JP2012216136A - Information processing system, image processing apparatus and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus capable of transferring bookmark information stored in the information processing apparatus in a state appropriate for processing on the image processing apparatus.SOLUTION: The information processing system includes an image processing apparatus having at least one of an image forming function and a scan function, and an information processing apparatus capable of using a function of the image processing apparatus. The information processing system includes bookmark storage means for storing bookmark information specified according to operation performed on the information processing apparatus by a user, coordination use history information acquisition means for acquiring coordination use history information that is history showing the fact that the user coordinates and uses the image processing apparatus and a network service, and bookmark transfer means for acquiring the bookmark information stored by the bookmark storage means and storing the acquired bookmark information in association with a function of the image processing apparatus in the image processing apparatus by referring to the coordination use history information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus that can use a network service.

  Along with the advancement of information technology in recent years, various devices have been networked and information can be exchanged. Such technological advances also extend to multi-function peripherals, which are office machines equipped with a plurality of functions such as copying, facsimile, and scanning.

  Specifically, in recent multifunction peripherals, it is possible to update firmware that provides various functions, or to operate in cooperation with a network service via a network. By using such a configuration, it is possible to add a new function to the multifunction peripheral or add / complement a function pre-installed at the time of sale.

  By the way, an application used in an office is often used as a network service represented by a so-called cloud computing environment. As a typical example of such a network service, Google Apps (registered trademark) is known.

  Against this background, cooperation with such network services has become important for multifunction peripherals used in the same office. The number of network services provided continues to increase, and the number of network services that can be linked with multifunction peripherals also increases. It is considered that the functions that can be provided by the multifunction peripheral can be increased indefinitely by cooperation with such network services. In order to meet such needs, recent multifunction peripherals are equipped with a full browser function capable of fully using a network service and a Widget-installed function for service operation.

  As described above, considering the case of using a network service even in a multifunction device, many users use the same network service as that used by a personal computer by using the multifunction device (strictly, its You will want to use it on the operation panel. Therefore, there is a need to realize an environment on the operation panel of the multi-function peripheral that can use the network service that the user normally uses. Note that the realization of an environment in which a network service can be used typically means that a shortcut linked to the target network service registered in the bookmark (favorite) of the target network service is registered in the multifunction peripheral. It includes a state in which a Widget for using the target network service is installed.

  As a known method, there is known a method of exporting / importing bookmark information (favorite information) with a personal computer (or a browser installed in the personal computer). Alternatively, a method is also known in which bookmark information (favorite information) is stored in any server on a cloud computing environment and shared among a plurality of personal computers (or browsers).

  For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-140108 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method for evaluating the usefulness of social bookmarks. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-46984 (Patent Document 2) discloses a configuration that can easily access a URL accessed by a Web browser of an image processing apparatus in a Web browser of a terminal apparatus. Has been.

JP 2009-140108 A JP 2008-46984 A

  At first glance, if the method as described above is adopted, it seems that the same service as the network service used by the user using the personal computer can be easily used on the multifunction peripheral. However, in reality, the bookmark information for the network service registered in the personal computer (or browser) cannot be used as the bookmark information for the network service in the multifunction peripheral as it is. This is because, in many cases, a large number of bookmarks are registered in the personal computer (or browser), and information that is not used in the multi-function peripheral is included among these registered bookmarks.

  In this way, it is time-consuming and unrealistic that the user sorts too much bookmark information to be registered in the multifunction peripheral and then migrates it to the multifunction peripheral. Therefore, there is a need for a method for using a network service used on a personal computer in an easy-to-use and organized manner on a multi-function device without causing sorting work by a user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to transfer bookmark information stored in the information processing apparatus in a state suitable for processing in the image processing apparatus. It is to provide an information processing system, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus.

  An information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image processing device having at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function, and an information processing device that can use the function of the image processing device. The image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are configured to be able to use a network service via a network. The information processing system includes bookmark storage means for storing bookmark information specified in accordance with an operation on the information processing apparatus by a user, and cooperative usage history information that is a history of the user using the image processing apparatus and a network service in cooperation with each other. And acquiring the bookmark information stored in the bookmark storage means and referring to the link usage history information and associating the acquired bookmark information with the function of the image processing apparatus. And bookmark transfer means stored in the image processing apparatus.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a selection receiving unit that displays the bookmark information stored in the image processing apparatus so as to be selectable according to the associated function.

  Preferably, the bookmark information includes a network address indicating a bookmark destination, and the cooperative usage history information includes a network address indicating a network service used. The bookmark migration means associates the functions by comparing the network address included in the bookmark information with the network address included in the cooperative usage history information.

  More preferably, the bookmark migration means associates at least a part of the network address included in the bookmark information and the network address included in the cooperative usage history information with each other.

  Preferably, the cooperative usage history information acquisition unit acquires information used by a plurality of users in cooperation with the image processing apparatus and the network service as a single cooperative usage history information.

