JP2018092262A - Information processing system and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus capable of improving convenience of data communication in a communication network and reducing a burden on a user.SOLUTION: An information processing system 1 includes an image processing apparatus 2 performing data communication via a communication network 7 and a personal computer 3. The image processing apparatus 2 includes a communication interface 25 and a CPU 27. The communication interface 25 receives a command file of an XML format from the personal computer 3. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command for causing the image processing apparatus 2 to execute a specific process of at least one predetermined process. The CPU 27 executes the specific process corresponding to the command name included in the command file received by the communication interface 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing apparatus.

  In an information processing system in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses and personal computers are connected to a communication network such as a LAN, data communication is performed between the information processing apparatuses. In the information processing system, information stored in the image forming apparatus can be changed from a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-0671116 A

  By the way, when performing data communication between information processing apparatuses via a communication network, it is necessary to match communication conditions such as a data format and a communication protocol between information processing apparatuses. Therefore, depending on the type and model of the information processing device, the version of the program installed in the information processing device, the communication conditions may not match between the information processing devices, and data communication via the communication network may not be performed. . In this case, in order to enable data communication between information processing apparatuses using a communication network, an external device is connected to the information processing apparatus, a program is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the program is updated. It is necessary to take measures. Therefore, the method for determining the communication conditions between the information processing apparatuses is not convenient and places a heavy burden on the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus capable of improving the convenience of data communication in a communication network and reducing the burden on the user.

  An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus that perform data communication via a communication network. The first information processing apparatus includes a first receiving unit and a first arithmetic processing unit. The first receiving unit receives an XML format command file from the second information processing apparatus. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command that causes the first information processing apparatus to execute a specific process among at least one predetermined process. The first arithmetic processing unit executes the specific process corresponding to a command name included in the command file received by the first receiving unit.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit and an arithmetic processing unit. The receiving unit receives an XML format command file from an external device. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command for executing a specific process among at least one predetermined process. The arithmetic processing unit executes the specific process corresponding to the command name included in the command file received by the receiving unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the convenience of the data communication in a communication network can be improved, and the information processing system and information processing apparatus which can reduce a user's burden can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a command file transmitted from the personal computer shown in FIG. 1 to the image processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is an example of a response file transmitted from the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the personal computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing programs and data stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of an additional data file transmitted from the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the personal computer. FIG. 6 is an example of a processing item list stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a function pointer conversion table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a response data table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an example of a memory address conversion table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of an additional data table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an example of the updated process item list. FIG. 12 is an example of the updated function pointer conversion table. FIG. 13 is an example of the updated response data table. FIG. 14 shows an example of the updated memory address conversion table. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing programs and data stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 16 shows an example of a command file format stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an example of a command data table stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows an example of the updated command data table. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data communication process using an XML format file in the information processing system illustrated in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process item addition process in the data communication process illustrated in FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a response file creation process in the data communication process shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example embodying the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Information processing system]
FIG. 1 is a network diagram showing an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an image processing device 2, personal computers 3 to 5, a server 6, and the like. These devices 2 to 6 and the like are connected to each other via a communication network 7 such as a LAN or a WAN that complies with a communication standard defined in the standard IEEE802. In the following, data communication between devices in the information processing system 1 will be described taking data communication using an XML file between the image processing device 2 and the personal computer 3 as an example.

  The image processing apparatus 2 is an example of a first information processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The personal computer 3 is an example of a second information processing apparatus and an external device according to the present invention.

  In the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 2 creates a response to the command transmitted from the personal computer 3, and transmits this response to the personal computer 3. Specifically, a command file in XML format is transmitted from the personal computer 3 to the image processing apparatus 2. On the other hand, when the command processing file is received, the image processing apparatus 2 creates an XML-format response file and transmits the response file to the personal computer 3.

  Here, FIG. 2 is an example of a command file, and FIG. 3 is an example of a response file.

  The command file shown in FIG. 2 is a command file to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 and is created in the personal computer 3 by the user. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command to be executed by the image processing apparatus 2. Here, the command is an instruction for causing the image processing apparatus 2 to execute a specific process among at least one predetermined process. The at least one predetermined process is a process that can be executed by a command from the personal computer 3 in the image processing apparatus 2 and is a process that can respond by a response file. The command file is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 by a user operation on the personal computer 3.

