JP2007087398A - Display data forming method, method of standardizing display of image processing device, image processing device, control system and control method of image processing device, program, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device for easily constructing an application for controlling a display screen of an image processing device or a remote arithmetic unit, and a control system for the image processing device. <P>SOLUTION: Display data structuring the display screen are divided into template field data 150A and 150B peculiar to a common application regardless of display capacity of the image processing device and a form 147 different in response to display capacity of the image processing device. The image processing device 140 stores the form 147 in a memory thereof, and obtains the template field data 150A and 150B from the remote arithmetic units 148A and 148B connected through a network. The image processing device 140 generates the display screen by combining the received template field data 150A and 150B with the form 147. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and system related to standardization of display in an image processing apparatus.

  Image processing apparatuses such as printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines have various functions and capabilities in order to support specific applications or combinations of applications. An image processing apparatus often takes the form of a multi-function peripheral device (MFP) by combining two or more functions of an image processing apparatus that were conventionally separate. The MFP may be a collection of an arbitrary number of image processing apparatuses, but usually includes functions of a printer, an image reader, a copier, and a fax machine.

  Some image processing devices include computing resources (eg, processor, hard disk drive, memory, and other devices) for data storage and processing. If a more characteristic configuration or function is added to the image processing apparatus, it becomes more expensive and more complicated.

  More complex image processing apparatuses and MFPs, for example, have a network connection function that enables communication with other arithmetic devices (for example, personal computers, other image processing devices, network servers, and other devices). There is. With this connection function, the image processing apparatus can use external resources (other arithmetic devices) that can be used on the network to which the image processing apparatus is connected.

  An image processing apparatus generally includes a user input panel having a plurality of buttons, knobs, and other user input mechanisms. There is also an image processing apparatus provided with a display panel. Some of these display panels are used only for display, and others are touch panel displays that a user can directly input on the display.

  A device provided with a touch panel display or a display provided with cooperating buttons can display menu data selected by user input. This menu data is usually operated by a server module on a substrate in the image processing apparatus.

  Among image processing apparatuses having such a network connection function, there is an apparatus that acquires from a server an application program to be executed by itself and an operation screen for operating the application (see Patent Document 1). .

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an image processing apparatus that can edit an operation screen acquired from a server according to user preferences.
JP 2003-84939 A (published March 20, 2003) JP 2005-57617 A (published March 3, 2005)

  However, the above conventional technique has a problem in that when an application for controlling operation screens of a large number of image processing apparatuses is constructed in, for example, an image processing apparatus or a remote arithmetic apparatus, the construction of the application becomes complicated. .

  Usually, the display capability of the display included in the image processing apparatus varies depending on the type of the image processing apparatus. Therefore, when building an application that controls the operation screens of a plurality of types of image processing devices having different display capabilities, the application side needs to prepare operation screen data for each type of display included in the image processing device. There is. Therefore, there is a drawback that the construction of the application becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can easily construct an application for controlling a display screen of an image processing apparatus or a remote calculation apparatus, and control of the image processing apparatus. To provide a system.

  In order to solve the above problems, a display data creation method according to the present invention is a display data creation method used for display of an image processing apparatus, and receives display information independent of the image processing apparatus from an application. Combining the display information independent of the image processing apparatus with the display information independent of the image processing apparatus and the format information dependent on the image processing apparatus included in the image processing apparatus (b), It is characterized by including.

  According to the above configuration, the format information that is dependent on the image processing device (the display device) in the display data is not acquired from the application, but the image processing device has in advance. . The image processing apparatus is configured to acquire, from the application, common display information that does not depend on the image processing apparatus (the display apparatus) among the display data. In this way, the display data is divided into different data (that is, format information) for each display device of the image processing device and common data regardless of the type of the display device of the image processing device. Since only the latter is received from the application, it is not necessary to prepare display data for each type of display device of the image processing apparatus. Therefore, an application for controlling the display screen of the image processing apparatus can be easily constructed.

  The display data creation method according to the present invention may create the display data in the form of a markup language page in the step (b).

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the display information set independent of the image processing apparatus is a syntax profile.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the format information set dependent on the image processing apparatus includes information on at least one attribute selected from a layout attribute and a display attribute. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, the layout attribute and display attribute are handled as format information prepared for each image processing apparatus, and each image processing apparatus has this format information, so that an application for controlling the display screen is constructed. The display screen matching the display capability of the display device can be displayed on the image processing device.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the step (a) may be performed using an HTTP request.

  The application may be included in the image processing apparatus, or may be included in a remote calculation device (server).

  The display data creation method according to the present invention preferably further includes a step of displaying the display data on the display device of the image processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, a method for standardizing display of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a step (a) of sending application selection information from an image processing apparatus to an application, and an image processing apparatus transmitted from the image processing apparatus. Receiving the selection information of the application in the application (b), finding the application-specific template field data and form identifier corresponding to the selection information of the application received from the image processing apparatus (c), A step (d) of sending application-specific template field data and the form identifier to the image processing apparatus; and the application-specific template field data and the form identifier sent from the application. Receiving the image processing apparatus (e), and combining the application-specific template field data and the storage form identified based on the form identifier to create an integrated page (f). It is characterized by being.

  According to the above configuration, the template field data among the data constituting the display data is configured to be managed by the application, but the storage form is changed according to the display capability of the display device of the image processing device. Is separated from the application. Therefore, an application for controlling the display screen of the image processing apparatus can be easily constructed.

  Furthermore, according to the said structure, the various display screens according to an application can be displayed on the display apparatus of an image processing apparatus.

  The display data creation method according to the present invention preferably further includes a step of displaying the integrated page on the image processing apparatus.

  In addition, the step (a) may be performed at least partially using an HTTP request.

  The application may be included in the image processing apparatus, or may be included in a remote calculation device (server).

  In addition, the storage form may be included in the image processing apparatus, or may be included in a remote calculation apparatus.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the template field data unique to the application may be in a markup language format.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the form identifier may be a reference to an XHTML form.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the form identifier may be sent separately from the application-specific template field data.

  In the display data creation method according to the present invention, the integrated page may be in a markup language format.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits the selection information of the first application for the purpose of accessing the first application from the image processing apparatus to the template providing application. (A), the step (b) of receiving the selection information of the first application transmitted from the image processing apparatus in the template providing application, and the first application using the selection information of the first application. Identifying the first application-specific template field data and the first form identifier associated with the application selection information, the identified first application-specific template field data and the first form identifier Obtaining a form identifier (d (E) transmitting the acquired first application-specific template field data and the first form identifier from the template providing application to the image processing apparatus, and the transmitted first application-specific template The step (f) of receiving field data and a first form identifier in the image processing device, and combining the first application-specific template field data with a storage form identified based on the first form identifier. Thus, a step (g) for creating a first integrated page, a step (h) for transmitting the first integrated page to the image processing apparatus, and a second purpose for accessing the second application. 2 application selection information (I) transmitting from the image processing apparatus to the template providing application, receiving the selection information of the second application transmitted from the image processing apparatus in the template providing application, and selecting information of the second application (K) for identifying template field data and second form identifier specific to the second application associated with the selection information of the second application, and using the identified second application specific Obtaining the template field data and the second form identifier in step (l), and obtaining the obtained template field data and the second form identifier specific to the second application from the template providing application. Transmitting the second application-specific template field data and the second form identifier in the image processing apparatus (n), and the second application-specific template A step (o) of creating a second integrated page by combining field data with a storage form identified based on the second form identifier, and transmitting the second integrated page to the image processing apparatus Step (p) to include.

  According to the above process, the display data is divided into template field data that depends on the display capability of the display device of the image processing device and a common storage form regardless of the display capability of the display device of the image processing device. (Template providing application) is configured to send only the latter to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, it is not necessary for the application to prepare display data for each type of display device of the image processing apparatus. Therefore, an application (template providing application) for controlling the display screen of the image processing apparatus can be easily constructed.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display device for displaying a display screen for a user when using an application and a communication device for communicating with a remote calculation device. An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage device for storing a form that is a part of the data on the display screen and is different for each type of display device; and the communication device to control the display screen. Receiving means for receiving template field data which is a part of the data of the display device and is common data regardless of the type of display device, and a form acquisition means for acquiring the form from the storage device; The template field data received by the receiving means and the form acquired by the form acquiring means are combined. By, and a merging unit for creating display data, the display device, and displaying the display screen corresponding to the display data.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image processing apparatus control method according to the present invention includes a display device for displaying a display screen for a user and an image including a communication device for communicating with a remote calculation device. A control method for a processing device, wherein the receiving means controls the communication device to obtain template field data that is a part of the data on the display screen and is common regardless of the type of the display device. The receiving step for receiving from the remote computing device and the form acquiring means acquire the form from a storage device that stores a form that is a part of the data on the display screen and is different for each type of display device. The form acquisition step, the integration means, the template field data received in the reception step, and the form acquired in the form acquisition step. An integration process for creating display data by combining the display form, and a display control process for controlling the display device to display the display screen according to the display data. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, the display data constituting the display screen is the template field data (common data) that is common data regardless of the type of display device, and the form that is different data for each type of display device. Divided. The template field data is transmitted from the remote computing device to the image processing device, while the form is included in the image processing device. This eliminates the need to prepare display data in the remote calculation device for each type of display device of the image processing device when constructing a remote calculation device, so that the remote calculation for controlling the display screen of the image processing device can be eliminated. The device can be easily constructed.