  Preferably, the cooperative usage history information acquisition unit integrates the cooperative usage history information in a plurality of image processing apparatuses and acquires the integrated cooperative usage history information as a single cooperative usage history information.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus having at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function is provided. The image processing apparatus includes an interface for the information processing apparatus to use the functions of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are configured to be able to use a network service via a network. The image processing apparatus further includes a cooperative usage history information acquisition unit that acquires cooperative usage history information, which is a history of a user using the image processing apparatus and the network service in cooperation, and a user's operation on the information processing apparatus. Bookmark transfer means for acquiring the designated bookmark information and referring to the cooperative usage history information and associating the acquired bookmark information with the function of the image processing apparatus and storing the bookmark information.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that can use the functions of an image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus has at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function, and the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are configured to be able to use a network service via a network. The information processing apparatus includes bookmark storage means for storing bookmark information specified in accordance with an operation performed on the information processing apparatus by a user, and cooperative usage history information that is a history of the user using the image processing apparatus and a network service in cooperation with each other. And a cooperative usage history information acquisition means for acquiring. The bookmark information stored by the bookmark storage means is associated with the function of the image processing apparatus by referring to the cooperative usage history information acquired by the cooperative usage history information acquisition means, and is further stored in the image processing apparatus. The

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information processing system which can transfer the bookmark information memorize | stored in information processing apparatus in the state suitable for the process in an image processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional device according to embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the personal computer according to embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the control structure contained in the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the bookmark information registered into the personal computer according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of cooperation utilization log | history information acquired with the personal computer according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the bookmark information produced | generated with the multifunctional device according to embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing cooperative usage history information acquisition processing when the user uses the print function of the multifunction peripheral and the network service in cooperation in the personal computer according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition process of cooperation utilization log | history information when a user uses the scanning function of a multifunction peripheral and network service in cooperation in the personal computer according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the processing content at the time of transfer of the bookmark information registered into the personal computer in the multifunctional device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of transferring the bookmark information registered into the personal computer in the multifunctional device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of bookmark information on the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of cooperation utilization log | history information acquired with the personal computer according to the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the bookmark information produced | generated with the multifunction machine according to the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Terminology>
In the present embodiment, the “network service” means an entity that exists on the network and provides a user with some function or its processing itself. This “network service” is provided in a so-called cloud computing environment such as on the Internet. Specific examples of the “network service” include a document service function such as GoogleDocs, a web mail service such as Gmail, and other general web pages such as news sites.

<B. System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system according to the present embodiment exchanges data between a multifunction peripheral (MFP) MFP, which is a typical example of an image processing apparatus, and a personal computer PC, which is a typical example of an information processing system. A network connection is possible. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the MFP MFP and the personal computer PC are connected to the same network LAN. 1 shows an example in which a plurality of multifunction peripherals MFP and a plurality of personal computers PC are connected to a network LAN. However, information including one multifunction peripheral MFP and one personal computer PC is shown. It may be realized as a processing system.

  The range connected to the network LAN shown in FIG. 1 is assumed to be the same office.

  It is assumed that the network LAN is connected to the cloud computing environment 200 via the Internet (not shown, Wide Area Network) or the like. By adopting such a network configuration, both the MFP MFP and the personal computer PC can use the network service via the network.

  The cloud computing environment 200 typically provides a document service 202, a mail service 204, and other network services 206. Note that the types of services provided by the cloud computing environment 200 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  As will be described later, the MFP MFP has at least one of an image forming function (print function) and a scan function. The MFP MFP can use these functions by direct operation by the user, or can use these functions by giving a command from the personal computer PC. That is, the personal computer PC can use the functions of the MFP MFP via the network LAN.

  In addition to the image forming function (print function) and scan function installed in the MFP, the MFP MFP functions using various network services provided by the cloud computing environment 200 via the network. I will provide a. More specifically, the MFP MFP is equipped with a browser function, and the user operates the operation panel of the MFP MFP to operate the network service in addition to the image forming function (print function) and the scan function. You can browse and operate.

<C. Configuration of Image Processing Device>
Next, a hardware configuration of the MFP MFP as a typical example of the image processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the MFP MFP includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a memory 12, a network interface (I / F) 14, a hard disk 16, a document transport mechanism 18, a scanner 20, and a print. An engine 22 and an operation panel 24 are included. Each of these units is configured to be able to perform data communication with each other via a bus 26.

  The CPU 10 reads out a program stored in advance in the memory 12 or the like and controls each operation uniformly while measuring the timing, for example, comprehensively controls a print job processed in the print engine 22. The memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory that stores programs and the like, and a volatile memory that is used as a work memory during operation.

  The network interface 14 is electrically connected to a personal computer PC (FIG. 1) or the like via a network LAN. As will be described later, bookmark information 42 and cooperative usage history information 44 are transferred from the personal computer PC to the MFP MFP via the network interface 14.

  The hard disk 16 stores an image obtained by a scanning operation by the scanner 20 and an image corresponding to a print job from a personal computer PC or the like, and stores bookmark information 46 adapted to the MFP MFP as will be described later. To do. Details of the process of generating the bookmark information 46 will be described later.

  The document transport mechanism 18 is a mechanism that automatically supplies a document 30 to the scanner 20. A document table for setting the document 30, and one document 30 set on the document table on the document table glass automatically. And a transport unit that transports each one.

