JP2009111785A - Image processor and processing distributing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and processing distributing method, for performing processing by analyzing a message from an external device while reducing consumption of hardware resources caused by increase in functions. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor analyzes a message received from an external device and performs processing based on the message, and includes: a message transmitting and receiving means 48 for transmitting and receiving a message with an external device; a message control means 62 which specifies processing requested by the message based on predetermined information contained in the message received from the external device by the message transmitting and receiving means 48, determines a transmission destination of the message in accordance with the specified processing, and transmits the message to the transmission destination; and at least one processing performing means each for performing the processing requested by the message. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a processing distribution method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that analyzes a message from an external device and performs processing, and a processing distribution method in the image processing apparatus.

  The image processing apparatus has a function (installed function) installed in the image processing apparatus in response to an operation request received via an external device (external device) such as a PC (Personal Computer) and a predetermined data communication means such as a network. The requested process is being performed. Some conventional image processing apparatuses receive a request from an external device using SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) using XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  When a predetermined process is requested from an external device to the image processing apparatus, the request from the external apparatus is transmitted to the image processing apparatus by structured data (hereinafter referred to as a SOAP message) defined in a predetermined format. A message exchange method using SOAP, in which the image processing apparatus performs processing according to a request and then transmits SOAP data in which the results are collected to an external device, is widely adopted (see, for example, cited document 1). .

  SOAP is a protocol specification for exchanging messages based on XML. It is positioned above protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), and exchange of SOAP messages in the packet. Is a protocol for performing SOAP can add additional information other than the XML document body, such as destination information such as an IP address and a port number, and action information for instructing predetermined processing, to a SOAP message to be transmitted and received.

In this way, by using SOAP for exchanging messages with external devices, the image processing apparatus can provide information on its own device to external devices, or in response to requests from external devices such as plotters and scanners. Processing can be performed by the on-board function. The multi-function peripheral analyzes a SOAP message received from an external device and classifies processing to be performed.
JP 2005-284985 A

  However, an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a multifunction peripheral is designed to operate in different processes so that the memory space used when each function operates is different. In such a multi-process environment, a module for exchanging messages using SOAP is installed for each function. In such a case, the conventional image processing apparatus has a problem that a communication port must be prepared for each module that performs message exchange using SOAP.

  In addition, since the conventional image processing apparatus is equipped with a module for exchanging messages using SOAP for each function, the size of the module for exchanging messages using SOAP increases each time the function is increased. There has been a problem of consuming an extra storage area.

  As described above, the conventional image processing apparatus has a problem in that extra hardware resources such as a communication port and a storage area are consumed as the functions to be provided are increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an image processing apparatus and a processing distribution method that perform processing by analyzing a message from an external device while reducing consumption of hardware resources due to an increase in functions. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that receives a predetermined message from an external device, analyzes the message, and performs a process according to the message. A message transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives the message between, and a process requested by the message based on predetermined information included in the message received by the message transmission / reception unit from the external device. The message control means for determining the transmission destination of the message according to the message and transmitting the message to the transmission destination, and one or more processing execution means for executing the processing requested by the message. And

  In addition, what applied the component, expression, or arbitrary combination of the component of this invention to a method, an apparatus, a system, a computer program, a recording medium, a data structure, etc. is also effective as an aspect of this invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and a processing distribution method that perform processing by analyzing a message from an external device while reducing consumption of hardware resources due to an increase in functions.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image processing apparatus will be described as an example. However, any image processing apparatus may be used.

(Hardware configuration)
A hardware configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. 1 includes an operation panel 11, a storage medium I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17, a scanner 15, and a plotter 16. It is configured to be connected to each other.

  The operation panel 11 has an input device 11a and a display device 11b. The input device 11a includes hardware keys and the like, and is used to input each operation signal to the multi-function device 100. Further, the display device 11b is configured by a display or the like, and displays, for example, various types of information related to the image forming operation. The data communication I / F 14 includes an interface device 14a, and is an interface that connects the multifunction peripheral 100 to a network that is a data transmission path. The HDD 17 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the multifunction peripheral 100. Further, the HDD 17 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  Various data stored in the HDD 17 includes electronic data recorded by an external device such as a digital camera, for example. In such a case, the electronic data is provided to the multi-function device 100 by a recording medium 12b such as a memory card or uploaded via a network or the like that is a data transmission path. The recording medium 12b is set in the drive device 12a included in the storage medium I / F 12, and various data are stored in the HDD 17 from the recording medium 12b via the drive device 12a.

