JP2018205904A - Image processing system and information processing system and processing method thereof and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mechanism relaxing use restriction of a service by an image processing system.SOLUTION: An image processing system communicative to a server comprises proxy determination means determining a proxy requested from the image processing system following a communication result with the server, image processing system determination means determining other image processing system to which communication to the server can be established as an image processing system that can conduct proxy transmission of the request when determination of proxy for the request is made by the proxy determination means, handing-over means handing over process information requested from the image processing system to the server to other image processing system determined by the image processing system determination part, and reception means receiving a process result by which a request is conducted using the process information handed over by the handing-over means by establishing communication between the other image processing system and the server from the other image processing system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that uses a service, an information processing system, a processing method thereof, and a program.

  In a Web system, a service is used by accessing a server from a client terminal.

  When using this service, the maximum number of simultaneous logins is generally determined by a contract with a company that provides the service.

  Since the upper limit number of simultaneous logins is determined, there are users (client terminals) that cannot be accessed when access is concentrated, and the service cannot be used.

For this reason, a technique is disclosed in which when the maximum number of simultaneous logins is exceeded, the user is logged out according to the priority of the user, and the offline file is transmitted to the logged out user to use the service (Patent Document 1).
In recent years, services are often provided in a cloud environment. In this case, each company constructs a cloud environment service using a cloud platform provided by an IT vendor.

  In this case, it is common to use NoSQL technology. In addition to login management, access control in NoSQL is also important.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-127743

  In the NoSQL technology, an access token is issued and communication is controlled using this access talk. In the case of the cloud, one connection is assigned (established) to one processing request, and the processing result for the processing request is returned. And it takes the form of releasing this connection. This series of processing flows is one unit, and in the case of the next processing request, communication is established again and a processing result for the processing request is returned.

  Therefore, in the cloud environment, there is a problem that the amount of processing for establishing communication and processing requests becomes enormous. Accordingly, a load is applied to the database search process, which leads to a delay in the process. Therefore, the number of simultaneous connections (also referred to as the number of throughputs that can be used simultaneously) is determined for each company that uses the service.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the number of simultaneous connections is defined for each company, and when the number of connections is exceeded, the service side does not process requests from client terminals. This is because the service provider uses the cloud platform provided by the IT vendor, so connecting it indefinitely will lead to an increase in cost, so it will also limit the companies that use the service. Yes.

  In particular, in a company that uses a service, when a specific department is connected in large quantities, other departments may not be able to connect to the service.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that relaxes service usage restrictions by an image processing apparatus.

  An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server, wherein proxy determination means for determining a proxy for a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server, and a determination for proxying the request by the proxy determination means In addition, an image processing device determining unit that determines another image processing device that establishes communication with the server as an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request, and another image processing device determined by the image processing device determining unit To the transfer means for transferring the processing information requested from the image processing apparatus to the server, and using the processing information transferred by the transfer means by establishing communication between the other image processing apparatus and the server. Receiving means for receiving the processing result of the requested request from the other image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to relax restrictions on the use of services by an image processing apparatus.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing system in an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the server 100 and the client terminal 101 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the system in embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing basic operations in the multifunction machine A or the multifunction machine B in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the proxy communication process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of management and structure of queue in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the packet in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the job list | wrist in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the number of simultaneous connections for every company which uses a service. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the whole process in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing system (also referred to as an information processing system) in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows one or a plurality of servers 100 (information processing devices operating as cloud servers), one or a plurality of client terminals 101, and one or a plurality of multi-function peripherals 300 (image processing devices). 200 and a local area network (LAN) 400 are communicably connected.

  The client terminal 101 may be a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

  Further, the client terminal 101 may be configured to connect using a public wireless LAN, not via a corporate LAN.

  Further, the multi function device 300 may be a single function printer. In addition, a client terminal (including a control box including a CPU) is connected to the MFP 300 or a printer (not shown), and the connected client terminal is connected to be able to communicate with the server 100. Also good.

  A file (for example, a PDF file) to be a print job is stored (input) in the server 100 at the client terminal 101. The uploading method is assumed to be uploaded to the server 100 via the browser of the client terminal 101. However, the file may be transmitted using a unique application that cooperates with the server 100.

