JP2007201613A - Digital composite machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly deal with competition of accepted processing requests in a network-connectable digital composite machine. <P>SOLUTION: The digital composite machine includes an operation panel, a scanner, a printer and a FAX transmission/reception unit. Upon receiving an external activation job request from a FAX server 1 (Yes in S201), the composite machine prohibits a panel operation to reject a panel operation job (S206). Then, when the external activation job request is completed, the composite machine permits the panel operation (S210). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital multi-function peripheral having a FAX transmission function and connectable to a network, and more particularly to a technique for performing processing based on a predetermined priority when a plurality of requests compete.

There is a device called a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) having a scanner and a printer. This multifunction device has a scanner function for a scanner to capture an image, a print function for a printer to print, a copy function for a printer to print an image read by the scanner, and the like. In recent years, a multi-function device having a FAX transmission / reception function has appeared (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-30132 A

  A multifunction device having such a FAX transmission / reception function can also be connected to a network. In this case, if a request from an external server or the like connected via the network is accepted, there is a possibility that a process request contention that accepts another request while executing a process for one request may occur. This competition needs to be handled appropriately.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for appropriately processing a competition of received processing requests in a digital multifunction peripheral that can be connected to a network.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a digital multi-function peripheral that can be connected to a server via a network transmits a transmission data read by the scanner, and receives and transmits received data sent from a public line. Control of the scanner, the FAX transmission / reception unit, and the printer based on instructions from the scanner, the printer that prints the received data, the operation panel, the server, and the operation panel, and performs FAX transmission / reception control. And a control unit. The control unit does not accept an operation input to the operation panel when a process for a fax transmission request from the server is being executed.

  As a result, when receiving a fax transmission request from the server and performing processing, it is possible to prevent input from the operation panel from being accepted.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the control unit receives a fax transmission request from the server, the control unit determines whether or not processing for the processing request for the digital multifunction peripheral received by the operation panel is being executed, When processing for a processing request for the digital multi-function peripheral received by the operation panel is being executed, the processing is interrupted when a predetermined processing unit of the processing being executed is completed, and fax transmission from the server is performed. You may make it perform the transmission process with respect to a request | requirement.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a digital multi-function peripheral that can be connected to a server via a network transmits a transmission data read by the scanner, and receives and transmits received data sent from a public line. Control of the scanner, the FAX transmission / reception unit, and the printer based on instructions from the scanner, the printer that prints the received data, the operation panel, the server, and the operation panel, and performs FAX transmission / reception control. And a control unit. Then, the processing request from the server and the processing request received by the operation panel are given a classification priority based on the processing request type and an individual priority assigned to each processing request, and the control unit When a plurality of processing requests compete, the priority order is determined based on the type priority and the individual priority assigned to the plurality of processing requests, and processing is performed in order from the processing request with the highest priority.

  Thereby, it is possible to perform processing in descending order of priority determined by a combination of the priority determined by the type of processing request and the priority of each processing request.

  In a preferred embodiment, the individual priority may be designated by a user.

  Hereinafter, a FAX transmission / reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a FAX transmission / reception system according to the present embodiment.

  In this system, a FAX server 1, a FAX client 3, and a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) 5 are connected via a network 9. A plurality of FAX clients 3 and MFPs 5 can be connected to one FAX server 1.

  The multi-function device 5 includes a multi-function device main body 51 that is an information processing device, an operation panel 52 that is an input / output device that accepts user input operations, a scanner 53 that scans and reads images, and a printer that prints on printing paper or the like. 54 and a FAX unit 55 that performs FAX transmission / reception. That is, the multi-function device 5 includes a scanner function, a print function, a copy function that combines the scanner function and the print function, and a FAX transmission / reception function.

  The FAX server 1, the plurality of clients 3, and the MFP main body 51 are all configured by, for example, a general-purpose computer system, and individual components or functions in each server described below include, for example, a computer program It is realized by executing.

