JP3468240B2 - Network copy file management system, copy system, copy server, network copy file management method, computer readable medium - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a copy system, a terminal, and a third network device which are mutually connected via a computer network. Image data obtained by reading an original in the copy system is sent from the terminal. A network copy file management system for transmitting to a third network device in response to an instruction, a copy system constituting such a network copy file management system, a copy server forming the core of such a copy system, and the above-mentioned network copy The present invention relates to a network copy file management method by a file management system and a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the copy server described above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the past, copying systems were of the so-called analog type in which an image of a document placed on a document table was directly formed on a photosensitive drum and developed on a sheet using an electrophotographic process. However, with the development of digital technology in recent years, in order to enable more advanced image processing, a digital method in which an original is read as digital image data, image processing is appropriately performed, and then printing is performed,
It has become the mainstream method for copy systems.

In such a digital type copying system, a reading device for reading a document, a printing device for printing, and controlling these devices and appropriately processing image data received from the reading device and transmitting it to the printing device. It consists of a copy server. Among these, the reading device and the printing device operate on the same principle as the scanner and the printer device used in the computer system, respectively. Therefore, the architecture of the copy system is PC-AT.
If it is shared with a computer system such as, a scanner or printer can be used as a reading device and a printing device, and a general-purpose personal computer or a dedicated computer in which a print control program is installed can be used as a copy server.

[0004]

When a personal computer such as a PC-AT is used as the copy control device in this way, TCP / IP,
By providing a communication protocol such as HTTPD and network hardware, the copy system and the terminal can be connected to each other via a computer network such as the Internet or a LAN (local area network). When the copy system and the terminal are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other as described above, the copy system can be utilized in various forms by using a terminal having a computer that can perform various processes depending on a program to be executed. be able to.

For example, image data obtained by reading an original with a scanner of a copy system is stored in a copy server, and a list of the image data thus stored is displayed on a terminal if necessary. , If the specific image data designated by the terminal can be transmitted (moved or copied) to the third network device, the image data can be transmitted to the required network device when needed. Sending images to a third or more third network device in a remote place with much higher image quality and speed than FAX mail service, and much easier than sending image data by personal computer communication. It becomes possible.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to save image data obtained by the copy system by reading a document as an image file in a disk in the copy system, and to store the image data via a computer network in the copy system. In response to a request from the terminal connected to the terminal, the management information of a plurality of image files within the requested range is displayed on the screen of the terminal, and among the displayed plurality of management information, the operator of the terminal requests the management information. Network copy file management system for transmitting an image file corresponding to specific management information to a third network device specified by an operator of a terminal, copy system configuring such network copy file management system, and such copy system The core copy server, above Network copy file management method by a network copy file management system as a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as a copy system as described above, is to provide.

[0007]

The present invention has the following features to attain the object mentioned above.

The invention according to claim 1 is a network copy file management system comprising a copy system, a terminal and a third network device, which are connected to each other via a common network. Is
An image reading unit that reads an original to obtain image data, an image file saving unit that converts the image data obtained by the image reading unit into an image file format and saves the image on a disc, and a terminal request, The management information of a plurality of requested image files in a predetermined range is stored in the above-mentioned net.
A management information response unit for transmitting to the terminal through the work ,
An image file transmission unit that reads out the requested image file from the disk in response to a request from the terminal and transmits the image file to the third network device specified by the terminal through the network , wherein the terminal has a predetermined range. the management information of the image file, the network through the
Then, the management information requesting unit that requests the copy system and the copy system transmits in response to the request.
A display unit for displaying a plurality of management information, the data input by the operator to the effect that identifies any of the image files a plurality of management information each indicating displayed on the display unit, and, as the destination of the image file An input unit for accepting data input by an operator to specify the third network device, and a plurality of management information displayed on the display unit.
Sending to the copy system through the network any of the image files specified by the data input accepted by the input unit among the image files indicated by the information to the specified third network device. It is characterized by comprising an image file transmission requesting unit for making a request to the device.

With this structure, when the image reading unit reads the original, the image data obtained by the original reading is converted into the image file format and stored in the disc. Therefore, when many documents are read, many image files are stored in the disc. When the management information requesting unit of the terminal requests the management information of the image file in any range to the copy system in the state where the image file is stored in the disk as described above, the management information responding unit of the copy system The management information of all image files in the requested range is read from the disc and transmitted to the terminal. In the terminal, the display unit displays the received management information. The operator of the terminal inputs to the input unit data for specifying any of the management information displayed on the display unit and data for specifying the third network device as the transmission destination of the image file. When input, the image file transmission request unit requests the copy system to transmit the image file corresponding to the specified management information to the third network device. In the copy system, the image file transmission unit reads the image file requested by the terminal from the disk and transmits the image file to the specified third network device.

The image data may be monochrome binary data, multi-tone gray scale data, RGB multi-tone data, or YMC.
It may be K multi-tone data or color palette data. The image file may be a JPEG file, a TIFF file, or a GIF file. The management information of the image file may be any of the file name of the image file, the file size, the file attribute, the time stamp, and the number of pages of the image data stored in the image file, or all of them. May be. The network is
It may be a LAN, a public line network such as a telephone network or a packet switching network, or the Internet or an intranet. The disk may be a hard disk, a RAM disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a magneto-optical disk. The input unit may have a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel. The third network device may be another copy system having the same configuration as the copy system or another terminal having the same configuration as the terminal.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a large number of directories are defined on the disc of the first aspect, and the image file is stored in any one of the directories.

The invention according to claim 3 is specified by the predetermined range of claim 2 being the range of the directory.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the lower level directory is defined within the predetermined range, the management information response unit according to the third aspect also includes the lower level directory management information. It is specified by transmitting to the terminal and the display unit displays the directory structure based on the management information of the directory. When the directory management information is displayed in this way, image files can be organized and stored for each directory.
The operator of the terminal can easily find the target image file.

The invention according to claim 5 is specified by the display unit according to claim 1 or 4 displaying also management information of a third network device capable of communicating with the copy system. When the management information of the third network device is displayed in this way, the operator of the terminal can easily identify the third network device as the destination of the image file.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the input unit of the fifth aspect allows a data input by an operator to specify any one of the management information of the third network devices displayed on the display unit. Receiving and specifying by the image file requesting unit requesting the copy system to transmit the image file to any of the third network devices specified by the data input received by the input unit Is.

The invention according to claim 7 is specified by the input part according to claim 6 including a pointing device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image file of the first aspect is a JPEG file, and the image file storage section generates JPEG data by JPEG compressing the image data, and the JPEG data is the JPEG data. It is specified by storing it in a JPEG file.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the image file storage section of the first aspect generates JPEG data for a detailed image by JPEG-compressing the image data, and after reducing the resolution of the image data, the JPEG data is reduced. It is specified by generating JPEG data for a rough image by compression and combining the JPEG data for a detailed image and the JPEG data for a rough image and storing them in one JPEG file.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the image file storage section of the ninth aspect includes a document having a plurality of pages, the JPEG data for each detailed image and the JPEG for each schematic image generated for each page. It is specified by combining the data and storing them in one JPEG file.

The invention according to claim 11 is that the image file according to claim 1 is a TIFF file, and the image file storage section specifies the image data by storing the image data in the TIFF file.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the image file storage section according to the eleventh aspect reduces the resolution of the image data and then performs JPEG compression to thereby perform the general image JPE.
This is specified by generating G data, combining the image data and the JPEG data for general image, and storing them in one TIFF file.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image file storage section of the twelfth aspect, when the manuscript has a plurality of pages,
The image data of each page and the JPEG data for each schematic image generated for each page are combined into one TIFF.
It is specified by storing it in a file.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the management information of the image file transmitted to the terminal by the management information response section of the first aspect is specified by the file name of the image file.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claim 9 or 1.
The second copy system extracts the general image JPEG data from the image file requested in response to the request from the terminal, stores the general image JPEG data in the general image JPEG file, and outputs the general image JPEG data to the terminal. A JPEG file response unit for a rough image to be transmitted, further comprising: a JPEG file request unit for a rough image, wherein the terminal requests the JPEG file for a rough image for a predetermined range of image files to the copy system; The display unit specifies the outline image by displaying the outline image based on the outline image JPEG data in the outline image JPEG file transmitted by the copy system in response to the request.

With this configuration, the terminal image is displayed on the screen of the terminal together with the management information of the image file stored in the disk of the copying system, and the operator of the terminal is The image file to be requested can be easily specified.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the copy system according to the tenth or thirteenth aspect extracts the JPEG data for the outline image for the requested page from the image file requested in response to the request from the terminal. J for the outline image of the lever
The terminal further comprises a rough image JPEG file response unit for storing the PEG data in a rough image JPEG file and transmitting it to the terminal, and the terminal is any image file specified by the data input accepted by the input unit. Further includes a general image JPEG file requesting unit for requesting the general image JPEG file for any page regarding the copy system, and the display unit
The general image JPEG in the general image JPEG file transmitted by the copy system in response to a request
It is specified by displaying a schematic image based on the data.

