JP2013137825A - Image forming apparatus and print process method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to perform printing to a plurality of printers and the like without specific printer environment constructed on a client terminal.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus connected to an external device for performing a processing request, via a network, includes: means for generating screen information for accepting the processing request from the external device; means for transmitting the generated screen information to the external device; means for receiving the processing request that has been accepted by the generated screen on the basis of the screen information; and means for executing the processing relating to the received processing request. When a device set as the device for executing the processing is this apparatus, this apparatus executes the processing request.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a print processing method that request and execute a user service related to image forming processing such as a printer from one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network.

  In recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) in which functions of apparatuses such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in one casing. This multifunction device is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like in one casing, and is provided with three types of software respectively corresponding to a printer, a copy machine, and a facsimile machine, and by switching these software, Are operated as a printer, a copy, a scanner, or a facsimile machine.

  A conventional multifunction device or printer device is connected to a network such as the Internet, and requests a print document from a client terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) on the network to the printer device, and receives the print request. The apparatus prints a printed document on a PC. In order to control the printer device when printing a print document with the printer device, it is necessary to install printer driver software corresponding to the printer device in a PC on the network.

  By the way, in such a conventional multi-function machine, software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a scanner, and a facsimile apparatus is provided separately, so that development of each software requires a lot of time. For this reason, the applicant has hardware resources used in image forming processing such as a display unit, a printing unit, and an imaging unit, and has an application that performs processing specific to each user service such as a printer, copy, or facsimile. When a user service is provided by interposing between these applications and hardware resources, hardware resource management, execution control, and image formation processing that are commonly required by at least two of the applications are provided. Invented an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) including a platform composed of various control services.

  However, in an environment where such a multifunction device or printer device is connected to the network, a printer driver program must be installed for each multifunction device or printer device used for the client terminal PC. There is a problem that a printer device cannot be used from a client terminal in which no program is installed.

  In particular, in an environment in which a large number of client terminals are connected on a network, it is necessary to install all the printer driver programs of the printer apparatuses necessary for all the client terminals, and there is a problem that it takes labor to construct a printer environment.

  In addition, when printing multiple copies of one file from a client terminal, it is usual to print one file continuously in the required number of copies using one printer device on the network. When the number of copies is large, there is a problem that it takes a long time to complete printing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a print processing method capable of performing printing on a plurality of printers and the like without constructing a special printer environment in a client terminal. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a client terminal with screen data for selecting one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, and the client Information providing means for storing information including the addresses of one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses selected in the terminal in association with the function of each image forming apparatus, and the name of the print target data from the client terminal; One or a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a function included in the print instruction among one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses selected in the client terminal when a print instruction including a function of the image forming apparatus that performs printing is received The address of the image forming apparatus is extracted from the storage unit, the address is designated, and the print target data and the print request are forwarded. It constructed that a print request means for distributing one or more image forming apparatus having a function as an image forming apparatus according to claim.

  According to the present invention, even when the printer driver program of a plurality of image forming apparatuses is not installed in the client terminal, the print target file of the client terminal can be printed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses on the network. The complicated work of constructing a printer environment corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses becomes unnecessary. Further, even when there are a plurality of print copies, printing can be performed simultaneously using a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and printing of a plurality of copies can be performed quickly.

1 is a block diagram showing a network configuration including a multifunction peripheral 100 according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine 100 according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a distribution application 117 and a main configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 for performing multi-print processing in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of printer list data 311. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of multi-print setting data 312. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a multi-print initial setting screen. FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print screen. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the multi-print screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data flow between the MFP 100 and the PC 200 when an upload request and a print request are issued from the PC 200. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the MFP 100 that has received a request message. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data flow in a selection process of a printable multifunction peripheral 140a and a printer device 140b and a distribution process of a printer request. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for selecting a printable multifunction device 140a and a printer device 140b and distributing a printer request. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the print request message transmission process in a remote print function. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a distribution application 117 and each daemon and a data flow in the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a selection process of a multifunction device 140a and a printer device 140b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 by a distribution application 117 in the multifunction device 100 according to the second embodiment. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a printer selection screen 1501 displayed on a WEB browser of a PC 200. FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to a third embodiment and a data flow during IP address acquisition processing.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus and a multiprint processing method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
The image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “multifunction machine”) 100 according to the first embodiment can receive a request from a PC (Personal Computer) 200 that is a client terminal on the network by the distribution application 117 and can print on the network. A multifunction device 140a or printer device 140b is selected, a print request for a print document is distributed to the multifunction device 140a or printer device 140b, and printing is executed by the selected multifunction device 140a or printer device 140b.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network configuration including the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, an MFP (MFP 0) 100, an MFP (MFP 1, MFP 2) 140a, an image forming apparatus such as a printer (PRT 1, PRT 2) 140b, and the like. A LAN environment is constructed in which a PC 200 as a client terminal that generates a print file to be printed is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. A router 210 is also connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. The communication protocol among the MFPs 100 and 140a, the printer device 140b and the PC 200 is TCP.
/ IP is used.

  Here, in response to a print request from the PC 200, the MFP (MFP 0) 100 selects a printer that can print from the MFP 140a or the printer device 140b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220, and sends the selected device to each selected device. On the other hand, a print target file and a print request message are transmitted.