  In the command file, the content of the command is defined by a parent element Ep1 surrounded by a virtual line between a start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and an end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE>. The parent element Ep1 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. Further, when a plurality of commands are transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 in one command file, a plurality of parent elements Ep1 are described. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “A4 color print number acquisition”, “A4 monochrome print number acquisition”, “IPv4 address setting”, “IPv4 address acquisition”, “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”. ”,“ Yellow toner remaining amount acquisition ”and“ Black toner remaining amount acquisition ”are described as the parent element Ep1.

  Each of “Acquire A4 color print number” and “Acquire A4 monochrome print number” is a command for acquiring the number of sheets printed in color and monochrome on an A4 size sheet in the image processing apparatus 2. “IPv4 address setting” is a command for setting the IPv4 address in the image processing apparatus 2 to an address (“192.168.1.80” in the example of FIG. 2). “Acquire IPv4 address” is a command for causing the image processing apparatus 2 to acquire an IPv4 address. “Acquire cyan toner remaining amount”, “Acquire magenta toner remaining amount”, “Acquire yellow toner remaining amount”, and “Acquire black toner remaining amount” respectively indicate the remaining toner of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in the image processing apparatus 2. This command gets the amount.

  The command file includes a plurality of child elements Ec1 as a lower layer of the parent element Ep1. The child element Ec1 specifies, for example, a command name, a tag name, a memory address name, a function name, and setting contents.

  The command name corresponds to a processing item name to be executed in the image processing apparatus 2. The command name is described in the child element Ec1 defined by the start tag <Comment> and the end tag </ Comment>. For example, the command name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 4 is “Acquire A4 color print number”.

  The tag name is the name of the parent element Ep1. The tag name is described in a child element Ec1 defined by a start tag <tag_name> and an end tag </ tag_name>. For example, the tag name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 2 is “A4_COLOR_COUNTER”.

  The memory address name is associated with a physical memory address that is a response data storage area in a storage unit 28 (see FIG. 1) of the image processing apparatus 2 described later. The memory address name is described in a child element Ec1 defined by a start tag <memory_address> and an end tag </ memory_address>. For example, the memory address name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 2 is “MA_A4_COLOR_COUNTER”. The response data indicates the result of executing a specific process by the application program 282 based on the command file. Response data is described in a response file. The physical memory address indicates the storage location of the storage area in the storage unit 28 of the image processing apparatus 2 described later, and is necessary for accessing the response data.

  The function name is associated with an application program 282 (described later) that executes a command in the image processing apparatus 2, and specifies the application program 282 that executes a command specified by the command file. The function name is described in a child element Ec1 defined by a start tag <function_name> and an end tag </ function_name>. For example, the function name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 2 is “get_counter”.

  On the other hand, the response file shown in FIG. 3 is created in XML format as a response indicating the result of executing a specific processing item designated by the command file. The response file is created in the image processing apparatus 2 when a command file is received as will be described later.

  In the response file, the content of the response is defined by a parent element Ep2 surrounded by a virtual line between a start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and an end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE>. The parent element Ep2 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. When a plurality of responses are transmitted to the personal computer 3 in one response file, a plurality of parent elements Ep2 are described. In the example shown in FIG. 3, eight responses to the eight commands shown in FIG. 2 are described as the parent element Ep2.

  The response file includes a plurality of child elements Ec2 as a lower layer of the parent element Ep2. The child element Ec2 specifies a response name and response content, for example.

  The response name corresponds to the processing item name executed in the image processing apparatus 2. The response name is described in a child element Ec2 defined by a start tag <Comment> and an end tag </ Comment>. For example, the response name of the child element Ec2 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 4 is “A4 color print number acquisition”.

  The response content is a result of executing a command specified by the command file in the image processing apparatus 2 and is acquired from a response data table 286 described later. However, regarding the response to the command such as the address setting, the response content is, for example, “OK”, “NG” or the like. The response content is described in a child element Ec2 defined by a start tag <tag name> and an end tag </ tag name>. In the response file of FIG. 3, the response contents for “A4 color print number” and “A4 monochrome print number” are “156 (sheets)” and “298 (sheets)”, respectively. The response contents to “IPv4 address” are “OK” and “192.168.1.90”. The response contents for “cyan toner remaining amount”, “magenta toner remaining amount”, “yellow toner remaining amount”, and “black toner remaining amount” are “48 (%)”, “86 (%)”, “57 ( %) "And" 35 (%) ". Note that in the response file of FIG. 3, the unit of numerical values indicating the response content is omitted.

