JP2008211469A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify operations for image processing. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing system, image processing devices are connected to a network. The image processing system has a function search processing means for searching available functions and recording them into a storage part, an input and output device configuration processing means for configuring an input device and an output device, an input and output condition configuration processing means for configuring input and output conditions, a processing path configuration processing means for configuring a processing path that is composed of selected functions based on the input device, the output device, and the input and output conditions, and a processing execution processing means for executing the processing path. Functions of each of the image processing devices are searched, and a processing path that is composed of selected functions is configured based on an input device, an output device, and input and output conditions to be executed, so that operations for image processing can be simplified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image processing apparatuses such as printers, scanners, facsimile apparatuses, and composite apparatuses, for example, printers, scanners, and facsimile apparatuses, and a plurality of personal computers are connected via a network. An image processing system for sharing an apparatus is provided.

  The printer, the scanner, the facsimile apparatus, the multifunction apparatus, and the like are considered peripheral devices of the personal computer, and are activated by application software such as document editing and image processing on the personal computer. Therefore, for example, when image processing is performed by capturing an image with a scanner or the like, first, application software for image processing is started up by a personal computer, then an original is set on the scanner's platen, and again on the personal computer. It is necessary to return and input an instruction to start the scanner by the image processing application software.

Therefore, an image processing system is provided in which application software for image processing of a personal computer is started from the scanner side. In this case, the scanner is provided with a menu table for starting each application software, and a menu having the symbol of each application software as a menu item can be displayed according to the menu table. When the operator selects a menu item of the image processing application software from the menu, an identifier corresponding to the menu item is read from the menu table, transmitted to the personal computer, and the application software of the personal computer is started up. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 10-111793 A

  However, in the conventional image processing system, after image processing application software is started up, an image of a document is read by the application software and the image is printed by a printer. A person needs to process an image, search for a printer, and input a startup instruction, which is troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of solving the problems of the conventional image processing system and simplifying the work for image processing.

  Therefore, in the image processing system of the present invention, an image processing apparatus is connected to a network.

  A function search processing unit that searches for available functions and records them in the storage unit; an input / output device setting processing unit that sets an input device and an output device; And a processing path setting processing means for setting a processing path composed of each selected function based on the input device, the output device, and the input / output conditions, and a processing execution processing means for executing the processing path.

  According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus is connected to a network in an image processing system.

  A function search processing unit that searches for available functions and records them in the storage unit; an input / output device setting processing unit that sets an input device and an output device; And a processing path setting processing means for setting a processing path composed of each selected function based on the input device, the output device, and the input / output conditions, and a processing execution processing means for executing the processing path.