  Next, the overall functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a hard disk device (HDD) 103, a network controller 104, a scanner, a facsimile, and a memory. And a software group 110 including a platform 120 and an application 130.

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from an application and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system resource manager that manages one or a plurality of hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. (SRM) 123 and a general-purpose OS 121. The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (system control service) 122, an ECS (engine control service) 124, an MCS (memory control service) 125, an OCS (operation panel control service) 126, and an FCS. (Fax Control Service) 127 and NCS (Network Control Service) 128. The platform 120 has an application program interface (API) that enables a processing request to be received from the application 130 using a predefined function.

  The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The process of the SRM 123 performs system control and resource management together with the SCS 122. The SRM123 process uses hardware resources such as engines such as a scanner unit and printer unit, memory, HDD file, and host I / O (Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to the request from the upper layer to be used, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). .

  The process of the SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.

  The process of the ECS 124 controls an engine of a hardware resource 105 including a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 101, a color laser printer (Color LP) 102, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

  The MCS 125 process acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  The FCS 127 process includes facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. Provides an API to do.

  The NCS 128 process is a process for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, and data from the application. Mediation when sending to the network side.

  The process of the OCS 126 controls an operation panel (operation panel) serving as information transmission means between the operator (user) and the main body control. The OCS 126 obtains a key press (or touch operation) from the operation panel as a key event, and operates according to a request from the application 130 or the control service and a part of the OCS process that transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 122. A drawing function for drawing and outputting various screens on the panel, a function for controlling the operation panel, and the like are composed of pre-registered OCS library portions. The OCS library is mounted by being linked to each module of the application 130 and the control service. The OCS 126 may be configured to operate as a process, or the OCS 126 may be configured as an OCS library.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, and a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application. A scanner application 114 that is a scanner application, a network file application 115 that is a network file application, a process inspection application 116 that is a process inspection application, a distribution application 117 that distributes a print request message, and a virtual application service VAS (Virtual Application Service) 118.

  Each process of the application 130 and each process of the control service realize user services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles while performing inter-process communication by calling functions, sending return values thereof, and sending and receiving messages. doing.

  As described above, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of applications 130 and a plurality of control services, all of which operate as processes. In each of these processes, one or a plurality of threads are generated and parallel execution is performed in units of threads. The control service provides a common service to the application 130. For this reason, a large number of these processes perform a parallel operation and a parallel operation of threads to perform inter-process communication with each other. User services related to image forming processing such as copying, printers, scanners, and facsimiles are provided.

  Also, in the multifunction device 100, a third party such as a customer of the multifunction device 100 or a third vendor can develop and install an external application on the application layer above the control service layer.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of application 130 processes and a plurality of control service processes operate. However, the application 130 and the control service process have a single configuration. Is also possible. Each application 130 can be added or deleted for each application.

  FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration example of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The multi-function device 100 includes a controller 160, an operation panel 175, a fax control unit (FCU) 176, and an engine unit 177 that is a hardware resource unique to image forming processing such as a printer. The controller 160 includes a CPU 161, a system memory 162, a north bridge (NB) 163, a south bridge (SB) 164, an ASIC 166, a local memory 167, an HDD 168, a network interface card (NIC) 169, and an SD card. Slot 170, USB device 171, IEEE 1394 device 172, and Centronics 173. The memories 162 and 167 include RAM, ROM, and the like. The FCU 176 and the engine unit 177 are connected to the ASIC 166 of the controller 160 via the PCI bus 178.

  The CPU 161 reads programs such as applications and control services installed in the multifunction peripheral 100 from the memory and executes them.

  The configuration of the multi-function device 140a connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that of the multi-function device 100 shown in FIG. 2, but the multi-function device 140a has a distribution application 117 mounted thereon. The configuration is different from that of the multifunction device 100 in that there is no point.

  Next, the distribution application 117 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the distribution application 117 and the main configuration of the multifunction device 100 for performing multi-print processing in the multifunction device 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 for performing multi-print processing includes a distribution application 117, a VAS (Virtual Application Service) 118, an NCS 128, and a daemon (process) of the general-purpose OS 121. ) That operate as inetd 305, tcpd 306, ipd 307, rshd 308, and httpd 304, a shared memory 303, a flash memory 310, an HDD (hard disk device) 103, and a network controller 104. . Here, the flash memory 310 constitutes a storage means in the present invention.

  The distribution application 117 includes a print request unit 301 and a WEB information providing unit 302. The WEB information providing unit 302 operates as a WEB server (http server) with respect to the PC 200 as a client terminal connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220, and includes a WEB page with respect to the WEB browser operating on the PC 200. A multi-print screen 201 and a multi-print initial setting screen 202 are displayed. Note that the display of each screen to the WEB browser on the PC 200 and reception of various requests and various settings by the WEB information providing unit 302 are performed according to the http protocol via the httpd 304. Here, the multi-print screen 201 and the multi-print initial setting screen 202 are files described in an html format (Hyper Text Markup Language).

