JP2006209414A - Network device, network device linkage system, method for linking network device, and network device linkage program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network device, a network device linkage system and the like that are easily usable without users' setting of information on a server and clients and that can provide a series of process services intended by the users. <P>SOLUTION: A linkage information search part 107 searches for linkage information according to user identification information inputted by means of a user identification information input part 103. If the description of a process for a function of the network device is included in process definition information included in the linkage information searched for by the linkage information search part 103, a processing means part 113 executes a process using the function. If the next process is written in the process definition information included in the linkage information, a network linkage means part 109 sends the linkage information via a network to the network address of the network device that corresponds to the next process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a network device that links functions provided by a network device existing on a network, a network device link system, a network device link method, and a network device link program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a client / server system is generally known as providing a service to a user by instructing processing from a client terminal to a network device such as a printer or a scanner connected to a network. However, since the client terminal may not be able to directly inquire about the network device that has instructed the processing, information on the network device such as the shared printer from the client terminal side, that is, the output waiting status of the shared printer, etc. There was a problem that could not be confirmed.

  In order to solve such a problem, an information processing apparatus that acquires printer information such as an output waiting state from a shared printer and displays the printer information of the shared printer on a client terminal that tries to instruct the printer to output the information. It is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). That is, in the information processing apparatus according to Patent Document 1, the shared printer information is obtained from the shared printer information set in the connected server via the network, and the shared printer is inquired to obtain the output of the shared printer. The waiting status is acquired and displayed on the client terminal.

JP 2000-293461 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, settings for using a network device must be performed in advance for a server and a client terminal. In general, in a client / server system, it is necessary to set information about a server to receive a service at a client terminal. Further, if a service is to be received from a plurality of servers, individual server information corresponding to the service is set. There is a need. Therefore, it has been a problem that the setting of information regarding various servers, which must be performed before the service is provided, is complicated for the user.

  In addition, when a series of processes including a plurality of processes are executed using a plurality of servers that provide different services on the network, the user configures the network configuration of the server that performs the service intended by the user. If not understood, there also arises a problem that a server intended to provide a series of processing services cannot be used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a series of processes that a user can easily use without setting information regarding each of the server and the client in the client / server system and that the user intends. It is an object to provide a network device, a network device linkage system, a network device linkage method, and a network device linkage program that can provide a service.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a network of a network device for executing user identification information for identifying a user and a series of processing steps for each processing step. Acquired by contact or non-contact with the link information storage means for storing link information for recording the process definition information described in association with the address, and the portable information storage medium storing the user identification information User identification information input means for accepting input of the user identification information; and the linkage information stored in the linkage information storage means corresponding to the user identification information inputted by the user identification information input means. Link information search means for searching, and the process definition information included in the link information searched by the link information search means includes a local network device. When a description of a processing step for a function included in the processing information is included, a processing unit that executes processing by the function and a processing step that is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information include the next processing step. Network linking means for transmitting the linking information to a network address of a network device corresponding to the processing step via the network.

  The invention according to claim 2 includes user identification information for identifying a user, and process definition information describing a series of processing steps corresponding to a network address of a network device that executes processing for each processing step. Network link means for receiving link information to be recorded in association from another network device connected to the network, and functions of the network device included in the process definition information included in the link information received by the network link means And a processing means for executing processing by the function when the description of the processing process is included, and the network linking means further describes the next processing step in the process definition information included in the linking information. Network device network corresponding to the next processing step. Sending the association information over the network to the over-click address, characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 3 further comprises definition information storage means for storing definition information defining functions possessed by the network device in the network device according to claim 1, wherein the link information search means further comprises: When the linkage information stored in the linkage information storage means corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means cannot be retrieved, the linkage is made using the user identification information. Information is generated, the definition information stored in the definition information storage means is used to describe the process definition information included in the linkage information, and the processing means is further generated by the linkage information search means When the process definition information included in the linkage information includes a description of a process for the function of the network device , And executes the processing by the function.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to the first or third aspect, the network linking means further includes a next processing step described in the process definition information included in the linking information. If not, the link information is transmitted to the network addresses of all network devices via the network.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the association information storage means further includes progress status information indicating a progress status of a series of processing steps. The linkage information is stored, and the processing means further describes that the processing step before the processing step for the function of the own network device described in the step definition information is completed in the progress status information. If it is, the processing by the function is executed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the association information storage means further includes data information describing information about data handled by the network device. The linkage information is stored, and the processing means further executes processing by the function using the data information.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user identification information input for accepting an input of the user identification information acquired by contact or non-contact with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user. Corresponding to the user identification information input in the step and the user identification information input step, the user identification information and a series of processing steps correspond to a network address of a network device that executes processing for each processing step. The network device has a link information search step for searching link information to be recorded in association with the process definition information described in the process, and the process definition information included in the link information searched by the link information search step. A process step for executing a process according to the function when a description of the process for the function is included; A network linking step for transmitting the linking information to a network address of a network device corresponding to the next processing step when the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linking information; And.

  The invention according to claim 8 includes user identification information for identifying a user, and process definition information describing a series of processing steps corresponding to a network address of a network device that executes processing for each processing step. A network link step for receiving link information to be recorded in association from another network device connected to the network, and a function of the own network device in the process definition information included in the link information received by the network link step A processing step for executing the processing by the function when the description of the processing step is included, and the network linking step further describes the next processing step in the process definition information included in the linking information The network corresponding to the next processing step It via the network to the device network address for transmitting the association information, wherein.

