JP2018142840A - Composite device, cooperation method and cooperation program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite device, a cooperation method and a cooperation program which make an image processing apparatus controllable along with an external server.SOLUTION: In a composite device 1, a MFP100 responds to one preset external device, with multiple types of requested information as the response information. An internal server 200 has a management module for managing the MFP100, and relay means transmitting the information from the external server addressed to the MFP100, and the information for managing image processing from the management module, as the request information, to the MFP100, and returning the response information from the MFP100 as response information, while distributing to the management module of the internal server 200 and the external server. By setting the internal server 200 as an external device to be set by the MFP100, both the management module of the internal server 200 and the external server can contact with the MFP100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite apparatus, a cooperation method, and a cooperation program, and more particularly to a composite apparatus that includes a server and an image processing apparatus, and a cooperation method and a cooperation program that are executed by the composite apparatus.

  In recent years, an image processing apparatus represented by a multifunction peripheral (MFP) can be controlled from an external computer. For example, a control command for controlling the MFP from the outside is disclosed, and the external computer controls the MFP by transmitting the control command to the MFP, and the MFP processes according to the control command received from the external computer. Execute.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-341549 provides an access control device for individually connecting a plurality of external computer communication networks or information communication devices and a relay device for networking the access control device. An IP communication system having a function of transferring and routing information in a unified address system by performing address conversion, and enabling communication between the plurality of computer communication networks or information communication devices. Have been described.

According to the IP communication system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-341549, each of a plurality of information communication devices can control the MFP. However, since the MFP limits the number of computers controlled simultaneously to one. There is a problem that a plurality of information communication devices cannot simultaneously control the MFP in the same time zone.
JP 2005-341549 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a composite apparatus capable of controlling an image processing apparatus together with an external server.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooperation method capable of controlling an image processing apparatus together with an external server.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooperation program capable of controlling an image processing apparatus together with an external server.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. According to one aspect of the present invention, a composite apparatus includes an image processing apparatus and an internal server having a function of managing the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a response unit that responds to a predetermined external apparatus as a response information with a plurality of types of requested information, and the internal server manages the image processing apparatus. The management module, the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server, and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are both transmitted as request information to the image processing apparatus, and response information is returned from the image processing apparatus. Is distributed to the management module of the internal server and the external server, and relay means for returning the response information to the external server. By setting the internal server as location, both the internal server management module and an external server to allow communication with the image processing apparatus.

  According to this aspect, the internal server transmits both the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module as request information to the image processing apparatus. The response information returned from the server is distributed to the management module and the external server, returned as response information to each, and the internal server is set by the image processing device, so that both the management module and the external server can communicate with the image processing device. Communication is possible. Therefore, it is possible to provide a composite apparatus that can control the image processing apparatus together with the external server.

  Preferably, the internal server further includes association means for generating an association table in which the management module or the external server is associated for each response information from the image processing apparatus, and the relay means refers to the association table to refer to the image. The response information from the processing device is distributed to either the management module or the external server.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the composite apparatus is a composite apparatus including an image processing apparatus and an internal server, and the internal server includes a management module that provides a first service, and a first service. The image processing apparatus is controlled in response to the provision of the first service and / or the second service, and the service request means for causing the external server to provide the second service provided by the external server and the second service provided by the external server. Requesting means for executing the process, and service determining means for determining the first service and / or the second service based on response information output by the image processing apparatus executing the process.

  According to this aspect, the internal server receives the provision of the first service and / or the second service, and controls the image processing apparatus to execute the process. Therefore, the external server and the internal server execute the image processing apparatus. Can be controlled. In addition, when determining the first service based on response information output by the image processing apparatus executing the process, the management module is provided with the first service, and when the second service is determined. When the second service is provided to the external server and the first service and the second service are determined, the first service is provided to the management module and the second service is provided to the external server. Therefore, it is possible to provide a composite apparatus that can control the image processing apparatus together with the external server.

  Preferably, the internal server further includes association means for generating an association table in which input information given to each of the first service and the second service is associated, and the service determination means refers to the association table. Then, based on the response information output from the image processing apparatus, the first service and / or the second service is determined.

  According to this aspect, for each of the first service and the second service, the first service is referred to based on the response information output by the image processing apparatus with reference to the association table associated with the input information given thereto. Alternatively, since the second service is determined, the management service can provide the first service using the response information, and the external server can provide the second service using the response information.

  Preferably, the response information includes related information related to processing executed by the image processing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the internal server.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to cause the management module or the external server to process related information related to processing executed by the image processing apparatus in accordance with an instruction from the internal server.

  Preferably, the external server provides a service for authenticating the user.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes operation accepting means for accepting an operation input by the user, the management module includes a user management module that provides a service for managing information related to the user, and the internal server is accepted by the operation accepting means. Among the information, the input information used by the external server to provide the service for authenticating the user is transmitted to the external server, and the input information used by the user management module to provide the service for managing the information about the user is the user management module Send to.

  Preferably, the internal server is configured to accept input information used by the external server to provide a service for authenticating the user and input information used by the user management module to provide a service for managing information about the user. Display the screen.

  According to this aspect, the input information for inputting to the external server and the input information for inputting to the user management module can be input on one setting screen, so that the user's operation becomes easy.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooperation method is a cooperation method executed by a composite apparatus including an image processing apparatus and an internal server having a function of managing the image processing apparatus. The internal server includes a management module for managing the image processing apparatus, and executes a response step for responding to the preset external device as response information with a plurality of types of requested information. Both the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are transmitted as request information to the image processing apparatus, and the response information returned from the image processing apparatus is transmitted to the internal server. A relay step that returns the response information to each management module and external server, and the internal server management module and external server. In order to enable communication with the image processing apparatus in both the bar to execute a setting step for setting the internal server to the image processing apparatus as an external device for setting the image processing apparatus.

  If this aspect is followed, the cooperation method which can control an image processing apparatus with an external server can be provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the cooperation program is a cooperation program executed by a computer that controls an internal server having a function of managing the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus is a preset 1 A function of responding to a plurality of types of information requested from an external device as response information to one external device. The internal server includes a management module that manages the image processing device, and is addressed to the image processing device from the external server. Both information and information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are transmitted to the image processing apparatus as request information, and response information returned from the image processing apparatus is distributed to the management module of the internal server and the external server. Relay step to return as response information to each, internal server management module and external server In order to enable communication with the image processing apparatus in the way to execute a setting step for setting the internal server to the image processing apparatus as an external device for setting the image processing apparatus, to a computer.

  If this aspect is followed, the cooperation program which can control an image processing apparatus with an external server can be provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of the outline | summary of the information processing system in one of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the compound apparatus in one of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a compound apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the function which 1st CPU with which an internal server is provided, and the function of an external server. It is a figure which shows an example of an association table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a service registration process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a cooperation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the function which 1st CPU with which the internal server in a 1st modification is provided, and the function of an external server.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of an information processing system in one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system includes a composite apparatus 1 and an external server 3. The composite apparatus 1 and the external server 3 are connected via the Internet 5. The connection form of the Internet 5 may be wired or wireless. The Internet 5 may be a local area network.

  The external server 3 is a general computer, and since its hardware configuration and function are well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here. The external server 3 provides a service by executing a predetermined process. Although the service provided by the external server 3 is not limited, an example will be described in which an authentication service for executing processing for authenticating a user and a file management service for managing data are used. Hereinafter, the service provided by the external server 3 is referred to as an external service (second service).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the composite apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, multifunction apparatus 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 that functions as an image processing apparatus, an internal server 200 disposed below MFP 100, and an operation panel 300 disposed on a side surface of MFP 100. including.

  MFP 100 includes an automatic document feeder 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, and a paper feeding unit 150. The automatic document feeder 120 automatically conveys a plurality of documents set on the document tray one by one to the document reading position of the document reading unit 130, and reads an image formed on the document by the document reading unit 130. The document is discharged to the document discharge tray.