With such a configuration, for an image file containing image data for a large number of pages, a schematic image of each page stored in this image file can be arbitrarily displayed, so the operator of the terminal Can easily specify the image file to be requested.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanner for reading a document and a printer for printing based on image data read by the scanner, and
A copying system capable of communicating with a terminal and a third network device via a common network, wherein the image data obtained by reading the original document by the scanner is converted into an image file format and stored in a disk. When the file storage unit and the terminal request management information of image files in a predetermined range stored in the disk, management of a plurality of image files in the requested predetermined range A management information response unit for transmitting information to the terminal through the network, and an image file corresponding to any of the plurality of management information transmitted to the terminal for transmitting to the third network device. When the terminal requests the thing, the requested image file is read from the disk, and the third image specified by the terminal is read. To the network device through the network
And an image file sending unit for sending the image and the terminal.
Management of image files within a specified range for the computer
Information to the management information response unit through the network
Requested, and the management information response unit transmits in response to this request
Displayed multiple management information, and
Any of the management information is set by the operator of the terminal.
Specified as the destination of the image file
3 network devices by the operator of the terminal
If specified, the corresponding management information
Image file that is specified by the specified third network device.
To send to the image file via the network.
The computer that stores the program to be requested by the file transmission unit.
Computer-readable medium and, in response to a request from the terminal,
The program stored in a computer-readable medium
Is transmitted to the terminal through the network.
It is specified by including the gram transmitting unit .

[0029]

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a copying system is constructed by being connected to a scanner for reading an original and a printer for printing based on the image data read by the scanner, and a common system is provided. An image which is a copy server capable of communicating with a terminal and a third network device via a network and which converts image data obtained by reading an original by the scanner into an image file format and saves the image on a disk. When the file storage unit and the terminal request the management information of the image files in the predetermined range stored in the disk, the management information of the plurality of image files in the requested predetermined range is set to the above-mentioned. a management information responding portion to be transmitted to the terminal via a network, multiple transmitted to the terminal
When the terminal requests that the image file corresponding to any of the management information of the number be transmitted to the third network device, the requested image file is read from the disk, The third identified by
Image file sending unit for sending to the network device of the terminal through the network, and a computer that configures the terminal.
The management information of the image files in the specified range is
Requested to the management information response unit through the network
In response to this request, the duplication message transmitted by the management information response unit is transmitted.
Display the number of management information and display multiple management information.
Any of the information specified by the operator of the terminal
And the third net as the destination of the image file
Network device is specified by the operator of the terminal.
If it is found, the image corresponding to the specified management information
Send the file to the specified third network device
Believe that the image file through the network
A computer that stores a program that requests the transmission unit
A readable medium and, upon request from the terminal, the computer
The program stored on the computer readable medium
Program to send to the terminal through the network
It is specified by including the transmitting unit .

[0031]

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in a network copy system including a copy system, a terminal and a third network device, which are connected to each other via a common network, the copy system is an original document. Is a network copy file management method for managing image files obtained by reading the image file, wherein the terminal requests management information of image files in a predetermined range to the copy system through the network, range of management information of a plurality of image files, the Ne
Via the network, the copy system transmits to the terminal, the plurality of transmitted management information is displayed on the terminal, and an image file corresponding to the management information specified by the operator among the plurality of displayed management information is displayed. The terminal requests the copy system through the network to transmit to the third network device specified by the operator, and the image file requested by the terminal is the third network device specified by the terminal. Is specified by being transmitted by the copy system through the network .

[0033] The invention of claim 20, wherein, as well constitute a copy system by being respectively connected to a printer for printing based on image data read by the scanner and the scanner reads a document, a common <br A computer capable of communicating with a terminal and a third network device via a network converts the image data obtained by reading the original document by the scanner into an image file format and saves the converted image file on a disk,
If the terminal has come to request management information of image files within a predetermined range stored in said disk, the management information of the plurality of image files of the requested predetermined range
Is transmitted to the terminal via a network, that transmits the image file corresponding to any of a plurality of management information transmitted to said terminal to a specific third network when the terminal has come to demand reads the requested image file from the disk, the network
It is transmitted to the third network device through the
Images within a specified range for the computer that constitutes the terminal
File management information is sent to the
Computer to configure the system
Computer configuring the copy system according to demand
Is displayed by displaying multiple pieces of management information sent by
Any of a plurality of management information is an operator of the terminal
As the destination of the image file
The third network device to the operator of the terminal
Therefore, if specified, the specified management information
The corresponding image file is assigned to the specified third network.
To send to the network device via the network.
The computer that makes up the copy system is requested to
The pretlet program will be sent in response to the request from the terminal.
The program Ru is transmitted to the serial terminal, a computer-readable medium storing.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of a network copy control system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network copy control system according to this embodiment. The network copy control system of this example is, for example, a LAN
Alternatively, it is composed of a plurality of sets of copy systems 1, 1 ′ and a large number (or one) of client terminals 2 which are mutually connected by a network NW such as the Internet. Since the copy systems 1 and 1'have exactly the same configuration, the following copy system 1
The detailed configuration will be described only for.

The copy system 1 comprises a copy server (file server) 10 composed of a dedicated computer or a general personal computer, and a scanner 20 and a printer 21 connected to the copy server 10, respectively.
Composed.

Further, the copy server 10 includes a CPU 17, a RAM 11, an input / output control unit 12, a hard disk 13, a communication device 14, a SCSI interface 15 and a Centronics interface 16 which are connected to each other by a bus (data bus and system bus) B. , Touch panel 18, LCD connected to the input / output control unit 12
(Liquid Crystal Display) 19 and keyboard 23.

Of these, the CPU 17 is a processor (computer) that controls the entire copy server 10, and includes an image reading unit, an image file storage unit, a program transmission unit, a management information response unit, an image file transmission unit, and a schematic. Functions as an image JPEG file response unit. RA
M11 is a random access memory into which the work area of the CPU 17 is expanded.

The communication device 14 performs packet-based data exchange with each client terminal 2 and another copy system 1 '. As the communication interface 14, the network NW is a LAN (Local Area Network).
In the case of k), a LAN card is used, and when the network NW is the Internet, a serial interface and a modem, a LAN card or DSU is used.

A SCSI cable connected to the scanner 20 is connected to the SCSI interface 15 to exchange data with the scanner 20 (send various information and commands to the scanner 20, various information and scan data from the scanner 20). Control). Further, the Centronics interface 16 is connected to a Centronics cable connected to the printer 21, and exchanges data with the printer 21 (transmits various information and commands to the printer 21 and printing data, various information from the printer 21). Control).

The hard disk 13 as a computer-readable medium has a control program 131 (including an operation system program) read and executed by the CPU 17, and a large number of hypertext data distributed in response to a request from the client terminal 2. (One of them is “WebExplore.html” 132) and Java (registered trademark) class file 13
3 is stored. These control programs and the like are downloaded to the hard disk 13 via a CD-ROM drive or the like (not shown). Further, the hard disk 13 as a disk has various image files (JPEG file, TIFF file) described later.
An image file area 134 for storing the is reserved.

A unique drive name is given to the image file area 134, and the inside thereof logically has a tree structure. That is, the whole is defined as a root directory, and all or part of the area of the root directory is defined as a subdirectory of 0 or more lower layers, and further, all or part of the area of each subdirectory is defined. Some of them are defined as sub directories of 0 or more lower layers. Since each subdirectory is given a directory name, all subdirectories are specified by tracing the directory name of each subdirectory branched from the root in a tree shape.
A series of directory names given to a series of subdirectories from the root to a target subdirectory in this way is called a "path name". Further, the root and each sub-directory are collectively referred to as "directory". The above-mentioned image files can be stored in any of the directories defined in the image file area 134. Then, the image file stored in any directory is specified by the file name and the path name of the stored directory.

The image files stored in the image file area 134 are roughly classified into JPEG files and TIFF files. However, in this embodiment, the original JPE
The G (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) file and the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) file format are used with their own modifications.
That is, according to the original JPEG standard, one JPEG file is composed of only a header and one page of JPEG data. JPEG data (JPEG image for detailed image) and JPEG thumbnail data corresponding to each page (J for general image generated with reduced resolution to display a schematic image of original JPEG data).
The JPEG file format is modified so that (JPEG data) is stored. Also, the original TIF
According to the F standard, one TIFF file is supposed to be composed of one header and one or a plurality of pages of bitmap data, but in this embodiment, one TIFF file is used.
In the F file, bitmap data for multiple pages and JPEG thumbnail data corresponding to each page (JP for general image
EG data) is stored in the TIFF file format.