  The server 100 manages the input file, and transmits the bibliographic information (job ID, job name, user name, etc.) and file (substance) of the file according to the request from the multifunction device 300. The server 100 operates a service that realizes cloud printing, and also manages users who use the service. For example, the user table is managed for each company that uses the service, and the user ID and password of the user who uses the service at the company are managed. Note that IDs and passwords may be managed not only for each user but also for each company so that they can be accessed on a company basis.

In addition, it goes without saying that the maximum number of simultaneous connections (throughput) is managed for each company. Note that the throughput indicates communication in one processing unit. (For example, with regard to the process of acquiring a job list, a series of processes such as “throughput securement → job list request → search → job list reception → throughput release” is one processing unit.)
The multi-function device 300 accesses the server 100 and receives bibliographic information and file (substance) of the file. Also, printing is executed using the received file.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the server 100 and the client terminal 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the server 100 and the client terminal 101 illustrated in FIG. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the server 100 will be described.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. In the ROM 202 or the external memory 211, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201, a cloud platform, and a service (program) executed on the cloud platform ) Is stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from the input device 209. Examples of the input device 209 include a keyboard, a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse.

  In the case where the input device 209 is a touch panel, various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) in accordance with an icon, a cursor, or a button displayed on the touch panel.

  The touch panel may be a touch panel capable of detecting a position touched with a plurality of fingers, such as a multi-touch screen.

  A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display 210. The display 210 indicates a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. Alternatively, other display devices may be used.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to a hard disk (HDD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like through an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, a database is provided, and file (print job) information is managed on the database.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network 112, and executes communication control processing on the network 112. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the ROM 202 or the external memory 211, and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary.

  Furthermore, definition files and various information, tables, and the like used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and detailed descriptions thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner unit 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, and is connected to a LAN or a public line (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN). By connecting with, image data and device information are input and output.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system.

  Reference numeral 302 denotes a RAM, which is a system network memory for operating the CPU 301, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit 308 and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308.

  In addition, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit information input by the user from the operation unit 308 (for example, user information such as a user name and a password) to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network 112 and inputs / outputs data. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, and the like, and reads an IC card necessary for authentication processing in this embodiment. A card reader 319 is connected to the external I / F unit 318.

  Then, the CPU 301 controls the reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data.

  In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data.

  The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the user gives an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one and performs an original image reading operation. Do.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301.

  The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The LCD display unit displays a menu and displays a list of files managed by the server 100.

  The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used.

  Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 308.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony FeliCa (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 301, and reads the read information via the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 is notified.

  With the configuration as described above, the multifunction peripheral 300 can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit 314 to the network, and can print out the print data received from the network by the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner unit 314 can be fax-transmitted on the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by FAX from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Next, functions of the multifunction peripheral 300 and the server 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The system according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the MFP 300 and the server 100 are connected via a network capable of bidirectional communication. Since the operations between the functions will be described later with reference to flowcharts, descriptions of functional block diagrams described in various terminals will be given here.

  First, functional units of the multifunction machine 300 will be described. The multifunction machine 300 includes a user authentication function 410, a cloud application communication function 420, and a cloud application proxy communication function 430. The MFP 300 has functions other than those described above, but the description thereof is omitted.

  In addition, the cloud application communication function 420 and the cloud application proxy communication function 430 operate as functions of a cloud print application installed in the MFP 300, for example. The user authentication function 410 operates as a native function of the multifunction peripheral 300 or a function of an authentication application installed individually. The authentication application is an application that refers to the authentication table, obtains a user ID corresponding to the card ID read from the IC card, and logs in the multifunction device 300.

  The user authentication function 410 includes a user authentication unit 411, and the user authentication unit 411 acquires a user ID corresponding to the card ID read by the card reader 319. When acquiring the user ID, it is assumed that an authentication table held in the MFP 300 or held by an external authentication server is referred to.

  As information to be acquired, in addition to the user ID, other information such as authority information used for login and a user's mail address may be acquired. In addition to authentication using an IC card, authentication that allows a user to input a user ID and password, or authentication using a face, fingerprint, or vein may be used.

  The cloud application communication function 420 includes a communication ensuring request transmission unit 421, a cloud application execution request transmission unit 422, an access token acquisition unit 423, and a cloud application execution result reception unit 424.

