JP2012120114A - Image processing system, image processing method, image processor and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology for registering a plurality of image processings as a series of image processings, performing the processing by one instruction and designating by which device respective image processings included in a series of image processings are to be performed.SOLUTION: A scan ticket where a plurality of image processings performed on image data are set is generated. When an image processor receives an execution instruction of the processing defined in the scan ticket, the image processing defined to be performed by the image processor is performed on electronic image data generated by using a scanner. When the processing performed by a server device is defined in the scan ticket, the generated electronic image data is transmitted to the server device, and the server device performs the image processing defined in the scan ticket to be performed by the server device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique in an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing technique capable of setting a plurality of related processes as a series of processes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral has a document reading mechanism such as a scanner, and performs printing processing and FAX transmission processing of image data read using the reading mechanism, or a file in a specified format from image data. Can be generated and transmitted to a folder on a computer designated in advance.

  However, when a plurality of processes among the processes described above are executed for one original, the original reading process must be performed each time each process is performed, which is inefficient. Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 discloses that after a single document reading process, the image processing apparatus executes a plurality of processes stored in a USB memory or the like.

JP 2008-22107 A

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, all the series of processing is performed by the image processing apparatus. However, this increases the processing load of the image processing apparatus. For example, it is preferable from the viewpoint of load distribution to adopt a configuration in which specific processing is performed by the image processing device and other processing is performed by the server device.

  Further, by performing part or all of the image processing in the series of image processing in the server device, it is possible to include image processing that the image processing device does not have in the series of image processing. Become.

  Therefore, the present invention allows a plurality of image processes to be registered as a series of image processes and performed by a single instruction, and allows each apparatus to perform each image process included in the series of image processes. It is an object to provide a technology that can specify the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing system of the present invention includes:
An image processing system comprising: a server device that creates a scan ticket that defines processing to be executed by an image processing device; and an image processing device that executes processing defined in the scan ticket,
The server device
First receiving means for receiving scan ticket creation information including information relating to a process defined in a scan ticket and information relating to a device executing the process, from a client device;
Creating means for creating a scan ticket according to the received scan ticket creation information;
Storage means for storing the scan ticket created by the creation means;
A first transmission means for transmitting a scan ticket to the image processing apparatus when a request for the scan ticket is received from the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus includes:
Request means for requesting a scan ticket to the server device;
Second receiving means for receiving a scan ticket transmitted by the first transmitting means of the server device in response to a request from the requesting means;
Display means for displaying the scan ticket received by the second receiving means so as to be designated;
Accepting means for accepting designation of the scan ticket displayed by the display means;
Creating means for creating electronic image data by reading a document;
First execution means for executing processing defined in the scan ticket accepted by the accepting means for the electronic image data created by the creating means;
A determination unit that determines whether a process to be executed by the server device is defined in the scan ticket;
A second transmission unit configured to transmit the electronic image data to the server device when the determination unit determines that a process to be executed by the server device is defined;
The server device further includes a process defined to be executed by the server device among the processes defined in the scan ticket received by the image processing device for the electronic image data received from the image processing device. The second execution means for executing is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing method of the present invention includes:
An image processing method performed by an image processing system including a server device that creates a scan ticket that defines processing to be executed by an image processing device, and an image processing device that executes processing defined in the scan ticket,
A first receiving step for receiving, from the client device, scan ticket creation information including information relating to a process defined in a scan ticket and information relating to a device executing the process;
A creation step of creating a scan ticket in accordance with the received scan ticket creation information, the creation means of the server device;
A storage step in which the storage unit of the server device stores the scan ticket created in the creation step in a storage device;
A first transmission step of transmitting a scan ticket to the image processing apparatus when the first transmission unit of the server apparatus receives a scan ticket request from the image processing apparatus;
The requesting unit of the image processing apparatus requests the server apparatus to request a scan ticket;
A second receiving step in which a second receiving unit of the image processing apparatus receives a scan ticket transmitted by the first transmitting unit of the server device in response to a request in the requesting step;
A display step in which the display means of the image processing apparatus displays the scan ticket received in the second receiving step on the display unit so that it can be designated;
An accepting step in which the accepting means of the image processing device accepts designation of a scan ticket displayed on the display unit;
A creation step in which the creation means of the image processing device creates electronic image data by reading a document;
A first execution step in which a first execution unit of the image processing apparatus executes a process defined in the scan ticket received by the reception unit with respect to the electronic image data created by the creation unit;
A determination step for determining whether the determination unit of the image processing apparatus defines a process to be executed by the server apparatus in the scan ticket;
A second transmission unit that transmits the electronic image data to the server device when the second transmission unit of the image processing device determines in the determination step that a process to be executed by the server device is defined; Sending process of
When the second execution means of the server apparatus executes the process defined in the scan ticket accepted by the image processing apparatus for the electronic image data received from the image processing apparatus, And a second execution step for executing a defined process.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of image processes can be registered as a series of image processes, and can be performed with a single instruction, and each apparatus can perform each image process included in the series of image processes. Can be specified.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the image processing system of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus applicable to the server apparatus 101 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 103 in FIG. 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing performed by a server apparatus 101. 5 is a flowchart showing details of a new scan ticket creation process in step S402 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing using a scan ticket in step S404 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of scan ticket execution processing in step S406 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen used by the new scan ticket creation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the LCD display part of an image processing apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of scan ticket data stored in an external memory of the server apparatus 101. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image processing system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system of the present invention includes a server apparatus 101, client apparatuses 102-1 and 102-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as client apparatus 102), and multifunction machines 103-1 and 103-2 (hereinafter referred to as client apparatuses 102). And a network 104 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The server apparatus 101 has a function of creating a scan ticket in response to a request from the client apparatus 102, a function of transmitting a scan ticket to the multifunction apparatus in response to a request from the multifunction apparatus 103, and image data transmitted from the multifunction apparatus 103. On the other hand, the apparatus has a function of executing image processing set in the scan ticket. The scan ticket is information defining resolution, color / monochrome setting when reading a document with a multifunction peripheral, and various processes to be executed using image data created by performing a reading process. The configuration of the scan ticket will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The client device 102 is a device used to request the server device 101 to create a scan ticket.