In addition, the web information providing unit 302 of the distribution application 117 performs an execution process in response to a request by an operation input from the multi-print screen 201 or the multi-print initial setting screen 202 with a CGI (Common
It is executed by a Gateway Interface) script, and the processing result is reflected on the multi-print screen 201 and the multi-print initial setting screen 202 and returned to the WEB browser of the PC 200.

  Specifically, when receiving a print file upload request from the multi-print screen 201, the WEB information providing unit 302 stores a file in which the print file is uploaded from the PC 200 to the HDD 103, and the processing result is displayed on the multi-print screen. The processing displayed on 201 is performed by executing a CGI script. When the WEB information providing unit 302 receives a print request from the multi-print screen 201, the WEB information providing unit 302 performs processing for notifying the print request unit 301 to that effect by executing a CGI script.

  When the web information providing unit 302 receives the setting information from the multi-print initial setting screen 202 displayed on the web browser of the PC 200, the web information providing unit 302 performs a process of storing each setting content in the flash memory 310 as multi-print setting data. This is done by executing a script.

  In this embodiment, each process by the WEB information providing unit 302 is executed by executing a CGI script, but may be configured to be executed by another program called from the CGI script. Further, the multi-print screen 201 and the multi-print initial setting screen 202 can be configured to be described in an XML format (extensible Markup Language).

  In addition, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 can print from the MFP 140 a and the printer device 140 b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 when receiving a print request notification from the WEB information providing unit 302. A new device is selected and a print request is made by designating the IP address of the selected device. At this time, the print file uploaded from the PC 200 to the HDD 103 is also transmitted to the device having the designated IP address. When the print request unit 301 selects the printable multifunction device 140a and printer device 140b, the device set in the multi-print setting data 312 stored in the flash memory 310 is selected.

  The print request to the selected multifunction device 140a and printer device 140b by the print request unit 301 is executed by designating an IP address and calling a remote print function. This remote print function transmits a print request message in accordance with a UNIX (registered trademark) rsh (remote shell) protocol to the printer application 111 of the MFP having the designated IP address or the printer application of the printer device 140b. Yes, registered in the remote function library, and the distribution application 117 is generated by linking the remote function library.

  Here, the rsh protocol is a function realized by UNIX (registered trademark), and is used to execute an arbitrary command on another host on the network (in the case of this embodiment, a multifunction machine on the network). It is a protocol that defines the procedure.

  The distribution application can be installed in the multi-function peripheral from a recording medium such as an SD card. It can also be downloaded and installed on the MFP via the network.

  The VAS 118 is arranged between the control service and the application, and mediates access to the control service from the application or access to the application from the control service. Further, the VAS 118 notifies the WEB information providing unit 302 of the distribution application 117 that the request message received via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 notified from the NCS 128 is received. The NCS 128 controls the network, and notifies the VAS 118 that the request message received from the httpd 304 has been received.

  The httpd 304 constantly monitors port 80 for receiving a message transmitted by the http protocol, and receives a request message and transmits a response message at the port 80. The structure of the request message and the response message is the same as the structure of each message in the normal http protocol, and each message includes a message body described in the html format. The httpd 304 notifies the NCS 128 that the request message received via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 has been received, and stores the request message in the shared memory 303.

  The inetd 305 receives each call of the remote print function, constantly monitors incoming calls of various protocols (including rsh protocol) on the network, and if a connection request for a specific protocol is detected, a server program that processes each protocol is executed. It is a daemon to be activated, and performs the same processing as inetd in ordinary UNIX (registered trademark). In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, in order to monitor incoming calls using the rsh protocol, the rsh port is constantly monitored, and the rshd 308 is activated when a connection request is detected at the rsh port.

  The tcpd 306 and ipd 307 are daemons that perform communication processing in accordance with the procedures related to the TCP layer and the IP layer of the TCP / IP protocol, respectively, and perform processing similar to that of the normal UNIX (registered trademark) tcpd and ipd. The rshd 308 constitutes a remote communication means in the present invention, and is a daemon that performs communication processing according to a procedure using the rsh protocol. The rshd 308 is activated by the inetd 305 when a control command is received via the network, and performs processing for transmitting the received remote control command and received data to the NCS 128 process.

  The network controller 104 performs processing such as communication preparation for the rsh protocol and SNMP protocol, and transmission / reception of commands, data, and status in the rsh protocol.

  The printer list data 311 stored in the flash memory 310 is data indicating a list of MFPs 140a and printer devices 140b that can be printed on the network (Ethernet (registered trademark)) 220. The printer list data 311 includes a printer name of a multifunction device 140a (including its own multifunction device 100) or a printer device 140b that is connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 in advance by a system administrator or network administrator of the multifunction device 100. This is created in advance after grasping the IP address, installation location, and printing function.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the printer list data 311. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer list data 311 holds the printer name, the IP address, the installation location of each device, and the printing function of each device in association with each other.

  The multi-print setting data 312 stored in the flash memory 310 is data set by extracting the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b that perform printing from the printer list data 311 in advance. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the multi-print setting data 312. As shown in FIG. 6, the multi-print setting data 312 is obtained by extracting in advance the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b that make a print request from the printer list data 311, and for each device, a printer name, an IP address, The installation location of each device and the printing function of each device are stored in association with each other. The print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 refers to the multi-print setting data 312 and calls the remote print function by specifying the IP addresses of the MFPs 140 a and 140 b registered in the print setting data 312. Send a print request message.