  The access token acquisition unit 423 communicates with the server 100 and acquires a token ID necessary for communication. The token ID is issued by the server 100 in the cloud environment. The acquired token ID and the user ID logged into the multifunction machine are stored in the memory.

  The communication securing request transmission unit 421 establishes communication with the server 100 using the token ID, and reserves and releases communication for executing processing.

  The cloud application execution request transmission unit 422 analyzes the contents of the queue managed on the memory of the MFP 300 and executes a request to the server 100 that provides the cloud service.

  The cloud application execution result reception unit 424 receives the result requested by the cloud application execution request transmission unit 422 from the server 100. The result is displayed on the operation unit 308 of the multi-function apparatus 300 serving as a display unit.

  The cloud application proxy communication function 430 includes a proxy device search request transmission unit 431, a proxy device search request reception unit 432, a proxy communication information transmission unit 433, a proxy communication information reception unit 434, and a proxy communication unit 435.

  The proxy device search request transmission unit 431 searches for the proxy MFP 300 that communicates with the server 100 when the communication reservation request transmission unit 421 cannot reserve (reserve) communication. Specifically, the packet is transmitted by broadcast.

  The proxy device search request reception unit 432 receives a request broadcast from the proxy device search request transmission unit 431 of another multifunction device 300 (device), and requests that it can proxy for communication with the server 100. Notify other MFP 300. The notification timing may be notified (reply) after a lapse of a random time in order to avoid concentration of notifications from a plurality of multifunction peripherals.

  When the proxy communication information transmission unit 433 receives a notification from the proxy device search request reception unit 432 of another MFP 300, the proxy communication information transmission unit 433 identifies the MFP 300 that is less likely to wait in proxy communication based on the information included in the notification. To do. A packet for proxy communication is transmitted to the specified multifunction device 300.

  The proxy communication information reception unit 434 receives a packet for proxy communication from the proxy communication information transmission unit 433 of another multifunction device 300. Register the received packet in the queue.

  The proxy communication unit 435 communicates with the server 100 based on the received packet and acquires the result. The result is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 300 that is the requester of proxy communication. When the proxy communication unit 435 cannot communicate with the server 100, error information is transmitted to the requesting multifunction peripheral 300.

  Next, functional units of the server 100 will be described. The server 100 includes a job management unit 441 and a communication management unit 442. The server 100 has functions other than those described above, but the description thereof will be omitted.

  The job management unit 441 manages print jobs input from the client terminal 101. The client terminal 101 may be connected to an external network and input a print job from the external network. The print job is a file in various formats such as a PDF file or a TIFF file. The job management unit 441 stores the input print job in a database, and manages bibliographic information such as a print job owner (user ID) and a job ID. The bibliographic information may be acquired from information attached to the print job, or information input by the user at the client terminal 101 when the print job is submitted may be registered.

  The communication management unit 442 manages communication with the multifunction device 300. A request from the multifunction device 300 is received. Further, the result of searching the database according to the received request is transmitted to the multi-function device 300.

  Next, a sequence diagram showing the overall processing flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the overall processing flow in this embodiment.

1: Job submission by user Uploading a file to be a print job using an application (including a browser) of the client terminal 101 used by the user. For example, the PDF file is transmitted to the server 100 and stored. Manages the bibliographic information of the file such as the user name of the user who submitted the file. An example of managing bibliographic information is shown in a job list 900 in FIG. It manages job ID (JobID), user name (Name), reception date (Date), file storage path (FilePath), and the like. This job list is managed on a database.

  The print job may be generated using the printer driver of the client terminal 101, and transmitted to the server 100 for storage. For example, by using a printer driver or the like that generates XPS, the file is converted into a general-purpose file format and transmitted to the server 100, thereby enabling printing from various multifunction devices 300. Alternatively, the client terminal 101 may be configured to select a multifunction device (including type) as a printing destination.

2: Throughput securing request (connection request) MFP B
A user logs in to the multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B) and designates a cloud print from a display unit on the multifunction device 300. Specifically, the menu 1001 in FIG. 10 is selected, and the cloud print application of the multifunction device 300 is executed. The cloud print application transmits a throughput securing request to a preset access destination (server 100). The server 100 returns a response indicating that the throughput has been successfully secured to the requested multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B). If requests from other MFPs 300 are concentrated and the throughput cannot be secured, a securing failure response is returned.

