JP2006085620A - Electronic apparatus system, its electronic apparatus, control method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce cost and version-up operation work for application when making electronic apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses implement a plurality of functions. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP 10 communicates with application (external applications) on external servers 20a and 20b through a communication line such as a network 1 to execute operation using the external applications. In addition, if the MFP 10 cannot communicate with the application within the external server 20a, it switches application to be used to one within the external server 20b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus such as an image processing apparatus (an image reading apparatus such as a scanner apparatus, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a digital multifunction machine), and is connected to the electronic apparatus via a communication line. The present invention relates to an electronic device system including an external device, a control method for the electronic device, a program executed by a computer of the electronic device, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

  For example, in recent years, an image forming unit (plotter unit), an image reading unit (scanner unit), a facsimile (FAX) communication unit, an image processing unit (controller), etc. are combined to form a copy function (copy function), printer function, Multi-function image forming apparatuses such as digital multifunction peripherals that can freely select and use various functions such as a scanner function and a facsimile function are used by many users.

Such a conventional multi-function image forming apparatus is generally configured on a copying machine base, and can be operated as a printer or a scanner by using a part of all the functions, or by adding a FAX communication unit. It could be used as a facsimile machine.
By the way, in order to freely select and execute each function, it is necessary to provide an application (hereinafter simply referred to as “app”) for realizing the function for each function. All were provided in one image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-84383 A

  The application (application) refers to application software or an application program. This application is a part that performs a user interface, and is for realizing a function provided to a user. An application for realizing a copy function (copy application) and an application for realizing a printer function (printer application) There are an application for realizing the scanner function (scanner application), an application for realizing the FAX (facsimile) function (FAX application), and the like.

However, providing all the applications for realizing the functions to be used in the multifunctional image forming apparatus described above leads to an increase in cost. In addition, the greater the number of apps, the greater the number of operations by service personnel for upgrading the app (function).
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to reduce the cost and reduce the version upgrade work of an application when an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus realizes a plurality of functions. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention executes an electronic device system including an electronic device, an external device connected to the electronic device via a communication line, a control method for the electronic device, and a computer of the electronic device. And a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  An electronic apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an electronic apparatus that executes an operation (copy operation, print operation, scan operation, fax operation, etc.) using an application, application management means for managing the application, and the means Based on the management information, provided with a control means for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device, and when the control means is not communicable with the external device, Application switching means for switching an application to be used to another application based on the management information is provided.

An electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the application switching means switches an application to be used to an application in another external device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device of the first aspect, the application switching means switches an application to be used to an application in the electronic device.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the application switching means is not communicating with the external device, time measurement is performed, and the measurement time is the external device. When a predetermined time is reached without being able to communicate with, the application is switched to another application.

An electronic device according to a fifth aspect of the invention is an electronic device that executes an operation using an application, and communicates with an external device based on application management means for managing the application and management information of the means. A control unit that executes an operation using an application in the external device, and when the control unit cannot communicate with the external device, the control unit performs processing for the communication until the communication with the external device is enabled. Repeatedly.
An electronic apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an electronic apparatus that executes an operation using an application, and communicates with an external apparatus based on application management means for managing the application and management information of the means. Control means for executing an operation using an application in the external device, and means for canceling registration of the application in the external device when the application management means cannot communicate with the external device. It is provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device system in which the electronic device of the first aspect and the external device are communicably connected via a communication line. The external device includes an application storage means and the electronic device. Control means for processing the contents of the operation instruction by an application stored in the application storage means and transmitting a corresponding operation execution request to the electronic device as a response to the operation instruction when an operation instruction is received from the application storage means When the operation instruction is input, the control unit of the electronic device transmits the operation instruction to the external device, and receives the operation execution request as a response to the operation instruction. The operation is executed according to the execution request.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device system in which the electronic device according to the first aspect and a plurality of external devices are communicably connected via a communication line, and at least one of the plurality of external devices. When the external device is an application loading server and the other external device is an application management server, the application loading server receives the operation instruction from the application storage means and the electronic device. Control means for processing the contents of the operation instruction by an application stored in the means and transmitting a corresponding operation execution request to the electronic device as a response to the operation instruction. Application management means for managing the electronic And an application response means for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic device based on management information of the application management means when receiving a search request for an available application from a device. An available application search request transmission unit that transmits a search request for a possible application to the application management server, and a response content storage unit that stores the response content when a response to the transmission by the unit is received. The application switching means of the electronic device is a means for switching the application to be used to another application based on the storage content in the response content storage means when communication with the application loading server is not possible. Operation to the control means of the device When an indication is input, the operation instruction is transmitted to the external device, and when an execution request for the operation is received as a response to the operation instruction, a unit is provided for executing the operation according to the execution request. is there.

An electronic device system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the application management means of the application management server is means for managing applications in a plurality of application loading servers. The application switching means switches the application to be used to an application in another application loading server.
An electronic device system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the application management means of the application management server manages the application in the electronic device and the application in the application loading server. The application switching means of the electronic device switches the application to be used to the application in the electronic device.

  An electronic device system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic device system according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein when the application switching means of the electronic device is not communicable with the external device, time measurement is performed, When the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device, the application is switched to another application.

  An electronic device system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an electronic device system in which an electronic device that executes an operation using an application and a plurality of external devices are communicably connected via a communication line. Of these, when at least one external device is an application loading server and the other external device is an application management server, and the application loading server receives an operation instruction from the application storage means and the electronic device. Control means for processing the contents of the operation instruction by an application stored in the application storage means, and transmitting a corresponding operation execution request to the electronic device as a response to the operation instruction, Application management application And an application response means for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic apparatus based on management information of the application management means when a search request for an available application is received from the electronic apparatus. When the electronic device cannot communicate with the application loading server, the electronic device is provided with means for repeatedly performing the process until communication with the application loading server is possible. Is provided with means for executing the operation according to the execution request when the operation instruction is transmitted to the application loading server and the execution request for the operation is received as a response to the operation instruction. It is.

  An electronic device system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an electronic device system in which an electronic device that executes an operation using an application and a plurality of external devices are communicably connected via a communication line. Of these, when at least one external device is an application loading server and the other external device is an application management server, and the application loading server receives an operation instruction from the application storage means and the electronic device. Control means for processing the contents of the operation instruction by an application stored in the application storage means, and transmitting a corresponding operation execution request to the electronic device as a response to the operation instruction, Application management application And an application response means for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic apparatus based on management information of the application management means when a search request for an available application is received from the electronic apparatus. The application management means of the electronic device includes means for canceling registration of the application in the external device when communication with the application loading server is not possible, and an operation instruction is input to the control means of the electronic device. In the case where the operation instruction is transmitted to the application loading server and the execution request for the operation is received as a response to the operation instruction, the operation instruction is provided according to the execution request.

  A control method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application. When communication is possible with an external device, the external device is communicated with the external device. When an operation is executed using an application within the network and communication with an external device is not possible, the application to be used is switched to the application within the electronic device, and the operation is executed using the application.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an electronic device that executes an operation using an application. When communication with an external device is possible, the external device is communicated with the external device. If the operation is executed using the application in the network and communication with the external device is not possible, the application to be used is switched to the application in another external device, and the external device is communicated with the external device. The operation is executed using an application in the apparatus.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an electronic device that executes an operation using an application. When communication with an external device is possible, the external device is communicated with the external device. When the operation is executed using the application within the network and communication with the external device is not performed, time measurement is performed, and when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device, an application to be used is determined. The application is switched to an application in the electronic device, and the operation is executed using the application.

  A control method according to the invention of claim 17 is a control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application. When communication with an external device is possible, the external device is communicated with the external device. The application to be used when the operation is executed using the application within the network and communication with the external device is not possible, time measurement is performed, and the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device. Is switched to an application in another external device and communicates with the other external device to execute an operation using the application in the external device.