  The multi-function peripheral 103 is a device that executes a document reading process based on a scan ticket and a process defined by the scan ticket using image data created by performing the reading process. The multifunction machine 103 has a print function, a copy function, a FAX transmission function, a scanner function, a file transmission function, a mail transmission function, and the like.

  The network 104 is a network for connecting the above-described apparatuses so that they can communicate with each other. The connection form may be wired / wireless. The above is an example of the configuration of the image processing system of the present invention.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the server apparatus 101 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and functions executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 104 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a program that can be read and executed by a computer, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Since the client device 102 in FIG. 1 has the same hardware configuration as the server device 101, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 103 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 103 in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 104 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (network I / F) 305 is connected to a network such as the LAN 104 and inputs / outputs data. A modem 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, and the like, and is required when performing user authentication in this embodiment. A card reader 319 for reading a non-contact IC card (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  An image bus interface (image bus I / F) 320 connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts a data structure. The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

An image processing unit 317 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data. Then, the image processing unit 317 drives the scanner unit 314 to perform image processing on the image data read and convert it into a file outputable format (for example, a PDF format file). A file of image data can be transmitted to an external device via the network I / F 305.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Note that the display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). Is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in the non-contact IC card under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration described above, the printer 312 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 104, and print out the print data received from the LAN 104 by the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Next, an overview of processing executed by the server apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. A program for causing the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 to perform this processing is stored in the external memory 211. The CPU 201 downloads the program to the RAM 202 as necessary, and performs this processing according to the control.

  In the processing shown in this figure, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 has received a request for creating a new scan ticket from the client apparatus 102 (step S401), has received a scan ticket request from the multifunction machine 103 (step S403), or scan. It is determined whether the process defined in the ticket is to be executed (step S405).

  First, when it is determined that a request for creating a new scan ticket has been received from the client apparatus 102 (YES in step S401), the process proceeds to step S402, and a new scan ticket creation process is performed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined that a scan ticket request from the MFP 103 has been received (YES in step S403), the process proceeds to step S404, and a process using the scan ticket is performed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Also, if it is determined that the process defined in the scan ticket, which is performed when image data associated with the scan ticket is received from the MFP 103 (YES in step S405), the process is performed. In step S406, scan ticket execution processing is performed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the above-described processing is performed, for example, until the present program ends (determined as YES in step S407). The above is the outline of the processing performed by the server apparatus 101.