  The invention according to claim 9 is characterized by causing a computer to execute the network device link method according to claim 7 or claim 8.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the network link system including a plurality of network devices connected to the network, the first network device includes user identification information for identifying a user and a series of processing steps. Link information storage means for storing link information for recording process definition information associated with the network address of the network device that executes the process for each processing process, and a portable type storing the user identification information User identification information input means for receiving input of the user identification information acquired by contact or non-contact with the information storage medium, and corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means Linkage information search means for searching for linkage information stored in linkage information storage means, and linkage information; First processing means for executing processing by the function when the process definition information included in the linkage information retrieved by a search means includes a description of a processing step for the function of the network device; When the next processing step is described in the step definition information included in the information, the first information is transmitted via the network to the network address of the second network device corresponding to the next processing step. The network linking means and the second network device are included in the linking information received by the second network linking means and the second network linking means for receiving the linking information from the first network device. The process definition for the function of the network device in the process definition information. A second processing means for executing processing by the function when the description is included, and the second network linking means further includes a next processing step in the process definition information included in the linking information. If it is described, the linkage information is transmitted to the network address of the network device corresponding to the next processing step via the network.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the link information search means searches for link information stored in the link information storage means corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means, and processing means. When the process definition information included in the link information searched by the link information search means includes a description of the processing steps for the function of the own network device, the process according to the function is executed. If the next process step is described in the process definition information included in the, the user wants to operate by sending the link information to the network address of the network device corresponding to the next process step via the network. Just by approaching the network device, the pre-written linkage information corresponding to the user is detected. Is, it is possible to use a function of the network device, an effect that the user can use the network device intended without performing a complicated configuration. In addition, since the link information is transmitted to the network device that performs the next processing step, the user can perform a series of processes by linking a plurality of network devices without performing complicated settings. .

  According to the invention of claim 2, the step of receiving the link information from another network device connected to the network by the network link means, and the step included in the link information received by the network link means by the processing means When the definition information includes a description of the processing steps for the function of the network device, the processing by the function is executed, and the network linking means further describes the next processing step in the process definition information included in the linking information. If the link information is transmitted to the network address of the network device corresponding to the next processing step via the network, the link information transmitted from the other network device is transferred to the network device performing a series of processing steps. Because it is sent one after another, the user is troublesome In conjunction a plurality of network devices without setting an effect that it is possible to perform a series of processes.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the link information search means further detects the user identification information when the link information cannot be searched corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means. The link information is generated using the definition information stored in the definition information storage means, the process definition information included in the link information is described, and the processing means further includes the link information generated by the link information search means. When the process definition information included in the information includes a description of the processing process for the function of the network device, execution of the process according to the function allows the linkage information to be obtained from the known information even when the linkage information does not exist. The user can use the network device without making complicated settings just by getting closer to the network device that he wants to use. There is an effect that that.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the network link means further adds a network to the network addresses of all network devices when the next processing step is not described in the process definition information included in the link information. By transmitting the link information via the link, the generated link information can be held in all the network devices, so that the link information can be used repeatedly.

  According to the invention of claim 5, the processing means further indicates that the processing step before the processing step for the function of the own network device described in the process definition information in the progress status information has been completed. By executing the process according to the function when it is described, the process is executed in the order of the process steps described in the linkage information. There is an effect that it can be prevented.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the processing means can further perform processing according to the location of the data described in the linkage information by executing processing by the function using data information. Therefore, there is an effect that the user can use the data without making complicated settings.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the user identification information and the series of processing steps are processed for each processing step corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input step by the linkage information search step. The process information included in the link information searched by the link information search step is searched for by searching the link information recorded in association with the process definition information described in association with the network address of the network device that executes the process. When the definition information includes a description of processing steps for the function of the network device, the processing by the function is executed, and the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information by the network linkage step. If there is a network of network devices corresponding to the next processing step By transmitting the link information to the dress via the network, the link information corresponding to the user can be searched just by approaching the network device that the user wants to operate, and the function of the network device can be used. Therefore, the user can use the intended network device without performing complicated settings. In addition, since the link information is transmitted to the network device that performs the next processing step, the user can perform a series of processes by linking a plurality of network devices without performing complicated settings. .

  According to the invention of claim 8, the step of receiving the linkage information from another network device connected to the network in the network linkage step and the step included in the linkage information received in the network linkage step by the processing step When the definition information includes a description of the processing steps for the function of the network device, the processing by the function is executed. In the network linkage step, the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information. If the network information of the network device corresponding to the next processing step is transmitted to the network address of the network device via the network, the network information transmitted from the other network device performs a series of processing steps. One after another Because, there is an effect that the user can perform a series of processes in conjunction a plurality of network devices without performing a complicated configuration.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 9, by causing a computer to execute the network device linking method according to claim 7 or claim 8, the user is only allowed to approach the network device that the user wants to operate. Corresponding link information described in advance is searched, and the function of the network device can be used, so that the user can use the intended network device without performing complicated settings. In addition, since the link information is transmitted to the network device that performs the next processing step, the user can perform a series of processes by linking a plurality of network devices without performing complicated settings. . In addition, since linkage information transmitted from other network devices is sequentially transmitted to network devices that perform a series of processing steps, a user can link a plurality of network devices without performing complicated settings and perform a series of processing. There is an effect that can be executed.

