JP2011041012A - Image reader, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately execute processing corresponding to setting information about scan and distribution of an image even when a management device which performs unitary management of the setting information can not be utilized. <P>SOLUTION: An image reader includes: a means for acquiring a list of setting data including reading conditions of image data and information showing distribution destinations of the image data from a management device to be connected via the network; a means for recording the acquired list of setting data in a holding means; a setting list display means for displaying the acquired list of setting data; a means for executing reading of the image data according to the reading conditions included in setting data selected from the displayed list; and a means for transmitting the selected setting data and image data to a distribution device, wherein the setting list display means displays the list of setting data recorded in a storage means when the setting data can not be acquired by the setting data acquisition means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, a distribution system, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly, to an image reading apparatus, a distribution system, an information processing method, and a program that scan image data to be distributed.

  Conventionally, there is a distribution system in which image data scanned by an image forming apparatus having a scanner is transferred to a distribution server, and the distribution server executes distribution of the image data to a set distribution destination.

  By controlling the distribution process by the distribution server, it is possible to reduce the load on the image forming apparatus having a scarce hardware resource. As a result, the hardware resources of the image forming apparatus can be directed to original functions (printing, scanning, copying, etc.).

  The inventor of the present application is considering the construction of a distribution system in which setting information related to distribution processing (scanning conditions, distribution method (communication protocol, etc.), distribution destination, etc.) is preset and managed centrally in a predetermined server. Yes. In the distribution system, an operation instruction by a user is performed in an image forming apparatus that executes scanning. That is, setting information is downloaded from a predetermined server to the image forming apparatus in response to an operation instruction from the user, and a list of setting information is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. When the user selects desired setting information from the list of setting information, the image forming apparatus executes processing related to scanning and distribution according to the selected setting information.

  According to such a distribution system, by limiting the setter of setting information to a predetermined person (for example, a system administrator), the scan conditions, distribution methods, distribution destinations, and the like that can be used by each user are appropriately limited. It can be expected to suppress leakage of confidential documents. Further, since the setting information is centrally managed in a predetermined server, common setting information can be used in a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and high convenience and maintainability can be enjoyed.

  However, when the predetermined server cannot be used due to a failure of a predetermined server that manages the setting information or a network failure, a distribution job is simultaneously executed on all the image forming apparatuses connected to the predetermined server via the network. There is a problem that it becomes impossible to execute.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and appropriately executes processing according to setting information even when a management apparatus that centrally manages setting information related to image scanning and distribution cannot be used. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can be used.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention acquires a list of setting data including image data reading conditions and information indicating the distribution destination of the image data from a setting data management apparatus connected via a network. Setting data acquisition means; setting data recording means for recording the acquired list of setting data in setting data holding means; and setting list display means for displaying the acquired list of setting data on a display device. Reading means for reading image data from a document according to the reading conditions included in the setting data selected from the list, and transmitting the selected setting data and the image data to the distribution device And a distribution request means for requesting the distribution apparatus to execute distribution processing based on the setting data for the image data. Display means, when it can not acquire the configuration data by the configuration data acquisition means displays a list of the setting data recorded in the setting data storage unit on the display device.

  According to the present invention, even when a management apparatus that centrally manages setting information related to image scanning and distribution cannot be used, processing according to the setting information can be appropriately executed.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery system in 1st embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the delivery system in 1st embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the process sequence of the initial setting process in the delivery system of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery setting data registered into user DB. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the normal process sequence of the delivery job in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a user information storage part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a holding | maintenance data management information storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a delivery setting selection screen. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the process sequence of the delivery job when a directory server cannot be used in 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the delivery system in 2nd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the process sequence at the time of delivery application starting. It is a figure which shows the structural example of application information. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the process sequence of the delivery job in 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a distribution system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10, a distribution server 20, a management terminal 30, a directory server 40, and the like. Each device is communicably connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet (whether wired or wireless).

  The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an image reading apparatus, and receives an input of a delivery job execution instruction. In the present embodiment, the distribution job refers to a series of processes until the distribution server 20 distributes image data scanned by the image forming apparatus 10. The distribution server 20 is a computer that executes distribution processing of image data read by the image forming apparatus 10. In the drawing, a Web server 51, a file sharing server 52, and a mail server 53 are illustrated as distribution destinations of image data in a distribution job.

  The management terminal 30 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by the administrator of the distribution system 1. The administrator performs initial settings for operating the distribution system 1 via the management terminal 30.

  The directory server 40 is a computer having a distribution setting data management function and the like. The distribution setting data will be described later. The directory server 40 may be constituted by, for example, an active directory (Active Directory) of Windows (registered trademark).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, an HDD 114, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 records programs and various data used by the programs.

  The scanner 12 is hardware for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware for printing image data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. The operation panel 15 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from a user and display means such as a liquid crystal panel. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless). The SD card slot 17 is used for reading a program recorded on the SD card 80. That is, in the image forming apparatus 10, not only the program recorded in the ROM 113 but also the program recorded in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 10 does not have to include the printer 13 and the modem 14 in implementing this embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the distribution system according to the first embodiment. Each unit in the figure is realized by a process that a program installed in each device causes a CPU of each device to execute.