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13b, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13c. The ROM 13a stores programs executed when the multi-function device 100 is started up and various data. The RAM 13b temporarily holds various programs and data read from the ROM 13a and the HDD 17. Further, the CPU 13c executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 13b.

  For example, when the print data is received via the data communication I / F 14, the controller 13 reads a program (PDL parser) that can read a page description language (PDL) read from the ROM 13a onto the RAM 13b by the CPU 13c. Execute and interpret the print data to generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 15a, and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 16a, and prints a bitmap image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic process method. In the multi-function device 100 according to the present invention, a plurality of functions such as a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner are realized by the above-described hardware configuration.

(Software configuration)
A software configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the multifunction machine according to the present invention.

  2 includes the plotter 16, the scanner 15, and the hardware resources 101 such as the facsimile and the HDD 17, and includes the platform 120 and the application 130 activated by the activation unit 140. And a software group 110 configured as follows.

  The platform 120 interprets the processing request from the application 130 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, manages one or more hardware resources, and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service 150. An SRM (System Resource Manager) 123 and an OS (Operating System) 121 are included.

  The control service 150 is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (System Control Service) 122, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 124, an MCS (Memory Control Service) 125, an OCS (Operation Panel Control Service) 126, An FCS (FAX Control Service) 127 and an NCS (Network Control Service) 128 are provided.

  Note that the platform 120 uses an API (Application Program Interface) 103 that can receive a processing request from the application 130 by a predefined method, a plotter 16, a scanner 15, other hardware resources 101, and the like as hardware resources. It has an engine I / F 102 that is an interface for controlling via the OS 121 in accordance with a request from an upper layer to be used.

  The OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The SRM 123, together with the SCS 122, controls the system and manages resources, and includes engines such as the plotter 16 and the scanner 15, memory, HDD files, host I / O (for example, Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394). (I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.)) Arbitration is performed according to a request from a higher layer using hardware resources, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource can be used. Tell the upper layer to the effect. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). Yes.

  The SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, resource management, and interrupt application control. The ECS 124 controls a hardware resource engine including the plotter 16 and the scanner 15.

  The MCS 125 acquires and releases an image memory, uses an HDD, compresses and decompresses image data, and the like. The OCS 126 is a module that controls the operation panel 11 serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control.

  The FCS 127 transmits / receives facsimiles using PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) / ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) from each application layer of the system controller, and various facsimile data managed by BKM (Backup SRAM: Static Random Access Memory). An API for performing registration / quotation, facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception is provided. In the FCS 127, an FCU handler (FCUH) that is a subprocess thereof is activated. The FCUH controls the device driver of the facsimile engine when performing facsimile transmission / reception according to a command from the FCS 127.

  The NCS 128 is a module group for providing a service that can be commonly used for the applications 130 that require network I / O.

  The NCS 128 has the data communication function according to the present invention. Specific software components (programs) constituting the NCS 128 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a PDL parser such as PCL and PostScript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application, and a scanner application. It has a scanner application 114 as an application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and a distribution application 117 as a distribution application.

  Each of these control services, the SRM 123, and each application 130 is an object having one or more methods, and is generated and executed on the OS 121 as a process by activating this object. A plurality of threads are activated in each process, and parallel execution is realized by switching the CPU occupation time of these threads under the management of the OS 121. For this reason, the multifunction peripheral 100 is improved in processing speed during parallel execution as compared with parallel execution by process switching.

  Each application process and each control service process transmit and receive messages by inter-process communication by executing methods. From here, the details of the NCS 128 included in the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of the NCS included in the MFP according to the present invention. The software configuration of the NCS 128 shown in FIG. 3 is mainly composed of a module group that distributes the data received by each protocol to each application 130 and mediates when the data received from each application 130 is transmitted to the network side. The Among the module groups, there is a WS-MFP module group 20.

