JP2012253557A - Control program of information processor, information processor, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency of a system configuration, relating to a system capable of cooperative operation between an image processor and an information processing terminal.SOLUTION: The control program of an information processor manages the information about the function which an own device can execute and the information which can be executed by other client terminal 2, in such a manner as to be related to a client terminal 2 capable of executing each function for function management information. It receives an image process request outputted from a multi function machine 1 according to user's operation on a screen displayed at the multi function machine 1 based on the function management information transmitted to the multi function machine 1, and determines whether or not a function whose execution is requested is the function which the own device can execute. If the function whose execution is requested, in the received image process request, is the function that can be executed at other client terminal 2, the information processor is made to execute a process for transmitting an execution request of the requested function to the other client terminal 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control program for an information processing device, an information processing device, and an image processing system, and more particularly to effective use of information processing resources included in the system.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is often configured as a multifunction machine that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  In general, a multifunction machine including various functions is connected to a network in an office or the like and shared by a plurality of users. In such a shared image processing apparatus, there has been proposed a method for appropriately realizing execution of a function according to a setting desired by each user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Literature 1, the image processing apparatus acquires and stores application information including identification information for identifying an application program installed in each user's terminal and each user from each user's terminal, Based on the application information, functions that can be executed for each user are displayed and selected on the display unit, and setting information corresponding to the selected function is acquired from each user's terminal, thereby realizing the above-described effect. .

  In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the function is installed in each user's terminal, and the user can use only the function installed in his / her terminal via the image processing apparatus. It is. That is, even if a function that is not installed in the user's terminal is installed in another user's terminal connected to the network, the function is not shared between users.

  Therefore, even a function that is not frequently used needs to be installed in each user's terminal in order to be used by each user, resulting in an inefficient system configuration.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve the efficiency of a system configuration in a system that enables a cooperative operation between an image processing apparatus and an information processing terminal.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, one aspect of the present invention is a control program for an information processing apparatus included in an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus execute processing in cooperation with each other. Transmitting function information indicating an executable function to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system; and function information indicating a function executable in the other information processing apparatus. And the information on the function executable in the own device and the information on the function executable in the other information processing device indicated by the received function information with the information indicating the device capable of executing the respective function. Managing as function management information, transmitting the function management information to the image processing apparatus in response to a request from the image processing apparatus, A step of receiving an image processing request output by the image processing device in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing device based on the transmitted function management information; and execution requested in the received image processing request Determining whether the function being executed is a function that can be executed in the own apparatus or a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, and a function that is requested to be executed in the received image processing request. When the function is executable in the other information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is caused to execute a step of transmitting an execution request of the function requested to be executed to the other information processing apparatus. To do.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus included in an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus cooperate to execute processing, and indicates function information indicating functions that can be executed in the own apparatus. Function information transmitting unit that transmits a function information to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system, and function information indicating a function that can be executed by the other information processing apparatus from the other information processing apparatus A function that associates information on functions that can be executed in the receiving unit and functions that can be executed in other information processing devices indicated by the received function information with information indicating devices that can execute the respective functions. A function information management unit that manages as management information, wherein the function information management unit transmits the function management information to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device. Based on the transmitted function management information, an image processing request output by the image processing device is received in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing device, and execution is requested in the received image processing request. A function that can be executed by the own apparatus or a function that can be executed by the other information processing apparatus, and the function that is requested to be executed in the received image processing request is the other information. If the function is a function that can be executed by the processing device, an execution request for the function requested to be executed is transmitted to the other information processing device.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus execute processing in cooperation with each other, and the information processing apparatus has a function indicating a function executable by the own apparatus. A function information transmitting unit that transmits information to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system; and a function that receives function information indicating functions executable in the other information processing apparatus from the other information processing apparatus. The information receiving unit, the function information executable by the device itself, and the function information executable by the other information processing device indicated by the received function information are associated with the information indicating the device capable of executing each function. A function information management unit that manages as function management information, wherein the function information management unit transmits the function management information to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device; Based on the transmitted function management information, an image processing request output by the image processing device is received in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing device, and execution is requested in the received image processing request. Whether the function being executed is a function that can be executed in the own apparatus or a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, and the function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is the other function. If the function is executable in the information processing apparatus, the execution request for the function requested to be executed is transmitted to the other information processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus Based on the function management information received by requesting the information processing apparatus, a function selection screen for causing the user to select a function requested to the information processing apparatus is displayed on the display device. A function selection screen display unit to be displayed; and an image processing request transmission unit that transmits an image processing request for the function selected on the function selection screen to the information processing apparatus that has received the function management information. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, efficiency improvement of a system structure can be achieved in the system which enables cooperation operation of an image processing apparatus and an information processing terminal.