  For example, the form may be shape data of a graphic object included in the display screen, and the template field data may be object designation data indicating the type of graphic object included in the display screen.

  According to the above configuration, when a display screen including a graphic object is created, the remote calculation device provides data indicating the type of the graphic object, and the image processing device manages the shape of each graphic object. Therefore, it is possible to display a graphic object corresponding to the display capability of the display device on the display device of the image processing device while facilitating the construction of the remote computing device.

  Alternatively, the form may be text formatting data included in the display screen, and the template field data may be character string data of the text.

  According to the above configuration, when a display screen including text is created, the character string data of the text is provided by the remote computing device, and the text processing is managed by the image processing device. Therefore, the text corresponding to the display capability of the display device can be displayed on the display device of the image processing device while facilitating the construction of the remote computing device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a control system for an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described image processing apparatus and a remote arithmetic apparatus having a communication device for communicating with the image processing apparatus. The remote calculation device controls the template field data acquisition means for acquiring the template field data and the communication device of the remote calculation device, and transmits the template field data acquired by the template field data acquisition means to the image processing device. Transmission means for transmitting.

  According to the above configuration, since the above-described image processing device is provided, a remote calculation device that controls the display screen of the image processing device can be easily constructed.

  The remote calculation device may include a storage device that stores the template field data, and the template field data acquisition unit may acquire the template field data from the storage device of the remote calculation device.

  Alternatively, the template field data acquisition means may acquire the template field data from another remote computing device.

  The image processing apparatus further includes selection information transmitting means for controlling the communication apparatus of the image processing apparatus to transmit application selection information indicating the type of application that the user desires to execute to the remote calculation device. Further comprises selection information receiving means for controlling the communication device of the remote computing device and receiving the application selection information from the selection information transmitting means of the image processing device, wherein the storage device of the image processing device is the form Is stored in association with the form identifier, the storage device of the remote calculation device stores the template field data and the form identifier in association with the selection information of the application, and the template field data acquisition means stores the remote calculation Received from the storage device of the device by the selection information receiving means. The template field data and the form identifier corresponding to the application selection information are acquired, the transmission unit of the remote calculation device transmits the form identifier together with the template field data, and the reception unit of the image processing device is the template Preferably, the form identifier is received together with the field data, and the form acquisition unit of the image processing apparatus acquires the form corresponding to the form identifier received by the reception unit of the image processing apparatus from the storage device. .

  According to the above configuration, various display screens corresponding to the application can be displayed on the display device of the image processing apparatus.

  By the way, the image processing apparatus or the control system of the image processing apparatus may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by causing a computer to execute a program. Specifically, a program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to operate as each of the above-described means, and the program is recorded on a recording medium according to the present invention.

  When these programs are executed by a computer, the computer operates as the image processing apparatus or the control system of the image processing apparatus, and thus has the same effect.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the display data constituting the display screen is determined according to the common data and the type of the image processing apparatus (display device) regardless of the type of the image processing apparatus (display device). It is divided into different forms (or format information), and only the former is managed by an application or a remote computing device. Therefore, it is possible to easily construct an application or a remote calculation device that controls the display screen of the image processing apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members. Also, each of these figures is expressly incorporated as part of the detailed description.

  The components of the present invention are depicted and described generally in the drawings shown here, but can be modified and designed in a wide variety of forms. Accordingly, the following detailed description of the method and system embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but merely to illustrate one example of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

  The components of the embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into hardware, firmware and / or software. While the exemplary embodiments described herein describe just one example of these forms, those skilled in the art will recognize these components as any of these within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that it can be implemented in the form.

  Embodiments of the present invention include an interface and configuration (architecture) that integrates an image processing device with an application of a remote computing device, and an environment that provides a solution that is not possible with an image processing device alone. An application on the network may include basic equipment (infrastructure) and an interface that can program-control the functions of the image processing apparatus and can communicate with the user via the input panel of the image processing apparatus. Software functions that are not practical in the image processing apparatus can be executed on a server accessible from the image processing apparatus.

  In the present specification and claims, the image processing apparatus (IDev) will be described as an apparatus having an image processing function. The image processing functions here include functions such as image reading, printing, copying, image transmission (transmission and reception), and image conversion. Typical image processing apparatuses include a printer, a copier, a fax machine, an image reader, and an arithmetic unit that transmits, converts, or processes an image. The image processing apparatus (IDev) may have a plurality of image processing functions. For example, but not limited to, a multifunction peripheral (generally having multiple functions of a printer, image reader, copier and / or fax, or image transmitter / receiver ( MFP) is one type of image processing apparatus. Note that another image processing apparatus as the MFP may have a combination of functions other than those described above.

  In the present specification and claims, a remote computing device (RCD; remote computer device) is a device capable of data processing and capable of communicating with other devices via a communication line. A remote computing device (RCD) requires a communication link, such as a network connection, telephone line, serial cable, or other wired or wireless link, to communicate with other devices such as image processing devices. Remote device. Typical remote computing devices (RCD) include a network server having a communication link, a network computer, other processing devices, and other storage devices.

  Several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. These embodiments include an image processing apparatus (IDev) 4. The image processing apparatus 4 may be a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) or a single function apparatus. The image processing apparatus 4 further includes a user interface (UI) panel 2. The user interface panel 2 includes an input button 14 and a display device 16. Alternatively, the user interface panel 2 may include a touch panel system. The touch panel system may or may not include the button 14. Further, user input and display may be executed via a separate UI device 8. The UI device 8 is connected to the image processing device 4 via, for example, a communication line 12 such as a USB, a network cable, and wireless. The UI device 8 may include not only a display device but also an input device such as a keyboard or a button. The display device provided in the UI device 8 may be a touch screen panel. Such a type of UI device 8 may further include an interface for transmitting a command input from the remote input device to the UI device 8. Further, the UI device 8 may include a storage device (for example, a memory stick, a USB memory card, etc.) configured to store input data to be transmitted to the image processing device 4.

  These embodiments further comprise a remote computing device (RCD) 6 linked to the image processing device 4 via a communication link such as a network 10. This network 10 may be a general wired link or a wireless link.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, menu data may be provided from the remote computing device 6 to the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4 via the network 10. When this menu data is sent to the image processing device 4, information can be exchanged with an application operating on the remote computing device 6 using the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4. The user input received by the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 may be returned directly to the remote computing device 6.

  A web service is a software application identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). URI interfaces and bindings have functions that are defined, described, and discovered by XML (Extensible Markup Language) artifacts, and can be used for other purposes via XML-based messages via Internet-based protocols. Supports direct information exchange with software applications.

  An application on the remote computing device 6 uses one or more web services to enable, disable, set, or control the functions of the apparatus, such as to control the functions of the apparatus. Various characteristics can be controlled.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a network application operating on the remote computing device 6 can exchange information with the user of the image processing device 4 via the I / O panel (UI panel 2) of the image processing device 4. In the above embodiment, the user interface (UI) (that is, the touch panel, button, or display) of the image processing apparatus 4 can be controlled by the network application. There is also a form in which a custom display screen or a custom display menu is integrated with a user interface unique to the image processing apparatus 4. In the above embodiment, the function of the image processing apparatus 4 is controlled in the standard operation mode executed in the image processing apparatus 4 in response to the user input to the user interface of the image processing apparatus 4 and the user in the user interface of the image processing apparatus 4 It is possible to hand off between an open system mode using network resources such as an application on the remote computing device 6 via an input.

  In the above embodiment, an application operating on the network completely controls the UI of the image processing apparatus 4 so as to display text and graphics in an arbitrary format. In the above embodiment, the application can program display buttons, text boxes, graphics, and the like in a desired layout.

  The user interface arrangement may be easily programmed using a standard language such as a markup language. These languages include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), and Extensible Hypertext Markup Language. A language (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language: XHTML) or the like can be used.

  An application of the remote computing device 6 or a server application may be able to request that the keyboard UI be displayed on the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4. This function can also be used in the image processing apparatus 4 and need not be recreated by the application of the remote calculation device 6. The remote computing device 6 may define a keyboard prompt or default value. In these embodiments, the remote calculation device 6 can change the name of each button in the user interface of the image processing device 4 such as an OK button or a cancel button, and can define other buttons.

  The image processing device 4 itself or the remote calculation device 6 may supply the menu template to the user interface of the image processing device 4.