  Here, the above-mentioned “WS” means a standardized Web service based on XML that is being promoted by a working group (WG) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). As for “WS”, an open document “Devices Profile for Web Services” in which the details are disclosed is disclosed, and the description thereof is omitted here. The URL for obtaining the published document is “http://specs.xmlsoap.org/ws/2006/02/devprof/devicesprofile.pdf”. In the following description, function names and module names with “WS” are functions and modules designed in accordance with this standardized Web service. For example, the WS-MFP module group 20 is a module group for a multifunction machine designed in accordance with a standardized Web service.

  The WS-MFP module group 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a WS-Printer 21p that handles printer-related data between an external device and the printer application 111 included in the multifunction device 100, and a scanner included in the external device and the multifunction device 100. It is composed of software components such as WS-Scanner 21 s that handles scanner-related data with the application 114, and DFM module 22 that handles device-related data between the external device and the multifunction peripheral 100. Each software component is mounted so as to be activated and operated in a separate process.

  For example, the WS-Printer 21p has a function of responding to an information acquisition request regarding the printer application 111 from the DFM module 22 and notifying the printer application 111 of a print request from an external device. The DFM module 22 acquires application information such as the printer application 111 and the scanner application 114 from the WS-Printer 21p, WS-Scanner 21s, and the like, and a standardized Web that can be provided to the external device based on the acquired information. Send device information including information about services.

  In the above description, the case where the DFM module 22 acquires information related to the printer held by the WS-Printer 21p has been described. However, since the DFM module 22 and the WS-Printer 21p are operated by different processes, data is transmitted by inter-process communication. Send and receive. As described above, the MFP 100 includes the NCS 128 having the above-described configuration, so that data can be transmitted to and received from external devices.

  Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, a relationship between processes generated by the WS-MFP module group 20 and each application 130 in the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between WS-MFP module groups and processes generated by each application in a conventional multi-function peripheral. In FIG. 4, wsdevd 41 is a process (daemon) generated by the DFM module 22. The Scanner application 42 is a process generated by the scanner application 114. The Printer application 43 is a process generated by the printer application 111.

  Wsscnd44s is a process generated by WS-Scanner 21s. wsprnd44p is a process generated by WS-Printer 21p.

  The wsscnd 44s is configured to include a WS-Scanner processing part 45s, a ws-addressing 46s, a ws-eventing 47s, and a gSOAP 48s. The wsprnd 44p is configured to include a WS-Printer processing part 45p, a ws-addressing 46p, a ws-eventing 47p, and a gSOAP 48p.

  The scanner application 42 and the wsscnd 44s provide a scanner service (function). The Printer application 43 and wsprnd 44p provide a printer service (function).

  The WS-Scanner processing part 45s performs processing corresponding to WS-Scanner 21s. The WS-Printer processing part 45p performs processing corresponding to the WS-Printer 21p. For example, ws-addressing 46s and 46p ensure the reliability of the SOAP message. The ws-eventing 47s and 47p notify the scanner application 114 or the printer application 111 of the multi-function peripheral 100 of a processing request event such as an image reading request or a print request transmitted from an external device that uses the scanner function or the print function.

  The gSOAPs 48s and 48p are configured to include a SOAP message transmission / reception function and a SOAP message generation function. The gSOAPs 48s and 48p transmit and receive SOAP messages to and from external devices using a communication protocol such as HTTP or SMTP corresponding to the lower layer. The gSOAPs 48s and 48p generate a SOAP message based on the data received from the Scanner application 42 or the Printer application 43.

  The gSOAPs 48s and 48p convert the data received from the scanner application 42 or the printer application 43 into a SOAP message, thereby realizing message exchange with an external device. For gSOAP48s and 48p, the URL (http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~engelen/) to “gSOAP: C / C ++ Web Services and Clients”, which is the official website of the developer whose details are disclosed soap.html) is disclosed, and the description here is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the conventional multifunction peripheral 100, the scanner services ws-addressing 46s, ws-eventing 47s, and gSOAP 48s overlap with the printer services ws-addressing 46p, ws-eventing 47p, and gSOAP 48p. Further, the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 opens a communication port necessary for communication with an external device for each scanner service and printer service.

  Next, an example in which a new camera service is added to the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example in which a service is added to a conventional multifunction peripheral. In FIG. 5, a Camera application 51 and wscmrd 44c are added to the configuration of the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG.