  In this case, the function of each image processing device is searched, and a processing path including each selected function is set and executed based on the input device, the output device, and the input / output conditions. Can be simplified.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, 10 is a network, 20 is a printer as an image processing apparatus that prints using a printing technique such as electrophotography, 30 is a scanner as an image processing apparatus that reads an image using an optical reading technique, and 40 is an optical reading. Facsimile apparatus as an image processing apparatus for transmitting an image read by the technology via the telephone line 11 and printing an image received via the telephone line 11 by a printing technique such as an electrophotographic method, 50 is a terminal A personal computer (PC) as an apparatus.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 20 is executed by a CPU 21 as an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation of the printer 20, a RAM 22 as a first recording device for temporarily storing various information, and the CPU 21. ROM 23 as a second recording device in which the program to be stored is stored, a printing device 24 that constitutes a mechanism unit for performing printing using a printing technique such as an electrophotographic method, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal or LED Display device, an operation panel 25 as an operation unit having operation buttons as a plurality of operation elements, and a network interface 26 for connection to the network 10. The display device can be formed independently of the operation panel 25.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the scanner 30 is executed by a CPU 31 as an arithmetic device for controlling the overall operation of the scanner 30, a RAM 32 as a first recording device for temporarily storing various information, and the CPU 31. ROM 33 as a second recording device in which a program to be stored is stored, a scanning device 34 that constitutes a mechanism for reading an image using an optical reading technique, and a display device that constitutes a display unit such as a liquid crystal or LED And an operation panel 35 as an operation unit having operation buttons as a plurality of operation elements, and a network interface 36 for connecting to the network 10. The display device can be formed independently of the operation panel 35.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the facsimile apparatus 40 includes a CPU 41 as an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation of the facsimile apparatus 40, a RAM 42 as a first recording apparatus for temporarily storing various types of information, and the CPU 41. The ROM 43 as the second recording device in which the program executed by the computer is stored, the facsimile transmission / reception device 44 as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data via the telephone line 11, and printing using a printing technique such as electrophotography A printing device 45 constituting a mechanism unit for performing, a scanning device 46 constituting a mechanism unit for reading an image using an optical reading technique, a display device constituting a display unit such as a liquid crystal and an LED, and a plurality of display devices Connected to the operation panel 47 as an operation unit having operation buttons as operation elements and the network 10 Constituted by the network interface 48 of the eye. The display device can be formed independently of the operation panel 47.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the personal computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, a personal computer (PC) 50 includes a CPU 51 as an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation of the personal computer 50, and a RAM 52 as a first recording device for temporarily storing various information. , A program executed by the CPU 51, an HDD 53 as a second recording device storing permanent data, and a network interface 54 for connecting to the network 10.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the RAM 22 is an available function table 22a as a first storage unit for managing a list of functions (including software and hardware) that can be used in the printer 20, and is selected by the operator. A processing path table 22b as a second storage unit for managing the execution order and combinations of functions that satisfy the input / output conditions representing the processing conditions of the image processing performed, and a second for managing the input / output conditions of the image processing 3 is configured by a processing condition table 22c as a storage unit.

  Further, the CPU 21 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 23 (FIG. 2), searches for available functions, and lists and records them in the available function table 22a and the available function table 22a. The execution order and combination of the functions that satisfy the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator based on the information in the processing condition table 22c are recorded in the processing path table 22b and the functions recorded in the processing path table 22b. Function processing unit 23b that executes processing in accordance with the execution order and combination, processing condition setting processing unit 23c that records the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator in the processing condition table 22c, and various image conversion processes. The image conversion processing unit 23d controls the operation of the printing device 24 and performs printing. Printing processing means 23e, and comprises a remote function control processing unit 23f for executing a protocol for communicating with the processing means constituted by a program in the another image processing apparatus connected to the network 10.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the RAM 32 has an available function table 32a as a first storage unit for managing a list of functions available in the scanner 30, and input / output conditions for image processing selected by the operator. The processing path table 32b is a second storage unit for managing the execution order and combinations of functions to be satisfied, and the processing condition table 32c is a third storage unit for managing input / output conditions for image processing. The

  Further, the CPU 31 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 33 (FIG. 3), searches for available functions, lists up and records them in the available function table 32a, and available function tables 32a. The execution order and combination of the functions that satisfy the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator based on the information in the processing condition table 32c are recorded in the processing path table 32b and the functions recorded in the processing path table 32b Function processing unit 33b that executes processing according to the execution order and combination of the above, processing condition setting processing unit 33c that records the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator in the processing condition table 32c, and various image conversion processing. The image conversion processing means 33d controls the operation of the scanning device 34, and scans. Scan performs processing unit 33e, and comprises a remote function control processing unit 33f for executing a protocol for communicating with the processing means constituted by a program in the another image processing apparatus connected to the network 10.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the facsimile apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the RAM 42 includes an available function table 42a as a first storage unit for managing a list of functions available in the facsimile apparatus 40, and input / output conditions for image processing selected by the operator. The processing path table 42b as a second storage unit for managing the execution order and combinations of the functions satisfying the conditions, and the processing condition table 42c as a third storage unit for managing input / output conditions for image processing Is done.