  Next, details of the new scan ticket creation process in step S402 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This processing is performed by the CPU 201 of the client device 102 and the CPU 201 of the server device 101.

  A program for causing the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 to execute the processes of steps S501 to S507 in FIG. 5 is stored in the external memory 211 or the like of the client apparatus 102. When executing this process, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 The program is loaded into the RAM 202, and these processes are performed according to control by the loaded program.

  A program for causing the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 to execute the processes of steps S511 to S515 in FIG. 5 is stored in the external memory 211 of the server apparatus 101. The CPU 201 loads the program into the RAM 202 and performs these processes according to control by the loaded program.

  First, the CPU 201 of the client apparatus 102 transmits a new scan ticket creation request to the server apparatus 101 (step S501). When the server apparatus 101 receives a request for creating a new scan ticket from the client apparatus 102 (step S511), the server apparatus 101 transmits screen information of a new scan ticket creation screen (step S512).

  When the screen information transmitted from the server device 101 is received (step S502), a new scan ticket creation screen is displayed on the display device 210 based on the received screen information. Here, the new scan ticket creation screen displayed on the display device 210 is a screen as shown in FIG.

  Here, the configuration of a new scan ticket creation screen 800 displayed on the display device 210 of the client device 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A new scan ticket creation screen 800 includes a scan ticket name input unit 801, an available user designation unit 802, a process designation unit 803 to be executed, a process detail setting input unit 804, a process subject selection unit 805, an add button 806, and a defined process display. A section 807, a create button 808, a cancel button 809, and the like.

  The scan ticket name input unit 801 is an input unit that receives input of the name of a scan ticket to be created. The usable user designation unit 802 is a designation unit that designates a user who can use the scan ticket created by the item input on the child new scan ticket creation screen 800. For example, it is possible to specify all users, only the creator, a user in the same section as the creator, an arbitrary user, an arbitrary group, and the like.

  The process specifying unit 803 to execute is a specifying unit that specifies a process to be executed when the scan ticket is specified. For example, in addition to processing that can be executed by the functions of the MFP 103 such as file transmission processing, copy processing, and mail transmission processing, OCR processing that can be executed by an application program stored in the external memory 211 of the server apparatus 101, It is possible to specify translation processing and the like.

  The process detail setting input unit 804 is an input unit that inputs detailed information necessary for executing the process specified by the process specifying unit 803 to be executed. FIG. 8 shows a display example of the process detail setting input unit 804 when the designated process is mail transmission.

  When the designated process is mail transmission, the process detail setting input unit 804 inputs a subject input field 804-1 for inputting subject information of the mail and sender (FROM) information. FROM input field 804-2, TO input field 804-3 for inputting destination (TO) information, CC input field 804-4 for inputting CC information, BCC for inputting BCC information An input field 804-5, a text input field 804-6 for inputting a text, an attached file creation method input field 804-7 for designating an attached file creation method, and the like are set in the processing detail setting input unit 804. Will be. In the attached file creation method input field 804-7, a file format designation field 804-71, a resolution designation field 804-72, and a color / monochrome designation field 804-63 are set. The information specified by these is reflected in the settings at the time of scanning in the multifunction machine 103.

  The processing subject selection unit 805 is a selection unit that accepts selection of whether the processing specified by the processing specification unit 803 to be executed is performed by the server device 101 or the multifunction device 103. If the process designated by the process designation unit 803 to be executed is a process that cannot be executed by the multifunction device 103, display control is performed so that the multifunction device 103 cannot be selected.

  An add button 806 is a button used to add a process specified by the processes to the process designation unit 803, the process detail setting input unit 804, and the process subject selection unit 805 to be executed as a process to be performed when the scan ticket is selected. It is.

  The defined process display unit 807 is a display unit for displaying a defined process on a scan ticket that is already created, and includes a detail confirmation button 807-1 and a delete button 807-2. The detail confirmation button 807-1 is a button used to display details of the defined process. When a pressing instruction for the detail confirmation button 807-1 is received, a detail confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed. Allows the user to check the setting information. When an instruction to press the delete button 807-2 is received, the defined process displayed on the line is deleted.

