JP2006129254A - Image processing system, image forming apparatus and search program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily discriminate identification information of a desired image forming apparatus out of identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses on a network. <P>SOLUTION: A multi-functional machine 1 comprises: an operation accepting unit 141 which accepts a specific display designation for displaying property information of the multi-functional machine 1 on a display unit 77 of a computer 7 so as to be discriminated from property information of other compound machines 2-5; and a response signal creating unit 143 which creates a response signal, comprised of specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is accepted, and the property information of the compound machine 1 when a search signal for searching for the multi-functional machines 1-6 on the network is received from the computer 7, and transmits the response signal to the computer 7. The computer 7 comprises: a specific display judging unit 713 for judging whether the specific display designation information is added to the property information of the multi-functional machines 1-6; and a display control unit 714 for distinguishably displaying, on the display unit 77, the property information of the multi-functional machines to which the specific display designation information is added, and the property information of the multi-functional machines to which the specific display designation information is not added. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

In the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus via a network.
Used for an image processing system in which identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on a network is displayed in a list on a display unit of the information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus of the image processing system, and an information processing apparatus of the image processing system The present invention relates to an image processing program.

Conventionally, in an office or the like, a plurality of digital multifunction peripherals and printers are connected to a personal computer via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and print processing is performed by the multifunction peripheral / printer designated by the personal computer. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). The personal computer displays a list screen including identification information such as the name and IP address of each device such as a multifunction device connected on the LAN, and issues a print instruction to the multifunction device selected by the user. Output.
JP 2001-191623 A

  However, when there are multiple multifunction devices of the same model among multiple multifunction devices connected on the network, or when there are many multifunction devices connected on the network, etc., the user displays them on the monitor. For example, when selecting a device having the closest installation location or a device having a specific function from the list screen displayed, it is difficult to determine the name of the corresponding device. For this reason, it is necessary to confirm the name of a multifunction machine or the like that is desired to be processed, which causes a problem of reducing work efficiency. In addition, the user must remember the name of the device for printing on the same device again, and if the user forgets the name of the device, the user must check the name of the device again. It takes extra time.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it is possible to easily determine a desired image forming apparatus from identification information of a plurality of image forming apparatuses displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system, an image forming apparatus, and a search program.

  In an image processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network. An image processing system comprising: detection means for detecting identification information; and display means for displaying identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detection means, wherein the image forming apparatus includes the image forming apparatus. The operation accepting means for accepting a specific display designation for display on the display means of the information processing apparatus so that the identification information can be distinguished from the identification information of other image forming apparatuses on the network, and the specific indication designation by the operation accepting means Is received, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation has been accepted and the identification information of the image forming apparatus are transmitted via the network. A transmission means for transmitting to the processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus receives the identification information of the image forming apparatus together with the specific display designation information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network, and the detection means With respect to the detected identification information of each image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific display designation information is received by the receiving unit, and thereby the specific display designation is made from the identification information of each image forming apparatus. A discriminating unit that discriminates the identification information of the forming apparatus, and an image forming unit that has determined that the specific display designation is not designated by the discriminating information of the image forming apparatus that is judged to be designated by the discriminating unit. And display control means for displaying on the display means so as to be discriminated from the identification information of the apparatus.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search program in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus uses identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network. Detecting means for detecting, and display means for displaying identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means, wherein the image forming apparatus displays the identification information of the image forming apparatus on another image forming unit on the network. An operation accepting unit that accepts a specific display designation for display on the display unit of the information processing apparatus so as to be distinguishable from the identification information of the device, and a specific display designation is accepted when the specific display designation is accepted by the operation accepting unit Transmitting means for transmitting the specific display designation information indicating the image information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus via a network. A search program used for an information processing apparatus in an image processing system, the receiving means receiving identification information of the image forming apparatus together with specific display designation information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network, and detected by the detecting means With respect to the identification information of each image forming apparatus, it is determined whether or not the specific display designation information is received by the receiving unit, whereby the specific display designation is specified from the identification information of each image forming apparatus A discriminating unit for discriminating identification information of the apparatus; and an image forming apparatus for which the discriminating unit has determined that the identification information for the image forming apparatus for which the specific display designation has been designated by the discriminating unit has not been designated. The information processing apparatus is caused to function as display control means for displaying on the display means in a manner distinguishable from the identification information.