3: Throughput securing request (connection request) MFP A
A user logs in to the multifunction device 300 (multifunction device A) and designates a cloud print from a display unit on the multifunction device 300. Specifically, the menu 1001 in FIG. 10 is selected, and the cloud print application of the multifunction device 300 is executed. The cloud print application transmits a throughput securing request to a preset access destination (server 100). The server 100 concentrates requests from other multifunction devices 300 and returns a response to the failure to secure the throughput to the multifunction device 300 (multifunction device A) when the connection upper limit is exceeded.

4: Broadcast transmission When the multifunction device 300 (multifunction device A) receives a response to the failure to secure the throughput and determines that the throughput cannot be secured, the multifunction device 300 secures the throughput and can communicate with the server 100. Look for 300. Here, the packet is transmitted using broadcast.

  In this embodiment, the proxy MFP 300 is searched using broadcast. However, a list (IP address) of the MFP 300 to be proxy is stored, and the MFP 300 is based on this list. The configuration may be such that an inquiry is made to confirm whether proxying is possible.

5: Proxy-capable response transmission The multi-function device 300 (multi-function device B) replies to the broadcast packet that proxy communication is possible (proxy communication OK). The multifunction device A generates queue information for performing proxy communication in the multifunction device B, and transmits the queue information to the multifunction device B. In this sequence, a response to the broadcast is received from one multifunction device B. However, when responses are returned from a plurality of multifunction devices in an actual environment, the multifunction device capable of performing proxy communication with the least waiting time. Queue information is transmitted to 300.

6: Addition of Queue The multifunction device 300 (the multifunction device B) receives the queue information for proxy communication from the multifunction device 300 (the multifunction device A), and adds the queue information to the queue managed by itself (FIG. 7).

7: Transmission of job-related request of multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B) The multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B) communicates with the server 100 based on the information stored in the queue, and displays a list of print jobs and a print job. The transmission of the job related request such as the data of the client is transmitted and the data according to the request is received. The received data is not limited to a print job list or print job data.

8: Transmission of job-related request of MFP 300 (MFP A) MFP 300 (MFP B) communicates with server 100 based on information stored in the queue (proxy communication queue) and prints Sends job-related requests such as job lists and print job data, and receives data in response to requests. The received data is not limited to a print job list or print job data. Note that if the print job is large data, the amount of data that can be transmitted in a single communication is determined, so the throughput is repeatedly secured and the data is received. That is, many throughputs (connections) are repeatedly ensured from a plurality of multifunction peripherals 300, and simultaneous connections to the server 100 increase. However, by using the proxy multifunction peripheral 300, simultaneous connections can be reduced. .

9: Transfer of Cloud Usage Result In the case of proxy communication of “8”, the data received from the server 100 is transferred to the MFP 300 (MFP A) that requested the proxy based on the queue information. If the transferred multifunction device 300 (multifunction device A) is a list of print jobs, it is displayed on the display unit of the transferred multifunction device 300 (multifunction device A), and if it is print job data, the multifunction device 300 is displayed. The data is expanded in (MFP A) to execute printing.

  Next, detailed processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the multifunction device A or the multifunction device B in the present embodiment. Each step is executed by the CPU of each device. In the following description, the operation as the multifunction device A will be described.

  In step S500, the MFP 300 executes user authentication and performs login processing. The user authentication is a known technique such as biometric authentication, IC card authentication, and user ID / password authentication, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the menu 1000 in FIG. 10 is displayed after user authentication, but the menu in FIG. 10 may be displayed in advance, and user authentication may be performed after selecting the menu.

  When 1001 is specified in the menu 1000 of FIG. 10, the cloud print application of the multifunction device 300 determines to instruct access to the server 100.

  In step S501, in order to communicate with the server 100, queue information is added to the queue (FIG. 7) managed by the cloud print application.

  Here, the queue will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating queues managed by the cloud print application of the multifunction machine 300.

  Reference numeral 700 denotes queue management. The cloud print application generates queue information and adds the queue information to the end. Further, information is sequentially acquired from the queue and processed by a thread for monitoring the queue of the cloud print application.