  The scanner 20 irradiates the document 30 with light and receives the reflected light, thereby reading an image indicating the content of the document 30. Typically, the scanner 20 includes an exposure lamp that irradiates the document 30, a reflection mirror that changes the direction of reflected light from the document 30, a mirror that changes an optical path from the reflection mirror, a lens that collects the reflected light, and a light receiving device. It includes photoelectric conversion elements such as three rows of CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) that generate electrical signals in response to the reflected light.

  The print engine 22 is a main body that physically executes an image forming process (print process), and typically includes a photoconductor unit, a developing unit, a fixing unit, and a transport mechanism. By the image processing operation by the print engine 22, a printed matter 40 in which an image is formed on the surface of the paper medium is output.

  The operation panel 24 notifies the user of information related to the operation and status of the MFP MFP, accepts the operation from the user, and gives a command corresponding to the operation to the CPU 10. The operation panel 24 typically includes a liquid crystal display embedded in a housing, a touch sensor disposed on the liquid crystal display, and various operation buttons disposed around the liquid crystal display. As will be described later, information (bookmark) based on bookmark information 46 transferred from the personal computer PC to the MFP MFP is displayed on the operation panel 24, and corresponding to the selection of the displayed bookmark. Network access to the destination is performed.

<D. Configuration of information processing apparatus>
Next, a hardware configuration of a personal computer PC which is a typical example of the information processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of personal computer PC according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, personal computer PC temporarily stores CPU 50 that executes various programs including an operating system (hereinafter also referred to as “OS”) and data necessary for execution of the program by CPU 50. And a hard disk 56 for storing a program executed by the CPU 50 in a nonvolatile manner. These units are configured to be capable of data communication with each other via a bus 66.

  A program executed by the CPU 50 is read from a CD-ROM 62a or a flexible disk 64a by a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive 62 or a flexible disk (FD: Flexible Disk) drive 64, respectively.

  The hard disk 56 also stores bookmark information 42 and cooperative usage history information 44. The data structure and generation processing of the bookmark information 42 and the cooperative usage history information 44 will be described later.

  The CPU 50 receives an operation from the user via an input unit including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs various information generated by executing the program to the display 58. The network interface (I / F) 54 is typically a LAN card or the like, and is electrically connected to the MFP MFP (FIG. 1) or the like via the network LAN. As will be described later, bookmark information 42 and cooperative usage history information 44 are transferred from the personal computer PC to the MFP MFP via the network interface 54.

<E. Outline of processing>
In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, bookmark information registered in a browser or the like installed in personal computer PC is efficiently transferred to MFP MFP. More specifically, when the network service is used on the personal computer PC, the function provided by the MFP MFP may be used in cooperation, and the bookmark information is distinguished based on such usage history. (That is, adding attribute information).

  As a form of using the MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other, (1) a process of printing a document or the like created using the network service with the MFP MFP, and (2) scanning of the MFP MFP. For example, a process of processing or editing image data acquired using a function using a network service.

  In the information processing system according to the present embodiment, history information (cooperation usage history information 44 shown in FIG. 3) that is used by cooperating such MFP MFP and network service is stored / acquired, and this cooperating usage is performed. Based on the history information, the bookmark information stored in the personal computer PC is associated with the function provided by the MFP MFP, and then the MFP MFP is shifted to.

Hereinafter, more detailed processing for realizing such processing will be described.
<F. Control structure>
Next, a control structure of the information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a control structure included in the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, an operating system (OS) is executed on personal computer PC, and known programs (drivers / modules) such as browser 100, scan driver 106, and printer driver 108 in this OS environment. Is executed.

  The browser 100 provides a function for accessing a known network. Further, the browser 100 can use a module called a plug-in 102 for freely extending the function. Plug-ins 102 according to the present embodiment include those that implement processing for providing a function for using a network service.

  Furthermore, the browser 100 has a known function for registering bookmarks (favorites). That is, the browser 100 functions as a bookmark storage unit that stores bookmark information designated in accordance with an operation on the personal computer PC by the user. This bookmark information includes a network address (typically a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or IP address) indicating a network service (Web page) of the bookmark destination. This bookmark information is stored as the bookmark information 42 in the hard disk 56 (see FIG. 3).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of bookmark information 42 registered in personal computer PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, bookmark information 42 includes at least an address column 422 that holds a network address indicating a target access destination, and a title that holds a title indicating an access destination corresponding to each row of address column 422. Column 421. Note that the content held in the title column 421 can be appropriately changed by the user.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, it is assumed that the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 is further installed in the personal computer PC. The MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 is responsible for the main part of the processing according to the present embodiment. In other words, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 (cooperation usage history information acquisition means) is a history that the user has used the MFP MFP in cooperation with the network service (provided in the cloud computing environment 200). Get linked usage history information.

  More specifically, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 acquires information in which the MFP MFP and the network service cooperate with each other from the plug-in 102 or the printer driver 108 of the browser 100. The acquired cooperation information is stored in the hard disk 56 as cooperation use history information 44 (see FIG. 3). The MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 transmits the stored cooperation use history information 44 to the multifunction peripheral MFP in response to a request from the multifunction peripheral MFP.

