JP2007006191A - Information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use an external multi-functioned machine in the same way as a multi-functioned machine usually used, even when the external composite machine is used. <P>SOLUTION: If a remote function is selected, and an IP address of a multi-functioned machine 16 is input, while a multi-functioned machine 18 is connected to the multi-functioned machine 16, it acquires environmental information of the multi-functioned machine such as registration information of a confidential box, a destination table of e-mails, a destination table of client PCs, etc. which are held by the multi-functioned machine 16 (step 100 to 122). Consequently, the multi-functioned machine 18 specifies a confidential box, a destination of e-mails, a client PC of transfer destinations, etc., stores documents, etc. read in by the multi-functioned machine 18 into the composite machine 16, transmit as an e-mail, or transfer to a client PC. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a network printer, and more particularly to an information processing method between information processing apparatuses connected to each other via a network.

  In recent years, the use of networks has become common with the spread of corporate LAN. In addition to the network printer function, multi-function multifunction devices (hereinafter simply referred to as multifunction devices) having a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a copying function, and a facsimile function have become widespread. There are many machines.

  On the other hand, a multifunction device connected to a network is provided with various functions to improve convenience. For example, some MFPs have a storage area (private box) for each user, and store data such as scanned documents and data of documents sent as print jobs and printed out in the confidential box. The information processing apparatus (PC) such as a personal computer connected to the MFP can be taken out, or the document stored in the confidential box can be printed out again.

  In addition, the multifunction device has a function to send scanned documents that are scanned and attached to emails (Scan to Mail) and a function to send to a folder in the PC (Scan to PC). There is something to prepare.

  A user who uses such a multifunction device creates his own progress box on the multifunction device that he / she uses on a daily basis, and uses his / her email address when performing Scan to Mail, Scan to PC, etc. In many cases, destination information such as a PC address and folder name, and usage environment information such as a user name and a password having the authority to execute the destination information are input and stored.

  This makes it possible to use functions such as Scan to Mail and Scan to PC with simple operations. That is, when using various functions such as Scan to Mail, it is possible to use a simple operation such as selecting a registered destination without performing an input operation such as an email address.

  By the way, for example, when you want to use the Scan to Mail function or Scan to PC function using a multifunction device in a meeting or business trip with another department, get used to the operations of the multifunction device that you normally use. If this happens, the input operation of the usage environment information becomes troublesome and an operation error such as an input error may occur.

  From here, a proposal has been made that the address information stored in a mobile phone or the like can be transferred to the facsimile device so that the destination stored in the mobile phone can be input to the facsimile device easily and accurately. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Also, between the printer and the PC, the printer driver settings for each PC are held on the printer side, and the printer driver settings are transferred from the printer to the corresponding user, and the printer driver settings are transferred from the printer to the PC. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).
However, in Patent Document 1, it seems that the information is effective if it is also used in a mobile phone. However, this is rare, and the destination information stored for use in the multifunction device is stored in the mobile phone or the like. Accumulating is not realistic.

  Further, the proposal of Patent Document 2 is only sharing a printer driver among a plurality of PCs. For example, when other printers are to be used, the same setting is required for the printer.

Furthermore, when performing Scan to PC from an external multifunction device that is temporarily used to a PC that is normally used, data may be transferred from the external multifunction device to the PC depending on the settings of the router used for network connection. You may not be able to send.
JP 2002-44223 A JP 2003-50684 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and can be used in the same manner as an information processing apparatus that is used on a regular basis when an information processing apparatus (information processing terminal) such as an external multifunction peripheral is used. An object is to provide an information processing method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an information processing method between first and second information processing apparatuses each having a predetermined information processing function and network-connected, wherein the first information By inputting information specifying the second information processing device to the processing device, the first information processing device is connected to the second information processing device so that data can be exchanged, and the second information processing device Is stored and the first information processing apparatus acquires and holds the environment information used when executing the predetermined information processing function, and the second information is stored on the first information processing apparatus. The first information processing device can execute the information processing function based on the environment information of the processing device.

