JP2007049635A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and image forming apparatus and image forming method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for easily carrying out the design of applications; and to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and a program, and a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus controls a device on the basis of the processing by a processing means for carrying out the processing by a processing request, and outputs a processing result in response to the processing request. The apparatus includes a resource management means that manages a resource acquisition request from the processing means to the device in response to the processing request and a state of the resource, and controls the use of the resource by the device on the basis of a management result. Further, when a free resource is caused in the device on the basis of the management result by the management means from the resource management means, the resource of the device is utilized in the order of acquisition requests. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium, and in particular, a device based on processing by a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request. The present invention relates to an information processing method for controlling and outputting a processing result according to a processing request, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, copying machines have been made more complex due to the digitalization of copying machines. For example, the method of writing image data on a photosensitive drum with laser light is the same mechanism as the writing method of a copying machine and a laser printer. Therefore, if both controllers are installed, the functions of the copier and the printer can be integrated, that is, combined.

  Also, by combining the functions of fax and scanner in the same way, these functions can be combined. With the advent of such multi-function machines, copiers, printers, fax machines, and scanners, each of which has been a single-function office machine, have been combined into a single device, leading to a reduction in total office costs.

  In recent years, copying machines are not only combined but also networked. For example, digitalization has allowed multifunction devices to connect to office networks, and they have worked with computers and servers. Furthermore, the multifunction peripheral itself has evolved to include a memory and a hard disk drive (HDD), and has almost the same function as a personal computer.

  As described above, the copier has evolved into a network multifunction peripheral, and has become a center machine in the office, which can meet a wide variety of user needs.

  Conventionally, the above-described operation control of the multifunction device is performed by a computer mounted on the multifunction device, and the computer performs operation control by executing a program.

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration diagram of a program installed in the multifunction machine.

  The program P ′ is expanded in a predetermined area of a RAM (Random Access Memory) in the computer and processing is executed. The program P ′ constructs an application layer APL and a service layer SVL as shown in FIG. 17 in a predetermined area of a RAM (Random Access Memory) in the computer.

  Among these, the application layer APL has a plurality of applications AP1 to AP4 such as a copy, a scanner, and a fax, so that the computer can realize the functions of the applications AP1 to AP4.

  Similarly, the service layer SVL has services SV1 to SV6 for controlling a plurality of devices such as scanner control and plotter control, and each of these services SV1 to SV6 is a lower layer of the service. The computer can realize the functions of the services SV1 to SV6 by controlling the operation of the hardware resource HS such as a plotter.

  For example, the scanner control SV1 controls the operation of the scanner. As a result, the computer has a function of reading a paper document using a scanner.

  However, each of the applications AP1 to AP4 uses services SV1 to SV6 necessary for processing among various services (SV1 to SV6) of the lower service layer. For example, the copy application AP1 uses a scanner control service SV1 and a plotter control service SV2 in order to perform a copy process. The fax application AP2 uses a scanner control service SV1 and a fax transmission / reception control service SV5 in order to perform a fax transmission process.

A method for improving design efficiency has already been proposed by extracting a device control part commonly specified in a software program in the form of a service and configuring it in a hierarchy of applications and services (Patent Document 1, 2).
JP 2002-082806 A JP 2002-084383 A

  However, in conventional image forming devices, each application (AP1 to AP4) uses a number of services (SV1 to SV6) depending on the type of processing, so many usage relationships are established from the application layer to the service layer. However, there is a problem that the design of the program P ′ becomes very complicated.

  In addition, since the services SV1 to SV6 provide functions to a plurality of applications AP1 to AP4, even when it is desired to change the design of a part of the applications AP1 to AP4, the design changes of all the applications AP1 to AP4 However, there was a problem that it took a lot of time and money to change the design.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium capable of easily designing applications and the like. For the purpose.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus that controls a device based on processing in a processing unit that performs processing in response to a processing request and outputs a processing result in response to the processing request, from the processing unit in response to the processing request It has a resource management means for managing a resource acquisition request to a device and a state of the resource of the device, and controlling use of the resource of the device based on the management result. At this time, the resource management means causes the device resources to be used in the order of acquisition requests when there is a vacancy in the device resources based on the management result of the management means. Further, when a failure occurs in the device by the resource management means, use of the device resource is prohibited. Further, when a failure that has occurred in the device is resolved by the resource management means, the use of resources is released.