It is a figure which shows the operation | use form of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral and a client terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the client terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information of the function management table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the own terminal function information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the service program which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the own terminal information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the multifunctional device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information of the user management table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the user list screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the authentication information screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function selection screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image processing system that includes an image processing apparatus that can operate in cooperation with an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), and further realizes an efficient configuration through cooperation between PCs. Will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a multifunction device 1 and client terminals 2a and 2b (hereinafter collectively referred to as client terminals 2) via a network.

  The multifunction device 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a FAX (Facsimile) function, a network communication function, and the like. In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 1 performs processing in cooperation by communicating with the client terminal 2 via a network.

  The client terminal 2 is an information processing terminal operated by a user, and is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a PC. The client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment performs processing in response to a request from the multifunction device 1 by providing the multifunction device 1 with information on the functions installed in the client terminal 2. Further, when the client terminal 2 has a function that is not installed in itself and has a function that is installed in another client terminal 2, the request from the MFP 1 is transferred to the other client terminal 2 for processing. Request. Such an operation is the gist of the present embodiment.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment. The multifunction machine 1 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, and the like in addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. In the following description, the hardware configuration of the client terminal 2 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the multifunction machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as that of a general server or PC. That is, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. Connected through. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60 and an operation unit 70 are connected to the I / F 50.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation means and controls the operation of the entire client terminal 2. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 80 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for confirming the state of the client terminal 2. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the client terminal 2. In the case of the multifunction machine 1, the operation unit 70 uses a touch panel integrated with the LCD 60 in addition to various hard keys.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and operates according to the control of the CPU 10, thereby configuring a software control unit. A functional block that realizes the functions of the MFP 1 and the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the client terminal 2 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 200 and a network I / F 210 in addition to the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 described in FIG. 2.

  The network I / F 210 is an interface for the client terminal 2 to communicate with the multi-function peripheral 1 and other client terminals 2 via the network, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface is used.

  As described above, the controller 200 is realized by the software control unit configured by the CPU 10 performing calculations according to the software program and the storage medium such as the HDD 40, and the service program 201, the function execution unit 202, the function management table. 203 and function A204 to function D207.

  The service program 201 is a program that is started when the client terminal 2 is activated, and notifies the multifunction device 1 of its own terminal information and exchanges functional information and terminal information between the client terminals 2. In addition, the service program 201 instructs the function execution unit 202 to execute the corresponding function. The function management table 203 manages information such as which client terminal 2 has what function as a result of the service program 201 communicating with the service program 201 of another client terminal 2.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of management data stored in the function management table 203. As shown in FIG. 4, the data according to the present embodiment includes information on functions that can be executed in its own device and functions that can be executed in other client terminals 2, information indicating devices that can execute the respective functions, and Function management information stored in association with each other, “function name” such as “function A” and “function C”, “version” of the function, “machine name” indicating the client terminal 2 in which the function is installed, The information includes “terminal specifications” indicating the processing capability of the client terminal 2, “terminal status” indicating the status of the client terminal 2, and “license” indicating the authority regarding the use of the function. The “machine name” may be information that can identify the device, such as an IP address.

  The information shown in FIG. 4 is received by the service program 201 operating in each client terminal 2 on the network by the service program 201 broadcasting its own terminal function information as shown in FIG. 5 to the network. The management data in the function management table 203 is updated. That is, the service program 201 operates as a function information transmission unit that transmits the function information of the own device to the other client terminals 2 and also functions as a function information reception unit that receives the function information of the other client terminals 2. The service program 201 and the function management table 203 work together to function as a function information management unit.

