images