  The document reading unit 130 has a rectangular reading surface for reading a document on the upper surface thereof. The reading surface is formed of platen glass, for example. The automatic document feeder 120 is connected to the main body of the MFP 100 so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to one side of the reading surface, and can be opened and closed. A document reading unit 130 is disposed below the automatic document feeder 120. With the automatic document feeder 120 rotated and opened, the reading surface of the document reader 130 is exposed. Therefore, the user can place a document on the reading surface of the document reading unit 130.

  The document reading unit 130 includes a light source that emits light and a photoelectric conversion element that receives light, and scans an image formed on a document placed on the reading surface. When a document is placed on the reading area, the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the document, and the reflected light is imaged by the photoelectric conversion element. When the photoelectric conversion element receives the light reflected from the document, the photoelectric conversion element generates image data obtained by converting the received light into an electric signal.

  The paper feed unit 150 includes two paper feed trays for storing paper. The paper feed unit 150 conveys the paper stored in one of the two paper feed trays to the image forming unit 140. The image forming unit 140 forms an image by a known electrophotographic method, forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet feeding unit 150 based on the image data, and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed. It is discharged to the tray 155.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the composite apparatus. Referring to FIG. 3, multifunction apparatus 1 includes an MFP 100, an internal server 200, and an operation panel 300. MFP 100 and internal server 200 are connected by LAN cable 7.

  The internal server 200 is a general computer, and a second CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 for controlling the entire internal server 200 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program to be executed by the first CPU 201. 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 used as a work area of the first CPU 201, a hard disk drive (HDD) 204 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, and a first LAN communication unit 205 that connects the first CPU 201 to the LAN cable 7. And an external storage device 206. The first CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, first LAN communication unit 205, and external storage device 206 are connected to the bus 221.

  The ROM 202 stores a program executed by the first CPU 201 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 203 is used as a work area when the first CPU 201 executes a program.

  The first LAN communication unit 205 is an interface for connecting the first CPU 201 to a network. The first LAN communication unit 205 communicates with a computer connected to a network using a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Here, the first LAN communication unit 205 is connected to the Internet 5 and the LAN cable 7. Therefore, the first LAN communication unit 205 is an interface for connecting the first CPU 201 to the external server 3 via the Internet 5 and an interface for connecting the first CPU 201 to the MFP 100 via the LAN cable 7. The network to which the first LAN communication unit 205 is connected is not limited to the Internet 5 and the LAN cable 7, and may be connected to another LAN cable. In addition, since the first CPU 201 is connected to the Internet 5 by the first LAN communication unit 205, it can be connected to a computer different from the external server 3.

  The HDD 204 is a mass storage device and is controlled by the first CPU 201. The first CPU 201 can read data stored in the HDD 204 and can write data to the HDD 204.

  The external storage device 206 is controlled by the first CPU 201, and a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM 206A or a semiconductor memory is mounted. The first CPU 201 can control the external storage device 206 to read data stored in the CD-ROM 206A or the semiconductor memory, or write data to the CD-ROM 206A or the semiconductor memory.

  The operation panel 300 includes a display unit 305 and an operation unit 307. The display unit 305 and the operation unit 307 are connected to the bus 221 of the internal server 200 and are controlled by the first CPU 201.

  The display unit 305 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays an instruction menu for a user, information about acquired image data, and the like. For example, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display can be used in place of the LCD as long as it is an apparatus that displays an image.

  The operation unit 307 includes a touch panel 321 and a hard key unit 323. The touch panel 321 is a capacitive type. Note that the touch panel 321 is not limited to the capacitive method, and other methods such as a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, and an electromagnetic induction method can be used.

  The touch panel 321 is provided so as to overlap with the upper surface or the lower surface of the display unit 305. Here, the size of the detection surface of the touch panel 321 and the size of the display surface of the display unit 305 are the same. For this reason, the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same. The touch panel 321 detects a position where the user points to the display surface of the display unit 305 on the detection surface, and outputs position information indicating the coordinates of the detected position to the first CPU 201. Since the coordinate system of the display surface and the coordinate system of the detection surface are the same, the coordinates specified by the position information output from the touch panel 321 can be replaced with the coordinates of the display surface of the display unit 305. The hard key part 323 includes a plurality of hard keys. The hard key is, for example, a contact switch.

  The MFP 100 includes a second CPU 111, a second LAN communication unit 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, a facsimile unit 115, an automatic document feeder 120, a document reading unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper feeding unit 150, including. Second CPU 111 is connected to second LAN communication unit 112, ROM 113, RAM 114, facsimile unit 115, automatic document feeder 120, document reading unit 130, image forming unit 140, and sheet feeding unit 150, and controls the entire MFP 100.

  The ROM 113 stores a program executed by the second CPU 111 or data necessary for executing the program. The RAM 114 is used as a work area when the second CPU 111 executes the program. The RAM 114 temporarily stores image data continuously sent from the document reading unit 130.

  The facsimile unit 115 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN or receives facsimile data from the PSTN. The facsimile unit 115 converts the received facsimile data into print data that can be printed by the image forming unit 140 and outputs the print data to the image forming unit 140. As a result, the image forming unit 140 forms an image of facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 115 on a sheet. Further, the facsimile unit 115 converts the image data output by the document reading unit 130 reading the document into facsimile data, and transmits the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN.

  The second LAN communication unit 112 is an interface for connecting the first CPU to the internal server 200 connected to the LAN cable 7. The second LAN communication unit 112 communicates with the internal server 200 connected to the LAN cable 7 using a communication protocol such as TCP or FTP. Note that the network connection form to which the second LAN communication unit 112 is connected may be wired or wireless. Further, the LAN cable 7 may be connected to another computer different from the MFP 100. In this case, the second LAN communication unit 112 can communicate with another computer connected to the LAN cable 7. When the LAN cable 7 is connected to the Internet, the second LAN communication unit 112 can communicate with other computers connected to the Internet.

  The HDD 204 and the external storage device 206 are set to be shared with the MFP 100 by the first CPU 201 and set to be accessible from the MFP 100. Therefore, the second CPU 111 can read data stored in the HDD 204 or the CD-ROM 206A attached to the external storage device 206, and can write data to them.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the second CPU 111 executes a program stored in the ROM 113 will be described. However, the second CPU 111 is executed by the second CPU 111 from the HDD 204 or the CD-ROM 206A attached to the external storage device 206. The program may be read, and the read program may be loaded into the RAM 114 and executed. Similarly, the first CPU 201 may read a program to be executed by the first CPU 201 from the CD-ROM 206A or the like mounted on the HDD 204 or the external storage device 206, and load the read program into the RAM 203 for execution.

  The recording medium for storing the program to be executed by each of the second CPU 111 or the first CPU 201 is not limited to the CD-ROM 206A, but is a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / It may be a medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or EEPROM (Electrically EPROM).

  Further, the second CPU 111 or the first CPU 201 may download a program from a computer connected to the Internet and store it in the HDD 204, or a computer connected to the Internet may write the program in the HDD 204. In this case, the second CPU 111 loads the program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 114 and executes it, and the first CPU 201 loads the program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executes it. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the second CPU 111 or the first CPU 201 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  In MFP 100 in the present embodiment, a control command is determined in advance in order to control MFP 100 from the outside. Here, a predetermined control command for controlling MFP 100 from the outside is referred to as an API command. When an API command is input, MFP 100 executes processing according to the API command. The API command is a command corresponding to each of a plurality of processes executed by the MFP 100, and is a command that allows the MFP 100 to execute processes from outside the MFP 100. In MFP 100, internal server 200 is set as a single external device that receives an API command. For example, device identification information for identifying the internal server 200 is set in the MFP 100. As the device identification information, for example, a network address such as an IP address can be used. In MFP 100, internal server 200 is set as an external device that receives an API command in accordance with an instruction from the internal server.