  Reference numeral 710 denotes a queue structure (queue information). Queue information includes 711 “authentication information for communicating with the service of the server 100”, 712 “host name (IP address) of target MFP”, and 713 “communication content (DB operation, access to application, etc.)” "have.

  As the authentication information for communicating with the service of the server 711 of 711, a set of a user ID and a password for using the service (a value input by the user or a value obtained by IC card authentication) is stored. . Note that a specific authorization token value for using the service may be used instead of the authentication information.

  The host name (IP address) of the target multifunction peripheral 712 stores the IP address of the requested multifunction peripheral in the case of a proxy request from another multifunction peripheral. Note that if it is not a proxy request communication, it is NULL. Note that the configuration may be such that the IP address of its own multifunction device is stored. Using the host name (IP address) of the target multifunction peripheral 712, the response result from the server 100 can be transferred to the multifunction peripheral that has made a proxy request.

  Information used for HTTP / REST communication is stored in the communication contents 713 (DB operation, access to an application, etc.).

  Note that the queue information is an example, and may be any form of data as long as the information can communicate with the service of the server 100.

  When acquiring a job list associated with a user, “https://xxxx.cloud.com/joblist?uid=AWV999902” is stored. Note that “joblist” indicates a job list acquisition request. “AWV999902” indicates a user name (user ID).

  In the case of acquiring job data associated with a job ID, “https://xxxxxxxx.cloud.com/jobPrint?jid=00001” is stored. Note that “jobPrint” indicates a job acquisition request. “00001” indicates a job ID.

  In other words, the management of the queue in FIG. 7 shows an example of managing the processing information in the image processing apparatus and the processing information in another image processing apparatus. Further, it manages the processing information in the other image processing apparatus and the identification information of the image processing apparatus delivered in the delivery process.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S502, the queue information at the head of the queue is acquired.

  In step S503, a throughput securing request is transmitted to a preset access destination (server 100). In this throughput securing request, the securing request is made using the authentication information 711 included in the queue information. The server 100 determines whether or not simultaneous connection is possible based on the authenticated user, and transmits the result of the securing request. If it is within the upper limit number, it is secured “true”, and if it exceeds the upper limit number, it is secured “false”. The result of the securing request is received from the server 100 Based on the result, throughput secured (true) and throughput not secured (false) are managed on the memory. The result of this securing request is also called establishment information.

  In step S504, if the result of the securement request is “true”, that is, if the securement can be ensured, the process proceeds to step S505. If the result of the securing request is “false”, that is, if securing cannot be performed, the process proceeds to step S510. In other words, this process shows an example of a proxy determination process for determining a proxy for a request from the image processing apparatus (a proxy in another multi-function peripheral) in accordance with the communication result with the server.

  In step S505, communication is performed for the service of the server 100 (processing request is executed). Specifically, a print job list acquisition request is made. As described above, the server 100 is accessed based on the queue information “https://xxxx.cloud.com/joblist?uid=AWV999902”. The request is not limited to a job list acquisition request, and may be various data acquisition requests.

  In step S506, a processing request is received, and processing (for example, search processing) corresponding to the processing request is executed. For example, a job having a user ID of AWV999902 is searched.

  In step S507, the processing result is transmitted to the requested MFP 300. For example, a job list is transmitted.

  In step S508, a processing result (here, a job list) is received from the service of the server 100. Using the received job list, the list is displayed on the display unit of the MFP 300.

  In step S509, a throughput release request is transmitted to the server 100. As a result, the processing in one throughput is completed. The release request may be made after the job list is displayed, or the release request may be made before the job list is displayed.

  In step S510, communication with the acting multifunction peripheral 300 (multifunction apparatus B) is performed. Detailed processing of proxy communication will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the proxy communication process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing proxy communication processing in the present embodiment. Each step is executed by the CPU of each device. In the following, the communication of the multifunction device A will be described as an operation when the multifunction device B performs proxy communication. In this embodiment, two MFPs, ie, the MFP A and the MFP B are used. However, other MFPs (the MFP C and the MFP D) may exist on the network and perform proxy communication. .

  6 corresponds to the processing from “4” in the sequence diagram of FIG.