  The management terminal 30 includes an information setting unit 31. The information setting unit 31 receives an input of distribution setting data as an initial setting for operating the distribution system 1 from an administrator. The information setting unit 31 transmits the input distribution setting data to the directory server 40. The distribution setting data is data including a combination of setting information (scanning conditions) regarding scanning of image data to be distributed and setting information (distribution method and distribution destination) regarding distribution in one data. In other words, in the present embodiment, information regarding scan conditions, distribution methods, distribution destinations, and the like is not set by each user when a job is executed, but is set in advance by an administrator.

  The directory server 40 includes a distribution setting management unit 41, an authentication processing unit 42, a validity verification unit 43, a user DB 44, and the like. The distribution setting management unit 41 registers the distribution setting data transferred from the information setting unit 31 of the management terminal 30 in the user DB 44. The user DB 44 is a database that manages authentication information for each user and also manages distribution setting data for each user or group, and is recorded in a storage device of the directory server 40. The distribution setting management unit 41 also transmits (provides) distribution setting data registered in the user DB 44 to the image forming apparatus 10 in response to a distribution setting data acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 10. The authentication processing unit 42 is the authentication information (for example, user name and password) of the user of the image forming apparatus 10 specified in the distribution setting data acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 10 and the authentication registered in the user DB 44. Based on the information (for example, user name and password), the user related to the acquisition request is authenticated. In response to a request from the distribution server 20, the validity verification unit 43 verifies the validity of the distribution setting data that is the use target of the distribution job. The validity here means, for example, that the delivery setting data to be verified is registered in the user DB 44 and is completely coincident with that registered in the user DB 44. .

  The distribution server 20 includes a data reception unit 21, a validity verification request unit 22, a distribution execution unit 23, and the like. The data receiving unit 21 receives distribution setting data and scanned image data from the image forming apparatus 10. The validity verification request unit 22 requests the directory server 40 to verify the validity of the received distribution setting data, and receives the verification result returned as a response. When the validity verification result of the distribution setting data is affirmative, the distribution executing unit 23 executes image data distribution processing according to the distribution setting data.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an authentication control unit 121, a user information storage unit 122, a scan distribution application 130, and the like. The authentication control unit 121 executes an authentication process when a user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10 and manages who is logged in (logged in user). The user information storage unit 122 is a storage area in which attribute information or setting information is recorded for each user in the storage device of the image forming apparatus 10. The attribute information includes user authentication information (for example, a user name and a password). The authentication information is used for authentication processing by the authentication control unit 121. The setting information includes restriction information (use restriction information) related to the use of distribution setting data.

  The scan distribution application 130 controls the execution of the pre-processing of a distribution job (processing for scanning image data to be distributed according to distribution setting data and transmitting a distribution request for the scanned image data to the distribution server 20).

  The scan distribution application 130 includes a distribution setting acquisition unit 131, a distribution setting storage unit 132, a distribution setting selection unit 133, a scan control unit 134, a distribution request unit 135, a validity verification proxy unit 136, a retained data management unit 137, and an expiration date update. Unit 138, distribution setting data holding unit 141, holding data management information storage unit 142, and the like.

  The distribution setting acquisition unit 131 acquires a list of distribution setting data related to the login user from the distribution setting data registered in the user DB 44 via the distribution setting management unit 41 of the directory server 40. The distribution setting storage unit 132 records (saves) the distribution setting data acquired by the distribution setting acquisition unit 131 in the distribution setting data holding unit 141. The distribution setting storage unit 132 also acquires usage restriction information set for the logged-in user from the user information storage unit 122, and stores the acquired usage restriction information in the distribution setting data holding unit 141. The data is recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142 in association with the setting data. The distribution setting data holding unit 141 is a storage area in which the substance of the distribution setting data is stored in the storage device (for example, the HDD 114) of the image forming apparatus 10. The retained data management information storage unit 142 is a storage area in which management information regarding the distribution setting data recorded in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 is recorded in the storage device of the image forming apparatus 10. In addition to the usage restriction information, the management information includes information (usage status information) indicating the usage status of the distribution setting data.

  The distribution setting selection unit 133 causes the operation panel 15 to display a list of distribution setting data acquired by the distribution setting acquisition unit 131 and causes the user to select distribution setting data to be used for a distribution job from the list. However, when the distribution setting data acquisition by the distribution setting acquisition unit 131 fails due to a communication failure or a failure of the directory server 40, the distribution setting selection unit 133 displays the distribution setting data held in the distribution setting data holding unit 141. The list is a display target (selection target).

  The scan control unit 134 causes the scanner 12 to read (scan) the original according to the scan condition included in the selected distribution setting data. The distribution request unit 135 requests the distribution server 20 to execute a distribution job by transmitting the distribution setting data selected by the user and the image data scanned by the scan control unit 134 to the distribution server 20. When the directory server 40 cannot be used due to a communication failure or a failure of the directory server 40, the validity verification unit 43 performs a verification process of the validity of the distribution setting data.

  The holding data management unit 137 periodically downloads the distribution setting data held in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 from the directory server 40. This prevents inconsistency between the distribution setting data held in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 and the distribution setting data managed in the user DB 44 of the directory server 40. The holding data management unit 137 also deletes the delivery setting data whose expiration date has expired from the delivery setting data holding unit 141. The expiration date of each distribution setting data is recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142. The expiration date update unit 138 updates (extends) the expiration date recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142 for each distribution setting data according to the usage status of the distribution setting data. Information indicating the usage status of the distribution setting data (usage status information) is recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142 for each distribution setting data. The usage status information is updated according to the use of the distribution setting data.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the distribution system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the initial setting process in the distribution system according to the first embodiment.