  Here, the second LAN communication unit 112, the ROM 113, the RAM 114, the facsimile unit 115, the automatic document feeder 120, the document reading unit 130, the image forming unit 140, and the sheet feeding unit 150 provided in the MFP 100 are referred to as hardware resources that the MFP 100 controls. .

  The second CPU 111 is controlled by the internal server 200 by controlling the second LAN communication unit 112 and receiving an API command from the internal server 200 via the LAN cable 7. The processing executed by the second CPU 111 includes job execution processing for executing a job by controlling hardware resources, and setting processing for setting parameters. The parameters set by the setting process include, for example, a parameter for limiting the execution of the job execution process and a parameter for managing hardware resources.

  When executing the setting process determined by the API command, the second CPU 111 sets a parameter that determines that the execution of the job execution process is restricted. Thereafter, when the second CPU 111 receives an API command instructing execution of the job execution process, the second CPU 111 executes the job execution process according to the set parameters. For example, when the setting process is executed and the parameter that determines that the user who has instructed the execution of the job execution process is set as the parameter that determines that the execution of the job execution process is limited, The job execution process is executed on the condition that is authenticated. In addition, when the setting process is executed, the second CPU 111 sets a parameter for limiting the authority of the user who has instructed the execution of the job execution process as a parameter for limiting the execution of the job execution process. The job execution process is executed within the range of authority given to the user.

  Further, the second CPU 111 may control the second LAN communication unit 112 and transmit response information to the internal server 200 via the LAN cable 7. The response information includes information indicating a result of job execution processing executed by the second CPU 111 in accordance with the API command. The response information in this case is information responding to a request by an API command that instructs execution of job execution processing. The second CPU 111 executes job execution processing in accordance with the API command. When the setting processing is executed in accordance with the API command, the second CPU 111 executes the job execution processing in accordance with the parameters set in the setting processing, and transmits response information. For this reason, the information indicating the result of the job execution process executed by the second CPU 111 in accordance with the API command may vary depending on the parameters set by the second CPU 111 executing the setting process.

  For example, the second CPU 111 executes the job according to the API command when the setting process is executed and a parameter that determines management of the history of job execution processing is set as a parameter that determines management of hardware resources. The result of executing the process is transmitted to the internal server 200 as response information. In this case, when the setting process is executed and a parameter for limiting the user is set, the response information corresponding to the API command instructing the execution of the job execution process is added to the result of executing the job execution process. Contains user identification information that instructs execution of job execution processing.

  Further, when the setting process is executed and the parameter for managing the number of prints is set as a parameter for determining the management of hardware resources, the second CPU 111 executes the job execution process and returns the number of printed sheets. Information is transmitted to the internal server 200. In this case, when the setting process is executed and a parameter is set to limit the user, the response information corresponding to the API command instructing the execution of the job execution process is a print result that is the result of executing the job execution process. In addition to the number of sheets, user identification information instructing execution of job execution processing is included.

  In addition, when the job execution process specified by the API command is a scan job for reading a document, the second CPU 111 transmits image data obtained by reading the document to the internal server 200 as response information. In this case, when the setting process is executed and a parameter for limiting the user is set, the response information instructing the execution of the job execution process includes the job number in addition to the number of prints as a result of the execution of the job execution process. Contains user identification information that instructs execution of the execution process.

  In composite apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, internal server 200 controls MFP 100. The internal server 200 provides a service separately from the external service provided by the external server 3. Hereinafter, the service (first service) provided by the internal server 200 is referred to as an internal service. The internal server 200 causes the external server 3 to provide an external service for the MFP 100 and to provide the internal service for the MFP 100 by causing the MFP 100 to register the internal server 200 as a device that receives the API command. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the first CPU included in the internal server and functions of the external server. The functions of the first CPU 201 provided in the internal server 200 shown in FIG. 4 are functions formed in the first CPU 201 when the first CPU 201 executes the cooperation program stored in the ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 206A. Referring to FIG. 4, first CPU 201 includes a management module 251 that provides an internal service, and a management unit 253 that manages MFP 100. The management module 251 is a set of tasks for executing an application program that defines processing for the first CPU 201 to provide an internal service. An internal service provided by the management module 251 is determined by an application program installed in the internal server 200.

  Here, the management module 251 includes an account management unit 257 and a counter management unit 259. Account management unit 257 provides an account management service for managing the range of processing that can be executed by MFP 100 for each department to which a user who operates MFP 100 belongs, and counter management unit 259 provides the number of images on which MFP 100 has formed an image. Counter management service that manages users by department and department. The account management unit 257 is a task for the first CPU 201 to execute an application program for providing an account management service. The counter management unit 259 is a task for the first CPU 201 to execute an application program for providing a counter management service.

  Here, the function of the external server 3 will be described. In the present embodiment, the external server 3 provides an authentication service for executing a process for authenticating a user and a file management service for managing data as external services. The external server 3 includes an authentication management unit 351 for providing an authentication service and a file management unit 353 for providing a file management service. Each of the authentication management unit 351 and the file management unit 353 is a task for executing an application program that defines processing for providing an external service by the CPU of the external server 3.

  The management unit 253 included in the first CPU 201 includes a setting unit 261, an association unit 263, and a relay unit 265. Relay unit 265 includes a service management unit 271, a request unit 273, a response information reception unit 275, a service determination unit 277, and a service request unit 279.

  Setting unit 261 sets an external service and an internal service as services provided for MFP 100. For example, when the user registers the MFP 100 as a destination for providing an external service to the external server 3, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the multifunction apparatus 1 is input to the external server 3. Here, since the internal server 200 of the composite apparatus 1 is connected to the Internet 5, the URL of the composite apparatus 1 is a URL assigned to the internal server 200. In response to the registration of the URL of the multifunction apparatus 1, the external server 3 transmits an API command for instructing the start of service provision to the URL of the multifunction apparatus 1 via the Internet 5. The API command includes service identification information for identifying an external service provided by the external server 3. The service identification information is, for example, a URL assigned to an external service.

  For example, when the user requests the management module 251 to provide an internal service, the management module 251 outputs an API command that instructs to start providing the service to the setting unit 261. The API command output by the management module 251 includes service identification information for identifying the internal service.

  When the setting unit 261 receives an API command that instructs the first LAN communication unit 205 to start providing a service from the external server 3, the setting unit 261 receives the API command received by the first LAN communication unit 205, and receives the service command from the management module 251. When an API command instructing to start providing is input, the API command is accepted. Hereinafter, the external service specified by the API command received by the first LAN communication unit 205 and the internal service specified by the API command input from the management module 251 are simply referred to as a service if they are not distinguished. In response to receiving an API command instructing to start providing a service, setting unit 261 registers the service specified by the API command as a service provided for MFP 100 and sets MFP 100. In order to change to a state in which provision of the service specified by the API command can be received, the API command is transferred to the MFP.

  Specifically, the setting unit 261 outputs the API command to the service management unit 271 and the association unit 263 in order to register the service specified by the API command. The setting unit 261 requests the request unit 273 to transfer an API command in order to change the setting of the MFP 100.

  The request unit 273 transmits an API command to the MFP 100 in place of the external server 3 or the management module 251 in response to a request for transfer of the API command from the setting unit 261. Specifically, request unit 273 controls first LAN communication unit 205 to transmit an API command to MFP 100. When the MFP 100 receives the API command, the MFP 100 executes the API command and sets parameters necessary for receiving the service specified by the API command. The parameters necessary for receiving the service provision are parameters that are predetermined for the service, and that limit the user who instructs the authentication service to execute the job execution process. In addition, a parameter is defined that restricts the range of processing that can be executed by the department to which the user who has instructed execution of the job execution processing belongs to the account management service. In addition, a parameter that defines an item to be returned to the counter management service as a result of executing the job execution process is defined. The item is a type of input information that is given to a service determined by an API command and used to provide the service, and is predetermined for the service. For example, items defined for the counter management service include user identification information of a user who has instructed execution of job execution processing, and the number of images formed by executing job execution processing.