(External authentication application)
Some embodiments of the present invention include an application of the remote computing device 6 registered as an external authentication server. The external authentication application controls access to the image processing apparatus 4 and controls the user interface of the image processing apparatus 4 at the top level (top-level control). The control of the user interface by the application may be the same method as the control by the internal auditor.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit of the image processing apparatus 4 checks whether an external authentication application is registered at the time of activation. If registered, the image processing apparatus 4 is in an unusable mode, and the application is connected to control the user interface. If the external authentication server cannot be used, an error message is displayed and the image processing apparatus 4 remains unusable. In this case, the image processing apparatus 4 tries to periodically connect to the external authentication server until it can be used. Table 1 below shows what controls the user interface when the image processing device 4 is in a disabled mode in a typical embodiment.

(Remote processing unit application)
In the embodiment of the present invention, the method for accessing the custom UI panel 2 of the image processing apparatus 4 may differ depending on the application. Some solutions, such as document management integration, preferably use a unique image transmission screen, while others display a UI panel that aggregates additional information about the image reading job. Other solutions, such as custom printing applications, may be accessed from individual modes other than specific functions.

  In order to meet the diversifying needs of these solution applications, the above embodiment supports multiple integration points for user interface control. These integration points are based on an operation (“trigger”) for registering an application by the user. In some embodiments, an application is registered in the target device (image processing device 4), so that a connection command for “remote processing device B” is issued to the UI panel 2 and an image indicating when “trigger A” occurs. You may make it the processing apparatus 4 grasp. In an exemplary embodiment, the application is integrated with the image processing device 4 at multiple “trigger” points.

  The remote calculation device 6 is registered in a specific function, and is connected when a hardware key of the above function (for example, image transmission) is pressed on the user interface of the image processing device 4. The user interface information supplied by the remote calculation device 6 is displayed in place of the standard function screen originally provided in the image processing device 4. This trigger can also be used for applications that replace existing functionality with full custom UI functionality. Such applications include, for example, alternative image reading solutions (alternative scan solutions) and special displays. The special display is, for example, a “section 508” compatible screen or an interface corresponding to other special needs. These special displays may be equipped with large buttons or other accommodations.

  There is also a form in which the menu of each function in the image processing apparatus 4 may be displayed on the touch screen. Further, this menu may be registered by a remote calculation device 6 such as a server. This allows the solution application to supply custom content and continue to use some of the standard functions provided by the image processing device 4. When a button assigned to a custom application is selected, a menu is displayed with the solution registered for that function. The user can select the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

  There is also a form in which the stand-alone RCD mode for supplying the application of the remote computing device 6 can be accessed from the job queue portion of the user interface displayed on the full screen. This trigger point can be used for applications that are not included in one of the standard device functions of the image processing device 4, such as a custom printing solution in the image processing device 4, for example. When the RCD menu is selected, the menu is displayed together with the solution application registered in the general RCD mode. The user selects the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

(Hardware key interaction)
In some embodiments of the present invention, when the image processing device 4 is available, an additional hardware key is used to manage the device. Table 2 shows the hardware key assignments in an exemplary embodiment.

  In addition to logout by pressing the * key, logout by timeout may be executed. Alternatively, it may be set to automatically delete (or set to disable use) when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds to 240 seconds) elapses. In these embodiments, if no action is taken within the time of the automatic erasure setting, the device automatically returns to the disabled mode and attempts to connect to the remote computing device 6 to re-control the user interface.

(Error & jam notification)
Depending on the particular solution, a remote computing device application (RCU application) may completely or partially control the user interface of the image processing device 4 and a particular image job. In the case of partial control, the remote computing device 6 may be able to respond to information exchange of the user interface in the native mode while monitoring the click, and may control the job. Further, as a partial control, the remote computing device application may be integrated with the unique mode (user interface trigger = function custom menu). The image processing device 4 may send all error and jam notifications to the associated remote computing device application.

  In the case where the remote computing device application completely controls the user interface and job of the image processing device 4, there may be a form in which errors and jam notifications are processed in different ways depending on the type of error. In the case of a recoverable error, a notification is transmitted to the remote computing device application, and the application performs a process of displaying a message on the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 and resolving the notified error. In the case of an error that cannot be repaired, information is exchanged between the image processing apparatus mode and the RCD mode, and the error state is appropriately processed (for example, a command to erase the jam is given to the user).

(Handoff control)
The image processing apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of applications at various points in the image processing job. These applications are not particularly limited, but include, for example, an external authentication application, a standard RCD application, and a unique mode of the image processing apparatus 4. In the following description, the main body that performs control in each process and what kind of control is possible for various processes of the typical job in the typical embodiment will be described.

  Step 1: The user presents proof data for accessing the image processing apparatus in the user interface of the image processing apparatus. This process is controlled by a remote calculation device 6 such as an external authentication application or an internal accounting (inherent mode) built in the image processing device 4 itself. At the end of this step, the image processing device is ready for use. The above external authentication application may also specify default parameters or disable certain job parameters (eg, the default file format is PDF, but the user can change it) Also, the color mode may be set to black and white so that the user cannot change it.)

  Step 2: The user sets job parameters using one of the image processing device native modes or a standard RCD application. At the end of this process, the user makes an input to start the job. When this input is made, an optional notification is sent to the standard RCD application. This standard RCD application then changes the job parameters as needed. An example of an application that requests notification when a user performs input is an e-mail application. The user uses a unique image transmission screen or other input means to select an image reading option and to select an email recipient. The user then selects a custom application button and selects a scan-to-e-mail option from the menu. Next, the e-mail application displays a custom screen for setting permission for the user's file. When the user places a document on the image reader and starts processing, the e-mail application takes in the destination parameters set by the user and changes the target destination to the FTP server of the e-mail application. The e-mail application then receives the file, grants the appropriate permissions, and sends the e-mail selected by the user to the recipient. As in some embodiments, when the application creates and displays a thumbnail of the scanned image and allows the user to confirm, at this point, the application of the remote computing device re-controls the user interface. You may request.

  Step 3: When the job is started, the image processing apparatus executes image reading or RIPing of the job and spools it to the HDD. If the image processing apparatus is configured to authenticate a job using an external authentication application, it sends a click report to the application and waits for a command. The external authentication application can send / print jobs, cancel jobs, or change job parameters (change job parameters to make them usable). For example, the rule-based printing application requests a job parameter change after receiving a click report. Some rule-based printing applications support rule-based printing and rule-based image reading, which limits the actions each user can perform based on time, destination, and many other parameters. For example, it can be set so that only users in the marketing group can read a high-quality color image. For example, when another group of users selects color, 600 dpi, the rule-based application changes the parameter to color, 200 dpi. At the end of this step, the job is allowed or canceled.

  Step 4: When the standard RCD application in Step 2 designates the destination as the temporary storage destination in the HDD, this step may be omitted. In addition, this process may be executed by a Java (registered trademark) application operating on the image processing apparatus 4 in some embodiments. For example, a government agency may have a custom encryption application that runs on the image processing device 4. The custom encryption application takes the image-read document, encrypts it, and then requests the image processing device 4 to send the document to the target destination selected by the user in step 2. Note that in some forms it may be beneficial to send a notification to the external authentication application after this step and after the send / print step. This is because the image processing apparatus does not recognize how long the file is stored on the hard disk or what the application uses to do so.

  Step 5: In the final step, the file is actually output. In typical embodiments, the file is transmitted over a network or printed at a terminal. At the end of this step, a notification that the job has been completed successfully is sent to the external authentication application. It may be transmitted to the standard RCD application.

(Device control and management API group)
With this API group, a remote computing device application controls access to an image processing device that executes sales applications (applications for which usage fees are collected), and manages the image processing device 4 from a remote location. Can do.

(Device Control and Vend API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, device control and sales APIs may allow applications to enable or disable access to the image processing device 4 and track clicks. The device control and sales API causes the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.

  Enabling / disabling the functions of the image processing device 4: This enables or disables the remote computing device 6 to access the entire image processing device 4 or to specific functions of the image processing device 4. It is possible to exercise the rights of individual users. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the functions described in Table 3 are optionally enabled or disabled depending on the application.

  Report used clicks: At the end of a normal job, the used clicks are reported back to the remote computing device RCD.

  Debit Mode: In these embodiments, the application specifies whether the current job requires authentication when enabling the image processing device 4. In this case, the job is spooled in the memory, and click information (for example, information defined in Table 4) is transmitted to the remote computing device 6. The remote calculation device 6 notifies the image processing device 4 whether the job should be deleted or output / transmitted. At this time, the application can select whether to change the job parameter. If the application does not require authentication, the job continues normally and a click report is sent at the end of the job.

  Print Job Billing: In these embodiments, the remote computing device 6 performs a walk-up function and print job monitoring. When charging the print job, the image processing apparatus 4 monitors all the print jobs that are sent, and sends the charge data in the PJL header to the remote computing device 6 for verification before printing the job. The remote calculation device 6 verifies this billing data (or its shortage) and gives the image processing device 4 information indicating whether the job should be continued or canceled.

  Reports on unconfirmed jobs: In these embodiments, the remote computing device RCD requests monitoring of print jobs that the remote computing device RCD cannot associate with a particular user, such as device reports and incoming fax jobs. The remote computing device RCD can register to receive the number of clicks for all unconfirmed jobs and charge these jobs to a general account.

