JP2013105266A - Image processing device, image processing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently maintain the compatibility of macro setting information between cooperating devices.SOLUTION: An image processing device comprises: storage means for storing home screen information that indicates an arrangement of an icon in a home screen; network control means for performing data communication with another image processing device connected via a network; operation means for receiving an acquisition request to a macro for calling each pre-registered setting value which is executed by an application of another image processing device; cooperating macro control means for acquiring icon information for calling the macro that receives the acquisition request, from another image processing device, using the network control means; and edition means for generating an icon of the macro, using the icon information acquired by the cooperating macro control means, and for updating the home screen information stored in the storage means, using the home screen information of the home screen including the icon.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a program for customizing a UI screen.

  A technique for providing a service that cannot be achieved by a single image processing apparatus by coordinating between a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected via a network has been considered.

  For example, there is a technique of performing fax transmission from an image processing apparatus equipped with a fax function by using device cooperation while using an image processing apparatus not equipped with a fax.

  In addition, there is a technique that allows the user interface (UI) of the image processing apparatus to change the position of an application icon for each user, add or delete a function, or customize according to a request.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an image processing system in which an image forming apparatus and a server apparatus are connected via a network manages a customized screen on the server based on option configuration information. .

  In the technology using device cooperation so far, when an application of the image forming apparatus B having the function is executed from the image processing apparatus A having no function, the application may be macro-registered. it can. The macro refers to a function that can call a setting value (for example, A4 size, black and white, aggregation, and stapling) registered in advance in each application (for example, a copy application).

  However, if the macro setting information is registered in the image processing apparatus A, the configuration or setting change of the image processing apparatus B becomes inconsistent with the macro setting information of the image processing apparatus A, and the devices are appropriately linked. I can't.

  Therefore, in order to eliminate this contradiction, communication for matching data between devices that cooperate with each other frequently occurs. Further, when managing macro setting information on a server as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a separate server. Therefore, the conventional technology has a problem that the macro setting information cannot be efficiently matched between the cooperating devices.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a program that can efficiently maintain the consistency of macro setting information between linked devices. Objective.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores home screen information indicating an icon arrangement in a home screen, and a network management unit that performs data communication with another image processing apparatus connected via a network. And an operation means for receiving an acquisition request for a macro for calling each preset value, which is executed by an application of the other image processing apparatus, and icon information for calling the macro that has received the acquisition request A macro icon generated from the other image processing apparatus using the network management unit, and the icon of the icon acquired by the link macro control unit, and including the icon Editing means for updating home screen information stored in the storage means with home screen information of a home screen; Obtain.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently maintain the consistency of macro setting information between cooperating devices.

The figure which shows an example of the image processing system in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the hardware of the image processing apparatus in an Example. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image processing apparatus A in an Example. The figure which shows an example (the 1) of a home screen. The figure which shows an example of icon image information. The figure which shows an example (the 1) of home screen information. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the process from macro information acquisition by the image processing apparatus A to shortcut registration. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the macro information acquisition process by the side of the image processing apparatus B. The figure which shows an example (the 2) of a home screen. The figure which shows an example (the 2) of home screen information. The figure which shows an example of the data hold | maintained at each apparatus. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the macro execution process by the side of the image processing apparatus A. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of macro execution processing on the image processing apparatus B side. The figure which shows an example (the 3) of a home screen. The figure which shows an example of the update of the shortcut of a macro.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. An example of the image processing apparatus is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral).
[Example]
<Image processing system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system 1 in the embodiment. An image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image processing apparatus A10 and an image processing apparatus B20 connected via a network. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes two image processing devices, but may include three or more image processing devices.

  An image processing apparatus A10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that calls a function that does not exist in its own apparatus. In the image processing apparatus A10, for example, a copy, a scanner, and a fax application for device cooperation are installed. The image processing apparatus A10 alone cannot execute the fax function.