  In step S101, the information setting unit 31 of the management terminal 30 receives an input of distribution setting data from the administrator. For example, the distribution setting data is input via a distribution setting screen that the information setting unit 31 displays on the display device of the management terminal 30. On the distribution setting screen, it is possible to input distribution setting data (setting information regarding distribution (information indicating distribution method, distribution destination, etc.) and setting information regarding scanning (scanning conditions)) for each user or group. Therefore, the administrator inputs distribution setting data for each user or group in consideration of scanning conditions, distribution methods, distribution destinations, and the like that can be permitted for the user or group. Note that distribution setting data may be input to a plurality of users or groups in a single input operation. A plurality of distribution setting data may be input to one user or one group.

  Subsequently, the information setting unit 31 transmits the input distribution setting data to the distribution setting management unit 41 of the directory server 40, and requests registration of the distribution setting data (S102). The distribution setting management unit 41 associates the received distribution setting data with the user or group to be set (user name or group name) and registers it in the user DB 44 (S103).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of distribution setting data registered in the user DB. As shown in the figure, each distribution setting data includes items such as an identification number, a user name, a password, a scan condition, a distribution method, a distribution destination, and an available time as attribute information.

  The identification number is identification information (ID) unique to each distribution setting data. The user name and password are the user name and password of a user who is permitted to use the distribution setting data. The scanning condition is a reading condition for image data to be distributed. In the figure, resolution, color mode, compression method, and the like are illustrated as scan condition items. Other parameters may be included as scan conditions according to scan conditions that can be set in the image forming apparatus 10. The distribution method is information indicating a communication method (communication protocol or the like) used for distribution. The delivery destination is information specifically indicating the delivery destination in a format corresponding to the delivery method, and for example, a mail address, an IP address, and the like are recorded. The available time indicates a time (period) during which use of the distribution setting data is permitted. The available time is useful when, for example, prohibiting the use of the distribution system 1 outside working hours.

  When the initial setting process is completed, the distribution system 1 can be used. Next, processing at the time of executing a distribution job will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining a normal processing procedure of a distribution job in the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, an operation is performed on the image forming apparatus 10 by a certain user (including general users other than the administrator).

  In step S111, the user is logged in. Specifically, authentication information (user name and password) is input via the operation panel 15 of the image forming apparatus 10. The authentication control unit 121 executes user authentication using the input authentication information and the user information storage unit 122.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the user information storage unit. As shown in the figure, the management number, user name, password, e-mail address, retention data validity period, retention data restriction information, and the like are recorded (registered) in the user information storage unit 122 for each user. .

  The management number is a number for uniquely identifying each record in the user information storage unit 122. The user name and password are the user name and password of the user. The e-mail address is the user's e-mail address. The retention data valid period and the retention data restriction information are use restriction information related to distribution setting data (hereinafter also referred to as “retention data”) recorded (saved) in the distribution setting data holding unit 141. The retained data valid period is a period in which retained data is treated as valid. The retained data restriction information is restriction information regarding the execution contents of the distribution job based on the retained data. For example, information indicating restrictions on distribution by a predetermined distribution method or distribution to a predetermined destination, restrictions on the timing of distribution, and the like are set as retained data restriction information. In the figure, examples of the retained data restriction information include that delivery by E-Mail is restricted (E-Mail is not allowed) and that delivery is waited until the directory server 40 becomes available (standby). .

  In step S <b> 111, user authentication is executed by comparing the input user name and password with the user name and password recorded in the user information storage unit 122. If the authentication is successful, the authentication control unit 121 permits login. The authentication control unit 121 records the user name and password of a user who successfully logs in (logged-in user) in the RAM 112 as a management target.

  Subsequently, when the distribution application is selected as a usage target by the user via the operation panel 15, the distribution setting acquisition unit 131 specifies the login user authentication information and transmits a distribution setting data acquisition request to the directory server 40. (S112). The distribution setting management unit 41 of the directory server requests the authentication processing unit 42 to perform authentication processing based on the received authentication information. The authentication processing unit 42 performs authentication by comparing the authentication information with the authentication information registered in the user DB 44 and outputs an authentication result to the distribution setting management unit 41. When the authentication is successful, the distribution setting management unit 41 acquires distribution setting data including the authenticated user name and password from the user DB 44. Here, a plurality of distribution setting data can be acquired. The distribution setting management unit 41 returns a list of acquired distribution setting data to the distribution setting acquiring unit 131 (S113). The distribution setting acquisition unit 131 records a list of received distribution setting data in the RAM 112.

  Subsequently, the distribution setting storage unit 132 records (saves) the distribution setting data recorded in the RAM 112 in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 (S114). The distribution setting storage unit 132 records association information between the distribution setting data (holding data) recorded in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 and the usage restriction information for the holding data in the holding data management information storage unit 142. . Specifically, the usage restriction information (valid period, retained data restriction information) set for the login user in the user information storage unit 122 is associated with the retained data.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the retained data management information storage unit. As shown in the figure, the holding data management information storage unit 142 has a holding data identification number, a user information management number, an expiration date, holding data restriction information, the number of uses, an average use interval, and a final use for each hold data The time and the like can be recorded.