  According to the present invention, the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus are input to the first information processing apparatus by inputting information such as an IP address that can identify the second information processing apparatus. Connect so that information can be exchanged.

  Further, when the first information processing apparatus is connected to the second information processing apparatus, the first information processing apparatus acquires and holds the environment information held by the second information processing apparatus. Based on the environment information, the first information processing apparatus The information processing function of the second information processing apparatus can be used from the information processing apparatus.

  Thus, the second information processing apparatus can be remotely operated from the first information processing apparatus only by an operation of inputting information for specifying the second information processing apparatus to the first information processing apparatus. ing.

  The present invention can be applied to a multifunction machine in which the first and second information processing apparatuses include a print processing function and an image reading function.

  At this time, the present invention provides an electronic mail address in which information read by an image reading function is registered in advance as the information processing function provided in the second information processing apparatus that can be executed by the first information processing apparatus. The function to transmit to can be included.

  The present invention also includes transferring data to the second information processing apparatus based on the environment information acquired by the first information processing apparatus from the second information processing apparatus. Thus, for example, when an image processing function or the like not included in the first information processing apparatus is included in the second information processing apparatus, data is transferred to the second information processing apparatus, so that an image corresponding to this data can be obtained. Processing can be executed.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the information processing function provided in the second information processing apparatus can include a function of storing and holding data in a predetermined storage area. Data to be stored in the storage area can be transferred so that the transferred data is stored in the storage area.

  As a result, even if the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus are provided in different networks such as different LANs, the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus are connected to the second information processing apparatus without being aware of the network barrier. The information processing apparatus can be operated.

  In the present invention, the connection between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus is only required to be canceled at a preset timing. Any timing such as when a preset operation such as a connection termination operation is performed on the information processing apparatus or when no processing operation is performed on the second information processing apparatus for a predetermined time or longer. Can be applied.

  In addition, as the connection termination timing, when the first information processing apparatus is used in a charging system, it can be applied when there is no remaining balance or when a preset amount is reached, Further, the present invention is not limited to these, and any timing can be applied as long as it is a preset timing.

  In the present invention, the second information processing held by the first information processing device when the connection between the first information processing device and the second information processing device is released. It is preferable to delete the environmental information of the apparatus from the first information processing apparatus, thereby reliably preventing the environmental information of the second information processing apparatus from remaining on the first information processing apparatus. can do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for example, a simple operation of designating the second information processing apparatus from the first information processing apparatus between the first and second information processing apparatuses such as a multifunction peripheral, An excellent effect is obtained that it is possible to operate the first processing apparatus and execute a predetermined process by the second processing apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a network 10 applied to the present embodiment. In this network 10, a plurality of networks 12 each forming a local area LAN or the like are further formed by network connection.

  Here, two networks 12A and 12B are shown as an example, but the number of networks 12 connected to each other is not limited to this. The networks 12A and 12B may be connected by dedicated lines or may be connected via a public line network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the network 10 may be a LAN or a WAN including the networks 12A and 12B. That is, the network 10 can employ a configuration in which the networks 12A and 12B are connected in any form.

  Each of the networks 12A and 12B is provided with a client PC 14 using a personal computer or a workstation. Further, the network 12A is provided with a multifunction device 16 as an information processing device, and the network 12B is provided with a multifunction device 18 as an information processing device.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the same functions are included is described as an example of the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18, but different functions may be included.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the multifunction machines 16 and 18 applied to the present embodiment includes a controller 24 and a network I / F 26 together with a printer unit 20 and a scanner unit 22. In addition, the controller 24 is provided with an operation key 28 used for various operation settings and an LCD 30 for displaying operation information of the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 and a UI when performing various operations. In the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18, a touch panel or the like in which an operation key (input device) 28 and an LCD (display device) 30 are integrated can be used.

