JP2012178654A - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program which can easily be recovered, by a user, from an error occurring in a cooperative apparatus.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 100 which performs image processing on a request job by cooperation between image processing apparatuses comprises: operation setting means 12 which performs operation setting to the cooperative apparatus; data transfer means 13 which transfers request job data to the cooperative apparatus to request the cooperative apparatus to execute the image processing on the request job; error detection means 14 which detects an error occurring in the cooperative apparatus; and recovery control means 15 which determines whether to perform recovery processing on the error detected by the error detection means 14. If the recovery control means 15 determines to perform the recovery processing, the operation setting means 12 changes the operation setting to the cooperative apparatus on the basis of operation setting changed by a user and requests re-execution of the image processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique based on device cooperation.

  Conventionally, an image processing system that processes a request job from a user by device cooperation is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device (alternative device) that can output a requested job from other image processing devices when the requested job cannot be output in the image processing device (cooperation destination device) designated by the output destination. ) And transmitting the image data from the image processing apparatus to the alternative device, thereby executing the requested job and continuing the image processing.

  However, in the conventional image processing method, no consideration is given to recovery processing for continuing image processing when an error occurs in the cooperation destination device.

  For example, even in a cooperation destination device that is determined to be capable of output due to paper size matching at the time of search, the matching paper is used or the paper size is changed by another user's job execution. As a result, in the cooperation destination device, an error due to a paper end or paper size mismatch may occur when a job of the received image data is executed. In such a case, in order to resolve the error that has occurred and execute the requested job, the user who requested the job must go to the cooperation destination device and refill the paper or reset the paper size. Don't be.

  As described above, in the conventional image processing method, the user has to go to the cooperation destination device and perform a recovery operation for the generated error, which is complicated for the user.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program that allow a user to easily recover from an error that has occurred in a cooperation destination device. There is.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that is connected to a cooperation destination device via a predetermined data transmission path and performs image processing on a requested job by device cooperation. , Operation setting means for performing operation settings for image processing performed on the request job to the cooperation destination device, data transfer means for transferring request job data to the cooperation destination device, and An error detection unit that detects an error that has occurred during image processing; and a recovery control unit that controls a recovery process to be performed on an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, wherein the operation setting unit has the cooperation destination The operation setting is performed on the device, and the data transfer unit transfers the requested job data to the cooperation destination device, so that the cooperation destination device can perform image processing on the request job. When the error detection unit detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the recovery control unit determines whether or not to perform a recovery process on the error detected by the error detection unit. If the operation setting means determines that the recovery control means performs the recovery process, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device is changed based on the operation setting changed by the user, and the image processing It is characterized by requiring re-execution.

  With such a configuration, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention transmits job data and requests execution of image processing after setting job operation to the cooperation destination device. Thereafter, when detecting an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the image processing apparatus determines whether or not to perform a recovery process for the detected error. When the image processing apparatus performs recovery processing, the screen prompts the user to change the operation settings (recovery processing) together with error notification based on error information, device information, etc. (reception information) received from the cooperation destination device Is displayed. When the image processing apparatus receives an instruction to continue the image processing by changing the operation setting from the user via the screen, the image processing apparatus changes the setting of the cooperation destination device based on the changed operation setting value, and requests to restart the image processing. To do.

  As a result, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device can be changed by remote operation from the device that has requested execution of image processing by device cooperation, and this occurred without the user going to the cooperation destination device. The error can be recovered and the image processing can be continued.

  According to the present invention, by changing the operation setting of a cooperation destination device to a setting that allows image processing to be continued from a device that has requested execution of image processing by device cooperation, it can be used for errors occurring in the cooperation destination device. An image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing program that can be easily recovered by a person can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the image processing which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the apparatus information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting screen of the recovery process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen at the time of the recovery which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a recovery process sequence at the time of the image process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the image processing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of data of the reorganization function information which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen at the time of the recovery which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of the recovery process sequence at the time of the image process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence at the time of the recovery determination based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration in which a plurality of image processing apparatuses 100 _{1 to} 100 _n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image processing apparatus 100”) are connected by a data transmission line N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An example is shown.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is a device having an image processing function. Examples of the image processing function include a copy function, a scan function, and a print function.

In the image processing system 1, the following image processing can be performed. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 _first executes the requesting device, when receiving a request for a copy job, sets the number of copies set value at the time of the request to the image processing apparatus 100 ₂ cooperation destination device. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 100 ₁ reads a document and transmits the image reading in the image processing apparatus 100 ₂ cooperation destination device. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 ₂ in accordance with the number of copies set value set by the image processing apparatus 100 _1, the read image received is outputted.

  As described above, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide an image processing service based on device cooperation with the above-described system configuration.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a controller 110, an operation panel 120, a plotter 130, a scanner 140, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The operation panel 120 includes a display unit and an input unit, and provides various information such as device information to the user and accepts various input operations such as operation settings and operation instructions. The plotter 130 includes an image forming unit and forms an output image on a sheet. Examples of a method for forming an output image include an electrophotographic process and an ink jet method. The scanner 140 optically reads a document and generates a read image.