  The scan driver 106 has a general scan driver function, that is, a function for acquiring image data acquired by using the scan function of the MFP MFP in the personal computer PC by communicating with the MFP MFP. provide. Further, the scan driver 106 can acquire the state of the MFP MFP and can give various commands to the MFP MFP.

  Furthermore, scan driver 106 according to the present embodiment notifies plug-in 102 that the user of personal computer PC has used MFP MFP. Specifically, the scan driver 106 adds attribute information indicating that the MFP MFP is used to the image data (scan result file) acquired using the scan function of the MFP MFP. For example, attribute information such as “from MFP” is added to the header portion of the acquired image data. The scan result file to which the attribute information is added can be used by the plug-in 102.

  The plug-in 102 monitors the content of data (file) uploaded to the network service. At this time, if it is detected that the scan result file to which the attribute information such as “from MFP” as described above is added is uploaded to the network service, the network address of the upload destination network service (Web page) (for example, URL ) To the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104.

  The printer driver 108 communicates with a general printer driver function, that is, the content displayed or created on the personal computer PC by using the image forming function (print function) of the MFP MFP by communicating with the MFP MFP. Is printed on a paper medium. The printer driver 108 can also acquire the status of the MFP MFP and can give various commands to the MFP MFP.

  Furthermore, printer driver 108 according to the present embodiment detects that the user of personal computer PC has used MFP MFP using the result obtained by the network service. Specifically, the printer driver 108 monitors an application that is a target of a print instruction. At this time, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 is notified of the network address (for example, URL) of the network service (Web page) instructed to be printed from the browser 100 (plug-in 102).

  The MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 sequentially updates the cooperation usage history information 44 using information such as the network address notified from the plug-in 102 or the printer driver 108 of the browser 100.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the cooperative usage history information 44 acquired by the personal computer PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, cooperative usage history information 44 includes at least an address column 441 that holds a network address indicating a used network service (Web page), and a functional column that indicates a function of the MFP MFP used in cooperation. 442. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the address column 441 excludes the part indicating the protocol (for example, “http: //”, “https: //”, “ftp: ///”, etc.) from the original address. It is. The data held in the function column 442 depends on the destination of receiving the network address notification (that is, information indicating whether the notification is received from the plug-in 102 of the browser 100 or the notification from the printer driver 108). It is judged. In FIG. 6, “print” indicates that the print function of the MFP MFP has been used in cooperation with the network service by a notification from the printer driver 108, and “scan” indicates a combination by a notification from the plug-in 102. This indicates that the scanning function of the MFP is used in cooperation with the network service.

  On the other hand, an operating system (OS) is also executed on the MFP, and an MFP-network service cooperation management module 120, a bookmark information management module 122, a bookmark information display module 124, and a browser are installed on this OS environment. Module 126 is implemented. As described above, the MFP MFP has the operation panel 24, and an internal command indicating a user operation accepted by the operation panel 24 is notified to the target module or generated by any module. The information is displayed on the operation panel 24.

  MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 acquires bookmark information from personal computer PC, transforms the acquired bookmark information into a state suitable for MFP MFP, and is more easily used by a user of MFP MFP. To register in the MFP. The MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 mainly implements such bookmark information migration processing.

  That is, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 acquires the bookmark information 42 stored by the bookmark storage means (browser 100 / hard disk 56) of the personal computer PC, and acquires the bookmark information 42 by referring to the cooperation usage history information 44. The bookmark information 42 is associated with the function of the MFP MFP, and functions as bookmark transfer means for storing in the MFP MFP.

  More specifically, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 communicates with the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 of the personal computer PC, so that the bookmark information 42 and the cooperation usage history information held in the personal computer PC are communicated. 44 is acquired. Then, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 compares the network address included in the bookmark information 42 with the network address included in the cooperation usage history information 44, thereby associating functions provided by the MFP MFP. . At this time, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 associates at least a part of the network address included in the bookmark information 42 and the network address included in the cooperation usage history information 44 with each other. This association process will be described later.

  By such an association process, bookmark information 46 adapted for the MFP MFP is generated.

  The bookmark information management module 122 stores bookmark information 46 adapted for the MFP by the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120, and performs an editing operation in accordance with a user operation or the like. This matched bookmark information is stored as bookmark information 46 in the hard disk 16 (see FIG. 2).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of bookmark information 46 generated by MFP MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, bookmark information 46 includes at least an address column 462 that holds a network address indicating a target access destination, and a title that holds a title indicating an access destination corresponding to each row of address column 462. In addition to the column 461, a function column 463 indicating the function of the MFP MFP associated with each entry is included. That is, compared with the bookmark information 42 registered in the personal computer PC shown in FIG. 5, the bookmark information 46 corresponds to a function column 463 added.

  As described above, attribute information indicating the function used in cooperation among the functions provided by the MFP is added to each bookmark registered in the personal computer PC (stored in the function column 463). data). It should be noted that attribute information “other” is added to a bookmark that has no history of use in cooperation with the MFP MFP.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, the bookmark information display module 124 displays the bookmark on the operation panel 24 so that the user can select it based on the bookmark information 46 adapted for the MFP. That is, the bookmark information display module 124 functions as a selection receiving unit that displays the bookmark information 46 stored in the MFP MFP in a selectable manner according to the associated function. A display example on the operation panel 24 will be described later. By displaying bookmarks according to functions in this way, it is easy for the user to select bookmarks on the operation panel 24.