  In step S601, since the MFP A (first MFP) could not secure the throughput, it transmits a broadcast transmission packet on the network in order to search for the MFP that has successfully secured the throughput. The broadcast packet will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a broadcast packet.

  Reference numeral 801 denotes a transmission packet, which has communication information with the MFP host name (transmission source). In this embodiment, the MFP host name (source) is the host name “www.conon.devA.com” of MFP A. In the present embodiment, the communication content is “https://xxxx.cloud.com/joblist?uid=AWV999902” indicating proxying the acquisition of the job list.

  Reference numeral 802 denotes a reply packet, which has a multifunction device host name (reply source) and an expected waiting time. The MFP host name (reply source) is the host name “www.conon.devB.com” of the MFP B in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the expected waiting time is “5 seconds” determined based on the queue information managed by the multifunction device B.

  The MFP host name may be the IP address of the MFP.

  In step S602, the multi-function device B (second multi-function device which is a plurality of multi-function devices) receives a transmission packet from the multi-function device A. Based on the transmission packet, reference is made to whether the throughput is secured or not secured managed in the memory of the multi-function peripheral B.

  In step S603, it is determined whether or not the throughput has been secured. If the throughput is already secured, proxy communication is possible, so the process moves to step S604. If the throughput is not secured (unsecured), the process ends. In addition, when the throughput is not ensured, a configuration in which the fact that the throughput is not ensured is transmitted to the MFP A may be employed.

  In step S604, the expected waiting time is calculated based on the queue information managed by the multifunction device B. Any calculation method may be used. For example, a value obtained by multiplying the number of current queues based on the average processing time per queue is used. The calculation may be performed by changing the processing time according to the type of queue (job list acquisition or job data acquisition). A reply packet is generated based on the calculated expected waiting time (standby value) and the host name of itself (multifunction machine B), and the reply packet (802) is transmitted to the requested multifunction machine A. The reply packet is information indicating that a proxy response is possible.

  In step S605, a reply packet is received. Note that a predetermined time is waited in order to receive reply packets from a plurality of multifunction devices. The received reply packet is managed in the memory. In other words, this processing is an example of proxy information reception processing that receives information indicating that communication is established and proxy transmission is possible from another image processing apparatus. The received reply packet is an example of information indicating that communication is established and proxy transmission is possible, and includes a processing standby value.

  In step S606, analysis of the received reply packet is started. In order to analyze all reply packets, the processing of step S607 to step S608 is repeated.

  In step S607, the value of the multifunction machine host name that is the destination information (proxy multifunction machine) is acquired from the reply packet.

  In step S608, the expected waiting time value is acquired from the reply packet. The destination information and the expected waiting time are managed in association with each other.

  In step S609, a communication queue for proxy communication is created. Specifically, the information has a structure 710. The authentication information managed by the multi-function device A is set in 711, the host name (IP address) of the multi-function device A is set in 712, and “https://xxxx.cloud.com/joblist?uid” is set in 713. It is desirable to set a value such as “= AWV9999012”. Note that 711 may use authentication information managed by the multifunction device B, and 712 may use a host name (IP address) obtained by communication with the multifunction device A in the multifunction device B. And 712 may generate a NULL communication queue. In that case, 711 and 712 are set by the multi-function device B.

  In step S610, based on the predicted waiting time acquired in step S608, one with a short expected waiting time (one that can be processed quickly) is specified, and destination information corresponding to the specified predicted waiting time (in this embodiment, Acquire MFP B). In other words, in this process, when it is determined to proxy the request, an image that determines another image processing apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral B) that establishes communication with the server as an image processing apparatus capable of proxy transmission of the request. An example of a processing apparatus determination process is shown. In addition, according to the information indicating that proxy transmission is possible received in the proxy information reception process, another image processing apparatus with which communication is established is determined as an image processing apparatus capable of proxy transmission of a request. Further, another image forming apparatus capable of processing the processing information with priority according to the standby value is determined as an image processing apparatus capable of proxy transmission of the request.