  The controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a storage device 112, a network I / F 113, an external storage I / F 114, and the like, which are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The CPU 111 controls the entire apparatus by executing a program. The storage device 112 stores and holds the program and various data (for example, “image data”). Examples of the storage device 112 include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a volatile memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a nonvolatile memory, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that has a large-capacity storage area. There is. The RAM functions as a work area for the CPU 111 (a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read). ROM and HDD are used as storage locations for programs and various data. As a result, in the image processing apparatus 100, the CPU 111 reads the program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executes the program.

  The network I / F 113 is an interface for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to a predetermined data transmission path N such as a network. The external storage I / F 114 is an interface for connecting a recording medium 114a corresponding to an external storage device. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 100 can perform data communication with other devices (for example, “authentication management apparatus”) via the network I / F 113.

  Examples of the recording medium 114a include an SD memory card (SD memory card) and a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory). Thereby, the image processing apparatus 100 can read and / or write to the recording medium 114a via the external storage I / F 114.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can provide an image processing service with the above hardware configuration.

<Image processing function>
The image processing function according to this embodiment will be described.
In the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, job operation settings are made to the cooperation destination device, job data is transmitted, and execution of image processing is requested. When the image processing apparatus 100 detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the image processing apparatus 100 determines whether to perform recovery processing for the detected error. When performing the recovery process, the image processing apparatus 100 prompts the user to change the operation setting (recovery process) together with the error notification based on the error information and the device information received from the cooperation destination device (received information). Display the screen. When the image processing apparatus 100 receives an instruction to continue image processing by changing the operation setting from the user via the screen, the image processing apparatus 100 changes the setting of the cooperation destination device based on the changed operation setting value, and restarts the image processing. Request. The image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has an image processing function for performing such a recovery process.

  In the conventional image processing method, recovery processing for continuing image processing in the event of an error in the cooperation destination device has not been considered, so the user goes to the cooperation destination device and performs recovery work on the error that occurred The operation is cumbersome for the user.

  In view of this, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to change the operation setting of the cooperation destination device to a setting that allows the image processing to be continued from the device that has requested execution of image processing by device cooperation.

  Thereby, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device can be changed by remote operation from the device that has requested execution of image processing by device cooperation, and the user does not go to the cooperation destination device. The generated error can be recovered and the image processing can be continued.

The configuration and operation of the image processing function according to this embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image processing function according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration example of two image processing apparatuses 100a and 100b that cooperate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing function according to the present embodiment includes operation reception units 11a and 11b, operation setting units 12a and 12b, image transfer units 13a and 13b, error detection units 14a and 14b, and a recovery control unit 15a. , 15b and the like.

  As described above, the image processing apparatuses 100a and 100b have the same function unit, and the image processing function according to the present embodiment is performed between the execution request source of the image processing and the cooperation destination (execution request destination). This is realized by the cooperation of each functional unit. Therefore, hereinafter, for convenience, the image processing device 100a is referred to as an execution request source device 100a, and the image processing device 100b is referred to as a cooperation destination device 100b. In addition, a function part having a reference sign with “a” is a function part that the execution request source apparatus 100a has, and a function part having a reference sign with “b” is a function part that the cooperation destination apparatus 100b has.

  The operation receiving units 11a and 11b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “operation receiving unit 11”) are functional units that receive various operations from a user via a screen. For example, the operation reception unit 11 displays a screen having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the operation panel 120, and receives various operations from the user based on the GUI event information. Various operations by the user include, for example, an image processing execution request (job request), an image processing operation setting or setting change (request job operation setting or setting change), and an image processing continuation instruction (request job continuation instruction). These operations are mainly accepted by the operation accepting unit 11a of the execution request source.

  The operation setting units 12a and 12b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “operation setting unit 12”) are functional units that perform operation setting of a requested job. The operation setting unit 12a of the execution request source transmits the operation setting value received by the operation receiving unit 11a to the cooperation destination device 100b, requests the operation setting unit 12b for the operation setting of the request job, and requests the device cooperation processing to start. To do. As a result, the cooperation destination operation setting unit 12b performs operation setting on the device DVb such as the plotter 130 or the scanner 140 that performs processing of the requested job based on the received operation setting value, and prepares to start device cooperation processing. Preparation for starting device cooperation processing means preparation for receiving requested job data.

  Image transfer units 13a and 13b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image transfer unit 13”) are functional units that transfer requested job data (image data). The image transfer unit 13a that is the execution request source transmits the requested job data received from the device DVa to the cooperation destination device 100b and transfers it to the image transfer unit 13b. As a result, the cooperation destination image transfer unit 13b passes the received request job data to the device DVb. That is, the image transfer unit 13 is a functional unit that transmits and receives requested job data. As a result, the device DVb executes image processing according to the operation setting for the requested job data. Note that the above-described preparation for starting the device cooperation processing corresponds to the operation setting unit 12b of the cooperation destination instructing the image transfer unit 13b to start cooperation and preparing to receive requested job data.

  The error detection units 14a and 14b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “error detection unit 14”) are functional units that detect errors that have occurred in image processing. Upon receiving an error event from the image processing device DVb, the cooperation destination error detection unit 14b transmits error information, device information, and the like to the execution request source device 100a, and notifies the cooperation destination device 100b that an error has occurred. To do.