  The multi-print setting data 312 is set from the multi-print initial setting screen 202 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200 by the WEB information providing unit 302. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the multi-print initial setting screen 202. The system administrator of the multifunction peripheral (MFP 0) 100 with the distribution application 117 installed or a similar one displays the multi-print initial setting screen 202 on the WEB browser of the PC 200, and sets the multifunction peripheral 140a and the printer 140b that make a print request in advance. Set it. As shown in FIG. 7, the list box of the printer list on the multi-print initial setting screen 202 contains the printer names, IP addresses, setting locations, and functions of the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b registered in the printer list data 311. When one or a plurality of devices that make a printer request are selected from the displayed items, multi-print setting data 312 in which the device selected by the WEB information providing unit 302 is set is generated in the flash memory 310.

  Next, a multi-print processing method using the distribution application 117 of the MFP 100 configured as described above will be described. First, in order to print a file generated by an arbitrary application on the PC 200, the user designates a print command of the application and displays a print screen. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print screen. When the user of the PC 200 performs multi-printing, as shown in FIG. 8A, the user of the MFP (MFP 0) 100 in which the distribution application 117 is installed in the printer name field of the print screen. Specify the printer name including the URL. In FIG. 8A, the printer name is “¥¥ MFP0 ¥¥ 192.168.10.1”, but the description of the printer name is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the printer name of the multifunction device (MFP 0) is designated on the print screen and the “OK” button is clicked, the application on the PC 200 accesses the multifunction device (MFP 0) 100. In the multi-function device 100, the WEB information providing unit 302 of the distribution application 117 displays the multi-print screen 201 on the WEB browser of the PC 200 according to the http protocol. As described above, instead of specifying the print command of the application, the multi-print screen 201 may be displayed by directly specifying an address using a web browser.

FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the multi-print screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200. This multi-print screen 201 is html
It is written in l format. As shown in FIG. 8B, the multi-print screen 201 includes a file name field for designating the name of a print file to be printed, a copy number field for designating the number of copies, and a function ( A function field for designating a staple, duplex printing, and the like is displayed. The buttons include an upload button for transmitting the print file specified in the file name field to the multifunction peripheral (MFP 0) 100 in which the distribution application 117 is installed, and an instruction to execute multi-print processing of the print file. A multi-print button and a cancel button operated when canceling the multi-print process are displayed.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a data flow between the MFP 100 and the PC 200 at the time of an upload request from the PC 200 and a print request. When the user of the PC 200 sets a printer file to be printed in the file name field, sets the number of copies in the number of copies field, sets the printing function to be used in the function field, and clicks the upload button on the multi-print screen 201, The setting content and the request message for the upload request are transmitted to the distribution application 117 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  Here, a process in the MFP 100 that has received the request message will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the MFP 100 that has received the request message.

  The httpd 304 constantly monitors port 80 and receives a request message from the PC 200 on port 80 (step S901). The httpd 304 reads the received request message and writes the request message in the shared memory 303 (step S902). Next, the httpd 304 notifies the NCS 128 that a request message has been received (step S903).

  Receiving the notification, the NCS 128 further notifies the VAS 118 that the request message has been received (step S904). Upon receiving the notification, the VAS 118 further notifies the distribution application 117 that the request message has been received (step S905). The WEB information providing unit 302 of the distribution application 117 reads the request message with reference to the shared memory 303 using a notification that the request message has been received as a trigger (step S906). Then, the content of the request message is analyzed (step S907), and processing corresponding to the content described in the message body of the request message is executed (step S908). At this time, if the message body describes that CGI is to be executed, the corresponding CGI is executed.

  Then, the distribution application 117 returns the processing execution result as a response message to the PC 200 that is the transmission source of the request message via the httpd 304 (step S909).

  In this embodiment, the NCS 128 that has received the notification of request message reception notifies the VAS 118 of the reception, and the VAS 118 notifies the distribution application 117 of the request message reception. The NCS 128 may directly notify the distribution application 117 that the request message has been received.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the upload button is clicked on the multi-print screen 201 of the PC 200, a request message including an upload request and a specified file name is transmitted to the multi-function device 100 (step S801). In the MFP 100, the httpd 304 receives the request message via the network controller 104 (step S802). The httpd 304 stores the received request message in the shared memory (step S803) and notifies the NCS 128 that the request message has been received (step S804). Then, as described above, the notification indicating that the request message has been received is notified to the distribution application 117 via the NCS 228 and the VAS 118 (steps S805 and S806). When the distribution application 117 receives notification that the request message has been received, the WEB information providing unit 302 reads the request message from the shared memory 303 (step S807) and analyzes the content. Then, the WEB information providing unit 302 determines that the request is an upload request, receives the print file 801 specified by the request message from the PC 200, and stores it in the HDD 103 (step S808).

  Next, a process for selecting a printable multifunction device 140a and printer 140b on the network 220 by the multifunction device 100 according to the present embodiment and a process for distributing a printer request will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the data flow in the selection process of the printable multifunction peripheral 140a and the printer device 140b and the distribution process of the printer request. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for selecting a printable multifunction device 140a and printer device 140b and for distributing a printer request.