  The Camera application 51 is a process generated by the camera application. The wscmrd 44c is configured to include a WS-Camera processing part 45c, a ws-addressing 46c, a ws-eventing 47c, and a gSOAP 48c. The Camera application 51 and the wscmrd 44c provide a camera service (function).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the conventional multi-function device 100 further requires camera service ws-addressing 46c, ws-eventing 47c, and gSOAP 48c, which consumes an extra storage area such as a memory. In addition, since the conventional multifunction device 100 uniquely opens a communication port necessary for communication with an external device, a camera service communication port must be newly prepared. As a result, the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 cannot dynamically add services.

  Therefore, the MFP 100 according to the present invention is configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the WS-MFP module group of the MFP according to the present invention and the processes generated by each application.

  In the configuration diagram of FIG. 6, the wsscnd 44 s and the wsprnd 44 p shown in FIG. 4 are configured as one WS daemon 61. The WS daemon 61 shown in FIG. 6 includes a WS-Scanner processing part 45s, a WS-Printer processing part 45p, a ws-addressing 46, a ws-eventing 47, a gSOAP 48, and an action dispatcher 62.

  The WS daemon 61 shown in FIG. 6 has a configuration in which an action dispatcher 62 is added, so that ws-addressing 46, ws-eventing 47, and gSOAP 48 can be shared among various services such as a scanner service, and an extra storage area such as a memory is consumed. Can be prevented. In addition, the WS daemon 61 in FIG. 6 can share a communication port necessary for communication with an external device among various services.

  Note that the Scanner application 42 and the Printer application 43 register the service with respect to the action dispatcher 62 as described later. When the service is registered, the action dispatcher 62 determines the service from “Action” included in the SOAP message, and distributes the processing requested by the SOAP message to the service.

  The action dispatcher 62 distributes the SOAP message received from the external device via the gSOAP 48 to the scanner service or the printer service according to the content of the SOAP message (notifies the message content). Conversely, the data received from the Scanner application 42 and the Printer application 43 is transmitted to the gSOAP 48.

  As described above, the action dispatcher 62 implements a SOAP message dispatch function performed between an external device and various services of the multi-function device 100 via the gSOAP 48. Details of the action dispatcher 62 will be described later.

  Next, an example in which a new camera service is added to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example in which a service is added to the multifunction machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 7, a camera application 51 and a WS-Camera processing part 45 c are added to the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6.

  The Camera application 51 is a process generated by the camera application. The WS-Camera processing part 45 c is configured to be included in the WS daemon 61. The Camera application 51 and the WS-Camera processing part 45c provide a camera service (function).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the MFP 100 according to the present invention can share the ws-addressing 46, the ws-eventing 47, and the gSOAP 48 by the scanner service, the printer service, and the camera service, so that an extra storage area such as a memory is consumed. Can be prevented. In addition, the MFP 100 according to the present invention can share a communication port necessary for communication with an external device by a scanner service, a printer service, and a camera service. As a result, the MFP 100 according to the present invention can easily add a dynamic service.

  Next, the details of the action dispatcher 62 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the action dispatcher process. 8 performs a processing unit 71 that performs response queuing and transmission, an event distribution processing unit 72, and a service registration processing unit 73.

  Upon receiving the service registration from the application 130, the service registration processing unit 73 transmits a service registration notification to the event distribution processing unit 72. The event distribution processing unit 72 updates the table in FIG. 9 in which various services such as the scanner service and “Action” included in the SOAP message are associated with each other according to the service registration notification. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an example showing a table for distributing processing requested by the SOAP message to services.

  For example, when a camera service registration notification is received, the event distribution processing unit 72 updates the table of FIG. 9 so as to associate the camera service with “GetCameraElements” that is “Action” included in the SOAP message.

  When the event distribution processing unit 72 receives XML such as that shown in FIG. 10 from an external device via the gSOAP 48, the event distribution processing unit 72 identifies “GetPrinterElements” from the portion 81 in which “Action” of the XML is described, and the table of FIG. The printer service corresponding to “GetPrinterElements” is determined as the destination of the SOAP message.

  The event distribution processing unit 72 transmits a service request response to the processing unit 71 that performs queuing and transmission of a response if the specified “Action” is not in the table of FIG. In addition, the application 130 transmits data to the processing unit 71 that performs response queuing and transmission.