  The creation button 808 is a button used to request the server apparatus 101 to create a scan ticket in accordance with various information input via the new scan ticket creation screen 800. A cancel button 809 is a button used to end the process using this screen without making a scan ticket creation request. The above is the description of the new scan ticket creation screen in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After the new scan ticket creation screen 800 is displayed in step S503, input of scan ticket creation information is accepted via the new scan ticket creation screen 800 (step 504). Thereafter, when it is determined that a creation instruction input by pressing the creation button 808 on the new scan ticket creation screen 800 is accepted (YES in step S505), the process proceeds to step S506 to create a new scan ticket. Scan ticket creation information input via the screen 800 is transmitted to the server apparatus 101.

  When receiving the scan ticket creation information transmitted from the client device 102 (step S513), the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 creates a scan ticket according to the scan ticket creation information (step S514). The created scan ticket has a configuration as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows the data structure of the scan ticket created by the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 in step S514 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the scan ticket is composed of scan ticket data 1000 and detailed processing data 1010 to 1030. The processing details data 1010 to 1030 are created for each processing to be executed. 1010 indicates mail transmission processing details data, 1020 indicates file transmission processing details data, and 1030 indicates FAX transmission processing details data.

  In the scan ticket data 1000, a scan ticket ID 1001, a scan ticket name 1002, an available user 1003, a processing number 1004, processing details 1005, a resolution 1006, and monochrome / color 1007 are set as data items.

  The scan ticket ID 1001 is a data item for registering identification information for uniquely identifying scan ticket data.

  The scan ticket name 1002 is a data item for registering the scan ticket name input to the scan ticket name input unit 801 in FIG. The available user 1003 is a data item for registering information on an available user of the scan ticket specified by the available user specifying unit 802 in FIG. The number of processes is a data item in which the number of processes executed in the process specifying the scan ticket is registered, and the number of processes displayed in the defined process display unit 807 is registered.

  The process details 1005 is a data item in which information on detailed data of processes performed using the scan ticket is registered, and a process type 1005-1, a process ID 1005-2, and a processing subject 1005-3 are registered as detailed data. The

  The process type 1005-1 is a data item in which data indicating the process type is registered. For example, the process specified by the process specifying unit 803 executed in FIG. 8 such as mail transmission, FAX transmission, and file transmission is registered. The The processing ID is an item in which identification information for specifying the detailed processing data is registered, and the identification information of the detailed data in which the detailed data of this processing is registered. The processing entity 1005-3 is a data item in which information indicating which of the server apparatus 101 and the multi-function peripheral 103 performs this processing is registered, and the information selected by the processing entity selection unit 805 in FIG. 8 is registered. .

  A resolution 1006 is a data item in which resolution information that is set when the MFP 103 executes a document reading process (scan process) is registered. For monochrome / color, monochrome / color designation set when the multifunction peripheral 103 performs document reading processing is registered. These pieces of information are determined and registered based on, for example, the resolution of the attached file set in the mail transmission process, monochrome / color settings, and the like.

  The process details data 1010 to 1030 are data items for registering detailed information of various processes to be performed by the multifunction machine 103 or the server apparatus 101. If the mail transmission process details data 1010 is used, the process ID 1011, FROM 1012, and TO1013 are processed. , CC 1014, BSS 1015, subject 1016, body 1017, attached file 1018, etc. are set, and the attached file 1018 is further set with a file format 1018-1, resolution 1018-2, monochrome / color 1018-3. The

  In the file transmission process detailed data 1020, data items such as process ID 1021, file transmission destination folder 1022, ID 1023, password 1024, and transmission file 1025 are set. The transmission file 1025 further includes a file format 1025-1 and resolution 1025. -2, monochrome / color 1025-3 is set. Note that user ID information and password information used when accessing a folder registered in the file transmission destination folder 1022 are registered in the ID 1023 and password 1024, respectively.

  In the FAX transmission process detailed data 1030, data items such as a process ID 1031 and a FAX transmission destination 1032 are set. The above is the description of the data structure of the scan ticket.

  Returning to the description of FIG. After completion of the scan ticket data creation process in step S514, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 transmits the process result information to the client apparatus 102 that has requested scan ticket creation (step S515), and the client apparatus. 102 receives the processing result information (step S507), and displays the processing result on the display device 210 based on the information. The above is the detailed description of the new scan ticket creation process in step S402 of FIG.

  Next, details of the process using the scan ticket in step S404 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the CPU 201 of the multifunction machine 103 and the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101.