  The control method according to the invention of claim 18 is a control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application. When communication is possible with an external device, the external device is communicated with the external device. If it is not possible to communicate with an external device, the process is repeated until communication with the external device is possible, and when communication with the external device is possible, By communicating with the external device, an operation is executed using an application in the external device.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program according to an invention, an application management function for managing an application in a computer of an electronic device that executes an operation using the application;
A program for realizing a control function for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the function. When communication with the apparatus is not possible, an application switching function for switching an application to be used to another application based on the management information is provided.
A program according to a twentieth aspect of the invention is the program according to the nineteenth aspect, wherein the application switching function switches an application to be used to an application in another external device.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, in the program of the nineteenth aspect, the application switching function switches an application to be used to an application in the electronic apparatus.
A program according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of the nineteenth to twenty-first aspects, wherein when the application switching function is not communicating with the external device, time measurement is performed and the measured time communicates with the external device. When the predetermined time is reached without being able to do it, it is switched to another application.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the invention, a program of an electronic device that executes an operation using an application communicates with an external device based on an application management function for managing the application and management information of the means. This is a program for realizing a control function that executes an operation using an application in the external device, and until the control function can communicate with the external device when the control function is not communicable with the external device. The process for that is repeated.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a program of an electronic device that executes an operation using an application communicates with an external device based on an application management function for managing the application and management information of the means. A program for realizing a control function for executing an operation using an application in the external device, and registration of the application in the external device when the application management function cannot communicate with the external device It has a function to cancel.
A recording medium according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any of the nineteenth to twenty-fourth aspects is recorded.

  According to the present invention, since a common application can be used by a plurality of electronic devices, each electronic device can use a plurality of functions at low cost. In addition, it is possible to reduce the upgrade work of the application.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
First, an image forming system which is a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus system according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a network connection example of the image forming system.

  This image forming system includes various image processing apparatuses including a digital multi-function peripheral (hereinafter also referred to as “MFP”) 10 as electronic apparatuses having a communication function, and two external servers 20 (application-installed servers). 20a, 20b), which can be connected to each other via a network 1 such as a LAN (local area network). For example, the MFP 10 and the external server 20 can communicate with each other in a one-to-many relationship via the network 1, but the MFP 10 and the external server 20 can be connected to the external device by connecting the MFP 10 and the external server 20 via a communication line such as USB or IEEE1394. It is also possible for the server 20 to communicate in a one-to-one relationship. The number of external servers 20 may be one, or three or more.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10.
The MFP 10 is an image forming apparatus capable of realizing various functions including a digital copying machine, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, that is, a copy function, a printer function, a FAX function, and a scanner function, as shown in FIG. , A controller 11, an FCU (fax control unit) 12, an engine interface (hereinafter, “interface” is also referred to as “I / F”) 13, an engine 14, and the like. These configurations are hardware resources for performing image processing such as image reading, printing (image formation), and image data transmission of a document.

The controller 11 uses each application described later (receives an operation request from each application) and comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP 10. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The FCU 12 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (FAX communication function) or another MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) via a public line.
The engine I / F 13 is an interface for connecting the engine 14 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The engine 14 is a scanner (image reading means) that reads an image of a document, and a plotter (image) that forms (prints) an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data read by the scanner or data received from an external device. Image forming means), an automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds the document to the image reading position of the scanner, and post-processing such as sorting, punching, and stapling on the paper on which the image has been formed by the plotter. This corresponds to a hardware device such as a post-processing apparatus.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 101, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 102, SDRAM 103, ROM 104, NVRAM 105, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 106, operation unit 107, modem 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 109, IEEE (Institute of Institute). Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 / I / F110, MAC (Media Access Controller) / I / F111, and the like. Note that the operation unit 107 is actually disposed outside the controller 11.

The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 102.
The ASIC 102 is a multi-function device board composed of a CPU interface, SDRAM interface, local bus interface, PCI interface, HDD interface, etc., and is designed to share devices to be controlled by the CPU 101 and develop applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. It supports high efficiency.

The ASIC 102 is directly connected to an operation unit 107 that receives an operation command of the engine 14 and the like, and a modem 108 is also directly connected thereto. The USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111, FCU 12, and engine I / F 13 are connected via the PCI bus 112.
The SDRAM 103 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used when the CPU 101 performs data processing, and the like. In place of the SDRAM 103, a DRAM or SRAM may be used.

The ROM 104 is a fixed memory that stores programs including various applications (two types in this example) and fixed data.
The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as various parameters that can be changed, and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the NVRAM 105, a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used.

The HDD 106 is a storage device (recording medium) that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off. Data in the SDRAM 103 or data in the NVRAM 105 can be stored in the HDD 106.
The operation unit 107 includes various operation keys (also referred to as operation switches or operation buttons) for inputting information (data) such as operation commands (commands) to the engine 14 or the external server 20, and a character display on the LCD or CRT. For example, there is an operation means as shown in FIG.

The modem 108 is modulation / demodulation means. When data is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a public line, the modem 108 modulates the data so that the data can flow on the public line. In addition, when modulated data sent from an external device is received, the data is demodulated.
The USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to and communicating with external devices (peripheral devices), respectively.
The MAC I / F 111 is a network interface for communicating with external devices including the external server 20 via the network 1 such as a LAN.
A direct interface other than the USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 can be added to the controller 11.

Next, the operation unit 107 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10.
The operation unit 107 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 51, a numeric keypad 52, a clear / stop key 53, a start key (print key) 54, a preheating key 55, a reset key 56, an interrupt key 57, an initial setting key 58, and a function switching key 59. I have.
The liquid crystal touch panel 51 includes a touch panel on the surface of the liquid crystal display, and can display function keys, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the machine, and the like.
The numeric keypad 52 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies (number of copies) and magnification.
The clear / stop key 53 is a key for clearing the number of copies (number of copies to be printed) and stopping the operation being executed (reading operation or printing operation).

In the MFP 10 having the operation unit 107, the interruption mode 57 is entered when the interruption key 57 is pressed. The interrupt mode is a mode used when another copy operation is temporarily interrupted during execution or operation of a copy operation (copy job) started by pressing the start key 54 (operation instruction).
Therefore, when the interrupt key 57 is pressed, the copy mode before the press or the progress information in the middle of the copy operation is written and stored in the NVRAM 105 or HDD 106, and then the mode is changed to the interrupt mode. Is initialized.

  Then, the interrupt copy operation is started by pressing the start key 54. After the copy operation is completed, the interrupt mode is canceled by pressing the interrupt key 57, and the copy mode or copy progress information stored in the NVRAM 105 or HDD 106 is read. Thus, the state before the transition (setting) to the interruption mode is restored, and the copy operation can be resumed in the copy mode before the interruption by pressing the start key 54.

When the initial setting key 58 is pressed, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized.
That is, the initial value set when the size of the transfer paper (paper) stored in the machine is set or when the preheating key 55 is pressed (when used as a mode clear key for clearing the copy mode). It is possible to set the state arbitrarily.
In addition, when a key operation is not performed for a certain period of time, an application that is selected with priority is selected, a transition time to a low power state according to the International Energy Star plan, auto-off / sleep mode, etc. It is possible to set the transition time to.

When the preheating key 55 is pressed for about 1 second or more, the machine shifts from the standby state to the preheating state, and the surface temperature (fixing temperature) of the fixing roller in the fixing unit (not shown) is lowered or the display of the operation unit 107 is displayed. Turns off.
Here, the preheating state means a low power state in the international energy star plan.
To cancel the preheating state or the off / sleep state and shift to the standby state, the preheating key 55 is pressed again.
The function switching key 59 is a key for switching between selection of a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a FAX function.

The copy function is a function for causing a scanner to read an image of an original, sending the image data to a plotter, and performing a copy operation for printing (forming) as a visible image on a recording medium such as paper.
The printer function is a function for performing a printer operation for sending image data from an external apparatus as it is or processing the image data to a plotter and printing it as a visible image on a recording medium.
The scanner function is a function for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and writing the image data in a memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, or HDD 106) and storing (accumulating) a scanner operation.

By pressing the start key 54 after the processing, the image data in the SDRAM 103 or the HDD 106 can be called (read), and the image can be printed on the transfer paper based on the image data.
The FAX function is a FAX transmission operation for causing a scanner to read an image of a document and transmitting the image data to an external device by the FCU 12, and receiving image data from the external device by the FCU 12, sending the image data to a plotter, and recording media. This is a function for performing a FAX reception operation for forming an image on the top.

4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating different examples of operation screens displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 51. FIG.
When an operator (user) touches one of the function keys on the screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 51, the function (mode) displayed in the frame of the function key is selected, and the monochrome display is performed. Is reversed.
Further, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, when the magnification is changed, a magnification value or the like), a detailed function setting operation screen is displayed by touching the function key.
Since the liquid crystal touch panel 51 uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a copy function setting operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 51.
When the controller 11 of the MFP 10 is switched to the selection of the copy function (copy application) by the function switching key 59, the copy mode is set, and the display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 51 is changed to the operation screen for setting the copy function shown in FIG. Switch.
In the operation screen for setting the copy function, a message area for displaying messages such as “Can copy” and “Please wait” is provided in the upper part of the approximate center.
Each function (operation instruction) key shown below is provided outside the message area.