  The FAX unit 55 is connected to the public network, and includes a FAX transmission / reception unit 551 that performs transmission / reception of FAX, a transmission buffer 552 that temporarily stores transmission data to be transmitted by the FAX transmission / reception unit 551, and a FAX transmission / reception unit 551. A reception buffer 553 that temporarily stores received data and a communication result log 554 that stores communication result data indicating a transmission / reception result are provided.

  When the FAX unit 55 receives the image data read by the scanner 53 from the multi-function device main body 51, the FAX unit 55 temporarily stores it in the transmission buffer 552. The FAX transmission / reception unit 551 acquires the image data stored in the transmission buffer 552 and transmits it by FAX. When the transmission is completed, the FAX transmission / reception unit 551 deletes the transmitted data stored in the transmission buffer 552.

  When the FAX transmission / reception unit 551 receives data transmitted by FAX from the public line network, the FAX transmission / reception unit 551 temporarily stores the received data in the reception buffer 553. The received data stored in the reception buffer 553 is sent to the multi-function device main body 51 and printed by the printer 54. The FAX transmission / reception unit 551 deletes the reception data printed by the printer 54 from the reception buffer 553.

  Note that the transmission buffer 552 and the reception buffer 553 may be configured integrally.

  The communication result log 554 stores a history of FAX communication results such as success or failure of FAX transmission / reception by the FAX transmission / reception unit 551. For example, the communication result log 554 stores communication results for each page and communication result data for each job including a plurality of pages.

  Here, the FAX unit 55 performs FAX transmission / reception independently of the other components 51, 52, 53, 54 in the multifunction machine 5. In other words, when the FAX unit 55 receives transmission data from the MFP main body 51, the FAX unit 55 performs FAX transmission independently from the MFP main body 51, and receives FAX data if it is transmitted from the public line network. Therefore, for example, even when a trouble occurs in the network, the FAX unit 55 transmits and receives a FAX regardless of the trouble.

  The MFP 51 includes a network interface 511 that communicates with the FAX server 1 and the like connected via the network 9, a control unit 512 that controls the operation panel 52, the scanner 53, the printer 54, and the FAX unit 55, and FAX transmission / reception. A buffer 513 for storing FAX data and a communication result log 514.

  The network interface 511 manages the communication state with the server 1. For example, the network interface 511 determines whether communication with the server 1 can be performed normally or communication with the server 1 is impossible due to some trouble. When the network 9 is in a communicable state, the network interface 511 transmits a communication result log and FAX data (transmission data and reception data) to the server 1.

  The control unit 512 receives a request for a panel operation job from the operation panel 52 and performs processing based on the request. Further, the control unit 512 accepts an externally activated job request from a device connected via a network such as the FAX server 1 and performs processing based on the request.

  The panel operation job corresponds to, for example, FAX transmission and local copy, and the external activation job corresponds to, for example, FAX transmission from the FAX server 1 and a scan (network scan) request via the network.

  When receiving a FAX transmission request, the control unit 512 instructs the scanner 53 to read an image, and acquires image data read by the scanner 53. This image data is stored in the buffer 513. The image data stored in the buffer 513 is transferred to the FAX unit 55 and transmitted by FAX.

  When receiving a FAX reception request from the FAX unit 55, the control unit 512 acquires the reception data received from the public line network by the FAX unit 55 and stores it in the buffer 513. The image data stored in the buffer 513 is transferred to the printer 54 and printed.

  Here, when the panel operation job request and the externally activated job request conflict, that is, when the other request is accepted while performing processing based on one request, the control unit 512 determines which one according to a predetermined priority. Either request is processed preferentially. There are various ways of determining the priority.

  For example, in the first aspect relating to the priority, the priority of the panel operation job request is set higher than the priority of the external activation job request. In this case, when a panel operation job request is received during the processing based on the external start job request, the external start job request is temporarily stopped and the panel operation job request is processed first.

  In the second aspect related to the priority, the priority of the externally activated job request is set higher than the priority of the panel operation job request. In this case, when an external activation job request is received during the processing based on the panel operation job request, the panel operation job request is temporarily stopped and the external activation job request is processed first.