  A program for causing the CPU 301 of the multi-function peripheral 103 to execute the processes shown in steps S601 to S614 is stored in the HDD 304 or the like. When the CPU 301 executes this process, the program is loaded into the RAM 302. This process is executed according to the control.

  Further, a program for causing the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 to execute the processes shown in steps S621 to S624 is stored in the external memory 211 or the like, and when executing this process, the program is loaded into the RAM 202 and loaded. This processing is executed according to program control.

  The CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 103 performs an authentication process for a user who uses the multifunction machine (step S601). In this user authentication process, a user ID and password, biometric information, IC card information, and the like are input as user authentication information, and a user associated with the user authentication information is specified as a user who uses the MFP 103. I do.

  After the user authentication process is completed, it is determined whether the processing content received from the user has received a processing request using a scan ticket according to the user's operation instruction (step S602). If it is determined in this determination process that a process request other than the scan process using the scan ticket has been accepted (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to step S603, and a process requested by the user (for example, a copy process, FAX transmission and print processing) are executed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 301 of the multifunction device 103 determines that the processing request using the scan ticket has been received in the determination processing in step S602 (YES in step S602), the processing proceeds to step S604 and is specified in step S601. The server apparatus 101 is requested for a scan ticket that can be used by the user.

  When a scan ticket request is received from the multi-function peripheral 103 (step S621), a scan ticket that can be used by a user who is using the multi-function peripheral 103 among scan tickets stored in the external memory 211 is a user who can use scan ticket data. It is acquired according to the information registered in 1003 (step S622), and the acquired scan ticket is transmitted to the MFP 103 (step S623). At this time, the scan ticket data and the detailed data of the process whose processing subject is the multifunction machine 103 are transmitted to at least the multifunction machine 103.

  After receiving a usable scan ticket transmitted from the server apparatus 101 (step S605), the scan ticket selection screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 (step S606).

  Here, an example of the scan ticket selection screen 900 displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation unit 308 of the multi-function peripheral 103 in step S606 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the scan ticket selection screen 900 includes a user information display unit 901, an operation menu display unit 902, a scan ticket list display unit 903, a detail button 904, an execution button 905, and the like.

  A user information display unit 901 is a display field for displaying user information of a user who is using the multifunction machine 103. The operation menu display unit 902 is a display unit that displays buttons used for causing the multi-function peripheral 103 to input execution requests for various processes. For example, by pressing a scan ticket button 902-1, the operation menu display unit 902 An execution request for processing using a scan ticket can be input to the CPU 301 of the machine 103.

  A scan ticket list display unit 903 is a display unit that displays a list of scan tickets acquired from the server apparatus 101, and displays a scan ticket name, the number of processes, resolution, color / monochrome setting information, and the like. In addition, by accepting a selection process for the scan ticket displayed in the scan ticket list display unit 903, the scan ticket to be actually used for the process is selected. The selected scan ticket is made different from the display of other scan tickets, for example, by changing the background color as shown in 903-1 so that the user can recognize which scan ticket is selected. To do.

  The detail button 904 is a button used to display details of the scan ticket selected in the scan ticket list display unit 903. The execution button 905 is a button used to input an instruction to the MFP 103 to execute processing defined in the scan ticket selected in the scan ticket list display unit 903. The above is an example of the configuration of the scan ticket selection screen.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Then, after the scan ticket selection screen 900 is displayed in step S606, selection of a scan ticket by an operation on the scan ticket list display unit 903 is accepted (step S607).

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the process execution instruction input by the execution button 905 receiving a pressing instruction has been received (YES in step S608), the process proceeds to step S609, and the scan ticket selected in step S607 is set. Scan processing is executed in accordance with the resolution setting, color / monochrome setting, and the like (step S609). In this process, since the scan process is executed according to the scan ticket setting, it is not necessary for the user to input settings related to the scan one by one.

  Thereafter, various processes (email transmission, file transmission, etc.) set in the scan ticket are performed using the image data created by the scanning process in step S609.

  The multi-function peripheral 103 determines whether or not to perform the process on the multi-function peripheral 103 for all the processing details defined in the scan ticket according to the processing subject 1005-3 (step S610). If it is determined that there is (YES in step S610), the process defined in the detailed setting data of the process is executed (step S611).