  The image processing device B20 is a device on the side that is requested to execute the function of the application from another device and executes the function. In the image processing apparatus B20, a fax application is installed. Further, the image processing apparatus B20 can execute a fax function alone, and two types of macros having different setting contents are registered.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus B20 centrally manages application macro setting information. The image processing apparatus A10 uses the UI customization function to register the macro shortcut icon registered in the image processing apparatus B20 on the home screen. The shortcut icon is also simply called a shortcut or an icon.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus A10 only realizes the macro function by registering the macro shortcut, and the image processing apparatus B20 actually holds the setting information. Therefore, the consistency of the macro setting information is Kept. In addition, since the image processing apparatus B20 originally has macro setting information, the management cost does not increase. Also, since the macro shortcut is displayed on the home screen, the user can easily execute it. Hereinafter, each device of the image processing system 1 will be described in detail.

<Hardware>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus A10 and the image processing apparatus B20 have the same hardware, and therefore will be described using the image processing apparatus A10.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus A10 includes hardware such as a controller 11, a scanner 12, a printer 13, a modem 14, an operation panel 15, a network interface 16, and an SD card slot 17. The image processing apparatus A10 is, for example, a multifunction machine.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 114, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 115, and the like.

  The ROM 113 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 112 is used as a storage area for loading a program, a work area for the loaded program, and the like.

  The CPU 111 realizes various functions by processing a program loaded in the RAM 112. The HDD 114 stores a program and various data used by the program. The NVRAM 115 stores various setting information and the like.

  The scanner 12 is hardware for reading image data from a document. The printer 13 is hardware for printing print data on printing paper. The modem 14 is hardware for connecting to a telephone line, and is used to execute transmission / reception of image data by FAX communication. It is assumed that the modem 14 is not provided for the image processing apparatus A10 or is in a state where the function cannot be executed.

  The operation panel 15 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from the user, display means such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The network interface 16 is hardware for connecting to a network such as a LAN (whether wired or wireless).

  The SD card slot 17 is used for reading a program stored in the SD card 80. That is, in the image processing apparatus A10, not only the program stored in the ROM 113 but also the program stored in the SD card 80 can be loaded into the RAM 112 and executed.

  The SD card 80 may be replaced by another recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory). That is, the type of recording medium corresponding to the positioning of the SD card 80 is not limited to a predetermined one. In this case, the SD card slot 17 may be replaced by hardware corresponding to the type of recording medium.

<Function>
Next, functions of the image processing apparatus A10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the image processing apparatus A10 in the embodiment. The image processing apparatus A 10 includes an operation unit 201, an application 210, a macro storage unit 220, an engine management unit 231, a transmission management unit 232, a memory management unit 233, a user management unit 234, a system management unit 240, a scanning unit 251, and a printing unit 252. Network management means 253 and storage means 254.

  The operation unit 201 is a user interface, and accepts and responds to operations from the user. The operation unit 201 also accepts a home screen display operation, an edit screen operation that allows customization of the home screen, and the like.

  The application 210 is an application that provides various image processing services to the user. For example, a copy application 211, a document box application 212, a scanner application 213, a fax (FAX) application 214, a printer application 215, a browser application 216, and the like. The document box application 212, the browser application 216, etc. are not necessarily required applications.

  The macro storage unit 220 stores setting information including each setting value set as a macro of each application. For example, in the case of the copy application 211, setting values such as double-sided, aggregation, and punching are registered as macros, and setting information including these setting values, macro names, and the like is stored in the macro storage unit 220.

  The engine management unit 231 controls the scanner unit 251 and the printing unit 252 according to the operation mode set by the application 210.

  The transmission management unit 232 performs fax transmission, mail transmission, or folder transmission according to the operation mode set by the application 210.

  The memory management means 233 provides an access means for arbitrary electronic data. The memory management unit 233 manages scanned image data and the like.

  The user management unit 234 manages information for each user. For example, the user management unit 234 performs Read / Write on the storage unit 254 for home screen information of the home screen for each user edited by the editing unit 242. Read / Write is also simply referred to as R / W.

  The system management unit 240 manages the entire system and controls, for example, a home screen. Therefore, the system management unit 240 includes a screen control unit 241, an editing unit 242, and a linked macro control unit 243.