  Through these operations, all client terminals 2 connected on the network manage the same information as the function management table 203. As shown in FIG. 5, the own terminal function information according to the present embodiment includes the function (and its version, license information), machine name (or IP address), and specifications (CPU, memory, HDD capacity) held by the own terminal. , State information (whether or not idle).

  Broadcast processing of own terminal information by each client terminal 2 is periodically executed based on a predetermined timing of a service program in each client terminal 2. Each client terminal 2 connected on the network has a different connection state depending on whether the power is turned on or off, but the information in the function management table 203 can always be kept up-to-date by periodically broadcasting its own terminal information. it can.

  The functions A 204 to D 207 are realized by the CPU 10 performing calculations according to application programs for realizing the dedicated functions, respectively, and realize the dedicated functions. The functions A204 to D207 that are implemented differ for each client terminal 2, and sharing these functions is one of the gist according to this embodiment.

  Next, the functional configuration of the service program 201 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the service program 201 includes an information processing device state acquisition unit 211, an application activation instruction unit 212, a function data update unit 213, a data transmission unit 214, and a data reception unit 215.

  The data receiving unit 215 receives the information shown in FIG. 5 broadcast from the other client terminal 2, and the function data updating unit 213 updates the management data in the function management table 203. The data receiving unit 215 also receives data from the multifunction device 1. The data transmission unit 214 performs transmission of its own terminal information as illustrated in FIG. 7 to the multifunction device 1, broadcast of its own terminal function information illustrated in FIG. 5, transmission of processing request data to other client terminals 2, and the like.

  The information processing device state acquisition unit 211 acquires information processing device specifications and state information in the own terminal function information shown in FIG. The application activation instruction unit 212 performs activation processing of the function A204 to the function D207 of the own terminal. Further, as a result of referring to the function management table 203, the application activation instructing unit 212 controls a processing request to another client terminal 2 that holds the function when the own terminal does not have the corresponding function.

  Next, a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the MFP 1 according to this embodiment includes a controller 100, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 101, a scanner unit 102, a paper discharge tray 103, a display panel 104, and a paper feed table 105. , A print engine 106, a paper discharge tray 107, and a network I / F 108.

  The controller 100 includes a main control unit 110, an engine control unit 120, an image processing unit 130, an operation display control unit 140, an input / output control unit 150, and a user management table 160. As shown in FIG. 8, the multifunction device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a multifunction device having a scanner unit 102 and a print engine 106. In FIG. 8, the electrical connection is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of sheets or document bundles is indicated by broken arrows.

  The display panel 104 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the multifunction device 1, and is also an input interface when the user directly operates the multifunction device 1 or inputs information to the multifunction device 1 as a touch panel. is there. That is, the display panel 104 includes a function for displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 104 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the user operates the display panel 104 to instruct selection and acquisition of a print job stored in the job management server 3.

  The network I / F 108 is an interface for the MFP 1 to communicate with other devices such as the client terminal 2 via the network, and uses an Ethernet (registered trademark) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The network I / F 108 is realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a program stored in a ROM 30, a nonvolatile memory, and a nonvolatile storage medium such as the HDD 40 or an optical disk is loaded into a volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as a memory) such as the RAM 20, and the CPU 10 operates according to the program. The controller 100 is configured by a software control unit configured as described above and hardware such as an integrated circuit. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire MFP 1.

  The main control unit 110 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The engine control unit 120 serves as a driving unit that controls or drives the print engine 106, the scanner unit 102, and the like. The image processing unit 130 generates drawing information based on image information to be printed out under the control of the main control unit 110. The drawing information is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 106 as an image forming unit.

  The image processing unit 130 processes image data input from the scanner unit 102 to generate image data. This image data is information that is stored in the storage area of the multifunction device 1 as a result of the scanner operation and is transmitted to the client terminal 2 via the network I / F 108.

  The operation display control unit 140 displays information on the display panel 104 or notifies the main control unit 110 of information input via the display panel 104. The input / output control unit 150 inputs information input via the network I / F 108 to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 also controls the input / output control unit 150 to access other devices such as the client terminal 2 and the data server 3 via the network I / F 108 and the network.