  After executing all the processes performed by the multifunction machine 103 among the processes defined in the selected scan ticket, it is determined whether or not the process performed by the server apparatus 101 is defined in the scan ticket (step S612). If it is determined in this determination process that the process to be performed by the server apparatus 101 is defined (YES), the process proceeds to step S613, and the image data created by the scan process and the scan ticket data (at least the scan ticket ID) ) To a predetermined folder of the server apparatus 101.

  Thereafter, the process shown in the drawing is repeated until it is determined that the process is to be terminated (YES in step S614), such as a user logout process. The above is the detailed description of the process using the scan ticket in step S404 in FIG.

  Next, the details of the scan ticket execution process performed by the server apparatus 101 in step S406 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. A program for causing the server apparatus 101 to execute the processing shown in the figure is stored in the external memory 211. When the processing is executed, the program is loaded into the RAM 202, and the processing is executed according to control by the loaded program. Will do. For example, this process is performed when received from the multi-function peripheral 103 in step S624 in FIG. 6, or at a predetermined time period.

  First, the CPU 201 of the server apparatus 101 determines whether image data is received from the image processing apparatus in a predetermined folder (step S701). If YES is determined in step S701, it is determined whether a scan ticket is associated with the image data (step S702).

  If “YES” is determined in the step S702, all processes whose processing subject is the server apparatus 101 among the processes defined in the scan ticket associated with the image data are executed.

  First, detailed processing data defined in the scan ticket is acquired, and it is determined whether the processing subject is the server device 101 (step S703). If it is determined YES in this determination process, the process proceeds to step S704 to acquire the process detail data specified by the process type and process ID of the detail process data, and the process defined in the process detail data Is executed (step S705).

  As described above, when the processes in steps S703 to S705 have been executed for all the detailed process data included in the scan ticket associated with the image data, this process ends.

  In the present invention, by adopting the configuration as described above, a series of a plurality of processes involving scan processing in the image processing apparatus is defined in advance, and by causing the image processing apparatus to execute the defined processing, A plurality of processes can be executed without scanning the same document a plurality of times.

  In addition, since it is possible to specify whether a series of processes are to be executed by the image processing apparatus or the server apparatus, it is possible to distribute the processing load, and the image processing apparatus It is possible to cause the server apparatus 101 to perform processing that cannot be executed. The user's processing at that time is also very simple: selecting a scan ticket and executing the processing.

  By supplying a recording medium recording a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and reading and executing the program stored in the recording medium by a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus However, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention is achieved.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, when the computer of the system or apparatus executes the read program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program. Needless to say, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  In addition, each process realized by the above-described software can be realized as firmware or hardware configuration, and each process can be realized as each means. The technical scope of the present invention is realized by such firmware or hardware configuration. Is also included.

101 Server apparatus 102-1 and 102-2 Client apparatus 103-1 and 103-2 MFP 104 Network 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 System Bus 205 Input Controller 206 Video Controller 207 Memory Controller 208 Communication I / F (Interface) Controller 209 Input Device 210 Display Device 211 External Memory

Claims (6)