  Further, when the user selects any bookmark on the operation panel 24, the bookmark information display module 124 notifies the browser module 126 of a network address corresponding to the selected bookmark. Then, the browser module 126 displays information acquired from the notified access destination on the operation panel 24.

  The browser module 126 basically provides an environment similar to using a network service on the personal computer PC. Therefore, the user can use the network service in cooperation with the function provided by the MFP MFP by operating the operation panel 24 of the MFP MFP. That is, the image data (scan result file) acquired using the scanner 20 of the MFP can be used in a function provided by the network service (for example, sending image data attached to an e-mail). In addition, a document generated by the function provided by the network service can be printed on a paper medium by using the print function of the MFP.

<G. Processing procedure>
Next, a more detailed processing procedure for realizing each function described above will be described.

(G1: Coordination usage history information acquisition method (print function))
First, a method for acquiring a history when the user uses the print function of the MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for acquiring cooperative usage history information 44 when the user uses the printing function of MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other in personal computer PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in FIG. 8 is typically executed when content on a network service is printed by the MFP using the printer driver 108. Each step shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 50 of the personal computer PC.

  Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 50 of personal computer PC determines whether printer driver 108 is called from browser 100 (plug-in 102) (step S100). That is, the printer driver 108 is called when the user operates the browser 100 and the user selects a “print button” or the like for the browser 100 displaying the content provided from the network service.

  If printer driver 108 has not been called (NO in step S100), the process in step S100 is executed periodically or in an event manner. As an implementation form, in response to an operation by the user, in response to an event that the browser 100 has issued a print request, the processing in step S102 and subsequent steps may be started (event driven type).

  If printer driver 108 has been called (YES in step S100), CPU 50 acquires a network address (for example, URL) indicating the origin of the network service that provided the content being displayed in browser 100 (step S102). . This acquisition of the network address is realized by an instruction code included in the printer driver 108.

  Subsequently, the CPU 50 determines whether or not a print execution instruction is given from the user (step S104). That is, on the screen of the personal computer PC, a user interface relating to print processing (for example, a pop-up window for performing print settings) is provided by a code included in the printer driver 108. When the user selects a “print execution button” or the like, a print execution instruction is issued internally.

  If no print execution instruction is given from the user (NO in step S104), the subsequent processing is skipped and the series of processing ends. That is, when the user selects a “cancel button” or the like, the subsequent processing is not executed. In this case, the processes after step S100 are executed again. That is, the printer driver 108 is in a standby state until it is called again.

  If a print execution instruction is given from the user (YES in step S104), CPU 50 generates a print job by performing predetermined processing on the content to be printed, and transmits it to MFP MFP (step S106). . As a result, the MFP MFP executes print processing for the content on the network service. The generation and transmission of the print job is realized by a code included in the printer driver 108.

  Subsequently, the CPU 50 combines the network address indicating the origin of the network service acquired in step S102 and the information of “print” as the function of the multifunction peripheral MFP used in cooperation into one entry, and uses the cooperation usage history information 44. (Step S108). The storage process in the cooperation usage history information 44 is realized by a code included in the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104. As will be described later, in the cooperative usage history information 44, in addition to the information as described above, identification information (user information) of a user who uses the personal computer PC may be stored together. Such user information can be easily obtained because it is managed by the OS of the personal computer PC.

Thereafter, the printer driver 108 is in a standby state until it is called again.
(G2: Acquisition method of cooperative usage history information (scan function))
Next, a method for acquiring a history when the user uses the scan function of the MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for acquiring cooperative usage history information 44 when the user uses the scanning function of MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other in personal computer PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the process shown in FIG. 9, typically, content is converted into data using the scan function of the MFP MFP via the scan driver 106, and the content is converted to a network via the browser 100 (plug-in 102). It is executed when uploaded on the service. Note that each step shown in FIG. 9 is also executed by the CPU 50 of the personal computer PC.

  Referring to FIG. 9, CPU 50 of personal computer PC determines whether or not image data (scan result file) has been uploaded to the network service being displayed in browser 100 (step S200). If the image data (scan result file) has not been uploaded (NO in step S200), the process of step S200 is executed periodically or in an event manner. As an implementation form, in response to a user operation, in response to an event that image data has been uploaded by the browser 100, the processing from step S202 onward may be started (event driven type).

  If the image data (scan result file) has been uploaded (YES in step S200), CPU 50 has attribute information indicating that the MFP has been used for the uploaded image data (as described above, attribute information “from”). It is determined whether or not “MFP”) is added (step S202). As described above, when the scan driver 106 mounted on the personal computer PC acquires image data (scan result file) using the MFP MFP, according to the code included in the scan driver 106, Attribute information “from MFP” is added to the image data. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the uploaded image data is obtained using the MFP MFP.