  The screen control unit 241 controls the home screen, for example, constructs (creates) a home screen based on home screen information, analyzes operations on the home screen, and determines which application 210 the operation is performed on. To do.

  Further, the screen control unit 241 acquires home screen information of a home screen for each user via the user management unit 234, and constructs a home screen for a predetermined user. The screen control unit 241 controls the display of the home screen through the operation unit 201.

  The editing unit 242 controls editing of the home screen and, for example, constructs the editing screen of the home screen or analyzes the operation of the editing screen by the user. “Editing” here refers to customizing the UI. The editing unit 242 stores the home screen information of the home screen edited through the operation unit 201 in the storage unit 254 via the user management unit 234. The home screen information is information indicating the arrangement (layout) of shortcuts in the home screen, which will be described later.

  The linked macro control unit 243 controls a macro registered in order to link with another image processing apparatus connected via a network, for example, acquires macro information or requests execution. The macro information is information relating to a macro shortcut, such as a macro name or an icon image of a macro shortcut.

  The scanning unit 251 controls scanning of a paper document from a pressure plate or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The printing unit 252 controls printing of image data on transfer paper.

  The network management unit 253 performs communication control with an external device such as Internet connection. For example, the network management unit 253 communicates with the image processing apparatus B20 and acquires information on the macro of the fax.

  The storage unit 254 is a unit that stores data, for example, home screen information of a home screen.

  The operation unit 201 can be realized by the operation panel 15, for example. The application 210, the management units 231 to 234, and the system management unit 240 can be realized by, for example, the CPU 111 and the RAM 112 as a work memory.

  The scanning unit 251 can be realized by controlling the scanner 12 using the CPU 111, for example. The printing unit 252 can be realized by controlling the printer 13 using the CPU 111, for example. The network management unit 253 can be realized by controlling the network interface 16 using the CPU 111, for example.

  The macro storage unit 220 and the storage unit 254 can be realized by any of the HDD 114, the ROM 113, the NVRAM 115, and the like, for example.

  Note that the image processing apparatus B20 has the same function as the image processing apparatus A10, and thus description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the process of a present Example is demonstrated using a specific example.

<Home screen>
First, the home screen will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of the home screen. The home screen shown in FIG. 4 is an example of an initial screen of the home screen for a predetermined user of the image processing apparatus A10.

  The home screen shown in FIG. 4 displays a copy shortcut, a linked fax shortcut, and a scanner shortcut. This home screen is constructed by the screen control means 241 and displayed on the operation panel 15.

  The home screen shown in FIG. 4 is in a state in which a copy application, a scanner application, and a cooperation fax application can be used. The user selects a shortcut displayed on the home screen and instructs execution of the job. The operation unit 201 receives a job execution instruction and the like.

"data structure"
Next, the data structure of each data used in the embodiment will be described. The storage unit 254 stores, for example, icon image information, home screen information for each user, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of icon image information. The icon image information shown in FIG. 5 associates an icon ID with icon image data. The icon image data is an image registered in advance or an image acquired from another image processing apparatus. For example, the icon ID “ID0001” is associated with a copy icon image.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of home screen information. The home screen information shown in FIG. 6 is the home screen information of the home screen shown in FIG. The home screen information has a data structure that holds coordinates in the home screen, an icon ID corresponding to the icon image data, and a display screen owner ID (application ID) that identifies the owner who displays the screen with respect to the icon arrangement ID. It has become.

  The character string in () of the display screen owner ID is the name of the icon, and may be managed separately from the display screen owner ID. The home screen information may be stored in the storage unit 254 for each user, and one icon image information may be stored in the storage unit 254. For example, the user management unit 234 reads the login user's home screen information and icon image information from the storage unit 254, and outputs them to the screen control unit 241. Thereby, the screen control means 241 can construct the home screen shown in FIG.

<Processing from macro information acquisition to shortcut registration>
Next, processing from macro information acquisition to shortcut registration will be described. First, processing on the image processing apparatus A10 side will be described.