  According to these inventions, when the specific display designation is received by the operation accepting unit of the image forming apparatus, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received by the transmitting unit and the identification information of the image forming apparatus are transmitted via the network. The specific display designation information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus are received from each image forming apparatus transmitted to the information processing apparatus and connected to the network by the receiving unit of the information processing apparatus. Here, the identification information is information for identifying the image forming apparatus such as an IP address assigned to the image forming apparatus and a model name of the image forming apparatus. Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the specific display designation information is received by the reception unit with respect to the identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detection unit, and specifies the specific display designation from the identification information of each image forming apparatus. The identification information of the image forming apparatus that has been marked is determined. As a result, the display control means can discriminate the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be specified by the determining means from the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined not to be specified for specific display. Is displayed. In other words, the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to have been designated for specific display is displayed on the display means so as to be specified from the identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. As a result, the user performs a setting operation for designating specific display of the image forming apparatus desired to be processed in advance, so that desired image formation can be performed from among the identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. The identification information of the apparatus can be easily determined, and the setting operation of the image forming apparatus can be performed efficiently.

  An image processing system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the display control means of the information processing apparatus determines that the specific display is designated by the determination means The identification information of the forming apparatus and the identification information of the image forming apparatus that is determined not to be designated for specific display are displayed on the display unit in different display forms.

  According to the above configuration, the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be specified by the determination unit by the display control unit of the information processing apparatus and the image determined not to be specified for the specific display The identification information of the forming apparatus is displayed on the display means in different display forms. Accordingly, the user can easily determine the identification information of the desired image forming apparatus according to the form among the identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses displayed on the display unit, and the setting operation of the image forming apparatus can be performed efficiently. Can be done automatically.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing system according to the first aspect, in the image forming apparatus, the operation accepting unit accepts the specific display designation and displays related information of the image forming apparatus. When the reception unit receives the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus by the operation receiving unit, the transmission unit receives the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received, the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and Related information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus via a network. In the information processing apparatus, the receiving unit receives the specific display designation information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus from each image forming apparatus connected on the network. And the related information is received, and the display control means of the information processing apparatus has not been designated for specific display by the determination means The identification information of the determined image forming apparatus is displayed on the display means, and the identification information and related information of the image forming apparatus determined to be specified for specific display by the determining means are displayed on the display means. Features.

  According to the above configuration, when the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus are received by the operation receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received, the identification information of the image forming apparatus And the related information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus via the network, and the identification information and the related information of the image forming apparatus are received together with the specific display designation information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network by the receiving unit of the information processing apparatus. The Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the specific display designation information is received by the reception unit with respect to the identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detection unit, and specifies the specific display designation from the identification information of each image forming apparatus. The identification information of the image forming apparatus that has been marked is determined. As a result, the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined by the display control unit as not being specified by the determination unit is displayed on the display unit, and the image determined as specified by the determination unit is specified. Identification information and related information of the forming apparatus are displayed on the display means. Thereby, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are specified and designated, the user can more easily determine the identification information of a desired image forming apparatus based on related information such as the installation location and function.

  An image processing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the display control means of the information processing apparatus determines that the specific display is designated by the determination means. Only the identification information of the apparatus is displayed on the display means.

  According to the above configuration, only the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be specified for specific display by the determination unit is displayed on the display unit by the display control unit of the information processing apparatus. A desired image forming apparatus can be reliably selected without mistaken as an image forming apparatus that does not.

  An image processing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image processing system according to the first aspect, wherein the display control means of the information processing apparatus determines that the specific display is designated by the determination means. The identification information of the forming apparatus and the identification information of the image forming apparatus that has been determined not to be designated for specific display are displayed in different areas of the display unit, respectively.

  According to the above configuration, the image forming apparatus determined by the display control unit of the information processing apparatus that the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be specified by the determining unit and the specific display specified are not specified. Since the apparatus identification information is displayed in different areas of the display means, the user can more easily determine the identification information of the desired image forming apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network. An image forming apparatus in an image processing system, comprising: a detecting unit that detects identification information; and a display unit that displays identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detecting unit. An operation receiving unit for receiving a specific display designation for displaying the information on the display unit of the information processing apparatus so that the information can be discriminated from the identification information of another image forming apparatus on the network, and the specific display designation is received by the operation receiving unit. And the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation has been received and the identification information of the image forming apparatus via the network. Characterized by comprising a transmitting means for transmitting device.