  In the networks 12A and 12B, an IP address is assigned as an identifier for identifying the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18, and the client PC 14 can specify the IP address and transmit a print job or the like to the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18. It has become.

  As a result, when a print job is transmitted from the client PC 14, the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 can execute a print process based on the print job in the printer unit 20.

  Further, in the multi-function machines 16 and 18, by operating the operation key 28, an image of a document is read by the scanner unit 22, and image data of the read image is transmitted to the client PC 14 (scan PC function). While reading the original image, the printer unit 20 can execute a printing process (copying function) corresponding to the original image.

  That is, the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 include a network printer function, a scanner function, and a copying function. The multifunction machines 16 and 18 may further include a facsimile function.

  On the other hand, the controller 24 is provided with a memory 32 that temporarily stores various settings and an HDD 34 that stores various settings and data. The HDD 34 is provided with a confidential box 36 that is a storage area for each user who uses the client PC 14, and an environmental information storage unit 38 that stores data and various settings in the confidential box 36 as environmental information. Has been. A part of the storage area of the HDD 34 may be used as the memory 32 described above.

  Various data can be stored in the confidential box 36, and environmental information for each user who uses the confidential box 36 is stored in the environment information storage unit 38. The environment information includes registration information such as a user name, an e-mail address, and a password of a registered user for each number in the confidential box 36, a destination table set for each registered user, and the like. A list of Web URLs and the like stored in each of the URLs can be included.

  In addition, in the destination table, a destination address and a folder name when transmitting by SMB (Server Message Block), FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the like are recorded.

  Accordingly, the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 have various transfer service functions using the confidential box 36. In other words, in the MFPs 16 and 18, data transmitted from the client PC 14, data transmitted to the user of the client PC 14, various data such as e-mails can be stored and stored in the confidential box 36. Data can be transmitted to a destination selected from the destination table.

  Further, in the multifunction devices 16 and 18, a scan box function for saving the data read by the scanner unit 22 in the confidential box 36, and the data read by the scanner unit 22 is transmitted as an e-mail at a destination (e-mail address) selected from the destination table. It has become a scan mail function.

  That is, the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 are so-called multifunction multifunction peripherals having various functions. An operation using these functions can be executed by displaying a predetermined UI on the LCD 30 and selecting and setting based on the displayed UI.

  By the way, between the MFPs 14 and 16, a remote function for remotely operating one from the other is provided. That is, the copiers 14 and 16 have equivalent functions, and also have a UI for executing functions on them.

  From here, the multifunction devices 16 and 18 are connected so that the operation set on one of the multifunction devices 16 and 18 can be executed on the other.

  Here, this function is assumed to be a remote function (remote mode), and an operation on the multifunction machine 18 side will be mainly described as an example.

  FIG. 2 shows a processing flow in the remote mode. In the following description, it is assumed that a user who has registered the confidential box 36 in the multifunction device 16 performs an operation on the multifunction device 18.

  When the remote function is used in the multi-function device 18, the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 30 by the key operation of the operation key 28 of the multi-function device 18, thereby selecting the remote mode when using the remote function from the menu screen (step). 100).

  The multifunction device 18 displays the menu screen by performing the menu screen display operation (step 102).

  FIGS. 3A and 3B show a menu screen 40 displayed on the LCD 30 as an example of the UI at that time. In the multifunction device 18, by selecting the display of the menu screen, first, a main menu screen 40A shown in FIG. 2A is displayed, and the upper key 42A and the lower key provided on the main menu screen 40 (A) are displayed. By scrolling the screen by operating the down key 42B of 42B, as shown in FIG. 2B, a menu screen 40B capable of selecting the remote mode is displayed. By operating the button 44 on the menu screen 40B, the remote mode is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the multi-function device 18, when the mode is changed to the remote mode, an end button (not shown) is always displayed on the LCD 30 so that the arbitrary timing remote mode can be ended (step). 104).