FIG. 37 shows J used in this embodiment.
PEG file (J that stores one page of JPEG data
It is a format diagram of a PEG single page file). In this case, the JPEG single page file includes the Total JPEG data area 60, Size of JPEG in order from the top.
thumnail area 61, JPEG thumnail area 62, Offsetof
Total JPEG Data area 63, Offset of JPEG Thumnail area 64, No. of pages area 65, and Maker area 66
Composed of Of these, Total JPEG data area 6
Since 0 is an area corresponding to the original JPEG file defined by JPEG, a header and one page of JPEG data are stored. This Total JPEG data
The size of the region 60 depends on the size of the image before JPEG compression and the compression ratio, but here it is assumed to be 100 Kbytes as an example. Next Size of JPEG thumnail area 61
Is an area in which the size of the JPEG thumnail area 62 following it is indicated by 4 bytes. Since the size of the JPEG thumnail area 62 is fixed at 1024 bytes, its value is “1024”. The next JPEG thumnail area 62 is T
This is an area for storing JPEG thumbnail data showing a schematic image of the JPEG data stored in the total JPEG data area 60. Next Offset of Total JPEG Data area 63
Is an area indicating the offset amount from the beginning of the JPEG file in the Total JPEG data area 60.
Since there is only one Total JPEG data area 60 in the G single page file, its value is "0".
The next Offset of JPEG Thumnail area 64 is JPEG thumna
The il area 62 is an area indicating the offset amount from the beginning of the JPEG file, but since there is only one JPEG thumbnail area 62 in the JPEG single page file, the value is “100K + 4”. Next No. of
The pages area 65 is To included in the JPEG file.
The tal JPEG data area is an area showing the number of areas 60.
Total JPEG data in EG single page file
Since there is only one area 60, its value is "1". The next Maker area 66 is an area showing that the JPEG file is in a unique format,
The model name of the copy server 10 is “Color Copy Sta”.
tion ”is described.

FIG. 38 shows the J used in this embodiment.
PEG file (J that stores JPEG data for X pages
It is a format diagram of a PEG multi-page file). In this JPEG multi-page file, compared to the case of the JPEG single page file in FIG.
tal JPEG data area 60, Size of JPEG thumbnail area 6
1, and the set of JPEG thumnail area 62 is repeatedly arranged X times, and Offset of Total JPEG D
X pieces of ata area 63 and X pieces of Offset of JPEG Thumnail area 64 are arranged. Therefore, a page (npa
ge) Offset of Total JPEG Data area 63-
The value of n is the offset amount from the beginning of the JPEG file of the Total JPEG data area 60-n corresponding to the nth page, that is, “(n−1) × (100K + 4 + 1024)”. Also, Offset of a certain page (npage)
The value of the JPEG Thumnail area 64-n is the offset amount from the beginning of the JPEG file of the JPEG thumnail area 62-n corresponding to the nth page, that is, “(n-1) × (100K
+ 4 + 1024) + 100K + 4 ". Also, No. of
The value of the pages area 65 is the number of Total JPEG data areas 60 included in the JPEG file, that is, “X”.

FIG. 39 shows the T used in this embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a format diagram of an IFF file (single-page TIFF file that stores bitmap data for one page). In this case, the single page TIFF file has TIFF Header + Data area 70 and Size o in order from the beginning.
f JPEG thumnail area 71, JPEG thumnail area 72, Of
fset of TIFF Data area 73, Offset of JPEG Thumnail
Area 74, No. of pages area 75, and Maker area 7
It is composed of 6. Of these, the TIFF Header + Data area 70 corresponds to an area for storing the data of the first page in the original TIFF file, and therefore stores the header and the bitmap data for one page. Next Size o
f JPEG thumnail area 71 is the JPEG thumnail that follows it.
This is an area indicating the size of the area 72. Next JPEG thumnai
The l area 72 is an area for storing JPEG thumbnail data showing a schematic image of the bitmap data stored in the TIFF Header + Data area 70. Next Offset of TI
The FF Data area 73 is an area showing the offset amount of the bitmap data stored in the TIFF Header + Data area 70 from the beginning of the TIFF file. Next Of
The fset of JPEG Thumnail area 74 is an area indicating the offset amount from the head of the TIFF file of the JPEG thumnail area 72. The next No. of pages area 75 is an area showing the number of bitmap data included in the TIFF file, and its value is “1”. The next Maker area 76 is an area showing that the TIFF file is in a unique format, and describes the model name of the copy server 10, "Color Copy Station".

FIG. 40 shows the T used in this embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a format diagram of an IFF file (multi-page TIFF file that stores bitmap data for X pages). This multi-page TIFF file is the TIFF Heade for the bitmap data of the first page in order from the beginning.
r + Page 1 Data area 70-1, Size of Page 1 JPEG thu
mnail area 71-1, and JPEG thumnail for Page 1 areas 72-1 and X- for the bitmap data of the Xth page.
TIFF Page n Data area 70 that is arranged once repeatedly-
n, Size of Page n JPEG thumnail area 71-n, and
JPEG thumnailfor Page n area 72-n set, X Offset of TIFF page n Data area 73-n, X Of
fset of JPEG Thumnail page n area 74-n, No. of p
It is composed of an ages area 75 and a maker area 76. Of these, TIFF Header + Page1 Data area 70-1
Corresponds to an area for storing the data of the first page in the original TIFF file, and therefore stores the header and the bitmap data of the first page. Next Size of Pa
ge 1 JPEG thumnail area 71-1 is the JPEGth that follows it.
umnail for Page 1 This area indicates the size of the area 72-1. The next JPEG thumnail for Page 1 area 72-1 is
The TIFF Header + Page 1 Data area 70-1 is an area for storing JPEG thumbnail data showing a schematic image of bitmap data. The TIFF Page n Data area 70-n corresponds to an area for storing the data of the nth page in the original TIFF file, and therefore stores the bitmap data of the nth page. Next Size of
Page n JPEG thumnail area 71-n is the JPEG that follows it.
thumnail for Page n area 72-n is an area indicating the size of the area. Next JPEG thumnail for Page n area 72-n
Is an area for storing JPEG thumbnail data showing a schematic image of bitmap data stored in the TIFF Header + Page n Data area 70-n. Each Offset of TI
The FF Data areas 73-1 to X are areas indicating the offset amount of the bitmap data of the corresponding page from the head of the TIFF file. Each Offset of JPEG Thumnail pa
The gen area 74n is the JPEG thumbnail for pa for the corresponding page.
The gen area 72-n is an area indicating an offset amount from the head of the TIFF file. The next No. of pages area 75 is an area showing the number of bitmap data included in the TIFF file, and its value is “X”.
The next Maker area 76 is an area showing that the TIFF file is in a unique format, and is the model name of the copy server 10 "Color Copy Statio".
n ”is described.

Returning to FIG. 1, the LCD (liquid crystal panel) 19
Is embedded in the upper surface of the casing of the copy server 10, and the touch panel 18 forming a part of the destination setting unit and the copy condition designating unit is laid on the surface.
The LCD 19 is a monochrome two-gradation dot matrix liquid crystal panel, is driven by the input / output control unit 12, and displays the operation screen generated by the CPU 17.

FIG. 35 shows the LCD 1 in the initial state.
Operation screen displayed on 9 (Basic operation screen for copy mode)
Indicates. As shown in FIG. 35, the copy mode basic operation screen is divided into three columns of left, right and center. Of these, tabs (magnification, paper type, output destination, memory) indicating the types of main parameters are displayed in the left column 50, and the current setting contents of each parameter are displayed in the center column 51. 35 is displayed (in the example of FIG. 35, the respective parameters are set so as to output to the local printer, that is, the A4 plain paper set in the printer 21 of the own copy system 1 at the same magnification. ). A copy mode button 52 and a scan mode button 53 are displayed in the upper left corner of the copy mode basic operation screen. Since this copy mode basic operation screen is displayed when the copy server 10 is set to the copy mode, the copy mode button 52
It is in a shaded display state to show that the copy mode is currently set.

FIG. 36 shows an operation screen (scan mode basic operation screen) first displayed on the LCD 19 when the copy server 10 is set in the scan mode.
As shown in FIG. 36, the scan mode basic operation screen is divided into three columns of left, right and center. Of these, in the left column 50, tabs (user, document, resolution, mode,
Preset) is displayed, and the current setting content of each parameter is displayed in the center column 51 (in the example of FIG. 36, the resolution is 360 [dpi] and A
The parameters are set so that the document No. 4 is read in the color mode and stored in the hard disk 13 of the own copy system 1). A copy mode button 52 and a scan mode button 53 are displayed in the upper left corner of the scan mode basic operation screen. It is in a hanging display state.

Returning to FIG. 1, the touch panel 18 is an LCD.
The pressure-sensitive area sensor 19 is overlapped with 19, and a signal corresponding to the position pressed by the operator's finger is input to the input control unit 12. Note that pressing the portion of the touch panel that overlaps each display item on the LCD 19 will be simply referred to as “pressing” the display item. In this way, when each tab on the basic operation screen is pressed, the CPU 17 controls the selection branch for the parameter indicated by the tab to be displayed in a list in the central column 51 of the copy mode basic operation screen. When the scan mode button 53 in the copy mode basic operation screen is pressed, the copy server 10 is set to the scan mode under the control of the CPU 17 and the LCD 1
A basic scan mode operation screen is displayed on the screen 9. Conversely, when the copy mode button 52 in the scan mode basic operation screen is pressed, the copy server 10 is set to the copy mode by the control of the CPU 17, and L
The copy mode basic operation screen is displayed on the CD 19.

The keyboard 23 is the copy server 10
A start key, a ten-key pad, etc., provided adjacent to the touch panel 18 on the upper surface of the casing of FIG.