  According to the above configuration, when the specific display designation is received by the operation accepting unit of the image forming apparatus, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received by the transmitting unit and the identification information of the image forming apparatus are transmitted via the network. It is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the operation accepting unit accepts the specific display designation and also receives related information of the image forming device, and the transmitting unit includes: When the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus are received by the operation accepting unit, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received, the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and the related information are transmitted via the network. And transmitting to the information processing apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, when the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus are received by the operation receiving unit of the image forming apparatus, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is received, the identification information of the image forming apparatus And the related information are transmitted to the information processing apparatus via the network.

  According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily determine the identification information of a desired image forming apparatus from the identification information of each image forming apparatus displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, and the setting operation of the image forming apparatus Can be made more efficient.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the multifunction peripheral and the computer in the network system shown in FIG. In the network system, a plurality of multifunction devices 1 to 6 are connected to a personal computer 7 (hereinafter abbreviated as “computer”) via a network such as a LAN, and can transmit and receive various kinds of information to and from each other. It is configured. The number of computers and multifunction peripherals connected to the network is not limited to this and can be changed.

  The computer 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 in which program data and the like are recorded, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73 used as a work area of the CPU 71, an external storage device 74, and an external device. An I / F unit 75, an input unit 76 including a keyboard and a mouse for inputting instructions from the user, and a display unit 77.

  Each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 includes a document reading unit 11, an image processing unit 12, a recording unit 13, a CPU 14, a ROM 15, a RAM 16, an I / F (interface) unit 17, and an operation unit 18. The document reading unit 11 includes a document table, a light source, a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like, converts reflected light from the document into an electrical signal, and creates image data. The image processing unit 12 performs predetermined correction processing such as level correction and γ correction on the image data read by the document reading unit 11 as necessary, compression or expansion processing of image data, and enlargement or reduction. Various processing such as processing is performed.

  The recording unit 13 includes a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a developing device, a fixing roller (not shown), and the like. The exposure apparatus converts a modulation signal generated based on the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 11 into a laser beam and outputs the laser beam, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. The developing device supplies black toner to the photosensitive drum to form a toner image. The transfer roller transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum to the conveyed recording paper, and the fixing roller heats and transfers the transferred toner image to the recording paper. The operation unit 18 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an input device such as operation keys, and is used for inputting various operation instructions relating to a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like. The I / F unit 17 transmits and receives image data between the other multifunction devices 2 to 5 and the computer 7 via the network.

  FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram of the operation unit 18 of the multifunction machine 1 shown in FIG. The operation unit 18 includes a touch panel unit 181 including a touch panel and an operation key unit 182 including a start key and a numeric keypad. The touch panel unit 181 includes a touch panel unit that combines a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), displays various operation screens, and allows a user to input various operation commands by touching the part. Displays operation keys. The touch panel unit 181 searches the MFPs 1 to 6 on the network using the basic setting key 1811 for setting processing conditions such as the paper size, print magnification, and print density, and the computer 7. When displaying the identification information on the display unit 77, a specific display setting key 1812 for inputting a specific display instruction for displaying the identification information and the like of the multifunction device 1 separately from the other multifunction devices 2 to 5 is displayed. .