  In the holding data identification number, the holding data identification number (see FIG. 5) is recorded. In the user information management number, a management number (see FIG. 7) for the logged-in user is recorded. In the expiration date, the time (time limit) obtained by adding the validity period set for the login user in the user information storage unit 122 to the current time is recorded. In the retained data restriction information, retained data restriction information set for the login user in the user information storage unit 122 is recorded.

  This figure corresponds to an example in which three distribution setting data are acquired from the directory server 40 for the logged-in user and recorded in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 as holding data. Therefore, three pieces of holding data (holding data management number) are associated with the same user (the same user information management number). In addition, since the validity period and the retained data restriction information are set for each user, in the initial state, the validity period and the retained data restriction information values for the three retained data are the same.

  The number of uses, the average use interval, and the last use time are items for recording the use status of the retained data. The use count is the use count of the retained data. The average use interval is an average value of the use intervals of retained data. The last use time is the time when the retained data was last used.

  Subsequently, the distribution setting selection unit 133 displays a distribution setting selection screen including a list of distribution setting data recorded in the RAM 112 on the operation panel 15 (S115).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a distribution setting selection screen. As shown in the figure, the delivery setting selection screen 310 displays buttons 311 to 313 corresponding to each delivery setting data included in the list of delivery setting data recorded in the RAM 112. In the drawing, the label of each button indicates the distribution method and the distribution destination, but other information (for example, scan conditions) included in the distribution setting data may be displayed. Further, the button arrangement direction is not limited to the vertical direction. For example, it may be in the horizontal direction.

  Subsequently, on the distribution setting selection screen 310, a desired button (distribution setting data) is selected by the user, and a start key (execution button) on the operation panel 15 is pressed. The distribution setting selection unit 133 sets the distribution setting data corresponding to the selected button as a processing target (hereinafter referred to as “current distribution setting data”), and requests the scan control unit 134 to execute scanning (S116). The scan control unit 134 causes the scanner 12 to read (scan) a document according to the scan conditions included in the current distribution setting data (S117). Image data scanned from the document is recorded in the RAM 112 as image data to be distributed.

  When the reading of the document is completed, the distribution request unit 135 designates the current distribution setting data and the address information (for example, IP address or host name) of the directory server 40 and sends a distribution job registration request to the distribution server 20. Transmit (S118). When receiving the distribution job registration request, the data receiving unit 21 of the distribution server 20 records the current distribution setting data and the address information of the directory server included in the registration request in the memory of the distribution server 20. Subsequently, the data reception unit 21 transmits a response indicating that the distribution job registration request has been successfully received to the distribution request unit 135 (S119).

  Subsequently, the validity verification request unit 22 of the distribution server 20 transmits a request for verifying the validity of the current distribution setting data recorded in the memory to the address information recorded in the memory (S120). Therefore, the verification request is transmitted to the directory server 40. The validity verification unit 43 of the directory server 40 verifies the validity of the current distribution setting data included in the verification request (S121). Specifically, if the distribution setting data (hereinafter referred to as “corresponding data”) whose identification number matches the current distribution setting data is registered in the user DB 44 or the corresponding data is registered, the contents of the corresponding data Is the same as the contents of the current distribution setting data. If the corresponding data exists and the contents of the corresponding data and the current distribution setting data are the same, the validity of the current distribution setting data is affirmed. Subsequently, the validity verification unit 43 sends back a validity determination result to the validity verification request unit 22 of the distribution server 20 (S122).

  Subsequently, the distribution request unit 135 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a distribution job execution request including image data scanned based on the current distribution setting data to the distribution server 20 (S123).

  In response to receiving the delivery job execution request, the delivery execution unit 23 of the delivery server 20 receives the current delivery setting data according to the delivery method and delivery destination of the current delivery setting data when the validity of the current delivery setting data is affirmed. Image data distribution processing is executed (S124). On the other hand, when the validity of the current distribution setting data is denied, the distribution execution unit 23 does not execute the image data distribution process. Subsequently, the distribution execution unit 23 returns a distribution process execution result (information indicating success or failure) to the distribution request unit 135 of the image forming apparatus 10 (S125).

  The holding data management unit 137 periodically acquires distribution setting data whose identification number matches the holding data from the distribution setting management unit 41 of the directory server 40, and updates the holding data with the acquired distribution setting data. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of inconsistency between the retained data and the distribution setting data in the user DB 44. This is because the setting contents of the distribution setting data may be updated in the directory server 40 in response to a request from the management terminal 30.

  Also, the retained data management unit 137 checks the expiration date recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142 for each retained data during the periodic update process. The holding data management unit 137 deletes the holding data whose expiration date has expired from the distribution setting data holding unit 141 and deletes the record related to the holding data from the holding data management information storage unit 142.

  Next, a processing procedure when the directory server 40 cannot be used due to a network failure (communication failure) or a failure in the directory server 40 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining a distribution job processing procedure when the directory server cannot be used in the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The distribution setting acquisition unit 131 detects that the directory server 40 cannot be used based on the fact that the distribution setting data acquisition request in step S112 results in a communication error. Therefore, the distribution setting acquisition unit 131 acquires the holding data associated with the management number of the login user from the distribution setting data holding unit 141 and records it in the RAM 112 (S113a).