  The present invention also relates to an information processing method for controlling a device based on processing in a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request and outputting a processing result according to the processing request. The resource acquisition request from the means to the device and the state of the resource of the device are managed, and the use of the resource of the device is controlled based on the management result.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that controls a device based on processing by an image forming processing unit that performs processing according to an image formation request and outputs an image formation result according to the image formation request. It has a resource management means for managing the resource acquisition request from the processing means to the device and the state of the device resource in response to the formation request, and controlling the use of the device resource based on the management result.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for controlling a device based on processing by an image forming processing unit that performs processing according to an image formation request and outputting an image formation result according to the image formation request. The resource acquisition request from the processing means to the device and the state of the device resource are managed in response to the formation request, and the use of the device resource is controlled based on the management result.

  In addition, the present invention allows a computer to manage a resource acquisition request to a device and a device resource state from a processing unit that performs processing according to the processing request, and controls use of the device resource based on the management result. A computer-readable program for executing processing is provided.

  Furthermore, the present invention allows a computer to manage a resource acquisition request to a device and a state of a device resource from a processing unit that performs processing according to the processing request, and controls use of the resource of the device based on the management result. Provided is a computer-readable recording medium for executing processing.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a resource management unit that manages a resource acquisition request from a processing unit to a device and a state of a device resource according to a processing request, and controls the use of the device resource based on the management result. Thus, since the resource of the device can be managed by the resource management means, it is not necessary for the processing means to be aware of the resource of the device, so that the processing means can be easily designed.

  In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus will be described as an information processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus will be described by taking as an example a composite copying machine in which functions such as copying, printer, scanner, and facsimile are combined.

〔System configuration〕
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 00 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to communicate with a client computer COM1, an SMTM server COM2, an FTP server COM3, a distribution server COM4, a facsimile FAX, and the like via a network NET.

[Image forming apparatus 00]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 00.

  An automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 1 has a document table 2. A document bundle is placed on the document table 2 with the image side facing up. When the print key 34 on the operation unit 30 is pressed, the bundle of documents placed on the document table 2 is placed on the contact glass 6 one by one in order from the bottom document by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4. To a predetermined position. At this time, when the feeding of one original is completed, the number of originals is counted up.

  An image of the fed original is read by the reading unit 50 on the contact glass 6. The document whose image has been read by the reading unit 50 is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.

  The document set detector 7 detects the presence or absence of a document on the document table 2. When the document set detector 7 detects that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document placed on the document table 2 is fed by the feed roller 3 and the feed belt 4 in the same manner as the previous document. It is fed onto the contact glass 6. At this time, the feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by the conveyance motor 26.

  Transfer sheets are stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10. The transfer papers stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively, and are conveyed vertically. The unit 14 is transported to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15.

  The image read by the reading unit 50 is supplied to the writing unit 57. The writing unit 57 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 15 according to the read image by irradiating the uniformly charged photoconductor 15 with a laser according to the read image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 15 is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 27.

  The toner image formed on the photoconductor 15 is transferred onto a transfer sheet conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. The transfer paper on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 17. The fixing unit 17 fixes the toner image on the transfer paper. The transfer paper on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the finisher 100 as a post-processing device by the paper discharge unit 18.

  The finisher 100 guides the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the main body toward the normal paper discharge roller 102 or the staple processing unit. At this time, the finisher 100 switches the switching plate 101 upward to discharge the transfer paper to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103, and switches the switching plate 101 downward to transport the roller 105. , 107 to transfer the transfer paper to the staple table.

  The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 every time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of partial copying. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can be moved back and forth, and moves forward and backward for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, so that the copy is simply discharged. Sort paper.