  If attribute information indicating that the MFP MFP has been used is not added to the uploaded image data (NO in step S202), the subsequent processing is skipped and the series of processing ends. That is, when image data obtained from another resource (for example, a digital camera) is uploaded, the subsequent processing is not executed. In this case, the processes after step S100 are executed again. That is, it will be in a standby state until some image data is uploaded again.

  If the attribute information indicating that the MFP MFP has been used is added to the uploaded image data (YES in step S202), CPU 50 indicates a network address indicating the origin of the network service being displayed on browser 100 (as an example). , URL) is acquired (step S204). The acquisition of the network address is realized by an instruction code included in the plug-in 102 of the browser 100.

  Subsequently, the CPU 50 combines the network address indicating the origin of the network service acquired in step S204 and the information of “scan” as a function of the multifunction peripheral MFP used in cooperation into one entry, and uses the cooperation usage history information 44. (Step S206). The storage process in the cooperation usage history information 44 is realized by a code included in the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104. As will be described later, in the cooperative usage history information 44, in addition to the information as described above, identification information (user information) of a user who uses the personal computer PC may be stored together. Such user information can be easily obtained because it is managed by the OS of the personal computer PC.

After that, it waits until some image data is uploaded again.
(G3: Bookmark information migration process)
Next, processing when the bookmark information registered in the personal computer PC is transferred to the MFP MFP will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing processing contents when migrating bookmark information registered in the personal computer PC in the MFP MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 (FIG. 4) of MFP MFP acquires bookmark information 42 and cooperation usage history information 44 from personal computer PC by a known method. These data may be transferred via the network LAN, or the user may manually transfer the data via some recording medium.

  In a general browser application, registered bookmark information (favorite information) is input / output as a data file in a highly versatile format (for example, html format, text format, CSV format, etc.). / "Export" function is implemented. By using such a function, bookmark information can be easily exchanged between apparatuses.

  As shown in FIG. 10, such bookmark information (favorite information) can have a minimum structure including a network address and a corresponding title. Furthermore, various kinds of information, for example, a user explicitly indicates Attribute information such as classification information can also be added.

  Further, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 120 (FIG. 4) of the MFP MFP compares the network address included in the acquired bookmark information 42 with the network address included in the cooperation usage history information 44. As a result of these comparisons, if there is a partially matching entry, the function column (used MFP function) corresponding to the partially matched entry in the bookmark information 46 is used as the function column (used MFP) of the cooperative usage history information 44. Set to the value stored in (Function). Typically, if there is a common domain portion between the network address stored in the bookmark information 46 and the network address included in the cooperative usage history information 44 and the field, the cooperative use is made for them. And the function of the corresponding MFP MFP is assigned. For entries that do not match at all, “other” is set as the value of the function column (used MFP function) corresponding to the partially matched entry in the bookmark information 46.

  This comparison process is executed for all entries included in the bookmark information 42 registered in the personal computer PC. Through such a series of processing, the bookmark information 46 adapted to the MFP MFP to which the attribute information “used MFP function” is added is generated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for transferring bookmark information registered in personal computer PC in MFP MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed when the user instructs the MFP MFP to transfer bookmark information from the personal computer PC. Each step shown in FIG. 11 is executed by CPU 10 of MFP MFP.

  Referring to FIG. 11, CPU 10 of MFP MFP obtains bookmark information 42 and cooperative usage history information 44 from personal computer PC (step S300). Subsequently, as an initial process, the CPU 10 sets the processing target entry number i of the bookmark information 42 to “1” (step S302). That is, among the entries included in the bookmark information 42, the i-th entry is a processing target. In the first processing, since i is “1”, the first entry of the bookmark information 42 is the processing target.

  Subsequently, the CPU 10 uses the values of the title column 421 and the address column 422 corresponding to the i-th entry of the bookmark information 42 (FIG. 5) as the title corresponding to the i-th entry of the bookmark information 46 (FIG. 7). The values of the column 461 and the address column 462 are added respectively (step S304). As will be described later, the entry number i to be processed in the bookmark information 42 is sequentially incremented.

  Subsequently, the CPU 10 sets the entry number j to be compared in the cooperative usage history information 44 to “1” as an initial process (step S306). That is, the j-th entry among the entries included in the cooperative usage history information 44 is compared with the i-th entry of the bookmark information 42. In the first comparison process, since j is “1”, the first entry of the cooperative usage history information 44 is a comparison target.

  Then, the CPU 10 stores the value (network address) stored in the address column 422 of the i-th entry of the bookmark information 42 and the value stored in the address column 441 of the j-th entry of the cooperative usage history information 44 ( It is determined whether or not (network address) partially matches (step S308).

  If there is a partial match (YES in step S 308), the CPU 10 uses the value (“print” or “scan”) stored in the function column 442 of the jth entry of the cooperative usage history information 44 as the bookmark information 46. Is added as the value of the function column 463 corresponding to the i-th entry (step S310).

  After execution of step S310, or if they do not partially match (NO in step S308), the CPU 10 determines whether or not the entry number j has reached the value of the last entry included in the cooperative usage history information 44. (Step S312). If the entry number j has not reached the value of the last entry included in the cooperative usage history information 44 (NO in step S312), the CPU 10 increments the entry number j by “1” (step S314). And the process after step S308 is repeated again.