  In the network 10 (networks 12A and 12B), an IP address is set for each of the multifunction devices 16 and 18. When the remote mode is selected in the multifunction device 18, the connection destination (here, the multifunction device 16) is selected. When the user inputs the IP address of the connection destination from this UI (step 108), the multi-function device 18 stores this IP address in the memory 32. Then, a connection request is made to the partner specified by this IP address (step 110). At this time, the multi-function device 18 requests environmental information together.

  On the other hand, when receiving the connection request, the multifunction device 16 as the connection destination establishes a connection with the multifunction device 18 based on the connection request (step 112). Note that when connecting between devices such as the multifunction devices 16 and 18, for example, when the multifunction device 18 makes a connection request, device authentication or the like is performed, and whether or not the device is registered in advance so as to be connectable. It is preferable to check.

  At the same time, the multifunction device 16 transmits the environment information stored in the environment information storage unit 38 to the multifunction device 18 based on the request for the environment information. The communication with the multifunction peripherals 16 and 18 can use any protocol such as HTTP, but it is more preferable to use HTTPS in which the communication path is encrypted.

  The environment information to be transmitted from the multifunction device 16 to the multifunction device 18 when connection is established between the multifunction devices 16 and 18 does not need to transmit all of the environment information stored in the environment information storage unit 38. It is sufficient if it is the minimum necessary information. As such environmental information, if the information is related to the confidential box 36, it is sufficient to include the number of the confidential box 36 and the user name for each number. In the case of the destination table, the number and the destination name are included. It may be included, and if there is an unused area, the area may be omitted.

  Further, any format can be applied as the format at this time as long as it is set in advance. FIG. 4 shows an example of environment information transmitted in text format.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the multifunction device 18 makes a connection request and environment information request, it confirms whether or not a connection has been established in step 116, and in step 118, determines whether or not environment information has been acquired. Check. At this time, if a negative determination is made in step 116 without establishing a connection even after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if a negative determination is made in step 118 because environment information cannot be received, the process proceeds to step 120 and an error display is displayed. For example, the process returns to step 102 to request an operation from the beginning.

  On the other hand, when the connection is established and the environment information can also be acquired, an affirmative determination is made in steps 116 and 118, the process proceeds to step 122, and the acquired environment information is stored in the memory 32.

  Thereafter, predetermined function processing (information processing) is executed between the multifunction device 18 and the multifunction device 16 in accordance with a user operation (step 124) (steps 126 and 128).

  On the other hand, the multifunction device 18 confirms whether or not the end button displayed on the LCD 30 has been operated (step 130). When the user operates the end button (step 132), the result is affirmative in step 130. The process proceeds to step 134 and the connection with the multifunction device 16 is released. As a result, the multifunction device 16 also releases the connection (step 136).

  In addition, the multifunction device 18 deletes the IP address and the environment information stored in the memory 32 from the memory 32 in accordance with the connection release timing of the multifunction device 16 and reliably leaks the information. I try to prevent it.

  Here, the connection between the MFPs 16 and 18 is released by the user's termination operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when no operation is performed for a predetermined time, the connection is automatically released. The information stored in the memory 32 may also be cleared, or the connection may be released every time a series of processes using one of the operable functions is completed. Further, when charging is caused by using the multi-function device 18, the connection may be released when processing or time for the prepaid fee, such as by inserting it in advance, has elapsed. In some cases, it is more preferable to notify the user that the connection is released before the connection is released.

  Next, as an example of specific processing executed between the multi-function device 18 and the multi-function device 16 (steps 126 and 128 in FIG. 2) by operating the multi-function device 18 with reference to FIG. The function using is described.

  The confidential box function of the multi-function device 16 includes a scan box and a scan mail. Here, first, the scan box will be described.