  Further, the CPU 41 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 43 (FIG. 4), searches for available functions, lists and records them in the available function table 42a, and available function tables 42a. Based on the information in the processing condition table 42c, the execution order and combination of the functions satisfying the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator are recorded in the processing path table 42b and the execution recorded in the processing path table 42b. Function composition processing means 43b that executes each process according to the order and combination, processing condition setting processing means 43c that records the input / output conditions of the image processing selected by the operator in the processing condition table 42c, and images that perform various image conversion processes Conversion processing means 43d, printing that controls the operation of the printing device 45 and performs printing Control means 43e, scan processing means 43f for controlling the operation of the scanning device 46, scanning, facsimile transmission processing means 43g for controlling the operation of the facsimile transmitting / receiving device 44 and transmitting the facsimile device 40, and the network 10 Remote function control processing means 43h for executing a protocol for communicating with each processing means constituted by a program in another image processing apparatus connected to.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the personal computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the CPU 51 operates according to the program and information recorded in the HDD 53 (FIG. 5), and communicates with each processing means configured by a program in another image processing apparatus connected to the network 10. Remote function control processing means 53 a that executes a protocol for performing image conversion, image conversion processing means 53 b that performs various image conversion processes, and storage processing means 53 c that writes and reads image data 53 d to and from the HDD 53.

  Next, the operation of the image processing system having the above configuration will be described.

  10 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the scanner in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an available function table in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is the first flowchart of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a print function portion of an available function table in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a print function portion of the available function table in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image conversion function portion of an available function table in the first embodiment, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device selection screen in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output condition selection screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the scanner and printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a processing condition table in the first embodiment, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a subroutine of automatic function selection processing in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is an output in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a processing condition table after apparatus determination, FIG. 21 is a comparison diagram between processing conditions and an image conversion function in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a processing path in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the content of a table.

  First, when the operator operates the scanner 30 (FIG. 7) and the activation of the scanner 30 is started, the function search processing unit 33a performs a function search process to search for functions inside and outside the scanner 30, and the search result. Is recorded in the available function table 32a.

  For example, the function search processing unit 33a acquires a settable parameter from the image conversion processing unit 33d, records the image conversion function in the usable function table 32a, acquires the settable parameter from the scan processing unit 33e, and performs the scan function. Record in the available function table 32a. Further, the function search processing unit 33a requests the remote function control processing unit 33f to acquire information on the functions outside the scanner 30 and the settable parameters of each function, and records each function in the usable function table 32a. The remote function control processing unit 33f searches for a function by using a function discovery protocol such as WS-Discovery, and acquires information on a settable parameter of each function.

  In the usable function table 32a, as shown in FIG. 11, the functions are managed in the recorded order. For example, in the present embodiment, the functions of the scanner 30 are preferentially searched and recorded, and then the functions of the printer 20 (FIG. 1), the facsimile apparatus 40, and the personal computer 50 are searched and recorded in this order. In the usable function table 32a, the image conversion function and scan function of the scanner 30, the image conversion function and print function of the printer 20, the image conversion function, print function, scan function and facsimile transmission function of the facsimile apparatus 40 are sequentially displayed from the top. However, the image conversion function and the storage function of the personal computer 50 are recorded together with the settable parameters. At this time, the device identifier is recorded in the scanner 30, the printer 20, the facsimile device 40, and the personal computer 50, and the function identifier is recorded in each function. Therefore, the functions can be referred to in the order recorded.

  12 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the respective parameters that can be set by extracting each function recorded in the available function table 32a for each of the scan function, the print function, and the image conversion function.

  When the activation of the scanner 30 is completed, the processing condition setting processing unit 33c performs a processing condition setting process. Then, an input / output device setting processing unit (not shown) of the processing condition setting processing unit 33c performs an input / output device setting process, and an input / output device selection screen g1 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the operation panel 35 (FIG. 3). Is displayed to prompt the operator to specify an input / output device. In the present embodiment, operation panel 35 is a touch panel. Further, setting of the setting value and pressing of the button are directly performed on the operation panel 35. In the input device designation unit p1, the operator designates the type of the input device, for example, the scanner 30, and in the output device designation unit p2, the operator designates the type of the output device, for example, the printer 20. Subsequently, when the designation of the input device and the output device is completed, the operator presses the enter button k1.