  In response to the input of an API command instructing start of service provision from setting unit 261, association unit 263 sets the type of response information output by MFP 100 to the service specified by the API command. Generate an associated association table. The association unit 263 outputs the generated association table to the service determination unit 277. Association section 263 determines the type of response information output by MFP 100 based on the input information given to the service specified by the API command. The input information given to the service may be determined in advance or may be acquired from the service provider.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association table. Referring to FIG. 5, the association table associates a service with response information for each service. For example, the authentication service is a process of authenticating a user, and input information given is user identification information and a password. These pieces of information are information input by the user, and are not response information output from the MFP 100. For this reason, response information is not associated with the service in the association record corresponding to the authentication service.

  The file management service stores in the external server 3 an image acquired by executing an output process for generating a print job for forming an image of data stored in the external server 3 and a scan process in which the MFP 100 reads a document. Input processing. The input information given to the output process of the file management service is data stored in the external server 3 and is information input by the user, and is not response information output from the MFP 100. The input information given to the input process of the file management service is an image obtained as a result of the scan process executed by the MFP 100. When the file management service is registered, the association unit 263 generates an association record including service identification information of the file management service and type identification information indicating an image obtained as a result of the scan processing executed by the MFP 100. Add the generated association record to the association table.

  The account management service provided by the account management unit 257 is a process for determining the scope of processing that can be executed by the MFP 100 for the department to which the user belongs, and the input information given includes user identification information, department name, It is. These pieces of information are information input by the user, and are not response information output from the MFP 100. For this reason, response information is not associated with the service in the association record corresponding to the authentication service.

  The counter management service is a process of storing the processing amount executed by the MFP 100 for each user and department instructing the MFP 100 to perform processing, and the input information given is user identification information, a department name, and a processing quantity. The processing amount is an image forming number indicating the number of sheets on which an image is formed for the process of executing the print job, and is a document number indicating the number of originals read for the scanning process. The associating unit 263 associates user identification information, a department name, and a processing amount as input information with the counter management service. Specifically, when the counter management service is registered, the association unit 263 includes service identification information of the counter management service, type identification information indicating user identification information, type identification information for identifying a department name, An association record including type identification information indicating the number of image formations, counter management service service identification information, type identification information indicating user identification information, type identification information indicating a department name, and the number of originals to be read An association record including the type identification information to be shown is generated, and the two generated association records are added to the association table.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the service management unit 271 registers and registers the service specified by the API command in response to the input of the API command instructing to start providing the service from the setting unit 261. Managed services. The service management unit 271 outputs the service identification information of the registered service to the service request unit 279.

  When the service management unit 271 registers a plurality of services, the registered services may include a preceding service and a subsequent service that uses a result of providing the preceding service. The service management unit 271 determines the order of the preceding service and the subsequent service, and outputs the determined order to the service request unit 279. Here, a case where an authentication service, a file management service, an account management service, and a counter management service are registered will be described as an example. Since the file management service, the account management service, and the counter management service use the user identification information of the user authenticated by the authentication service, the authentication service is determined in the first order. Since the file management service and the counter management service use the department name of the user department specified by the account management service, the account management services are determined in the second order. The counter management service uses the result of the job executed by the MFP 100. Since the file management service is provided and the MFP 100 executes the job, the file management service is determined in the third order, and the count management service is the fourth. Determined in turn order.

  In addition, since the first authentication service and the second account management service are services for specifying a user who operates the composite apparatus 1, the service management unit 271 is a stage in which the user operates the MFP 100. Then, it is set to automatically receive provision of the first authentication service and the second account management service. Furthermore, since the third file management service is a service that causes MFP 100 to execute processing, the third file management service is set to receive the service when instructed by the user. The fourth counter management service uses a result of processing performed by the MFP 100, and is set so that the service is provided after the MFP 100 executes the processing.

  The service request unit 279 receives service identification information of each of one or more services registered from the service management unit 271 and the order of services. The service request unit 279 requests the management module 251 and the external server 3 to provide services according to the order of services.

  When the user operates the operation unit 307 in order to operate the composite apparatus 1, the service request unit 279 requests the external server 3 to provide the authentication service in order to receive the first authentication service. Specifically, the service request unit 279 controls the first LAN communication unit 205 to establish a communication session with the external server 3. The communication session established here is called a server session. Service request unit 279 transmits a signal for requesting provision of an authentication service on behalf of MFP 100 via a server session. Since the authentication management unit 351 of the external server 3 returns an authentication screen, the service request unit 279 displays the authentication screen received from the external server 3 via the server session on the display unit 305. Then, the service request unit 279 accepts authentication information input by the user to the operation unit 307 and transmits the accepted authentication information to the external server 3 via the server session. The authentication information includes user identification information and a password. The authentication management unit 351 of the external server 3 performs authentication based on the authentication information received from the multifunction apparatus 1 and returns an API command indicating the authentication result.

  The service request unit 279 establishes a communication session with the MFP 100 by controlling the first LAN communication unit 205 when the API command indicating the authentication result received from the external server 3 via the server session indicates successful authentication. The request unit 273 is requested to notify the user who operates the MFP 100. Here, a communication session established with MFP 100 is referred to as an MFP session. The service request unit 279 maintains the MFP session until the authenticated user logs out or until a predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 307 accepting the operation. The MFP 100 sets the internal server 200 as a specific external device that receives the API command while the MFP session is established. In other words, while the MFP session is established, the MFP 100 maintains parameters to be set by executing the API command received from the internal server 200, and executes processing according to the API command according to the parameter. When the session is disconnected, the parameters set so far are reset to the default values.

  Request unit 273 transmits an API command indicating an authentication result received from external server 3 to MFP 100 via MFP session on behalf of external server 3. Thus, MFP 100 that receives the API command sets the user authenticated by external server 3 as the user who operates MFP 100. Further, the service request unit 279 disconnects the server session when the authentication result received from the external server 3 via the server session indicates an authentication failure.

  When authenticating a user who operates the multifunction apparatus 1, the service request unit 279 requests the management module 251 to provide an account management service instead of the MFP 100 in order to receive the second account management service. Specifically, the service request unit 279 outputs a signal requesting the management module 251 to provide an account management service. Upon receiving a request for providing an account management service, the account management unit 257 of the management module 251 displays a department input screen on the display unit 305. The department input screen is a screen for accepting input of user identification information for identifying a user and the department name of the department to which the user belongs. Note that the user identification information of the user authenticated by the external server 3 may be included in the signal for requesting provision of the account management service. In this case, the account management unit 257 displays on the display unit 305 the department input screen in which the user identification information of the authenticated user is set in the area for inputting user identification information on the department input screen.

  The service request unit 279 receives a department name input by the user to the operation unit 307 and user identification information as necessary, and outputs the accepted department name and user identification information as necessary to the account management unit 257.

  The account management unit 257 determines the range of processing that can be executed by the MFP 100 for the department from the user identification information and the department name, and returns an API command indicating the scope of processing that can be executed for the department. To do. The service request unit 279 requests the request unit 273 to transmit an API command input from the account management unit 257. The request unit 273 transmits an API command instead of the management module to the MFP 100 via the MFP session. The MFP 100 executes an API command and sets a range of processing that can be executed for the department.