  Subsequently, the distribution setting selection unit 133 causes the operation panel 15 to display a distribution setting selection screen 310 including list information of retained data recorded in the RAM 112 (S115a). At this time, the distribution setting selection unit 133 determines available data that can be used (permitted to be used) based on the retained data restriction information recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142, and the available retained data. Is displayed on the distribution setting selection screen 310 as a selectable candidate. Specifically, for retained data whose distribution method is “E-Mail”, when “E-Mail is not possible” is recorded as retained data restriction information, the retained data is excluded from selectable candidates. However, when the value of the retained data restriction information is “standby”, it is determined that the retained data is usable.

  When only selectable data is displayed on the distribution setting selection screen 310, only the retained data determined to be usable is displayed on the distribution setting selection screen 310 as selection candidates. In addition, when a list of retained data including those that cannot be selected is displayed on the delivery setting selection screen 310, available retained data is in a selectable state, and unusable retained data is selected. The state is impossible (for example, grayed out).

  The contents of subsequent steps S116 and S117 are the same as those in FIG. 6 except that the retained data is to be processed.

  When the reading of the original is completed, the distribution request unit 135 designates the holding data selected on the distribution setting selection screen 310 (hereinafter referred to as “current distribution setting data”) and the address information of the image forming apparatus 10, and A distribution job registration request is transmitted to the distribution server 20 (S118a). In step S118a, the address information of the image forming apparatus 10 is designated instead of the address information of the directory server 40, which is different from step S118 of FIG. In step S120a, the validity verification request unit 22 transmits a validity verification request for the current distribution setting data to the address information. Therefore, the verification request is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10. The validity verification proxy unit 136 of the image forming apparatus 10 performs a verification process of the validity of the current distribution setting data included in the verification request (S121a). Specifically, if the holding data (hereinafter referred to as “corresponding data”) whose identification number matches the current distribution setting data is registered in the distribution setting data holding unit 141 or the corresponding data is registered, It is confirmed whether the content of the data is the same as the content of the current distribution setting data. However, the validity verification proxy process may be a process of affirming the validity without doing anything (that is, a dummy). The validity verification proxy unit 136 returns a determination result indicating that the validity is affirmed as a proxy verification result to the validity verification request unit 22 of the distribution server 20 (S122a).

  That is, in a situation where the directory server 40 cannot be used, if the validity verification request unit 22 of the distribution server 20 requests the directory server 40 to verify the validity, the request cannot be accepted due to a communication error or the like. As a result, assuming that the validity of the current distribution setting data has not been verified, the distribution server 20 rejects the execution of the distribution process based on the current distribution setting data. Then, it becomes impossible to execute the distribution job using the held data, and the significance of holding the held data in the image forming apparatus 10 is lost. Therefore, the distribution request unit 135 transmits not the address information of the directory server 40 but the address information of the image forming apparatus 10 to the distribution server 20 in step S120a, and transmits a validity verification request to the image forming apparatus 10. is there. As a result, the distribution job can be executed without the distribution server 20 detecting that the directory server 40 cannot be used.

  The distribution request unit 135 specifies information (flag information) instructing to omit the validity verification processing of the current distribution setting data in the distribution job registration request instead of the address information of the image forming apparatus 10. May be. In this case, the validity verification request unit 22 of the distribution server 20 omits the transmission of the validity verification request according to the flag information. Even with such a processing procedure, the distribution job can be executed without the distribution server 20 detecting that the directory server 40 cannot be used.

  Subsequent steps S123 to S125 are the same as those in FIG. Subsequent to step S125, the distribution request unit 135 updates the usage status information in the retained data management information storage unit 142 for the retained data (selected on the distribution setting selection screen 310) as the current distribution setting data (S126). ). Specifically, the distribution request unit 135 increments the usage count (adds 1 to the usage count). In addition, the distribution request unit 135 recalculates the average usage interval. The average usage interval may be calculated based on the history of time each time the retained data is used (selected). Further, the distribution request unit 135 records the current time as the last use time.

  If the retained data restriction information recorded in the retained data management information storage unit 142 is “standby” for the current distribution setting data, the distribution request unit 135 waits until the directory server 40 becomes available. Step S118a is executed. Specifically, the distribution request unit 135 polls the state of the directory server 40 during standby. For example, a ping command may be used for polling. When it is detected that communication with the directory server 40 becomes possible by polling, the distribution request unit 135 executes step S118a. In this case, the address information specified in the distribution job registration request may be the address information of the directory server 40 or the address information of the image forming apparatus 10. Even if the expiration date of the current distribution setting data expires during standby, the holding data management unit 137 does not delete the current distribution setting data from the distribution setting data holding unit 141.

  Even when the execution of step S118a is awaited by the distribution request unit 135, it is not necessary to restrain the user beside the image forming apparatus 10 because all operation instructions by the user are completed. That is, when viewed from the user, a standby state is entered after the scan is executed. Since the user does not need to input instructions in the subsequent processing, the user is released from the operation of the image forming apparatus 10.

