JP2005027191A - Information processing system and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system capable of allowing only an information processing apparatus designated by a user to execute function substitutive processing by a comparatively simple configuration, and to provide an information processing apparatus used for the system. <P>SOLUTION: In the information processing system wherein an information processing apparatus 4 on a function substitution request side and an information processing apparatus 1 on a function substitution side are connected via a network NW, the information processing apparatus 4 on the function substitution request side transmits data containing function substitution request information to the information processing apparatus 1 on the function substitution side. The information processing apparatus 1 on the function substitution side comprises a registration means 15 wherein permission information for allowing a function substitution request from the information processing apparatus 4 on the function substitution request side is registered, a reception means 19 for receiving data sent from the information processing apparatus 1 on the function substitution side, an extraction means 17 for extracting the function substitution request information from the received data, a comparison means 18 for comparing the extracted function substitution request information with permission information registered in the registration means 15, and a control means for controlling whether or not the function substitution request from the information processing apparatus 4 on the function substitution request side is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing system in which a function of an information processing device can be substituted by another information processing device connected via a network, and an information processing device used in the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of system, the function of an external device is recognized by an information processing device that manages a plurality of external devices connected to the network, and an external device that can perform the function is determined from the functions, and the function is determined. A technique in which registered processing is executed by a proxy external device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In addition, when there is a work that cannot be processed by the own apparatus, the function information of the image processing apparatus connected to the network is retrieved and identified, and the processing state is managed. A technique has been proposed in which the above-described other image processing apparatus performs the work of the apparatus itself as a substitute (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-66853 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-135508 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned conventional former is a configuration in which the own device recognizes the processing function of the external device on the network and automatically executes the function by the device acting as a substitute for the function. There is a problem that even if the user intends to designate or prohibit the device to be used, this cannot be handled at all.
[0007]
In addition, since the above-mentioned conventional latter is a configuration including a function for judging the processing capability of other devices on the network and a means for managing the status thereof, the configuration can be increased by installing advanced functions in the device. It becomes complicated and the equipment cost becomes high.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an information processing system capable of causing only an information processing apparatus designated by a user to execute a function substitution process with a relatively simple configuration, and to be used in this system It is an object to provide an information processing apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above-described problem is an information processing system in which an information processing device on a function proxy request side and an information processing device on a function proxy side are connected via a network, and the information processing device on the function proxy request side is a function proxy Transmitting means for transmitting data including request information to the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side, the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side to permit a function substitution request from the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side Registration means in which the permission information is registered, receiving means for receiving data sent from the information processing device on the function substitution request side, and extraction means for extracting function substitution request information from the data received by the receiving means, The function substitution request information extracted by the extraction unit is compared with the permission information registered in the registration unit, and the function substitution request is based on the comparison result of the comparison unit. It is solved by an information processing system, characterized by comprising control means for controlling whether to perform functional substitute request by side of the information processing apparatus.
[0010]
In this information processing system, data including function substitution request information is transmitted from the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side to the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side. On the other hand, in the information processing device on the function proxy side, permission information for permitting the function proxy request from the information processing device on the function proxy request side is registered in advance in the registration means. Then, the data transmitted from the information processing apparatus on the function proxy request side is received by the receiving means, and the function proxy request information is extracted from the received data by the extracting means. The extracted function substitution request information is compared with the content of the permission information registered in the registration means, and whether or not the function substitution request is executed is controlled according to the comparison result.
[0011]
Therefore, the user causes the information processing apparatus intended by the user to execute the proxy function by transmitting data including the function proxy request to the information processing apparatus on the function proxy side in the information processing apparatus on the function proxy request side. Can do.
[0012]
Whether the function substitution request is executed by comparing the permission information registered in advance in the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side with the function substitution request information transmitted from the information substitution apparatus on the function substitution request side. Therefore, neither the information processing device on the function substitution side nor the requesting side requires a function for judging the processing capability of other information processing devices and advanced means for managing the state, and the configuration is It will be easy.