Here, error information and device information will be described.
The error information is information indicating the content of an error that occurred during image processing of the requested job data, and can be acquired from the device DV. Specific information includes, for example, paper end and paper size mismatch. The device information is information related to the image processing apparatus 100 and can be acquired from the device DV or installed software. Specific information includes, for example, information items as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the device information GD according to the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device information GD includes information items such as device identification, paper, and a reorganization function. The “device identification” item is an information item whose item value is the identifier of the image processing apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as “device identification information”). The item value includes, for example, a device name, a machine number (serial number), an IP (Internet Protocol) address value (network setting value), and the like. The “paper” item is an information item whose item value is information relating to paper that is determined to be usable from the status information of the paper feed tray included in the device DV (hereinafter referred to as “paper information”). The item value includes, for example, a paper size value and a paper direction value (paper placement direction value in the paper feed tray). The [Reorganization function] item is an information item whose item value is information related to an image reorganization function (hereinafter referred to as “reorganization function information”) that is determined from the installed software information that predetermined image processing can be performed. The item value includes, for example, a value indicating whether image rotation or image scaling is possible (a value indicating possible / impossible).

  Returning to the description of FIG. When receiving the error event from the device DVb, the error detection unit 14b of the cooperation destination acquires the error information from the device DVb, acquires the device information GD from the device DVb or the installed software, and transmits the device information GD to the execution request source device 100a. . As a result, the execution request source error detection unit 14a detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b based on the received error information and device information GD.

  The recovery control units 15a and 15b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “recovery control unit 15”) are functional units that control recovery processing of an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b. In this embodiment, since the recovery process is performed by the execution request source, the recovery control unit 15 functions in the execution request source device 100a. When the error detection unit 14a detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b, the recovery control unit 15a that is the execution request source determines whether or not to perform processing based on a preset control value for recovery processing. (Execution judgment).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for recovery processing according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows a setting screen W1 on which control values for recovery processing “Yes” and “No” can be set. As described above, the control value of the recovery process is set by a device administrator, a user, or the like via the setting screen W1 as shown in FIG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The recovery control unit 15a that is the execution request source determines that the recovery process is to be performed when the control value is “YES”. As a result, the recovery control unit 15a instructs the operation reception unit 11a to display an operation screen during recovery based on the received information (error information and device information) from the cooperation destination device 100b held by the error detection unit 14a. When the control value is “no”, the recovery control unit 15a determines that the recovery process is not performed, and displays an error screen on the operation reception unit 11a based on the error information from the cooperation destination device 100b held by the error detection unit 14a. Is displayed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen at the time of recovery according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows an operation screen W2 in which error details (paper end) that occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b are displayed and the operation setting (paper size) of the cooperation destination device 100b can be changed. That is, in this embodiment, when the recovery control unit 15a determines that the recovery process is to be performed, the operation reception unit 11a displays a screen that prompts the user to change the operation setting together with the error notification of the cooperation destination device 100b. Is done. Thereby, the user can request the cooperation destination device 100b to continue the image processing according to the changed operation setting.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The operation setting unit 12a of the execution request source transmits the operation setting value (changed value) received by the operation receiving unit 11a via the operation screen W2 to the cooperation destination device 100b, and changes the operation setting of the request job to the operation setting unit 12b. And request to restart the device linkage process. As a result, the operation setting unit 12b that is the cooperation destination changes the operation setting of the device DVb that performs processing of the requested job based on the received operation setting value (change value), and instructs to resume the device cooperation processing. As a result, the device DVb executes image processing according to the changed operation setting for the requested job data.

  As described above, the image processing function according to the present embodiment is realized by the above-described functional units operating in cooperation. Note that each of the functional units described above has a program (software that realizes an image processing function) installed (installed) in the image processing apparatus 100 transferred from a storage device (ROM) to a memory (RAM) by an arithmetic unit (CPU). This is realized by reading and executing the following processing.

  A detailed operation of the image processing function according to the present embodiment (cooperation operation of the functional unit group) will be described with reference to a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure.

<Recovery processing during image processing>
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a recovery processing procedure during image processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an example of recovery processing when a paper end error has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b during device cooperation for a copy request.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the execution request source device 100a receives a copy request in which the operation setting [A3, 10 copies] is designated by the user by the operation receiving unit 11a (step S101). When accepting the copy request, the operation accepting unit 11a passes the designated copy output operation setting value to the operation setting unit 12a, and instructs the operation setting request to the cooperation destination device 100b (step S102). In response to this, the operation setting unit 12a transmits the operation setting value to the cooperation destination device 100b, and requests the operation setting unit 12b for operation setting for copy output (step S103). Accordingly, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b sets the paper size [A3] and the number of copies [10] to the device DVb (plotter) that performs the copy output process (step S104).

  Further, when accepting the copy request, the operation accepting unit 11a instructs the operation setting unit 12a to start a device cooperation process for the cooperation destination device 100b (step S105). In response to this, the operation setting unit 12a notifies the operation reception unit 11a of start request reception (step S106), and requests the operation setting unit 12b of the cooperation destination device 100b to start device cooperation processing (step S107). . As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b instructs the image transfer unit 13b to start the device cooperation process (step S108), and the image transfer unit 13b notifies the start instruction reception (step S109). ).

  When the operation accepting unit 11a receives the notification of accepting the start request from the operation setting unit 12a, the execution request source device 100a instructs the device DVa (scanner) that performs the document reading process to start the document reading process (step S201). . In response to this, the device DVa (scanner) reads the document (step S202) and notifies the image transfer unit 13a of the completion of processing (step S203). Upon receiving the processing completion notification from the device DVa (scanner), the image transfer unit 13a acquires a read image (Steps S204 and S205). Thereby, in the execution request source device 100a, the image transfer unit 13a transmits the read image (request job data) to the cooperation destination device 100b and transfers it to the image transfer unit 13b (step S206).