  When images are to be formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the branch claw 112 for path switching is set on the upper side to discharge the transfer paper that has been fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10. Without being guided to the tray 104 side, the paper is once stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111.

  Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photoconductor 15 again, and an image is formed on the back surface. . The transfer paper on which images are formed on both sides is guided to the paper discharge tray 104 by setting a branching claw 112 for path switching to the lower side. In this way, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when creating images on both sides of the transfer sheet.

  The photoreceptor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the development unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25, and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 is driven by the paper feeding clutches 22 to 24. Driven by transmission. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 25 by the intermediate clutch 21.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of the operation unit 30.

  The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, a preheat key 35, a reset key 36, an initial setting key 37, a copy key 38, and a copy server key 39. Displays a function key, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

  By pressing the initial setting key 37, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. It is possible to set the paper size stored in the machine, or to arbitrarily set the state set when the mode clear key of the copy function is pressed.

  Also, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star Plan, and set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode. It is possible to set.

  When the preheating key 35 is pressed, the machine shifts from the standby state to the power reduction state, and the fixing temperature is lowered or the display on the operation unit is turned off. The preheating state means a low power state as referred to in the International Energy Star Program. In order to cancel the preheating state, the off state / sleep state, and shift to the standby state, the preheating key is pressed again.

By pressing the copy key 38, the copy function can be used.
The copy server key 39 is a key used when editing existing stored image data. The editing of existing accumulated image data is, for example, operations such as copy mode setting, printing, and deletion. The scanner application key 41 is used when storing a document in a storage device inside the apparatus, when transmitting an input image read from the scanner, stored image data, or the like to the outside.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30.
When the operator touches the key displayed on the touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when it is necessary to designate the details of the function, for example, the magnification value or the like for magnification, the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. At this time, since the touch panel 31 uses a dot display, the optimal display at that time can be graphically performed.

  On the touch panel 31, as shown in FIG. 4, a message area A1 for displaying a message such as “Ready to copy” and “Please wait”, on the right side is a copy number display area A2 for displaying the set number of sheets, and a transfer sheet. Automatic paper selection key K1 for automatically selecting, sort key K2 for designating processing for arranging copies in order of pages one by one, stack key K3 for designating processing for sorting copies by page, part of the sorted data one by one Staple key K4 for specifying the binding process, equal magnification key K5 for setting the magnification to the same magnification, scaling key K6 for setting the enlargement / reduction magnification, double-sided key K7 for setting the duplex mode, editing for setting the binding margin mode, etc. Key K8, cover / interleaf key K9 for setting the cover / interleaf mode, and a large number of print operations via the digital copier network There is such a connected mode key K10 to be printed out in a plurality.

  In addition, a paper feed tray state corresponding to the number of paper feed trays is displayed, and keys for manually setting the paper feed tray are displayed for the number of paper feed trays.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of the image forming apparatus 00.

  The main controller 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus. The main controller 20 includes image processing for performing display to the operator, an operation unit 30 for performing function setting input control from the operator, control of the scanner, control for writing a document image into the image memory, control for image formation from the image memory, and the like. A distributed control device such as a unit (IPU) 49 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1 is connected.

  Each distributed control device and the main controller 20 exchange machine status and operation command as necessary. The main controller 20 is also connected with a main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 necessary for paper conveyance and the like, and performs these controls.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the process from reading the original of the image forming apparatus to writing the image will be described.

  The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically operated at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change.

  This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54 and converted into an electrical signal, and then various image processing is performed. The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. The laser output unit 58 includes a laser diode that is a laser light source and a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed by a motor. Has a square mirror. The laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the image forming photosensitive member 15. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.

  FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the image processing unit 49.

  The reflection of light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62 and then subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63.

  The image signal that has been subjected to various types of image processing by the image processing unit 63 is supplied to the scaling circuit 77 or the image memory controller 65 by the print composition unit 71. The scaling circuit 77 enlarges / reduces the image signal supplied from the print composition unit 71 in accordance with the designated scaling ratio, and then supplies it to the writing unit 57. On the other hand, the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to input and output image signals in both directions.