The input / output control unit 12 appropriately drives the LCD 19 based on the image data received from the CPU 17, and analyzes the input signal from the touch panel 18 to input the corresponding position signal to the CPU 17 or the keyboard 23. The corresponding code signal is input to the CPU 17 by analyzing the input signal from.

Next, the hardware configuration of each client terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, each client terminal 2 has a CPU 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a communication device 33, a bus controller 34, a disk drive controller (DDC) 35, a display controller 36 and an input interface 37 which are connected to each other by a bus B. A hard disk 38 and a floppy disk drive 39 connected to the disk drive controller (DDC) 35, a display 40 connected to the display controller 36, and a keyboard 41 and a mouse 42 connected to the input interface 37. ing.

The bus controller 34 is a device that manages the state of the bus B and enables data exchange between the circuits via the bus B. Disk drive controller (DD
C) 35 drives each disk drive 38, 39 according to the control from the CPU 30 to write data to each disk (hard disk 38, floppy disk 43) and to write the disk (hard disk 38,
Data is read from the floppy disk 43).

The hard disk 38 is given a unique drive name, and stores an operation system program (Windows 95 (trademark) manufactured by Microsoft Corporation) executed by the CPU 30, a communication program, and a web browser. Similar to the hard disk 13 of the copy server 10, the hard disk 38 is logically divided into a large number of directories configured in a tree structure. And in each directory,
Copy server 10 of any copy system 1, 1 ',
It is possible to store the image file downloaded from 10 'or the image file received from another client terminal 2. Note that if the viewer is compatible with the multi-page TIFF, it is possible to select from a multi-page TIFF file according to the present embodiment having the format of FIG.
TIFF Header + Page 1 Data area 70-1 and TIFF Page n
Since only the Data area 70-n can be recognized,
The TIFF files shown in FIGS. 40 and 39 are stored in the hard disk 38 as they are. However, FIG.
And J according to the present embodiment having the format of FIG.
Since the PEG file cannot be read by a general JPEG compatible viewer, only the Total JPEG data area 60 is extracted and stored in the hard disk 38.

The display controller 36 as a display section displays various images on the display 40 based on the display data generated by the CPU 30 under the control of the CPU 30.

Input interface 37 as an input unit
Is information input by the user by encoding a signal input from the mouse 42 and the keyboard 41 (a signal indicating a pressed key, vector information input by the mouse 42, a click signal input by the mouse 42). Is input to the CPU 30.

The CPU 30 is a processor (computer) for controlling the client device 2 as a whole, and functions as a management information requesting unit, a rough image JPEG file requesting unit, and an image file transmission requesting unit. RAM3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a memory used as a work area of the CPU 30, and an operation system program read from the hard disk 38 by the CPU 30 and a web browser 301 are expanded. When the power is turned on, the CPU 30 reads the BIOS program from the ROM 31 and executes the BIOS program, reads the operation system program and the web browser from the hard disk 38, expands the RAM 32, and controls the entire client terminal 10 by executing the operation program. Copy server 1 of each copy system 1
Perform packet-based communication with 0.

By executing this operation system, the CPU 30 displays the cursor on the display 40 and moves it according to the vector information input from the input interface 37, and when the click signal is input, the time point. In, the item on the screen that overlaps the cursor is identified, and it is recognized that the item has been selected (when the item is a command, the command is input) (corresponding to a part of the input section). Hereinafter, input of a click signal with the cursor over an item is simply referred to as "clicked" on that item. If vector information is input while the click signal is being continuously input, it is recognized that the object that was over the cursor at the beginning when the click signal was input is being dragged, and the click signal is input. Recognize that the item has been dropped on the item that is over the cursor when is cut.

Further, the CPU 30 executes the web browser, so that the hypertext data stored in the server 10 (“WebExplore.html” 132).
RA the Java applet 133 class file
Display data for displaying the contents of this hypertext data (“WebExplore.html” 132) is downloaded on the M32, and the Java applet is executed.

As the communication device 33, when the network NW is a LAN (Local Area Network), L
An AN card is used, and when the network NW is the Internet, a serial interface and a modem, a LAN card or a DSU is used.

In FIG. 3, the CPU 17 of the copy server 10 of each copy system 1, 1 ′ reads the control program 131 from the hard disk 13 and expands it in the RAM 11, and each client terminal 2 has a hard disk 38.
Operating system and web browser from R
It is a software block diagram which shows the relationship of each task and the program in the state expanded in AM32. As shown in FIG. 3, the tasks executed by the CPU 17 of the copy server 10 are the network receiving unit 111, 25 coexisting control units 112, HDD control 113, management unit 114, scanner unit 115, printing unit 116, and operation. It is the panel unit 118. The tasks executed by the CPU 30 of each client terminal 2 are the web browser 301 and the communication unit 302. The communication between each copy server 10 and each client terminal 2 is
Since it is performed according to the TCP / IP protocol, a unique IP address is assigned to each of the copy servers 10 and the client terminals 2 in advance.

The network receiving unit 111 of the copy server 10 is a task as an Internet server that controls the network adapter 14 and terminates the TCP / IP protocol and HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), and is stored in a packet. When the data (URL, various messages) transmitted from the network NW is received, one of the control units 112 in the empty state is activated and these data are passed to the control unit 112. FIG. 41 is a table built in the RAM 11 for managing whether each control unit 112 is in an empty state or in a busy state (a state in which another process is being executed). The network reception unit 111 searches for the control unit 112 in the empty state by referring to this table.

The control unit 112 transmits the class file of the Java applet 133 to the client terminal 2 (corresponding to the program transmission unit) according to the type of data received from the network interface unit 111 (corresponding to the program transmission unit), the client terminal 2 and other units. It responds to the copy system 1'with management information of the image file in the hard disk 13 (corresponding to a management information response unit), and downloads, copies, searches, and deletes the image file in the hard disk 13 to the HDD control unit 113. , Rename, read request, store image file from other copy system 1'in HDD 113, send image file to client terminal 2 or other copy system 1 '(image file transmission Part), client terminal 2 and other copy JP in the image file to Temu
Sends a JPEG thumbnail file that stores EG thumbnail data (corresponds to a JPEG file response unit for general images), downloads, copies, searches, deletes, renames image files to another copy system 1 '.
Send a read request.

The operation panel section 118 controls the input / output control section 12 to create data of the operation screen to be displayed on the LCD 19, and the LC of the operation screen based on the data is created.
The input / output control unit 12 is instructed to display on D19. Further, when the position data indicating the pressed position of the touch panel 18 is received from the input / output control unit 12, the display item overlapping the pressed position in the operation screen displayed on the LCD 19 at that time is specified, and this operation key is selected. The corresponding process is executed (that is, the process corresponding to the pressed display item is executed). In addition, the input / output control unit 12 to the keyboard 23
When a signal indicating the pressed key is received, the process corresponding to the type of the key is executed. For example, the operation panel unit 118 includes the copy mode button 52,
When the scan mode button 53 is pressed, the management unit 14 is notified of that fact, and when any of the tabs is pressed, a screen for selecting a parameter corresponding to the tab is displayed. When that parameter is pressed, that parameter is determined and held. And
When the start key is pressed, the management unit 114 is notified of the fact and each parameter held therein.
In addition, the operation panel unit 118 displays a display screen (copy mode basic screen, scan mode basic screen, etc.) corresponding to the display number designated in the message in response to the message from the management unit 114.
9 Display on top.

The management section 114 switches the operation mode to the copy mode or the scan mode in accordance with the push-down notification of the copy mode button 52 or the scan mode button 53 from the operation panel section 118, and in the copy mode, the scanner section 115 and the printing section 116. To execute the copy operation. In the scan mode, the scanner unit 115 is controlled to acquire image data, and the image data is converted into a JPEG file or TIF.
Convert to F file and save to hard disk 13 as H
Request the DD control unit 113.

The scanner unit 115 as the image reading unit is
SCSI for controlling the SCSI interface 15
It includes a driver and a scanner driver for controlling the scanner 20, and operates the scanner 20 in response to an instruction from the management unit 114 to receive image data obtained by reading a document. Then, in the copy mode, this image data is transferred to the printing unit 116, and in the scan mode, this image data is transferred to the HDD control unit 113.

The HDD control unit 113 as an image file storage unit accesses the hard disk 13 in response to a request from the management unit 114 and the control unit 112 to store, read, copy, move, search and delete image files. It is a task to be performed.

On the other hand, the communication unit 302 of the client terminal 2
Controls the network adapter 33 and TC
This is a task to terminate the P / IP protocol and HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), and the data stored in the packet and transmitted from the network NW (hypertext data [“WebExplore.html” 132
Etc.], the Java applet 13 that has received the Java applet class file and the image file and has been activated on the web browser 301 (or the Java applet 13 that has been activated on the web browser 301).
3) and data sent to the server 10 from the web browser 301 (or the Java applet 133 started on the web browser 301) (UR).
L, various messages) are stored in packets and sent to the network NW.

The web browser 301 sends various data (UR) to the communication unit 302 in accordance with an instruction input by the operator via the mouse 42 and keyboard 41.
L, various messages). Also, the URL
According to the hypertext (“WebExplore.html” 132 etc.) downloaded from any server according to
The image is displayed on the display 40. Further, each class file of the Java applet transmitted by the server 10 in response to the request is expanded in the RAM 32 to reproduce the Java applet (program) 133 and display the image generated by the Java applet 133.