  The service request unit 279 confirms whether the order of the file management services is correct in response to the operation unit 307 receiving an operation for selecting the file management service. Specifically, while the currently established MFP session is established, it is determined whether or not the service having the order earlier than the file management service is received. Here, the order of the file management service is the third, and it is determined whether or not the first authentication service and the second account management service are provided. In the case where the provision of the service preceding the file management service is not received while the currently established MFP session is established, the display unit 305 cannot receive the file management service. Displays an error screen to notify you.

  The service request unit 279 receives the file management service if the service request unit 279 has received all the services in the order earlier than the file management service while the currently established MFP session is established. Then, on behalf of the MFP 100, the external server 3 is requested to provide a file management service. Specifically, the service request unit 279 transmits a signal requesting provision of a file management service via a server session.

  Since the file management unit 353 of the external server 3 returns a file management screen, the service request unit 279 displays the file management screen received from the external server 3 via the server session on the display unit 305. Then, the service request unit 279 transmits an operation input by the user to the operation unit 307 to the external server 3 via the server session.

  The external server 3 provides a file management service by executing processing according to an operation input to the operation unit 307 by the user. Here, the file management service provided by the file management unit 353 executes an output process for generating a print job for causing the MFP 100 to print data stored in the external server 3 and a scan process for the MFP 100 to read a document. Input processing for storing the acquired image in the external server 3.

<Output processing>
When the output process is selected as the file management service by the user, the external server 3 transmits an API command instructing execution of the print job to the multi-function apparatus 1, so that the service request unit 279 receives the external request via the server session. In response to receiving an API command instructing execution of a print job from the server 3, the request unit 273 is requested to transmit an API command instructing execution of the print job.

  When the request unit 273 is requested by the service request unit 279 to transmit an API command instructing execution of a print job, the requesting unit 273 transmits an API command instructing execution of the print job to the MFP 100 via the MFP session. To send. The MFP 100 that receives the API command instructing execution of the print job determines whether the print job generated by the external server 3 specified by the API command can be executed.

  Before receiving an API command for instructing execution of a print job, MFP 100 executes the API command received via the MFP session to execute a user who operates MFP 100, a department to which the user belongs, and an executable process And set the range. Therefore, MFP 100 determines whether the print job specified by the API command can be executed based on the user who operates MFP 100 that has been set and the range of executable processing that has been set. Specifically, since the print job specified by the API command includes the user identification information of the user who instructed the execution of the print job, MFP 100 determines that the user identification information included in the print job and MFP 100 Check that the user identification information of the user set as the user to operate is the same. In addition, the MFP confirms that the execution of the print job is within the set executable processing range. If the print job can be executed, MFP 100 executes the print job, and returns user identification information, a department name, the execution result of the print job, and the number of formed images as response information via the MFP session. The execution result of the print job indicates whether the execution of the print job is completed.

<Input processing>
When the input process is selected as the file management service by the user, the external server 3 transmits an API command for instructing execution of the scan job to the multifunction apparatus 1, so that the service request unit 279 receives the external request via the server session In response to receiving an API command instructing execution of a scan job from the server 3, the request unit 273 is requested to transmit an API command instructing execution of the scan job.

  When the request unit 273 is requested by the service request unit 279 to transmit an API command instructing execution of a scan job, the request unit 273 transmits an API command instructing execution of the scan job to the MFP 100 via the MFP session to the external server 3. To send. The MFP 100 that receives the API command instructing execution of the scan job determines whether the scan job can be executed.

  Whether MFP 100 can execute the scan job specified by the API command based on the user who operates MFP 100 set at the time of receiving the API command instructing execution of the scan job and the range of executable processing. Judge whether or not. Specifically, the scan job specified by the API command includes user identification information of the user who instructed execution of the scan job. The MFP 100 confirms that the user identification information included in the scan job is the same as the user identification information of the user set as the user who operates the MFP 100. In addition, the MFP confirms that the execution of the scan job is within the set executable process range. If the scan job can be executed, MFP 100 executes the scan job, and returns the user identification information, the department name, the execution result of the scan job, and the number of scanned documents as response information via the MFP session. The execution result of the scan job includes an image obtained by reading a document.

  Response information reception unit 275 receives response information that first LAN communication unit 205 receives from MFP 100 via the MFP session. The response information receiving unit 275 outputs the response information to the service determining unit 277 in response to receiving the response information.

  The service determination unit 277 refers to the association table input from the association unit 263 in response to the response information input from the response information reception unit 275, and determines a service corresponding to the response information. When the service determining unit 277 determines the service determined for the response information, the service determining unit 277 determines the response information from which the service is determined as input information, and service identification information for identifying the determined service; The pair with the input information is output to the service request unit 279.

  Specifically, when MFP 100 executes a scan job, the response information includes user identification information, a department name, an image, and the number of originals read. When MFP 100 executes a scan job and service request unit 279 requests provision of a file management service, service determination unit 277 determines a file management service for the image that is response information. In addition to determining the image as input information, the counter management service is determined for the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read as response information, and the user identification information, department name, and the number of originals read are input information. To decide. Then, the service determination unit 277 includes a set of service identification information of the file management service and the image determined as the input information, service identification information of the counter management service, user identification information determined as the input information, department name, The set of the number of originals to be read is output to the service request unit 279. When the MFP 100 executes a scan job and the service request unit 279 does not request the provision of the file management service, the service determination unit 277 displays the user identification information, department name, The counter management service is determined for the number of originals read, and the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read are determined as input information. Then, the service determination unit 277 outputs to the service request unit 279 a combination of the service identification information of the counter management service and the user identification information determined as input information, the department name, and the number of originals to be read.

  Further, when MFP 100 executes a print job, the response information includes user identification information, a department name, and the number of formed images. In this case, the counter management service is determined with respect to the user identification information, the department name, and the image forming number, which are response information, and the user identification information, the department name, and the image forming number are determined as input information. Then, a set of the service identification information of the counter management service and the user identification information determined as input information, the department name, and the number of formed images is output to the service request unit 279.

  The service request unit 279 receives input information from the service determination unit 277 according to the service identification information and the input information, and the service specified by the service identification information in the external server 3 and the management module 251. Output to the one provided. For example, when service identification information of the counter management service is input from the service determination unit 277, the service request unit 279 includes user identification information, a department, and the number of images formed or the number of documents read. The service request unit 279 outputs the user identification information included in the input information, the department, and the number of images formed or the number of documents read to the management module 251 on behalf of the MFP 100, and requests the management module 251 to provide the counter management service To do. As a result, the counter management unit 259 executes a process for providing a counter management service based on the input information.

  When the service request unit 279 receives a set of service identification information and input information of the file management service from the service determination unit 277, the input information includes an image. The service request unit 279 transmits the image included in the input information to the external server 3 on behalf of the MFP 100 via the server session, and requests the external server 3 to provide a file management service. As a result, the external server 3 executes the input process of the file management service for storing the input information image in the external server 3.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of service registration processing. The service registration process is a process executed by the first CPU 201 when the first CPU 201 included in the internal server 200 executes the cooperation program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 204, or the CD-ROM 206A. Referring to FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not service registration is requested (step S01). When the first LAN communication unit 205 receives an API command for instructing to start providing a service from the external server 3 or when an API command for instructing to start providing a service is input from the management module 251 It is determined that registration of the service is requested. The process waits until service registration is requested (NO in step S01), and if service registration is requested (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, the setting of the MFP is changed in order to receive the service requested for registration in step S01. Specifically, the first LAN communication unit 205 is controlled, and an API command received from either the external server 3 or the management module 251 is transmitted to the MFP 100 in step S01. The MFP 100 that receives the API command executes the API command to set parameters. For example, the parameter when the authentication service is registered is a parameter that defines that the user who has instructed execution of the job is restricted. The parameter when the account management service is registered is a parameter that defines that the range of processing that can be executed by the department to which the user who instructed the job belongs belongs is limited. The parameter when the counter management service is registered is a parameter that defines an item to be returned as a result of executing the job. For example, the item includes user identification information of a user who has instructed execution of the job, the number of sheets on which an image is formed by executing the job, and the number of read originals.