  Further, according to the destination information, the generated communication queue (for proxy) is transmitted to the multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B) as a proxy destination. This processing is performed by requesting processing information (for example, the multi-function peripheral A) from the image processing apparatus (for example, the multi-function peripheral B) to the server to the other image processing apparatus (for example, the multi-function peripheral B) determined to be the proxy transmission of the request. For example, an example of a delivery process for delivering the communication content (713) is shown.

  In step S611, the communication queue (for proxy) is received, and the communication queue is added to the queue managed by itself.

  In step S612, a case where the added communication queue is processed will be described. A processing request is made to the server 100 based on the communication contents of the proxy communication queue. At this time, since the processing of step S502, step S503, and step S504 is running, throughput is ensured and communication with the server 100 is executed. The server 100 receives the processing request, executes the processing, and returns the processing result to the requested multifunction device 300 (multifunction device B). Since the processing in the server 100 is the same as that described in steps S506 and S507, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S613, the result of the processing request is received from the server 100. For example, a job list is received. An example of the job list is 901 in FIG. A list is generated by searching the user's bibliographic information included in the processing request from the job list 900.

  In step S614, the host name (IP address) of the target MFP in the queue to be processed is acquired, and the result is transmitted to the destination MFP. In this embodiment, since the host name of the proxy machine A can be acquired, the result is transmitted to the machine A. In other words, in this process, when a request is made using processing information in another managed image processing apparatus, the processing result is transmitted based on the identification information of the image processing apparatus corresponding to the processing information. An example of a result transmission process is shown.

  In step S615, the result is received from the multifunction device B which is the proxy device. This process establishes communication between the other image processing apparatus and the server, and obtains a processing result obtained by making a request using the processing information delivered in the delivery process (for example, step S610) as another image process. It is an example of the reception process received from an apparatus (for example, multifunction machine B).

  In step S616, the result received from the MFP B is executed. Specifically, when the job list is received as a result, the job list is displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral A (for example, 1002). When print data is received, print processing is executed. This process is an example of an output process for outputting the processing result received in the receiving process (for example, step S615).

  In step S617, the secured throughput is released. The server 100 is requested to release the throughput.

  After step S616, when a job is selected from the job list and a print instruction is accepted, the processing from step S501 is executed. If the throughput can be ensured, the server 100 requests the server 100 to acquire the print data and acquires the print data.

  As described above, conventionally, since the MFP A repeatedly communicates with the server until the throughput can be ensured, the number of devices such as the MFP A increases, and further communication becomes impossible. By taking the form of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent an environment in which the number of MFPs that secure throughput is reduced and processing at the time of simultaneous connection is not possible (becomes difficult).

  Next, other embodiments will be described. In the above-described embodiment, proxy communication is determined according to the result of securing the throughput (communication). However, in other embodiments, proxy communication is determined according to the communication state with the server 100.

  Specifically, when the throughput can be secured in step S504, the communication speed with the server 100 is determined by this communication, and proxy communication is performed when the communication speed is slower than the normal communication speed. This is because when the communication speed is extremely low, the time dedicated to throughput becomes long, which may affect the number of simultaneous connections.

  Similarly, proxy communication may be performed when communication between the server 100 and the MFP 300 is unstable.

  In other words, by determining the device that performs proxy communication according to the result related to the establishment of communication and requesting the server 100 to request from the device, the connection of the device in the cloud service is made more efficient, and when using a cloud service with communication restrictions, Even when a plurality of communications (connections) overlap, it is possible to reduce the influence of the communication restriction and to smoothly perform operations and controls in using the device (multifunction machine).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce (relieve) the use restriction due to the communication result between the image processing apparatus and the server.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Further, the program according to the present invention is a program capable of executing the processing method of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, and the storage medium of the present invention is a program capable of executing the processing method of FIGS. Is remembered. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 server 101 client terminal 200 wide area network (WAN)
300 MFP (image processing device)
400 Local Area Network (LAN)

Claims (11)