In the hypertext data, "WebExplore.html" 132, in particular, secures an applet class file name for specifying the class file of the Java applet 133 and an area for displaying an image generated by the Java applet 133. Information and definition of various parameters given to this Java applet 133 (for example, this "WebExplore.html" 1
The name and IP of another copy system 1 ′ or client terminal 2 registered as a transmission / reception partner of the image file in the copy server 10 of the copy system 1 that has transmitted 32.
Address, etc.). Web browser 30
Copy server 1 of either copy system 1, 1 '
The URL corresponding to “WebExplore.html” 132 in 0 is transmitted, and “WebExplore.htm” is sent from within this copy server 10.
When the l ″ 132 and the class file of the Java applet 133 are downloaded, the activated Java applet 133 is the copy server 1 of the download source.
0 is communicated with and the message is directly transmitted only to the copy server 10 of the download source.

In FIG. 42, the web browser 301 displays "We
bExplore.html ”132 and Java applet 133
Image displayed on the display 40 according to (WebExplo
The initial screen 80) of re is shown. The initial screen 80 has a standard application window structure based on Windows 95 (trademark of Microsoft Corporation). That is, the title bar 81 is displayed on the top line of the initial screen 80, the menu bar 82 is displayed on the next line, and the toolbar 83 is displayed on the next line. A status bar 84 is displayed on the bottom line of the initial screen.
The area between the toolbar 83 and the status bar 84 is
It is divided into two windows 85 and 86 on the left and right.

In the title bar 81, the title "WebExplore" of the Java applet 133, a normal control box, a minimize button, a maximize button, and a close button are drawn.

Further, in the menu bar 82, each item of "file", "edit", "display", "tool" and "help" is described. When this "file" is clicked, a pull-down menu including items such as "delete" and "rename" is further displayed. Similarly, when "Edit" is clicked, a pull-down menu including items such as "Copy" and "Paste" is displayed. Similarly, when "display" is clicked, a pull-down menu including items of "file list" and "thumbnail" is displayed as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. further,
When "thumbnail" is clicked from this pull-down menu, a menu for selecting any number of "3", "6", and "9" is displayed. When "Tool" is clicked, a pull-down menu including items such as "Search" is displayed.

Further, a cut button 83a, a copy button 83b, a search button 83c, a delete button 83d, etc. are drawn on the toolbar 83.

The status bar 84 also displays the free disk space available for the selected directory.

In the left window 85, the directory names of the directories that can be referred to by the Java applet 133 are displayed in a tree structure with "Network" as the apex. In this window, the client terminal 2 itself, the copy server 10 that is the transmission source of the class files of the “WebExplore.html” 132 and the Java applet 133, and the other copy system 1 ′ registered in this copy server 10 are also included. Since the copy server 10 and the client terminal 2 are also treated as one directory, the operator can always operate the file by the same operation without being aware of the difference between the devices. In the left window 85, in the initial state, the name of the source copy server 10 of “WebExplore.html” 132, the copy server 10 of another copy system 1 ′ registered in this copy server 10 and the client terminal The name “2” and “My Computer” meaning the own client terminal are displayed as a directory under the “Network”. In the example of FIG. 42, "WebExp
The name of the transmission source copy server 10 of lore.html "132 is" O
DAE241 ", the names" ODAE240 "and" ODAE145 "of the copy server 10 of the other copy system 1'registered in this ODAE241, and" My Computer "are displayed.

Further, in the right window 86, icons and their names corresponding to the files and subdirectories in the directory selected by clicking in the left window 85 are listed and displayed. Below the right window 86, a previous page button 86a and a next page button 86b are displayed. A description of these buttons will be given later.

(Processing by Each Task) The operation of each task and each program described above will be described below in order.

<Operation Panel Section> First, the processing by the operation panel section 118 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation panel unit 118 displays the copy mode basic operation screen shown in FIG.

At the next step S002, the operation panel unit 118 checks whether or not any message is received from the management unit 114. If no message is received, it is checked in S003 whether any button on the screen or any key on the keyboard 23 is pressed. Then, if the button has not been pressed at all, the process proceeds to S00.
Return to 2.

If any button on the screen or any key on the keyboard 23 is pressed while repeating the above-described loop processing of S002 and S003, the operation panel unit 118, in S004, Determine what was pressed. And the keyboard 23
If the internal start key, the copy mode button 52 or the scan mode button 53 in the screen is pressed, the process proceeds to S006, and if any other key or button is pressed, the process proceeds to S005. . This S00
In 5, the processing corresponding to the pressed key or button is executed. For example, when any tab on the copy mode basic operation screen shown in FIG. 35 or the scan mode basic screen shown in FIG. 36 is pressed, a list of parameter options corresponding to the tab is displayed in the central column 51. And
When any specific set value in the center column 51 is pressed, the option is set in the RAM 11 as the value of the parameter. When this S005 is completed, the operation panel unit 118 performs the processing in S002.
Return to.

On the other hand, in S006, the operation panel unit 118 transmits a key information message corresponding to the pressed key or button to the management unit 114. Specifically, when the copy mode button 52 or the scan mode button 53 is pressed, the operation panel unit 118 sends a key information message indicating the type of the pressed button to the management unit 114.
When the start key is pressed, a key information message storing that the start key has been pressed and the setting values of the parameters currently set in the RAM 11 is transmitted to the management unit 114. When this S006 is completed, the operation panel unit 118 executes the processing in S
Return to 002.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S002 that any message has been received from the management unit 114, the operation panel unit 118 causes the operation panel unit 118 to execute S007.
At, the contents of the received message are checked.
Then, the received message is the display switching message (S
105, S109, S111, S122, S124), the operation panel unit 118 is
At 008, the display corresponding to the display number in the received display switching message is executed. For example, when the display number corresponding to the scan mode basic operation screen is described in the display switching message, the scan mode basic operation screen is displayed on the LCD 19. When the display number corresponding to the copy mode basic operation screen is written in the display switching message, the copy mode basic operation screen is displayed on the LCD 19. When this S008 is completed, the operation panel unit 118 executes the processing in S002.
Return to.

On the other hand, in step S009, the operation panel unit 118 executes other processing according to the received message. When S009 is completed, the operation panel unit 118 returns the process to S002.

<Management Unit> Next, the process performed by the management unit 114 will be described with reference to FIGS. In S101, the management unit 114 waits for reception of a message from the operation panel unit 118, the HDD control unit 113, the scanner unit 115 or the printing unit 116.

Upon receipt of any message, the management unit 114 checks the type of the received message in the next S102. Then, when the management unit 114 receives the key information message from the operation panel unit 118 (see S006), the process proceeds to S107, and when the process end message is received from the scanner unit 115 or the HDD control unit 113 ( S
219, S363, and S374), the process is performed in S103.
If the scanner operation state notification message is received from the scanner unit 115 (see S203), the process proceeds to S121. If the error message from the scanner unit 115 is received (see S207), the process proceeds to S11.
7, and if another message is received, the process proceeds to S120.

At S107, the management unit 114
Check the type of the pressed key or button included in the key information message. Then, when the copy mode button 52 includes the fact that the copy mode button 52 is pressed, the management unit 114 sets the current setting mode to the copy mode in S108. In the next step S109, the management unit 114 transmits to the operation panel unit 118 a display switching message in which a display number for displaying the copy mode basic operation screen (FIG. 35) is set. When this S109 is completed, the management unit 114
Returns the process to S101.

On the other hand, the scan mode button 53
When it is determined in S107 that the button has been pressed, the management unit 114 sets the current setting mode to the scan mode in S110. Next S
In 111, the management unit 114 transmits a display switching message in which a display number for displaying the scan mode basic operation screen (FIG. 36) is set to the operation panel unit 118. When this S111 is completed, the management unit 114 returns the processing to S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S107 that the start key is pressed, the management unit 114 determines in S112 whether the currently set mode is the copy mode. Check if it is in scan mode. Then, when the scan mode is set, the management unit 114 sets the S1
At 14, the scanner operation confirmation message is transmitted to the scanner unit 115. On the other hand, when the copy mode is set, the management unit 114 sets S1.
13, a copy execution request is issued to the scanner unit 115 and the printing unit 116, and the image data (scan data) acquired from the scanner 20 is transferred to the printing unit 116 by the scanning unit 115.
The printer 21 is caused to perform printing based on this scan data. In any case, the management unit 114 returns the process to S101 after the process is completed.

On the other hand, in S121 executed when the scanner operation status notification message (see S203) is received from the scanner unit 115, the management unit 114
It is checked whether the scanner status included in the scanner operation status notification information message indicates a busy status or an idle status. Then, in the case of indicating the busy state, the management unit 114 transmits, in S122, the display switching message in which the display number for performing the display indicating the busy is set to the operation panel unit 118. After the completion of S122, the management unit 11
4 returns the process to S101.