  According to the invention of claim 10, the first network device is stored in the linkage information storage means by the linkage information search means in correspondence with the user identification information input by the user identification information input means. If the first processing means includes a description of the processing steps for the function of the network device included in the process definition information included in the association information searched by the association information searching means. If the next process step is described in the process definition information included in the link information by the first network link means, the network of the second network device corresponding to the next process step is executed. Sending the linkage information to the address over the network, the second network device is the second network linkage The step of receiving the linkage information from the first network device by the step and the processing step for the function of the network device included in the step definition information included in the linkage information received by the second network linkage unit by the second processing unit Is included, the second network linking means further executes the next processing step when the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linking information. By sending the linkage information to the network address of the network device corresponding to the process via the network, the linkage information sent from other network devices is sent to the network device that performs the processing step one after another. A series of multiple network devices linked together without complicated settings There is an effect that it is possible to execute the process.

  Exemplary embodiments of a network device, a network device linkage system, a network device linkage method, and a network device linkage program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The network linkage system using the printer, scanner, and multifunction device according to the present embodiment reads the user identification information recorded on the RFID tag carried by the user by the printer, scanner, and multifunction device, and reads the user identification. Based on the process definition information described in the linkage information corresponding to the information, the printer, the scanner, and the multifunction device are instructed to perform the reading process or the output process, and the process is executed. Note that the network device according to the present embodiment may be a facsimile, a personal computer, or the like, in addition to a multifunction machine having a printer, a scanner, a scanner function, a copying function, and the like.

  First, a configuration example of the network device linkage system 10 to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network device linkage system according to the present embodiment. The network device linkage system 10 includes a scanner 100, a printer 200, a multifunction machine 300, and a wired or wireless network 400 that connects them.

  The scanner 100 includes an RFID reader 101, a user identification information input unit 103, a linkage information search unit 105, a definition information storage unit 107, a network linkage unit 109, a linkage processing instruction unit 111, and a document reading unit 113. The communication control unit 115 and the linkage information database 1000 are included.

  Here, the RFID tag and the RFID reader 101 (not shown) are elements constituting the RFID technology. RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology identifies information recorded on a tag by a tag (RFID tag) that has electronic information inside and communicates with a reader (RFID reader) by radio waves. Is.

  The RFID tag holds an ID unique to the tag and is composed of an IC chip and an antenna. It is assumed that the user carries an RFID tag for each user. The RFID reader 101 recognizes an RFID tag existing within a communication distance, and reads information stored in the RFID tag in a non-contact manner. Here, the RFID tag constitutes the portable information recording medium referred to in the present invention. In the present embodiment, information stored in the RFID tag is user identification information.

  In the present embodiment, a case where user identification information is acquired using RFID technology will be described. In addition to this, user identification information recorded on an ID card by an ID card and an ID card reader, etc. It is also possible to use a technique for reading by touching.

  The user identification information input unit 103 receives input of user identification information read from an RFID tag carried by a user approaching the scanner 100 by the RFID reader 101.

  The linkage information database 1000 defines a process for linking and executing each network device for each user. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the linkage information database. The linkage information database 1000 stores user identification information, process definition information, progress status information, and data information in association with each other.

  The definition information storage unit 107 stores definition information regarding the functions of the network device (here, the scanner 100). FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of definition information stored in the definition information storage unit. The definition information storage unit 107 stores process types, scanner URLs, resource types, and resource specifications in association with each other. For example, in the case of a resource scan specification, “Image Composition” as a read image type is “Bi Level Color” as a binary color, “Multi-Level Color” as a multi-value color, and “Multi-Level Color” as a compression method of the read image. “Compression” describes information such as “Maximun X Resoiution”, “Maximun Y Resoiution”, with no compression, MH, MR, MMR, JPEG, and maximum reading resolution of the document divided into main and sub-scans.

  The linkage information search unit 105 searches the linkage information database 1000 for linkage information corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input unit 103. Further, when the link information corresponding to the user identification information does not exist in the link information database, the link information is generated from the user identification information.

  The network link unit 109 stores link information transmitted from other network devices in the link information database 1000. In addition, when the processing in the scanner 100 is completed, the link information is transmitted to the network device in the next step or to all network devices.

  The link processing instruction unit 111 describes the process for the scanner 100 in the process definition information described in the link information from the link information acquired by the network link unit 109 and the definition information stored in the definition information storage unit 107, and When the progress status information has been completed up to the previous step, the document reading unit 113 is instructed to perform the process.

  The document reading unit 113 executes document reading processing, which is a function of the network device, that is, the scanner 100, when processing is instructed by the linkage processing instruction unit 111.

  The communication control unit 115 controls communication with other network devices, and controls the physical I / F for connecting to the network.

  The printer 200 includes an RFID reader 201, a user identification information input unit 203, a linkage information search unit 205, a definition information storage unit 207, a network linkage unit 209, a linkage processing instruction unit 211, and a print output unit 213. The communication control unit 215 and the linkage information database 2000 are included.

  Here, the RFID reader 201, the user identification information input unit 203, the linkage information search unit 205, the definition information storage unit 207, the network linkage unit 209, the linkage processing instruction unit 211, the communication control unit 215, The linkage information database 2000 includes an RFID reader 101 of the scanner 100, a user identification information input unit 103, a linkage information search unit 105, a definition information storage unit 107, a network linkage unit 109, and a linkage process instruction unit 111. Since the functions and configurations are the same as those of the communication control unit 115 and the linkage information database 1000, the description is omitted with reference to the above description.