  That is, at the bottom of the message area, an automatic paper selection key [automatic paper selection] for automatically selecting a transfer paper, a transfer paper selection key for manually selecting a transfer paper, a copy magnification (with respect to the original image) The same magnification key (equal magnification) for setting the same magnification as the final image printing magnification (also referred to as the final image printing magnification), automatically enlarged / reduced according to the transfer paper size Specified scaling key [paper specified scaling] for instructing the scaling process of the paper, cover / interleaf key [cover / interleaf] for instructing the setting of the cover / interleaf mode, and the sorted copy To specify the editing mode for specifying the editing contents such as the binding margin when binding (copied transfer paper) part by part, and for setting the print key for instructing the print settings such as stamp, date, page, etc. Edit / Print key Edit / print], duplex mode for printing images on both front and back sides of transfer paper, consolidated printing mode for printing images of multiple documents on a single transfer sheet, multiple images of a single document Double-sided / combined / divided key [double-sided / combined / divided] for instructing the setting of the divided print mode for dividing and printing on transfer paper, and a scaling key [variable for setting the enlargement / reduction scale as the copy magnification Double] are provided.

On the left side of the message area, an original type key for selecting the original type, an automatic density key [automatic density] for automatically adjusting the image density, and the like are provided.
Further, on the right side of the message area, there are provided a document number display portion for displaying the number of documents, a set number display portion for displaying the set number of copies (the number of copies to be printed), and a copy number display portion for displaying the number of copies. Below that, the sort key [sort] for specifying (instructing) the process of arranging copies in order of pages one by one, the stack key [stack] for specifying the process for sorting copies by page, and the sort processing Staple keys [staple] and the like for designating processing for binding copies one by one are provided.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for the scanner function displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 51.
When the function switching key 59 is used to select the scanner function, the control unit of the MFP 10 sets the scanner mode and switches the display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 51 to the operation screen shown in FIG.
In this operation screen, a message area for displaying messages such as “ready for scanning” and “please wait” is provided at the upper part of the approximate center.
Each function (operation instruction) key is provided outside the message area, and the description thereof is omitted.

Next, a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10.
The controller 11 of the MFP 10 includes functions as a communication processing unit 121, an application response time measurement unit 122, an application selection unit 123, an application information storage unit 124, and a control unit 125. The CPU 101 in FIG. 2 operates according to the program in the ROM 104, and selects the SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, MAC / I / F 111, USB / I / F 109, IEEE 1394 / I / F 110 in FIG. 2 as necessary. It can be realized by using it.

The communication processing unit 121 communicates with applications (hereinafter referred to as “external applications”) 231 and 232 provided in each of the two external servers 20 (20a and 20b) on the network 1, or directly connected externally. Communication means for communicating with the apparatus. Note that the external applications 231 and 232 can be directly connected to communicate with them.
The application response time measurement unit 122 performs time measurement after an operation instruction is transmitted to the external application 231 or 232.

  The application selection unit 123 receives commands (operation execution requests) sent from applications including the applications (hereinafter referred to as “internal applications”) 131 and 132 and external applications 231 and 232 stored in the ROM 104 of FIG. Are sent to the control unit 125 (delivered). When data such as a command (operation instruction) is received from the control unit 125, the data is distributed to the internal applications 131 and 132 and the external applications 231 and 232 and sent. That is, the destination to which the application is sent is determined, and the received data is sent to the destination.

  The application information storage unit 124 stores various types of information for managing the application such as where the available application exists in the MFP 10 or on the external server and which application is currently valid. Remember as. Thereby, an application that can be used in the MFP 10 can be registered. The application information storage unit 124 exists in the SDRAM 103, the NVRAM 105, or the HDD 106 in FIG. 2, and is changed (updated) whenever information changes. Therefore, the application information storage unit 124 functions as an application management unit.

The control unit 125 comprehensively controls each unit including the communication processing unit 121, the application response time measurement unit 122, the application selection unit 123, the operation unit 107, the application information storage unit 124, and the engine 14, and includes a control unit. Functions as (including application switching means).
Therefore, the control unit 125 communicates with the external application 231 and 232 via the application selection unit 123, the communication processing unit 121, and the network 1, so that in addition to the internal applications 131 and 132, the external applications 231 and 232 also Since it becomes available, many functions can be realized.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the external server 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the external server 20.
The external server 20 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), and as shown in FIG. , IEEE 1394 • I / F 210, MAC • I / F 211, and the like.

Since the configuration of the external server 20 is almost the same as the configuration of the controller 11 described with reference to FIG. 2, only different portions will be described.
The operation unit 207 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting information (data) such as an operation command (command) to the MFP 10 and a display device such as an LCD display or a CRT display. For example, a touch panel can be provided on the surface of the display device.

Next, a main functional configuration example of the external server 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10 and the external server 20a. For convenience of explanation, the external application 231 is illustrated as including each unit such as an application communication processing unit 241 described later.

The external server 20a has functions as an application communication processing unit 241, an application control unit 242, and a device information storage unit 243. These functions are realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 7 operating according to the external application 231 stored in the ROM 104 and using the MAC / I / F 211, USB / I / F 209, IEEE 1394 / I / F 210 as necessary. It can be done.
The application communication processing unit 241 is a communication unit that communicates with an image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 on the network 1 or communicates with an directly connected image processing apparatus. Note that an image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 can be directly connected to communicate with them.

The application control unit 242 controls the application communication processing unit 241 and the device information storage unit 243, and functions as a control unit.
The device information storage unit 243 is an application storage unit that stores information regarding image processing devices that can be used by the external server 20a. Thereby, an image processing apparatus that can be used by the external server 20a can be registered. This device information storage unit 243 exists on the SDRAM 203, NVRAM 205, or HDD 206 of FIG. 7, and is changed whenever information changes.

  The main functional configuration of the other external server 20b is substantially the same as that of the external server 20a, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted. In addition, the application on the external server 20 (20a, 20b), that is, the processing by the external applications 231 and 232 is actually executed by the corresponding CPU 201 operating according to the external applications 231 and 232, but for convenience of explanation. Hereinafter, the external applications 231 and 232 may be described as executing processes.

  Here, the internal applications 131 and 132 and the external applications 231 and 232 are for realizing various functions. For example, the internal application 131 is a copy application for realizing a copy function, the internal application 132 is a printer application for realizing a printer function, the external application 231 is a scanner application for realizing a scanner function, and the external application 232 is a FAX function. A FAX application for realizing the above. Alternatively, the internal application 131 is an application for realizing a basic (low version) copy function and a printer function, the internal application 132 is an application for realizing a basic scanner function and a FAX function, and the external application 231 is a high version. Any application may be used such as an application for realizing the copy function and the printer function, and the external application 232 as an application for realizing the scanner function and FAX function of a higher version.

  In the first embodiment, as an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10, another MFP (not shown), a single printer, a scanner, a digital copying machine, a FAX apparatus, or the like can be connected via the network 1 or directly. Although not shown, these image processing apparatuses include a controller having the same configuration as that of the MFP 10 and can perform control (processing) according to the present invention described later.

Next, control (processing) according to the present invention in the image forming system of the first embodiment configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
[First control example]
First, a first example (basic) of a communication sequence between an image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 at the time of an operation instruction and an external application that is an application in an external server will be described with reference to FIG. To do.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an operation instruction in the MFP 10.

When an operation instruction is input from the operation unit 107 (S101), the control unit 125 of the MFP 10 inquires of the application information storage unit 124 about an available application, and information on a place where the application exists (application location information). (S102), the input operation instruction and the acquired application location information are sent to the application selection unit 123 (S103).
Here, an application management table (application management information) including application location information (application IP address) stored in the application information storage unit 124 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to Table 1.

このアプリ管理テーブルは、表１に示すように、利用可能な各アプリの種類とその各アプリが存在する場所を示すアプリ場所情報（アプリのＩＰアドレス）とを対応付けて記憶している。この例では、外部アプリ２３１（アプリ−１）と内部アプリ１３２（アプリ−４）がコピーアプリ、外部アプリ２３２（アプリ−２）がプリンタ、内部アプリ１３１（アプリ−３）がスキャナアプリとする。但し、コピーアプリである外部アプリ２３１と内部アプリ１３２であるが、例えば外部アプリ２３１の方がバージョンが高い（最新バージョンである）ものとする。

As shown in Table 1, this application management table stores the type of each available application and application location information (application IP address) indicating the location of each application in association with each other. In this example, the external application 231 (application-1) and the internal application 132 (application-4) are a copy application, the external application 232 (application-2) is a printer, and the internal application 131 (application-3) is a scanner application. However, although the external application 231 and the internal application 132 are copy applications, for example, the external application 231 has a higher version (the latest version).