[0013]
In the information processing system, the control unit of the information processing device on the function proxy side executes the function proxy request when the comparison result of the comparison unit matches, and when the comparison result does not match The received data may be discarded.
[0014]
Thereby, when the comparison results match, the function substitution request by the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side is reliably executed. On the other hand, if they do not match, the data is discarded, so that the function substitution request is not erroneously executed.
[0015]
Further, the permission information registered in the registration means of the information processing device on the function substitution side is the type of function to be substituted and the identification information of the information processing device on the function substitution request side that permits the substitution request, and the comparison The means is configured to determine whether or not the function and the identification information specified in the function substitution request information from the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side match the function and identification information registered in the registration means. Also good.
[0016]
In this case, if the type of function to be substituted and the identification information of the information processing apparatus that has requested the substitution match, the substitution request from the information processing apparatus on the substitution request side is reliably executed.
[0017]
An example of a function that the information processing apparatus on the function proxy request side requests proxy is an e-mail transmission function. In this case, instead of an information processing apparatus that does not have an electronic mail transmission function, an electronic mail can be transmitted from the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side.
[0018]
Further, the problem is that a registration unit in which permission information for permitting a function substitution request from another information processing apparatus connected via a network is registered, and a function transmitted from the other information processing apparatus A receiving means for receiving data including proxy request information, an extracting means for extracting function proxy request information from the data received by the receiving means, and a function proxy request information extracted by the extracting means are registered in the registration means. A comparison means for comparing with the permission information, and a control means for controlling whether to execute a function substitution request by the other information processing apparatus based on a comparison result in the comparison means. It is also solved by the characteristic information processing apparatus.
[0019]
By connecting this information processing apparatus to a network, it is possible to easily construct the information processing system as described above.
[0020]
Also in this information processing apparatus, the control means executes the function substitution request when the comparison result in the comparison means matches, and discards the received data when the comparison result does not match. Also good.
[0021]
Further, the permission information registered in the registration means is the type of function to be substituted and the identification information of the other information processing apparatus permitting the substitution request, and the comparison means is from the other information processing apparatus. It may be configured to determine whether the function and the identification information specified in the function proxy request information coincide with the function and identification information registered in the registration means.
[0022]
In addition, the function for requesting substitution by another information processing apparatus may be an e-mail transmission function.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
1, this information processing system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 to 4 and a server 5, and these information processing apparatuses 1 to 4 and the server 5 are connected to each other via a network NW. .
[0026]
The information processing apparatuses 1, 2, and 4 are, for example, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) that are multifunctional image forming apparatuses having various functions such as a printer function, a copy function, a fax function, and a scan function. The processing device 3 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. In this embodiment, the MFP 4 is set as an information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side, and the MFP 1 is set as an information processing apparatus on the function substitution side.
[0027]
FIG. 1 also shows IP addresses corresponding to the information processing apparatuses 1 to 4 and the server 5.
[0028]
The server 5 is composed of a computer and has an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) function and a function for prohibiting e-mail transmission (spoofing transmission) from an information processing apparatus having no e-mail address (POP). before SMTP function).
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of MFP 1 on the function surrogate side.
[0030]
In FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes a scanner unit 11, an image memory / image processing unit 12, a printer unit 13, an operation unit 14, a memory unit 15, a control unit 16, and a network interface unit (denoted as a network I / F unit in the drawing). 19 is provided.
[0031]
In FIG. 2, thick lines indicate the flow of image data from the scanner unit 11 to the printer unit 13.
[0032]
The scanner unit 11 reads an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown).
[0033]
The image memory / image processing unit 12 temporarily stores image data read by the scanner unit 11 and performs predetermined image processing.
[0034]
The printer unit 13 prints image data on which image processing has been performed on paper.
[0035]
The operation unit 14 is used for setting various modes and for job execution instructions, and includes various keys and a display unit (not shown).