(Device management API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, a device management API may allow a network application to remotely set and manage an image processing device. In a typical embodiment, the device management API can cause the remote computing device 6 to perform the following control.
Device status—The remote computing device 6 requests the current status of the image processing device 4. This is the same state information that is reported on embedded web pages.
Device configuration—The remote computing device 6 retrieves a list of installed options supported by the image processing device 4.
Web page setting—The remote computing device 6 retrieves and sets any configurable value on the embedded web page.
Key operation program—The remote operation device 6 searches and sets an arbitrary value configurable in a key operation program including software keys.
Custom settings—The remote computing device 6 searches and sets any configurable value in the custom settings.
• Job status—The remote computing device RCD retrieves the current job queue and history information and changes the priority of jobs in that queue or deletes the job.
Number of clicks—The remote calculation device 6 searches the total number of clicks in the image processing device 4 and the number of clicks of each function for each account code.
Data security setting-The remote computing device 6 searches for status information (eg, final deletion) on the DSK and starts a data erasure function.
-Red data (RED DATA)-The remote computing device 6 searches for all data normally transmitted by a red message (RED message) or the like.
Remote reboot—The remote computing device 6 initiates a reboot of the image processing device 4.

  The above classifications are only described as exemplary embodiments detailing which settings should be included. In some embodiments, the actual API is classified for each functional area. This is because the key operation setting and the web page setting may overlap.

(INTERNAL ACCOUNTING API)
The internal billing API allows a remote computing device application to configure an internal billing system and report the number of clicks. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal billing API includes the following:
Set audit options—The remote computing device 6 sets audit options including what modes of auditing are possible. The above modes include, for example, “account number security”, “invalid account job cancellation”, and the like.
Account code management—The remote computing device 6 adds, edits, or deletes account codes.
Account restriction—The remote computing device application specifies an upper limit on the number of clicks for each account code or for all account codes.
Account reset—The remote computing device application resets the number of clicks for an individual account or for all accounts.
-Click search-The remote calculation device 6 searches the number of clicks of each account code by function.

(Font and Form Management API)
Some of the above embodiments may include font and format management APIs. The font and format management API allows RCD applications to remotely download and manage fonts and formats to mass storage. In some embodiments, the font and format management API may allow the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.
Mass storage device control—The remote computing device 6 application retrieves mass storage device state information, including storage capacity, available space, and write inhibit mode, and changes the write inhibit state.
Resource List—The remote computing device application searches a list of stored fonts and formats (eg, font or macro ID, font number, font / format name, escape sequence, file size, etc.).
Resource download—The remote computing device application downloads PCL fonts, PCL macros, PS fonts, and formats. Any special processing that is performed when a resource is downloaded via a web page is also performed when the resource is downloaded via an open system.
Delete resource-The remote computing device application deletes all resources stored in the mass storage device.
Upload resource-The remote computing device application uploads individual or all resources. In the case of an image processing device 4 that cannot perform efficient memory management, the server application can “defragment” mass storage using this function.
Font / Macro ID—The remote computing device application assigns or changes the ID assigned to the PCL font and macro.

(Firmware Management API (Firmware Management API))
In some of the above embodiments, a remote management device or network application may remotely download and manage image processing device firmware by means of a firmware management API. In a typical embodiment, the firmware management API can cause the remote computing device 6 (for example, a server) to perform the following control.
Firmware version—The remote computing device application retrieves the current firmware version number.
Service mode—The remote computing device application puts the MFP in service mode and locks out other jobs that would hinder firmware upgrades. When the service mode request is received, the image processing apparatus 4 stops receiving the transmitted job, ends all jobs in the queue, and notifies the server that the image processing apparatus 4 is in the service mode. .
Firmware update—The remote computing device 6 downloads the latest firmware version to the image processing device 4. If restart is necessary, the image processing apparatus 4 is automatically restarted after the download is completed.
Download status—The image forming apparatus 4 transmits a status notification (normal / error) to the remote computing device 6 after downloading the firmware.
Revert to old version—If the firmware is not updated normally, request the image processing device 4 to revert to the old firmware version.

(Device function API group)
In some of the above embodiments, the device function APIs allow a remote computing device application to provide a new custom solution using the existing functionality of the image processing device.

(Image transmission API)
In some of the above-described embodiments, the remote control device can be controlled by the image transmission API as follows.
Image transmission parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following image reading and fax parameter values:
-Color or black and white-Image mode-text, text / photo, photo; exposure level-resolution-File format-file type, compression, number of file pages-Original-document size, single-sided / duplex, rotation, job build (job build)
・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message ・ Sender ・ Scheduled transmission time ・ Page division
・ Cover ・ Transmission message (confidential, emergency, etc.)
-Thin paper image reading-Destination-Document filing-Image reading start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the image reading function (the same as when the user presses the start button).

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device 6 can change the default value of the image processing device 4 or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device 6 may specify whether or not the user can change the image reading parameter for the current job. If one remote computing device application (eg, access control application) specifies that the parameter cannot be changed and a second application (eg, document management application) attempts to set the parameter, a notification is sent to the second application. The setting is not changed.

(Print API)
In some embodiments, the remote computing device may present the print job via a standard print channel. In some embodiments, the print API may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
PJL searching (sniffing) —The application of the remote computing device RCD registers with the image processing device to contact for instructions when a specific PJL command is found in the print job. The remote processing device can instruct the image processing device IDev to replace the command, cancel the job, or continue printing. This interface can be used for applications such as billing and is compatible with other types of applications.

(Copy API)
In the above embodiment, a copy API (Copy API) may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
Copy parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following copy parameter values:

Color or black and white Exposure-Text, text / photo, photo, super photo; exposure level Paper selection (per tray)
・ Copy rate ・ Double-sided copy: 1-to-1, 1-to-2, 2-to-2, 2-to-1; edge binding ・ Eject / eject tray, sort, staple, group, offset ・ Original size ・ Special functions-margin change, Erasing, pamphlet, etc.-Document filing / copy start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the copy function (starts in the same way as when the user presses the start button).

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device can change the default value of the image processing device or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device may specify whether or not the user can change the copy parameter for the current job.

(Document Filing API)
In the above-described embodiment, the document filing API may cause the remote calculation device to perform the following control.
Backup / Restore-Remote Computing Device RCD application imports and exports batch files along with all document filing data. In some embodiments, this package may be in a proprietary format. Because this package contains documents that are not accessible to password protected individuals. This package is generally used for restoration when a failure occurs or when copying to another device.
File / Folder List—The application of the remote calculation device 6 searches, changes, and creates new files and folders for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
File download-The remote computing device 6 downloads a new file to the document filing system and designates a folder, a file name, a user name, and a password.
User list—The remote computing device application searches, modifies, and registers new users for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
HDD status—The remote computing device application searches the current HDD status, such as% (ratio of capacity) assigned to the main folder, quick folder, custom folder, and remaining%.
Document filing parameters—The remote computing device application obtains and sets various values (eg, the values shown below) when saving a file to document filing:
・ Exposure ・ Resolution ・ Original-Size, Single-sided / Double-side ・ File information-User name, File name, Folder, Confidential, Password ・ Special mode-Erase, bag binding copy, 2IN1, job build, card shot
Start printing—The remote computing device application selects one of the stored files and starts printing, eg reflecting the following parameters:
・ Paper size / source ・ Discharge-sort / grouping, discharge tray, staple, punch, offset ・ Single-sided / double-sided (tablet / booklet)
・ Tandem printing ・ Number of copies ・ Deleting or saving after printing ・ Transmission start-The application of the remote computing device selects one of the stored files, for example, reflecting the following parameters Start:
・ Resolution ・ File format ・ Destination ・ Timer ・ Sender ・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message.

(security)
By enabling the image processing apparatus 4 to be controlled by an external application, the image processing apparatus 4 is exposed to a new security vulnerability. In the embodiment of the present invention that provides security measures, the following typical items are security concerns, which are addressed by the interface of the remote computing device 6.

  Access to the interface of the remote computing device 6 is limited to legitimate applications. The embodiment provides extensive access and control of the image processing device 4, which poses a significant security risk. While the interface in these embodiments is protected from access by attackers, setting up and using an effective solution remains easy.

  Confidential data (user certification data and job data) is protected during network transmission. The reason why the user certification data and the job data are protected during network transmission is to ensure theft prevention, prevention of device operation monitoring by an intruder, and prevention of message alteration due to man-in-the-middle attacks. The image processing device 4 establishes a secure socket layer (SSL) and other connections so as to ensure data safety while communicating between the image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application. Supported.

  The administrator can restrict access to the image processing apparatus 4. For users who require strict security, the administrator can disable access from the remote computing device 6 or restrict access to specific applications. The administrator can arbitrarily register only a limited number of applications that can access the interface of the image processing apparatus 4.

  The remote computing device application can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the image processing device 4. The remote calculation device 6 can authenticate the image processing device 4 connected to the remote calculation device 6. This is because an intruder pretends to be the image processing device 4 to collect network configuration and password information, monitor the file / folder configuration of the document management system, and check the security settings and DSK status of the image processing device 4. This is so that it cannot be distracted.