  The third aspect related to the priority is based on the type priority for each job type and the individual priority assigned to each job regardless of whether it is a panel operation job request or an externally activated job request. Set priorities. In this case, the control unit 512 compares the priority order determined by the type priority and individual priority of the job being executed with the priority order determined by the type priority and individual priority of the job received later. A job with a high priority is preferentially processed with respect to a job with a low priority. In this case, the individual priority can be specified every time the user requests each job.

  In the multi-function device 5 according to the present embodiment, the user can select any one of the above-described aspects related to the priority. In other words, when a plurality of job requests conflict, the control unit 512 performs processing in a manner relating to the priority selected by the user.

  In addition, the control unit 512 receives communication result data notification from the FAX unit 55 by the FAX transmission / reception unit 551 and stores it in the communication result log 514. Therefore, the same content as the communication result log 554 of the FAX unit 55 is stored in the communication result log 514.

  The server 1 includes a network interface 11 that communicates with the FAX client 3 and the multifunction machine 5 connected via the network 9, a communication result log 12, a backup data storage unit 13, and a job request processing unit 15.

  For example, the network interface 11 receives communication result data and FAX data sent from the multi-function device 5. The network interface 11 accumulates communication result data in the communication result log 12 and stores FAX data in the backup data storage unit 13. When the network interface 11 receives data from the multi-function device 5, it returns a reception confirmation.

  The backup data storage unit 13 stores a backup 131 of received data and a backup 132 of transmission data.

  The job request processing unit 15 makes a job request to the multi-function device 5 based on an instruction from the FAX client 3. This job request is an externally activated job request for the multi-function device 5.

  In the FAX transmission / reception system having the above-described configuration, processing according to modes relating to priority will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the control unit 512 in the first mode regarding priority, in which the priority of the panel operation job is higher than that of the externally activated job.

  First, when the MFP main body 51 receives a request for a job, it determines whether or not the job is a request for a panel operation job (S101).

  If the received request is a panel operation job (S101: Yes), the control unit 512 confirms resources necessary for executing the panel operation job, and the panel operation job can be executed. Is determined (S102).

  If the panel operation job cannot be executed (S102: No), it is displayed on the operation panel 52 that the received job cannot be executed, and the process is terminated (S108).

  When the panel operation job can be executed (S102: Yes), the control unit 512 determines whether or not an external start job is currently being executed (S103). When the externally activated job is being executed (S103: Yes), the job being executed is temporarily stopped when the predetermined processing unit is completed (S104). Here, the predetermined processing unit is a page unit, and pauses at page breaks. If the externally activated job is not being executed (S103: No), step S104 is skipped.

  Then, the control unit 512 executes processing for the received panel operation job request (S105).

  When the process for the panel operation job is completed, the control unit 512 determines whether or not the externally activated job is temporarily stopped (S106). If it is temporarily stopped (S106: Yes), the externally activated job is resumed (S107).

  On the other hand, if the received job request is not a panel operation job (S101: No), it is determined whether the request is for an externally activated job (S111).

  If the job is an externally activated job (S111: Yes), the control unit 512 determines whether a panel operation job is currently being executed (S112). If the panel operation job is being executed (S112: Yes), the control unit 512 sends a rejection notification to the FAX server 1 that is the request source of the external start job, and ends the processing (S113).

  In step S112, when the panel operation job is not being executed (S112: No), the control unit 512 is in a no-operation time-out state in which a period of time during which neither the panel operation job nor the externally activated job is executed exceeds a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not (S114). If the no-operation timeout has not occurred (S114: No), the process proceeds to step S113. In other words, externally activated jobs are not accepted until the no-operation timeout is reached.

  On the other hand, if the no-operation time-out has occurred (S114: Yes), the control unit 512 confirms resources necessary for executing the external startup job, and determines whether or not the external startup job can be executed. Is determined (S115). If the external startup job cannot be executed (S115: No), the process proceeds to step S113. When the externally activated job can be executed (S115: Yes), the FAX server 1 that is the request source of the externally activated job is notified that the request has been accepted (S116), and the accepted job is executed (S116). S117).

  As a result, the panel operation job can be executed with priority over the external activation job, so that processing can be performed so as not to wait for the user who makes a job request to the operation panel. Furthermore, the externally activated job request is not accepted before the no-operation timeout. Thereby, the panel operation job priority is secured by appropriately securing the time until the no-operation timeout.