  The print output unit 213 executes print output processing that is a function of the network device, that is, the printer 200, when the processing is instructed by the linkage processing instruction unit 211.

  The MFP 300 includes an RFID reader 301, a user identification information input unit 303, a linkage information search unit 305, a definition information storage unit 307, a network linkage unit 309, a linkage processing instruction unit 311, and a processing unit 313. The communication control unit 315 and the linkage information database 3000 are included.

  Here, the RFID reader 301, the user identification information input unit 303, the linkage information search unit 305, the definition information storage unit 307, the network linkage unit 309, the linkage processing instruction unit 311, the communication control unit 315, The linkage information database 3000 includes an RFID reader 101 of the scanner 100, a user identification information input unit 103, a linkage information search unit 105, a definition information storage unit 107, a network linkage unit 109, and a linkage process instruction unit 111. Since the functions and configurations are the same as those of the communication control unit 115 and the linkage information database 1000, the description is omitted with reference to the above description.

  The processing unit 313 further includes a reading unit 3131 and an output unit 3132. The reading unit 3131 reads an original document into electronic data in the same manner as the original reading unit 113 of the scanner 100 described above. The output unit 3132 outputs electronic data to a medium such as paper, like the print output unit 213 of the scanner 100 described above. Therefore, the processing unit 313 executes either processing of the reading unit 3131 or the output unit 3132 instructed by the linkage processing instruction unit 111.

  Next, network device linkage processing by the network device configured as described above will be described. FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating a network device association procedure performed by the user identification information input unit, the linkage information search unit, the network linkage unit, the linkage processing instruction unit, and the processing unit. A network device linkage process in the scanner 100 will be described as an example.

  First, the RFID reader 100 receives data, that is, user identification information. The user identification information input unit 101 accepts input of user identification information (step S4001). Next, the linkage information search unit 103 searches the linkage information database 1000 for linkage information corresponding to the input user identification information (step S4002).

  The link information search unit 103 determines whether link information exists (step S4003). When it is determined that the link information does not exist (step S4003: No), the link information search unit 105 generates link information from the user identification information (step S4004). Specifically, linkage information describing only the user identification information is generated from the user identification information as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of linkage information describing only user identification information. If it is determined that linkage information exists (step S4003: Yes), the process proceeds to step S4005 without processing.

  Next, the linkage information search unit 103 acquires definition information from the definition information storage unit 107 (step S4005), and describes the process definition information of the linkage information with reference to the definition information (step S4006). Specifically, with reference to definition information as shown in FIG. 3, <input>, <URL>, and <resource type> are described in <process definition> of the linkage information as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of linkage information describing process definition information.

  The linkage processing instruction unit 111 determines whether or not process definition information is described in the linkage information (step S4007). Specifically, it is determined whether an <input> tag, a <process> tag, or an <output> tag exists between the <process definition> </ process definition> tags. If it is determined that the process definition information is described in the link information (step S4007: Yes), the link processing instruction unit 111 determines whether the process definition information described in the link information is for its own function. Is determined (step S4008). For example, in the case of the scanner 100, is there an <input> tag between the <process definition> </ process definition> tags described in the definition information and the linkage information stored in the definition information storage unit 107? No, and by comparing the contents of <URL> and <resource type>. Taking the definition information in FIG. 3 and the linkage information in FIG. 7 as an example, the tag <input> </ input> is included in the linkage information, and <URL> address of scanner 100 </ URL>, <resource type> scan <// Since resource type> is described, it can be determined that it is process definition information for the function of the scanner 100.

  If it is determined that the process definition information described in the link information is for its own function (step S4008: Yes), the link processing instruction unit 111 indicates that the progress status information described in the link information is self. It is determined whether or not the process before the process for the function is completed (step S4009). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the process described in the progress status information is a process preceding the process corresponding to its own function described in the process definition information. For example, consider a case where the network device is the scanner 100 and only the input process is described in the process definition information. In this case, the pre-input process is “none”, and when nothing is described in the progress status information, that is, when <progress status> </ progress status> is described, the process before the input process It is determined that the process has ended. If the network device is the printer 200 and the input and output processes are described in the process definition information and nothing is described in the progress status information, the process ends at the process before the output process. It is judged that it is not.

  When it is determined that the progress status information described in the linkage information has been completed in the process before the process for the self function (step S4009: Yes), the linkage process instruction unit 111 To instruct the processing (step S4010). In the case of the scanner 100, the document reading process is instructed to the document reading unit 113. Next, the processing unit executes a process (step S4011). In the case of the scanner 100, the document reading unit 113 executes document reading processing.

  The linkage process instruction unit 111 updates the progress information of the linkage information (step S4012). Specifically, if the status returned from the processing unit is a normal end, the progress status information is updated in accordance with the processing executed by the processing unit. For example, when the document reading process is normally completed in the scanner 100, <progress status> </ progress status> which is progress status information is rewritten to <progress status> input </ progress status>. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of linkage information in which progress status information is updated. Since the document reading unit 113 reads the image data read from the document and stores it in the file, the address of the image file is stored in <data> of the linkage information. As a result, the user can execute the linkage process without recognizing the storage location of the image data.

  If it is determined in step S4007 that the process definition information is not described in the link information (step S4007: No), the process definition information described in the link information is not for the own function in step S4008. (Step S4008: No), if it is determined in step S4009 that the progress status information described in the linkage information has not been completed in the process preceding the process for its function. (Step S4009: No), a process is not performed but it progresses to step S4016.