  The remote computing device 6 can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the server. The image processing device 4 must be able to authenticate all remote computing devices 6 connected to the image processing device 4. This is to prevent an intruder from impersonating the IP address of the remote computing device 6. By pretending to be a remote computing device 6, an intruder steals user proof data, transfers scanned documents, modifies device configuration or firmware (to give access to unauthorized users or The access control system can be stopped (to initiate a denial of service attack on the user).

  The access control / sales application is not at risk when the remote computing device 6 is in an unusable state. When the remote calculation device 6 is not usable, it is not permitted to give the image processing device 4 open access. If the remote computing device 6 is activated but cannot be used or cannot be used at any time (for example, when someone disconnects the network cable), the image processing device 4 is immediately disabled and an error occurs. A message is displayed.

  Administrators can adjust the security level based on the needs of the enterprise and / or application. Security requirements have a significant impact on the time spent developing remote computing device applications and the resources required to run the solution. Users utilizing some embodiments have one image processing device 4, no IT staff, and access control and all devices from small businesses using simple image reading or printing applications. May extend to government agencies with audit trails that record their actions. The security measures taken to protect the interface of the image processing apparatus 4 can be adjusted by the administrator so as to match the target environment.

  The image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application can communicate user certification data with each other. The user may be prompted to log in at multiple points during the job. For example, the access control application or billing application controls all device access, the image processing device 4 performs user authentication that enables image transmission, and the document management application prompts the user before displaying the folder list. Request to log in. In many environments, all these applications use a common user database. For this reason, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the application to communicate user certification data with each other so that the user does not need to repeat the authentication process.

  Some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. These embodiments include an image processing device configured to communicate with a remote computing device such as a server connected via a communication line, for example. The image processing apparatus 30 includes a user interface 32 and a display 36. The user interface 32 is a user input device 34, such as a keyboard, one or more buttons, knobs or switches, or a touch screen panel. The display 36 may be a user input device in the form of a touch screen panel.

  The image processing device 30 is generally capable of performing one or more image processing functions. Examples of the image processing function here include, but are not limited to, image reading, printing, copying, fax communication (transmission and reception), and the like.

  In this embodiment, a communication line 38 is further provided. The communication line 38 may be wired (as shown in FIG. 3). As the cable, for example, a network cable, a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection line, or other cables can be used. . Alternatively, the communication line 38 may be wireless. As the wireless connection, for example, IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, Bluetooth connection, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) connection, or other wireless connection can be used.

  An example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, first, the image processing device 30 receives menu data from a remote computing device (not shown in FIG. 3) (step 40). This remote calculation device is connected to the image processing device 30 via a wired or wireless communication line 38. Next, the menu data is displayed on the display 36 of the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 (step 42). The purpose of displaying the remote menu data in this way is to speed up input by the user on the user input device 34 of the user interface 32.

  The image processing apparatus 30 of the above embodiment is configured to receive an input by the user after the remote menu data is displayed and to transmit the user input data to the remote computing device (step 44). In some embodiments, this user input data is processed by a remote computing device. The process includes, for example, execution of an application in the remote computing device, access to data stored in the remote computing device, communication of the data, and the like.

  The image processing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment is configured to receive data generated by the processing of the user input data (step 46). The received data may include data generated by an application executed on the remote computing device after user input. The image processing device 30 may also receive data stored in a remote computing device such as a file server after processing of user input.

  When the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data (step 46), the image processing apparatus 30 executes a specific function in accordance with the data or by using the data (step 48). For example, but not limited to this, the image processing device 30 prints a document stored in the remote computing device and modified on the remote computing device in response to a user input. As another example, but not limited to this, when the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data in step 46, the function of the image processing apparatus 30 (for example, image reading, copying, printing, fax communication). May be made active or usable.

  Several more specific embodiments of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the image processing device 30 is configured to receive menu data formatted in the markup language from the remote computing device (step 50). The communication line through which the menu data is communicated may be constructed and maintained using a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Examples of the markup language include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or others. Can be used.

  Upon receiving the menu data (step 50), the image processing device 30 displays the received menu data on the user interface display 36 of the image processing device 30 (step 52). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the menu data is generally for prompt input by the user on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. Display of the remotely stored menu data (step 52) may be accomplished using a browser application provided with the image processing device 30.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing device 30 is further configured to transmit user input received via the user interface 32 to the remote computing device (step 54). Upon receiving the user input, the remote calculation device executes the application or processes the received user input and returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 is further configured to receive processing data from the remote computing device (step 56). In some embodiments, the image processing device 30 may perform one or more functions after receiving processing data (step 56).

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment includes a remote computing device (RCD) 60 with a communication line 64. As the communication line 64, use a network cable (as shown in FIG. 6), a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection, or other wired lines. Can do. Alternatively, the connection via the communication line 64 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, a Bluetooth connection, an infrared connection as defined by the Infrared Communication Association (IrDA) standard, or other wireless connection. . In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 may further include a data storage device 62. The data storage device 62 is typically a hard drive, but may be an optical drive device such as a compact disk drive, flash memory, or other storage device.

  An embodiment of the remote computing device 60 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, the remote computing device 60 includes a processor 72. The processor 72 processes data and executes programs such as an operating system and applications. The remote computing device 60 further includes a memory 74. The memory 74 may be a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). In general, any application processed by processor 72 is loaded into memory 74. The remote computing device 60 further includes a network interface card 78. This network interface card 78 allows the remote computing device 60 to communicate with another device such as the image processing device 30. In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 further includes a user interface (UI) 80, but this is not necessary in many embodiments. The remote calculation device 60 also includes a storage device 62 that stores applications and data accessed by the image processing device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The processor 72, memory 74, storage device 62, network interface 78, and optional user interface 80 are generally connected by a system bus 76. This enables data transmission between the members. The communication line 64 connects the remote computing device 60 to another device via the network interface card 78.

  In some embodiments described with respect to FIG. 8, remote computing device 60 has menu data stored in storage device 62 or memory 74. The menu data may be displayed on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. The menu data may be stored in various formats and configurations. In some embodiments, the menu data may be in the form of terms expressed in a markup language. Markup languages include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or other languages. Can be used. In the present embodiment, the menu data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication line 64 in step 82. Accordingly, the menu data configured to be displayed on the image processing device 30 is stored in the remote calculation device 60.

  Next, the remote computing device 60 of some embodiments is configured to receive user input (step 84). This user input is input via the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 and transmitted to the remote computing device 60 via the communication lines 38 and 64. When receiving this input data, the remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86). This processing step 86 may be a step of converting this data into a new format, a step of executing a command in this data, or another processing step. The remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86), and then returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 uses the received processing result for processing in the image processing device 30 or a function executed in the image processing device 30.

  Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the remote computing device 60 transmits menu data configured for the display 36 of the image processing device 30 using a markup language (step 90). The markup language menu data is received by the image processing apparatus 30 and displayed to the user. Thus, normally, the user can quickly input on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. This user input is transmitted to the remote computing device RCD 60 by the image processing device 30, and the remote computing device RCD 60 receives input data for quickly displaying menu data on the image processing device 30 (step 92). Further, the remote computing device RCD 60 processes the received input data (step 94). This processing step may be, for example, a step of selecting, recording, changing, etc. the format, document, or other data stored in the remote computing device RCD 60, and authenticates the user identified by the user input. May be a step, may be a step of translating a document input by the user, may be a step of generating a map or other instruction related to the user input, or other processing or function It may be.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The above-described embodiment includes at least one remote calculation device RCD60 and a plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d. In the above embodiment, at least one of the image processing apparatuses 30 a to 30 d includes the user interface 32 having the display 36 and the user input panel 34. The user input panel 34 may be integrated with the display (ie, a touch screen) or may be an input device that is separate from the display. The remote computing device RCD 60 is connected to the image processing devices 30 a to 30 d via a communication link and the network 100. Thereby, data transmission between the remote calculation device RCD60 and the image processing devices 30a to 30d is possible.

  In the above embodiment, the menu data is stored in the remote computing device RCD 60 and is transmitted to at least one of the image processing devices 30a to 30d. This menu data is displayed on the user interface. Each of the image processing devices 30a to 30d is configured to receive the menu data, accept a user input (step 112), and transmit the accepted user input to the remote computing device 60 (step 114). When receiving the user input data, the remote computing device 60 processes this data in the same manner as in the previous embodiment (step 116). Then, the result of the process (step 116) is returned to the arbitrarily combined image processing apparatuses 30a to 30d (step 118).

  In the above-described embodiment, processing capability, resources, and functionality are supplied to the plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d using a single remote calculation device RCD60. At this time, these resources are not reproduced in each image processing apparatus. In some embodiments, processing data generated in response to an input to an image processing device 30a may be transmitted to another image processing device 30d for output or final processing of the processing data. There is also.

Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus (IDev) 120 includes a user interface 124. The user interface 124 can accept user input and can display data to the user. The user interface 124 generally includes a display. This display is often in the form of a touch panel. This display is used to display data to the user. This data is, for example, menu data for quick user selection such as user ID and password, data input, format selection, and other input. The image processing apparatus 120 includes a communication link 122. As the communication link 122, a general computer network connection, a serial cable, or a wired or wireless communication line described in another embodiment can be used. The communication link 122 connects the image processing apparatus 120 to remote computing devices (RCD) 126a and 126b such as servers. The remote computing devices 126a and 126b may be for storing documents such as formats and other data, and may be used for making data accessible from the image processing device 120. . The remote computing devices RCD 126a and 126b may also execute applications that exchange information with the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124, and applications that receive input to the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124. . In some embodiments, the database 125 may be linked to the image processing device 120 and / or the remote computing devices 126a and 126b. In some embodiments, the remote calculation device 126b or the database 125 may be connected to the image processing device 120 via a wide area network such as the Internet 128.
(Embodiment of function standardization and display customization)
Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for standardizing functionality for display customization in an image processing device. The appearance (look and feel) of the operation panel display of the image processing apparatus is a factor that determines both the operational perspective and the sales prospect. An application built on a remote computing device that is intended to be executed on various image processing devices has an appearance on each image processing device when the same operation function is required for each of the various image processing devices. There is an advantage that can be secured. It is not desirable for an application developer to require a priori knowledge or to understand layout attributes and display attributes specific to the target image processing apparatus. According to the embodiments of the present invention, application developers can write a single application to ensure functionality in various image processing apparatuses while reflecting the appearance according to each image processing apparatus. .

  In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, layout information and format setting information depending on the image processing apparatus and function information and operation information independent of the image processing apparatus are separated. An application executed on the remote computing device notifies display data in a predefined syntactic profile format, and the image processing device combines the display data with a form that defines the appearance of the image processing device. . Components such as operation buttons, content display areas, and optional page turning operation areas for moving between pages when content spans multiple pages have a form that is combined with a syntax profile (display data format) Yes. The display information of the image processing apparatus is formed by combining function information provided from an application without depending on the image processing apparatus, and layout information and appearance information depending on the image processing apparatus into an integrated page. In the embodiments described herein, various known control elements such as control buttons, check boxes, check buttons, radio buttons, soft keys, hard keys, and control means operated by a pointer are used. The control elements are only examples, and the present invention is not limited to specific control elements.

  Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for display standardization in image processing devices. With this method and system, it is possible to give diversity to the display characteristics of the operation panel of the image processing apparatus and to display a standardized UI screen of the application on the user input device. In one embodiment of the present invention, if an application developer writes a single application program to be used by a user of an image processing device with a physical keyboard device and a UI display that can only display three lines of text, Other users of other image processing devices that do not have a typical keyboard device and have a display that can display a soft keyboard with more lines of text can access the same application as above. The same UI screen as the user can be viewed. At this time, it is not necessary to write a plurality of versions of the application customized according to the display capability of each image processing apparatus.

  The embodiment of the present invention includes an image processing apparatus including a storage form including format setting instruction information corresponding to the display performance and input performance of its own operation panel. By integrating this stored form with UI data received from a remote application, a standardized page specially formatted to be displayed on the UI display of the image processing device is created. In one embodiment, an XHTML form class that can provide button information, title information, and layout information used for UI screens of various applications such as a login screen and a menu screen is used as the form.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an application written to work with the formatting form of the image processing device is used. The application generates application specific template field data (ASTFD) and a form identifier, and transmits the ASTFD and the form identifier to the image processing apparatus when requested. The image processing apparatus identifies a corresponding one of the formatting forms stored in itself using the form identifier received from the application, and is adapted to its own UI display by combining the identified formatting form with ASTFD. Create an application screen customized to do. In one embodiment, the XHTML form class reference that identifies the type of form used for the individual display data is used as the form identifier.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a template providing application (template server application; TSA) is used to manage ASTFDs and form identifiers for multiple applications. In one embodiment, upon receiving an application request from the image processing device, the TSA finds the ASTFD and form identifier corresponding to the application selection information and returns them to the image processing device. The TSA may work with one or more other applications to format the image processing device data and UI.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, a stand-alone image processing apparatus having an internal processing capability is used. In another embodiment, an image processing device that communicates with one or more remote computing devices is used.

  In an example of implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the application login unit 138 of the image processing apparatus requests input of a text character string such as a user name and a password on the UI in order to access the application. How input is performed here differs between one image processing apparatus and another image processing apparatus, depending on the size and input function restrictions imposed on the UI and display of each image processing apparatus. Yes. In an embodiment of the present invention, a UI display 130 of an image processing apparatus can display only three lines of text, and a physical keyboard 132 is attached via a USB or the like for text input by a user. .

  On the other hand, the display 134 of another image processing apparatus has a larger display capability, but does not have a physical keyboard for data input. This embodiment has a soft keyboard that can be operated on the UI display. In this embodiment, the UI display menu of the image processing apparatus has both a text area and a button area for a soft keyboard, or switches between these two areas in accordance with a user input.

  In other image processing apparatuses, a text area and a soft keyboard are simultaneously displayed on the application menu screen on the UI display 136. The application of the image processing device provides the same template field data and form identifier 138 to each image processing device that requested the same application. The image processing apparatus that makes the request finds out the forms corresponding to the field data and the form identifier provided by the application among the forms stored in the image processing apparatus. The form stored in the image processing apparatus provides formatting information necessary for properly displaying data on the display of each image processing apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the image processing device 140 includes a front panel user interface display 141, an image processing device web browser 142, a creation application 143, a stored form (hereinafter referred to as "stored form") 144, and any local application. 145. The image processing apparatus is connected to a communication network and is connected to the remote calculation apparatuses 148A and 148B. The remote computing device has remote applications 149A and 149B along with application specific template field data (ASTFD) and at least one form identifier 150A and 150B. Note that “remote” in the remote application means being away from the image processing apparatus.

  The image processing apparatus 140 can directly exchange information with the local application 145 and can also exchange information with a remote application via the network 151. In one embodiment, the latter information exchange is performed using an HTTP request 146 and an HTTP response 147.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 160 includes a front panel user interface / display 161, an image processing apparatus web browser 162, a form application 163, and a storage form 164 created in accordance with the characteristics of the display and UI of the image processing apparatus. Have. Further, the image processing apparatus is connected to a remote calculation device 167. In this embodiment, the remote computing device has a template providing application (TSA) 168 with application specific template field data (ASTFD) and at least one form identifier for a plurality of different image processing devices 170A-170D. . The TSA accepts all requests for the UI screen of the application from the image processing apparatus, and finds the ASTFD and form identifier for the requested application corresponding to the accepted request. In this embodiment, TSA 168 obtains a request from applications 170A-170D and formats the obtained request into an appropriate syntax profile or “template” for image processing device 160. Similarly, the TSA 168 receives a contact from the image processing device 160 and formats or translates the received contact into a format that can be understood by the individual applications 170A-170D. The image processing apparatus 160 communicates with the TSA 168 through a network connection or a direct connection. In one embodiment, the above communication is performed using an HTTP request 165 and an HTTP response 166.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16, first, selection of an application is accepted in the UI (step 171), and an initial menu page is requested from the selected application (step 172). Then, the selected application receives this request (step 173), and transmits the template field data (ASTFD) unique to the application and the form identifier to the image processing apparatus (step 174). The image processing apparatus receives these ASTFD and form identifier (step 176), and creates an integrated page by combining the ASTFD and the storage form identified by the form identifier (step 178). Then, the image processing apparatus displays the created integrated page on the UI operation panel or the like (step 179).

  In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17, first, application selection is received from the UI (step 180), and application selection information is transmitted to the template providing application (TSA) (step 181). Then, the TSA receives the application selection information (step 182), and identifies the ASTFD and the form identifier associated with the application selection information (step 183). In one embodiment, the TSA requests the appropriate information from one or more applications and translates or reformats the information. The TSA obtains the ASTFD and form identifier from another application or source (available storage device) (step 185), and transmits the obtained ASTFD and form identifier to the image processing device (step 186). Then, the image processing apparatus receives the ASTFD and the form identifier (Step 187), and creates an integrated page by combining the ASTFD and the storage form identified by the form identifier. Then, the image processing apparatus displays the created integrated page on the UI operation panel or the like (step 189).

  In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 18, first, an application selection is received from the image processing apparatus (step 190), and an HTTP GET request or an HTTP POST request is used to select the selected application. Request an initial menu page. Then, the selected application receives this request, and transmits application-specific template field data (ASTFD) and the initial page form identifier to the image processing apparatus (194). The image processing device receives the ASTFD and the form identifier (step 196) and creates an integrated XHTML page by combining the ASTFD and the stored form identified by the form identifier (step 198). Then, the image processing apparatus displays the created integrated XHTML page on the UI operation panel (step 199).