<< Processing on Image Processing Apparatus A Side >>
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing from macro information acquisition to shortcut registration by the image processing apparatus A10. Here, “macro information” indicates information related to macro shortcuts. The information related to the macro shortcut includes, for example, the name of the macro.

  In step S <b> 101, it is assumed that the user uses the operation unit 201 to instruct to display the home screen editing screen. Hereinafter, this user is referred to as user A.

  In step S102, the operation unit 201 notifies the editing unit 242 of an edit screen display request as the contents of the screen operation.

  In step S <b> 103, the editing unit 242 requests home screen information for the user A from the user management unit 234.

  In step S <b> 104, the user management unit 234 reads home screen information for the user A from the storage unit 254.

  In step S <b> 105, the user management unit 234 acquires home screen information for the user A from the storage unit 254.

  In step S <b> 106, the user management unit 234 outputs home screen information for the user A to the editing unit 242.

  In step S107, the editing unit 242 builds an editing screen using the acquired home screen information. For example, the layout of the editing screen is held by the editing unit 242 and the editing screen is constructed based on the home screen constructed by the home screen information.

  In step S108, the editing unit 242 notifies the operation unit 101 of the edited home screen editing screen.

  In step S109, it is assumed that the operation unit 201 determines that the user operation is an acquisition request for a macro of an application (for example, a fax) of the image processing apparatus B20. In this case, the operation unit 201 can accept a macro information acquisition request by displaying a registration button or the like for a macro shortcut of another device on the editing screen.

  In step S110, when the editing unit 242 receives the macro information acquisition request, the editing unit 242 requests the corresponding application to acquire the macro information. Here, it is assumed that the corresponding application is a fax application.

  In step S111, when the corresponding application receives a macro information acquisition request, the application requests the cooperative macro control unit 243 to acquire macro information of the application (fax) of the image processing apparatus B20. The macro information here is information about shortcuts.

  In step S112, the linked macro control unit 243 requests the network management unit 253 to connect to the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S113, the network management unit 253 performs connection processing for the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S114, the network management unit 253 is notified that the connection is completed from the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S115, the network management unit 253 notifies the connection macro control unit 243 of the completion of connection.

  In step S116, the linked macro control unit 243 uses the network management unit 253 to perform processing for acquiring macro information from the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S117, the network management unit 253 performs macro information acquisition processing on the image processing apparatus B20. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S118, the network management unit 253 outputs the acquired macro information to the linked macro control unit 243.

  In step S119, the linked macro control unit 243 performs a disconnection process on the image management apparatus B20 with respect to the network management unit 253.

  In step S120, the network management unit 253 disconnects the communication connection with the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S121, the network management unit 253 detects that the connection with the image processing apparatus B20 has been disconnected.

  In step S122, the network management unit 253 notifies the link macro control unit 243 of the completion of disconnection of communication.

  In step S123, the linked macro control unit 243 outputs the acquired macro information to the application 210.

  In step S <b> 124, the application 210 outputs the acquired macro information to the editing unit 242.

  In step S125, the editing unit 242 constructs a dialog or the like informing that the macro information has been acquired on the editing screen.

  In step S126, the editing unit 242 displays the constructed editing screen on the operation unit 201.

  In step S127, the user requests the editing screen to register a macro shortcut using the operation unit 201. This request can be determined by the operation means 201 by displaying on the editing screen a button indicating whether or not to register the shortcut, and detecting pressing of this button.

  The editing unit 242 may register the shortcut if the macro information can be acquired without confirming the shortcut registration with the user.

  In step S128, the editing unit 242 generates a shortcut (or icon) of this macro using the acquired macro information. The editing unit 242 registers the generated macro shortcut on the home screen of the user A, and requests the user management unit 234 to store the home screen information of the home screen in the storage unit 254. The macro information includes, for example, a macro name, a macro icon image, and the like.

  In step S 129, the user management unit 234 writes home screen information of the home screen acquired from the editing unit 242 in the storage unit 254. This is to update the home screen information of the user A stored in the storage unit 254 with the home screen information acquired from the editing unit 242.

  In step S <b> 130, the user management unit 234 detects that writing to the storage unit 254 has been completed.