  When the read image is transferred from the execution request source device 100a, the cooperation destination device 100b notifies the device DVb (plotter) that performs the copy output process of the image reception by the image transfer unit 13b (step S207). In response to this, the device DVb (plotter) acquires the read image from the image transfer unit 13b (steps S208 and S209), and sets the set paper size [A3] and the number of copies [10] for the acquired read image. The output is performed according to (step S210).

At this time, when the error detection unit 14b receives an error event [paper end] from the device DVb (plotter) (step S301), the cooperation destination device 100b transmits error information, device information GD, and the like to the execution request source device 100a. Then, the error detection unit 14a is notified that an error has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b (step S302).
As a result, in the execution request source device 100a, the error detection unit 14a passes the reception information (error information and device information) from the cooperation destination device 100b to the recovery control unit 15a and notifies the error of the cooperation destination device 100b. (Step S303).

  Upon receiving an error notification from the error detection unit 14a by the recovery control unit 15a, the execution request source device 100a determines whether or not to perform the recovery process based on a preset control value of recovery processing [Yes / No]. (Step S304). As a result, when it is determined that the recovery process is to be performed, the recovery control unit 15a passes the error information [paper end] and the device information GD to the operation receiving unit 11a, and instructs the display of the recovery process operation screen W2 (step S305). ). In response to this, the operation reception unit 11a generates and displays an operation screen W2 as shown in FIG. 6, for example, based on the error information [paper end] and the device information GD (step S306).

  When the operation requesting unit 100a receives a copy output continuation request according to the change operation setting [A4 horizontal] for the cooperation destination device 100b from the user by the operation receiving unit 11a, the operation requesting device 100a sets the operation setting value (change value) to the operation setting. The data is transferred to the unit 12a, and an instruction to continue the device cooperation process is instructed to the cooperation destination device 100b (step S401). In response, the operation setting unit 12a transmits the operation setting value (change value) to the cooperation destination device 100b, and requests the operation setting unit 12b to change the operation setting for copy output (step S402). Accordingly, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b sets the paper size [A4 width] to the device DVb (plotter) that performs the copy output process (step S403).

  When the operation setting unit 12a receives a request to continue the copy request, the operation setting unit 12a requests the operation setting unit 12b included in the cooperation destination device 100b to resume the device cooperation processing (step S404). Accordingly, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b instructs the device DVb (plotter) to resume the device cooperation processing (step S405). In response to this, the device DVb (plotter) resumes the output in accordance with the changed paper size [A4 width] and the number of copies [10] for the read image (step S406).

  Thus, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device 100b can be changed from the execution request source device 100a to a setting capable of continuing image processing. As a result, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the generated error can be recovered and the image processing can be continued without the user going to the cooperation destination device 100b.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the execution request source device 100a according to the present embodiment, the operation setting unit 12a performs job setting for the cooperation destination device 100b, and then the image transfer unit 13a Send data and request execution of image processing. Thereafter, when the error detection unit 14a detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b, the execution request source device 100a determines whether or not the recovery control unit 15a performs a recovery process for the detected error. .

  When executing the recovery process, the execution request source device 100a sets an operation together with an error notification to the user based on error information, device information GD, or the like (reception information) received by the operation reception unit 11a from the cooperation destination device 100b. An operation screen W2 for prompting a change (recovery process) is displayed. Thereafter, when the operation accepting unit 11a receives an instruction to continue image processing by changing the operation setting from the user via the operation screen W2, the operation requesting unit 100a receives the changed operation setting value. Based on the above, the setting of the cooperation destination device 100b is changed and the resumption of image processing is requested.

  Thereby, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can easily recover from an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the image processing operation setting change from the user is received, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device in which an error has occurred is changed from the execution request source device, and the recovery process is performed.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an appropriate recovery process is determined and processed according to a predetermined condition from among a plurality of recovery processes performed for an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device.

  Thereby, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to save the user from changing the operation setting of the cooperation destination device in which an error has occurred by remote operation, and to realize a more convenient recovery process.

  In the following description, points different from the above embodiment will be described, and the same points will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

<Image processing function>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of image processing according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing function according to the present embodiment includes an image reorganization unit in which the recovery control units 15a and 15b perform predetermined image processing on the image that is the requested job data and reorganize the image. 151a and 151b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image reorganization unit 151”).

  The recovery control unit 15a that is the execution request source first has the paper information and reorganization function information of the device information GD received from the cooperation destination device 100b by the error notification unit 14a and / or the execution request source device 100a on which the function unit 15a operates. The recovery process is determined based on the reorganization function information that is included.

Here, the reorganization function information included in the execution request source device 100a will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data example of the reorganization function information 21D according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows a data example of the reorganization function information 21D in which the image rotation function and the image scaling function of the execution request source device 100a are set.