  Although not clearly shown in FIG. 6, the IPU 49 receives image data supplied from the outside via the I / O port 67 in addition to image data input from the reading unit 50, for example, data such as a personal computer. It has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data so that data input from the processing device can be processed.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 00 is connected to the network NET via the I / O port 67. As a communication method of the image forming apparatus 00, for example, a TCP / IP communication protocol that is widely used as the Internet standard protocol is used.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 00 can control the machine configuration information and operation status of each image forming apparatus connected to the network NET, a control command such as a remote output command, a setting command, an external server, image data, and destination address book data. Can be sent and received.

  Further, a CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, and a ROM 69, a RAM 70, and an NV-RAM 74 for storing the program P and data thereof are provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65.

  The image sent to the image memory controller 65 as a document image is sent to the image memory 66 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device in the image memory controller.

  The reason why the image is compressed is that data of 256 gradations corresponding to the maximum image size can be written in the image memory 66 as it is, but a very large memory capacity is used for one original image. Therefore, the limited image memory 66 can be used effectively by performing image compression.

  In addition, since a large amount of original image data can be stored at a time, the stored original image data can be output in page order as a sorting function. In this case, when the image is output, the data in the image memory 66 is output while being sequentially expanded by the expansion device in the memory controller 65.

  Such a function is generally called “electronic sort”. Further, by using the function of the image memory, it is possible to sequentially read a plurality of document images into an area obtained by dividing the area of one transfer sheet of the image memory. For example, four original images are sequentially written in an area divided into four equal parts for one transfer paper in the image memory, whereby the four originals are combined into one transfer paper image to obtain a consolidated copy output. It becomes possible. Such a function is generally called “aggregate copy”. The image stored in the image memory 66 can be accessed from the CPU 68.

  For this reason, the contents of the image memory can be processed, and for example, image thinning processing, image clipping processing, and the like can be performed.

  For processing, the image memory can be processed by writing data into the register of the memory controller 65. The processed image is again held in the image memory. The image memory 66 is divided into a plurality of areas depending on the size of the image data to be processed, and the image data can be input / output simultaneously. In order to make it possible to execute input and output of image data in parallel in each divided area, the interface with the memory controller is connected with two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing. As a result, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 becomes possible.

  The image memory 66 may be provided with a separate hard disk to store a large amount of image data. By using a hard disk, there is a feature that an external power source is unnecessary and an image can be retained permanently. In order to read and hold a plurality of standard documents (format documents) with a scanner, this hard disk is generally used.

  Also, when performing a series of operations such as data encoding processing when storing image data read from a scanner to the outside using e-mail, etc., and storage, editing, and deletion of an address book having distribution destination data Is also used.

  Writing and reading are temporarily stored in the image memory and processed in order to absorb the difference in processing speed with respect to image formation on the main body and image writing from the scanner. When data from the image storage device is sent to the writing unit 57, it is temporarily stored in the image memory 66 and sent to the writing unit 57. In this way, the image controller 66 determines the image path for the image memory 66, HD 75, scanner image, and input / output of the image to be sent to the writing unit.

  As described above, the CPU 68 determines the input and output of the image data, so that the memory controller 65 connected to the CPU can switch the flow of the image.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 31 when the copy server key 39 is pressed.

  When the stored image is edited in the copy server, the copy server key 39 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed. By pressing the copy server key 39, a screen as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, each image information of the image data stored in the HDD 75 is displayed in the display area 80. For example, a user ID 81, a document name 82, a page number 83, and an accumulation time 84 are displayed as image information for specifying image data.

  Since the user ID 81 is attached by a printer driver of a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 00, the user ID 81 exists only in the stored image by the printer function. The document name 82 is given every time an image is accumulated. The page number 83 is the number of accumulated original images. The accumulation time 84 represents the time when the image is accumulated.