  When a multi-print button is clicked on the multi-print screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200, a print request, a request message with the specified file name, number of copies, and function as a message body is transmitted to the multi-function device 100. . At this time, the multi-function device 100 receives the request message by the same processing as that described with reference to FIG. 10, and determines that the request message is a print request.

  If it is determined that the request message is a print request, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 reads multi-print setting data from the flash memory 310 (step S1101). The print request unit 301 determines whether a function is specified in the request message in the shared memory 303 (step S1102).

  If the function is specified in the request message, the multifunction peripheral and printer having the specified function are extracted from the multi-print setting data 312 (step S1103). If no function is specified in the request message, such processing is not performed.

  Next, the print request unit 301 selects the number of multifunction peripherals and printers specified by the request message from the multi-print setting data 312 or the multifunction peripheral or printer extracted in step S1103 (step S1104). Then, the print request unit 301 calls the remote printer function by designating the IP address of the selected multifunction machine or printer device (step S1105). By this remote printer function call, a print request message is transmitted to the printer application 111 of the multifunction peripheral of the designated IP address and the printer application of the printer apparatus. The remote printer function process will be described later.

  Next, the print request unit 301 determines whether or not the return value from the remote printer function call is normal (step S1106). If the return value is abnormal, an error message is transmitted as a response message to the PC 200 (step S1107). If the return value is normal, the processes from step S1105 to S1107 are repeated for all the multifunction machines and printers selected in step S1104 (step S1108). As a result, a print request message is transmitted to the printer application 111 of the multifunction peripheral and the printer application of the printer apparatus of all designated IP addresses.

  Next, a print request message transmission process executed by the remote print function will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of print request message transmission processing in the remote print function.

  In the remote print function, first, a socket that combines the designated IP address in the input data passed as an argument and a predetermined rsh port number is opened (step S1201). Then, using the rsh port, another arbitrary port number is transmitted to the MFP 100 having the designated IP address (step S1202). Thereafter, it becomes possible to transmit a remote control command by the rsh protocol.

  Next, the remote print function issues a printer reservation command as a remote control command (step S1203), and if there is a normal response, issues a printer operation confirmation command (steps S1204 and S1205). On the other hand, when there is a response indicating that it is not normal, the call returns to the caller distribution application 117 with an abnormal function return value.

  The printer operation confirmation command is issued repeatedly until there is a normal response (step S1206). If there is a normal response, PJL (Printer Job Language) is set based on the print parameter of the input data as an argument (step S1207), and a print start command is subsequently issued (step S1208). As a result, the print file 801 having the designated file name is transmitted to the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b, and the printing process is started by the printer application 111 of the multifunction device 140a or the printer application of the printer device 140b.

  When the print processing is completed, a printer release command is issued (step S1209), the socket is finally closed (step S1210), and a normal function return value is returned. As described above, when a remote print function is called by the distribution application 117, a series of commands for remote control are issued by the rsh protocol, and print processing is executed by the selected multifunction device or printer device.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the selected multifunction device 140a, the incoming call monitoring of the rsh port is performed by the inetd 307, and when there is an incoming call, the rshd 308 is activated and the received data is transferred to the NCS 128 process. The NCS 128 determines the content of the received data, and passes it to the printer application 111 if it is a print request. Each application analyzes a remote control command described in data received from the NCS 128 and executes print processing.

  Further, in the multifunction device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to make a print request by designating the own multifunction device 100. Next, a print request process when the MFP 100 is selected will be described.

  When the MFP (MFP 0) 100 is set as the MFP that issues a print request in the multi-print setting data 312, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 performs the process of step S1105 described in FIG. , A loopback address (IP address: 127.0.0.0) is designated and a remote print function is called.

  The loopback address is an IP address designated for returning transmission data to the inside of the multi-function peripheral without sending it to the outside of the multi-function peripheral. The distribution application 117 issues a print request to the printer application 111 operating in its own multifunction peripheral by calling a remote print function by designating a loopback address. Here, the processing by the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 12 except that the remote print function is called by designating the loopback address.

  A daemon (process) of the general-purpose OS 121 that processes a print request when such a loopback address is designated will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the distribution application 117 and each daemon and the data flow in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  When the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 performs a remote print function call, as shown in FIG. Then, packets are generated by each daemon. If the loopback address is specified as a result of the address analysis, the ipd 307 transmits the fact to the inetd 305. At this time, the inetd 305 transmits data such as a remote control command, a parameter, and a print file to the NCS 128 process without activating the rshd 308. When the NCS 128 process receives each of these data from the inetd 305, it passes the data to the printer application 111. The printer application 111 analyzes the remote control command described in the received data from the NCS 128 and executes print processing. With such a distribution application 117, it is possible to execute print processing in its own multifunction peripheral while maintaining a configuration in which a print request can be made to another multifunction peripheral on the network using the rsh protocol.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 receives a request from the PC 200 on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 and receives one or more items on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. Since a plurality of printable multifunction devices 140a and printer devices 140b are selected and the printer files and print requests for the PC 200 are distributed, the printers of the multifunction devices 140a and 140b are transmitted to the PC 200 on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. Printing can be performed without installing a driver program, and the complicated operation of constructing a printer environment corresponding to the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b on the network is not necessary.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 distributes the print request to the plurality of MFPs 140a and the printer device 140b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. Even when there are a plurality of print copies, printing can be performed simultaneously using a plurality of multifunction devices 140a and printer devices 140b, and a plurality of copies can be printed quickly.