  As described above, in the execution request source device 100a, the reorganization function information 21D in which the image reorganization function capable of image processing such as image rotation and image scaling is set in each apparatus is held in the reorganization function information holding unit 21a. is doing. The reorganization function information holding unit 21a corresponds to a predetermined storage area of a storage device included in the image processing apparatus 100a, and a function determined to be capable of image processing from the installed software information is set in the reorganization function information 21D. Although the reorganization function information 21D included in the execution request source device 100a has been described here, it is assumed that each image processing apparatus 100 holds this information as its own device information. Therefore, the cooperation destination device 100b also has the reorganization function information holding unit 21b and holds the reorganization function information 21D corresponding to the own device. Hereinafter, the reorganization function information holding units 21a and 21b are collectively referred to as a reorganization function information holding unit 21.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The recovery control unit 15a that is the execution request source applies the sheet information and the reorganization function information 21D to preset conditions.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the following conditions are set.
[Condition 1]: Does the cooperation destination device support the paper size that the image can fit in? [Condition 2]: Whether the output image may be missing (may be output outside the paper)
[Condition 3]: Can the image be scaled by the cooperation destination device? [Condition 4]: The image can be scaled by the execution request source device. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recovery control unit 15a of the execution request source Accordingly, the condition determination based on the paper information and the reorganization function information 21D is performed, and the recovery process assigned to the corresponding condition (satisfied condition) is determined.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the following recovery process is possible.
[Process 1]: Change paper size of cooperation destination device and request image output [Process 2]: Change paper size of cooperation destination device and request image scaling [Process 3]: Execution request source device The image is zoomed and the scaled image is transmitted to the cooperation destination device. [Process 4]: The original is re-read by the execution request source device, and the re-read image is transmitted to the cooperation destination device. A determination process based on the above and a specific recovery process determined will be described.

  When the recovery control unit 15a applies the paper information of the cooperation destination to [Condition 1] and determines that the condition is satisfied (supports the paper size in which the image fits in the cooperation destination device 100b), [Processing 1] Determine the recovery process. Thereby, the recovery process of [Process 1] is executed in the execution request source device 100a. Specifically, the recovery control unit 15a passes the paper size (changed operation setting) corresponding to the condition to the operation setting unit 12a, and instructs an operation setting change request to the cooperation destination device 100b and a device cooperation processing continuation request. . As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b changes the paper size setting according to the received request, and instructs the device DVb (plotter) to restart the output process. As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the read image is output on the resized sheet.

  Also, the recovery control unit 15a applies the paper information of the cooperation destination device 100b to [Condition 2] and determines that the condition is satisfied (the output image may be missing). decide.

  In addition, when the recovery control unit 15a applies the reorganization function information 21D of the cooperation destination to [Condition 3] and determines that the condition is satisfied (an image can be scaled by the cooperation destination device), the recovery processing [Process 2] Decide on processing. As a result, the recovery process of [Process 2] is executed in the execution request source device 100a. Specifically, the recovery control unit 15a passes a paper size (change operation setting) for outputting a scaled image (reorganized image) to the operation setting unit 12a, and requests an operation setting change to the cooperation destination device 100b, an image scaling. The process execution request and the device cooperation process continuation request are instructed. As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b changes the paper size setting according to the received request, and instructs the recovery control unit 15b to execute the image scaling process. Thereafter, the recovery control unit 15b acquires the read image from the image transfer unit 13b by the image reorganization unit 151b, and scales the acquired read image to a magnification according to the changed paper size (re-edits the read image). Then, a scaled image (reorganized image) is transferred to the device DVb (plotter), and an instruction to resume output processing is given. Thereby, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the reorganized image scaled by the own device is output to the paper.

  Further, the recovery control unit 15a applies the cooperation destination paper information and the execution request source reorganization function information 21D to [Condition 4] and determines that the condition is satisfied (the image can be scaled by the execution request source device). Then, the recovery process of [Process 3] is determined. Thereby, in the execution request source device 100a, the recovery control unit 15a displays the operation screen at the time of recovery on the operation reception unit 11a based on the reception information (error information) from the cooperation destination device 100b held by the error detection unit 14a. Instruct.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen during recovery according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows an operation screen W3 in which error details (paper size mismatch) occurring in the cooperation destination device 100b are displayed, and confirmation that recovery processing for scaling to a different paper size is performed at the execution request source is displayed. Has been. As a result, the user can request the cooperation destination device 100b to continue image processing with the scaled image of the execution request source.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In the execution request source device 100a, when the operation reception unit 11a receives a recovery process execution request from the operation screen W3, the recovery process of [Process 3] is executed. Specifically, the recovery control unit 15a gives the operation setting unit 12a a paper size (change operation setting) corresponding to the scaling factor, and instructs an operation setting change request to the cooperation destination device 100b and a device cooperation processing continuation request. To do. Further, the recovery control unit 15a acquires the read image from the image transfer unit 13a by the image reorganization unit 151a, and scales the acquired read image to a paper size that can be output at the cooperation destination. Thereafter, the recovery control unit 15a passes the scaled image to the image transfer unit 13a and instructs an image transfer request to the cooperation destination device 100b. As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b changes the paper size setting in accordance with the received request, instructs the device DVb (plotter) to restart the output process, and the image transfer unit 13b performs the device DVb (plotter). Pass the reorganized image to. Thereby, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the reorganized image scaled by the execution request source is output to the sheet.

  In the present embodiment, the condition determination is performed step by step by the recovery control unit 15a, and the recovery process is determined. Specifically, the determination is made in the order of [Condition 1] to [Condition 4]. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the recovery process is also executed in stages from [Process 1] to [Process 4].