  When the determination button k1 is pressed, the input / output device setting processing unit sets an input device and an output device.

  Subsequently, the function synthesis processing unit 33b performs function synthesis processing. A processing flow automatic selection processing unit (not shown) of the function synthesis processing unit 33b performs processing flow automatic selection processing, and automatically sets a predetermined processing flow in accordance with the set combination and type of the input device and output device. select. In this case, since the scanner 30 is set as the input device and the printer 20 is set as the output device, the processing flow of the scanner 30 and the printer 20 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is automatically selected. At this stage, each process of the scanner 30 and the printer 20 is selected, but a function in each process is not set.

  Next, input / output condition setting processing means (not shown) of the processing condition setting processing means 33c performs input / output condition setting processing and displays an input / output condition selection screen g2 as shown in FIG. , Prompt the operator to specify the input / output conditions. Then, the input / output condition setting processing means displays an input / output condition selection screen g2 corresponding to the types of the input device and the output device designated by the operator on the operation panel 35. The input / output condition selection screen g2 is automatically selected as a result of designating the scanner 30 as an input device and the printer 20 as an output device.

  Then, the input / output color is input to the color specifying unit p11, the input / output resolution is set to the resolution specifying unit p12, the size of the original to be scanned is set to the original size specifying unit p13, and the printing medium is set to the print size specifying unit p14. The document type designation unit p15 sets the type of document to be scanned, the rotation designation unit p16 sets the rotation angle for rotating the scanned document, and the scaling specification unit p17 sets the scaling factor for scaling the scanned document. In the N-UP designating part p18, the number of scanned documents placed on one sheet of paper to be printed is designated as a parameter. For example, when printing four scanned originals on one sheet, the designation of N-UP is 4-UP.

  Subsequently, when the input / output condition specification is completed, the operator presses the enter button k11. When the determination button k11 is pressed, the input / output condition setting processing unit sets the input / output conditions as specified by the operator, and as shown in FIG. 18, the scan function, the print function, and the image conversion function. The input / output condition is recorded in the processing condition table 32c.

  When the setting of the input / output device and the input / output condition by the operator is completed in this way, the function synthesis processing unit 33b selects a function that meets the set input / output condition, and performs each process corresponding to each function. The processing path is set based on the above and recorded in the processing path table 32b.

  For this purpose, the function automatic selection processing means (not shown) of the function synthesis processing means 33b performs automatic function selection processing, compares the available function table 32a with the processing condition table 32c, and selects an input device. For example, the settable parameters of the scan function shown in FIG. 12 are compared with the input / output conditions of the scan function shown in FIG. 18, and an input device that satisfies the input / output conditions is selected. When the usable function table 32a and the processing condition table 32c are compared, an input device that matches the conditions of the processing condition table 32c is searched in order from the top of the usable function table 32a, and a suitable input device is found. The comparison is finished at that point. In the present embodiment, since the scanner 30 satisfies the processing conditions, the scanner 30 is selected as the input device, and the scan function is selected as the function.

  Next, the function automatic selection processing means compares the available function table 32a with the processing condition table 32c and selects an output device. For example, the print function settable parameters shown in FIG. 13 are compared with the input / output conditions of the print function shown in FIG. 18, and an output device that satisfies the input / output conditions is selected. When the usable function table 32a and the processing condition table 32c are compared, an output device that matches the processing conditions of the processing condition table 32c is searched in order from the top of the usable function table 32a, and a suitable device is found. The comparison is finished at that point. In this embodiment, since the printer 20 meets the input / output conditions, the printer 20 is selected as the output device, and the printing function is selected as the function. Here, since the available PDL is determined by selecting the printing function, the processing condition table 32c is updated as shown in FIG. 20 from that shown in FIG.