  When executing the scan box, the scanner function (box storage) displayed on the menu screen 40 (40A) shown in FIG. 3A is selected. As a result, the MFP 18 starts the processing shown in FIG.

  When the scanner function is selected, the multi-function device 18 first checks whether the memory 32 holds the IP address of the multi-function device 16, that is, whether it is in the remote mode (step 140). Here, when the memory 32 is cleared or the like and the connection with the multifunction device 16 or the like has not been established, a negative determination is made in step 140, and the routine proceeds to step 142 to execute a normal scanner function.

  On the other hand, when in the remote mode, an affirmative determination is made in step 140 and the process proceeds to step 144, and information related to the confidential box 36 from the environmental information stored in the memory 32, that is, usable (in the multifunction device 16). The number of the confidential box 36 (used) and the user name are displayed.

  FIG. 6 shows a selection screen 46 of the confidential box 36 as an example of the display at this time. By specifying the confidential box 36 to be saved, the number of the confidential box 36, and the like from the selection screen 46, FIG. Selected.

  In FIG. 5, here, when the user selects the number of the confidential box 36 (step 146), the multi-function device 18 displays a password input screen (step 148). Note that these displays are also provided with the confidential box function of the multifunction machine 18, and the UI used at that time can be used as it is.

  In the multi-function device 18, when a password is input from the user based on this display (step 150), the input password and the number of the confidential box 36 are transmitted to the multi-function device 16 (step 152).

  When the multifunction device 16 receives the confidential box number and password, it authenticates the password (step 154), and transmits the authentication result to the multifunction device 18 (step 156).

  It should be noted that a hash value of a password or the like may be acquired in advance from the multifunction device 16 and authentication may be performed by the multifunction device 18 from the acquired hash value and the input password. The hash value may be added to the number of the confidential box 36 and the user name as the environment information transmitted by the machine 16.

  Upon receiving the authentication result, the multi-function device 18 determines whether or not the password is valid (step 158). At this time, if the password is not valid, a negative determination is made in step 158 to request re-input of the password or reselection of the confidential box 36 (error processing).

  If the password is valid, an affirmative decision is made in step 158 to enable the scanner function (step 160).

  As a result, the user loads a document or the like to be a manuscript into the scanner unit 22 of the multifunction device 18 and operates a start button (not shown) (step 162), whereby the multifunction device 18 executes image reading (step 164). .

  Thereafter, the multi-function device 18 transmits the number and password of the confidential box 36 as a storage destination to the multi-function device 16 together with the read document (step 166). At this time, it is preferable that the communication path is encrypted by HTTPS or the like.

  In the multi-function device 16, the transmitted document is stored in the designated confidential box 36 (step 168). Further, when the multifunction device 16 stores the received document in the designated confidential box 36, the multifunction device 16 notifies the multifunction device 16 of the completion of storage (170).

  Upon receiving this notification, the multi-function device 18 terminates the scanner function (step 172).

  Next, the scan mail will be described. FIG. 7 shows an outline of scan mail processing. Note that the basic processing flow in scan mail is the same as that in the scan box described above, and the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing.

  When executing the scan mail, the scanner function (mail transmission) displayed on the menu screen 40 (40A) shown in FIG. 3A is selected. As a result, the MFP 18 starts the processing shown in FIG.

  When the scanner mail function is selected, the multi-function device 18 first checks whether the memory 32 holds the IP address of the multi-function device 16, that is, whether it is in the remote mode (step 140). Here, when the memory 32 is cleared or the like and the connection with the multifunction device 16 or the like has not been established, a negative determination is made in step 140 and the routine proceeds to step 142 to execute the normal scanner mail function. .

  On the other hand, when the remote mode is selected, an affirmative determination is made in step 140 and the process proceeds to step 180 where the destination table registered in the multifunction device 16 is displayed from the environment information stored in the memory 32. The destination table displays only the destination name, and does not display detailed information such as the mail address.