Returning to the description of FIG.
Upon receiving the operation instruction and the application location information from the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 receives an application (in this case, the external application 231 (application- 1)) is selected as an application to be used (S104), and the received operation instruction is transmitted to the selected external application 231 by the communication processing unit 121 (S105, S106), and the application response time measurement unit A timeout monitoring request is sent to 122 (S107).

  When the application response time measurement unit 122 receives a time-out monitoring request from the application selection unit 123 (at the time of transmitting an operation instruction), the application response time measurement unit 122 starts time measurement and before the measurement time reaches a preset time limit (predetermined time). When a response report is received from the communication processing unit 121, the time measurement is stopped and the measurement time is reset to “0”. When the measurement time reaches the time limit before receiving a response report from the communication processing unit 121, a non-response notification is sent to the application selection unit 123, and the time measurement is stopped and the measurement time is reset to “0”. .

When the external application 231 receives the operation instruction from the MFP 10, the external application 231 processes the content of the operation instruction (instructed content) (S 108), and sends the corresponding operation execution request (command) to the MFP 10 as a response to the received operation instruction. It transmits to (S109). For example, if the operation instruction is a copy instruction for copying two copies of a document, the contents of the instruction are processed and the MFP 10 is responded to the copy instruction that has received a copy execution request (command) of two copies. To send.
When the communication processing unit 121 receives an execution request (command) from the external application 231, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 sends the execution request to the control unit 125 (S 110 and S 111). At this time, the communication processing unit 121 sends a response report to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S112).

Upon receiving an execution request from the application selection unit 123, the control unit 125 executes the operation (command processing) requested by the execution request (S113) and sends the execution result notification to the application selection unit 123 (S114).
Upon receiving the execution result notification from the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 causes the communication processing unit 121 to transmit it to the external application 231 (S115, S116). At this time, the communication processing unit 121 sends an application operation end notification to the application selection unit 123 (S117).

Upon receiving the application operation end notification from the communication processing unit 121, the application selection unit 123 sends an end notification to the control unit 125 (S118).
The control unit 125 sends an end notification from the application selection unit 123 to the operation unit 107 to display on the liquid crystal touch panel 51 (S119).
Note that an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 9 when an operation instruction is input.

Next, a second example of a communication sequence between the image processing apparatus and an external application that is an application in the external server at the time of an operation instruction in the image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 (when the external server is down) is illustrated in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an operation instruction in the MFP 10.

Each unit of the MFP 10 transmits an operation instruction to the external application 231 by performing the processing of steps S121 to S127 (the same as the processing of steps S101 to S107 described with reference to FIG. 9). In this example, the external application 231 is transmitted. Since the external server 20a that is installed is down for some reason such as power off or network failure, it cannot communicate with the external application 231 (a communication error occurs), and no execution request is sent from the external application 231. .
The application response time measurement unit 122 starts time measurement when receiving a timeout monitoring request from the application selection unit 123 (at the time of transmission of an operation instruction). Therefore, if an execution request is not sent from the external application 231, The measurement time reaches the time limit before receiving a response report from the communication processing unit 121, and a non-response (timeout) notification is sent to the application selection unit 123 (S128).

Upon receiving the non-response notification from the application response time measurement unit 122, the application selection unit 123 sends it to the control unit 125 (S129).
Upon receiving the non-response notification from the application selection unit 123, the control unit 125 sends a non-response notification of the external application 231 (application-1) to the application information storage unit 124 (S130).
Upon receiving the non-response notification of the external application 231 from the control unit 125, the application information storage unit 124 deletes (cancels) the registration of the external application 231 (application-1) from the application management table (S131), and the available application Is sent to the control unit 125 (S132).

Upon receiving the application location information from the application information storage unit 124, the control unit 125 sends the previously input operation instruction and the application location information to the application selection unit 123 (S133).
Upon receiving the operation instruction and the application location information from the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 receives an application (in this case, an external application 232 (application-), which can process the contents of the operation instruction previously input based on the application location information. 2)) is selected as an application to be used (S134), and the received operation instruction is transmitted to the selected external application 232 by the communication processing unit 121 (S135, S136), and the application response time measurement unit A timeout monitoring request is sent to 122 (S137).

The subsequent processes in steps S138 to S149 are the same as the processes in steps S108 to S119 described with reference to FIG. However, the communication partner with the MFP 10 is the external application 232 (application-2).
Note that the same processing as that for the external application, such as selecting the application that uses the internal application 131 (application-3) or the internal application 132 (application-4) and sending the received operation instruction to the selected internal application, is performed. It can be carried out.
Also, an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 10 when an operation instruction is input.

[Second control example]
Next, a first example (basic) of a communication sequence between an image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 when the power is turned on and an external application that is an application in the external server will be described with reference to FIG. explain.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is powered on.

  The control unit 125 of the MFP 10 inquires of the application information storage unit 124 about an available application when the power is turned on (power-on), and acquires information on the location where the application exists (application location information) (S151) Then, the acquired application location information is sent to the application selection unit 123 (S152). In addition, when the power is turned on, the application information storage unit 124 is inquired about an available application, the application information including information on the place where the application exists (application location information) is acquired, and the available application or operation is displayed on the operation unit. If the application is selected within a range that can be selected by an operation on the operation unit 107 by the user, the location where the selected application exists (Application location information) may be sent to the application selection unit 123.

  Upon receiving the application location information from the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 selects all available applications (here, external application 231 (application-1)) based on the application location information (S153), An activation request (activation request) is transmitted to the selected external application 231 by the communication processing unit 121 (S154, S155), and a timeout monitoring request is transmitted to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S156). If the external application 232 (application-2), which is another external application, can also be used, the same processing is performed for the external application 232 as well. In addition, in order to perform the processing, it is necessary to store and hold application location information of other external applications. If the application location information is not stored, it is not known whether other external applications can be used, so the application location information of other apps that can be used is obtained again from the application management table of the application information storage unit 124. To do.

When receiving the activation request from the MFP 10, the external application 231 transmits screen display data to the MFP 10 as a response to the activation request (S157). When the external application 232 receives the activation request from the MFP 10, the external application 232 transmits screen display data to the MFP 10 as a response to the activation request.
Upon receiving a response (screen display data) to the activation request from the external application 231 by the communication processing unit 121, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 sends a screen display request including the screen display data to the control unit 125 (S158, S159). At this time, the communication processing unit 121 sends a response report to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S160).
The control unit 125 sends (delivers) the screen display request from the application selection unit 123 to the operation unit 107 (S161).

  When the operation unit 107 receives a screen display request (corresponding to the external application 231) from the control unit 125, the operation unit 107 instructs an operation that can be executed by the external application 231 based on the image display data added to the screen display request. An operation screen for setting a copy function (for example, see FIG. 4) including various keys to be displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. When a screen display request corresponding to the external application 232 is also received from the control unit 125, an operation that can be executed by the external application 232 is instructed based on the image display data added to the screen display request. The operation screen for setting the scanner function including the various keys (see, for example, FIG. 5) can also be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 by a predetermined key operation.

When an operation instruction is input by a user key operation on the copy function setting operation screen, the operation unit 107 sends the operation instruction to the control unit 125 (S162).
The control unit 125 sends an operation instruction from the operation unit 107 to the application selection unit 123 (S163).
The application selection unit 123 causes the communication processing unit 121 to transmit an operation instruction from the control unit 125 to the external application 231 (S164, S165) and sends a timeout monitoring request to the application response time measurement unit 122 (S166).
The subsequent processing in steps S167 to S177 is the same as the processing in steps S109 to S119 described with reference to FIG.
Note that an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 10 when the power is turned on.

Next, a second example of a communication sequence between the image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 when the power is turned on and an external application that is an application in the external server (when the external server is down) is illustrated in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is powered on.

Each unit of the MFP 10 transmits the activation request to the external application 231 by performing the processing of steps S181 to S186 (same as the processing of steps S151 to S156 described with reference to FIG. 11). In this example, the external application 231 is transmitted. Since the external server 20a equipped with is in a down state for some reason such as power off, it cannot communicate with the external application 231 and there is no response from the external application 231.
Therefore, the application response time measurement unit 122 starts time measurement when a timeout monitoring request is received from the application selection unit 123 (when an activation request is transmitted), so before receiving a response report from the communication processing unit 121. The measurement time reaches the time limit, and a non-response (timeout) notification is sent to the application selection unit 123 (S187).