  Further, the function automatic selection processing means compares the available function table 32a with the processing condition table 32c and selects an image processing function. For example, the settable parameters of the image conversion function shown in FIG. 14 are compared with the parameters that are the processing conditions of the image conversion function shown in FIG. 20, and an output device that satisfies the parameters is selected. FIG. 21 is a table in which FIG. 14 and FIG. 20 are combined. Hereinafter, a method for selecting an image processing function will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the rotation angle, when 10 [°] is specified by the operator, when the available function table 32a is searched from the top, only the image conversion function in the personal computer 50 at the end of the table of FIG. ], The personal computer 50 is selected for the image processing function called rotation, and the image conversion function is selected.

  When 150% is specified by the operator as the scaling factor, when the usable function table 32a is searched from the top, the image conversion function in the top scanner 30 of the usable function table 32a is 150%. ], The scanner 30 is selected for the image processing function called scaling, and the image conversion processing function is selected.

  Further, when 2-UP is designated by the operator in the number of N-UPs, when the usable function table 32a is searched from the top, the image conversion function in the printer 20 provides the 2-UP function. , N-UP, the printer 20 is selected and the image conversion function is selected.

  Furthermore, PostScript (registered trademark) or PCL is required as a result of selecting the printer 20 as the printing apparatus in the PDL conversion parameters. When the available function table 32a is searched from above, the image conversion function in the scanner 30 at the head of the table provides a PDL conversion function to PostScript (registered trademark). Is selected, and the image conversion function is selected.

  Subsequently, the processing route setting processing means (not shown) of the function synthesizing processing means 33b performs processing route setting processing. As shown in FIG. The processing path table 32b is created by recording in the processing path table 32b.

  Next, a process execution processing unit (not shown) of the function synthesis processing unit 33b performs a process execution process, and refers to the processing path table 32b shown in FIG. 22 to change the processing path according to the processing flow shown in FIG. Execute. That is, the scan processing means of the process execution processing means performs scan processing, the rotation processing means performs rotation processing, the scaling processing means performs scaling processing, the N-UP processing means performs N-UP processing, and PDL conversion processing The means performs PDL conversion processing, and the print processing means performs printing processing and ends the processing.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described.
Step S1: A function search process is performed.
Step S2 Input / output device setting processing is performed.
Step S3: A process flow automatic selection process is performed.
Step S4 An input / output condition setting process is performed.
Step S5: Function automatic selection processing is performed.
Step S6: A process execution process is performed and the process is terminated.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described.
Step S11 A scan process is performed.
Step S12 A rotation process is performed.
Step S13 A scaling process is performed.
Step S14: N-UP processing is performed.
Step S15: PDL conversion processing is performed.
Step S16 Print processing is performed and the processing is terminated.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 19 will be described.
Step S5-1: Select an input device.
Step S5-2: Select an output device.
Step S5-3: Select an image conversion function.
Step S5-4: The processing route table 32b is created and the processing is terminated.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, when there is no function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator, the operator is notified of that fact.

  FIG. 23 is a first diagram illustrating an example of an error screen according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In this case, an error determination processing unit (not shown) of the function synthesis processing unit 33b (FIG. 7) performs an error determination process, and each function recorded in the available function table 32a and input / output recorded in the processing condition table 32c. The condition is read, and it is determined whether there is an image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output condition designated by the operator. When there is no image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator, the not-shown notification processing means of the function synthesis processing means 33b performs notification processing and the operation panel 35 (FIG. 3). ) Displays an error screen g3, and displays on the error screen g3 that there is no image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions. Therefore, the operator resets the input / output conditions by pressing the reset button k21 or ends the process by pressing the end button k22.

  FIG. 24 is a second diagram illustrating an example of an error screen according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In this case, if it is determined that there is no image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator, the notification processing means displays an error screen g4 on the operation panel 35 (FIG. 3). In the error screen g4, information about which input / output conditions could not be satisfied, for example, information about the rotation angle, scaling magnification, and the like is displayed on the display sections p21 and p22. Then, the operator resets the input / output condition by pressing the reset button k31 or ends the process by pressing the end button k32.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a function that can be used by the image processing apparatus is searched, the processing flow is automatically selected by designating the input device and the output device, and the input / output conditions are designated. This makes it possible to select a function that meets the input / output conditions, thereby simplifying the work for image processing.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and the effect of the same embodiment is used about the effect of the invention by having the same structure.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the scanner according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of the scanner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this case, an HDD 37 is provided for recording various types of information in the scanner 30 as an image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, the available function history table 37a contains functions that have been available so far. History is recorded. The CPU 31 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 33, and a function history management processing unit 33g is provided to record functions that have been available so far in the available function history table 37a.