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of each control unit in the multifunction machine 1 and the computer 7 shown in FIG. First, the configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described. The RAM 16 includes a characteristic information storage unit 161 that stores characteristic information related to the MFP 1. The characteristic information includes, for example, identification information such as the IP address assigned to the multifunction device 1 and the model name (model name) of the multifunction device 1, the current operation status of the multifunction device 1, for example, a standby state (ready state), Status information indicating which state is a power saving state (sleep state) and the like, and network management information such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) are included. When the CPU 14 receives the selection of the specific display setting key 1812 by the operation reception unit 141 that receives various instructions input via the operation unit 18 and the operation reception unit 141, the CPU 14 indicates that the device has been selected as a specific display target. A flag setting for canceling the specific display flag when the specific display flag is set in association with the characteristic information stored in the characteristic information storage unit 161 and an instruction to cancel the selection of the specific display target is received via the operation reception unit 141 When a search signal for searching for a multifunction device connected to the network is received from the unit 142 and the computer 7, it is determined whether or not the specific display flag is set, and the specific display flag is set In response to the search signal, the characteristic information and the specific display instruction stored in the specific information storage unit 161 are received. And a response signal creation section 143 to create a response signal consisting of the constant display designation information. Next, the configuration of the computer 7 will be described. The RAM 73 includes a characteristic information storage unit 731 that stores characteristic information of each multifunction peripheral received from each of the multifunction peripherals 1 to 6 and specific display designation information as necessary. The CPU 71 includes an operation reception unit 711, a search unit 712, a specific display determination unit 713, and a display control unit 714. The operation reception unit 711 receives various instructions input via the operation unit 76. When the search unit 712 receives a search instruction for searching for a multifunction device connected to the network via the operation unit 18, the search unit 712 outputs a search signal to each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6. When the response signal including the characteristic information is received from the MFP, the received characteristic information is written in the characteristic information storage unit 731. When the response signal including the characteristic information and the specific display designation information is received from each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6, the characteristic information The specific display designation information is associated and written to the characteristic information storage unit 731. The specific display determination unit 713 determines whether each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 is identified by determining whether or not specific display designation information is stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731 in association with the characteristic information of each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6. It is determined whether display is designated. The display control unit 714 displays differently the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral that is determined to be specified by the specific display determination unit 713 and the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral that is determined not to be specified for specific display. It is displayed on the display unit 77 in the form. Here, the display control unit 71 displays the character size of the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral for which the specific display is designated larger than the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral that has not received the specific display designation.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the specific display setting process when setting the multifunction device 1 as a specific display target. The operation accepting unit 141 determines whether or not the specific display setting key 1812 is selected (step S1). When the specific display setting key 1812 is selected (Yes in step S1), the specific display setting screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel unit 181. It is displayed (step S3). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific display setting screen G1 displayed on the touch panel unit 181, and a message “Would you like to set this multifunction device as a specific display target?” Is displayed on the specific display setting screen G1. In addition, an “OK” key 101 for setting the MFP 1 as a specific display target, a “CANCEL” key 102 for switching the display screen of the touch panel unit 181 to the initial screen, and a specific display setting of the MFP 1 are set. A “setting cancel” key 103 for canceling is displayed. It is determined whether or not a specific display designation for setting the MFP 1 as a specific display target has been accepted by the operation accepting unit 141 (step S5). When the specific display designation is accepted, the flag setting unit 142 stores characteristic information. A specific display flag is set in association with the characteristic information stored in the unit 161 (step S7). When the “setting cancel” key 103 is selected after the specific display setting of the multifunction device 1 is performed, the specific display flag stored in the characteristic information storage unit 161 is canceled by the flag setting unit 142.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by the computer and the multifunction device when the computer searches for the multifunction device on the network. When a search instruction for searching for the MFPs 1 to 6 on the network is input via the operation unit 76, a search signal is transmitted to each MFP 1 to 6 connected on the network by the search unit 712. (Step S31).

  At this time, for example, in the multi function device 1, the search signal is received by the operation reception unit 141 (step S51), and the response signal creation unit 143 determines whether or not the specific display flag is set in the characteristic information storage unit 161 ( Step S53) If the specific display flag is set (Yes in Step S53), the response signal creation unit 143 reads the characteristic information from the characteristic information storage unit 161, and adds the specific display designation information to the characteristic information. The response signal is generated (step S55), and the response signal is transmitted to the computer 7 via the I / F unit 17 (step S57). On the other hand, when the specific display flag is not set (No in step S53), a response signal including characteristic information is generated by the response signal generation unit 143 (step S59), and the response signal is transmitted via the I / F unit 17. Is transmitted to the computer 7 (step S57).

  Subsequently, on the computer 7 side, when the search unit 712 receives a response signal from each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 (step S33), the characteristic information included in the response signal is stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731. In the case where the specific display designation information is added, the specific display designation information is stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731 in association with the characteristic information (step S35). Then, it is determined whether or not response signals have been received from all the multifunction devices 1 to 6 connected to the network (step S37). When response signals have been received from all the multifunction devices 1 to 6 (step S37). Yes), a search result screen is displayed on the display unit 77 based on the characteristic information stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731 by the display control unit 714 (step S39). FIG. 8 is an example of a search result screen displayed on the display unit 77 of the computer 7. In the search result screen G11, a list for displaying a list of model information 151, identification information such as the IP address 154, status information 153, and network management information 152 included in the characteristic information received from each of the MFPs 1 to 6 and the detected information are detected. An icon 107 for displaying each MFP 1-6 is displayed. Among these, the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral for which the specific display is designated is displayed in larger characters than the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral for which the specific display is not designated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the computer 7 determines whether the specific display is designated by determining whether or not the specific display designation information is included in the response signal received from each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6. Since the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral that has been identified and specified for display and the characteristic information of the other multifunction peripheral are displayed on the display unit 77 in different display forms, the user can easily identify the desired multifunction peripheral 1 and display the image. Data output destination can be set.