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, first, an application selection is received from the UI (step 200), and application selection information is sent to the template providing application (TSA) using an HTTP GET request or an HTTP POST request. Transmit (step 202). The TSA then receives application selection information (step 203) and finds an XHTML page that includes the application-specific template field data (ASTFD) and form identifier corresponding to the selection information. The TSA may request the ASTFD and the form identifier from one or a plurality of other applications, or may search from the source (own storage device). Then, the TSA transmits an XHTML page including the ASTFD and the form identifier to the image processing apparatus (step 205). Then, the image processing apparatus receives this XHTML page including the ASTFD and the form identifier (step 206), and creates an integrated XHTML page by combining the storage form identified by the form identifier and the ASTFD (step 207). . Then, the image processing apparatus displays the integrated XHTML page on the UI operation panel or the like.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 20, the selection of an application is accepted in the UI of the image processing apparatus (step 210), and the selection information is transmitted to an application-specific template field data (ASTFD) available application. (Step 212). Then, the image processing apparatus receives the ASTFD and the form identifier from the ASTFD available application (step 216), and creates an integrated page by combining the ASTFD and the storage form identified based on the form identifier (step 216). 218). Then, the image processing apparatus displays the integrated page on the UI operation panel or the like (step 219).

  In one embodiment of the application, as shown in FIG. 21, an application specific template field data (ASTFD) available application receives a request to send initial page data from the image processing device (step 220). The ASTFD available application then sends the requested initial page ASTFD and form identifier (step 222).

  In one embodiment of the template providing application, as shown in FIG. 22, the template providing application (TSA) receives application selection information from the image processing device (step 224). The TSA then finds application template field data (ASTFD) and form identifier for the selected application that matches the application selection information (step 226). The TSA then sends the ASTFD and the form identifier to the image processing device (step 228).

  In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, after combining application-specific template field data (ASTFD) 231 and login screen format setting data 232 stored in the form in the image processing apparatus, an image The UI operation panel of the processing apparatus displays an application login screen 230. Here, ASTFD 231 indicates a button name (button caption), application-specific text, and other element data, while formatting data 232 indicates button formatting and layout. , Graphic element, text format, text and field position, color, shading designation, and other element data specific to UI and image processing apparatus. Further, after combining ASTFD 236 and the format setting data 237 of the menu screen stored in the form in the image processing apparatus, the UI operation panel of the image processing apparatus displays the application menu screen 235. Here, ASTFD 236 refers to button type name, application-specific text, and other element data, while formatting data 237 refers to button formatting and layout, graphic elements, text formatting, text And field position, color, shading designation, and other element data unique to the UI and image processing apparatus.

  Now, the above-described image processing apparatus and control system for the image processing apparatus will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control system 200 of the image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24, the control system 200 for an image processing apparatus includes an image processing apparatus 210 and a remote calculation device 220 that controls the image processing apparatus 210.

  The image processing apparatus 210 includes a storage device 211, an input device 212, a display device 213, a communication device 214, and a CPU (not shown) as hardware devices. The CPU functions as a form acquisition unit 215, an integration unit 216, a transmission unit 217, a reception unit 218, and a display control unit 219 by executing various programs.

  The storage device 211 is configured by, for example, an HDD and stores the above-described form. That is, the storage device 211 corresponds to the storage form 144 in FIG. 14 and the storage form 164 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the storage device 211 stores a plurality of forms, and each stored form is associated with a form identifier. That is, the storage device 211 stores a plurality of sets in association with forms and form identifiers.

  The input device 212 is a device that accepts input from the user, such as a touch panel display or a keyboard, and is used when accepting selection of an application from the user. The display device 213 includes a normal liquid crystal display or a touch panel display, and is used to display an operation screen shown in FIG. 23 to the user. In the above-described embodiment, the input device 212 and the display device 213 are integrated, and a combination of these two devices is the front panel user interface display 141 in FIG. 14 or the front panel user interface display in FIG. 161.

  The communication device 214 is a device for communicating with the remote calculation device 220 via a network, and is configured by, for example, a network interface card. The communication device 214 corresponds to the communication link 122 described above.

  The transmission unit 217 is a functional block for controlling the communication device 214 and transmitting information to the remote calculation device 220. In one embodiment, when the input device 212 receives an application selection from the user, the transmission unit 217 transmits a transmission request for various operation screens such as an initial screen to the remote calculation device 220 having the selected application. In this case, the transmission unit 217 performs the processing of Step 172 in FIG. 16 and Step 192 in FIG. In another embodiment, when the input device 212 receives an application selection from the user, the transmission unit 217 transmits the application selection information received by the input device 212 to the remote computing device 220. In this case, the transmission unit 217 performs the processing of Step 181 in FIG. 17, Step 202 in FIG. 19, and Step 212 in FIG.

  The receiving unit 218 is a functional block for controlling the communication device 214 and receiving information from the remote calculation device 220. The receiving unit 218 receives application-specific template field data and a form identifier from the remote computing device 220. The receiving unit 218 performs the processes of Step 176 in FIG. 16, Step 187 in FIG. 17, Step 196 in FIG. 18, Step 206 in FIG. 19, and Step 216 in FIG.

  The form acquisition unit 215 reads a form from the storage device 211. More specifically, the form acquisition unit 215 searches the storage device 211 for a form corresponding to the form identifier received by the reception unit 218 from the remote calculation device 220. . The form acquisition unit 215 acquires the form used for integration from the storage device 211 in step 178 in FIG. 16, step 188 in FIG. 17, step 198 in FIG. 18, step 207 in FIG. 19, and step 218 in FIG. I do.

  The integration unit 216 combines the form (storage form) acquired by the form acquisition unit 215 from the storage device 211 and the application-specific template field data received by the reception unit 218 from the remote calculation device 220 to create an integrated page. Is. The integration unit 216 performs the processing of Step 178 in FIG. 16, Step 188 in FIG. 17, Step 198 in FIG. 18, Step 207 in FIG. 19, and Step 218 in FIG.

  The display control unit 219 controls the display device 213 to display a screen for notifying the user of various information. The display control unit 219 displays the integrated page created by the integrating unit 216 for the user. The display control unit 219 cooperates with the display device 213 to perform the processes of step 179 in FIG. 16, step 189 in FIG. 17, step 199 in FIG. 18, step 208 in FIG. 19, and step 219 in FIG. .

  On the other hand, the remote calculation device 220 includes a storage device 222, a communication device 221, and a CPU (not shown) (corresponding to the processor 72 in FIG. 7) as hardware devices. The CPU functions as a reception unit 223, a data acquisition unit 224, and a transmission unit 225 by executing various programs.

  The storage device 222 is configured by, for example, an HDD, and stores application-specific template field data (ASTFD) and a form identifier. This storage device 222 corresponds to the data storage device 62 of FIG. In one embodiment, different template field data and form identifiers are prepared for each application executed in the image processing apparatus based on a user instruction, and application selection information (that is, an application selected by the user is specified). (Identification information of the application for this purpose) and stored. That is, the storage device 222 stores a plurality of sets of template field data and form identifiers specific to an application and application selection information in association with each other. The template field data and the form identifier are not prepared differently for each image processing apparatus, but are used in common among all the image processing apparatuses.

  The communication device 221 is a device for communicating with the image processing device 210 via a network, and includes, for example, a network interface card. This communication device 221 corresponds to the network interface card 78 of FIG.

  The receiving unit 223 is a functional block for controlling the communication device 221 and receiving information from the image processing device 210. In one embodiment, the receiving unit 223 receives transmission requests for various operation screens such as an initial screen from the image processing apparatus 210. In this case, the receiving unit 223 performs the process of step 173 in FIG. 16 and step 193 in FIG. In another embodiment, the receiving unit 223 also receives application selection information (that is, application identification information for specifying an application selected by the user) from the image processing apparatus 210. In this case, the receiving unit 223 performs the process of step 182 in FIG. 17 and step 203 in FIG.

  The data acquisition unit 224 acquires application-specific template field data and form identifiers from the storage device 222 in response to the reception unit 223 acquiring predetermined information from the image processing apparatus 210. When the receiving unit 223 is configured to receive an operation screen transmission request from the image processing apparatus 210, the data acquisition unit 224 acquires application-specific template field data and a form identifier from the storage device 222. In this case, the data acquisition unit 224 performs processing for acquiring, from the storage device 222, template field data and form identifier specific to the application transmitted in Step 174 of FIG. 16 and Step 194 of FIG. On the other hand, when the reception unit 223 is configured to receive application selection information from the image processing apparatus 210, the data acquisition unit 224 selects application-specific template field data and form corresponding to the application selection information from the storage device 222. Get an identifier. In this case, the data acquisition unit 224 performs the processes of Step 185 in FIG. 17, Step 204 in FIG. 19, and Step 226 in FIG.

  The transmission unit 225 is a functional block for controlling the communication device 221 and transmitting information to the image processing device 220. The transmission unit 225 transmits the application-specific template field data and the form identifier acquired by the data acquisition unit 224 to the image processing apparatus 210. The transmission unit 225 performs the processing of step 174 in FIG. 16, step 186 in FIG. 17, step 194 in FIG. 18, step 205 in FIG. 19, step 222 in FIG. 21, and step 228 in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the storage device 222 for storing the template field data and the form identifier is provided in the remote calculation device 220 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other than the remote calculation device 220, The template field data and the form identifier are stored in the storage device of the server, and the data acquisition unit 224 of the remote calculation device 220 acquires the template field data and the form identifier from the other server via the communication network. Good.