  In addition, the expiration date update unit 138 of the image forming apparatus 10 is based on the usage status information in accordance with the expiration date in the retained data management information storage unit 142 asynchronously (as an independent thread or process) with the processing of FIG. Update regularly. For example, the expiration date is extended by a predetermined time when the number of uses is a predetermined number or more, when the average use interval is less than or equal to a predetermined time, or when the last use time is within a predetermined time. Here, in addition to the number of uses, parameters such as the average use interval and the last use time are used not only for the number of times but also for the time of use as an evaluation factor in extending the validity period. That is, it is possible to distinguish between retained data that has been used in a concentrated manner at once and retained data that is frequently used on average, based on the average usage interval. Further, the retained data that has been used recently (within a predetermined time) and the retained data that is not so can be distinguished by the last use time. Which parameter should be prioritized (whether a higher weight should be given) may be appropriately selected according to the operation.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the distribution setting data is held as the hold data in the image forming apparatus 10 at a predetermined timing. Therefore, even if the directory server 40 cannot be used, the distribution job can be appropriately executed by using the retained data.

  By the way, in the first embodiment, the post-stage processing (distribution processing) of the distribution job is performed by a predetermined distribution server 20, but a PC (Personal Computer) (hereinafter, referred to as “PC”) used by each user. The distribution process may be executed by “user PC”. Therefore, a second embodiment is shown as an example of causing a user PC to execute distribution processing.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution system according to the second embodiment. In the distribution system 2 in the figure, the image forming apparatus 510, the user PC 520, and the network application management server 530 are connected by a network (regardless of wired or wireless) such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The user PC 520 has an application (hereinafter referred to as “net application”) that can be used via the network from the image forming apparatus 510. The net application can be placed on any computer on the network. Therefore, the network application can be arranged in other user PCs not shown.

  In FIG. 11, a plurality of distribution applications 521 such as distribution applications 521a, 521b, and 521c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “distribution application 521”) are arranged in the user PC 520. The distribution application 521 is a network application that executes distribution processing of image data scanned by the image forming apparatus 510. Each distribution application 521 includes an activation notification unit 5211, a cooperation unit 5212, an application information management file 5213, a distribution unit 5214, and the like.

  The activation notification unit 5211 notifies the network application management server 530 that the distribution application 521 has been activated. The cooperation unit 5212 controls communication (information exchange and the like) with the image forming apparatus 510. The application information management file 5213 is a file that stores setting information for the distribution application 521. The definition contents of the application information management file 5213 of each distribution application 521 are different. Due to the difference in the definition contents, the behavior of each distribution application 521 is different. The distribution unit 5214 executes image data distribution processing.

  The network application management server 530 is a computer having an advertising unit 531 and an intermediary unit 532. In response to the activation notification (activation notification) from the network application, the advertising unit 531 issues an advertisement indicating that the network application has been activated (broadcast or multicast) on the network. The mediation unit 532 mediates communication between the network application and the image forming apparatus 510. Note that the functions (such as the advertisement unit 531 and the mediation unit 532) of the network application management server 530 may be implemented in the user PC 520.

  The image forming apparatus 510 may be similar in hardware to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). The image forming apparatus 510 according to the second embodiment includes a network application detection unit 511, a UI control unit 512, a network application cooperation unit 513, a function control unit 514, a network application management table 515, and the like as software.

  The net application detection unit 511 detects the presence of a net application based on the advertisement issued from the net application management server 530 and registers the application information included in the advertisement in the net application management table 515. The net application management table 515 is a table for managing application information. The UI control unit 512 receives an input such as an instruction to start a net application from the user. The network application cooperation unit 513 controls communication with the network application. The function control unit 514 controls the hardware of the image forming apparatus 510 in response to a request from the network application. For example, scanning or printing is executed under the control of the function control unit 514.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the distribution system 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure when the distribution application is activated.

  When the distribution application 521a is activated in the user PC 520, the activation notification unit 5211 of the distribution application 521a transmits the application information stored in the application information management file 5213 to the advertisement unit 531 of the network application management server 530. The activation of the distribution application 521a is notified (S301).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of application information. As shown in the figure, the application information includes an application ID, a linkage function identifier, a net application address, a display name, icon data, setting information, and the like.

  The application ID is identification information uniquely assigned to each network application. The cooperation function identifier is information for identifying a function (in other words, a function used by the network application) that the image forming apparatus 510 that cooperates with the network application needs to have. Examples of the linkage function identifier include “print” and “scan”. “Print” indicates a print function. “Scan” indicates a scan function. The distribution application 521a uses the scan function of the image forming apparatus 510. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 13, “scan” is the linkage function identifier.

  The net application address is identification information (for example, URL) for uniquely identifying each net application in network communication. The display name is a character string for displaying the name of the network application. The icon data is icon data for displaying a net application. The setting information is information including a setting value for the execution condition of the net application. That is, the behavior of the network application can be changed by changing the setting information. As for the distribution application 521, setting information (scanning conditions) regarding scanning, setting information regarding distribution (distribution method and distribution destination), and the like are included in the setting information of the application information.

  Subsequently, in response to receiving the application information, the advertising unit 531 of the network application management server 530 advertises the application information on the network (broadcast or multicast). The advertised application information is received by the network application detection unit 511 of the image forming apparatus 510 (S302). When there are a plurality of image forming apparatuses 510, the same advertisement is received by the network application detection unit 511 of each image forming apparatus 510.