  If the recovery control unit 15a determines that all conditions are not satisfied, the recovery control unit 15a determines the recovery process of [Process 4]. As a result, the execution request source device 100a performs the following processing. The recovery control unit 15a passes the paper size (change operation setting) according to the size of the re-read image to the operation setting unit 12a, and instructs an operation setting change request to the cooperation destination device 100b and a device cooperation processing continuation request. . Further, the recovery control unit 15a instructs the device DVa (scanner) to execute the document re-reading process. Thereafter, the device DVa (scanner) transfers the re-read image to the image transfer unit 13a and instructs the image transfer request to the cooperation destination device 100b. As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the image transfer unit 13b passes the reread image to the device DVb (plotter) according to the received request. As a result, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the reread image changed at the execution request source is output to the sheet.

  As described above, in the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the requested job data is converted into data that can be continuously processed by the cooperation destination device 100b by the image reorganization function (rotation or scaling) of the image processing apparatus 100. Reorganization (regeneration) enables dynamic recovery processing.

<Recovery processing during image processing>
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a recovery processing procedure during image processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example of recovery processing when a paper size mismatch error occurs in the cooperation destination device 100b during device cooperation for a copy request.

  Since the processing until the error is notified from the cooperation destination device 100b to the execution request source device 100a is the same as the processing procedure (steps S101 to S303) shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the device DVb (plotter) outputs the read image acquired from the image transfer unit 13b according to the set paper size [A3] and the number of copies [10]. Is performed (step S210).

At this time, when the error detection unit 14b receives an error event [paper size mismatch] from the device DVb (plotter) (step S301), the cooperation destination device 100b sends error information, device information GD, and the like to the execution request source device 100a. And notifies the error detection unit 14a that an error has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b (step S302).
As a result, in the execution request source device 100a, the error detection unit 14a passes the reception information (error information and device information) from the cooperation destination device 100b to the recovery control unit 15a and notifies the error of the cooperation destination device 100b. (Step S303).

  When receiving the error notification from the error detection unit 14a by the recovery control unit 15a, the execution request source device 100a determines the recovery process based on the condition determination (step S501). At this time, the recovery control unit 15a accesses the reorganization function information holding unit 21 included in the execution request source device 100a in which the function unit 15a operates, and acquires the reorganization function information 21D of the own device. The recovery control unit 15a is based on the paper information and the reorganization function information 21D of the device information GD received from the cooperation destination device 100b by the error notification unit 14a and / or the acquired reorganization function information 21D of the own device in accordance with preset conditions. Condition determination is performed, and an appropriate recovery process is determined from a plurality of recovery processes based on the determination result.

  In this example, when it is determined that [Condition 4] is satisfied in the above determination (the image can be scaled by the execution request source device) and the recovery process of [Process 3] is determined (execution request source device). The processing procedure of performing image scaling and transmitting the scaled image to the cooperation destination device will be described.

  The execution request source device 100a passes the error information [paper size mismatch] and the device information GD to the operation reception unit 11a by the recovery control unit 15a, and instructs to display the operation screen W3 for the recovery process (step S502). In response to this, the operation reception unit 11a generates and displays an operation screen W3 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, based on the error information [paper size mismatch] and the device information GD (step S503).

  When the operation requesting unit 11a accepts a copy output continuation request from the user by the operation accepting unit 11a, the execution requesting source device 100a performs image scaling at the execution requesting source to the recovery control unit 15a and transmits a scaled image to the cooperation destination device 100b. To execute the recovery process to be executed (step S504). In response to this, the recovery control unit 15a acquires the read image from the image transfer unit 13a by the image reorganization unit 151a included in the function unit 15a (steps S601 and S602), and performs image scaling on the acquired read image. The process is executed, and the image is re-edited by the own device (step S603). At this time, the image reorganization unit 151a scales the acquired read image to a paper size [A4] that can be output by the cooperation destination device 100b based on the cooperation destination paper information included in the device information GD.

  When the image scaling process is completed, the execution request source device 100a passes the paper size [A4] corresponding to the scaling ratio to the operation setting unit 12a by the recovery control unit 15a, and the operation setting change request to the cooperation destination device 100b and An instruction to continue the device cooperation process is instructed (step S701). In response, the operation setting unit 12a transmits the operation setting value (change value) to the cooperation destination device 100b, and requests the operation setting unit 12b to change the operation setting for copy output (step S702). Thus, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b sets the paper size [A4] to the device DVb (plotter) that performs the copy output process (step S703).

  In addition, when the operation setting unit 12a receives the request for continuing the copy request, the operation setting unit 12a requests the operation setting unit 12b included in the cooperation destination device 100b to resume the device cooperation processing (step S704). Thus, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the operation setting unit 12b instructs the device DVb (plotter) to resume the device cooperation processing (step S705).

  Thereafter, the execution request source device 100a notifies the image transfer unit 13a of the completion of image scaling by the recovery control unit 15a (step S801). In response to this, the image transfer unit 13a acquires a zoomed image from the recovery control unit 15a (steps S802 and S803). As a result, in the execution request source device 100a, the image transfer unit 13a transmits the scaled image to the cooperation destination device 100b and transfers it to the image transfer unit 13b (step S804).