  Note that the image information at this time is held in the nonvolatile memory NV-RAM 74, and the image information continues to be held even when the power is turned off. Although only three pieces of image information are displayed in the display area 80 shown in FIG. 7, image information that is not displayed can be displayed by pressing the “Previous” key and the “Back” key. When each image information displayed in the display area 80 is pressed, the image information display portion is inverted to black. This is called a selected state.

  A plurality of pieces of image information can be designated as the selected state. As editing functions for stored images, there are a “delete from list” function, a “print condition change” function, and a “document print” function. When a document is selected and the “delete from list” key 85 is pressed, the selected document is deleted. A document is selected, a “print condition” key 86 is pressed, a print condition is set on the displayed screen, and a print key 34 is pressed, whereby an accumulated image corresponding to the selected document is displayed according to the designated print condition. Print out.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 31 when the scanner application key 42 is pressed.

  When transmitting image data read by the scanner or accumulated image data to the outside, when the scanner application key 41 in FIG. 3 is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the touch panel 31.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel 31 when the reading condition key is pressed.

  When the reading condition key 91 is pressed in FIG. 8, the display is changed to a display as shown in FIG. 9, and the original type 111, resolution 112, original size 113, and density 114 are set from this screen for reading the original from the scanner. be able to.

  The reading conditions set here are displayed in a reading condition display field 92 shown in FIG. The transmission destination designates the user displayed in the registered user display field 93. Alternatively, the destination can be literally input directly by pressing the direct input key 97 and using the software keyboard.

  When the original is set on the scanner and the print key 34 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the original can be read and transmitted as an electronic image to a desired destination.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 31 when the stored document key 94 is pressed.

  When the stored document key 94 is pressed, the display is switched as shown in FIG. Here, a list of accumulated documents is displayed. When a document is selected here and the distribution key 121 is pressed, the screen returns to the scanner distribution basic screen shown in FIG. By setting a destination on the scanner distribution basic screen shown in FIG. 8, the selected stored document can be transmitted to the outside. Also, the stored document can be deleted by pressing the delete key 122 shown in FIG.

[Software configuration]
Next, software installed in the image forming apparatus 00 of this embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the structure of software installed in the image forming apparatus 00. FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The program P installed in the image forming apparatus 00 according to the present embodiment mainly includes an application layer APL, a service layer SVL, and a hardware resource HS.

  The application layer APL includes two applications, an integrated application AP0 and a printer application AP4, in which three applications AP1 to AP3 of copy, scanner, and fax are integrated among the four applications AP1 to AP4 of copy, scanner, fax, and printer shown in FIG. It consists of two applications. The integrated application AP0 can easily cope with various services.

[Integrated application AP0]
The integrated application AP0 is a layer that provides services such as copying, scanner distribution, and fax transmission in order to satisfy user requests, and includes an operation system GRP1, a management system GRP2, and an execution system GRP3.

[Operation system GRP1]
The operation system GRP1 interprets the user's request and provides the service in consideration of quality, cost, and delivery date. The operation system GRP1 entrusts the actual processing to the management system GRP2 and the execution system GRP3 according to the contents of the service to be provided.

[Management GRP2]
The management system GRP2 monitors the device status of the image forming apparatus, grasps the optional configuration (finisher, billing apparatus, authentication apparatus, etc.), services necessary for the entire image forming apparatus, such as data management (address book, stored document, etc.) Will be provided. The management system GRP2 receives inquiries from the operation system GRP1 and the execution system GRP3, and provides device information, device configuration information such as a charging device and an authentication device, address information, and stored document information to the operation system GRP1 and the execution system GRP3.

[Executive GRP3]
Further, the execution system GRP 3 holds a plurality of requests for copying, etc. received via the operation system GRP 1, performs execution control of the plurality of requests, and manages provision of device information and the like necessary for the execution control. Request to system GRP2. The execution system GRP3 includes a stream SS2 and an execution control unit SS1 that are responsible for receiving a document operation request for handling a document such as a copy or a fax from a user and creating a copy of the document with a finish as desired by the user. It is out.