On the other hand, in the case of indicating the idle state, the management section 114 proceeds to the HD in S123.
A “scan and HDD storage request” message is sent to the D control unit 113. In the “scan and HDD storage request” message, as parameters, the document size parameter, the resolution parameter, and the storage format parameter (binary image data or 256 grayscale grayscale image data stored in the key information message are stored. , 24-bit RGB image data, whether to store in TIFF file or JPEG file), density adjustment parameter, RGB adjustment parameter, saturation and hue adjustment parameter, paper feed position parameter (on scanner 20) Whether the original is set on the flat bed or the ADF), single-sided scanning or double-sided scanning designation parameters are included.

At the next step S124, the management unit 114
Displays a display switching message in which a display number for displaying that scanning is set is displayed on the operation panel unit 1
Send to 18. After completion of S124, the management unit 114 returns the processing to S101.

On the other hand, the processing end message (S219, S36) from the scanner unit 115 or the HDD control unit 113.
3, see S374), which is executed when S10 is received.
In 3, the management unit 114 checks whether or not the scan mode is currently set. If the scan mode is not set (that is, the copy mode is set), the management unit 114
Returns the process to S101 after executing the process corresponding to the copy mode in S106.

On the other hand, when the scan mode is currently set, the management section 114 sets the S10
4, the scanner unit 115 and the HDD control unit 113
It is checked whether or not the processing end message is received from both of the above. Then, when the management unit 114 has not received the information from both parties, the processing is directly performed in S101.
However, if it is received from both sides, the process proceeds to S105. In this S105, the management unit 114
A display switch message that sets the display number for displaying the normal scan mode basic operation screen (Fig. 36) is displayed.
It is transmitted to the operation panel unit 118. S1
After the completion of 05, the management unit 114 executes the processing in S10.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, if an error message is received from the scanner unit 115 (see S207), S is executed.
At 117, the management unit 114 checks whether or not the scan mode is currently set. And
If the scan mode is not set (that is, the copy mode is set), the management unit 1
After executing the process corresponding to the copy mode in S119, the process returns to S101.

On the other hand, when the scan mode is currently set, the management section 114 sets the S11
8, the scanner unit 115 and the HDD control unit 113
A cancel message is sent to. This S1
When step 18 is completed, the management unit 114 S
Return to 101.

On the other hand, in S120 executed when another message is received, the management unit 114
The process corresponding to the message is executed. Then, when this S120 is completed, the management unit 114 returns the processing to S101.

<Scanner Unit> Next, the processing by the scanner unit 115 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In S201, the scanner unit 115 has the management unit 11
4 or waiting for a message from the HDD control unit 113.

Upon receiving any message, the scanner section 115 checks the type of the received message in S202. Then, the management unit 114
If the scanner operation confirmation request message from the HDD control unit 113 is received (see S114), the process proceeds to S203, and if the scan request message from the HDD control unit 113 is received (see S303), the process proceeds to S204. When the cancel message from 114 is received (see S118), the process proceeds to S208, and when the copy execution request from the management unit 114 is received (S113), the process proceeds to S209, and other messages are received. In that case, the process proceeds to S210.

In S203, the management unit 114
It is checked whether the scanner 20 is currently operating (busy state) or waiting (idle state), and a scanner operation state notification message in which the check result is set is transmitted to the management unit 114. Upon completion of S203, the scanner unit 115 returns the process to S201.

On the other hand, in S204 executed when the scan request message is received from the HDD control unit 113 (see S303), the scanner unit 115 causes the scanner 2
It is checked whether the paper feed position of 1 is a flat bed or ADF (auto document feeder). If the paper feed position is the flat bed, the scanner unit 115 advances the process directly to S211. On the other hand, when the paper feed position is the ADF, the scanner unit 115 checks in S205 whether or not the document is set in the ADF. When the document is not set on the ADF, the scanner unit 115
In step S207, the error message with the reason (no original) is sent to the management unit 114. When this S207 is completed, the management unit 114
Returns the process to S201. On the other hand, when the document is set in the ADF, the management unit 114
Controls the scanner 20 to feed the document set in the ADF to the reading position. After the completion of S206, the management unit 114 advances the process to S211.

At S211, the management unit 114
The scanner 20 is controlled to execute the scan according to each parameter in the scan request message received from the HDD control unit 113.

At the next step S212, the management unit 114
Is scan data for n lines from the scanner 20 (binary image data, 256 gradation grayscale image data,
Or wait to acquire 24-bit RGB image data). Then, when the scan data for n lines is acquired, the management unit 114 advances the process to S213.

At S213, the management unit 114
The scan data for n lines acquired from the scanner 20 is stored in a message and transmitted to the HDD control unit 113.

At the next step S214, the scanner section 115
It is checked whether scanning of all lines of one document has been completed. Then, if the scanning of all lines has not been completed, the scanner unit 115 performs the processing in S
Return to 212. On the other hand, when the scanning for all lines is completed, the scanner unit 115 executes the processing in S215.
Proceed to.

In step S215, the scanner unit 115 causes the scanner portion 115
Similar to 04, it is checked whether the paper feeding position of the scanner 21 is the flat bed or the ADF (auto document feeder). Then, when the paper feeding position is the flat bed, the scanner unit 115 performs the processing in S2.
Proceed to 18. On the other hand, when the paper feeding position is ADF, the scanner unit 115 determines that the A
It is checked whether or not the document set in the DF remains. And if there is any document left in the ADF,
In step S217, the scanner unit 115 transmits a scan end message in which “remaining pages exist” to the HDD control unit 113, and then the process returns to step S201.
On the other hand, if no document remains in the ADF,
The process proceeds to S218.

In step S218, the scanner unit 115 determines whether the HD
A scan end message in which “no remaining pages” is set is transmitted to the D control unit 113. In the next S219,
The scanner unit 115 is different from the management unit 114 in that
Send a processing end message. When S219 is completed, the scanner unit 115 returns the processing to S201.

On the other hand, when the cancel message is received from the management unit 114 (see S118), the scanner unit 115 suspends the operation of the scanner 20 and returns it to the idle state in S208. This S2
Upon completion of 08, the scanner unit 115 executes the process in S20.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, when a copy execution request is received from the management unit 114 (S113), S2 is executed.
In 09, the scanner unit 115 controls the scanner 20 to read a document, acquire scan data, transfer the acquired scan data to the printing unit 116, and execute a copy operation. Upon completion of S209, the scanner unit 115 returns the processing to S201.

On the other hand, in S210, which is executed when another message is received, the scanner section 115 executes the process corresponding to the message. When S210 is completed, the scanner unit 115 returns the process to S201.

<HDD Control Unit> Next, the HDD control unit 11
The process according to No. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15.
In S301, the HDD control unit 113 waits for a message from the management unit 114 or the scanner unit 115.

When any message is received, the HDD
In the next step S302, the control unit 113 checks the type of the received message. Then, the HDD control unit 1
Reference numeral 13 indicates “scan and H from the management unit 114.
When the "DD storage request" message is received (see S123), the process proceeds to S303, and when the scan data from the scanner unit 115 is received (S213), the process proceeds to S304, and the scan from the scanner unit 115 ends. When the message is received (see S217 and S218), the process proceeds to S305 and the management unit 114
When the cancel message from is received (S118
(See), the process proceeds to S306, and if another message is received, the process proceeds to S307.

In S303, the HDD control section 113 sends a scan request message to the scanner section 115. In this scan request message, as parameters, the document size parameter, resolution parameter, storage format parameter, density adjustment parameter, RGB stored in the “scan and HDD storage request” message are stored.
The adjustment parameters, the saturation and hue adjustment parameters, the paper feed position parameters, and the single-sided scan or double-sided scan designation parameters are stored as they are. Upon completion of S303, the HDD control unit 113 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, when scan data is received from the scanner unit 115 (see S213), S3 is executed.
In 04, the HDD control unit 113 is the management unit 11
According to the storage format parameter stored in the “scan and HDD storage request” message from
Check if a file is specified or a TIFF file is specified. When the JPEG file is designated, the process proceeds to S308 and the TI
When the FF file is designated, the processing is S331.
Proceed to.

In S308, the HDD controller 113 checks whether the received scan data is the scan data including the top row of any page. Then, if the received scan data is scan data including the top row of any page, the HDD control unit 113 advances the process to S309.

In S309, the HDD control section 113 executes S
The scanner unit 115 sends a scan request message at 303.
Check if the scan data of the first page has been received after sending to. Then, the HDD control unit 113
Advances the process to S314 if the scan data for the second and subsequent pages has been received, and advances the process to S310 if the scan data for the first page has been received.

In S310, the HDD control section 113 reads the R
In the work area prepared on the AM 11, the area corresponding to the Offset of Total JPEG Data areas 63-1 to X corresponding to the total number of pages of the original is cleared to 0 (that is, the numerical value is set to 0).

At the next step S311, the HDD controller 113
Clears the area corresponding to the Offset of JPEG Thumbnail areas 64-1 to X corresponding to the total number of pages of the document in the work area prepared on the RAM 11 (that is, sets the numerical value to 0).

At the next step S312, the HDD controller 113
Is the No. of P in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The area corresponding to the ages area 65 is cleared to 0 (that is, the numerical value is set to 0).

In the next S313, the HDD control unit 113
Sets "Color Copy Station" in an area corresponding to the Marker area 66 in the work area prepared on the RAM 11. Upon completion of S313, the HDD controller 113 advances the process to S314.