  The user management table 160 is a database that manages information on users who use the system according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as user information). FIG. 9 shows an example of user information according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the user information according to the present embodiment includes information on “user name”, “password”, “local / domain”, and “machine name”.

  When the multifunction device 1 operates as a printer, first, the input / output control unit 150 receives a print job via the network I / F 108. That is, the input / output control unit 150 functions as a print data acquisition unit. The input / output control unit 150 transfers the received print job to the main control unit 110. When receiving a print job, the main control unit 110 controls the image processing unit 130 to generate drawing information based on document information or image information included in the print job.

  When drawing information is generated by the image processing unit 130, the engine control unit 120 controls the print engine 106 to form an image on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 105 based on the generated drawing information. Let it run. That is, the image processing unit 130, the engine control unit 120, and the print engine 106 function as a print output unit. As a specific aspect of the print engine 106, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. A document on which image formation has been performed by the print engine 106 is discharged to a discharge tray 107.

  When the multifunction device 1 operates as a scanner, the operation display control unit 140 or the input / output control unit is operated according to a user operation on the display panel 104 or a scan execution instruction input from an external device via the network I / F 108. 150 transfers a scan execution signal to the main control unit 110. The main control unit 110 controls the engine control unit 120 based on the received scan execution signal.

  The engine control unit 120 drives the ADF 101 and conveys the document to be imaged set on the ADF 101 to the scanner unit 102. In addition, the engine control unit 120 drives the scanner unit 102 and images a document conveyed from the ADF 101. If no original is set on the ADF 101 and the original is set directly on the scanner unit 102, the scanner unit 102 images the set original according to the control of the engine control unit 120. That is, the scanner unit 102 operates as an imaging unit, and the engine control unit 120 functions as a reading control unit.

  In the imaging operation, an imaging element such as a CCD included in the scanner unit 102 optically scans the document, and imaging information generated based on the optical information is generated. The engine control unit 120 transfers the imaging information generated by the scanner unit 102 to the image processing unit 130. The image processing unit 130 generates image information based on the imaging information received from the engine control unit 120 according to the control of the main control unit 110.

  Image information generated by the image processing unit 130 is acquired by the main control unit 110, and the main control unit 110 stores the image information in a storage medium attached to the multifunction machine 1 such as the HDD 40. That is, the scanner unit 102, the engine control unit 120, and the image processing unit 130 work together to function as an image input unit. The image information generated by the image processing unit 130 is stored in the HDD 40 or the like as it is according to a user instruction, or is transmitted to an external device such as the client terminal 2 via the input / output control unit 150 and the network I / F 108. .

  When the multifunction device 1 operates as a copying machine, the image processing unit 130 generates drawing information based on the imaging information received by the engine control unit 120 from the scanner unit 102 or the image information generated by the image processing unit 130. . Based on the drawing information, the engine control unit 120 drives the print engine 106 as in the case of the printer operation. When the information format of the drawing information and the imaging information is the same, the imaging information can be used as the drawing information as it is.

  Next, an operation until the user operates the multifunction device 1 to display a selection screen of available functions on the display panel 104 of the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation as described above. As shown in FIG. 10, when the user operates the display panel 104 and selects display of the function list in the multifunction device 1, the operation display control unit 140 acquires operation information from the display panel 104 and sends it to the main control unit 110. input.

  When the main control unit 110 acquires the operation information from the operation display control unit 140, the main control unit 110 refers to the user management table 160 (S1001) and controls the operation display control unit 140 to store the user identification information as shown in FIG. A user list screen for displaying a list is displayed on the display panel 104 (S1002). When the user identification information is selected by the user's operation on the display panel 104 on which the user list screen is displayed, the main control unit 110 accepts the user selection by the operation information from the operation display control unit 140 (S1003).