  FIG. 8 shows a destination display screen 48 as an example of the display at this time. By designating a destination from the destination display screen 48, the designated destination is selected.

  In FIG. 7, when the user selects a destination (step 182), the multi-function device 18 starts executing the scanner function (step 184).

  As a result, the user loads a document or the like to be a manuscript into the scanner unit 22 of the multifunction device 18 and operates a start button (not shown) (step 186), so that the multifunction device 18 executes image reading (step 188). .

  Thereafter, the multi-function device 18 transmits the designated destination together with the read document to the multi-function device 16 (step 190).

  When the multi-function device 16 reads the e-mail address designated as the destination, it transmits the received document as an e-mail to the corresponding destination (step 192). The multifunction device 16 notifies the transmission result (step 194), and the multifunction device 18 terminates the scanner function by receiving the notification of the transmission result (step 196).

  Next, the scan PC function will be described with reference to FIG. When executing the scan PC function, the scanner function (PC storage) displayed on the menu screen 40 (40A) shown in FIG. 3A is selected. As a result, the MFP 18 starts the processing shown in FIG.

  When the scanner function is selected, the multi-function device 18 first checks whether the memory 32 holds the IP address of the multi-function device 16, that is, whether it is in the remote mode (step 140). Here, when the memory 32 is cleared or the like and the connection with the multifunction device 16 or the like has not been established, a negative determination is made in step 140, and the routine proceeds to step 142 to execute a normal scanner function.

  On the other hand, when the remote mode is selected, an affirmative determination is made in step 140 and the process proceeds to step 200. From the environment information stored in the memory 32, the destination addressed to the client PC 14 registered in the multifunction device 16 is set. Display a table.

  FIG. 10 shows a destination display screen 50 as an example of the display at this time. By designating the user himself / herself from the destination display screen 50, the corresponding number is selected as the destination. In the destination table displayed on the multi-function device 18, the server name, IP address, etc. used by the user are omitted. Further, since the multifunction device 18 does not transmit, the display of the transfer protocol may be omitted as long as it displays at least the user name or the user name and the registration number.

  In FIG. 9, when the user selects a destination (step 202), the multi-function device 18 starts executing the scanner function (step 204).

  As a result, the user loads a document or the like to be a manuscript into the scanner unit 22 of the multifunction device 18 and operates a start button (not shown) (step 206), so that the multifunction device 18 executes image reading (step 208). .

  Thereafter, the multi-function device 18 transmits the designated destination number (registration number) together with the read document to the multi-function device 16 (step 210).

  When receiving the registration number, the multifunction device 16 transfers the document received from the multifunction device 18 to the client PC 14 used by the user of the corresponding registration number (step 212). Further, the multifunction device 16 notifies the transfer result (step 214), and the multifunction device 18 terminates the scanner device upon receiving the transfer result notification (step 216).

  As described above, between the MFPs 16 and 18, for example, the scan box function using the confidential box 36 provided in the MFP 16, the scan mail function using e-mail, and the data to the registered client PC 14. The scan PC function to be transmitted can be executed by remote control from the multi-function device 18.

  Further, protocols such as SMB and FTP are used between the MFPs 16 and 18 and the client PC 14, but these protocols may be restricted by settings such as routers and firewalls. For this reason, data can be transmitted from the multifunction device 16 to the client PC 14 in the same network 12A using a protocol such as SMB, but data can be transmitted from the multifunction device 18 in the network 12B to the client PC 14 in the network 12A. It may disappear.

  Even between such networks 12A and 12B, data can be exchanged between the multifunction devices 16 and 18. Since data can be transmitted from the multifunction device 18 to the client PC 14 in the network 12A via the multifunction device 16, data can be transmitted without being aware of the barrier between the networks 12A and 12B. Is possible.

  Further, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the multifunction device 18 can use the multifunction device 16 as a processing terminal between the multifunction device 16 and the multifunction device 18.