In S314, the HDD control section 113 R
In the work area prepared on the AM 11, the area corresponding to the Size of JPEG thumbnail area 61 for the page corresponding to the received scan data is cleared to 0 (that is, the numerical value is set to 0).

At the next step S315, the HDD controller 113
Is the Total JP for the page corresponding to the received scan data.
A header part to be stored in the EG Data area 60 is created.

In the next S316, the HDD control unit 113
Performs JPEG compression on the received scan data.

In the next S317, the HDD control unit 113
Creates a data portion to be stored in the page total JPEG data area 60 corresponding to the received scan data, based on the JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression in S316.

In the next S318, the HDD control unit 113
Summarizes the header section created in S315 and the data section created in S317 as a JPEG file, and attaches a temporary file name "ActualData.JPG",
It is stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13.

At the next step S319, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the JPEG thu for the page corresponding to the received scan data.
A header part to be stored in the mbnail area 62 is created.

At the next step S320, the HDD controller 113
Performs JPEG compression on the received scan data while reducing the resolution for thumbnails.

At the next step S321, the HDD controller 113
Is the header part created in S319 and JP in S320.
The JPEG data obtained by EG compression is put together as a JPEG file, and the temporary file name “Thum
bData.JPG ”is added and stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13.

At the next step S322, the HDD controller 113
Is the Size of JPEG thumbna for the page corresponding to the received scan data in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The data length of the JPEG file for thumbnail created in S321 is set in the area corresponding to the il area 61.
Upon completion of S322, the HDD controller 113 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, if the received scan data is not scan data including the top row of any page, S3 is executed.
If the determination is made in 08, the HDD control unit 113 advances the process to S323. In S323, the HDD control unit 113 JPEG-compresses the received scan data.

At the next step S324, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Reads out the JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” stored in the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13 and adds the JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression in S323 to the data part thereof.

In the next S325, the HDD control unit 113
Is the JPEG file "ActualDa" after the addition in S324.
Overwrite "ta.JPG" in the hard disk 13.

At the next step S326, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Performs JPEG compression on the received scan data while reducing the resolution for thumbnails.

At the next step S327, the HDD controller 113
Reads the JPEG file “ThumbData.JPG” stored in the image file area 134 of the hard disk 113, and adds the JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression in S326 to the data portion.

At the next step S328, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the JPEG file “ThumbDat after the addition in S326.
a.JPG ”is overwritten on the hard disk 13.

At the next step S329, the HDD controller 113
Is the Size of JPEG thumbna for the page corresponding to the received scan data in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
In the area corresponding to the il area 61, the data length of the JPEG file for thumbnail overwritten in S328 is set. Upon completion of S329, the HDD controller 113 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, in S331, the HDD control unit 113
Checks whether the received scan data is scan data including the top row of any page. If the received scan data is scan data including the top row of any page, the HDD control unit 113
Advances the process to S332.

In S332, the HDD control section 113 determines the S
The scanner unit 115 sends a scan request message at 303.
Check if the scan data of the first page has been received after sending to. Then, the HDD control unit 113
Advances the process to S340 if the scan data for the second and subsequent pages has been received, and advances the process to S333 if the scan data for the first page has been received.

In S333, the HDD control section 113 reads the R
In the work area prepared on the AM 11, the area corresponding to the Offset of TIFF Data areas 73-1 to X corresponding to the total number of pages of the document is cleared to 0 (that is, the numerical value is set to 0).

At the next step S334, the HDD controller 113
Clears the area corresponding to the Offset of JPEG Thumbnail areas 74-1 to 7-4X corresponding to the total number of pages of the document in the work area prepared on the RAM 11 (that is, sets the numerical value to 0).

In the next S335, the HDD control unit 113
Is the No. of P in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The area corresponding to the ages area 75 is cleared to 0 (that is, the numerical value is set to 0).

In the next S336, the HDD control unit 113
Sets "Color Copy Station" in an area corresponding to the Marker area 66 in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.

At the next S337, the HDD control unit 113
Clears the area corresponding to the Size of Page 1 JPEG thumbnail area 71-1 for the first page in the work area prepared on the RAM 11 to 0 (that is, sets the numerical value to 0).

At the next step S338, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the TIFF Header + Page 1 Data area 70-1 for the first page
Create a header part to be stored in.

In the next S339, the HDD control unit 113
Collects the received scan data and the header part created in S338 as a TIFF file, and temporarily stores the temporary file name “ActualData.Tif” in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13. When this S339 is completed, the HDD control unit 113
Advances the process to S342.

On the other hand, in S340, the HDD control unit 113 determines that the work area prepared in the RAM 11 is
Size of page for the page corresponding to the received scan data
n JPEG thumbnail area 71-n
Clear 0 (that is, set the value to 0).

In the next S341, the HDD control unit 113
Converts the received scan data into the TIFF file format, and adds the temporary file name "Ac
“TualData.Tif” is added and stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13. Upon completion of S341, the HDD control unit 113 advances the process to S342.

In step S342, the HDD control section 113 determines the JPEG thumbnail for the page corresponding to the received scan data.
A header part to be stored in the areas 72-1 to X is created.

At the next step S343, the HDD controller 113
Performs JPEG compression on the received scan data while reducing the resolution for thumbnails.

In the next S344, the HDD control unit 113
Is the header part created in S342 and JP in S342.
The JPEG data obtained by EG compression is put together as a JPEG file, and the temporary file name “Thum
bData.JPG ”is added and stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13.

In the next S345, the HDD control unit 113
Is the Size of JPEG thumbna for the page corresponding to the received scan data in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The data length of the thumbnail JPEG file created in S344 is set in the areas corresponding to the il areas 71-1 to X. When this S345 is completed, the HDD control unit 113
Returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, if the received scan data is not scan data including the top row of any page, S3 is executed.
When determined in 31, the HDD control unit 113 advances the process to S346. In step S346, the HDD control unit 113 determines the image file area 1 of the hard disk 13.
TIFF file “ActualData.T” stored in 34
Read "if" and add the received scan data to the data part.

At the next step S347, the HDD controller 113
Is the TIFF file "ActualDa" after the addition in S346.
"ta.Tif" is overwritten in the hard disk 13.

In the next S348, the HDD control unit 113
Performs JPEG compression on the received scan data while reducing the resolution for thumbnails.

At the next step S349, the HDD controller 113
Reads out the JPEG file "ThumbData.JPG" stored in the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13 and adds the JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression in S348 to the data portion.

At the next step S350, the HDD controller 113
Is the JPEG file “ThumbDat after the addition in S349.
a.JPG ”is overwritten on the hard disk 13.

At the next step S351, the HDD controller 113
Is the Size of JPEG thumbna for the page corresponding to the received scan data in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The data length of the thumbnail JPEG file overwritten in S350 is set in the areas corresponding to the il areas 71-1 to X. When this S351 is completed, the HDD control unit 113
Returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, in S305 executed when the scan end message is received from the scanner section 115 (see S217 and S218), the HDD control section 113 is executed.
From the management unit 114, "scan and HDD
Is the JPEG file specified by the storage format parameter stored in the "storage request" message?
Check if an IFF file is specified. Then, if the JPEG file is designated, the process proceeds to S352, and if the TIFF file is designated, the process proceeds to S364.

In S352, the HDD controller 113 reads the R
In the work area prepared on the AM 11, the Total JPEG Data area 6 for the page is set in the area corresponding to the Offset of Total JPEG Data area 63 for the page for which scanning has been completed.
An appropriate value of the offset amount of 0 (that is, Total JPEG Data area 60 for all pages before the page, Size of JPEG thumbnai
The total data length of the l area 61 and the JPEG thumbnail area 62) is set.

At the next step S353, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the Offset of JPEG Thumbnail area 6 for the page for which scanning has been completed in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
An appropriate value of the offset amount of the JPEG thumbnail area 62 for the page (that is, Total JPEG Data area 60 for all pages before the page, Size of JPEG thumbn
Data length sum of ail area 61 and JPEG thumbnail area 62 + Total JPEG Data area 60 and Size of J for the page
PEG thumbnail area 61 total data length) is set.

At the next step S354, the HDD controller 113
Is the No. of P in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The value of the area corresponding to the ages area 65 is incremented by one.

In the next S356, the HDD control unit 113
Indicates "There is a remaining page" in the received scan end message.
Check whether is set or "no remaining pages" is set. If "remaining pages exist" is set, the process advances to step S357 to "remaining pages not exist".
If is set, the process proceeds to S360.

In S357, the HDD control unit 113 checks whether the page for which scanning has been completed is the first page. If it is the first page, the HDD
The control unit 113, in S358, the hard disk 1
JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” in 3 and JPE
Combine the G file "ThumbData.JPG", and temporarily attach the temporary file name "PreviousData.JPG",
It is stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13. After the completion of S358, the HDD control unit 11
3 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, if it is not the first page,
The HDD control unit 113, in S359, the JPEG file “PreviousData.JPG” in the hard disk 13.
Similarly, the JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” and the JPEG file “ThumbData.
By connecting "JPG" in order, hard disk 1
Update the JPEG file “PreviousData.JPG” in 3. After the completion of S359, the HDD control unit 113 returns the processing to S301.