Upon receiving the non-response notification from the application response time measurement unit 122, the application selection unit 123 sends it to the control unit 125 (S188).
When receiving the non-response notification from the application selection unit 123, the control unit 125 sends a non-response notification of the external application 231 (application-1) to the application information storage unit 124 (S139).
Upon receiving the non-response notification of the external application 231 from the control unit 125, the application information storage unit 124 deletes the registration of the external application 231 (application-1) from the application management table.
After sending the non-response notification to the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 transmits an activation request to the external application 232 by the communication processing unit 121 if the external application 232 (application-2) is also available. At the same time (S190, S191), a time-out monitoring request is sent to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S192).

Subsequent steps S193 to S213 are the same as steps S157 to S177 described with reference to FIG. However, the communication partner with the MFP 10 is the external application 232 (application-2).
In addition, since the external server 20b in which the external application 232 is mounted is in a down state, the internal application 131 (application-3) or the internal application 131 cannot be communicated with the external application 231. The application 132 (application-4) is selected as an application to be used, an activation request is sent to the selected internal application, and a response (data for screen display) is acquired, so that the internal display is performed based on the image display data. A process similar to the process for the external application can be performed, such as displaying an operation screen including various keys for instructing an operation executable by the application 131 or 132 on the liquid crystal display 51.
Also, an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 12 when the power is turned on.

According to the first to second control examples, the following effects (1) and (2) can be obtained.
(1) Since each image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 executes an operation using the external application by communicating with the external application, that is, since a common application can be used in a plurality of image processing apparatuses, The image processing apparatus can realize a plurality of functions at low cost. In addition, it is possible to reduce the upgrade work of the application. Furthermore, since the operation can be executed using the internal application as it is, the degree of freedom is increased.

(2) When each image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 cannot communicate with an external application, the application to be used is switched to another application (other external application or internal application). Even if it goes down for some reason, it can operate using an application, and it can be avoided that the image processing apparatus becomes unusable. That is, if the application to be used is switched to the internal application, it is possible to prevent the image processing apparatus from being disabled even when the server storing the external application is down due to a network failure. If the application to be used is switched to another external application, the image processing apparatus can be prevented from being disabled even when the internal application is not installed. Further, when no internal application is installed, the cost of the image processing apparatus can be reduced. Furthermore, when communication with an external application is not possible, time measurement is performed, and when the measurement time reaches the time limit (predetermined time) without being able to communicate with the external application, switching to another application causes frequent switching. Can be avoided.

[Third control example]
Next, a third example of a communication sequence between the image processing apparatus and an external application that is an application in the external server at the time of an operation instruction in the image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an operation instruction in the MFP 10.

Each unit of the MFP 10 transmits an operation instruction to the external application 231 by performing the processing of steps S221 to S227 (the same as the processing of steps S101 to S107 described with reference to FIG. 9). In this example, the external application 231 is transmitted. Since the external server 20a equipped with is in a down state for some reason, it cannot communicate with the external application 231 and no execution request is sent from the external application 231.
The application response time measurement unit 122 starts time measurement when receiving a timeout monitoring request from the application selection unit 123 (at the time of transmission of an operation instruction). Therefore, if an execution request is not sent from the external application 231, The measurement time reaches the time limit before receiving a response report from the communication processing unit 121, and a timeout notification is sent to the application selection unit 123 (S228). Further, the time measurement is stopped and the measurement time is reset to “0”.

Upon receiving a timeout notification from the application response time measurement unit 122, the application selection unit 123 causes the communication processing unit 121 to transmit the operation instruction received from the control unit 125 again (S229, S230) and to the application response time measurement unit 122. A timeout monitoring request is sent (S231).
In the example of FIG. 13, since the execution request is not sent even when the second operation instruction is transmitted, the application response time measuring unit 122 and the application selecting unit 123 again perform the retry process (third time). (Including transmission of operation instructions) (S232 to S235).

When the external application 231 returns from the down state to the normal state before the third operation instruction is sent from the MFP 10, the external application 231 receives the operation instruction, processes the contents of the operation instruction (S236), and responds. The operation execution request (command) is transmitted to the MFP 10 as a response to the received operation instruction (S237).
The subsequent processing in steps S238 to S247 is the same as the processing in steps S110 to S119 described with reference to FIG.

The external application 232 (application-2), the internal application 131 (application-3), or the internal application 132 (application-4) is selected as an application, and the received operation instruction is sent to the selected application. The same processing as that for the external application 231 (application-1) can be performed.
Also, an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. 13 when an operation instruction is input.

The effect as shown in the above (1) can also be obtained by the third control example.
In addition, when each image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 cannot communicate with an external application, the process (retry process) is repeatedly performed until the image processing apparatus can communicate with the external application. Even if it goes down for some reason, it can be restored to its original environment when it returns to its normal state.

[Fourth control example]
Next, a first example of a communication sequence between an image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 and an external application that is an application in an external server at the time of application confirmation instruction will be described with reference to FIG. .
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an application confirmation instruction in the MFP 10.

The application information storage unit 124 of the MFP 10 sends an application confirmation instruction and application location information indicating the location of the external application 231 (application-1) to the control unit 125 at a predetermined timing (S251).
The control unit 125 sends an application confirmation instruction and application location information from the application information storage unit 124 to the application selection unit 123 (S252).
Upon receiving the application confirmation instruction and the application location information from the control unit 125, the application selection unit 123 selects the external application 231 based on the application location information (S253), and receives the received external application 231 for the selected external application 231. An application confirmation instruction is transmitted by the communication processing unit 121 (S254, S255), and a timeout monitoring request is sent to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S256).

When receiving the application confirmation instruction from the MFP 10, the external application 231 transmits an application response notification to the MFP 10 as a response to the application confirmation instruction (S257).
Upon receiving the application response notification from the external application 231 by the communication processing unit 121, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 sends the application response notification to the control unit 125 (S258, S259). At this time, the communication processing unit 121 sends a response report to the application response time measuring unit 122 (S260).
The control unit 125 sends an application response notification from the application selection unit 123 to the application information storage unit 124 (S261).

Upon receiving the application response notification from the control unit 125, the application information storage unit 124 confirms that the external application 231 can respond, and updates the application management table (S262).
When the table update is completed, although not shown, an application confirmation instruction and application location information indicating the location of the external application 232 (application-2) are sent to the control unit 125.
Thereafter, the same processing as steps S252 to S262 is performed on the external application 232 (application-2). If there are other external applications, the same processes as in steps S251 to S262 are repeated for the number of external applications that exist.
The processing for each external application may be repeated periodically (every predetermined time).
Note that image processing apparatuses other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG.

[Fifth control example]
Next, a second example of a communication sequence between an image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 and an external application that is an application in an external server when an application confirmation instruction is given will be described with reference to FIG. .
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an application confirmation instruction in the MFP 10.

The application information storage unit 124 of the MFP 10 sends an application confirmation instruction and application location information indicating the location of the external application 231 (application-1) to the control unit 125 when the power is turned on (S271).
The subsequent processing for each external application including the processing of steps S272 to S282 is the same as the processing for each external application including the processing of steps S252 to S262 described with reference to FIG. The apparatus can perform the same processing as the processing described with reference to FIG.

[Sixth control example]
Next, a third example of a communication sequence between the image processing apparatus and an external application that is an application in the external server at the time of application confirmation instruction in the image processing apparatus such as the MFP 10 will be described with reference to FIG. .
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of an application confirmation instruction in the MFP 10.

Each unit of the MFP 10 transmits an application confirmation instruction to the external application 231 by performing the processing of steps S291 to S296 (the same as the processing of steps S251 to S256 described with reference to FIG. 14). Since the external server 20a equipped with the H.231 is in a down state for some reason, it cannot communicate with the external application 231 and no execution request is sent from the external application 231.
The application response time measurement unit 122 starts time measurement when a time-out monitoring request is received from the application selection unit 123 (when an application confirmation instruction is transmitted), and therefore an application response notification is not sent from the external application 231. Then, the measurement time reaches the time limit before receiving the response report from the communication processing unit 121, and a non-response notification is sent to the application selection unit 123 (S297).