  When accepting the user selection, the main control unit 110 controls the operation display control unit 140 to display an authentication information screen as shown in FIG. In the first case (S1004 / YES), since the password field is empty, the main control unit 110 accepts an input of a password according to the user's operation (S1005), and further detects that the function list acquisition button is pressed, the selected user's An authentication request is transmitted to the client terminal 2 (S1006). If it is not the first time (S1004 / NO), the process directly proceeds to the authentication request in S1006. In S1006, the “user name” and “password” input in FIG. 12 are transmitted.

  The client terminal 2 stands by in a processing standby state (S1009), and upon receiving an authentication request from the multifunction device 1, executes authentication processing based on the received “user name” and “password” (S1010). As a result of the authentication process, if the authentication is NG (S1011 / NO), the client terminal 2 transmits a request for re-input of authentication information to the multifunction device 1. In the MFP 1 that has received the authentication information re-input request from the client terminal 2, the main control unit 110 controls the operation display control unit 140 to display the authentication information screen as shown in FIG. 12 on the display panel 104 again. Let

  When the main control unit 110 receives the input of the password again according to the user's operation (S1007), the processing from S1006 is repeated. On the other hand, if the result of the authentication processing in S1010 is authentication OK (S1011 / YES), the client terminal 2 notifies the multifunction device 1 of the function list information managed in the function management table 203 (S1012). Thus, the security of the system can be enhanced by performing the authentication process.

  In S1012, the client terminal 2 refers to the license information in the function management table 203, and if it is a function realized on other information processing and cannot be executed from another client terminal 2 as a license, There is no notification about the function. That is, the client terminal 2 selects function list information to be transmitted to the multifunction machine 1 based on the license information in the function management table 203.

  In the MFP 1 that has received the function list information from the client terminal 2, the main control unit 110 controls the operation display control unit 140 to display the function selection screen shown in FIG. That is, the main control unit 110 functions as a function selection screen display unit. By such processing, the operation until the function selection screen in the multifunction device 1 is displayed is completed. In FIG. 13, the function 3 is in a different color not a function installed in the client terminal 2 that has received the function list information but a function that can be executed in another client terminal 2. Show. As described above, by displaying the functions that can be executed by the target client terminal 2 and the functions that can be executed by the other client terminals 2 in different modes, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

  Next, in the present embodiment, the cooperative operation between the MFP 1 and the client terminal 2 after the function to be executed is selected on the function selection screen displayed as shown in FIG. 13 (hereinafter referred to as a cooperative operation). Will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the cooperative operation according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, the operation of the multifunction device 1 when accompanied by a scan function will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the main control unit 110 receives a function selection by a user operation in the multifunction device 1 (S1401), the scan execution standby is entered, and when a scan execution instruction is issued (S1402), the scan is executed. Then, generation of image data (S1403) and a parameter that is function information used on the information processing apparatus side are generated (S1404), and the function data is transmitted to the selected client terminal 2a (S1405). That is, the main control unit 110 functions as an image processing request transmission unit.

  The client terminal 2 a waits for a processing request from the multifunction device 1 (S 1406), receives data from the multifunction device 1 (S 1407), analyzes the parameters (S 1408), and determines which function to use. When the function to be used is determined, the function management table 203 is referred to based on the determination result, and it is determined whether or not the function can be processed by the own terminal (S1409). As a result of the determination in S1409, if the function is a function that can be processed by the terminal itself (S1409 / YES), the function execution unit 202 requests the corresponding function in the client terminal 2a to execute the process (S1410), The process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1409 that the function cannot be processed by the terminal itself (S1409 / NO), the client terminal 2a transmits a processing request and data to the client terminal 2b in which the function is installed ( S1411). The client terminal 2b waits for a processing request from the client terminal 2a (S1414). When a processing request is received from the client terminal 1a (S1415), the corresponding function is executed based on the received data (S1416).

  When executing the function, the client terminal 2b transmits the processing result to the client terminal 2a (S1417). The client 2a waits for the processing result by the client terminal 2b (S1412), and when the processing result is received from the client terminal 2b (S1413), the processing ends. By such processing, the cooperative operation according to the present embodiment is completed.