  In the next step S03, an association record is generated. Based on the API command received in step S01, an association record is generated in which the service specified by the API command is associated with the type of input information given to the service.

  Then, it is determined whether there are a plurality of registered services (step S04). If a plurality of services are registered, the process proceeds to step S05. If not, the process ends. In step S05, a service to be processed is selected. Then, it is determined whether there is a preceding service for the service to be processed among the plurality of registered services (step S06). The preceding service is a service that provides information used by the service to be processed. If a preceding service exists, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08. In step S07, the order of services to be processed is set after the preceding service, and the process proceeds to step S08. In step S08, it is determined whether there is a service not selected as a processing target. If there is an unselected service, the process returns to step S05; otherwise, the process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of cooperation processing. The cooperation process is a process executed by the first CPU 201 when the first CPU 201 included in the internal server 200 executes the cooperation program stored in the ROM 202, the HDD 204, or the CD-ROM 206A. Here, the case where the service registration process shown in FIG. 6 is executed and the authentication service, the file management service, the account management service, and the counter management service are registered will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first CPU 201 provided in internal server 200 establishes a server session (step S11). The server session is a communication session established with an external device. A communication session is established based on the service identification information of the registered service. Here, since the authentication service and file management service provided by the external server 3 are registered, a communication session is established with the external server 3. Specifically, the second LAN communication unit 112 is controlled to establish a communication session with the external server 3. Although the service identification information of the authentication service and the service identification information of the file management service are different, the authentication service and the file management service are provided by one external server 3, so that the authentication service and the file management service Then, one communication session is established with the external server 3.

  In the next step S12, an MFP session is established, and the process proceeds to step S13. The MFP session is a communication session established with MFP 100. The first LAN communication unit 205 is controlled to establish a communication session with the MFP 100.

  In step S13, it is determined whether there is an independent service among the registered services. The independent service is a service that can be provided without acquiring information from the MFP 100. If an independent service exists, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17. Here, since the authentication service and the account management service correspond to independent services, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, a service provision is requested. Ask the service provider to provide it. And it is judged whether the service result was received (step S15). Since the service provider transmits an API command indicating the result of providing the service, if the API command is received via the server session, it is determined that the service result has been received. The process waits until the service result is received (NO in step S15). If the service result is received (YES in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the service result shows a negative result, the process after step S30 described later may be executed and the process may be terminated. In step S16, the API command received in step S15 is transferred to the MFP, and the process returns to step S13.

  The processing from step S13 to step S16 will be specifically described. Here, the authentication service and the account management service correspond to the independent services. Since the order of the authentication service is before the account management service, in step S14, first, the external server 3 is requested to provide the authentication service in the previous order. As a result, the server communicates with the external server 3 through the server session and receives the authentication service. Since the external server 3 transmits an API command indicating whether or not the authentication is successful as a result of providing the authentication service, in step S15, the API command indicating whether or not the authentication is successful is transmitted via the server session. If received, it is determined that the service result has been received.

  In step S16, an API command for notifying the user who operates MFP 100 is transmitted to MFP 100 via the MFP session. Thus, MFP 100 that receives the API command sets the user authenticated by external server 3 as the user who operates MFP 100.

  Next, in step S14, the management module 251 is requested to provide an account management service. As a result, the management module 251 provides the account management service. As a result of providing the account management service, the management module 251 outputs an API command indicating the range of processing that can be executed by the MFP 100 for the department. In step S15, it is determined whether an API command has been input from the management module 251 to which the service has been requested in step S14. The process waits until an API command is input (NO in step S15). If an API command is input, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the API command acquired in step S15 is transmitted to MFP 100 via the MFP session. Thus, MFP 100 that receives the API command sets a range of processing that can be executed by the department.

  In step S <b> 17, it is determined whether an operation input by the user to the operation unit 307 has been received. If the operation is accepted, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, a timeout is determined. When a predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 307 accepting an operation, it is determined that a timeout has occurred. If it is determined that a timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S30; otherwise, the process returns to step S17.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the operation received by the operation unit 307 is an operation for selecting a service. If an operation for selecting a service is accepted, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S19, it is determined whether or not the preceding service has been provided. It is determined whether or not the service is provided for all of the preceding services preceding the service selected in step S18. If all of the preceding services have been provided, the process proceeds to step S20. If not, the process returns to step S18.

  In step S20, a request is made to provide the selected service. Here, a case where the file management service is selected will be described as an example. The first CPU 201 controls the first LAN communication unit 205 to request the external server 3 to provide a file management service. The external server 3 returns an API command instructing execution of a print job when an output process is selected by the user, and returns an API command instructing execution of a scan job when an input process is selected by the user. .

  In the next step S21, it is determined whether or not an API command has been received from the external server 3 where the service is requested in step S20. The process waits until an API command is received (NO in step S21). If an API command is received (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the API command received in step S21 is transferred to MFP 100, and the process proceeds to step S23. When the user selects an output process, MFP 100 that receives the API command executes the print job according to the API command instructing execution of the print job, and returns response information including user identification information, a department name, and the number of formed images. If the input process is selected by the user, the scan job is executed according to the API command, and response information including user identification information, department name, image, and number of originals read is returned.

  On the other hand, in step S27, it is determined whether or not the operation accepted in step S17 is an operation instructing execution of the process. If the operation is an instruction to execute the process, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S28, an API command instructing execution of a process determined by an operation input by the user is transmitted to MFP 100, and the process proceeds to step S23. Receiving the API command, MFP 100 executes processing according to the operation accepted in step S17.

  In step S23, it is determined whether response information is received from MFP 100 or not. The process waits until response information is received (NO in step S23). When response information is received (YES in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the service corresponding to the response information is determined with reference to the association table. In the next step S25, input information is determined, and the process proceeds to step S26. The response information that is the basis for determining the service is determined as input information. Specifically, when the MFP 100 executes a scan job and requests the provision of the file management service in step S20, the file management service is determined for the image that is the response information, and the image Is determined as the input information, and the counter management service is determined for the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read as response information, and the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read are determined as the input information. . Further, when the MFP 100 executes the scan job in step S27, the provision of the file management service is not requested. In this case, the counter management service is determined for the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read as response information, and the user identification information, the department name, and the number of originals read are determined as input information. When the MFP 100 executes a print job, the counter management service is determined for the user identification information, the department name, and the number of formed images as response information, and the user identification information, the department name, and the number of formed images are input information. decide.

  In step S26, either external server 3 or management module 251 is requested to provide a service, and the process returns to step S13. While providing the service determined in step S24 among the external server 3 and the management module 251, the input information determined in step S25 is transmitted, and the provision of the service determined in step S24 is requested. Specifically, when the counter management service is determined in step S24, the user identification information determined as the input information in step S25, the department, and the number of images formed or the number of documents read are transmitted to the management module 251. And request the provision of counter management services. As a result, the counter management unit 259 executes a process for providing a counter management service based on the input information. When the file management service is determined in step S24, the image determined as the input information in step S25 is transmitted to the external server 3 to request provision of the file management service. As a result, the external server 3 executes the input process of the file management service for storing the input information image in the external server 3.

  In step S29, it is determined whether or not the operation accepted in step S17 is an operation for instructing logout. If an operation to instruct logout is accepted, the process proceeds to step S30. If not, the process returns to step S18. In step S30, the MFP session established in step S12 is disconnected, and the process proceeds to step S31. In MFP 100, when the MFP session is disconnected, the parameters set so far are reset to the default values. For example, a process of logging out the user who has operated MFP 100 is executed. In step S31, the server session established in step S11 is disconnected, and the process ends.