An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server,
Proxy determination means for determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination unit that determines, when the proxy determination unit determines to proxy the request, an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request, as another image processing device that establishes communication with the server;
Delivery means for delivering processing information requested from the image processing apparatus to the server to the other image processing apparatus determined by the image processing apparatus determination means;
Receiving means for establishing a communication between the other image processing apparatus and the server and receiving a processing result from the other image processing apparatus by making a request using the processing information delivered by the delivery means; An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs a processing result received by the receiving unit. Management means for managing processing information in the image processing apparatus and processing information in another image processing apparatus;
The management means manages processing information in the other image processing apparatus and identification information of the image processing apparatus delivered by the delivery means,
Processing result transmission means for transmitting a processing result based on identification information of an image processing apparatus corresponding to the processing information when a request is made using processing information in another image processing apparatus managed by the management means The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Proxy information receiving means for receiving information indicating that communication is established and proxy transmission is possible from the other image processing device;
The image processing apparatus determining means determines another image processing apparatus with which communication is established as an image processing apparatus capable of proxy transmission according to the information received by the proxy information receiving means and indicating that proxy transmission is possible. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. Information indicating that the communication is established and proxy transmission is possible includes a processing standby value,
5. The image processing apparatus determining means determines another image forming apparatus capable of processing processing information preferentially according to the standby value as an image processing apparatus capable of proxy transmission of the request. The image forming apparatus described. The communication result with the server is communication establishment information,
6. The proxy determination unit according to claim 1, wherein when the communication cannot be established with the communication establishment information, the proxy determination unit determines that the request from the image processing apparatus is to be proxyed by another image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing apparatus processing method capable of communicating with a server,
A proxy determination step of determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination step of determining, when the proxy determination step is to proxy the request, another image processing device that establishes communication with the server as an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request;
A delivery step of delivering processing information requested from the image processing device to the server to another image processing device determined by the image processing device determination step;
A receiving step for receiving, from the other image processing device, a processing result obtained by establishing a communication between the other image processing device and the server and making a request using the processing information delivered in the delivery step; The processing method characterized by including. An image processing apparatus program capable of communicating with a server,
The image processing apparatus;
Proxy determination means for determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination unit that determines, when the proxy determination unit determines to proxy the request, an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request, as another image processing device that establishes communication with the server;
Delivery means for delivering processing information requested from the image processing apparatus to the server to the other image processing apparatus determined by the image processing apparatus determination means;
As receiving means for establishing a communication between the other image processing apparatus and the server and making a request using the processing information delivered by the delivery means from the other image processing apparatus A program to make it work. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server, an information processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
The first image processing apparatus
Proxy determination means for determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination unit that determines, when the proxy determination unit determines to proxy the request, a second image processing device that establishes communication with the server as an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request;
Delivery means for delivering processing information requested from the image processing apparatus to the server to the second image processing apparatus determined by the image processing apparatus determination means;
Receiving a processing result from the second image processing device that establishes communication between the second image processing device and the server and makes a request using the processing information delivered by the delivery means. Means and
The second image processing apparatus
Execution means for executing a processing request to the server using the processing information delivered by the delivery means;
An information processing system comprising: return means for returning the processing result executed by the execution means to the first image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server, and a processing method of an information processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
In the first image processing apparatus,
A proxy determination step of determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination step of determining, when the proxy determination step is to proxy the request, a second image processing device that establishes communication with the server as an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request;
A delivery step of delivering processing information requested from the image processing device to the server to the second image processing device determined by the image processing device determination step;
Receiving from the second image processing device a processing result obtained by establishing a communication between the second image processing device and the server and making a request using the processing information delivered in the delivery step. Including steps,
In the second image processing apparatus,
An execution step of executing a processing request to the server using the processing information delivered in the delivery step;
A processing method comprising: a reply step of returning the processing result executed in the execution step to the first image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server, an information processing system program including a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
A first image processing apparatus;
Proxy determination means for determining a proxy of a request from the image processing apparatus according to a result of communication with the server;
An image processing device determination unit that determines, when the proxy determination unit determines to proxy the request, a second image processing device that establishes communication with the server as an image processing device capable of proxy transmission of the request;
Delivery means for delivering processing information requested from the image processing apparatus to the server to the second image processing apparatus determined by the image processing apparatus determination means;
Receiving a processing result from the second image processing device that establishes communication between the second image processing device and the server and makes a request using the processing information delivered by the delivery means. Function as a means,
A second image processing device;
Execution means for executing a processing request to the server using the processing information delivered by the delivery means;
A program for causing a processing result executed by the execution means to function as a return means for returning the processing result to the first image processing apparatus.

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