Upon receiving the non-response notification from the application response time measurement unit 122, the application selection unit 123 sends it to the control unit 125 (S298).
Upon receiving the non-response notification from the application selection unit 123, the control unit 125 sends a non-response notification of the external application 231 (application-1) to the application information storage unit 124 (S299).
Upon receiving the non-response notification of the external application 231 from the control unit 125, the application information storage unit 124 confirms that the external application 231 cannot respond, and updates the application management table (S300). That is, the registration of the external application 231 (application-1) is deleted (released) from the application management table.

When the table update is completed, although not shown, an application confirmation instruction and application location information indicating the location of the external application 232 (application-2) are sent to the control unit 125.
Thereafter, processing similar to that in steps S292 to S300 (or processing similar to that in steps S252 to S262 described with reference to FIG. 14) is performed on the external application 232 (application-2). If there are other external applications, the same processes as steps S291 to S300 (or the same processes as steps S252 to S262 described with reference to FIG. 14) are repeated for the number of existing external applications.
The processing for each external application may be repeated periodically (every predetermined time). Alternatively, it may be performed when the power is turned on.

Note that an image processing apparatus other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to the processing described with reference to FIG.
In the fourth to sixth control examples, each external application transmits an application response notification to the image processing apparatus in response to an application confirmation instruction from the image processing apparatus, but each external application is mounted. When the server returns from the down state to the normal state, the external application may transmit a notification corresponding to the application response notification to the image processing apparatus.

The effects as shown in (1) above can also be obtained by the fourth to sixth control examples.
Further, when each image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 cannot communicate with the external application, when the registration of the external application is canceled and communication with the external application is enabled again, a notification from the external application is given. Since the external application is re-registered, there is no need to repeat the retry process until communication with the external application is possible, and even if the server where the external application is stored goes down for some reason, it returns to the normal state from that state. In this case, it is possible to restore the original environment while reducing the burden on the network.

In the first embodiment, the internal application is mounted on the controller 11 of the MFP 10. However, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the MFP 10 does not include the internal application on the controller 11 and performs various operations using only the external application. Can also be executed. Of course, the same applies to other image processing apparatuses.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the MFP 10 does not include the application information storage unit in the controller 11 but connects the application management server 30 on the network 1 and includes the application information storage unit 124 therein. By communicating with the management server 30, the application information storage unit 124 can be accessed to write or read (acquire) information related to the internal application and the external application. This will be described in detail later. Of course, the same applies to other image processing apparatuses.
Further, the MFP 10 can be connected to the external application 231 or 232 via another interface such as USB • I / F 109 or IEEE 1394 • I / F 110 so that the external application can be used. Of course, the same applies to other image processing apparatuses.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming system which is a second embodiment of the electronic apparatus system according to the present invention will be described. The connection relationship between the image processing apparatus including the MFP constituting the image forming system and the external server, the hardware configuration thereof, and the operation screen on the operation unit are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. Their illustration and description are omitted. The hardware configuration of the application management server is the same as that obtained by deleting the operation unit, USB • I / F, and IEEE1394 • I / F from the external server, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

First, a main functional configuration example of the application management server will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration example of the MFP 10 and the application management server 30. Parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
In the application management server 30, the application information storage unit 124 indicates where available applications are present on each image processing apparatus on the network 1 including the MFP 10 and on the external server, and which application is currently valid. Various information for managing the application, such as the contents of operations (processes) that can be executed by each application, is stored as an application management table. Thereby, an application that can be used in the image processing apparatus including the MFP 10 can be registered. The application information storage unit 124 functions as an application management unit. A control unit and a communication processing unit (not shown) serve as application response means.

Next, control (processing) according to the present invention in the image forming system of the second embodiment configured as described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
[Seventh control example]
First, referring to FIG. 19, a first example (basic) of a communication sequence between an MFP, an external application that is an application in an external server, and an application management server at the time of power-on and operation instruction in the MFP will be described. explain.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10, the external application, and the application management server 30 when the MFP 10 is powered on and when an operation instruction is given.

The application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 sends a search request (available application search request) to the application management server 30 by the communication processing unit 121 in order to make an inquiry about available applications to the application management server 30 when the power is turned on (power-on). Transmit (S501, S502).
When the application management server 30 receives the available application search request from the MFP 10, the application management server 30 reads the available application type and the application location information (IP address) where the application exists from the application management table of the application information storage unit 124 (S503). ), And transmits it to the MFP 10 as a response (search result response) to the available application search request (S504).

Here, four tables including an application management table (application management information) and an MFP management table stored in the application information storage unit 124 of the application management server 30 will be described with reference to Tables 2 to 5.
As shown in Table 2, the application management table stores an application name, an IP address (application location information) where the application exists, and information on the type of application for each application (external applications 231 and 232, internal applications 131 and 132). is doing. Note that app-1 (copy app) is an external app 231, app-2 (printer app) is an external app 232, app-3 (scanner app) is an internal app 131, and app-4 (copy app) is an internal app. Assume that each of the applications 132 is shown.

As shown in Table 2, the MFP management table stores the MFP name and MFP IP address (MFP location information) for each MFP on the network 1. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that no image processing apparatus other than the MFP is connected to the network 1. Further, it is assumed that the MFP 10 and the MFP-A correspond to each other.
Table 4 shows which MFP can use which application.
Table 5 is an MFP-application association table, which shows the IP address of the application currently used by each MFP.

In addition, it is good to show in either of the following (a)-(e).
(A) An application is associated with an MFP with a regular contract.
(B) In order to distribute the load, apps that are not being used are preferentially assigned.
(C) The application having the best performance is preferentially assigned to the MFP.
(D) Assign apps according to the type of MFP (for example, high speed machine, low speed machine) (switch between high speed operation application and low speed operation application according to specifications).
(E) An application is assigned according to the memory installed in the MFP.

When the communication processing unit 121 receives the search result response from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 indicates the type of application that can be used based on the search result response, and an IP address indicating the installation (presence) location At the same time, it is stored as a table as shown in Table 1 (S505).
After that, when an operation instruction is input from the operation unit 107 (S506), an application (here, external application 231 (application-1) that can process the operation instruction content based on the content of the table (see Table 5)). And the received operation instruction is transmitted to the selected external application 231 by the communication processing unit 121 (S507, S508).

The subsequent processing of steps S509 to S518 is almost the same as the processing of steps S108 to S119 described with reference to FIG. In the seventh control example, the process related to the application response time measuring unit 122 is not performed, but the process may be performed. Of course, the same applies to the eighth and ninth control examples described below.
Note that an MFP (image processing apparatus) other than the MFP 10 can perform the same processing as that described with reference to FIG. 19 when the power is turned on and when an operation instruction is input.

Next, with reference to FIG. 20, a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP when the power is turned on and the operation instruction of the MFP and the external application that is the application in the external server (when the external server is down) will be described. I will explain.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is turned on and when an operation is instructed.
Each unit of the MFP 10 and the application management server 30 perform the processing of steps S531 to S535 (same as the processing of steps S501 to S505 described with reference to FIG. 19) when the MFP 10 is turned on.

  On the other hand, the application management server 30 periodically visits the MFP and the external server on the network 1 in which the application is installed to check whether the application can be used (S536). For example, when the external server 20a on which the external application 231 is mounted is down for some reason such as power-off or network failure, the external application 231 cannot be communicated with when the external application 231 is circulated (S537). When an error is received from 20a or when a response cannot be received within the time limit, the application management table in the application information storage unit 124 is updated. That is, the registration of the external application 231 (application-1) is deleted from the application management table. Then, an unusable notification of the external application 231 (application-1) is transmitted to each MFP including the MFP 10 (S538).

  When the communication processing unit 121 receives an unusable notification of the external application 231 (application-1) from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 updates the table (see Table 5). That is, the information corresponding to the external application 231 (application-1) is deleted from the table.

The subsequent processing in steps S540 to S552 is the same as the processing in steps S506 to S118 described with reference to FIG. However, the communication partner with the MFP 10 is the external application 232 (application-2).
Note that the same processing as that for the external application, such as selecting the application that uses the internal application 131 (application-3) or the internal application 132 (application-4) and sending the received operation instruction to the selected internal application, is performed. It can be carried out.
Also, MFPs other than the MFP 10 can perform the same processing as that described with reference to FIG. 20 when the power is turned on and when an operation instruction is input.

[Eighth control example]
Next, see FIG. 21 for a third example of a communication sequence between an MFP and an external application that is an application in an external server when the MFP is powered on and instructed to operate (when the external server is down). To explain.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a third example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is turned on and when an operation is instructed.