  For example, when the multifunction device 16 includes a bookmark function, it is also possible to access the URL registered as a bookmark from the multifunction device 16 and print out the acquired data from the multifunction device 18 and retrieve it. Further, it is possible to perform processing such as taking out the document stored in the HDD 34 of the multifunction device 16 or the confidential box 36 from the multifunction device 18 and printing it out. Since the connection is established, the multifunction device 18 can be taken out while being operated in the same manner as on the multifunction device 16.

  When the multifunction device 16 and the multifunction device 18 are connected to operate the multifunction device 16 from the multifunction device 18, especially when processing using the confidential box 36 or processing using the destination table is performed. It is preferable that update processing such as registration / deletion of the confidential box 36, the destination, and the user is not performed.

  Such a stop of the update process may be executed when the multi-function device 16 holds the IP address of the multi-function device 18 in the memory 32 and the multi-function device 16 holds the IP address.

  In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the MFPs 16 and 18 having equivalent functions have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a function that is included in the multifunction device 16 but not included in the multifunction device 18 is used from the multifunction device 18, the multifunction device 18 may have driver software including a UI that enables settings for the function. That's fine. As a result, it is possible to remotely operate the multifunction machine having the higher function by the multifunction machine having the lower function.

  Further, when the information processing apparatus is a multi-function machine, it is sufficient if it includes at least a scanner function and a print function (function as a network printer).

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a multifunction peripheral has been described as an example of the information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the present invention is applied between the multifunction peripheral and the client PC 14 or between the client PCs 14. The functions and data provided in one information processing apparatus can be used using the other information processing apparatus.

It is a schematic block diagram of the network applied to this Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of connection processing of two multifunction devices. (A) And (B) is the schematic which shows an example of a menu screen, respectively. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of environment information transmitted from one multifunction device to another multifunction device. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the process using a scan box function. It is the schematic which shows an example of the selection screen of a confidential box. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the process using a scan mail function. It is the schematic which shows an example of a destination screen. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the process using a scan PC function. It is the schematic which shows an example of the registered destination display screen.

Explanation of symbols

10 Network 12 (12A, 12B) Network 14 Client PC
16, 18 MFP (information processing equipment)
20 Printer unit 22 Scanner unit 24 Controller 32 Memory 34 HDD
36 Mailbox 38 Environment Information Storage 40 (40A, 40B) Menu Screen 46 Selection Screen 48 Destination Display Screen 50 Destination Display Screen

Claims (8)

An information processing method between first and second information processing apparatuses each having a predetermined information processing function and network-connected,
By inputting information specifying the second information processing device to the first information processing device, the first information processing device is connected to the second information processing device so as to exchange data, and
Environment information used when the second information processing apparatus holds and executes the predetermined information processing function,
The first information processing apparatus obtains and holds the information processing apparatus;
Based on the environment information of the second information processing apparatus on the first information processing apparatus, the first information processing apparatus can execute the information processing function.
An information processing method characterized by the above.   The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second information processing apparatuses are multi-function peripherals including a print processing function and an image reading function.   The information processing function included in the second information processing apparatus that can be executed by the first information processing apparatus includes a function of transmitting information read by the image reading function to a pre-registered e-mail address. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.   4. The data transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first information processing apparatus transfers data to the second information processing apparatus based on the environment information acquired from the second information processing apparatus. 5. The information processing method according to claim 1.   When the information processing function included in the second information processing apparatus includes a function of storing and holding data in a predetermined storage area, the data stored in the storage area by the first information processing apparatus 5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the information is transferred.   The information processing function included in the second information processing apparatus that can be executed by the first information processing apparatus includes a function of transmitting information read by the image reading function to an information processing terminal registered in advance. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information processing method is performed.   The connection between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus is canceled at a preset timing. Information processing device.   When the connection between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus is released, the environment information of the second information processing apparatus held by the first information processing apparatus is The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the information is erased from the first information processing apparatus.

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