[Service layer SVL]
The service layer SVL integrates device operation control of the scanner control unit SV1, the plotter control unit 1SV2, the storage control unit SV3, the distribution / mail transmission / reception control unit SV4, the facsimile control unit SV5, and the network control unit SV6 included in the image forming apparatus. AP0 is provided in units that can be used in common.

[Hardware resource HS]
The hardware resource HS includes a scanner resource 131, a plotter resource 132, a hard disk resource 133, a network resource 134, and other resources 135.

[Classes and instances]
Briefly describe classes and instances.

  A class defines a template of an instance that summarizes data and operations that are its operation procedures. By defining a class, instances of the same kind can be handled together.

  The class is schematically expressed in UML as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, a class includes a data possessing unit that is a part for possessing a plurality of data, and an operation for reading out this data and performing some processing or writing data as a result of performing some processing. I have multiple operation management departments.

  On the other hand, an instance is an individual object having specific data, and is data as a program as an actual value based on a class. In many cases, a class and an instance are used in contrast, and a class is described as a “type” and an instance is described as an “entity”. An instance means a set of data that is actually arranged in physical memory, and is a term that captures the substance of data more specifically and directly.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration diagram of class A.

  Class A is part of the software and part of the program. When the program is executed, the class A is instantiated in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 70, and the data possessing unit 141 and the process management unit 142 are secured in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 70. As a result, the instance can write the data D1 to Dn to the data possessing unit 141 secured in the RAM 70, and can read the data D1 to Dn written to the data possessing unit 141 of the RAM 70. Further, the operations S1 to Sm to be executed can be managed by the process management unit 142.

  Instances cooperate by exchanging messages with each other. The image forming apparatus 00 can perform the resource management process by the cooperative operation of the instances using the data possessing unit 141 and the process managing unit 142.

[Resource management processing]
Here, a case will be described where a resource class is requested from the carrier class 302A to the section class 301A.

  First, the section class 301A and the carrier class 302A will be described.

  The section class 301A includes the following attributes and processing operations.

  The attribute is a section state, and possesses a current request acceptance status.

  Processing operations include use processing operations, permission processing operations, termination processing operations, failure occurrence processing operations, and failure recovery processing operations.

  The use processing operation is a processing operation that requests resource reservation in a section and releases the resource to the request source when the resource is available. The permission processing operation is a processing operation for permitting resource reservation for a waiting carrier.

  The prohibition processing operation is a processing operation for prohibiting the use of resources. The termination processing operation is a processing operation for releasing resources.

  The failure occurrence processing operation is a processing operation in which a failure occurs in a device and a resource cannot be secured. The failure recovery processing operation is a processing operation in which a device failure is resolved and a resource can be secured.

  The carrier class 302A includes the following attributes and processing operations.

  The attribute is data indicating a state, and the state of the data flow is possessed. A processing operation is a processing operation that carries data.

  Next, an operation for requesting use of resources from the carrier class 302A to the section class 301A will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the resource management process.

  First, in step S1-1, the requester requests the carrier C1 to move data. When the carrier class 302A receives a request for use of the section class 302A of the carrier C1 from the request source, the carrier class 302A requests use of the section class 301A in step S1-2.

  If the resource is released, the section class 301A is set in a use state in step S1-3, and is allowed to be used for the carrier C1.

  At this time, when a request for data movement or the like is made from the request source to the carrier C2 in step S1-4, the carrier class 302A makes a use request by the carrier C2 to the section class 301A in step S1-5. At this time, since the resource of the section class 301A is used by the carrier C1, the use of the section class 301A by the carrier C2 is set in a standby state in step S1-6.

  When the use of the resource by the carrier C1 is completed for the carrier class 302A in step S1-7, the section class 301A releases the resource in step S1-8.

  When the section class 301A releases the resource, the use of the resource by the waiting carrier C2 is permitted in step S1-9.

  FIG. 15 shows an operation explanatory diagram of resource management processing when there are requests from a plurality of carriers.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the section class 301 </ b> A permits the use of resources in the order in which the requests are made when there are resource use requests from a plurality of carriers C <b> 1 to Cn.