  Next, FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence chart in the first mode regarding priority.

  First, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation panel 52, the operation panel 52 transmits a FAX transmission request as a panel operation job to the control unit 512 (S151).

  When the control unit 512 accepts this, it is notified to the operation panel 52 (S152), and a screen indicating that processing is in progress is displayed on the operation panel 52. Then, the control unit 512 outputs a document scan command to the scanner 53 (S153).

  At this time, if there is a FAX transmission request from the FAX server 1 as an externally activated job, this request is rejected (S161, S162). Thereafter, the FAX server 1 retries this FAX transmission request at a predetermined time interval, but is rejected until the processing of the FAX transmission request by the panel operation in S151 is completed (S163 to S166).

  When the scanner 52 completes the document scan, the scanned image data is notified to the control unit 512 (S154). The control unit 512 sends image data to the FAX unit 55 to instruct FAX transmission (S155).

  When the FAX transmission at the FAX unit 55 is completed, a notification to that effect is sent to the control unit 512, and the processing of the FAX transmission request by the panel operation ends (S156).

  If there is a FAX transmission request from the FAX server 1 immediately after the end of the process and before the no-operation timeout occurs (S167), this request is also rejected (S168).

  When the no-operation time-out occurs, the control unit 512 causes the operation panel 52 to display an original screen that can accept a request for a panel operation job (S157).

  Thereafter, when there is a FAX transmission request from the FAX server 1 (S169), this request is accepted (S170) and transmitted from the FAX unit 55 (S171, 172).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the control unit 512 in the second mode related to priority, in which the priority of the externally activated job is higher than that of the panel operation job.

  First, when the MFP 51 receives a job request, it determines whether the job is an externally activated job request (S201).

  If the received request is an external startup job (S201: Yes), the control unit 512 confirms resources necessary to execute the external startup job and is in a state where the external startup job can be executed. It is determined whether or not (S202).

  If the externally activated job cannot be executed (S202: No), the FAX server 1 that is the request source of the externally activated job is notified that the accepted job cannot be executed, and the process is terminated (S211).

  When the externally activated job can be executed (S202: Yes), the control unit 512 notifies the FAX server 1 that the job has been accepted (S203). Further, the control unit 512 determines whether or not a panel operation job is currently being executed (S204). When the panel operation job is being executed (S204: Yes), the job being executed is temporarily stopped when the predetermined processing unit ends (S205). Here, the predetermined processing unit is a page unit, and pauses at page breaks. If the panel operation job is not being executed (S204: No), step S205 is skipped.

  The control unit 512 notifies the operation panel 52 of the prohibition of panel operation (S206), and then executes the received external activation job (S207).

  When the externally activated job ends, the control unit 512 determines whether or not the panel operation job is paused (S208). If it is temporarily stopped (S208: Yes), the panel operation job is resumed and the panel operation prohibited in step S206 is permitted (S209, S210).

  On the other hand, if the received job request is not an externally activated job (2101: No), the control unit 512 determines whether the request is a panel operation job request (S221).

  If it is a panel operation job (S221: Yes), the control unit 512 checks resources necessary for executing the panel operation job, and determines whether or not the panel operation job can be executed. Determination is made (S222). If the panel operation job cannot be executed (S222: No), a screen indicating that the received job cannot be executed is displayed on the operation panel 52, and the process ends (S224).

  If the panel operation job can be executed (S222: Yes), the accepted job is executed (S223).

  As a result, the externally activated job can be executed with priority over the panel operation job, so that it can be processed without waiting for the panel operation job.

  Next, FIG. 5 is an example of a sequence chart in the second mode regarding priority.

  First, the control unit 512 accepts a network scan request as an external activation job from the FAX server 1 as an external activation job (S251). Then, the control unit 512 notifies the FAX server 1 that the accepted request can be executed (S252).

  Then, the control unit 512 prohibits panel operation (S253). Thereby, the control unit 512 does not accept an operation from the operation panel 52.