  By the way, in an information processing system in which a plurality of information processing devices such as an image processing device and a personal computer are connected via a communication network, when data communication is performed between the information processing devices via the communication network, the data format and communication protocol It is necessary to match communication conditions such as between information processing apparatuses. Therefore, depending on the type and model of the information processing device, the version of the program installed in the information processing device, the communication conditions may not match between the information processing devices, and data communication via the communication network may not be performed. . In this case, in order to enable data communication between the information processing apparatuses in the communication network, means such as connecting an external device to the information processing apparatus, installing a program in the information processing apparatus, and updating the program are provided. It is necessary to take information processing equipment. Therefore, the method for determining the communication conditions between the information processing apparatuses is not convenient and places a heavy burden on the user. On the other hand, in the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, data communication between the image processing apparatus 2 and the personal computer 3 can be performed without taking special measures. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the convenience of data communication in the communication network 7 can be improved, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

<Image processing device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 2 is a multifunction machine having an image forming function and an image reading function. The present invention can also be applied to image processing apparatuses such as printers, scanners, and facsimiles. The image processing apparatus 2 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, an image forming unit 23, an image reading unit 24, a communication interface 25, and a control unit 26.

  The operation unit 21 is a hard key, a touch panel, or the like, and inputs various information to the image processing apparatus 2.

  The display unit 22 is a known image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information such as an error, out of paper, and out of toner.

  The image forming unit 23 forms an image on the sheet using a printing material such as toner. The image forming unit 23 forms an image according to, for example, an electrophotographic method, and includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and the like. Note that the image forming method of the image forming unit 23 may be an image forming method other than an electrophotographic method such as an ink jet recording method.

  The image reading unit 24 reads image data from a document. The image reading unit 24 includes, for example, a document table, a light source, a mirror, a lens, a CCD, and the like.

  The communication interface 25 enables data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 7. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 25 enables at least reception of a command file transmitted from the personal computer 3 and transmission of a response file and an additional data file described later to the personal computer 3. The communication interface 25 is an example of a first reception unit, a reception unit, and a first transmission unit according to the present invention.

  The control unit 26 performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 2. The control unit 26 includes a CPU 27 and a storage unit 28.

  The CPU 27 executes various programs installed in the image processing apparatus 2. The control unit 26 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or a DSP. The CPU 27 is an example of a first arithmetic processing unit and an arithmetic processing unit according to the present invention. Further, as will be described later, the CPU 27 functions as a file creation unit, a transmission instruction unit, a table update unit, a data creation unit, and a file creation unit of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 28 stores various programs, various data, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 28 includes a structure conversion program 281, at least one application program 282, a file creation program 283, a processing item list 284, a function pointer conversion table 285, a response data table 286, and a memory address conversion table 287. . The storage unit 28 is an example of a first storage unit of the present invention.

  The structure conversion program 281 is a program that converts an XML-format command file into a collection of data structures that can be processed by the application program 282. By providing the structure conversion program 281, the control unit 26 can recognize the XML format command file and execute the application program 282 corresponding to the command included in the command file.

  The application program 282 includes a function pointer and a program part. The function pointer is a part describing the name of the application program 282. That is, the function pointer is also a program name for designating the application program 282 that executes the processing instructed by the command file. The program part is a part describing a procedure to be executed by the CPU 27. The application program 282 causes the CPU 27 to execute the specific process corresponding to the command included in the command file. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 28 has a plurality of application programs 282. These application programs 282 cause the CPU 27 to execute, for example, a procedure for acquiring the A4 color printing number, a procedure for acquiring the A4 monochrome printing number, a procedure for setting the IPv4 address, a procedure for acquiring the IPv4 address, and the like. The application program 282 is an example of the first application program of the present invention.

  The file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to execute processing for creating a response indicating the result of executing the specific processing based on the command file as an XML response file. Further, when the response file is created, the CPU 27 gives an instruction to transmit the response file to the personal computer 3 via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a transmission instruction unit and a response creation unit of the present invention.