  The network association unit 109 determines whether or not the next process is described in the process definition information described in the association information (step S4013). If it is determined that the next process is described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S4013: Yes), the address of the network device described in the next process is acquired (step S4014). ). For example, in FIG. 2, the next process after the process <input> of the scanner 100 is <output>, and “printer 200 address” described in <URL> of the next process <output> is acquired. Become.

  The network association unit 109 transmits the association information to the network device in the next process (step S4015). In the above case, the link information is transmitted to the address of the printer 200. If it is determined that the next process is not described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S4013: No), the network link unit 109 broadcasts to all network devices on the network (step S4016). .

  As described above, the link information is searched based on the user identification information stored in the RFID tag carried by the user, and the process is executed in accordance with the searched link information process. Since functions such as a printer and a scanner can be executed without managing information by the server, the user can easily use the printer and the scanner without performing complicated settings.

  Further, even if the linkage information does not exist yet, the user goes to a setting place such as a printer or a scanner, and enters the user identification information stored in the portable RFID tag so that the user identification information can be used. By generating new linkage information and describing process definition information from the definition information, it is possible to easily use a printer or scanner that the user wants to use without setting information on the printer or scanner in the server or the like.

  Furthermore, as another network device link process, a network device link process of a network device when link information transmitted from another network device is received will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a network device linking procedure performed by the network linking unit, the linking processing instruction unit, and the processing unit. A network device linkage process in the printer 200 will be described as an example.

  First, the network link unit 209 determines whether link information has been received (step S5001). If it is determined that the link information has been received (step S5001: Yes), the link process instruction unit 211 determines whether or not process definition information is described in the link information (step S5002). If it is determined that the link information is not received (step S5001: No), the process returns to step S5001. If it is determined that the process definition information is described in the link information (step S5002: Yes), the link process instruction unit 211 determines whether the process definition information described in the link information is for its own function. Is determined (step S5003). If it is determined that the process definition information is not described in the linkage information (step S5002: No), the process is terminated.

  If it is determined that the process definition information described in the link information is for its own function (step S5003: Yes), the link processing instruction unit 211 indicates that the progress status information described in the link information is self. It is determined whether or not the process is completed in the process before the process for the function (step S5005). For example, the case of the printer 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Processes “input” and “output” are described in the process definition information <process definition>, and “input” is input in the progress status information <progress status>. Since “is described, it is determined that the process has been completed in the previous step. If it is determined that the process definition information described in the link information is not for the function of itself (step S5003: No), the network link unit 209 stores the received link information in the link information database 2000 (step S5003). S5004), the process is terminated. For example, when the network device is the scanner 100 and link information as shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted, it is stored in the continuous information database 1000. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of linkage information describing process definition information.

  When it is determined that the progress status information described in the link information has been completed in the process before the process for the function of itself (step S5005: Yes), the link process instructing unit 211 notifies the processing unit. Processing is instructed (step S5006). For example, the printer 200 instructs the print output unit 213 to perform output processing. Next, the processing unit executes processing (step S5007). For example, in the printer 200, the print output unit 213 executes output processing. Here, the print output unit 213 acquires the storage location of the image data to be output from the description of <data>. As a result, the user can execute the linkage process without recognizing the storage location of the image data.

  The linkage process instruction unit 211 updates the progress information of the linkage information (step S5008). Specifically, if the status returned from the processing unit is a normal end, the progress status information is updated in accordance with the processing executed by the processing unit. For example, when the output process is normally completed in the printer 200, <progress status> input </ progress status>, which is progress status information, is rewritten to <progress status> </ progress status>.

  The network link unit 209 determines whether or not the next process is described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S5009). If it is determined that the next process is described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S5009: Yes), the address of the network device described in the next process is acquired (step S5010). ). The network association unit 209 transmits the association information to the network device in the next process (step S5011). If it is determined that the next process is not described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S5009: No), the process is terminated. Thereby, the linkage process is completed.

  Even in the case of the multifunction machine 300, the same processing as that described with reference to FIGS. 4-1, 4-2, and 5 is performed. Therefore, the network device linkage process can be executed even in the case of a multifunction device having a plurality of functions.

  As described above, by executing the process according to the process of the linkage information transmitted from another network device, the information on the network device such as the printer and the scanner and the data information are not managed by the server and the client terminal. Therefore, it is possible to easily use a printer, a scanner, or the like without performing complicated settings on the server.

  If the next step is described in the linkage information, the linkage information is transmitted to the network device that executes the next step, and the process can be executed in accordance with the linkage information step. It is possible to use a plurality of network devices in coordination with each other.

  In addition, by describing the process once in the linkage information, it is possible to execute a routine process without giving an instruction each time, thereby improving the operability for the user's network device.

  Next, an example in which the above-described processing is executed in cooperation with a plurality of network devices will be described. Consider a case in which a user goes to the installation location of the scanner 100 to read an original and further outputs the image data read to the installation location of the printer 200 from the printer.

  First, when a user brings an RFID tag close to the place where the scanner 100 is installed, the RFID reader 101 of the scanner 100 receives the data of the RFID tag. Next, the user identification information input unit 103 accepts input of user identification information (step S4001). The link information search unit 105 searches the link information database 100 for link information corresponding to the input user identification information (step S4002). In this case, since the link information corresponding to the user identification information does not exist in the link information database 1000 (step S4003: No), the link information search unit 105 generates link information from the user identification information (step S4004).