  The controller 512 outputs a document scan command to the scanner 53 (S254). When the scanner 52 completes the document scanning, the scanned image data is notified to the control unit 512 (S255). Then, the control unit 512 transfers this image data to the FAX server 1 (S256).

  When the data transfer to the FAX server 1 is completed, the processing for the network scan request accepted in step S251 ends, so the control unit 512 cancels the panel operation prohibition and permits the panel operation (S257).

  Since the panel operation is permitted, the control unit 512 can accept a panel operation job. That is, when receiving a local copy request from the operation panel 52 (S261), the control unit 512 notifies the operation panel 52 that this request can be executed (S262).

  The control unit 512 causes the scanner 53 to scan the document according to the received request (S263, S264), and causes the printer 54 to print the image data obtained by the scan (S265, 266).

  FIG. 6 shows the priority order based on the type priority for each job type and the individual priority assigned to each job regardless of whether it is a panel operation job request or an externally activated job request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure of a control unit 512 in a third mode regarding priority.

  Here, the type priority is determined in advance for each processing request type such as FAX transmission request, local copy, and network scan. The individual priority is specified for each job when the user requests the job. The priority order of each job is determined by the combination of the type priority and the individual priority. For example, if the type priority and individual priority are two stages of “high” and “low”, the job that is “high” is the highest priority, and the job that is “low” is the highest priority. The ranking is low.

  First, when the MFP main body 51 receives a job request, it determines whether there is a job currently being executed (S301).

  If there is no job being executed (S301: No), the accepted job is executed and the process is terminated (S302).

  When there is a job being executed (S301: Yes), the control unit 512 determines the priority of the received job and the job being executed, and determines whether the received job has a higher priority than the job being executed. (S311).

  When the priority of the accepted job is higher than the priority of the job being executed (S311: Yes), the control unit 512 temporarily stops the job being executed when a predetermined processing unit is completed (S312). Here, the predetermined processing unit is a page unit, and pauses at page breaks.

  Then, the accepted job is executed, and when the job is completed, the temporarily stopped job is resumed (S313, S314).

  In step S311, when the priority of the accepted job is not higher than the priority of the job being executed (S311: No), the control unit 512 determines whether the accepted job is a panel operation job.

  If the job is a panel operation job (S321: Yes), the operation panel 52 displays that the received job cannot be executed (S322). If the job is not a panel operation job (S321: No), the control unit 512 transmits a fax. A job rejection notification is sent to the server 1, and the process is terminated (S323).

  As a result, regardless of whether the job is an externally activated job or a panel operation job, the job can be executed according to the priority order determined by the combination of the type priority and the individual priority.

  Next, FIG. 7 is an example of a sequence chart in the third mode regarding priority.

  First, the control unit 512 receives a network scan request from the FAX server 1 as an external activation job (S351). Then, the control unit 512 notifies the FAX server 1 that the accepted request can be executed (S352).

  The controller 512 outputs a document scan command to the scanner 53 (S353). When the scanner 52 completes the document scanning, the scanned image data is notified to the control unit 512 (S354). Then, the control unit 512 transfers this image data to the FAX server 1 (S355).

  Here, if there is a fax transmission request from the fax server 1 during the data transfer in step S355, the control unit 512 accepts this (S361). If the priority of this FAX transmission request is higher than that of the network scan, the control unit 512 notifies the FAX server 1 that this FAX transmission request has been accepted (S362).

  Then, the control unit 512 interrupts the network scan data transfer at page breaks (S356), and preferentially executes the processing for the FAX transmission request in step S361. That is, the control unit 512 instructs the FAX unit 55 to perform FAX transmission, and causes the FAX unit 55 to perform FAX transmission (S363, S364).

  When the processing for the FAX transmission request in step S361 is completed, the interrupted data transfer of the network scan is resumed (S357).

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the case where a FAX transmission request is accepted as an externally activated job has been described as an example, but the same applies to a network scan instead of a fax transmission request.