  In step S131, the user management unit 234 notifies the editing unit 242 of the completion of macro shortcut registration.

  In step S132, the editing unit 242 notifies the operation unit 201 of the completion of macro shortcut registration.

  In step S133, the operation unit 201 informs the user that the macro shortcut registration is completed through a dialog displayed on the editing screen.

  Accordingly, the image processing apparatus A10 can register the macro shortcut on the home screen of the own apparatus while the macro setting information is stored in the image processing apparatus B20. Can be kept.

  In S128, the editing unit 243 controls the icon image of the macro shortcut to be displayed on the home screen as the icon image of the macro shortcut when the linked macro control unit 243 acquires the macro shortcut icon image. Also good.

<< Processing on Image Processing Apparatus B Side >>
Next, processing for acquiring macro information on the image processing apparatus B20 side will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of macro information acquisition processing on the image processing apparatus B20 side. In addition, about each means of image processing apparatus B20, the code | symbol with respect to the same means of image processing apparatus A10 is set to 300 series, and is demonstrated.

  In step S201 illustrated in FIG. 8, the network management unit 353 determines that the request received from the image processing apparatus A10 is a macro information acquisition request.

  In step S202, the network management unit 353 requests the cooperation macro control unit 343 to acquire macro information.

  In step S203, the linked macro control unit 343 determines which application's macro information acquisition request is to be made, and issues a macro information acquisition request to the corresponding application. For example, it is a macro information acquisition request for a fax application.

  In step S <b> 204, the application 310 (for example, a fax application) requests to acquire the macro information of its own function stored in the macro storage unit 320.

  In step S <b> 205, the application 310 acquires macro information from the macro storage unit 320. For example, the macro information includes a shortcut name and icon image data.

  In step S <b> 206, the application 310 outputs the acquired macro information to the linked macro control unit 343.

  In step S207, the linked macro control unit 343 outputs the acquired macro information to the network management unit 353.

  In step S208, the network management unit 353 transmits macro information to the image processing apparatus A10.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus B20 can transmit only the information related to the shortcut to the image processing apparatus A10 for the macro of the function of the own apparatus, and can manage the macro setting information by the own apparatus.

<Home screen including macro shortcuts>
Next, the home screen including the shortcut registered in the process shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of the home screen. On the home screen shown in FIG. 9, a shortcut for the macro of the fax application acquired from the image processing apparatus B20 is displayed.

  For example, in the shortcuts ic12 to 13 shown in FIG. 9, “macro 1” and “macro 2” after the linked fax use the macro information acquired from the image processing apparatus B20. Further, the linked fax shortcut ic11 of the image processing apparatus A10 and the shortcuts ic12 to 13 in which macros of other apparatuses are registered may be distinguished from each other by using different icon images. Selection of an icon image for a macro of another device can be performed by, for example, the editing unit 242.

  Thereby, the user can easily grasp which shortcut is a function executed in cooperation with another device. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the shortcuts ic12 to 13 are attached with a horizontal arrow to indicate a macro of another device.

  In addition, an icon image acquired from another device can be used as the icon image displayed by the macro shortcut of the other device. For example, the editing unit 242 may newly assign an icon ID to icon image data acquired from another device, and associate the icon ID with the icon image data and register them in the icon image information. The editing unit 242 and the like may register macro shortcut information by associating the new icon ID with the home screen information.

"data structure"
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of home screen information. The home screen information shown in FIG. 10 is the home screen information of the home screen shown in FIG. In the home screen information shown in FIG. 10, macro shortcuts of other devices are registered in the layout IDs “004” and “005”.

  In this example, the icon ID “ID0022” indicates the icon ID of the icon image data of the shortcuts ic12 to 13 shown in FIG. Note that the icon images of the shortcuts ic12 to 13 may use the icon image data of the icon ID “ID0002”, and the editing unit 242 or the like may add a horizontal arrow to a predetermined position of the icon image.