An image processing system comprising: a server device that creates a scan ticket that defines processing to be executed by an image processing device; and an image processing device that executes processing defined in the scan ticket,
The server device
First receiving means for receiving scan ticket creation information including information relating to a process defined in a scan ticket and information relating to a device executing the process, from a client device;
Creating means for creating a scan ticket according to the received scan ticket creation information;
Storage means for storing the scan ticket created by the creation means;
A first transmission means for transmitting a scan ticket to the image processing apparatus when a request for the scan ticket is received from the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus includes:
Request means for requesting a scan ticket to the server device;
Second receiving means for receiving a scan ticket transmitted by the first transmitting means of the server device in response to a request from the requesting means;
Display means for displaying the scan ticket received by the second receiving means so as to be designated;
Accepting means for accepting designation of the scan ticket displayed by the display means;
Creating means for creating electronic image data by reading a document;
First execution means for executing processing defined in the scan ticket accepted by the accepting means for the electronic image data created by the creating means;
A determination unit that determines whether a process to be executed by the server device is defined in the scan ticket;
A second transmission unit configured to transmit the electronic image data to the server device when the determination unit determines that a process to be executed by the server device is defined;
The server device further includes a process defined to be executed by the server device among the processes defined in the scan ticket received by the image processing device for the electronic image data received from the image processing device. An image processing system comprising: second execution means for executing In the storage means, the scan ticket further stores information on a user who can use the scan ticket,
The image processing apparatus further includes a specifying unit that specifies a user who uses the image forming apparatus,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the request unit requests the server device for a scan ticket that can be used by a user specified by the specifying unit. The processing set in the scan ticket includes at least one of FAX transmission processing, e-mail transmission processing, and file transmission processing. An image processing method performed by an image processing system including a server device that creates a scan ticket that defines processing to be executed by an image processing device, and an image processing device that executes processing defined in the scan ticket,
A first receiving step for receiving, from the client device, scan ticket creation information including information relating to a process defined in a scan ticket and information relating to a device executing the process;
A creation step of creating a scan ticket in accordance with the received scan ticket creation information, the creation means of the server device;
A storage step in which the storage unit of the server device stores the scan ticket created in the creation step in a storage device;
A first transmission step of transmitting a scan ticket to the image processing apparatus when the first transmission unit of the server apparatus receives a scan ticket request from the image processing apparatus;
The requesting unit of the image processing apparatus requests the server apparatus to request a scan ticket;
A second receiving step in which a second receiving unit of the image processing apparatus receives a scan ticket transmitted by the first transmitting unit of the server device in response to a request in the requesting step;
A display step in which the display means of the image processing apparatus displays the scan ticket received in the second receiving step on the display unit so that it can be designated;
An accepting step in which the accepting means of the image processing device accepts designation of a scan ticket displayed on the display unit;
A creation step in which the creation means of the image processing device creates electronic image data by reading a document;
A first execution step in which a first execution unit of the image processing apparatus executes a process defined in the scan ticket received by the reception unit with respect to the electronic image data created by the creation unit;
A determination step for determining whether the determination unit of the image processing apparatus defines a process to be executed by the server apparatus in the scan ticket;
A second transmission unit that transmits the electronic image data to the server device when the second transmission unit of the image processing device determines in the determination step that a process to be executed by the server device is defined; Sending process of
When the second execution means of the server apparatus executes the process defined in the scan ticket accepted by the image processing apparatus for the electronic image data received from the image processing apparatus, An image processing method comprising: a second execution step of executing a defined process. An image processing apparatus that includes an original reading mechanism and performs image processing on electronic image data created by reading an original using the original reading mechanism,
Request means for requesting a scan ticket in which processing to be executed on the electronic image data created by the document reading mechanism is defined to the server device;
Receiving means for receiving a scan ticket transmitted from the server device in response to a request from the request means;
Display means for displaying the scan ticket received by the receiving means so as to be designated;
Accepting means for accepting designation of the scan ticket displayed by the display means;
Creating means for creating electronic image data by reading a document with the document reading mechanism;
Execution means for executing processing defined in the scan ticket received by the receiving means for the electronic image data created by the creating means;
A determination unit that determines whether a process to be executed by the server device is defined in the scan ticket;
A transmission unit that transmits the electronic image data to the server device when the determination unit determines that a process to be executed by the server device is defined;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A computer program that is executed in an image processing system that includes a server device that creates a scan ticket that defines processing to be executed by the image processing device, and an image processing device that executes processing defined in the scan ticket, the server device The
First receiving means for receiving scan ticket creation information including information relating to a process defined in a scan ticket and information relating to a device executing the process, from a client device;
Creating means for creating a scan ticket according to the received scan ticket creation information;
Storage means for storing the scan ticket created by the creation means;
When a request for a scan ticket is received from the image processing apparatus, the first processing unit functions as a first transmission unit that transmits the scan ticket to the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus;
Request means for requesting a scan ticket to the server device;
Second receiving means for receiving a scan ticket transmitted by the first transmitting means of the server device in response to a request from the requesting means;
Display means for displaying the scan ticket received by the second receiving means so as to be designated;
Accepting means for accepting designation of the scan ticket displayed by the display means;
Creating means for creating electronic image data by reading a document;
First execution means for executing processing defined in the scan ticket accepted by the accepting means for the electronic image data created by the creating means;
A determination unit that determines whether a process to be executed by the server device is defined in the scan ticket;
When the determination unit determines that the process to be executed by the server device is defined, the determination unit functions as a second transmission unit that transmits the electronic image data to the server device,
Among the processes defined in the scan ticket accepted by the image processing apparatus when the server apparatus further receives electronic image data from the image processing apparatus, the process defined to be executed by the server apparatus A computer program that functions as second execution means for executing

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