[0036]
The memory unit 15 stores various data, for example, data transmitted from the MFP 4 or the like. In the memory unit 15, permission information for executing a function substitution request based on an e-mail address of the MFP 1 itself or a request from the MFP 4 on the function substitution request side is registered. In this embodiment, as permission information, identification information (an IP address in this example) of the MFP 4 that is a device to be permitted for function substitution request and the type of function to be delegated are registered as an e-mail transmission function.
[0037]
In addition to controlling the entire MFP 1, the control unit 16 analyzes data received from the MFP 4 on the function proxy request side, and extracts function proxy request information extraction means 17 that extracts function proxy request information included in the data. And also functions as a comparison unit 18 that compares the extracted function proxy request information with the content of the permission information registered in the memory unit 15. In this embodiment, the function substitution request information includes an IP address that is identification information of the MFP 4 itself, and information that the type of the function that requests substitution is an e-mail transmission function.
[0038]
If the comparison result by the comparison unit 18 matches, that is, the IP address and function type (e-mail transmission) of the MFP 4 included in the function substitution request information from the MFP 4 are registered in the memory unit 15. When the IP address of the permission information matches the type of function (e-mail transmission), a function substitution request (e-mail transmission) is executed from the MFP 4, and when the comparison result does not match, the control unit 16 Is to discard the received data.
[0039]
The network interface unit 19 functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the function substitution requesting MFP 4 and other MFPs, and transmits the data transmitted from the MFP 4 via the network NW by e-mail. Can be transmitted to the server 5.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 4 on the function substitution request side.
[0041]
3, the MFP 4 includes a scanner unit 41, an image memory / image processing unit 42, a printer unit 43, an operation unit 44, a memory unit 45, a control unit 46, and a network interface unit (denoted as a network I / F unit in the drawing). 49.
[0042]
In FIG. 3, thick lines indicate the flow of image data from the scanner unit 41 to the printer unit 43.
[0043]
The scanner unit 41 reads an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown).
[0044]
The image memory / image processing unit 42 temporarily stores image data read by the scanner unit 41 and performs predetermined image processing.
[0045]
The printer unit 43 prints image data subjected to image processing on a sheet.
[0046]
The operation unit 44 is used for setting various modes and for job execution instructions, and includes various keys and a display unit (not shown).
[0047]
The memory unit 45 registers the IP address of the destination MFP 4, the e-mail transmission destination address, etc. for requesting the function substitution when the function cannot be executed due to inconvenience in the function execution setting of the own device. Has been.
[0048]
The control unit 46 controls the entire MFP 1.
[0049]
The network interface unit 49 functions as a communication unit that transmits / receives data to / from the function substitution requesting MFP 4 or another MFP, and the image read by the scanner unit 41 and image-processed by the image memory / image processing unit 42. Data can be transmitted to the MFP 1 together with function substitution request information (Scan TO Email transmission function).
[0050]
In the configuration as described above, the user registers information necessary for e-mail transmission such as an e-mail address of the MFP 1 itself only in the function substitution side MFP 1 in the memory unit 15 and also functions substitution which is permission information. It is registered that the IP address of the requesting MFP 4 and the type of proxy function are e-mail transmission.
[0051]
On the other hand, the user registers the IP address of the function proxy side MFP 1 in the memory unit 45 as the SMTP server address for e-mail transmission with respect to the function proxy request side MFP 4.
[0052]
In the function substitution request side MFP 4, when the user executes the e-mail transmission function, a predetermined e-mail transmission process is performed on the IP address of the function substitution side MFP 1.
[0053]
In response to the SMTP request sent from the function substitution request side MFP 4, the function substitution side MFP 1 temporarily holds the transmission data of the function substitution request side MFP 4 in the memory unit 15. When it is confirmed that the data reception from the function substitution request side MFP 4 is completed, the function substitution request information is extracted from the protocol information or the communication data, and the type of function for requesting the substitution included in the function substitution request and the request Extract the original IP address. Then, it is determined whether or not the type of the extracted function and the request source IP address match the permission information registered in the memory unit 15, and if these pieces of information are registered as permission information, an e-mail E-mail transmission is executed again to the destination stored in the header.