  If entry number j has reached the value of the last entry included in cooperative usage history information 44 (YES in step S312), CPU 10 sets some value in function column 463 corresponding to the i-th entry in bookmark information 46. Is stored (step S316). That is, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the network address stored in the address column 422 corresponding to the i-th entry of the bookmark information 42 at least partially matches any network address stored in the cooperative usage history information 44. Determine whether.

  If no value is stored in function column 463 corresponding to the i-th entry in bookmark information 46 (NO in step S316), CPU 50 determines the value in function column 463 corresponding to the i-th entry in bookmark information 46. "Others" is added as (step S318).

  After execution of step S318, or if some value is stored in function column 463 corresponding to the i-th entry of bookmark information 46 (YES in step S316), CPU 10 includes entry number i in bookmark information 42. It is determined whether or not the final entry value has been reached (step S320). If entry number i has not reached the value of the last entry included in bookmark information 42 (NO in step S320), CPU 10 increments entry number i by “1” (step S322). And the process after step S304 is repeated again.

  On the other hand, if entry number i has reached the value of the last entry included in bookmark information 42 (YES in step S320), CPU 10 stores generated bookmark information 46 (step S324). Then, the process ends.

<H. Display processing>
A display process using the bookmark information 46 adapted to the MFP MFP obtained by the above-described transfer process will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the bookmark information 46, attribute information of “used MFP function” is added to each bookmark entry, and a more user-friendly display interface is provided using such attribute information. can do. That is, by displaying each bookmark (favorite) in a selectable manner by classifying at least “used MFP function”, the user can easily select a network service or the like that the user wants to use.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of bookmark information on operation panel 24 of MFP MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the touch panel 241, the operation panel 24 is provided with a button group 242 for performing various operations around it.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, bookmarks having the same attribute value as the “used MFP function” can be displayed as a group. For example, when the user operates the print function of the MFP, the user interface can be provided in which only bookmark information (favorite information) having an attribute value of “print” is displayed.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12A, tabs (print tab, scan tab, other tabs) indicating attribute values of “used MFP function” are provided, and bookmark information (favorite information) having the respective attribute values is provided. May be selectively displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, when displaying a screen for searching for bookmark information using a keyword, the attribute value of “used MFP function” such as print, scan, etc. is used as a search condition. It can also be included.

<I. Effect>
If the user tries to use the bookmark information (favorite information) registered in the personal computer PC or the like as it is in the MFP MFP, the number of registered bookmarks is too large and it takes time to search for the target bookmark. End up. However, by adopting the method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to selectively present to the user bookmark information that is likely to be used using the function of the MFP MFP that the user intends to use. Therefore, even when the user uses a network service using the MFP MFP, the operability and workability are not deteriorated. In addition, target bookmark information can be efficiently searched and used.

<J. Modification 1>
By adopting the bookmark information migration process as described above, it is possible to generate bookmark information 46 adapted to the MFP MFP based on the history of the user using the MFP MFP and the network service in cooperation with each other. it can.

  However, in terms of each user, only a specific network service may be used. In such a case, the number of bookmarks to which attribute information “used MFP function” can be added is limited.

  Therefore, when transferring bookmark information to the MFP MFP, the attribute information of “used MFP function” is added to more bookmark information by using the cooperative usage history information 44 for a plurality of users. be able to. Thereby, the convenience can be improved.

  In other words, in this modification, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 (cooperation usage history information acquisition unit) shown in FIG. 4 uses information used by a plurality of users in cooperation with the MFP MFP and the network service. Obtained as single cooperative usage history information 44A.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of cooperative usage history information 44A acquired by the personal computer PC according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of bookmark information 46A generated by the MFP MFP according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Compared with the cooperative usage history information 44 shown in FIG. 6, the cooperative usage history information 44A according to the present modification shown in FIG. 13 is added with a user column 443 indicating users who have used the corresponding functions of the MFP. .

  Information on the user using such cooperation between the MFP MFP and the network service is also added to bookmark information 46A adapted to the MFP MFP. That is, bookmark information 46A according to the present modification shown in FIG. 14 is added with a user column 464 indicating users who use the corresponding function of the MFP MFP, as compared with bookmark information 46 shown in FIG.

  When such bookmark information 46A can be used, display associated with user attribute information can be performed on the user interface as shown in FIG. For example, bookmarks may be displayed for each user, or user information may be used as a bookmark search condition. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a more user-friendly user interface such as prioritizing bookmark information to be displayed using user information.

  According to this modification, even if the parameter of the collaboration information included in the collaboration usage history information 44 is relatively small, more “usage MFPs” are added to the bookmark when the personal computer PC is changed to the MFP MFP. "Function" attribute information can be added.

<K. Modification 2>
In order to further increase the parameter of the cooperation information included in the cooperation use history information 44, the same model in the past archived in the cooperation use history information 44 stored in each of a plurality of MFPs, the server device, etc. The cooperative usage history information 44 generated by the MFP MFP may be used.