  Based on the cooperation function identifier (scan) included in the application information, the network application detection unit 511 is configured so that the device (image forming apparatus 510) to which the network application detection unit 511 belongs is a network application (distribution application 521a) related to the application information. ) And can be linked. The image forming apparatus 510 has a scan function. Therefore, the network application detection unit 511 of the image forming apparatus 510 determines that the network application can be linked, and registers the received application information in the network application management table 515.

  As described above, the distribution application 521a is registered in the image forming apparatus 510. That is, the existence of the distribution application 521a is recognized by the image forming apparatus 510. Accordingly, the distribution application 521a can be used from the image forming apparatus 510 (that is, the distribution job is executed). Therefore, the user moves the work place (operation place) from the user PC 520 to the image forming apparatus 510.

  Note that the distribution application 521b and the distribution application 521c also execute the processing shown in FIG. However, the setting information included in the application information transmitted in step S301 differs for each distribution application 521. Here, the setting information is information including a scan condition, a distribution method, a distribution destination, and the like. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the distribution application 521 is arranged in the user PC 520 for each combination of scan conditions, distribution method, and distribution destination (for each distribution setting data in the first embodiment). That is, one distribution application 521 in the second embodiment corresponds to one distribution setting data in the first embodiment.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining a delivery job processing procedure in the second embodiment.

  When a user of the image forming apparatus 510 inputs an instruction to use a net application to the image forming apparatus 510, the UI control unit 512 displays icon data included in the application information registered in the net application management table 515. Based on the above, the network application list screen is displayed on the operation panel 15 (S401). On the net app list screen, a list of net app icons registered in the net app management table 515 is displayed.

  On the net application list screen, for example, when an icon corresponding to the distribution application 521a is selected by the user and the start key on the operation panel 15 is pressed, the net application cooperation unit 513 sends a use request for the distribution application 521a to the net application. The information is transmitted to the mediation unit 532 of the management server 530 (S402). In the use request, a net application address included in the application information of the distribution application 521a is specified.

  In response to the use request for the net application, the mediation unit 532 notifies the use request to the distribution application 521a associated with the designated net application address (S403). Upon receiving the use request, the cooperation unit 5212 of the distribution application 521a causes the distribution unit 5214 to execute necessary initial processing. When the initial processing is completed, the cooperation unit 5212 transmits a notification of completion of preparation for using the distribution application 521a to the mediation unit 532 of the network application management server 530 (S404). The mediation unit 532 transfers the use preparation completion notification to the network application cooperation unit 513 of the image forming apparatus 510 (S405).

  In response to the notification of completion of use preparation, the network application cooperation unit 513 of the image forming apparatus 510 and the cooperation function identifier (scan) included in the application information of the distribution application 521a registered in the network application management table 515 and the relevant application The function control unit 514 is called by specifying the setting information. The called function control unit 514 executes the scan function identified by the cooperation function identifier according to the scan condition included in the setting information (S406). That is, the function control unit 514 causes the scanner 12 to scan the document set on the image forming apparatus 510 by the user, and outputs the image data obtained as a result to the network application cooperation unit 513 as a function execution result.

  The network application cooperation unit 513 transmits image data as a function execution result to the cooperation unit 5212 of the distribution application 521a (S407). When receiving the execution result, the cooperation unit 5212 of the distribution application 521a instructs the distribution unit 5214 to execute the process according to the execution result. When image data is included in the execution result, the distribution unit 5214 executes distribution processing of the image data according to the distribution method and distribution destination set in the application information management file 5213 (S408).

  Subsequently, the cooperation unit 5212 transmits an end notification of the processing of the distribution application 521a to the mediation unit 532 of the network application management server 530 (S409). Subsequently, the mediation unit 532 transfers the end notification to the network application cooperation unit 513 of the image forming apparatus 510 (S410). When the end notification is received by the network application cooperation unit 513, the UI control unit 512 causes the operation panel 15 to display a processing end notification by the distribution application 521a.

  By the way, if the user PC 520 is in a sleep state after step S404 is executed and before step S407 is executed, the image forming apparatus 510 cannot communicate with the user PC 520 at the timing of step S407. End up. Therefore, the network application cooperation unit 513 cannot transmit the scanned image data to the distribution application 521. In such a case, the network application cooperation unit 513 waits for transmission of image data until the user PC 520 returns from the sleep state. Specifically, the net application cooperation unit 513 monitors the state of the user PC 520 by polling. When a response to polling is returned from the user PC 520, the network application cooperation unit 513 transmits image data to the distribution application 521.

  Note that even when the transmission of image data is waited by the network application cooperation unit 513, it is not necessary for the user to be bound by the image forming apparatus 510 because all operation instructions by the user have been completed. That is, when viewed from the user, a standby state is entered after the scan is executed. Since the user does not need to input an instruction in the subsequent processing, the user is released from the operation of the image forming apparatus 510.