  In this embodiment, the characteristic information of the multifunction peripheral for which specific display is designated and the characteristic information of other multifunction peripherals are displayed with different character sizes, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may change the color and font of the characters. In addition, for example, an icon representing a multifunction device for which specific display is designated is displayed larger than other icons, only the characteristic information of the multifunction device for which specific display is designated is displayed, or a specific display is designated. Various modifications such as displaying the characteristic information of the multifunction machine on another screen are also possible.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration of the multifunction device 1 and the computer 7 is the same as that in FIG. 2, and the external configuration diagram of the operation unit 18 is the same as that in FIG. 3, so FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the multifunction device 1 and the control unit 41 of the computer 7. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The RAM 16 includes a character information storage unit 162 that stores character information. When receiving a specific display designation via the operation unit 18, the operation reception unit 241 receives character information related to characteristics such as the installation location and function of the multifunction device 1 and stores the character information in the character information storage unit 162. The response signal creation unit 243 determines whether or not the specific display flag is set when the search signal is received from the computer 7. If the specific display flag is set, the response signal generation unit 243 determines the specific information for the search signal. A response signal including the characteristic information stored in the storage unit 161, the character information stored in the character information storage unit 162, and the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display instruction has been received is created.

  When the search unit 812 receives a search instruction for searching for a multifunction device on the network via the operation unit 18, the search unit 812 outputs the search instruction to the multifunction devices 1 to 6, and receives characteristic information from the multifunction devices 1 to 6. When the response signal including the response information including the characteristic information, the specific display designation information, and the character information is received from the multifunction peripherals 1 to 6, the received characteristic information is written in the characteristic information storage unit 731. The display designation information is associated and written in the characteristic information storage unit 731, and the received character information is written in the character information storage unit 731. The display control unit 814 displays characteristics information of the MFP that is determined not to be specified for specific display by the specific display determination unit 713, and characteristics of the MFP that is determined to be specified for specific display by the specific display determination unit 713. Information and character information are displayed on the display unit 77.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the specific display setting process when setting the multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. 9 as a specific display target. Whether or not the specific display setting key 1812 is selected is determined by the operation receiving unit 241 (step S1). When the specific display setting key 1812 is selected (Yes in step S1), the specific display setting screen G1 is displayed on the touch panel unit 181. It is displayed (step S3). The specific display setting screen G1 is the same as that in FIG. It is determined whether or not a specific display designation for setting the MFP 1 as a specific display target has been accepted by the operation accepting unit 241 (step S5). When the specific display designation is accepted, the flag setting unit 142 stores characteristic information. A specific display flag is set in association with the characteristic information stored in the unit 161 (step S7).

  Next, the character information input screen G2 of the touch panel unit 181 is displayed. FIG. 11 is an example of a character information input screen G2 displayed on the touch panel unit 181. On the character information input screen G2, a message “Please enter a comment within 10 characters” is displayed. The character information input screen G2 cancels a character input frame 201 for inputting character information, an “OK” key 202 for confirming character information input to the character input frame 201, and a series of processes. Then, a “cancel” key 203 for switching the display screen of the touch panel unit 181 to the basic screen is displayed. The operation accepting unit 241 determines whether or not the character information is input to the character input box 201, the “OK” key 202 is pressed, and whether or not the character information is set (step S9). When the character information is set (Yes in step S9), the input character information is stored in the character information storage unit 162 (step S11).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by the computer 7 and the multifunction devices 1 to 6 when the computer 7 searches for the multifunction devices 1 to 6 on the network. When a search instruction for searching for a multifunction device on the network is input via the operation unit 76, a search signal is transmitted to each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 connected on the network by the search unit 812 (step S31).