[0054]
This process may be requested from the function substitution request side MFP 4 to the function substitution side MFP 1 by another method such as XML over HTTP.
[0055]
On the other hand, when the function substitution side MFP 1 receives a similar request from the MFP 2 or the information processing apparatus 3 instead of the registered MFP 4, the function substitution side MFP 1 refers to the permission information in the memory unit 15. After confirming that there is no registration of another MFP 3, the data is discarded after receiving data from the other MFP 3.
[0056]
As described above, when the user designates the MFP 1 acting as the proxy for the “e-mail transmission” function in the MFP 4 on the function request side, the MFP 1 executes the e-mail transmission function as requested by the user. In addition, since it is only necessary to register the permission information in the MFP 1 on the function surrogate side and the IP address of the MFP 1 on the function surrogate request side in the MFP 4 on the function surrogate request side, It does not require an advanced means for managing the state, has a simple configuration, and can be manufactured at low cost.
[0057]
Next, the flow of the function substitution request execution process by the function substitution side MFP 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following description and drawings, step is abbreviated as S.
[0058]
In FIG. 4, in S101, it is determined whether or not there is data reception from an external information processing apparatus. If there is data reception (YES in S101), the process proceeds to S102. If no data is received from the external information processing apparatus (NO in S101), the process proceeds to S111.
[0059]
In S102, it is determined whether or not the proxy processing function is set in the function proxy side MFP 1 itself. If the proxy processing function is not set (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S111.
[0060]
If the proxy processing function is set (YES in S102), data is received in S103, and then in S104, it is determined whether the data reception is completed. If the data reception has not been completed (NO in S104), the reception is continued until the process returns to S103 and the data reception is completed.
[0061]
If the data reception is completed (YES in S104), in S105, the function substitution request information is extracted by analyzing the received data, and the type of function for which the substitution is requested and the IP address of the data transmission source apparatus are determined. Extract.
[0062]
Thereafter, in S106, the content of the permission information registered in the memory unit 15, that is, the type of function to be substituted and the IP address of the device that permits the substitution, and the type and IP address of the extracted function match. If they do not match (NO in S106), the data is discarded in S110 and the process is terminated.
[0063]
If the registered permission information matches the extracted information (YES in S106), in S107, the function request information and other data are separated from the received data in accordance with the registration information of the permission information. In S108, execution of function substitution processing, that is, e-mail transmission processing is performed.
[0064]
Next, in S109, it is determined whether or not there is transmission error information. If there is transmission error information (NO in S109), the process waits in S109 until there is no transmission error, and if there is no transmission error information (S109). If the determination is YES), the process ends.
[0065]
On the other hand, in S111, it is determined whether or not the proxy processing function is set based on a user instruction. If the proxy processing function is set (YES in S111), for example, the electronic device of the device itself After registering that the device is a device acting on behalf of the function, such as setting an e-mail address, the process proceeds to S113. When the proxy processing function is not set (NO in S111), the process returns to S101.
[0066]
In S113, it is determined whether or not a function (e-mail transmission function) to be substituted is registered. If it is to be registered (YES in S113), a target apparatus (MFP 4) that performs the function in S114. The IP address (10.1.1.26 in FIG. 1) and the proxy function are stored in the memory unit 15, and if the proxy target function is not registered (NO in S113), the process returns to S101.
[0067]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, although the case where the function to be substituted is the e-mail transmission function has been shown, other functions may be used. Further, although the device that has transmitted the function substitution request is specified by its IP address, it may be specified by other identification information.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus intended by the user transmits the data including the function substitution request to the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side in the information substitution apparatus on the function substitution request side. The device can perform a proxy function. Moreover, whether or not the function substitution request is executed by comparing the permission information registered in advance in the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side with the function substitution request information transmitted from the information substitution apparatus on the function substitution request side. Therefore, the information processing device on both the function substitution side and the requesting side does not require a function for judging the processing capability of other information processing devices and advanced means for managing the state, and is simple. With the configuration, an information processor stem capable of performing function substitution processing can be provided.