<Comparison of retained data>
Next, the difference in data held between the image processing apparatus A10 and the image processing apparatus B20 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of data held in each device. The example shown in FIG. 11 shows information held by each apparatus after the image processing apparatus A10 registers the macro shortcut of the image processing apparatus B20.

  The image processing apparatus A10 holds a shortcut for calling an application (copy, linked fax, scanner) owned by the apparatus itself and a shortcut registered for the macro of the image forming apparatus B20.

  The image processing apparatus B20 holds a shortcut for calling an application (linked fax) owned by the apparatus itself, a shortcut for calling a macro, and setting information for each macro.

  When a macro shortcut is registered in the image processing apparatus A10, macro setting information is not held in the image processing apparatus A10.

<Macro execution processing>
Next, the macro execution process will be described. First, a process of executing this macro using the macro shortcut in the image processing apparatus A10 will be described.

<< Processing on Image Processing Apparatus A Side >>
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of macro execution processing on the image processing apparatus A10 side. Here, it is a process in the case of executing a macro from the home screen shown in FIG.

  In step S301 shown in FIG. 12, the user selects a macro shortcut displayed on his home screen.

  In step S302, the operation unit 201 notifies the screen control unit 241 of the selected shortcut.

  In step S303, the screen control unit 241 adds a process for identifying the selected shortcut from other shortcuts, and causes the operation unit 201 to display the home screen after the process.

  In step S304, the operation unit 201 displays a home screen so that the selected shortcut can be identified.

  In step S305, the operation unit 201 determines that the user operation is a request to execute a macro of an application (for example, a fax) of the image processing apparatus B20. This can be detected by the operation unit 201 by pressing a job execution button on the home screen.

  In step S306, the operation unit 201 requests the screen control unit 241 to execute a macro.

  In step S307, when the screen control unit 241 receives the macro execution request, the screen control unit 241 requests the corresponding application to execute the macro.

  In step S308, when a corresponding application receives a macro execution request, the application determines which macro is to be executed. In this case, the application 210 (fax) notifies the screen control unit 241 that the macro is an application (fax) macro of the image processing apparatus B20 connected via the network.

  In step S309, the screen control unit 241 requests the corresponding application (fax) to execute the application macro of the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S <b> 310, the corresponding application (fax) requests the linked macro control unit 243 to execute the macro of the image processing apparatus B. The macro execution request includes macro identification information. The macro identification information is, for example, a macro ID or a macro name.

  In step S311, the linked macro control unit 243 requests the network management unit 253 to connect to the image processing apparatus B.

  In step S312, the network management unit 253 performs connection processing on the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S313, the network management unit 253 is notified that the connection is completed from the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S314, the network management unit 253 notifies the cooperation macro control unit 243 of connection completion.

  In step S315, the linked macro control unit 243 uses the network management unit 253 to perform processing for requesting the image processing apparatus B20 to execute a macro. At this time, the linked macro control unit 243 requests the network management unit 253 to transmit the data executed by the macro to the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S316, the network management unit 253 performs macro execution processing on the image processing apparatus B20. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S317, the network management unit 253 outputs the execution result of the macro to the linked macro control unit 243.

  In step S318, the linked macro control unit 243 performs a disconnection process on the network management unit 253 with the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S319, the network management unit 253 disconnects the communication connection with the image processing apparatus B20.

  In step S320, the network management unit 253 detects that the connection with the image processing apparatus B20 has been disconnected.

  In step S321, the network management unit 253 notifies the link macro control unit 243 of the completion of disconnection of communication.

  In step S322, the linked macro control unit 243 notifies the application 210 of the macro execution result.

  In step S323, the application 210 notifies the screen control unit 241 of the execution result of the macro.

  In step S324, the screen control unit 241 causes the operation unit 201 to display the macro execution result on the home screen using a dialog or the like.

  In step S325, the operation unit 201 informs the user of the macro execution result by displaying a dialog for displaying the macro execution result on the home screen.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus A10 and the image processing apparatus B20 can appropriately perform device cooperation without contradiction to the macro setting information.