  At this time, in the MFP 1, the search signal is received by the operation reception unit 241 (step S51), and the response signal creation unit 243 determines whether or not the specific display flag is set in the characteristic information storage unit 161 (step S51). S53) When the specific display flag is set (Yes in step S53), the characteristic information stored in the characteristic information storage unit 161 by the response signal generation unit 243 and the characters stored in the character information storage unit 162 Each information is read out, a response signal in which specific display designation information and character information are added to the characteristic information is created (step S55), and the response signal is transmitted to the computer 7 via the I / F unit 17 (step S55). S57). On the other hand, when the specific display flag is not set (No in step S53), a response signal including characteristic information is generated by the response signal generation unit 243 (step S59), and the response signal is transmitted via the I / F unit 17. Is transmitted to the computer 7 (step S57).

  Subsequently, on the computer 7 side, when the search unit 812 receives a response signal from each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 (step S33), the characteristic information included in the response signal is stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731. When the specific display designation information and the character information are added to the information, the specific display designation information and the character information are stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731 and the character information storage unit 732, respectively (step S35). Then, it is determined whether or not response signals have been received from all the multifunction devices 1 to 6 connected to the network (step S37). If response signals have been received from all the multifunction devices 1 to 6 (step S37). Yes), the search result screen is displayed based on the characteristic information stored in the characteristic information storage unit 731 and the character information stored in the character information storage unit by the display control unit 814 (step S39). FIG. 13 is an example of a search result screen displayed on the display unit 77 of the computer 7. The difference from the first embodiment is that, in the search result screen G21, the multifunction device for which specific display is designated displays character information 156a, 156b such as the installation location of the device in addition to the characteristic information. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the computer 7 determines whether or not the specific display designation information is included in the response signal received from each of the multifunction peripherals 1 to 6, thereby specifying the specific display designation. Since the character information set on the multifunction device 1 side is displayed in addition to the characteristic information of the multifunction device for which specific display is designated, the user can easily identify the desired device and output the image data. Can be set to

  In the present embodiment, the computer 7 displays on the display unit 77 the character information set on the multifunction device side that is specified for specific display together with the characteristic information of each of the multifunction devices 1 to 6. Information such as the login user names and serial numbers of the multifunction devices 1 to 6 may be received from the multifunction device specified for display and displayed together with the characteristic information of the multifunction device. Further, the computer 7 may display a flag, an icon, or the like indicating that the specific display is designated for the multifunction device on the display unit 77 together with the characteristic information of the multifunction device.

(Other embodiments)
(A) In the present embodiment, when the specific display designation is received, the multifunction peripheral outputs the characteristic information and the specific display designation information to the computer 7 when receiving the search signal from the computer 7. The multi-function peripheral that has been designated for specific display may be configured to periodically output identification information and specific display designation information to the computer 7 other than when a search signal is received.

  (B) In the present embodiment, the configuration information is output to the computer 7 unless the setting of the specific display designation is canceled on the multifunction machine side. Is set in the characteristic information storage unit 161 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the specific display designation by the operation receiving unit 241. Release means for releasing the specific display flag may be provided, and the specific display flag may be released after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the specific display designation. As a result, only the identification information of the multifunction peripheral for which the specific display setting has been set before the print processing setting is specifically displayed on the display unit 77 of the computer 7, and the user can select the desired multifunction peripheral without mistake with other multifunction peripherals. Can be determined.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the network system of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a multifunction machine and a computer in the network system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external configuration diagram of an operation unit of the multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of each control part in the multifunctional machine and computer by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart for explaining specific display setting processing when setting a multifunction peripheral as a specific display target. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific display setting screen displayed on the touchscreen part of a multifunctional device. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by a computer and a multi-function peripheral when searching for the multi-function peripheral on the network by the computer. It is an example of the search result screen displayed on the display part of a computer. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the compound machine by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the control part of a computer. 10 is a flowchart for explaining specific display setting processing when setting a multifunction peripheral as a specific display target. It is an example of the character information input screen displayed on the touch panel part of a multifunction peripheral. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by a computer and a multi-function peripheral when searching for the multi-function peripheral on the network by the computer. It is an example of the search result screen displayed on the display part of a computer.