  As described above, in the system according to the present embodiment, the user operates the multi-function device 1 and acquires information from the client terminal 2 of the user, whereby the client terminal 2 that cooperates with an image processing function such as scanning by the multi-function device 1. The function can be executed. Further, each client terminal 2 transmits and receives its own terminal function information as shown in FIG. 5 by broadcasting and manages information in the function management table 203 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, when the function list is transmitted, the functions of the other client terminals 2 can be notified together.

  According to the format of the present embodiment, only the user terminal 2 of the user who operates the multifunction device 1 communicates primarily with the multifunction device 1, so there is no need to access the user terminals 2 of other users. The security can be maintained, and the network load can be reduced as compared with the case where the function information is acquired from the plurality of user terminals 2. Further, when the multifunction device 1 acquires function information from a plurality of user terminals 2, it is necessary to perform processing for aggregating information acquired from the respective user terminals 2 in the multifunction device 1, but in the present embodiment, this is the case. Therefore, the processing load of the multifunction device 1 can be reduced.

  Then, when the client terminal 2 acquires information on the function to be executed from the multifunction device 1, the client terminal 2 refers to the information in the function management table 203 to determine whether or not the specified function is a function installed in the own terminal. If it is a function that is not installed in its own terminal, a request is made to the terminal in which that function is installed. As a result, functions installed in one terminal can be shared by a plurality of terminals on the network, and the efficiency of the system configuration is improved in a system that enables cooperative operation between the image processing apparatus and the information processing terminal. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the function management table 203 includes “terminal spec” information indicating the specifications of the terminals realizing the respective functions. Based on this information, when the client terminal 2 requests execution from another client terminal 2 and there are a plurality of terminals in which the function is installed, the client terminal 2 can quickly complete the process by selecting a terminal with higher specifications. Can be achieved.

  Similarly, the function management table 203 includes “terminal state” information indicating the state of the terminal that implements each function. Based on this information, the client terminal 2 can efficiently distribute the information processing load by preferentially selecting a terminal whose state is “idle” when requesting another client terminal 2 to execute. It becomes possible.

  The user list screen as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained by updating the information in the user management table 160 by the MFP 1 periodically acquiring its own terminal information as shown in FIG. It is displayed accurately. With reference to FIG. 15, the update operation of the user management table 160 in the multifunction machine 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the multifunction device 1 is turned on and starts operating, it enters a standby state for its own terminal information from the client terminal 2 (S1501). In the standby state of the own terminal information from the client terminal 2, when the own terminal information is notified from the client terminal 2 (S1506), the multi-function device 1 receives the own terminal information (S1502), and refers to the user management table 160. It is checked whether the user name included in the received self-terminal information is registered in the user management table (S1504).

  As a result of the determination in S1504, if the same data is registered (S1504 / YES), the multifunction device 1 ends the process as it is, and if the same data is not registered (S1504 / NO), the multifunction device 1 Then, each item of the received own terminal information is registered in the user management table 160 (S1505), and the process is terminated. The transmission process of the own terminal information by the client terminal 2 in S1506 is executed by broadcasting. When the client terminal 2 periodically executes this processing, the information in the user management table 160 in each multifunction device 1 is the latest information even when a plurality of multifunction devices 1 are connected to the network. To be kept.

1 MFP 2, 2a, 2b Client terminal 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
70 Operation unit 80 Bus 100 Controller 101 ADF
102 Scanner unit 103 Paper discharge tray 104 Display panel 105 Paper feed table 106 Print engine 107 Paper discharge tray 108 Network I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Main control part 120 Engine control part 130 Image processing part 140 Operation display control part 150 Input / output control part 160 User management table 200 Controller 201 Service program 202 Function execution part 203 Function management table 204 Function A
205 Function B
206 Function C
207 Function D
210 Network I / F
211 Information processing device status acquisition unit 212 Application activation instruction unit 213 Function data update unit 214 Data transmission unit 215 Data reception unit

JP 2010-72576 A

Claims (8)