  In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 makes a printer request by specifying a loopback address and calling a remote print function. Ethernet (registered trademark) Even when an interface for requesting print processing to another multifunction device 140a and printer device 140b on 220 is provided, the printer application in its own multifunction device 100 can be simply changed to the loopback address. 111 can receive each remote control command and execute each process. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the effort of the application developer without greatly changing the distribution application 117.

(Embodiment 2)
In the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the MFP 140 a and the printer device 140 b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 are set in advance in the multi-print setting data 312, and the print request is distributed by the multi-print setting data 312. In the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the user selects the MFP 140a and the printer device 140b that distribute the print request at the time of printing.

  The network configuration including the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the configuration of the MFP 100 is the MFP according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 100. The distribution application 117 of the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment also includes a print request unit 301 and a WEB information providing unit 302.

  In the MFP 100 of the present embodiment, the selection process of the MFP 140a and the printer device 140b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 by the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117, and the WEB information providing unit 302 are included in the WEB browser of the PC 200. The MFP 100 is different from the MFP 100 of the first embodiment in that a printer selection screen is displayed and the user selects a printer.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a selection processing procedure of the multifunction device 140a and the printer device 140b on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 by the distribution application 117 in the multifunction device 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, when the multi-print button is clicked from the multi-print screen 201 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200, the distribution application 117 that receives the print request first has the WEB information providing unit 302. A printer selection screen 1501 is displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200 (step S1401).

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printer selection screen 1501 displayed on the WEB browser of the PC 200. The printer list data 311 stored in the flash memory 310 is read by the WEB information providing unit 302 into the list box of the printer list on the printer selection screen 1501 and all the composites set in the read printer list data 311 are read. Machine and printer device are displayed.

  When the user of the PC 200 selects one or a plurality of multifunction peripherals and printer devices on the printer selection screen 1501 and clicks the OK button, the selected multifunction device, the printer name of the printer device, and the designation on the multi-print screen 201 A request message having the message name, the number of copies, and the function as a message body is transmitted to the multi-function device 100. The processing in the MFP 100 that has received such a request message is the same as that of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Next, when the distribution application 117 receives the request message, the print request unit 301 calls the remote print function by designating the IP address of the multifunction peripheral or printer specified by the request message (step S1402). By this remote printer function call, a print request message is transmitted to the printer application 111 of the multifunction peripheral of the designated IP address and the printer application of the printer apparatus. The processing of the remote printer function is the same as that of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  Next, the print request unit 301 determines whether or not the return value from the remote printer function call is normal (step S1403). If the return value is abnormal, an error message is transmitted as a response message to the PC 200 (step S1404). If the return value is normal, the processing from step S1402 to S1404 is repeated for all multifunction devices and printer devices selected on the printer selection screen 1501 (step S1405). As a result, a print request message is transmitted to the printer application 111 of the multifunction peripheral and the printer application of the printer apparatus of all IP addresses selected on the printer selection screen 1501.

  As described above, in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the WEB information providing unit 302 of the distribution application 117 displays the printer selection screen 1501 that allows the PC 200 to select one or more printable MFPs and printer devices on the network. Since the print file 801 and the print request are distributed to the MFP and the printer selected by the print request unit 301 from the printer selection screen 1501, the printer driver program for the MFP and the printer is transmitted to the PC 200. Can be printed by a multifunction device and printer device desired by the user of the PC 200 even if the printer is not installed, and the printer environment corresponding to the multifunction device and printer device on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 No complicated work of building It made.

  In the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the print request unit 301 of the distribution application 117 distributes print requests to a plurality of MFPs and printer apparatuses on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220. Even when there are a plurality of printers, printing can be performed simultaneously using a plurality of multifunction peripherals and printer devices desired by the user of the PC 200, and a plurality of copies can be printed quickly.

(Embodiment 3)
The multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first and second embodiments creates a printer list data 311 in advance, such as a multifunction machine on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220, a printer name of the printer device, and an IP address. 311 selects a multifunction device or printer that actually makes a print request, but the multifunction device 100 according to the third embodiment is a multifunction device on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 at regular intervals. The printer list data 311 is generated by automatically acquiring the printer name and IP address of the printer apparatus.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the main configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the third embodiment and the data flow during the IP address acquisition process. Other functional configurations of the MFP 1600 are the same as those of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The network configuration including the MFP 1600 according to the third embodiment is the same as the network configuration according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the distribution application 1617 in the MFP 1600 according to the third embodiment includes an IP acquisition unit 1601, a print request unit 301, and a WEB information providing unit 302.