  Next, the operation of the image processing system having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the scanner in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a first diagram showing a print function portion of the available function history table in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a second diagram showing a print function portion of an available function history table in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is an example of an input / output condition selection screen in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a processing condition table according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the activation of the scanner 30 (FIG. 26) is started, the function search processing means 33a serves as the scanner 30, the printer 20 (FIG. 1) as a printing apparatus, the facsimile apparatus 40 as an image processing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus. Each function of the personal computer 50 is searched, and the search result is recorded in the usable function table 32a.

  Next, a history table update processing unit (not shown) of the function history management processing unit 33g performs a history table update process, refers to the created available function table 32a, and uses an available function history table as shown in FIG. 37a is updated to an available function history table 37a as shown in FIG. For example, the following can be understood from the available function history tables 37a shown in FIGS. That is, from the updated usable function history table 37a (FIG. 29), the fact that printer-2 capable of color printing on A3-size paper has existed in the past (connected) is used. It can be seen from the possible function table 32a (FIG. 13) that the printer-2 does not exist (is not connected) at present. Further, from the available function table 32a (FIG. 13), there is currently a printer that can perform color printing on LETTER size paper (connected), but the available function history table before updating is available. It can be seen from 37a (FIG. 28) that the printer did not exist in the past (not connected).

  When the activation of the scanner 30 is completed, the input / output device setting processing means of the processing condition setting processing means 33c displays an input / output device selection screen g1 as shown in FIG. 15 on the operation panel 35 (FIG. 25). And prompts the operator to specify an input / output device. When the operator specifies the type of the input device and the type of the output device, the input / output device setting processing unit sets the input device and the output device.

  Subsequently, the processing flow automatic selection processing means of the function synthesis processing means 33b automatically selects a processing flow according to the set type of the input device and output device, and the input / output condition of the processing condition setting processing means 33c. The setting processing means displays an input / output condition selection screen g11 as shown in FIG. 30 on the operation panel 35, and prompts the operator to specify the input / output conditions. The input / output condition selection screen g11 is automatically selected as a result of designating the scanner 30 as an input device and the printer 20 as an output device.

  The input / output color is input to the color specifying unit p31, the input / output resolution is input to the resolution specifying unit p32, the size of the original to be scanned is set to the original size specifying unit p33, and the print medium is printed to the print size specifying unit p34. As the size of the sheet, the type of document to be scanned in the document type designation section p35, the rotation angle for rotating the scanned document in the rotation designation section p36, and the scaling factor for scaling the scanned document in the scaling designation section p37. In the N-UP designation section p38, the number of scanned originals to be placed on one sheet of paper to be printed out is designated. For example, when one scanned document is printed out on one sheet, the designation of N-UP is 1-UP.

  Subsequently, when the input / output condition specification is completed, the operator presses the enter button k41. When the determination button k41 is pressed, the input / output condition setting processing unit sets the input / output conditions as specified by the operator, and as shown in FIG. 31, the scan function, the print function, and the image conversion function. The input / output condition is recorded in the processing condition table 32c.

  When the setting of the input / output device and the input / output condition by the operator is completed in this way, the function synthesis processing unit 33b selects a function that meets the set input / output condition, and performs each process corresponding to each function. The processing path is set based on the above and recorded in the processing path table 32b.