  In addition, when a new process item is added to the process item list 284, the file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to execute a process of creating additional data corresponding to the new process item. The additional data includes data for enabling the image processing apparatus 2 to create a response file including a response corresponding to a new processing item (an example of first additional data of the present invention), and new processing in the personal computer 3. Data for enabling creation of a command file including commands corresponding to items (an example of second additional data of the present invention) is included. Then, the file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to execute a process of creating an additional data file in which data corresponding to the second additional data among the additional data is described in the child element Ec3 (see FIG. 5). That is, the CPU 27 functions as a data creation unit and a file creation unit of the present invention.

  Here, FIG. 5 is an example of the additional data file. In the additional data file shown in FIG. 5, “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” are added to the processing item list 284 as processing items. Is the case.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the additional data file, additional data related to the processing item added to the processing item list 284 is surrounded by a virtual line between the start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and the end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE>. It is defined by the parent element Ep3. The parent element Ep3 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. When four process items are added to the process item list 284, four parent elements Ep3 are described in the additional data file corresponding to these additional process items.

  The additional data file includes, as the contents of the parent element Ep3, five child elements Ec3 that specify a description that a processing item has been added to the processing item list 284, a command name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a function name. The tag name, memory address name, and function name are specific examples of the second additional data of the present invention.

  The fact that a processing item has been added to the processing item list 284 is described as “addition of processing item” in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <Comment> and the end tag </ Comment>.

  The command name is described in a child element Ec3 defined by a start tag <command_name> and an end tag </ command_name>. For example, when the additional processing item is “acquire cyan toner remaining amount”, the child element Ec3 describing the comment name becomes “<command_name> cyan toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”. Similarly, the child element Ec3 describing the comment name when the processing items added to the processing item list 284 are “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” is , “<Command_name> magenta toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”, “<command_name> yellow toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>” and “<command_name> black toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”.

  The tag name is described in a child element Ec3 defined by a start tag <tag_name> and an end tag </ tag_name>. For example, when the additional processing item is “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, the child element Ec3 describing the tag name is “<tag_name>” CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ”</ tag_name>”. Similarly, the child element Ec3 describing the tag name when the additional processing items are “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” is “<tag_name>”. MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING "</ tag_name>", "<tag_name>" YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING "</ tag_name>" and "<tag_name>" BLACK_TONER_REMAINING "</ me> name".

  The memory address name is described in a child element Ec3 defined by a start tag <memory_address> and an end tag </ memory_address>. For example, when the additional processing item is “acquire cyan toner remaining amount”, the child element Ec3 describing the memory address name becomes “<memory_address>” MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ”</ memory_address>. Similarly, the child element Ec3 describing the memory address name when the additional process items are “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” is “<memory_address>”. “MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING” </ memory_address> ”,“ <memory_address> ”MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING” </ memory_address> ”MA_RERAMING” <MA_BLACK_TON>

  The function name is described in a child element Ec3 defined by a start tag <function_name> and an end tag </ function_name>. The child element Ec3 describing the function name becomes, for example, “<function_name>” get_remaining ”</ function_name>” for any of the four additional processing items.

  The file creation program 283 adds the function pointer by adding the application program 282, deleting the function pointer by deleting the process item or application program 282, and rewriting the physical memory address by rewriting the application program 282, in addition to the addition of the process item. The CPU 27 may be caused to execute processing for generating an additional data file when there is a change or the like.

  The processing item list 284 shown in FIG. 6 is a list of processes that can be responded by the response file in the image processing apparatus 2 to the command specified by the command file from the personal computer 3. Further, process items can be added or deleted from the process item list 284 by a setting operation by a user or the like. In this case, the processing item list 284 is updated according to the contents of the setting operation.

  The function pointer conversion table 285 shown in FIG. 7 is a table in which a function name described as a child element Ec1 (see FIG. 2) of the command file is associated with a function pointer. The function pointer conversion table 285 is used when the CPU 27 executes the application program 282 based on the command included in the command file. That is, the CPU 27 converts the function name into the function pointer using the function pointer conversion table 285, thereby specifying the application program 282 that executes processing corresponding to the command included in the command file in the image processing apparatus 2.

  In the function pointer conversion table 285 illustrated in FIG. 7, the function name is associated with “& get_counter”, which is a function pointer of the application program 282 that executes the process “get print number” for the function name “get_counter”. Yes. The function names “set_address” and “get_address” each execute a process “& set_address” and “address acquisition” which are function pointers of the application program 282 that executes the process “address setting”. The function pointer of the application program 282 is associated with “& get_address”.