  In other words, in this modification, the MFP-network service cooperation management module 104 (cooperation usage history information acquisition unit) shown in FIG. 4 integrates each of the cooperating usage history information 44 in a plurality of MFPs to create a single unit. Acquired as cooperative usage history information 44. Then, the cooperative use history information 44 acquired from each of the plurality of MFPs in this way is integrated to generate bookmark information 46 adapted to the MFP MFP.

  As an example of such a usage pattern, when a MFP MFP is newly introduced, there is no cooperative usage history information 44 for the MFP MFP, but cooperative usage of the MFP MFP that has been used in the past. The history information 44 is saved in a server device or the like, and bookmark information migration processing can be performed using the saved cooperation use history information 44.

  Alternatively, when a plurality of MFPs MFPs are connected on the same network LAN, bookmark information migration processing is performed using the integrated usage history information 44 stored in each MFP MFP in an integrated manner. Can be done.

  According to this modification, the parameter of the collaboration information included in the collaboration usage history information 44 can be further increased, and even when the MFP MFP is newly introduced, more “ The attribute information of “used MFP function” can be added. Therefore, user convenience and work efficiency can be further improved.

  In addition, the form which combined the modification 1 and the modification 2 is also realizable. In this case, each effect can be obtained more remarkably.

<L. Other Embodiments>
The program (code) according to the present invention is provided by calling a required module from a program module provided as part of an operating system (OS) of a computer at a predetermined timing and executing processing. May be. In this case, the program itself does not include the module as described above, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in such a case, the program itself does not include a module included in another program as described above, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program.

  Even a program that does not include some of the modules as described above is included in the technical scope of the program according to the present invention.

  Furthermore, part or all of the functions realized by the program according to the present invention may be configured by dedicated hardware.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

  10, 50 CPU, 12, 52 Memory, 14, 54 Network interface, 16, 56 Hard disk, 18 Document transport mechanism, 20 Scanner, 22 Print engine, 24 Operation panel, 26, 66 Bus, 30 Document, 40 Printed material, 42, 46, 46A Bookmark information, 44, 44A Cooperation usage history information, 58 display, 62 CD-ROM drive, 64 flexible disk drive, 62a CD-ROM, 64a flexible disk, 100 browser, 102 plug-in, 104, 120 MFP-network Service linkage management module, 106 Scan driver, 108 Printer driver, 122 Bookmark information management module, 124 Bookmark information display module, 126 User module, 200 computing environment, 202 document service, 204 mail service, 206 network service, 241 touch panel, 242 button group, LAN network, MFP multifunction peripheral, PC personal computer.

Claims (8)

An image processing apparatus having at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function;
An information processing system including an information processing device capable of using the function of the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are configured to be able to use a network service via a network,
The information processing system includes:
Bookmark storage means for storing bookmark information designated in accordance with an operation on the information processing apparatus by a user;
Cooperative usage history information acquisition means for acquiring cooperative usage history information, which is a history of a user using the image processing device and the network service in cooperation with each other;
The bookmark information stored in the bookmark storage means is acquired, and the acquired bookmark information is associated with the function of the image processing apparatus with reference to the cooperative usage history information, and stored in the image processing apparatus. An information processing system comprising bookmark transfer means.   The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a selection receiving unit that displays the bookmark information stored in the image processing apparatus so that the bookmark information can be selected according to an associated function. The bookmark information includes a network address indicating a bookmark destination,
The cooperative usage history information includes a network address indicating a used network service,
The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the bookmark migration unit associates functions by comparing a network address included in the bookmark information with a network address included in the cooperation usage history information. .   The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the bookmark migration unit associates at least a part of a common network address included in the bookmark information and a network address included in the cooperative usage history information with each other.   The cooperative use history information acquisition unit acquires information used by a plurality of users in cooperation with the image processing apparatus and the network service as a single cooperative use history information. The information processing system according to item 1.   The said cooperation utilization history information acquisition means integrates each cooperation utilization history information in the said several image processing apparatus, and acquires as one cooperation utilization history information. Information processing system. An image processing apparatus having at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function,
The information processing apparatus includes an interface for using the function of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are configured to be able to use a network service via a network.
Cooperative usage history information acquisition means for acquiring cooperative usage history information, which is a history of a user using the image processing device and the network service in cooperation with each other;
Acquires bookmark information specified in accordance with an operation on the information processing apparatus by a user, refers to the cooperative usage history information, associates the acquired bookmark information with a function of the image processing apparatus, and stores the bookmark information. An image processing apparatus comprising bookmark transfer means. An information processing apparatus that can use the functions of an image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus has at least one of an image forming function and a scanning function, and the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus are connected to a network. Via the network service, the information processing apparatus,
Bookmark storage means for storing bookmark information designated in accordance with an operation on the information processing apparatus by a user;
Cooperating usage history information acquisition means for acquiring cooperative usage history information, which is a history of a user using the image processing device and the network service in cooperation with each other,
The bookmark information stored by the bookmark storage means is associated with the function of the image processing apparatus by referring to the cooperative usage history information acquired by the cooperative usage history information acquisition means, and further, the image processing apparatus Information processing apparatus stored in

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