<First Modification>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the first CPU included in the internal server and functions of the external server in the first modification. Referring to FIG. 8, the difference from the function shown in FIG. 4 is that service management unit 271 and service request unit 279 are changed to service management unit 271A and service request unit 279A, and operation reception control unit 269. The screen generation unit 267 is added. The other functions are the same as the functions shown in FIG. 4, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

  When two or more of a plurality of registered services request the same information, the service management unit 271A issues an instruction to generate an input screen that receives all of the information requested by each of the two or more services that request the same information. And output to the screen generation unit 267. For example, the authentication service provided by the authentication management unit 351 of the external server 3 requests user identification information for identifying a user and a password as input information, and the account management provided by the account management unit 257 of the management module 251. The service requests user identification information and a department name as input information. The authentication service and the account management service request user identification information as input information. Further, all of the input information required by the authentication service and the account management service is user identification information, a password, and a department name.

  The screen generation unit 267 generates an input screen based on the generation instruction input from the service management unit 271 and outputs the input screen to the operation reception control unit 269. Specifically, an input screen for receiving user identification information, a password, and a department name, which are all input information requested by the authentication service and the account management service, is generated.

  The operation reception control unit 269 displays the input screen input from the screen generation unit 267 on the display unit 305, and receives user identification information, a password, and a department name according to an operation received by the operation unit 307. The operation reception control unit 269 outputs the received user identification information, password, and department name to the service request unit 279A.

  When the user operates the operation unit 307 in order to operate the multifunction apparatus 1, the service request unit 279 </ b> A causes the operation reception control unit 269 to display an input screen on the display unit 305, and the user identification that the user inputs to the operation unit 307 Accept information, password and department name. Next, the service request unit 279A requests the external server 3 to provide the authentication service in order to receive the provision of the first authentication service. Specifically, the service request unit 279A controls the first LAN communication unit 205 to establish a server session with the external server 3, transmits user identification information and a password via the server session, and performs authentication. Send a signal to request service. The authentication management unit 351 of the external server 3 performs authentication based on the user identification information and the password via the server session, and returns an API command indicating the authentication result.

  When the API command indicating the authentication result received from the external server 3 through the server session indicates that the authentication is successful, the service request unit 279A controls the first LAN communication unit 205 to establish an MFP session with the MFP 100. The request unit 273 is requested to notify the user who operates the MFP 100. The service request unit 279A maintains the MFP session until the authenticated user logs out or until a predetermined time elapses without the operation unit 307 accepting the operation. Further, the service request unit 279A disconnects the server session when the authentication result received from the external server 3 through the server session indicates an authentication failure.

  Request unit 273 transmits an API command indicating an authentication result received from external server 3 to MFP 100 via MFP session on behalf of external server 3. Thus, MFP 100 that receives the API command sets the user authenticated by external server 3 as the user who operates MFP 100.

  When authenticating the user who operates the multifunction apparatus 1, the service request unit 279A requests the management module 251 to provide the account management service in order to receive the second account management service. Specifically, the service request unit 279A transmits user identification information and a department name to the management module 251 and outputs a signal for requesting provision of an account management service. When the account management unit 257 of the management module 251 receives a request for providing the account management service, the account management unit 257 determines a range of processing that can be executed by the MFP 100 for the department from the user identification information and the department name. An API command indicating the range of executable processing is returned. The service request unit 279A requests the request unit 273 to transmit an API command input from the account management unit 257. The request unit 273 transmits an API command to the MFP 100 instead of the management module 251 via the MFP session. The MFP 100 executes an API command and sets a range of processing that can be executed for the department.

<Second Modification>
In the second modification, when the setting unit 261 receives a registration completion signal from the external server 3 or the management module 251, the parameter of the MFP 100 is not changed by the MFP 100. Therefore, MFP 100 in the second modification does not limit the user who operates MFP 100 and the range of processing that MFP 100 can execute. Therefore, in the second modification, internal server 200 determines whether or not job execution by MFP 100 is possible, and MFP 100 does not determine whether or not the job can be executed when executing a job. The MFP 100 executes a job in accordance with the API command, and does not include user identification information and a department name in response information that executes and returns a job.

  Since the service request unit 279 is provided with the authentication service at the time of receiving the file management service, the service request unit 279 knows the user identification information and the password of the user who operates the composite apparatus 1, and provides the account management service. Therefore, the department name and the range of processing that can be executed by the MFP 100 are known. For this reason, when the service request unit 279 receives an API command in response to the provision of the file management service from the external server 3, the service request unit 279 determines whether the job determined by the API command can be executed by the MFP 100 and can execute the job. When determining, the request unit 273 is caused to transmit an API command for instructing the MFP 100 to execute the job.

  Then, service request unit 279 determines input information using response information received from MFP 100 and user identification information, password, and department name, which are known values. For example, when the service identification information of the counter management service is input from the service determination unit 277, the service request unit 279 includes the image formation number or the document reading number. The service request unit 279 generates input information for the counter management service by using the number of formed images or the number of read originals, the user identification information and the department name, which are known values, and receives the provision of the counter management service The generated input information is output to the management module 251 to request provision of the counter management service. Thereby, the counter management unit 259 executes processing for providing a counter management service based on the input information.

  Further, when the service request unit 279 receives a set of service identification information and response information of the file management service from the service determination unit 277, the response information includes an image. The service request unit 279 determines the image as input information for the file management service, and transmits the determined input information to the external server 3 via the server session in order to receive provision of the file management service. Request to provide As a result, the external server 3 executes the input process of the file management service that stores the image of the input information in the external server 3.

  The service request unit 279 also receives information received from the external server 3 through the server session while the MFP session is established, information input from the management module 251, The information specified by the operation received by the operation unit 307 is set to be valid. The service request unit 279 is specified by information received from the external server 3 through the server session while the MFP session is established, information input from the management module 251, and an operation received by the operation unit 307. Is deleted in response to the disconnection of the MFP session.

  As described above, in the composite apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, the internal server 200 receives the provision of the internal service (first service) from the management module 251 and controls the MFP 100 to execute the process. In response to provision of an external service (second service) from the external server 3, the MFP 100 is controlled to execute processing. For this reason, the external server 3 and the internal server 200 can control the MFP 100.

  Also, based on response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process, the internal service is provided to the management module 251 when the internal service is determined, and the external server 3 is set to the second service when the external service is determined. When the service is provided and the internal service and the external service are determined, the internal service is provided to the management module 251 and the external server 3 is provided with the external service. Therefore, it is possible to cause the external server 3 to provide an external service using the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process, and to use the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process. Internal services can be provided.

  Further, the internal server 200 causes the management module 251 or the external server 3 to process response information output by executing processing according to the API command received from the internal server 200 by the MFP 100, so that the external server 3 executes the processing. The external service can be provided using the response information output in this manner, and the internal service can be provided to the internal server 200 using the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process using the result of the external service. it can. Conversely, the management module 251 can provide the internal service using the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process, and the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process using the result of the internal service is used. The external server 3 can be provided with an external service.

  Further, since the internal server 200 sets the parameters set in the MFP 100 to be valid while establishing a communication session with the MFP 100, the internal server 200 limits the period during which the internal server 200 can control the MFP 100 together with the external server 3. can do.

  Further, the internal server 200 transmits response information output by the MFP 100 by executing one process to the external server 3 in order to receive the provision of the external service, and to the management module 251 in order to receive the provision of the internal service. Output. Therefore, in order to receive the provision of the internal service and the external service, MFP 100 does not need to separately execute the process for receiving the provision of the internal service and the process for receiving the provision of the external service. This eliminates the need for the MFP 100 to execute two processes, thereby facilitating the operation. Further, the internal server 200 can control the MFP 100 together with the external server 3 without changing a program or the like installed in the MFP 100.