  FIG. 16 shows a processing flowchart of the section class 301A when there is a device failure.

  If a device failure occurs in step S2-1, the section class 301A enters a state where resources cannot be secured in step S2-2. The section class 301A enables resources to be released in step S2-4 when the device failure is recovered in step S2-3.

〔effect〕
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve work efficiency by collectively performing functions such as device resource management, and to reduce the range of change even when a design change occurs. With such a structure, the object-oriented design in the image forming apparatus 00 enables easy maintenance by handling device resource management in a batch without being aware of application functions, and the design of the image forming apparatus 00. Effect that a person can easily proceed with programming.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of resource acquisition requests for one device, it is possible to cope with this by assigning resources in the order of request.

  Furthermore, when a device failure occurs, resource allocation is prohibited in response to a resource acquisition request, and when a device failure is recovered, resource allocation can be performed to cope with the device failure. .

[Others]
In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, and information processing using device resources by a plurality of applications. Needless to say, the present invention is applicable to devices in general.

It is a system configuration figure of one example of the present invention. 2 is a block configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 00. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display on a liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a control system of the image forming apparatus 00. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing unit 49. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel 31 when a copy server key 39 is pressed. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel 31 when a scanner application key 42 is pressed. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touch panel 31 when a reading condition key is pressed down. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touch panel 31 when the accumulation | storage document key 94 is pressed down. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of software installed in the image forming apparatus 00. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of software installed in the image forming apparatus 00. The data structure figure of class A is shown. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a resource management process. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the resource management process when there exists a request | requirement from several carriers. It is a processing flowchart of section class 301A when there is a device failure. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a program installed in a multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

00 image forming apparatus APL application layer, SVL service layer, HS hardware resource AP1 to AP4 application, AP0 integrated application GRP1 operation system, GRP2 management system, GRP3 execution system 131 scanner control unit, 132 plotter control unit, 133 accumulation control unit 134 Distribution / mail transmission / reception unit, 135 FAX control unit, 136 Network control unit 141 Scanner resource, 142 Plotter resource 143 Hard disk resource, 144 Network resource 145 Other resources 301A Section class, 302A Carrier class C1, C2-Cn Carrier

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus that controls a device based on processing in a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request and outputs a processing result according to the processing request,
A resource management unit that manages a resource acquisition request from the processing unit to the device in response to the processing request and a state of the resource of the device, and controls use of the resource of the device based on the management result. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource management unit causes the resource of the device to be used in the order of the acquisition request when the resource of the device becomes free based on a management result of the management unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource management unit prohibits use of the resource of the device when a failure occurs in the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource management unit releases use of the resource when a failure that has occurred in the device is resolved. An information processing method for controlling a device based on processing in a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request, and outputting a processing result according to the processing request,
In response to the processing request, manages the resource acquisition request from the processing means to the device and the resource status of the device,
An information processing method, comprising: controlling resource usage of the device based on the management result. An image forming apparatus that controls a device based on processing performed by an image forming processing unit that performs processing according to an image formation request, and outputs an image formation result according to the image formation request.
A resource management unit that manages a resource acquisition request from the processing unit to the device in response to the image formation request and a resource state of the device and controls use of the resource of the device based on the management result; An image forming apparatus. An image forming method for controlling a device based on a process in an image forming processing unit that performs a process according to an image formation request, and outputting an image formation result according to the image formation request,
In response to the image formation request, manages the resource acquisition request from the processing means to the device and the resource status of the device,
An image forming method comprising: controlling use of the resource of the device based on the management result. On the computer,
A computer that causes a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request to manage a resource acquisition request to the device and a resource state of the device, and to execute processing for controlling use of the resource of the device based on the management result Possible program. On the computer,
A computer that causes a processing unit that performs processing according to a processing request to manage a resource acquisition request to the device and a resource state of the device, and to execute processing for controlling use of the resource of the device based on the management result Possible recording media.

Images