Explanation of symbols

1-6 MFP 11 Document reading unit 12 Image processing unit 13 Recording unit 14 CPU
141, 241 Operation accepting unit 142 Flag setting unit 143, 243 Response signal creating unit 15 ROM
16 RAM
161 Characteristic information storage unit 162 Character information storage unit 17 I / F unit 18 Operation unit 181 Touch panel unit 182 Operation key unit 7 Computer 71 CPU
711 Operation reception unit 712, 812 Search unit 713 Specific display determination unit 714, 814 Display control unit 72 ROM
73 RAM
731 Characteristic Information Storage Unit 732 Character Information Storage Unit 74 External Storage Device 75 I / F Unit 76 Operation Unit 77 Display Unit

Claims (8)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus detects detection information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network, and the detection means Display means for displaying identification information of each detected image forming apparatus, and an image processing system comprising:
The image forming apparatus includes an operation receiving unit that receives a specific display designation for causing the display unit of the information processing apparatus to display the identification information of the image forming apparatus so as to be distinguishable from the identification information of another image forming apparatus on the network. And a transmission means for transmitting the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is accepted and the identification information of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus via a network when the specific display designation is accepted by the operation accepting means. With
The information processing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving identification information of the image forming apparatus together with specific display designation information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network, and for the identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means, by the receiving means Determining whether or not the specific display designation information has been received, thereby determining the identification information of the image forming apparatus for which the specific display is designated from the identification information of each image forming apparatus; Display control means for displaying identification information of an image forming apparatus determined to be designated for specific display on the display means so as to be distinguishable from identification information of the image forming apparatus determined not to be designated for specific display And an image processing system.   The display control unit of the information processing apparatus includes identification information of an image forming apparatus that is determined to be specified by the determining unit and an image forming apparatus that is determined not to be specified for specific display. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is displayed on the display means in different display forms. In the image forming apparatus,
The operation accepting unit accepts the specific display designation and accepts related information of the image forming apparatus,
When the transmission means receives the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus by the operation accepting means, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is accepted, the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and the related information Is transmitted to the information processing apparatus via a network,
In the information processing apparatus,
The receiving unit receives the specific display designation information, the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and related information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network,
The display control unit of the information processing apparatus causes the display unit to display identification information of the image forming apparatus that is determined not to be specified for specific display by the determination unit, and the specific display is specified by the determination unit. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein identification information and related information of the image forming apparatus determined to be displayed on the display unit.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit of the information processing apparatus causes the display unit to display only the identification information of the image forming apparatus that is determined to be specified for specific display by the determination unit. Processing system.   The display control unit of the information processing apparatus is configured to identify the identification information of the image forming apparatus determined to be designated by the determination unit and the identification of the image forming apparatus determined to be not specified for the specific display. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed in different areas of the display means. A plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus detects detection information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network, and the detection means Display means for displaying identification information of each detected image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus in an image processing system,
An operation accepting means for accepting a specific display designation for displaying on the display means of the information processing apparatus such that the identification information of the image forming apparatus can be discriminated from the identification information of another image forming apparatus on the network; and the operation accepting means When the specific display designation is received by the information processing apparatus, a specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is accepted and identification information of the image forming apparatus are transmitted to the information processing apparatus via the network. An image forming apparatus. The operation accepting unit accepts the specific display designation and accepts related information of the image forming apparatus,
When the transmission means receives the specific display designation and the related information of the image forming apparatus by the operation accepting means, the specific display designation information indicating that the specific display designation is accepted, the identification information of the image forming apparatus, and the related information The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the information processing apparatus via a network. An image processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to an information processing apparatus via a network, wherein the information processing apparatus includes detection means for detecting identification information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses connected on the network. Display means for displaying identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means, and the image forming apparatus uses the identification information of the image forming apparatus as identification information of other image forming apparatuses on the network. An operation accepting unit that accepts a specific display designation for display on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, and a specific display designation that indicates that the specific display designation is accepted when the specific display designation is accepted by the operation accepting unit An image processing system comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information and identification information of the image forming apparatus to the information processing apparatus via a network. A search program used in the information processing apparatus of the arm,
Receiving means for receiving identification information of the image forming apparatus together with specific display designation information from each image forming apparatus connected on the network, and for the identification information of each image forming apparatus detected by the detecting means, by the receiving means Determining whether or not the specific display designation information has been received, thereby determining the identification information of the image forming apparatus for which the specific display is designated from the identification information of each image forming apparatus; Display control means for displaying identification information of an image forming apparatus determined to be designated for specific display on the display means so as to be distinguishable from identification information of the image forming apparatus determined not to be designated for specific display A search program for causing the information processing apparatus to function.

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