  In addition, since internal server 200 causes MFP 100 to execute a plurality of processes while an MFP session is established with MFP 100, external server 3 is provided with external services using response information that MFP 100 executes and outputs to external server 3. The internal service can be provided to the internal server 200 using the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process using the result of the external service. Conversely, the management module 251 can provide the internal service using the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process, and the response information output by the MFP 100 executing the process using the result of the internal service is used. The external server 3 can be provided with an external service.

  In addition, the internal service and the external service include a service for determining a parameter as a condition for the MFP 100 to process an image, and a service for managing the results of processing of the image by the MFP 100. For example, when a user authenticated by the authentication service provided by the external server 3 is set in the MFP 100 and the MFP 100 executes processing for forming an image, the count management service provided by the internal server 200 is authenticated by the authentication service. The number of image formations can be managed as a history for the user.

  Further, when a plurality of services are registered, the internal server 200 precedes the order in which the preceding service is provided before the subsequent service when there is a subsequent service that uses the result of providing the preceding service. The preceding service can be provided before the service, and the subsequent service can be provided using the result of the provision of the preceding service.

  In this embodiment, the case where the composite apparatus 1 is connected to one external server 3 has been described as an example. However, the number of apparatuses to which the composite apparatus 1 is connected is not limited, and one or more. If it is. In addition, although two services have been described as examples of services provided by the internal server 200, the number of services provided by the internal server 200 is not limited and may be one or more.

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

<Appendix>
(1) The internal server further includes communication control means for establishing a communication session for communicating with the image processing apparatus in order to cause the image processing apparatus to set the internal server as the external apparatus. The composite apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. According to this aspect, while the internal server establishes a communication session with the image processing apparatus, the internal server is set as an external apparatus in the image processing apparatus, so that the image processing apparatus can be controlled together with the external server. Can be limited.
(2) The composite apparatus according to (3) or (4), wherein the request unit executes one process to receive provision of the first service and the second service. According to this aspect, in order to receive the provision of the first service and the second service, the image processing apparatus receives the processing for receiving the provision of the first service and the provision of the second service. There is no need to execute processing separately. Therefore, an operation for causing the image processing apparatus to execute each of the two processes is not necessary, and the operation can be facilitated.
(3) The composite apparatus according to any one of claims 3, 4 and (2), wherein the service determination unit determines the first service and the second service based on one response information. . According to this aspect, since the response information output by the image processing apparatus is given to the first service and the second service, the image processing apparatus needs to output response information separately to the external server and the internal server. Absent. As a result, the image processing apparatus can be controlled together with the external server without changing the image processing apparatus.
(4) The internal server further includes communication control means for establishing a communication session for communicating with the image processing apparatus,
The request unit causes the image processing apparatus to execute a plurality of processes while the communication session established by the communication control unit is established. A composite device according to any one of the above. According to this aspect, the internal server causes the image processing apparatus to execute a plurality of processes while the communication session is established with the image processing apparatus, so that the result of providing the first service or the second service is obtained. It can be used to provide the first service or the second service.
(5) The first service and the second service are a service for determining a parameter that is a condition for the image processing apparatus to process an image, and a service for managing a result of processing the image by the image processing apparatus. The composite device according to any one of claims 3 and 4, and (2) to (4). According to this aspect, it is possible to manage the results of image processing performed by the image processing apparatus using the first service or the second service, using the parameters determined by the first service or the second service.
(6) When the subsequent service of one of the first service and the second service uses a result that the other preceding service is provided, the internal server includes the management module and the external server. The service management means according to any one of claims 3, 4, and (2) to (5), further comprising service management means for causing the one that provides the preceding service to provide the preceding service before the other that provides the subsequent service. Compound device. According to this aspect, since the preceding service is provided before the subsequent service, it is possible to receive the provision of the subsequent service using the result of providing the preceding service.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compound apparatus, 3 External server, 5 Internet, 7 LAN cable, 100 MFP, 111 2nd CPU, 112 2nd KAN communication part, 113 ROM, 114 RAM, 115 Facsimile part, 120 Automatic document feeder, 130 Document reading part, 140 Image forming unit, 150 paper feeding unit, 200 internal server, 201 first CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 HDD, 205 first ALN communication unit, 206 external storage device, 221 bus, 251 management module, 253 management unit, 257 account Management unit, 259 counter management unit, 261 setting unit, 263 association unit, 265 relay unit, 267 screen generation unit, 269 operation reception control unit, 271, 271A service management unit, 273 request unit, 275 response information reception unit, 27 Service determining unit, 279,279A service request unit, 300 operation panel, 305 display unit, 307 operation unit, 321 touch panel, 323 hard key portion, 351 authentication management unit, 353 the file management unit.

Claims (10)

A composite apparatus comprising an image processing apparatus and an internal server having a function of managing the image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes a response unit that responds to a predetermined external apparatus as a plurality of types of requested information as response information.
The internal server includes a management module for managing the image processing apparatus;
Both the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are both transmitted to the image processing apparatus as request information, and the response is returned from the image processing apparatus Relay means for distributing information to the management module of the internal server and the external server and returning the information as response information, respectively.
A composite apparatus in which both the management module of the internal server and the external server can communicate with the image processing apparatus by setting the internal server as the external apparatus to be set by the image processing apparatus. The internal server further includes association means for generating an association table in which the management module or the external server is associated for each response information from the image processing apparatus,
The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit distributes response information from the image processing apparatus to either the management module or the external server with reference to the association table. A composite device comprising an image processing device and an internal server,
The internal server includes a management module that provides a first service;
Service request means for causing the management module to provide the first service, and causing the external server to provide a second service provided by an external server;
Request means for receiving the provision of the first service and / or the second service and controlling the image processing apparatus to execute processing;
And a service determining means for determining the first service and / or the second service based on response information output by the image processing apparatus executing the process. The internal server further includes association means for generating an association table in which input information given thereto is associated for each of the first service and the second service,
The said service determination means determines the said 1st service or / and the said 2nd service based on the response information which the said image processing apparatus outputs with reference to the said association | attachment table. Complex device.   The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the response information includes related information related to processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to an instruction from the internal server.   The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external server provides a service for authenticating a user. An operation receiving means for receiving an operation input by the user;
The management module includes a user management module that provides a service for managing information about a user,
The internal server transmits, to the external server, input information used by the external server to provide a service for authenticating a user among the information received by the operation receiving unit. The composite apparatus according to claim 6, wherein input information used to provide a service for managing a user is transmitted to the user management module.   The internal server is configured to accept input information used by the external server to provide a service for authenticating a user and input information used by the user management module to provide a service for managing information about the user. The composite apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the composite apparatus displays a screen. A cooperation method executed by a composite apparatus including an image processing apparatus and an internal server having a function of managing the image processing apparatus,
Causing the image processing apparatus to execute a response step of responding to a predetermined external apparatus as response information with a plurality of types of requested information;
The internal server includes a management module that manages the image processing apparatus,
To the internal server,
Both the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are both transmitted to the image processing apparatus as request information, and the response is returned from the image processing apparatus Relaying information to the management module of the internal server and the external server and returning the information as response information;
In order to allow communication between the management module of the internal server and the external server with the image processing apparatus, the internal server is set as the external apparatus to be set in the image processing apparatus. A linkage method for executing the setting step. A cooperation program executed by a computer that controls an internal server having a function of managing an image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus has a function of responding, as response information, a plurality of types of information requested from the external apparatus to a preset external apparatus,
The internal server includes a management module that manages the image processing apparatus,
Both the information addressed to the image processing apparatus from the external server and the information for managing the image processing apparatus from the management module are both transmitted to the image processing apparatus as request information, and the response is returned from the image processing apparatus A relay step of distributing information to the management module of the internal server and the external server and returning the information as response information;
In order to allow communication between the management module of the internal server and the external server with the image processing apparatus, the internal server is set as the external apparatus to be set in the image processing apparatus. A linkage program for causing the computer to execute a setting step.

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