  The IP acquisition unit 1601 accesses a network management information base (MIB) 1610 stored in the router 210 on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 at regular intervals, and the TCP / IP set in the MIB. The IP address of each MFP and printer on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 is acquired from the data block related to the above. Also, the IP acquisition unit 1601 performs processing for generating printer list data 311 in which the names of the respective devices are associated with each other from the acquired IP addresses, and storing them in the flash memory 310. The name of each device can be acquired from each device, for example.

  The snmpd 1602 is a daemon (process) for accessing the router 210 in accordance with the SNMP protocol (Simple Network Management Protocol) when the IP acquisition unit 1601 acquires an IP address from the MIB 1610 of the router 210. It is activated. Note that the MIB 1610 is exchanged according to a normal SNMP protocol.

  As described above, in the MFP 1600 according to the third embodiment, the IP acquisition unit 1601 of the distribution application 1617 acquires the IP addresses of the MFP and the printer device on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220, and the print request unit 301 Since the acquired IP address is designated and the print request for the print file 801 of the PC 200 is distributed to the multifunction device and the printer device, the IP address of the multifunction device and the printer device on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220 is determined. Even when a change is made or when a multifunction device or a printer is added on the Ethernet (registered trademark) 220, printing can be reliably performed from the PC 200 in which the printer driver program is not installed.

  In the MFP 1600 according to the third embodiment, an IP address is acquired from the MIB 1610 and printer list data is generated. Every time a request message regarding a print request is received from the PC 200, the IP acquisition unit 1601 The MIB 1610 may be accessed to obtain an IP address.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the claims.
(Configuration 1)
Information providing means for providing the client terminal with screen data for selecting one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the network;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a print request unit that distributes print target data and a print request to one or a plurality of selected image forming apparatuses.

According to this configuration, even when the printer driver program of a plurality of image forming apparatuses is not installed in the client terminal, the print target file of the client terminal can be printed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses on the network. The complicated work of constructing a printer environment corresponding to the plurality of image forming apparatuses becomes unnecessary. Further, even when there are a plurality of print copies, printing can be performed simultaneously using a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and printing of a plurality of copies can be performed quickly.
(Configuration 2)
The information providing means transmits screen data for inputting a print instruction to the client terminal;
In the configuration 1, the print request unit receives the print instruction from the client terminal input from the screen and distributes the print target data and the print request to the selected one or more image forming apparatuses. Image forming apparatus.

According to this configuration, it is possible to cause a plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform printing in accordance with instructions from the client terminal.
(Configuration 3)
The information providing means transmits screen data for uploading the print target data to the client terminal;
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the image forming apparatus receives the print target data upon receiving the upload of the print target data by the client terminal.

According to this configuration, print target data can be sent from the client terminal to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus may store the uploaded data and distribute only the data designated when receiving the print instruction, or may distribute the uploaded data immediately.
(Configuration 4)
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen data is displayed by a Web browser in the client terminal.

According to this configuration, since the user of the client terminal can perform a printing operation using the Web browser, the convenience for the user is improved.
(Configuration 5)
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the screen data includes data for displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with respective installation locations.

According to this configuration, the user can select an image forming apparatus in consideration of the installation location of the image forming apparatus.
(Configuration 6)
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the screen data includes data for displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with functions of the image forming apparatuses.

According to this configuration, the user can select an image forming apparatus in consideration of the function of the image forming apparatus.
(Configuration 7)
The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing information including addresses of the selected one or more image forming apparatuses,
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the print request unit refers to the information stored in the storage unit and distributes the print target data and the print request to the selected one or more image forming apparatuses.

According to this configuration, the print target data and the print request can be distributed to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the address stored in the storage unit.
(Configuration 8)
The print instruction includes an instruction of a function in an image forming apparatus that performs printing, and the print request unit includes one or more of the selected function of the selected one or more image forming apparatuses. The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 2, wherein an image forming apparatus is selected and the print target data and the print request are distributed to the selected image forming apparatus.

According to this configuration, it is possible to cause only an image forming apparatus having a desired function to perform printing.
(Configuration 9)
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the print requesting unit requests printing to a printing unit in the image forming apparatus of its own.

According to this configuration, it is possible to widen the selection range of the image forming apparatus for the user.
(Configuration 10)
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 9, wherein the print request unit specifies a loopback address to which transmission data is fed back within the image forming apparatus and requests printing to the print unit.

According to this configuration, only by changing the designated address to the loopback address, the printing data to be printed can be printed by the own image forming apparatus while using the protocol for transmitting the print request to the other image forming apparatus via the network. It becomes possible.
(Configuration 11)
An address acquisition unit configured to acquire an address of an image forming apparatus connected to the network;
The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein the print request unit specifies the address acquired by the address acquisition unit and distributes the print target data and the print request.

According to this configuration, even when the network address of the image forming apparatus on the network is changed or when a new image forming apparatus is added to the network, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatuses to perform printing. .
(Configuration 12)
12. The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 11, wherein the address acquisition unit acquires an address from the MIB using SNMP.