  In the response data table 286 shown in FIG. 8, response data is associated with a physical memory address. Note that the response data need not be stored as a table, but may be stored in a location where the storage area can be specified by the physical memory address.

  The memory address conversion table 287 shown in FIG. 9 is a table in which a memory address name described as a child element Ec1 (see FIG. 2) of the command file is associated with a physical memory address. The memory address conversion table 287 is used when the application program 282 is executed by the CPU 27 based on a command included in the command file. That is, the CPU 27 accesses the response data corresponding to the command when executing the application program 282 by converting the memory address name described in the command file into a physical memory address by the memory address conversion table 287.

  Here, when a new process item is added to the process item list 284, the CPU 27 updates the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286, and the memory address conversion table 287. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a table update unit of the present invention.

  When updating each of the tables 285 to 287, the CPU 27 gives a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address to the data of the new processing item added to the processing item list 284. Further, when the processing item list 284 is added, the CPU 27 executes processing for creating an additional data file in the XML format, and gives an instruction to transmit the additional data file to the personal computer 3. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a transmission instruction unit of the present invention.

  When an application program 282 that executes a process corresponding to a new process item added to the process item list 284 is installed, the function name and function pointer of the application program 282 are used as the function name and function pointer. When the application program 282 that executes the process corresponding to the new process item is not installed, the CPU 27 assigns a function name and a function pointer when the new application program 282 is installed. The tag name is newly assigned by the CPU 27 to the processing item added to the processing item list 284. The memory address name is newly assigned by the CPU 27 in association with the physical memory address of the storage area in which the execution result is stored for the process corresponding to the new process item.

  If “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” are added as new processing items, these new processing items are added. For example, a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address as shown in the additional data table of FIG. 10 are given to each. The function pointer and the physical memory address are additional data for enabling creation of a command file including a command corresponding to a new processing item added to the processing item list 284, and are specific examples of the first additional data of the present invention. It is.

  The function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name, and physical memory address given to “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition” are, for example, “& get_remaining”, ““ get_remaining ””, ““ CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ””, ““ MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ” ”And“ & MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ”.

  The function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name, and physical memory address given to “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition” are, for example, “& get_remaining”, ““ get_remaining ””, ““ MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING ””, ““ MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING ” ”And“ & MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING ”.

  For example, “& get_remaining”, ““ get_remaining ””, ““ YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING ””, ““ MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING ”are the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name, and physical memory address given to“ Yellow toner remaining amount acquisition ”. And & MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING.

  For example, “& get_remaining”, ““ get_remaining ””, ““ BLACK_TONER_REMAINING ””, ““ MA_BLACK_TONER_REMAINING ”” are the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name, and physical memory address assigned to “acquisition of remaining black toner”. And & MA_BLACK_TONER_REMAINING.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the processing item list 284 includes “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition”, and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” as processing items. When added, the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286, and the memory address conversion table 287 are as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a function name and a function pointer (see FIG. 10) given to the new process item added to the process item list 284 are added to the function pointer conversion table 285.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the response data table 286 is added with the physical memory address and response data (see FIG. 10) assigned to the new process item added to the process item list 284.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the memory address conversion table 287 is added with the memory address name and physical memory address (see FIG. 10) assigned to the new processing item added to the processing item list 284. The

  Note that the tables 285 to 287 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are examples when a new process item is added to the process item list 284, and each process item is deleted when the process item is deleted from the process item list 284. Data corresponding to the processing item deleted from the tables 285 to 287 is deleted. Further, when the application program 282 is rewritten, the function pointer and the physical memory address may be changed. Also in this case, the tables 285 to 287 are updated. As described above, by updating the tables 285 to 287 when the function pointer or the physical memory address is changed, the processing corresponding to the command included in the command file is performed without changing the function name or the memory address name. Can be executed.

<Personal computer>
A personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus that causes a device connected to the communication network 7 to execute predetermined processing. Specifically, the personal computer 3 transmits image data to the image processing apparatus 2 connected to the communication network 7 to perform image formation, accesses the server 6, and stores data stored in the server 6. Process to update. The personal computer 3 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication interface 33, and a control unit 34.

  The operation unit 31 is, for example, a keyboard, and performs various settings and instructions to the personal computer 3.