  Next, the linkage information search unit 105 acquires definition information from the definition information storage unit 107 (step S4005), and describes the input process definition information in the linkage information (step S4006). When determining whether or not the process definition information is described in the link information (step S4007), the link processing instruction unit 111 has described the process definition information in step S4006, and therefore, if the process definition information is described in the link information It is judged (step S4008: Yes). Furthermore, the linkage processing instruction unit 111 determines whether the progress status information has been completed in the previous process (step S4009). In this case, since the progress status information of the linkage information is described as <Progress status> </ Progress status>, that is, “None”, it is determined that the process is completed in the previous process of input, which is a function of the scanner 100. (Step S4009: Yes).

  The linkage processing instruction unit 111 instructs the processing unit to perform processing (step S4010), and the document reading unit 113 executes document reading processing (step S4011). If the reading process of the document reading unit 113 is completed, the linkage processing instruction unit 111 updates the progress status information of the linkage information (step S4012). In this case, <progress status> input </ progress status> is updated. Next, the network linkage unit 109 determines whether the next process is described (step S4013). In this case, since only the input information related to the scanner 100 is described in the process definition information, it is determined that there is no next process (step S4013: No), and the network link unit 109 determines that all network devices on the network. The link information is broadcasted to (step S4016).

  Next, processing of the printer 200 that receives the link information transmitted from the scanner 100 will be described. First, the link information transmitted from the scanner 100 is received by the communication control unit 215 of the printer 200. The network link unit 209 determines that link information has been received (step S5001: Yes). The linkage information instruction unit 211 determines whether or not the process definition information of the received linkage information is described (step S5002). In this case, since the input process definition information described by the scanner 100 is described, it is determined that it is described (step S5002: Yes).

  Next, the linkage processing information instruction unit 211 determines whether or not the process definition information of the linkage information is for its own function (step S5003). In this case, since the own function is “output” and what is described in the process definition information is “input”, it is determined that the process definition information in the linkage information is not for the own function (step S5003: No). The network link unit 209 stores the received link information in the link information database 2000 (step S5004) and ends the process.

  Next, a process in which the user goes to the installation location of the printer 200 and outputs image data will be described. First, when a user carrying an RFID tag approaches the installation location of the printer 200, the RFID reader 201 of the printer 200 receives the data of the RFID tag. Next, the user identification information input unit 203 accepts input of user identification information (step S4001). The linkage information search unit 205 searches the linkage information database 2000 for linkage information corresponding to the input user identification information (step S4002). In this case, since the link information corresponding to the user identification information is transmitted from the scanner 100 and stored in the link information database 2000, it is determined that the link information exists (step S4003: Yes).

  Next, the linkage information search unit 205 acquires definition information from the definition information storage unit 207 (step S4005), and describes the output process definition information in the linkage information (step S4006). The link process instruction unit 211 determines that process definition information is described in the link information (step S4007), and since the process definition information is described in step S4006, the process definition information is described in the link information. It is judged (step S4008: Yes). Further, the linkage processing instruction unit 211 determines whether the progress status information has been completed in the previous process (step S4009). In this case, since <progress status> input </ progress status> is described in the progress status information of the linkage information, it is determined that the process is completed in the previous process of input, which is a function of the scanner 100 (step S4009). : Yes).

  Further, the linkage processing instruction unit 211 instructs the processing unit to perform processing (step S4010), and the document reading unit 213 executes image data print output processing (step S4011). If the print output process of the print output unit 213 is completed, the link process instruction unit 211 updates the progress status information of the link information (step S4012). In this case, <progress status> output </ progress status> is updated. Next, the network linkage unit 109 determines whether the next process is described (step S4013). In this case, since the process definition information includes input information related to the scanner 100 and output information related to the printer 200, it is determined that there is no next process (step S4013: No). The link information is broadcast to all the network devices (step S4016).

  Next, as another example of the linkage processing, a case where the user first goes to the installation location of the printer 200 and the scanner 100 and the printer 200 are linked using the generated linkage information will be described.

  First, when a user carrying an RFID tag approaches the installation location of the printer 200, the RFID reader 201 of the printer 200 receives the data of the RFID tag. Next, the user identification information input unit 203 accepts input of user identification information (step S4001). The linkage information search unit 205 searches the linkage information database 2000 for linkage information corresponding to the input user identification information (step S4002). In this case, it is determined that there is no link information corresponding to the user identification information (step S4003: No), and the link information search unit 205 generates link information from the user identification information (step S4004).

  Next, the linkage information search unit 205 acquires definition information from the definition information storage unit 207 (step S4005), and describes the output process definition information in the linkage information (step S4006). The link process instruction unit 211 determines that process definition information is described in the link information (step S4007), and since the process definition information is described in step S4006, the process definition information is described in the link information. It is determined (step S4007: Yes). It is determined whether or not the process definition information of the linkage information is for its own function (step S4008). In this case, since the process definition information is “output” and the function of the printer 200 is also “output”, it is determined that the process definition information of the linkage information is for the own function (step S4008: Yes). Further, the linkage processing instruction unit 211 determines whether the progress status information has been completed in the previous process (step S4009). In this case, since <progress status> </ progress status> is described in the progress status information of the linkage information, it is determined that the process has not ended in the previous process of output, which is a function of the printer 200 (step S4009: No). ) The network link unit 209 broadcasts link information to all network devices on the network (step S4016).