  In the example of FIGS. 5 and 7, the case where a network scan is accepted as an externally activated job has been described as an example. However, the same applies to a fax transmission request instead of a network scan.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a FAX transmission / reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control part 512 in the 1st aspect regarding a priority. It is an example of the sequence chart in the 1st aspect regarding a priority. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control part 512 in the 2nd aspect regarding a priority. It is an example of the sequence chart in the 2nd aspect regarding a priority. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control part 512 in the 3rd aspect regarding a priority. It is an example of the sequence chart in the 3rd aspect regarding a priority.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... FAX server, 3 ... FAX client, 5 ... Multi-function device, 51 ... Multi-function device main body, ... Operation panel, 53 ... Scanner, 54 ... Printer, 55 ... FAX unit.

Claims (8)

A digital multifunction device that can be connected to a server via a network,
A scanner,
A FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data transmitted from a public line;
A printer for printing the received data;
An operation panel;
A control unit that controls the scanner, the FAX transmission / reception unit, and the printer based on instructions from the server and the operation panel, and performs FAX transmission / reception control;
The control unit does not accept an operation input to the operation panel when processing for a fax transmission request from the server is being executed. When the control unit receives a fax transmission request from the server, the control unit determines whether or not the processing request for the digital multifunction peripheral received by the operation panel is being executed,
When processing for a processing request for the digital multifunction peripheral received by the operation panel is being executed, the processing is interrupted when a predetermined processing unit of the processing being executed is completed, and a fax from the server is received. 2. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 1, wherein transmission processing is performed in response to a transmission request. A digital multifunction device that can be connected to a server via a network,
A scanner,
A FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data transmitted from a public line;
A printer for printing the received data;
An operation panel;
A control unit that controls the scanner, the FAX transmission / reception unit, and the printer based on instructions from the server and the operation panel, and performs FAX transmission / reception control;
The processing request from the server and the processing request received by the operation panel are given a classification priority based on the processing request type and an individual priority assigned to each processing request,
When a plurality of processing requests compete, the control unit determines a priority based on the type priority and the individual priority assigned to each of the plurality of processing requests, and processes the processing requests in order from the highest priority processing request. A digital multi-function machine characterized by   4. The digital multi-function peripheral according to claim 3, wherein the individual priority can be specified by a user. A scanner, a FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data sent from a public line, a printer that prints the reception data, and an operation panel are provided via a network. A state management method of the operation panel in a digital multifunction peripheral connectable to a server,
Accepts a fax transmission request from the server,
When starting execution of processing for the accepted fax transmission request, prohibiting acceptance of operation input on the operation panel;
When the execution of the processing for the fax transmission request is finished, the method accepts the operation input of the operation panel. A scanner, a FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data sent from a public line, a printer that prints the reception data, and an operation panel are provided via a network. A computer program for managing the status of the operation panel in a digital multi-function peripheral connectable to a server,
When executed on the digital multifunction device,
Accepts a fax transmission request from the server,
When starting execution of processing for the accepted fax transmission request, prohibiting acceptance of operation input on the operation panel;
When the execution of the processing for the fax transmission request is finished, the computer program permits accepting operation input of the operation panel. A scanner, a FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data sent from a public line, a printer that prints the reception data, and an operation panel are provided via a network. A processing method for competing processing requests in a digital multifunction peripheral that can be connected to a server,
Receiving a processing request from the server and a processing request received by the operation panel, each with a type priority based on a processing request type and an individual priority assigned to each processing request,
When a plurality of processing requests compete, the priority order is determined based on the type priority and the individual priority assigned to each of the plurality of processing requests,
The method is characterized in that processing is performed in order from the determined processing request with the highest priority. A scanner, a FAX transmission / reception unit that transmits transmission data read by the scanner and receives reception data sent from a public line, a printer that prints the reception data, and an operation panel are provided via a network. A computer program for processing competing processing requests in a digital multifunction peripheral connectable to a server,
When executed on the digital multifunction device,
Receiving a processing request from the server and a processing request received by the operation panel, each with a type priority based on a processing request type and an individual priority assigned to each processing request,
When a plurality of processing requests compete, the priority order is determined based on the type priority and the individual priority assigned to each of the plurality of processing requests,
A computer program which performs processing in order from the determined processing request with the highest priority.

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