  When the scaled image is transferred from the execution request source device 100a, the cooperation destination device 100b notifies the device DVb (plotter) that performs the copy output process of the image reception by the image transfer unit 13b (step S805). In response to this, the device DVb (plotter) acquires a scaled image from the image transfer unit 13b (steps S806 and S807), and sets the set paper size [A4] and the number of copies [A] for the acquired scaled image. 10] is performed (step S808). Thereby, in the cooperation destination device 100b, the reorganized image scaled by the execution request source is output to the sheet.

《Main process of recovery decision》
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when recovery is determined according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a detailed processing procedure example of step S501 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the recovery control unit 15 a determines [Condition 1] based on the cooperation destination paper information included in the device information GD whether the cooperation destination device 100 b supports a paper size in which an image can be accommodated. (Step S901).

  If the recovery control unit 15a determines that the cooperation destination device 100b supports a paper size in which an image can be accommodated (step S901: YES), the operation setting unit 12b included in the cooperation destination device 100b via the operation setting unit 12a. The paper size is changed (operation setting change) to request execution (continuation) of the output process (step S903).

  On the other hand, if the recovery control unit 15a determines that the paper size in which the image fits is not supported by the cooperation destination device 100b (step S901: NO), the output image may be missing (even if the paper is output outside the paper). [Condition 2] is determined (step S902).

  If the recovery control unit 15a determines that the output image may be missing (step S902: YES), the recovery control unit 15a proceeds to the process of step S903.

  On the other hand, when the recovery control unit 15a determines that the output image should not be missing (step S902: NO), the recovery control unit 15a changes the image in the cooperation destination device 100b based on the reorganization function information 21D of the cooperation destination included in the device information GD. It is determined whether or not [condition 3] is possible (step S904).

  If the recovery control unit 15a determines that the image can be scaled by the cooperation destination device 100b (step S904: YES), the recovery control unit 15a changes the paper size to the operation setting unit 12b of the cooperation destination device 100b via the operation setting unit 12a. (Change operation setting) and request image scaling to the image reorganization unit 151b (step S905).

  On the other hand, when the recovery control unit 15a determines that the image cannot be scaled by the cooperation destination device 100b (step S904: NO), the recovery control unit 15a is based on the reorganization function information 21D of the execution request source device 100a in which the function unit 15a operates. Then, it is determined whether or not the execution request source device 100a can scale the image [condition 4] (step S906).

  If the execution request source device 100a determines that the image can be scaled (step S906: YES), the recovery control unit 15a acquires the read image from the image transfer unit 13a, and performs the image scaling by the image reorganization unit 151a ( Step S907). Thereafter, the recovery control unit 15a passes the scaled image to the image transfer unit 13a and instructs image transfer (step S909).

  On the other hand, when the execution request source apparatus 100a determines that the image cannot be scaled (step S906: NO), the recovery control unit 15a instructs the device DVa (scanner) to read the document again (step S908). The read image is transferred to the image transfer unit 13a, and image transfer is instructed (step S909).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the execution request source device 100a according to the present embodiment, the operation setting unit 12a performs job setting for the cooperation destination device 100b, and then the image transfer unit 13a Send data and request execution of image processing. Thereafter, when the error detection unit 14a detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device 100b, the execution request source device 100a determines the recovery process to be performed on the detected error according to a predetermined condition. To do. At this time, the recovery control unit 15a performs the condition determination based on the paper information and the reorganization function information 21D of the cooperation destination device 100b and / or the reorganization function information of the own device in accordance with preset conditions, and the recovery process is performed based on the determination result. To decide.

  When executing the determined recovery process, the execution request source apparatus 100a performs predetermined image processing (rotation or scaling) by the image reorganization unit 151a included in the recovery control unit 15a, and sends the requested job data to the cooperation destination device 100b. To reorganize (regenerate) the data so that image processing can be continued. Thereafter, when the data reorganization is completed, the execution request source device 100a transmits the reorganized data (rotated image or scaled image) to the cooperation destination device 100b and requests the image processing to be resumed.

  As a result, the image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment provides the effects described in the first embodiment, and saves the user from having to change the operation settings of the cooperation destination device 100b in which an error has occurred by remote operation. In addition, a more convenient recovery process can be realized.

  The above-described embodiment has been described so far. The “image processing function” according to the above-described embodiment is a programming language suitable for the operating environment (platform). The coded program is realized by being executed by an arithmetic unit (CPU) included in the image processing apparatus 100.

  The program can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium 114a. Thereby, for example, the program can be installed in the image processing apparatus 100 via the external storage I / F 114. Further, since the image processing apparatus 100 includes the network I / F 113, the program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes and configurations described in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 11 Operation reception part 12 Operation setting part 13 Image transfer part 14 Error detection part 15 Recovery control part 151 Image reorganization part 21 Reorganization function information holding part (D: Reorganization function information)
100 image processing apparatus (a: execution request source device, b cooperation destination device)
110 Controller (Control board)
111 CPU (arithmetic unit)
112 Storage device (ROM, RAM, HDD)
113 Network I / F
114 External storage I / F (a: recording medium)
120 Operation panel 130 Plotter 140 Scanner B Bus N Data transmission path (network)
GD Device Information DV Device