  Next, processing of the scanner 100 that receives the link information transmitted from the printer 200 will be described. First, the link information transmitted from the printer 200 is received by the communication control unit 115 of the scanner 100. The network link unit 109 determines that link information has been received (step S5001: Yes). The linkage information instruction unit 111 determines whether or not the process definition information of the received linkage information is described (step S5002). In this case, since the process definition information of the output described by the printer 200 is described, it is determined that it is described (step S5002: Yes).

  Next, the linkage process information instruction unit 111 determines whether or not the process definition information of the linkage information is for its own function (step S5003). In this case, the own function is “input”, and what is described in the process definition information is “output”, so it is determined that the process definition information of the linkage information is not for the own function (step S5003: No). The network link unit 209 stores the received link information in the link information database 1000 (step S5004) and ends the process.

  Next, processing by reading a document when the user approaches the setting location of the scanner 100 will be described. First, when a user brings an RFID tag close to the place where the scanner 100 is installed, the RFID reader 101 of the scanner 100 receives the data of the RFID tag. Next, the user identification information input unit 103 accepts input of user identification information (step S4001). The link information search unit 105 searches the link information database 100 for link information corresponding to the input user identification information (step S4002). In this case, since the link information corresponding to the user identification information is transmitted from the printer 200 and stored in the link information database 1000, it is determined that the link information exists (step S4003: Yes).

  Next, the linkage information search unit 105 acquires definition information from the definition information storage unit 107 (step S4005), and describes the input process definition information in the linkage information (step S4006). When the process definition information is described in the link information because the process definition information is described in step S4006, the link process instruction unit 111 determines that the process definition information is described in the link information (step S4007). It is judged (step S4008: Yes). Furthermore, the linkage processing instruction unit 111 determines whether the progress status information has been completed in the previous process (step S4009). In this case, since the progress status information of the linkage information is described as <Progress status> </ Progress status>, that is, “None”, it is determined that the process is completed in the previous process of input, which is a function of the scanner 100. (Step S4009: Yes).

  Further, the linkage processing instruction unit 111 instructs the processing unit to perform processing (step S4010), and the document reading unit 113 executes document reading processing (step S4011). If the reading process of the document reading unit 113 is completed, the linkage processing instruction unit 111 updates the progress status information of the linkage information (step S4012). In this case, <progress status> input </ progress status> is updated. Next, the network linkage unit 109 determines whether the next process is described (step S4013). In this case, since the process definition information includes input information related to the scanner 100 and information related to the printer 200, it is determined that the next process exists (step S4013: Yes), and the network link unit 109 determines that the next process is the next process. The network address of the device, that is, the printer 200 is acquired (step S4014), and the link information is transmitted to the network address of the printer 200 (step S4015).

  Furthermore, a process in which the printer 200 receives the linkage information and outputs image data will be described. First, the link information transmitted from the scanner 100 is received by the communication control unit 215 of the printer 200. The network link unit 209 determines that link information has been received (step S5001: Yes). The linkage information instruction unit 211 determines whether or not the process definition information of the received linkage information is described (step S5002). In this case, since the input process definition information described by the scanner 100 and the output process definition information described first by the printer 200 are described, it is determined that they are described (step S5002: Yes). .

  Next, the linkage processing information instruction unit 211 determines whether or not the process definition information of the linkage information is for its own function (step S5003). In this case, the self-function is “output”, and the process definition information describes <output> </ output> tags, <URL> in the address of the printer 200, and <resource type> in print. Therefore, it is determined that the process definition information of the linkage information is for its own function (step S5003: Yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the progress status information described in the link information has been completed in the process before the process for the function (step S5005). In this case, since input is performed by the scanner 100 and <progress status> input </ progress status> is described, the progress status information described in the link information is the process before the process corresponding to its own function. It is determined that the process has been completed (step S5005: Yes). The linkage processing instruction unit 211 instructs the print output unit 213 to perform processing (step S5006), and the print output unit 213 executes processing (step S5006). Here, the print output unit 213 acquires the storage location of the image data to be output from the description of <data>.

  The linkage process instruction unit 211 updates the progress information of the linkage information (step S5008). Specifically, <progress status> input </ progress status>, which is progress status information, is rewritten to <progress status> </ progress status>. The network link unit 209 determines whether or not the next process is described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S5009). In this case, since there is no next process of output, it is determined that the next process is not described in the process definition information described in the link information (step S5009: No), and the link process is completed.

  As described above, since the network device can be linked using the linkage information, even when a new network device is connected to the network, the network device can be used without setting the client and the server. This improves network scalability and flexibility.

  In addition, since linkage information is generated by inputting user identification information at the installation location of the network device and the network device can be used, even when a network device having a similar function exists on the network, The user can be aware of the location of the input and output devices, and convenience is improved without hesitation about the device to be used.