When the power is turned on, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 causes the communication processing unit 121 to transmit a search request (available application search request) to the application management server 30 in order to inquire the application management server 30 about available applications (S561). , S562).
Upon receiving the available application search request from the MFP 10, the application management server 30 selects one of the available applications from the application management table in the application information storage unit 124 (here, the external application 231 (application-1)). ) And the application location information (IP address) where the application exists are read (S563), and are transmitted to the MFP 10 as a response (search result response) to the available application search request received (S564).

When the communication processing unit 121 receives the search result response from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 determines the type of the external application 231 (application-1) that can be used based on the search result response. (S565).
On the other hand, the application management server 30 periodically visits the MFP and the external server on the network 1 in which the application is installed to check whether or not the application is usable, but the external application 231 is installed. When the server 20a is down for some reason, the external application 231 is circulated (S566). When the server 20a cannot communicate with the external application 231, an error is received from the external server 20a or a response cannot be received within the time limit. In this case, the application management table in the application information storage unit 124 is updated. That is, the registration of the external application 231 (application-1) is deleted from the application management table. Then, an unusable notification of the external application 231 (application-1) is transmitted to each MFP including the MFP 10 (S567).

When the communication processing unit 121 receives an unusable notification of the external application 231 (application-1) from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 corresponds to the stored content, that is, the external application 231 (application-1). Delete information. Then, the available application search request is transmitted again to the application management server 30 by the communication processing unit 121 (S569, S570).
When receiving an available application search request from the MFP 10, the application management server 30 selects one of the available applications from the application management table in the application information storage unit 124 (here, the external application 232 (application-2)). ) And the application location information (IP address) where the application exists are read (S571), and are sent to the MFP 10 as a response (search result response) to the available application search request that has received it (S572).

When the communication processing unit 121 receives the search result response from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 determines the type of external application 232 (application-2) that can be used based on the search result response. (S573).
Thereafter, every time an unusable notification of any app is received from the app management server 30, the same processing as described above is performed.

The subsequent processing of steps S574 to S586 is the same as the processing of steps S506 to S118 described with reference to FIG. However, the communication partner with the MFP 10 is the external application 232 (application-2).
Note that the same processing as that for the external application, such as selecting the application that uses the internal application 131 (application-3) or the internal application 132 (application-4) and sending the received operation instruction to the selected internal application, is performed. It can also be done.
Also, MFPs other than the MFP 10 can perform processing similar to that described with reference to FIG. 21 when the power is turned on and when an operation instruction is input.

Also according to the seventh and eighth control examples, the effect as shown in the above (1) can be obtained.
In addition, when the application management server 30 cannot communicate with an external server equipped with any external application on the network, the registration of the external application is canceled, and then the communication with the external application becomes possible again. Since the external application is re-registered by the notification from the external application, all the applications on the network can be managed collectively. This makes it easier to deal with network failures. Also, workarounds can be concentrated in one place.

  In addition, each MFP including the MFP 10 transmits a search request for an available application to the application management server 30, and the application management server 30 that has received the search request manages the response to the search request (search result response). Based on the contents (management information) of the application management table in the information storage unit 124, the MFP that has transmitted the corresponding MFP 10 and received the search result response stores the contents of the response (available applications), and the external application When communication is not performed, the application to be used is switched to another application based on the stored contents, and the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, even when the server storing the external application goes down for some reason, it can operate using another application, and the MFP (image processing apparatus) can be prevented from being disabled. In other words, if the application to be used is switched to the internal application, it is possible to prevent the MFP from being disabled even when the server storing the external application is down due to a network failure. If the application to be used is switched to another external application, the MFP can be prevented from being disabled even when the internal application is not installed. Further, when the internal application is not installed, the cost of the MFP can be reduced.

  In the image forming system using the application management server 30 as in the second embodiment, each MFP including the MFP 10 is provided with the application response time measuring unit 122 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 18, and the processing described with reference to FIG. Similarly to (steps S127 to S134), when communication with the external application is not possible, the application response time measurement unit 122 measures time, and the measurement time reaches the time limit (predetermined time) without being able to communicate with the external application. In some cases, you can switch to another app. Alternatively, similarly to the process described with reference to FIG. 13 (steps S225 to S234), when communication with an external application is not possible, the process (retry process) can be repeatedly performed until communication with the external application becomes possible. . Alternatively, similarly to the processing described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, when communication with an external application is not possible, the registration of the external application is canceled, and when communication with the external application is enabled again, the external application The external application can be re-registered by notification from the application.

[Ninth control example]
Next, a first example of a communication sequence between an MFP and an external application that is an application in an external server at the time of an MFP registration instruction in the MFP will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application at the time of MFP registration instruction in the MFP 10.

When an MFP registration instruction is input from the operation unit 107, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 causes the communication processing unit 121 to transmit the MFP registration instruction to the application management server 30 (S591, S592).
When the application management server 30 receives an MFP registration instruction from the MFP 10, the application management server 30 uses the application management table of the application information storage unit 124 to indicate the application to be used by the MFP 10 (in this case, the external application 231 ( The application location information (IP address) where the application exists and the application location information (IP address) is read (S593) and transmitted to the MFP 10 as a response to the received MFP registration instruction (application application instruction) (S594). .

When the communication processing unit 121 receives a use application instruction from the application management server 30, the application selection unit 123 of the MFP 10 stores the type of application to be used based on the use application instruction together with an IP address indicating the installation location. (S595, S596).
Thereafter, when an operation instruction is input from the operation unit 107, although not shown, the external application 231 (application-1) that is an application instructed by the application management server 30 based on the previously stored contents is used. The communication processing unit 121 transmits the received operation instruction to the selected external application 231.
Further, the application management server 30 performs processing similar to the processing in steps S536 and S537 described with reference to FIG.

Thereafter, each unit of the MFP 10 and the external application 231 perform processing similar to the processing in steps S509 to S518 in FIG.
Note that the same processing as that for the external application, such as selecting the application that uses the internal application 131 (application-3) or the internal application 132 (application-4) and sending the received operation instruction to the selected internal application, is performed. It can also be done.
Also, in MFPs other than the MFP 10, the same processing as that described with reference to FIG. 22 can be performed when an MFP registration instruction is input, and the same processing as steps S 509 to S 518 in FIG. 19 can be performed when an operation instruction is input.

Also according to the ninth control example, the effect as shown in the above (1) can be obtained.
Each MFP including the MFP 10 transmits an MFP registration instruction to the application management server 30, and the application management server 30 that has received the MFP registration instruction stores a response to the MFP registration instruction (application application instruction) stored in the application management information. Based on the contents of the application management table in the unit 124, the MFP that has transmitted to the corresponding MFP 10 and received the use application instruction stores the use application instruction contents (application to be used), so that it can communicate with an external application. Otherwise, by inputting an MFP registration instruction from the operation unit 107, the application to be used can be switched to another application, so that the same effect as in the seventh to eighth control examples can be obtained.

  In the second embodiment, the internal application is mounted on the controller 11 of the MFP 10. However, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the MFP 10 does not include the internal application on the controller 11, and performs various operations using only the external application. Can also be executed. Of course, the same applies to other MFPs (image processing apparatuses).

As described above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) having a communication function and an image forming system (electronic apparatus system) that connects the external server and the image processing apparatus has been described. The invention is not limited to them, and other network home appliances having a communication function, vending machines, medical equipment, power supply devices, air conditioning systems, gas / water / electric metering systems, AV equipment, game machines, etc. The present invention is also applicable to electronic devices and electronic device systems that connect them to an external server so that they can communicate with each other.
A program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer (CPU) of an image processing apparatus such as an MFP to realize functions as application management means and control means (including application switching means) according to the present invention. By causing a computer to execute such a program, the above-described effects can be obtained.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or HDD provided in the computer from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, memory card or the like as a recording medium. It can also be recorded on a medium (memory) and provided. Each procedure described above can be executed by installing a program recorded in the memory in a computer and causing the CPU to execute the program, or causing the CPU to read and execute the program from the memory.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in a storage unit.

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus such as an image processing apparatus (an image reading apparatus such as a scanner apparatus, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a digital multifunction machine), a computer of the electronic apparatus, and an electronic apparatus thereof And an external device connected through a communication line.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a network connection example of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit 107 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy function setting operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 51 of FIG. 3. It is a figure which similarly shows an example of the operation screen for scanner functions.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the external server 20 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of an MFP 10 and an external server 20a in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between an MFP and an external application when an operation instruction is made in the MFP shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram similarly showing a second example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when an operation instruction is issued in MFP 10.