JP 2001-339561 A

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus that is connected to a cooperation destination device via a predetermined data transmission path and performs image processing on a request job by device cooperation,
An operation setting unit configured to perform an operation setting of image processing performed on the request job in the cooperation destination device;
Data transfer means for transferring requested job data to the cooperation destination device;
Error detection means for detecting an error that occurred during image processing of the requested job in the cooperation destination device;
Recovery control means for controlling recovery processing to be performed for an error occurring in the cooperation destination device,
The operation setting unit performs operation setting on the cooperation destination device, and the data transfer unit transfers the request job data to the cooperation destination device, thereby allowing the cooperation destination device to send the request job to the request job. Request execution of image processing,
When the error detection unit detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the recovery control unit determines whether to perform a recovery process for the error detected by the error detection unit, and the operation setting When the means determines that the recovery process is to be performed by the recovery control means, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device is changed based on the operation setting changed by the user, and re-execution of the image processing is requested. An image processing apparatus. Operation receiving means for receiving operation information from the user via the display screen;
When the recovery control unit determines that the recovery process is to be performed, the operation reception unit displays an operation setting change operation screen on the operation reception unit based on the error information and device information of the cooperation destination device received by the error detection unit. Direct,
The operation accepting means displays an operation screen that prompts the user to change the operation setting together with an error notification based on the error information and the device information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation setting unit changes an operation setting of the cooperation destination device based on an operation setting changed by a user received by the operation receiving unit.   The recovery control means performs condition determination based on device information of the cooperation destination device and / or function information indicating image processing that can be executed by the own device according to a preset condition, and based on the determination result, the cooperation control The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recovery process to be performed for an error occurring in a destination device is determined. The recovery control means determines whether or not the cooperation destination device supports a paper size in which an image transferred as the requested job data is supported based on the paper information included in the device information of the cooperation destination device.
If the operation setting unit determines that the recovery control unit supports the operation setting unit, the operation setting unit changes the operation setting of the cooperation destination device to a paper size in which an image can be accommodated, and re-executes image output processing to the cooperation destination device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The recovery control means can scale the image transferred as the requested job data in the cooperation destination device based on the paper information included in the device information of the cooperation destination device and the function information indicating the executable image processing. Whether or not
The operation setting unit changes the operation setting of the cooperation destination device to a paper size corresponding to a magnification when the recovery control unit determines that scaling can be performed in the cooperation destination device, and 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein execution of the image scaling process and re-execution of the image output process using the scaled image are requested. Image reorganization means for performing predetermined image processing on the image as the requested job data and reorganizing the image;
The recovery control means determines whether or not the image that is the requested job data can be scaled by the own machine based on function information indicating image processing that can be executed by the own machine,
The image reorganization unit resizes the image, which is the requested job data, when the recovery control unit determines that scaling can be performed by itself, and the operation setting unit performs operation setting of the cooperation destination device. 6. The image output process is requested to be re-executed by changing the paper size according to a scaling ratio and transferring the scaled image to the cooperation destination device. 6. Image processing apparatus. Having reading means for reading a document and obtaining a read image;
The reading unit does not support a paper size in which the image transferred as the requested job data in the cooperation destination device is accommodated by the recovery control unit, and the image is transferred as the request job data in the cooperation destination device. If the image is determined to be unscalable and the image as the requested job data cannot be scaled by the own machine, the document is re-read, and the operation setting means sets the operation of the cooperation destination device. 7. The image output process is requested to be re-executed by changing the image size to a paper size corresponding to the size of the re-read image and transferring the re-read image to the cooperation destination device. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing device that makes a job request and an image processing device that is a cooperation destination device that performs image processing on the requested job are connected via a predetermined data transmission path, and image processing is performed on the requested job through device cooperation. An image processing system to perform,
The image processing apparatus is
An operation setting unit configured to perform an operation setting of image processing performed on the request job in the cooperation destination device;
Data transfer means for transferring requested job data to the cooperation destination device;
Error detection means for detecting an error that occurred during image processing of the requested job in the cooperation destination device;
Recovery control means for controlling recovery processing to be performed for an error occurring in the cooperation destination device,
In the image processing apparatus that performs the job request,
The operation setting unit performs operation setting on the cooperation destination device, and the data transfer unit transfers the request job data to the cooperation destination device, thereby allowing the cooperation destination device to send the request job to the request job. Request execution of image processing,
When the error detection unit detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the recovery control unit determines whether to perform a recovery process for the error detected by the error detection unit, and the operation setting When the means determines that the recovery process is to be performed by the recovery control means, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device is changed based on the operation setting changed by the user, and re-execution of the image processing is requested. An image processing system. An image processing program in an image processing apparatus that is connected to a cooperation destination device via a predetermined data transmission path and performs image processing on a request job by device cooperation,
Computer
An operation setting unit configured to perform an operation setting of image processing performed on the request job in the cooperation destination device;
Data transfer means for transferring requested job data to the cooperation destination device;
Error detection means for detecting an error that occurred during image processing of the requested job in the cooperation destination device;
Function as a recovery control means for controlling a recovery process to be performed for an error occurring in the cooperation destination device,
The operation setting unit performs operation setting on the cooperation destination device, and the data transfer unit transfers the request job data to the cooperation destination device, thereby allowing the cooperation destination device to send the request job to the request job. Request execution of image processing,
When the error detection unit detects an error that has occurred in the cooperation destination device, the recovery control unit determines whether to perform a recovery process for the error detected by the error detection unit, and the operation setting When the means determines that the recovery processing is to be performed by the recovery control means, the operation setting of the cooperation destination device is changed based on the operation setting changed by the user, and re-execution of the image processing is requested. An image processing program to be operated.

Images