  Finally, each block of the control system 200 of the image processing device, specifically, the form acquisition unit 215, the integration unit 216, the transmission unit 217, the reception unit 218, the display control unit 219, and the remote calculation device of the image processing device 210 The reception unit 223, the data acquisition unit 224, and the transmission unit 225 of 220 may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  In other words, the image processing device 210 and the remote operation device 220 include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM that expands the program. (Random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is to enable the computer to read program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of control programs for the image processing apparatus 210 and the remote calculation apparatus 220 that are software for realizing the functions described above. This can also be achieved by supplying the recorded recording medium to the image processing device 210 and the remote computing device 220, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium. .

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the image processing device 210 and the remote calculation device 220 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The terms and expressions used in this specification are for explaining the contents and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, these terms and expressions are not intended to make any difference with respect to the features or parts of the invention shown and described. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a system including a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like having an image processing function, for example.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of this invention containing the image processing apparatus connected to the remote arithmetic unit. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical user interface for an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process with an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a remote computing device. It is a block diagram which shows the component of a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in a remote computing device. It is a figure which shows the system provided with the several image processing apparatus connected to a remote arithmetic unit. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the system shown by FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates components of an embodiment of the present invention that includes multiple remote computing devices and linked resources. It is a figure which shows the system for the standardization of the display in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the system for the standardization of the display in an image processing apparatus when there exist a some application. It is a figure which shows the system for the standardization of the display in an image processing apparatus in case there exists a template provision application (TSA). It is a figure which shows the process of one Embodiment of the standardization of the display element in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the process of embodiment using a template provision application. It is a figure which shows the process of one Embodiment of the standardization of the display using XHTML. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of an embodiment using a template providing application and an HTTP request. It is a figure which shows the process of one Embodiment of the standardization of the display in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the process of embodiment using the application which can utilize template field data peculiar to an application. It is a figure which shows the process of embodiment using a template provision application in a remote computing device. It is a figure which shows the Example of the display screen of an image processing apparatus. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control system of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

4, 30 (30a to 30d), 140, 160, 210 Image processing device 6, 60, 126a, 126b, 148A, 148B, 220 Remote operation device 211 Storage device 213 Display device 214 Communication device 215 Form acquisition unit (form acquisition means) )
216 Integration unit (integration means)
217 Transmitter (transmission means)
218 Receiver (Receiving means)
219 Display control unit (display control means)
221 Communication device 222 Storage device 223 Receiving unit (receiving means)
224 Data acquisition unit (data acquisition means)
225 Transmitter (transmission means)

Claims (32)

A method of creating display data used for display of an image processing apparatus,
Receiving (a) display information independent of the image processing apparatus from the application;
(B) creating the display data by combining the display information independent of the image processing device with the format information dependent on the image processing device included in the image processing device;
A method for creating display data characterized by comprising:   2. The display data creation method according to claim 1, wherein, in the step (b), the display data is created in the form of a markup language page.   The display data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the set of display information independent of an image processing apparatus is a syntax profile.   The display data set according to claim 1, wherein the set of format information dependent on an image processing apparatus includes information of at least one attribute selected from a layout attribute and a display attribute. How to make.   The display data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the step (a) is performed using an HTTP request.   The display data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus has the application.   The display data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the application is included in a remote computing device.   The display data creation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of displaying the display data on a display device of the image processing apparatus. A step (a) of sending application selection information from the image processing apparatus to the application;
Receiving the selection information of the application transmitted from the image processing apparatus in the application (b);
Finding an application-specific template field data and a form identifier corresponding to the selection information of the application received from the image processing device (c);
Sending the application-specific template field data and the form identifier to the image processing device; and
Receiving the application-specific template field data and the form identifier sent from the application in the image processing apparatus (e);
(F) creating an integrated page by combining the application-specific template field data and the storage form identified based on the form identifier;
A method for standardizing the display of an image processing apparatus.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising displaying the integrated page on the image processing apparatus.   10. The method for standardizing a display of an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the step (a) is at least partially performed using an HTTP request.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus has the application.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the application is included in a remote computing device.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the storage form is included in the image processing apparatus.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the storage form is provided in a remote computing device.   10. The method for standardizing a display of an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the application-specific template field data is in a markup language format.   The method for standardizing a display of an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the form identifier is a reference to an XHTML form.   10. The method for standardizing the display of an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the form identifier is sent separately from the template field data specific to the application.   The method for standardizing the display of the image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the integrated page is in a markup language format. (A) transmitting selection information of the first application for the purpose of accessing the first application from the image processing apparatus to the template providing application;
A step (b) of receiving selection information of the first application transmitted from the image processing apparatus in a template providing application;
Identifying the first application-specific template field data and the first form identifier associated with the first application selection information using the first application selection information;
Obtaining the identified first application-specific template field data and the first form identifier;
A step (e) of transmitting the acquired template field data and first form identifier unique to the first application from the template providing application to the image processing apparatus;
Receiving the transmitted template field data and the first form identifier unique to the first application in the image processing apparatus (f);
Combining the first application-specific template field data with a storage form identified based on the first form identifier to create a first integrated page;
A step (h) of transmitting the first integrated page to the image processing apparatus;
A step (i) of transmitting selection information of the second application for the purpose of accessing the second application from the image processing apparatus to the template providing application;
A step (j) of receiving selection information of the second application transmitted from the image processing apparatus in a template providing application;
Identifying the second application specific template field data and the second form identifier associated with the second application selection information using the second application selection information;
Obtaining the identified second application-specific template field data and the second form identifier;
(M) transmitting the acquired template field data and second form identifier specific to the second application from the template providing application to the image processing apparatus;
Receiving the transmitted second application-specific template field data and the second form identifier in the image processing apparatus (n);
Combining the second application-specific template field data with a storage form identified based on the second form identifier to create a second integrated page;
A step (p) of transmitting the second integrated page to the image processing apparatus;
A method for standardizing the display of an image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus including a display device for displaying a display screen for a user and a communication device for communicating with a remote calculation device,
A storage device for storing a form which is a part of the data of the display screen and is different for each type of display device;
Receiving means for controlling the communication device to receive template field data which is a part of the data of the display screen and is common data regardless of the type of the display device from the remote computing device;
Form acquisition means for acquiring the form from the storage device;
Integration means for creating display data by combining the template field data received by the receiving means and the form acquired by the form acquisition means;
Display control means for controlling the display device and displaying the display screen according to the display data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The form is shape data of a graphic object included in the display screen,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the template field data is object designation data indicating a type of a graphic object included in the display screen. The form is text formatting data contained in the display screen,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the template field data is character string data of the text. An image processing device according to claim 21;
A remote computing device having a communication device for communicating with the image processing device,
The remote computing device is
Template field data acquisition means for acquiring the template field data;
Control of the image processing apparatus, comprising: a transmission means for controlling the communication device of the remote computing device and transmitting the template field data acquired by the template field data acquisition means to the image processing apparatus. system. The remote computing device is
A storage device for storing the template field data;
25. The control system for an image processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the template field data acquisition means acquires the template field data from a storage device of the remote computing device.   25. The control system for an image processing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the template field data acquisition means acquires the template field data from another remote computing device. The image processing apparatus further includes selection information transmitting means for controlling the communication apparatus of the image processing apparatus to transmit application selection information indicating a type of application that the user desires to execute to the remote computing device,
The remote calculation device further includes selection information receiving means for controlling the communication device of the remote calculation device and receiving the application selection information from the selection information transmission means of the image processing device,
The storage device of the image processing device stores the form in association with the form identifier,
The storage device of the remote computing device stores the template field data and the form identifier in association with the selection information of the application,
The template field data acquisition unit acquires the template field data and the form identifier corresponding to the application selection information received by the selection information reception unit from the storage device of the remote calculation device,
The transmission means of the remote computing device transmits a form identifier together with the template field data,
The receiving means of the image processing device receives the form identifier together with the template field data,
26. The image according to claim 25, wherein the form acquisition means of the image processing apparatus acquires the form corresponding to the form identifier received by the reception means of the image processing apparatus from the storage device. Processing device control system.   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the image processing apparatus according to claim 21.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 28 is recorded.   25. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the control system for an image processing apparatus according to claim 24.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 30 is recorded. A control method of an image processing apparatus including a display device for displaying a display screen for a user and a communication device for communicating with a remote calculation device,
The receiving means of the image processing device controls the communication device, and the template field data which is a part of the data of the display screen and is common regardless of the type of the display device, is the remote computing device. A receiving process to receive from,
The form acquisition unit of the image processing device acquires a form from a storage device that stores a form that is a part of the data of the display screen and is different for each type of display device; and
An integration step of creating display data by combining the template field data received by the reception step and the form acquired by the form acquisition step, by the integration unit of the image processing device;
A display control step in which the display control means of the image processing device controls the display device to display the display screen according to the display data;
A control method for an image processing apparatus.

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