  Subsequently, the error determination processing means of the function synthesis processing means 33b reads each function recorded in the usable function table 32a and the input / output conditions recorded in the processing condition table 32c, and inputs the input specified by the operator. It is determined whether there is an image processing apparatus having a function that matches the output condition. When there is no image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output condition specified by the operator, the notification processing means of the function synthesis processing means 33b is displayed on the operation panel 35 as shown in FIG. The error screen g12 is displayed, and a display indicating that there is no image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions is displayed on the error screen g12.

  In the present embodiment, since there is no printer having a printing function for A3 size paper, if the operator changes the A4 version to the A3 version in the print size designation part p34 of the input / output condition selection screen g11, The notification processing means notifies the operator by displaying that an input / output condition of an incorrect function is designated in the print size designation part p41. The notification processing means refers to the available function history table 37a, determines whether there is an image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator, and designates it by the operator. If there is an image processing apparatus (printer-2) having a function that matches the input / output condition specified, the image processing having a function that matches the input / output condition specified by the operator in the apparatus identifier specifying unit p42 Displays the device identifier of the device.

  Therefore, the operator can set the input / output conditions by connecting an image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator, in this case, the printer-2 or pressing the reset button k51. The processing is terminated by resetting or pressing the end button k52.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, if an image processing apparatus having a function that matches the input / output conditions specified by the operator has been connected in the past and is not currently connected, this is the case. Can be notified to the operator, and the work for image processing can be simplified.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: Function search processing is performed.
Step S22: History table update processing is performed.
Step S23: Input / output device setting processing is performed.
Step S24: A process flow automatic selection process is performed.
Step S25 An input / output condition setting process is performed.
Step S26: Function automatic selection processing is performed.
Step S27: A process execution process is performed and the process is terminated.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, when the operator operates the operation panel 35 of the scanner 30, the scanner 30 performs function search processing, input / output device setting processing, processing flow automatic selection processing, input / output condition setting processing, function Each process such as an automatic selection process is performed, but the same process can be performed in other image processing apparatuses such as the printer 20 and the facsimile apparatus 40.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the printer, the scanner, and the facsimile apparatus are connected to the network as the image processing apparatus has been described. However, a multifunction machine or the like can be further connected to the image processing apparatus.

  In each of the above embodiments, examples of some limited functions such as a printing function and an image conversion process have been described. However, the present invention is applied to other functions related to image processing such as PDF conversion. Can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made based on the gist of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the personal computer in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the scanner in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a functional block diagram of a facsimile apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the personal computer in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the scanner in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the available function table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the part of the scanning function of the available function table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the part of the printing function of the available function table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the part of the image conversion function of the available function table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the input / output device selection screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the scanner and printer in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the input / output condition selection screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process condition table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the subroutine of the function automatic selection process in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process condition table after the output apparatus determination in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a comparison figure of the process conditions and image conversion function in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the content of the processing path table in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of the error screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example of the error screen in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the scanner in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the scanner in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the scanner in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the part of the printing function of the available function log | history table in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the part of the printing function of the available function log | history table in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the input / output condition selection screen in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process condition table in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the error screen in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Network 20 Printer 22a, 32a, 42a Available function table 22b, 32b, 42b Processing path table 22c, 32c, 42c Processing condition table 23a, 33a, 43a Function search processing means 33b Function composition processing means 33c Processing condition setting processing means 30 Scanner 40 facsimile machine

Claims (4)

In an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus is connected to a network,
(A) function search processing means for searching for available functions and recording them in a storage unit;
(B) input / output device setting processing means for setting the input device and the output device;
(C) input / output condition setting processing means for setting input / output conditions;
(D) processing path setting processing means for setting a processing path including each selected function based on the input device, the output device, and the input / output conditions;
(E) An image processing system comprising processing execution processing means for executing the processing path.   The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a processing flow automatic selection processing unit that selects a processing flow based on a combination of the input device and the output device.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the function search processing unit preferentially records functions in the image processing apparatus in a storage unit. (A) error determination processing means for determining whether an image processing apparatus having a function that matches an input / output condition specified by an operator has existed in the past;
(B) notification processing means for notifying an operator of an image processing apparatus having a function that matches an input / output condition specified by the operator; Image processing system.

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