  The processing unit 71 that performs response queuing and transmission transmits the service request response received from the event distribution processing unit 72 and the data received from the application 130 to an external device via the gSOAP 48 as a response.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the event distribution processing unit. When the XML is received, the event distribution processing unit 72 proceeds to step S1, specifies the “Action” of the XML, and determines a service corresponding to the “Action” of the XML with reference to a table as shown in FIG.

  In step S1, if the determined service is a printer service, the event distribution processing unit 72 determines the transmission destination of the SOAP message as the printer service, and distributes the SOAP message to the printer service.

  In step S2, if the determined service is the scanner service, the event distribution processing unit 72 determines the transmission destination of the SOAP message as the scanner service, and distributes the SOAP message to the scanner service.

  In step S3, if the determined service is a camera service, the event distribution processing unit 72 determines the transmission destination of the SOAP message as the camera service, and distributes the SOAP message to the camera service. In step S3, if the determined service is not a camera service, the event distribution processing unit 72 transmits a service request response to the processing unit 71 that performs response queuing and transmission. According to the service request response described above, the user can dynamically install the required service in the multi-function device 10 when there is no required service.

  Next, the processing of the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with a focus on communication ports. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing of a conventional multi-function peripheral with a focus on communication ports. As shown in FIG. 12, the conventional multi-function machine 100 opens a communication port for each printer service, scanner service, and camera service. That is, the conventional multifunction peripheral 100 must prepare a new communication port every time a service is added.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing of the multi-function peripheral according to the present invention by paying attention to the communication port. As shown in FIG. 13, the MFP 100 according to the present invention may open one communication port for the printer service, the scanner service, and the camera service. That is, the MFP 100 according to the present invention can share a communication port necessary for communication with an external device in the printer service, the scanner service, and the camera service.

  By sharing a communication port for various services, the MFP 100 according to the present invention can efficiently cope with a vulnerability caused by a malicious port scan by controlling access with one communication port.

  In addition, as described above, if there is no service corresponding to the process requested by the SOAP message, the MFP 100 according to the present invention transmits a service request response to an external device to cope with the process requested by the SOAP message. Services can be dynamically installed as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an example of a system that dynamically introduces various services to the multifunction peripheral. The system shown in FIG. 14 has a configuration in which a multifunction peripheral 100, a client 200 as an external device, and a service center 300 are connected so that data communication is possible.

  In step S11, the multi-function device 100 receives a request for an unsupported service (a service not installed) from the client 200. Since the MFP 100 receives a request for an unsupported service from the client 200, the MFP 100 transmits a service request response (URL) to the client 200 as described above.

  In step S <b> 13, the client 200 requests the service center 300 to install a service (firmware update) in the multi-function peripheral 100 according to the service request response (URL) received from the multi-function peripheral 100.

  In step S <b> 14, the service center 300 dynamically introduces the service to the multifunction peripheral 100 by updating the firmware of the multifunction peripheral 100 based on the service request response (URL) received from the client 200. In step S15, the multifunction device 100 transmits an update completion notification to the client 200 when the firmware update is completed. Thereby, the client 200 can recognize that the new service is supported.

  In addition, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention can delete and update various services from its own operation panel. FIG. 15 is an image diagram showing a procedure for deleting and updating various services from the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral.

  The user selects a service such as a scanner service to be deleted or updated from the function selection screen 400 displayed on the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral 100. When the service is selected, the multi-function device 100 displays a work screen 401 on the operation panel. A work screen 401 is used to select firmware deletion or firmware update.

  When firmware deletion or firmware update is selected from the work screen 401, the multifunction peripheral 100 displays a confirmation screen 402 on the operation panel. The confirmation screen 402 is for confirming to the user whether or not the firmware deletion or firmware update selected from the work screen 401 is to be processed.

  When “Yes” is selected from the confirmation screen 402, the multi-function device 100 displays the processing screen 403 on the operation panel, and when the processing is completed, displays the function selection screen 400 on the operation panel. When “No” is selected from the confirmation screen 402, the multi-function device 100 displays the work screen 401 on the operation panel again.

  When the firmware is deleted, the multi-function device 100 deletes the corresponding application 130. When updating the firmware, the multi-function device 100 dynamically acquires firmware from the service center 300 again.