3 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is similarly powered on. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram similarly showing a second example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when power is turned on in MFP 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when an operation instruction is issued in the MFP 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when an application confirmation instruction is issued in MFP 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when an application confirmation instruction is issued in MFP 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when an application confirmation instruction is issued in MFP 10. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the main functional configuration of the MFP 10 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the main function structural examples of MFP10 and the application management server 30 in 2nd Example of this invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10, the external application, and the application management server 30 when the MFP 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is powered on and instructed to operate.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a communication sequence between MFP 10 and an external application when the MFP 10 is powered on and instructed to operate. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence between the MFP 10 and an external application when an MFP registration instruction is issued in the MFP 10. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of main function structures of MFP10 and the application management server 30 in 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Network 10: MFP 11: Controller 20: External server 30: Application management server 101, 201: CPU 102, 202: ASIC
103, 203: SDRAM 104, 204: ROM
105, 205: NVRAM 106, 206: HDD 107, 207: Operation unit 109, 209: USB I / F 110, 210: IEEE 1394 I / F
111, 211: MAC I / F 131, 132: Internal application 121: Communication processing unit 122: Application response time measurement unit 123: Application selection unit 124: Application information storage unit 125: Control unit 131, 132: Internal application 231 232: External application

Claims (25)

An electronic device that performs an operation using an application,
Application management means for managing the application;
Control means for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the means; and
The electronic device comprising: an application switching unit that switches an application to be used to another application based on the management information when the control unit is not communicable with the external device. The electronic device according to claim 1.
The application switching means switches an application to be used to an application in another external device. The electronic device according to claim 1.
The application switching means switches an application to be used to an application in the electronic apparatus. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The application switching means performs time measurement when not communicating with the external device, and switches to another application when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device. apparatus. An electronic device that performs an operation using an application,
Application management means for managing the application;
Control means for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the means; and
The electronic device is characterized in that when the control means is not communicable with the external device, the control means repeatedly performs the processing for the communication until the communication with the external device becomes possible. An electronic device that performs an operation using an application,
Application management means for managing the application;
Control means for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the means; and
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application management unit includes a unit that cancels registration of an application in the external device when communication with the external device is not possible. In the electronic device system which connects the electronic device of Claim 1 and an external device so that communication is possible via a communication line,
In the external device,
When an operation instruction is received from the application storage means and the electronic device, the contents of the operation instruction are processed by the application stored in the application storage means, and a corresponding operation execution request is sent as a response to the operation instruction. Control means for transmitting to the electronic device,
When the operation instruction is input, the control unit of the electronic device transmits the operation instruction to the external device, and receives the operation execution request as a response to the operation instruction, and operates according to the execution request. The electronic device system characterized by performing. In the electronic device system which connects the electronic device according to claim 1 and a plurality of external devices so that communication is possible via a communication line,
Of the plurality of external devices, at least one external device is an application loading server, and the other external device is an application management server,
In the application loading server,
When an operation instruction is received from the application storage means and the electronic device, the contents of the operation instruction are processed by the application stored in the application storage means, and a corresponding operation execution request is sent as a response to the operation instruction. Control means for transmitting to the electronic device,
In the application management server,
Application management means for managing an application, and an application response for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic apparatus based on management information of the application management means when receiving a search request for an available application from the electronic apparatus Means,
In the electronic device,
An available application search request transmission means for transmitting an available application search request to the application management server;
When a response to the transmission by the means is received, response content storage means for storing the content of the response is provided,
The application switching unit of the electronic device is a unit that switches an application to be used to another application based on the stored content in the response content storing unit when communication with the application loading server is not possible.
When the operation instruction is input, the control unit of the electronic device transmits the operation instruction to the external device, and receives the operation execution request as a response to the operation instruction, and operates according to the execution request. An electronic device system comprising means for executing 9. The electronic device system according to claim 8, wherein
The application management means of the application management server is means for managing applications in a plurality of application loading servers,
The electronic device system, wherein the application switching means of the electronic device switches an application to be used to an application in another application loading server. 9. The electronic device system according to claim 8, wherein
The application management means of the application management server is means for managing the application in the electronic device and the application in the application loading server,
An electronic device system, wherein the application switching means of the electronic device switches an application to be used to an application in the electronic device. The electronic device system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The application switching means of the electronic device performs time measurement when communication with the external device is not possible, and switches to another application when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device. Electronic device system characterized. In an electronic device system in which an electronic device that executes an operation using an application and a plurality of external devices are communicably connected via a communication line,
Of the plurality of external devices, at least one external device is an application loading server, and the other external device is an application management server,
In the application loading server,
When an operation instruction is received from the application storage means and the electronic device, the contents of the operation instruction are processed by the application stored in the application storage means, and a corresponding operation execution request is sent as a response to the operation instruction. Control means for transmitting to the electronic device,
In the application management server,
Application management means for managing an application, and an application response for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic apparatus based on management information of the application management means when receiving a search request for an available application from the electronic apparatus Means,
In the electronic device,
When it is not possible to communicate with the application loading server, a means for repeatedly performing the process is provided until communication with the application loading server is possible.
The control means of the electronic device transmits the operation instruction to the application loading server when an operation instruction is input, and receives the execution request when the operation execution request is received as a response to the operation instruction. An electronic device system comprising means for performing an operation according to In an electronic device system in which an electronic device that executes an operation using an application and a plurality of external devices are communicably connected via a communication line,
Of the plurality of external devices, at least one external device is an application loading server, and the other external device is an application management server,
In the application loading server,
When an operation instruction is received from the application storage means and the electronic device, the contents of the operation instruction are processed by the application stored in the application storage means, and a corresponding operation execution request is sent as a response to the operation instruction. Control means for transmitting to the electronic device,
In the application management server,
Application management means for managing an application, and an application response for transmitting a response to the search request to the electronic apparatus based on management information of the application management means when receiving a search request for an available application from the electronic apparatus Means,
The application management means of the electronic device has means for canceling registration of the application in the external device when communication with the application loading server is not possible,
The control means of the electronic device transmits the operation instruction to the application loading server when an operation instruction is input, and receives the execution request when the operation execution request is received as a response to the operation instruction. An electronic device system comprising means for performing an operation according to A control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application,
If communication with the external device is possible, the communication is performed using the application in the external device by communicating with the external device.
A control method characterized by switching an application to be used to an application in the electronic device and executing an operation using the application when communication with an external device is not possible. A control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application,
If communication with the external device is possible, the communication is performed using the application in the external device by communicating with the external device.
If communication with the external device is not possible, the application to be used is switched to the application in the other external device, and the operation is executed using the application in the external device by communicating with the other external device. A control method characterized by that. A control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application,
If communication with the external device is possible, the communication is performed using the application in the external device by communicating with the external device.
If it is not communicating with an external device, time measurement is performed, and when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device, the application to be used is switched to the application in the electronic device, and the application is A control method characterized in that an operation is performed using the method. A control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application,
If communication with the external device is possible, the communication is performed using the application in the external device by communicating with the external device.
When communication with an external device is not possible, time measurement is performed, and when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device, the application to be used is switched to an application in another external device, A control method, comprising: performing an operation using an application in an external device by communicating with the other external device. A control method in an electronic device that executes an operation using an application,
If communication with the external device is possible, the communication is performed using the application in the external device by communicating with the external device.
If communication with the external device is not possible, the process is repeated until communication with the external device becomes possible. When communication with the external device becomes possible, the external device is communicated with the external device. A control method characterized in that an operation is executed using an application in the system. In the computer of the electronic device that performs the operation using the application,
Application management function to manage applications,
A program for realizing a control function for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the function,
The control function includes an application switching function for switching an application to be used to another application based on the management information when communication with the external device is not possible. The program according to claim 19, wherein
The application switching function switches an application to be used to an application in another external device. The program according to claim 19, wherein
The application switching function switches an application to be used to an application in the electronic device. The program according to any one of claims 19 to 21,
The application switching function performs time measurement when not communicating with the external device, and switches to another application when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time without communication with the external device. . In the computer of the electronic device that performs the operation using the application,
Application management function to manage applications,
And a control function for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the means,
The electronic device is characterized in that, when the control function is not communicable with the external device, the processing for that purpose is repeated until communication with the external device becomes possible. In the computer of the electronic device that performs the operation using the application,
Application management function to manage applications,
And a control function for executing an operation using an application in the external device by communicating with the external device based on the management information of the means,
The application management function has a function of canceling registration of an application in the external device when communication with the external device is not possible.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 19 to 24 is recorded.

Images