  The display unit 32 is a known image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays a screen used in various applications, input information, and the like.

  The communication interface 33 enables data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 7. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 33 enables at least transmission of a command file to the image processing apparatus 2 and reception of a response file and an additional data file transmitted from the image processing apparatus 2. The communication interface 33 is an example of a second transmission unit and a second reception unit of the present invention.

  The control unit 34 performs overall control of the personal computer 3. The control unit 34 includes a CPU 35 and a storage unit 36.

  The CPU 35 executes various programs installed in the personal computer 3. The CPU 35 is an example of a second arithmetic processing unit of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the storage unit 36 stores various programs, various data, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 36 includes a structure conversion program 361, a plurality of application programs 362, a command file format 363, and a command data table 364. The storage unit 36 is an example of a second storage unit of the present invention.

  The structure conversion program 361 is a program that converts an XML response file and an additional data file into an aggregate of data structures that can be processed by the application program 362. By providing the structure conversion program 361, the control unit 34 can recognize the response file and the additional data file that are XML data, and can execute the application program 362 based on these files.

  When receiving the response file or the additional data file, the plurality of application programs 362 causes the CPU 35 to execute processing according to the file type. For example, when the response file is received, the application program 362 causes the CPU 35 to execute processing for causing the display unit 32 to display the content described in the response file or a message indicating that the response file has been received. Further, the application program 362 causes the CPU 35 to execute processing for updating the command data table 364 based on the additional data file. That is, when receiving the additional data file, the CPU 35 executes a process of updating the command data table 364 based on the additional data file and the application program 362. The application program 362 is an example of the second application program of the present invention.

  The command file format 363 is used when the user creates a command file. The command file format 363 is a text data file. The command file format 363 is created by a user, for example. Further, the command file format 363 may be stored in the storage unit 36 by an installer when software such as the structure conversion program 361 and the application program 362 is installed. By preparing such a command file format 363, convenience when a user creates a command file is improved.

  Here, FIG. 16 shows an example of the command file format 363. The command file format 363 shown in FIG. 16 includes a parent element Ep11 corresponding to a command for acquiring data from the response data table 286 of the image processing apparatus 2 and a parent element corresponding to a command for changing data in the response data table 286. The format of two types of parent elements of Ep12 is described.

  The parent element Ep11 has a plurality of child elements Ec11 that specify item names of the command data table 364. Here, the item names are “command name”, “tag name”, “memory address name”, and “function name” in the command data table 364 of FIG.

  On the other hand, the parent element Ep12 has a child element Ec12 for instructing data change in addition to a plurality of child elements Ec11 that specify item names in the command data table 364. The child element Ec12 instructing data change is described as “changed data content”. For example, when the IPv4 address is changed, the description of “changed data content” may be rewritten to the changed IP address v4, such as “192.168.1.90”.

  The command data table 364 shown in FIG. 17 associates the command data described in the parent element Ep11 defined by the start tag <XML_TAG> and the end tag </ XML_TAG> of the command file for each command. . The command data includes a command name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a function name. The command data table 364 is stored in the storage unit 36 as a file in a text format or the like, and can be displayed on the display unit 32 by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 31 by the user. Therefore, the user can use the command data table 364 displayed on the display unit 32 when creating the command file. For example, by copying the target item name in the command data table 364 and pasting it on the contents of the child elements Ec11 and Ec12 of the command file format 363, a command file can be created easily.

  The command data table 364 is updated when an additional data file is received from the image processing apparatus 2 as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the additional data file includes “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow” as new processing items in the processing item list 284 (see FIGS. 6 and 11). In the case where the contents indicate that “toner remaining amount acquisition” and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” are added, the command data table 364 includes a command name and a tag as command data associated with each of these new processing items. Name, memory address name and function name are added.

  Next, the procedure of XML file data communication between the image processing apparatus 2 and the personal computer 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the processes shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 are repeated at regular intervals.

<Step S11>
As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 determines whether or not a processing item has been added to the processing item list 284 by a setting operation by a user or the like (step S11). When there is a process item added to the process item list 284 (step S11: Yes), the CPU 27 shifts the process to step S12. On the other hand, if the process item is not added to the process item list 284 (step S11: No), the CPU 27 shifts the process to step S14.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 performs processing item addition processing. The process item addition process is executed, for example, as steps S121 to S129 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the CPU 27 assigns a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address in association with the additional processing item (steps S121 to SS125). That is, the CPU 27 generates data described in the contents of the command file or response file element for the additional processing item, and creates additional data (see FIG. 10) in which those data are associated with the additional processing item. . When there are a plurality of additional processing items, additional data is created for each of the plurality of additional processing items.