According to this configuration, the network address of the image forming apparatus can be acquired by a standardized method.
(Configuration 13)
The image forming apparatus includes a hardware resource used in the image forming process and a control service that performs processing on the system side including control of the hardware resource based on a request from an application, and is separate from the control service. It can be installed with multiple applications,
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes the information providing unit and the print request unit as the application.
(Configuration 14)
A printing processing method for causing an image forming apparatus to perform printing on one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
An information providing step of providing screen data for selecting one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network to a client terminal;
And a print requesting step for distributing print target data and a print request to one or a plurality of selected image forming apparatuses.
(Configuration 15)
In the information providing step, screen data for inputting a print instruction is transmitted to the client terminal,
15. The configuration 14 in which the print request step receives a print instruction from the client terminal input from the screen and distributes the print target data and the print request to the selected one or more image forming apparatuses. Print processing method.
(Configuration 16)
The configuration 14 further includes a step of transmitting screen data for uploading the print target data to the client terminal, receiving the print target data by the client terminal, and receiving the print target data. Print processing method.
(Configuration 17)
The print processing method according to any one of configurations 14 to 16, wherein the screen data is displayed by a Web browser in the client terminal.
(Configuration 18)
The print processing method according to Configuration 14, wherein the screen data includes data for displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with respective installation locations.
(Configuration 19)
The print processing method according to Configuration 14, wherein the screen data includes data for displaying a plurality of image forming apparatuses in association with functions of the image forming apparatuses.
(Configuration 20)
The image forming apparatus has storage means for storing information including addresses of the selected one or more image forming apparatuses,
The print processing method according to Configuration 14, wherein in the print request step, the print target data and the print request are distributed to the selected one or more image forming apparatuses with reference to information stored in the storage unit.
(Configuration 21)
The print instruction includes an instruction of a function in the image forming apparatus that performs printing,
In the print request step, one or more image forming apparatuses having the designated function are selected from the selected one or more image forming apparatuses, and the selected image forming apparatus The print processing method according to Configuration 15, wherein the print target data and the print request are distributed.
(Configuration 22)
The print processing method according to Configuration 14, wherein in the print request step, printing is requested to a printing unit in the image forming apparatus of the apparatus.
(Configuration 23)
23. The print processing method according to configuration 22, wherein, in the print request step, the print unit is requested to print by designating a loopback address to which transmission data is fed back within the image forming apparatus.
(Configuration 24)
An address acquisition step of acquiring an address of an image forming apparatus connected to the network;
The print processing method according to Configuration 14, wherein, in the print request step, the print target data and the print request are distributed by designating the address acquired in the address acquisition step.
(Configuration 25)
25. The print processing method according to configuration 24, wherein in the address acquisition step, an address is acquired from an MIB using SNMP.
(Configuration 26)
The image forming apparatus includes a hardware resource used in the image forming process and a control service that performs processing on the system side including control of the hardware resource based on a request from an application, and is separate from the control service. It can be installed with multiple applications,
26. The print processing method according to claim 14, wherein an application in the image forming apparatus executes the information providing step and the print request step.
(Configuration 27)
The image forming apparatus
Information providing means for providing screen data for selecting one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses from a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network to a client terminal;
A program that functions as a print request unit that distributes print target data and a print request to one or a plurality of selected image forming apparatuses.
(Configuration 28)
A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to Configuration 27.

100, 140a, 1600 MFP 101 Black and white laser printer 102 Color laser printer 103 Hard disk drive (HDD)

104 Network controller 105 Hardware resource 110 Software group 111 Printer application 112 Copy application 113 Fax application 114 Scanner application 115 Net file application 116 Process inspection application 117, 1617 Distribution application 118 VAS
120 Platform 121 General-purpose OS
122 SCS
123 SRM
124 ECS
125 MCS
126 OCS
127 FCS
128 NCS
130 Application 201 Multi Print Screen 202 Multi Print Initial Setting Screen 210 Router 220 Ethernet (Registered Trademark)
301 Print Request Unit 302 Web Information Providing Unit 303 Shared Memory 310 Flash Memory 311 Printer List Data 312 Multiprint Setting Data 801 Print File 140b Printer Device 1501 Printer Selection Screen 1601 IP Acquisition Unit

JP 2002-82806 A

Claims (9)

A device connected via a network to an external device that makes a processing request,
Means for generating screen information for receiving the processing request from the external device;
Means for transmitting the generated screen information to the external device;
Means for receiving the processing request received by the screen generated based on the screen information;
Means for executing processing related to the received processing request,
In the processing request, when a device set as a device that executes processing is the device, the device executes the processing request.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for executing the process executes the process by calling a function for executing the process request. The screen information includes information on a plurality of the devices connected to the network,
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the devices are selected by a user.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen information includes a file field for inputting a file, a number field for inputting the number of copies, or a function field for inputting a function to be used. 5. . The means for executing the processing is:
The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a function is specified in the processing request, the process is executed by an apparatus having the function.   6. The processing request according to claim 1, wherein when the device is not included in a device set as a device that executes processing in the processing request, the processing request is executed by another device. Equipment.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising device information collecting means for collecting device information from devices connected to the network.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device is a printer device, a copy device, a facsimile device, a scanner device, or a multifunction device including a plurality of these devices. The image forming apparatus includes a hardware resource used in the image forming process and a control service that performs processing on the system side including control of the hardware resource based on a request from an application, and is separate from the control service. It can be installed with multiple applications,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes the information providing unit and the print request unit as the application.

Images