[0069]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the comparison result by the comparison means matches, the function substitution request by the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side can be surely executed, and when there is a mismatch, Since the data is discarded, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the function substitution request is erroneously executed.
[0070]
According to the invention of claim 3, if the type of the function to be substituted and the identification information of the information processing apparatus that has requested the substitution match, the substitution request from the information processing apparatus on the substitution request side is reliably executed. Can do.
[0071]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an electronic mail can be transmitted from an information processing apparatus on the function substitution side on behalf of an information processing apparatus that does not have an electronic mail transmission function.
[0072]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily construct an information processing system that allows an information processing apparatus intended by a user to execute a proxy function.
[0073]
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, it can be set as the information processing apparatus which can perform the execution process of the function substitution request from another information processing apparatus reliably.
[0074]
According to the invention of claim 7, if the type of the function to be substituted and the identification information of the information processing apparatus that has requested the substitution match, the substitution request from the information processing apparatus on the substitution request side is reliably executed. Can do.
[0075]
According to the invention which concerns on Claim 8, transmission of an electronic mail can be performed on behalf.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an information processing apparatus on the function surrogate side.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of execution processing of a function substitution request of the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... MFP (information processing device on the proxy side)
4 ... MFP (information processing device on the function proxy request side)
15 ... Memory part (registration means)
16 ... Control part 17 ... Extraction means 18 ... Comparison means 19 ... Network interface part ( Receiving means)
49... Network interface section (transmission means)
NW ... Network

Claims (8)

An information processing system in which an information processing device on the function substitution request side and an information processing device on the function substitution side are connected via a network,
The information processing device on the function proxy request side includes transmission means for transmitting data including function proxy request information to the information processing device on the function proxy side,
The information processing device on the function proxy side is a registration unit in which permission information for permitting a function proxy request from the information processing device on the function proxy request side is registered;
Receiving means for receiving data sent from the information processing device on the function substitution request side;
Extraction means for extracting function proxy request information from the data received by the receiving means;
Comparison means for comparing the function proxy request information extracted by the extraction means with the permission information registered in the registration means;
Control means for controlling whether or not to execute a function substitution request by the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side based on the comparison result in the comparison means;
An information processing system comprising: The control means in the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side executes the function substitution request when the comparison result in the comparison means matches, and discards the received data when the comparison result does not match Item 4. The information processing system according to Item 1. The permission information registered in the registration means of the information processing apparatus on the function substitution side is the type of function to be substituted and the identification information of the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side that permits the substitution request, and the comparison means The function and the identification information specified by the function substitution request information from the information processing apparatus on the function substitution request side determine whether or not the function and the identification information registered in the registration means match. 2. The information processing system according to 2. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a function of the information processing apparatus on the function proxy request side to request a proxy is an e-mail transmission function. A registration means in which permission information for permitting a function substitution request from another information processing apparatus connected via a network is registered;
Receiving means for receiving data including function substitution request information sent from the other information processing apparatus;
Extraction means for extracting function proxy request information from the data received by the receiving means;
Comparison means for comparing the function proxy request information extracted by the extraction means with the permission information registered in the registration means;
Control means for controlling whether to execute a function substitution request by the other information processing device based on a comparison result in the comparison means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit executes the function substitution request when the comparison result in the comparison unit matches, and discards the received data when the comparison result does not match. . The permission information registered in the registration means is the type of function to be substituted and the identification information of the other information processing apparatus that permits the substitution request, and the comparison means is a function from the other information processing apparatus. The information processing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein it is determined whether or not the function and identification information specified in the proxy request information match the function and identification information registered in the registration means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the function of requesting substitution by another information processing apparatus is an electronic mail transmission function.

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