A control program for an information processing device included in an image processing system in which an image processing device and an information processing device execute processing in cooperation with each other,
Transmitting function information indicating functions executable in the own apparatus to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system;
Receiving from the other information processing apparatus functional information indicating a function executable in the other information processing apparatus;
Information on functions executable in the device itself and information on functions executable in other information processing devices indicated by the received function information are managed as function management information in association with information indicating devices capable of executing the respective functions. And steps to
Transmitting the function management information to the image processing device in response to a request from the image processing device;
Receiving an image processing request output by the image processing device in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing device based on the transmitted function management information;
Determining whether the function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the own apparatus or a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus;
When the function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, the execution request for the function requested to be executed is sent to the other information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus control program causing an information processing apparatus to execute the step of transmitting. The function management information includes information on functions that can be executed in the own apparatus and information on functions that can be executed in the other information processing apparatuses. Information indicating devices that can execute the respective functions and information processing performance of the apparatuses. Information associated with the information shown,
In the step of transmitting an execution request for the function requested to be executed to the other information processing apparatus, if there are a plurality of apparatuses capable of executing the function requested for the execution, the function requested to be executed The information processing apparatus control program according to claim 1, wherein a destination to which the execution request is transmitted is determined based on information indicating information processing performance of the apparatus. The function management information includes information indicating a function that can be executed in the self apparatus and information indicating a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, and information indicating a state of the apparatus. Information associated with
In the step of transmitting an execution request for the function requested to be executed to the other information processing apparatus, if there are a plurality of apparatuses capable of executing the function requested for the execution, the function requested to be executed The information processing apparatus control program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a destination to which the execution request is transmitted is determined based on information indicating a state of the apparatus. The function management information includes information on functions that can be executed by the own apparatus and information on functions that can be executed by the other information processing apparatuses. Information associated with
In the step of transmitting the function management information to the image processing apparatus in response to a request from the image processing apparatus, information to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is selected based on information on a right to use the function. The control program of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An information processing apparatus included in an image processing system in which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus cooperate to execute processing,
A function information transmitting unit that transmits function information indicating functions executable in the own apparatus to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system;
A function information receiving unit that receives, from the other information processing apparatus, function information indicating a function executable in the other information processing apparatus;
Information on functions executable in the device itself and information on functions executable in other information processing devices indicated by the received function information are managed as function management information in association with information indicating devices capable of executing the respective functions. And a function information management unit
The function information management unit
In response to a request from the image processing apparatus, the function management information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus,
Receiving an image processing request output by the image processing apparatus in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing apparatus based on the transmitted function management information;
Determining whether a function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the own apparatus or a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus;
When the function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, the execution request for the function requested to be executed is sent to the other information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus that transmits the information. An image processing system in which an image processing device and an information processing device cooperate to execute processing,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A function information transmitting unit that transmits function information indicating functions executable in the own apparatus to another information processing apparatus included in the image processing system;
A function information receiving unit that receives, from the other information processing apparatus, function information indicating a function executable in the other information processing apparatus;
Information on functions executable in the device itself and information on functions executable in other information processing devices indicated by the received function information are managed as function management information in association with information indicating devices capable of executing the respective functions. And a function information management unit
The function information management unit
In response to a request from the image processing apparatus, the function management information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus,
Receiving an image processing request output by the image processing apparatus in response to a user operation on a screen displayed on the image processing apparatus based on the transmitted function management information;
Determining whether a function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the own apparatus or a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus;
When the function requested to be executed in the received image processing request is a function that can be executed in the other information processing apparatus, the execution request for the function requested to be executed is sent to the other information processing apparatus. Send
The image processing apparatus includes:
Function selection that causes a display device to display a function selection screen that allows the user to select a function requested to the information processing device based on the function management information received by requesting the information processing device according to a user operation A screen display;
An image processing system, comprising: an image processing request transmission unit that transmits an image processing request for a function selected on the function selection screen to an information processing apparatus that has received the function management information.   The function selection screen display unit displays, on the function selection screen, a function that can be executed in the information processing apparatus that has received the function management information and a function that can be executed in another information processing apparatus in different modes. The image processing system according to claim 6. The function selection screen display unit requests the function management information from an information processing apparatus associated with the user in response to an input operation of identification information and authentication information for identifying the user, and the input identification information and authentication. Send information,
The function information management unit transmits the function management information to the image processing apparatus after authenticating the user based on the transmitted identification information and authentication information. Image processing system.

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