<< Processing on Image Processing Apparatus B Side >>
Next, the macro execution process on the image processing apparatus B20 side will be described. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of macro execution processing on the image processing apparatus B20 side. In addition, about each means of image processing apparatus B20, the code | symbol with respect to the same means of image processing apparatus A10 is set to 300 series, and is demonstrated.

  In step S401 illustrated in FIG. 13, the network management unit 353 determines that the request received from the image processing apparatus A10 is a macro execution request. At this time, data executed by the macro is also received.

  In step S402, the network management unit 353 requests the linked macro control unit 343 to execute a macro.

  In step S403, the linked macro control unit 343 determines which application's macro execution request is made, and issues a macro execution request to the corresponding application. For example, it is a macro execution request for a fax application. The execution request for which macro is identified by a macro ID or a macro name included in the execution request.

  In step S404, the application 310 (for example, a fax application) acquires the macro information of its own function stored in the macro storage unit 320, and executes the macro by a known technique.

  In step S405, the application 310 outputs a macro execution result to the linked macro control unit 343.

  In step S406, the linked macro control unit 343 outputs the macro execution result to the network management unit 353.

  In step S407, the network management unit 353 transmits the execution result of the macro to the image processing apparatus A10.

  Accordingly, the image processing apparatus B20 executes the macro using the macro of the function of the own apparatus, and transmits the execution result to the image processing apparatus A10, thereby making the device cooperation appropriate without contradiction to the macro setting information. be able to.

<When macro cannot be executed>
Next, a case where the image processing apparatus A10 cannot execute an application macro of the image processing apparatus B20 will be described. For example, it is assumed that the network management unit 253 of the image processing apparatus A10 periodically communicates with the image processing apparatus B20. At this time, the network management unit 253 can detect a state in which the network is disconnected and communication with the image processing apparatus B20 is not possible. At this time, the network management unit 253 notifies the screen control unit 241 that it cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus B20.

  When the network is disconnected and the image processing apparatus A10 cannot communicate with the image processing apparatus B20, the application processing shortcut of the image processing apparatus B20 registered on the home screen cannot be executed.

  Therefore, when the screen control unit 241 is notified by the network management unit 253 that communication with the image processing apparatus B20 cannot be performed, the macro shortcut executed by the image processing apparatus B20 in the home screen is set to half luminance or non-display. Control to do.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 3) of the home screen. As shown in FIG. 14, the shortcuts ic <b> 12 to 13 executed in other image processing apparatuses have a half luminance under the control of the screen control unit 241. Thereby, the user can grasp that the macro executed by the image processing apparatus B20 is in an inexecutable state.

<Macro shortcut update>
Next, update of a macro shortcut will be described. The network management unit 253 acquires information regarding the macro shortcut from the image processing apparatus B20 at a predetermined timing.

  The predetermined timing is, for example, when a macro shortcut is executed. At this time, since the network management unit 253 communicates with the image processing apparatus B20, it is possible to acquire information related to macro shortcuts. The other predetermined timing is, for example, regular. At this time, the network management unit 253 can periodically acquire information related to macro shortcuts from the image processing apparatus B20. The information on the macro shortcut includes the name of the macro and the presence / absence of the macro.

  The network management unit 253 outputs the macro information acquired from the image processing apparatus B20 to the editing control unit 242.

  When the editing unit 242 acquires information on the macro shortcut from the network management unit 253, the editing unit 242 updates the macro shortcut included in the home screen using the information on the macro shortcut.

  The update includes, for example, changing the name of the shortcut or deleting the shortcut. Thereby, when the name of the macro is changed in the image processing apparatus B20, the name of the shortcut of the image processing apparatus A10 is automatically updated. When the macro is deleted in the image processing apparatus B20, the shortcut of the image processing apparatus A10 is automatically deleted.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of updating a macro shortcut. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the name of the shortcut ic12 is changed from “cooperative fax macro 1” to “cooperative fax A department transmission”. This indicates that in the image processing apparatus B20, the name of the macro has been changed from “macro 1” to “send A department”.

  In addition, the name of the shortcut ic13 is changed from “cooperation fax macro 2” to “transmission to cooperating fax B”. This indicates that the name of the macro has been changed from “macro 2” to “send to Mr. B” in the image processing apparatus B20.