  Note that the network device link program executed by the network device of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The network device linkage program executed by the network device of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Furthermore, the network device linkage program executed by the network device of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the network device linkage program executed by the network device of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The network device linkage program executed by the network device according to the present embodiment includes a module configuration including the above-described units (user identification information input unit, linkage information search unit, network linkage unit, linkage processing instruction unit, processing unit, and the like). As the actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the network device linkage program from the ROM and executes it, so that the above-mentioned units are loaded on the main storage device, and the user identification information input unit, linkage information A search unit, a network link unit, a link processing instruction unit, a processing unit, and the like are generated on the main storage device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network device cooperation system concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of a linkage information database. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the definition information memorize | stored in the definition information storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the network device link procedure which a user identification information input part, a link information search part, a network link part, a link process instruction | indication part, and a process part perform. It is a flowchart which shows the network device link procedure which a user identification information input part, a link information search part, a network link part, a link process instruction | indication part, and a process part perform. It is a flowchart which shows the network device link procedure which a network link part, a link process instruction | indication part, and a process part perform. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the linkage information which described only user identification information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the linkage information which described process definition information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the linkage information which updated progress status information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the linkage information which described process definition information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network device linkage system 100 Scanner 200 Printer 300 Multifunction machine 101 201 301 RFID reader 103 203 303 User identification information input part 105 205 305 Linkage information search part 107 207 307 Definition information storage part 109 209 309 Network linkage part 111 211 311 Linkage Processing instruction unit 113 Document reading unit 213 Print output unit 313 Processing unit 3131 Reading unit 3132 Output unit 1000 2000 3000 Linkage information database

Claims (10)

Stores association information for recording user identification information for identifying a user and process definition information described in association with a network address of a network device that executes a series of processing steps for each processing step. Linkage information storage means;
User identification information input means for accepting input of the user identification information acquired by contact or non-contact with the portable information storage medium storing the user identification information;
Linkage information search means for searching the linkage information stored in the linkage information storage means corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means;
When the process definition information included in the link information searched by the link information search means includes a description of a process step for the function of the network device, a processing unit that executes a process according to the function;
Network linkage means for transmitting the linkage information to the network address of the network device corresponding to the next processing step when the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information. When,
A network device comprising: Link information that records user identification information for identifying a user and process definition information described in association with a network address of a network device that executes a series of processing steps for each processing step is recorded on the network. Network linking means for receiving from other connected network devices;
When the process definition information included in the link information received by the network link means includes a description of a process step for the function of the own network device, processing means for executing the process according to the function,
When the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information, the network linking unit further links the network link to a network address of a network device corresponding to the next processing step via the network. Sending information,
A network device characterized by It further comprises definition information storage means for storing definition information defining the functions of its own network device,
The link information search means further searches the link information stored in the link information storage means corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means when the link information search means cannot search the user. Generating the linkage information using identification information, describing the process definition information included in the linkage information using the definition information stored by the definition information storage means;
The processing means further executes a process according to the function when the process definition information included in the linkage information generated by the linkage information search means includes a description of a process step for the function of the own network device. The network device according to claim 1.   The network link means further transmits the link information to the network addresses of all network devices when the next processing step is not described in the process definition information included in the link information. The network device according to claim 1, wherein: The linkage information storage means further stores the linkage information including progress status information indicating the progress status of a series of processing steps,
The processing means further includes the function when the progress status information describes that the processing step before the processing step for the function of the network device described in the step definition information is completed. The network device according to claim 1, wherein the process according to claim 1 is executed. The linkage information storage means further stores the linkage information including data information describing information about data handled by the network device,
The network device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit further performs processing based on the function using the data information. A user identification information input step for accepting input of the user identification information acquired by contact or non-contact with a portable information storage medium storing user identification information for identifying a user;
Corresponding to the user identification information input in the user identification information input step, the user identification information and a series of processing steps are described in correspondence with a network address of a network device that executes processing for each processing step. A link information search step for searching link information for recording the process definition information in association with each other;
When the process definition information included in the link information searched by the link information search step includes a description of a process for the function of the network device, a process step of executing a process by the function;
A network linking step for transmitting the linking information to a network address of a network device corresponding to the next processing step when the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linking information; When,
A network device linking method comprising: Link information that records user identification information for identifying a user and process definition information described in association with a network address of a network device that executes a series of processing steps for each processing step is recorded on the network. A network coordination step for receiving from other connected network devices;
When the process definition information included in the link information received by the network link step includes a description of a process for the function of the own network device, a process step of executing a process according to the function is provided.
In the network linking step, if the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linking information, the network linking step links the network address of the network device corresponding to the next processing step via the network. Sending information,
A network device linking method characterized by the above.   A network device link program for causing a computer to execute the network device link method according to claim 7 or 8. In a network coordination system comprising a plurality of network devices connected to a network,
The first network device is
Stores association information for recording user identification information for identifying a user and process definition information described in association with a network address of a network device that executes a series of processing steps for each processing step. Linkage information storage means;
User identification information input means for accepting input of the user identification information acquired by contact or non-contact with the portable information storage medium storing the user identification information;
Linkage information search means for searching the linkage information stored in the linkage information storage means corresponding to the user identification information input by the user identification information input means;
First processing means for executing processing by the function when the process definition information included in the linkage information searched by the linkage information search means includes a description of processing steps for the function of the network device; ,
When the next process step is described in the process definition information included in the link information, the link information is transmitted to the network address of the second network device corresponding to the next process step via the network. First network linking means;
The second network device is
Second network linkage means for receiving the linkage information from the first network device;
A second process for executing a process by the function when the process definition information included in the link information received by the second network link means includes a description of a process for the function of the network device; Means, and
In the case where the next processing step is described in the process definition information included in the linkage information, the second network linking means transmits the network address of the network device corresponding to the next processing step via the network. Sending the linkage information
A network linkage system characterized by

Images