  As described above, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention does not consume extra hardware resources such as communication ports and storage areas even if various services are increased, and can reduce the consumption of hardware resources due to the increase in various services. . Since the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention can reduce consumption of hardware resources due to an increase in various services, various services can be dynamically introduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

It is a hardware block diagram of the multifunctional machine by this invention. FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. 2 is a software configuration diagram of an NCS included in a multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a relationship between a WS-MFP module group and processes generated by each application in a conventional multifunction peripheral. It is a block diagram showing the example which added the service to the conventional multifunction device. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a relationship between a WS-MFP module group of a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention and processes generated by each application. It is a block diagram showing the example which added the service to the multifunctional device by this invention. It is the schematic diagram showing the processing content of Action Dispatcher. It is a block diagram of an example showing a table for distributing processing requested by a SOAP message to a service. It is a block diagram of an example of XML. It is a flowchart of an example showing the process of the event distribution process part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process of the conventional multifunctional device paying attention to a communication port. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process of the multifunctional device by this invention paying attention to a communication port. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of a system that dynamically introduces various services to a multifunction peripheral. FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating a procedure for deleting and updating various services from the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

11 Operation panel 12 Storage media I / F
13 Controller 14 Data communication I / F
15 Scanner 16 Plotter 17 HDD
20 WS-MFP module group 21p WS-Printer
21s WS-Scanner
22 DFM module 41 wsdevd
42 Scanner app 43 Printer app 44s wsscnd
44p wsprnd
44c wscmrd
45s WS-Scanner processing part 45p WS-Printer processing part 45c WS-Camera processing part 46s, 46p, 46c, 46 WS-addressing
47s, 47p, 47c, 47 WS-Eventing
48s, 48p, 48c, 48g SOAP
51 Camera application 61 WS daemon 62 Action Dispatcher
71 Processing unit that performs response queuing and transmission 72 Event distribution processing unit 73 Service registration processing unit 100 MFP 101 Hardware resource 102 Engine I / F
103 API
110 Software Group 111 Printer Application 112 Copy Application 113 Fax Application 114 Scanner Application 115 Net File Application 116 Process Inspection Application 117 Distribution Application 120 Platform 121 OS
122 SCS
123 SRM
124 ECS
125 MCS
126 OCS
127 FCS
128 NCS
129 IMH
130 Application 140 Starter 150 Control Service 200 Client 300 Service Center

Claims (10)

An image processing apparatus that receives a predetermined message from an external device, analyzes the message, and performs processing according to the message,
Message transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving the message to and from the external device;
Based on the predetermined information included in the message received by the message transmission / reception means from the external device, identify the process requested by the message, determine the transmission destination of the message according to the identified process, Message control means for transmitting the message to the destination;
One or more processing execution means for executing processing requested by the message.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message control unit identifies a process requested by the message based on information representing a process requested by the message included in the message.   The message control means refers to a table in which information indicating a process requested by the message and a transmission destination of the message are associated with each other, and includes information indicating a process requested by the message included in the message. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a destination of the message is determined based on the message.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message transmission / reception unit generates the message from information received from the processing execution unit, and transmits the created message to the external device.   If the message control means does not have the process execution means for executing the specified process, the message control means requests the external device that is the transmission source of the message to add the process execution means for executing the process. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message is transmitted.   The message control means, after requesting the external device to add processing execution means for executing the processing, executes processing for the external device when processing execution means for executing the processing is added. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a notification is added that processing execution means has been added.   The addition of the processing execution means for executing the processing is performed by a device for providing the processing execution means requested to add the processing execution means for executing the processing from the external device. The image processing apparatus described. A processing distribution method in an image processing apparatus that receives a predetermined message from an external device, analyzes the message, and performs processing according to the message,
A message receiving step of receiving the message by message transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving the message to / from the external device;
A message specifying unit that receives the message from the message transmitting / receiving unit, specifies a process requested by the message based on predetermined information included in the message, and
A message transmission step in which the message control means determines a transmission destination of the message according to the specified process, and transmits the message to the transmission destination;
One or more process execution means includes a process execution step for executing a process requested by the message.   9. The process distribution method according to claim 8, wherein the process specifying step specifies a process requested by the message based on information representing a process requested by the message included in the message.   The process specifying step refers to a table in which information indicating a process requested by the message and a transmission destination of the message are associated with each other, and information indicating a process requested by the message included in the message 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a destination of the message is determined based on the message.

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