  When the macro 1 and the macro 2 are deleted in the image processing apparatus B20, the network management unit 253 acquires information indicating the deletion of the macro and notifies the editing unit 242 of the information. When notified of the macro deletion, the editing unit 242 deletes the macro shortcut included in the home screen information.

  As a result, the image processing apparatus A10 can update the macro shortcut by acquiring macro information from another image processing apparatus at a predetermined timing.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a separate management server, it is possible to maintain the consistency of macro setting information between linked devices without increasing the management cost.

[Modification]
A program executed by the image processing apparatus of the embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is provided by being recorded on a possible recording medium.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU 111 reads the program from the ROM 113 and the HDD 114 and executes the program. Of these, one or more means are loaded on the RAM 112 and one or more means are generated on the RAM 112.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example as it is, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 10 Image processing apparatus 11 Controller 12 Scanner 13 Printer 14 Modem 15 Operation panel 16 Network interface 17 SD card slot 201 Operation means 210 Application 220 Macro storage means 240 System management means 241 Screen control means 242 Editing means 243 Cooperation macro control Means 234 User management means 253 Network management means 254 Storage means

JP 2011-019090 A

Claims (8)

Storage means for storing home screen information indicating the arrangement of icons in the home screen;
Network management means for performing data communication with other image processing apparatuses connected via a network;
An operation means for receiving an acquisition request for a macro for calling each setting value registered in advance, which is executed by an application of the other image processing apparatus;
Linked macro control means for acquiring icon information for calling a macro that has received the acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus using the network management means;
Editing means for generating the macro icon using the icon information acquired by the linked macro control means, and updating the home screen information stored in the storage means with the home screen information of the home screen including the icon When,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The editing means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a macro icon executed by an application of the other image processing apparatus and an icon for calling each application in the own apparatus are set to different icon images. The macro icon information includes the macro icon image,
The editing means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the macro icon image acquired by the linked macro control unit is controlled to be displayed on the home screen. Screen control means for performing control to display the home screen on the display means,
The screen control means includes
4. When notified from the network management means that communication with the other image processing apparatus is impossible, control is performed so that a macro icon executed in the other image processing apparatus is half-brightened or hidden. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims. The network management means includes
Obtain information on the macro icon at a predetermined timing,
The editing means includes
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information about the macro icon acquired at the predetermined timing is used to update the macro icon included in the home screen. 6. The operation means includes
Upon receiving an execution request for the macro icon,
The linked macro control means includes
The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the network management unit is requested to transmit data to be executed by the macro that has received the execution request to the other image processing apparatus together with the execution request of the macro. apparatus. An image processing system comprising a first image processing device and a second image processing device connected via a network,
The first image processing apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing home screen information indicating the arrangement of icons in the home screen;
Network management means for performing data communication with other image processing apparatuses connected via a network;
An operation means for receiving an acquisition request for a macro for calling each setting value registered in advance, which is executed by an application of the other image processing apparatus;
Linked macro control means for acquiring icon information for calling a macro that has received the acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus using the network management means;
Editing means for generating the macro icon using the icon information acquired by the linked macro control means, and updating the home screen information stored in the storage means with the home screen information of the home screen including the icon When,
With
The second image processing device includes:
Macro storage means for storing setting information including information of the macro icon;
Network management means for communicating with the first image processing apparatus;
Upon receiving a request for acquiring the macro icon information from the first image processing apparatus, the macro image information acquired from the macro storage means is used to transmit the macro icon information to the first image processing apparatus. Linked macro control means to transmit to
An image processing system comprising: An accepting step of receiving an acquisition request for a macro for calling each setting value registered in advance, which is executed by an application of another image processing apparatus connected via a network;
Upon receiving the acquisition request, an acquisition step of acquiring information of the macro icon from the other image processing device;
A storage step of generating the macro icon using the acquired macro icon information, and storing home screen information indicating an arrangement of each icon in the home screen including the icon in a storage unit;
A program that causes a computer to execute.