  Next, the CPU 27 updates the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286, and the memory address conversion table 287 (steps S126 to S128). That is, the CPU 27 updates data necessary for executing the command included in the command file and creating the response file.

  Subsequently, the CPU 27 creates an additional data file (see FIG. 5) based on the additional data created in steps S121 to SS125 (step S129). When the process of step S129 is completed, the CPU 27 ends the process item addition process and shifts the process to step S13 of FIG.

<Step S13>
In step S <b> 13, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 transmits the additional data file to the personal computer 3 via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7.

<Steps S21 to S24>
On the other hand, when the additional data file is received via the communication interface 33 (step S21), the CPU 35 of the personal computer 3 updates the command data table 364 (step S22). That is, the CPU 35 adds command data corresponding to the additional processing item based on the additional data file (see FIG. 5). As a result, a command file corresponding to the additional process item can be created.

  In addition, when a command file is created by the user and an instruction to transmit the command file to the image processing apparatus 2 is given by the user (step S23: Yes), the CPU 35 transmits an image via the communication interface 33 and the communication network 7. The command file is transmitted to the processing device 2 (step S24).

<Steps S14 and S15>
In contrast, when the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 receives a command file via the communication interface 25 (step S14), the CPU 27 executes a response file creation process (step S15). Here, the response file creation process is executed, for example, as steps S151 to S156 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 27 refers to the function pointer conversion table 285 and converts the function name included in the command file into a function pointer (step S151). Further, the CPU 27 refers to the memory address conversion table 287 and converts the memory address name included in the command file into a physical memory address (step S152).

  Next, the CPU 27 accesses the storage area of the physical memory address (step S153) and executes the application program 282 corresponding to the function pointer converted by the function pointer conversion table (step S154). Thus, the CPU 27 acquires response data corresponding to the command specified by the command file from the response data table 286. Then, the CPU 27 creates a response to the command based on the acquired response data (step S155).

  CPU27 complete | finishes a response file preparation process, when the preparation of the response with respect to all the commands contained in a command file is complete | finished (step S156: Yes), and transfers a process to step S16 of FIG.

<Steps S16 and S25>
In step S <b> 16, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 transmits a response file to the personal computer 3 via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7. On the other hand, the personal computer 3 receives the response file from the image processing apparatus 2 via the communication interface 33 (step S25).

  As described above, in the information processing system 1, the image processing apparatus 2 receives an XML format command file including a command name corresponding to a command from the personal computer 3, and executes specific processing corresponding to the command. Here, since XML is a text file that can be marked up, it can be used for general purposes. Text files are highly compatible and can be used in a wide range of environments. In other words, an XML format file can be created as a text file with high versatility and compatibility. The text file can be received, displayed, and created without installing a special program in an information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 2 or the personal computer 3. In the information processing system 1, data received by the image processing apparatus 2 is in the XML format, and therefore data communication regarding the command can be appropriately performed between the image processing apparatus 2 and an external device such as the personal computer 3. Thereby, the convenience in data communication can be improved without imposing an excessive burden on the user.

  The image processing apparatus 2 executes a specific process according to the command name included in the command file when the command file is received, and an XML-format response file including a response indicating a result of executing the specific process. Send. On the other hand, the personal computer 3 receives the response file from the image processing apparatus 2. The personal computer 3 transmits XML format data to the image processing apparatus 2. Similarly to the image processing device 2, the personal computer 3 in this case does not impose an excessive burden on the user when data is transmitted to and received from the image processing device 2, and convenience in data communication can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the information processing system 1 performs data communication of XML format files between the image processing apparatus 2 and an external device such as the personal computer 3, it does not impose an excessive burden on the user. Convenience in communication can also be improved.