  In addition, when the network application cooperation unit 513 waits for transmission of image data, the work burden on the user can be reduced. That is, it is not necessary for the user to return to the user PC 520 to return the user PC 520 from the sleep state and redo the execution instruction of the distribution application 521a in the image forming apparatus 510 again.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to such specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation・ Change is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Distribution system 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 15 Operation panel 16 Network interface 17 SD card slot 20 Distribution server 21 Data reception part 22 Validity verification request part 23 Distribution execution part 30 Management terminal 31 Information setting Unit 40 directory server 41 distribution setting management unit 42 authentication processing unit 43 validity verification unit 44 user DB
80 SD card 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
114 HDD
115 Operation Panel 121 Authentication Control Unit 122 User Information Storage Unit 130 Scan Distribution Application 131 Distribution Setting Obtaining Unit 132 Distribution Setting Saving Unit 133 Distribution Setting Selection Unit 134 Scan Control Unit 135 Distribution Requesting Unit 136 Validation Verification Unit 137 Holding Data Management Unit 138 Expiration date update unit 141 Distribution setting data holding unit 142 Holding data management information storage unit 510 Image forming apparatus 511 Net application detection unit 512 UI control unit 513 Net application cooperation unit 514 Function control unit 515 Net application management table 520 User PC
521 Distribution application 530 Net application management server 531 Advertising unit 532 Mediation unit 5211 Activation notification unit 5212 Cooperation unit 5213 Application information management file 5214 Distribution unit

JP 2008-97586 A

Claims (8)

Setting data acquisition means for acquiring a list of setting data including image data reading conditions and information indicating the distribution destination of the image data from a setting data management device connected via a network;
Setting data recording means for recording a list of the acquired setting data in setting data holding means;
A setting list display means for displaying a list of the acquired setting data on a display device;
Reading means for reading image data from a document according to reading conditions included in the setting data selected from the displayed list;
Distribution request means for transmitting the selected setting data and the image data to a distribution device, and requesting the distribution device to execute distribution processing based on the setting data for the image data;
The setting list display unit displays the list of setting data recorded in the setting data holding unit on the display device when the setting data cannot be acquired by the setting data acquisition unit. The distribution apparatus, based on the first identification information of the setting data management apparatus transmitted from the distribution request means, sends a verification request for validity of the setting data transmitted from the distribution request means to the setting data management And when the validity is verified by the setting data management device, the image data is distributed.
When the setting data acquisition unit cannot acquire the setting data, the distribution request unit transmits second identification information of the image reading device instead of the first identification information.
In response to a request for verifying the validity of the setting data transmitted from the distribution device based on the second identification information, a validity verification agent that transmits a response indicating that the validity has been verified to the distribution device The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means. The distribution apparatus, based on the first identification information of the setting data management apparatus transmitted from the distribution request means, sends a verification request for validity of the setting data transmitted from the distribution request means to the setting data management And when the validity is verified by the setting data management device, the image data is distributed.
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein, when the setting data acquisition unit cannot acquire the setting data, the distribution request unit transmits information instructing omission of the validity verification instead of the first identification information. Reader. User identification information receiving means for receiving input of user identification information;
Concerning the setting data recorded in the setting data holding means, user information storage means in which usage restriction information is recorded for each user,
The setting data recording means records in the setting data management information storage means the association information between the usage restriction information recorded for the user related to the user identification information and the acquired setting data,
The setting list display means can select the setting data permitted to be used based on the use restriction information when the list of setting data recorded in the setting data holding means is displayed on the display device. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a list of the setting data is displayed as a candidate.   5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the distribution request unit waits for transmission of the setting data and the image data to the distribution device based on the use restriction information until the setting data management device can be used. Reader. The use restriction information includes a validity period of the setting data recorded in the setting data holding unit,
The setting data recording means records an expiration date based on the validity period on the acquired setting data in the setting data management information storage means,
The distribution request unit updates usage status information managed for each setting data in the setting data management information storage unit for the setting data transmitted to the distribution device,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an expiration date updating unit that extends the expiration date based on the usage status information. An information processing method executed by an image reading apparatus,
A setting data acquisition procedure for acquiring a list of setting data including a reading condition of image data and information indicating a distribution destination of the image data from a setting data management device connected via a network;
A setting data recording procedure for recording a list of the acquired setting data in a setting data holding means;
A setting list display procedure for displaying a list of the acquired setting data on a display device;
A reading procedure for reading image data from a document according to the reading conditions included in the setting data selected from the displayed list;
A transmission request procedure for transmitting the selected setting data and the image data to a distribution device, and requesting the distribution device to execute a distribution process based on the setting data for the image data;
The setting list display procedure is an information processing method for causing the display device to display a list of the setting data recorded in the setting data holding means when the setting data cannot be acquired in the setting data acquisition procedure. In the image reader
A setting data acquisition procedure for acquiring a list of setting data including a reading condition of image data and information indicating a distribution destination of the image data from a setting data management device connected via a network;
A setting data recording procedure for recording a list of the acquired setting data in a setting data holding means;
A setting list display procedure for displaying a list of the acquired setting data on a display device;
A reading procedure for reading image data from a document according to the reading conditions included in the setting data selected from the displayed list;
Transmitting the selected setting data and the image data to a distribution device, causing the distribution device to execute a distribution request procedure for requesting the distribution device to execute a distribution process based on the setting data;
The setting list display procedure is a program for causing the display device to display a list of the setting data recorded in the setting data holding means when the setting data cannot be acquired in the setting data acquisition procedure.

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