  Note that the specific processing that can be executed by the command from the personal computer 3 in the image processing apparatus 2 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. Other examples of the specific process include setting or acquisition of a MAC address, acquisition of the number of toner bottle replacements, acquisition of an empty capacity of a waste toner collection bottle, acquisition of a failure history, and the model number or serial number of the image processing apparatus 2 Acquisition.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 2 Image processing apparatus 23 Image formation part 24 Image reading part 25 Communication interface 27 CPU
28 Storage Unit 282 Application Program 285 Function Pointer Conversion Table 287 Memory Address Conversion Table 3 Personal Computer 33 Communication Interface 35 CPU
36 Storage Unit 362 Application Program 364 Command Data Table 7 Communication Network

Claims (11)

A first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus for performing data communication via a communication network;
The first information processing apparatus
First reception for receiving, from the second information processing apparatus, an XML format command file including a command name corresponding to a command for causing the first information processing apparatus to execute a specific process among at least one predetermined process. And
An information processing system comprising: a first arithmetic processing unit that executes the specific process corresponding to a command name included in the command file received by the first receiving unit. The command file includes an element that specifies a function name associated with a first application program for executing the specific process,
The first information processing apparatus
A first storage unit comprising: the first application program; and a function pointer conversion table in which the function name and a function pointer designating the first application program are associated with each other.
The first calculation processing unit converts the function name included in the command file into the function pointer based on the function pointer conversion table, and the first application designated by the function pointer converted from the function name Executing the specific processing based on a program;
The information processing system according to claim 1. The command file includes an element that specifies a memory address name associated with a physical memory address of response data acquired when the first application program is executed,
The first storage unit further includes a memory address conversion table in which the memory address name and the physical memory address are associated with each other,
When executing the first application program, the first arithmetic processing unit converts the memory address name included in the command file into the physical memory address based on the memory address conversion table, and calculates the memory address from the memory address. Obtaining the response data of the converted physical memory address;
The information processing system according to claim 2. The first information processing apparatus
A file creation unit for creating a response file in XML format including a response indicating a result of executing the specific processing by the first application program based on the command file;
A first transmitter that transmits the response file to the second information processing apparatus;
A transmission instructing unit for instructing to transmit the response file to the second information processing apparatus via the first transmitting unit;
Further comprising
The information processing system according to claim 3. The first storage unit has a list of process items that specify the at least one process,
The first information processing apparatus further includes a table update unit that updates the function pointer conversion table and the memory address conversion table in association with the new process item when a new process item is added to the list. Prepare
The information processing system according to claim 4. The first information processing apparatus corresponds to first additional data for enabling the first information processing apparatus to create the response file including a response corresponding to the new processing item, and the new processing item. A data creation unit that creates second additional data for enabling creation of the command file including a command in the second information processing apparatus;
The file creation unit creates an additional data file in an XML format including an element corresponding to the second additional data,
The transmission instruction unit performs an instruction to transmit the additional data file to the second information processing apparatus via the first transmission unit when the additional data file is created by the file creation unit,
The table update unit adds the first additional data and the second additional data to the function pointer conversion table and the memory address conversion table when the second additional data is generated by the data generation unit.
The information processing system according to claim 5. The second information processing apparatus
A second receiving unit for receiving the additional data file transmitted from the first information processing apparatus;
A process of updating the command data table based on the command data table in which the command is associated with the function name described in the element of the command file and the additional data file is executed in the second information processing apparatus A second storage unit having a second application program to be
A second arithmetic processing unit for executing the second application program;
Further comprising
The second arithmetic processing unit updates the command data table based on the additional data file and the second application program when the additional data file is received via the second receiving unit.
The information processing system according to claim 6. The first information processing apparatus further includes at least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A receiving unit for receiving an XML-format command file including a command name corresponding to a command for executing a specific process among at least one predetermined process;
An arithmetic processing unit that executes the specific processing corresponding to the command name included in the command file received by the receiving unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The command file includes an element that specifies a function name associated with an application program for executing the specific process,
A storage unit that includes the application program, and a function pointer conversion table in which a function pointer that specifies the function name and the application program is associated;
The arithmetic processing unit converts the function name included in the command file to the function pointer based on the function pointer conversion table, and based on the application program specified by the function pointer converted from the function name Execute the specific processing;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. The command file includes an element that specifies a memory address name associated with a physical memory address of response data acquired when the application program is executed,
The storage unit further includes a memory address conversion table in which the memory address name and the physical memory address are associated with each other,
When the application program is executed, the arithmetic processing unit converts the memory address name included in the command file into the physical memory address based on the memory address conversion table, and converts the memory address converted from the memory address. Obtaining the response data of the physical memory address;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

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