On the other hand, S executed when "no remaining pages" is set (when scanning of the last page is completed).
In 360, the HDD control unit 113 checks whether the document has a single page. Then, when it is determined that the document is composed of a single page (that is, the page for which scanning has been completed is the first page), the HDD control unit 113
In S361, the JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” and the JPEG file “Thum in the hard disk 13
bData.JPG ”and each file management data on the RAM 11 (that is, Size of JPEG thumbnail area 61, Offset of
Total JPEG Data area 63, Offset of JPEG Thumbnail
The area 64, the No. of pages area 65 and the data set in the area corresponding to the Mreker area 66) are combined according to a predetermined format (the format of the JPEG single page file shown in FIG. 37). Then, the “scan and HDD from the management unit 114
The hard disk 1 is given a file name corresponding to the file format (JPEG file in this case) specified by the storage format parameter in the "storage request" message.
3 is stored in the root of the image file area 134. Upon completion of S361, the HDD controller 113 advances the process to S363.

On the other hand, if the manuscript consists of multiple pages, S
If the determination is made at 360 (that is, the page for which scanning has been completed is not the first page), the HDD control unit 113
At S362, the JPE in the hard disk 13
G file “PreviousData.JPG”, JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” and JPEG file “ThumbData.
JPG ”and each file management data on the RAM 11 (ie,
Size of JPEG thumbnail area 61-1 to X for each page, Offset of Total JPEG Data area 63-1 to X for each page,
Offset of JPEG Thumbnail area 64-1 to X for each page
The No. of pages area 65 and the data set in the area corresponding to the Mreker area 66) are combined according to a predetermined format (JPEG multi-page file format shown in FIG. 38). Then, a file name corresponding to the file format (JPEG file in this case) designated by the storage format parameter in the “scan and HDD storage request” message from the management unit 114 is added, and the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13 is added. Store in the root of. Upon completion of S362, the HDD controller 113 advances the process to S363.

In S363, the HDD control section 113 sends a processing end message to the management section 114. When this S363 is completed, the HDD control unit 11
3 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, in S364, the HDD controller 113
Is a TIFF Header + Data area 70 (70-1) or TIFF page for the page in the area corresponding to the Offset of TIFF Data area 73 for the page for which scanning has been completed in the work area prepared on the RAM 11. Proper value of the offset amount of the n data area 70-n (that is, for all pages before the page)
TIFF Header + Data area 70 (70-1) or TIFF pag
en data area 70-n, Size of JPEG thumbnail area 7
1 and JPEG thumbnail area 72 data length sum) are set.

At the next step S365, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the Offset of JPEG Thumbnail area 7 for the page for which scanning has been completed in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
An appropriate value of the offset amount of the JPEG thumbnail area 72 for the page (that is, TIFF Header + Data area 70 (70-1) for all pages before the page or TI
FF page n data area 70-n, Size of JPEG thumbnail
Data length sum of area 71 and JPEG thumbnail area 72 +
TIFF Header + Data area 70 (70-1) for that page or TIFF page n data area 70-n and Size of JPEG thu
The total data length of the mbnail area 71) is set.

At the next step S366, the HDD control unit 113 is executed.
Is the No. of P in the work area prepared on the RAM 11.
The value of the area corresponding to the ages area 75 is incremented by one.

At the next step S367, the HDD controller 113
Indicates "There is a remaining page" in the received scan end message.
Check whether is set or "no remaining pages" is set. If "remaining pages exist" is set, the process advances to step S358 to "remaining pages not exist".
If is set, the process proceeds to S371.

In S368, the HDD control section 113 checks whether or not the page for which scanning has been completed is the first page. If it is the first page, the HDD
The control unit 113, in S369, the hard disk 1
TIFF file “ActualData.Tif” in 3 and JPE
Combine the G file "ThumbData.JPG", and temporarily attach the temporary file name "PreviousData.Tif",
It is stored in the root of the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13. After the completion of S369, the HDD control unit 11
3 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, if it is not the first page,
In S370, the HDD control unit 113 causes the TIFF file “PreviousData.Tif” in the hard disk 13 to be displayed.
Similarly, the TIFF file “ActualData.Tif” and the JPEG file “ThumbData.
By connecting "JPG" in order, hard disk 1
3. Update the TIFF file “PreviousData.Tif” in 3. After the completion of S370, the HDD control unit 113 returns the processing to S301.

On the other hand, S executed when "no remaining pages" is set (when scanning of the last page is completed)
In 371, the HDD control unit 113 checks whether or not the document has a single page. Then, when it is determined that the document is composed of a single page (that is, the page for which scanning has been completed is the first page), the HDD control unit 113
In step S372, the TIFF file “ActualData.Tif” and the JPEG file “Thum in the hard disk 13 are stored.
bData.JPG ”and each file management data on the RAM 11 (that is, Size of JPEG thumbnail area 71, Offset of
TIFF Data area 73, Offset of JPEG Thumbnail area 7
4, No. of pages area 75 and Mreker area 76) and a predetermined area (the format of the single page TIFF file shown in FIG. 39) are combined. Then, a file name corresponding to the file format (TIFF file in this case) designated by the storage format parameter in the “scan and HDD storage request” message from the management unit 114 is added, and the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13 is added. Store in the root of. This S372
When the process is completed, the HDD control unit 113 performs the process in S374.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if the manuscript consists of multiple pages, S
If the determination is made in step 371 (that is, the page for which scanning has been completed is not the first page), the HDD control unit 113
In S373, the TIF in the hard disk 13
F file “PreviousData.Tif”, TIFF file “ActualData.Tif” and JPEG file “ThumbData.Tif”.
JPG ”and each file management data on the RAM 11 (ie,
Size of JPEG thumbnail area 71-1 to X for each page, Offset of TIFF Data area 73-1 to X for each page, Offset of JPEG Thumbnail area 74-1 to X for each page, No. of
The pages area 75 and the data set in the area corresponding to the Mreker area 76) are combined according to a predetermined format (the format of the JPEG multi-page file shown in FIG. 40). Then, a file name corresponding to the file format (JPEG file in this case) designated by the storage format parameter in the “scan and HDD storage request” message from the management unit 114 is added, and the image file area 134 of the hard disk 13 is added. Store in the root of. Upon completion of S373, the HDD control unit 113 advances the process to S374.

In S374, the HDD control section 113 sends a processing end message to the management section 114. When this S374 is completed, the HDD control unit 11
3 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, in S306 executed when the cancel message is received from the management unit 114, the HDD control unit 113 causes the file related to the document being scanned (that is, the JPEG file “PreviousDa”).
ta.JPG ”or TIFF file“ PreviousData.Tif ”,
JPEG file “ActualData.JPG” or TIFF file “ActualData.Tif” and JPEG file “ThumbD
ata.JPG ") is erased from the hard disk 13. Upon completion of S306, the HDD control unit 113 returns the process to S301.

On the other hand, in S307, which is executed when another message is received, the HDD control section 113 executes the process corresponding to the message. This S307
When the process is completed, the HDD control unit 113 performs the process in S301.
Return to.

<Web Browser> Next, referring to the flowchart in FIG. 16, the process executed by the web browser 301 in each client terminal 2 will be described in "WebExplorer".
The description will focus on the case where the URL of "e" is input.
When the URL of "xplore" is input, in S401,
This URL is transmitted to the copy server 10 of one of the copy systems 1 via the communication unit 302. The copy system 1 to which the URL is sent is hereinafter referred to as a primary copy system.

When the copy server 10 of the primary copy system 1 transmits the hypertext "WebExplore.html" in response to the transmission of this URL, the web browser 301 sends the hypertext data "WebExplore.html" at S302. html ”is received.

Next, the web browser 301 displays the S40
3 received hypertext data "WebExp
In accordance with "lore.html", a Java applet image file area is secured, and the Java applet class file whose applet class file name is specified in the hypertext data "WebExplore.html" is sent via the communication unit 302. The copy server 10 of the primary copy system 1 is requested.

Next, the web browser 301 displays the S40
In step 4, the reception of all the requested Java applet class files is completed. Then, when all the class files have been received, the web browser 301 sets S405.
In the Java applet 133, the Java applet 133 is restored from all the received class files.
To start. After the above, the web browser 301
Continue normal processing.

<Java Applet> Next, in the present embodiment, hypertext data “WebExplore.html”.
J whose applet class file name is specified in
The processing by the ava applet 133 is shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S101, the Java applet 133 activated in step S405 displays the initial screen 80 shown in FIG. However, at this time, the left and right windows 85 and 86 of the initial screen 80 are left blank.

In the next S502, Java applet 1
33 is a primary copy system 1, a secondary copy system 1 ', and other client terminals in a window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80 according to various parameters described in the hypertext data "WebExplore.html" received in S402. The names and icons of 2 are displayed in a tree. Further, the hard disk 38 of the own client terminal 2 is accessed to additionally display the character and icon of My Computer in the window 85.

At the next step S503, the Java applet 1
The reference numeral 33 determines, based on the input signal from the input interface 37, whether or not any operation event has occurred. Then, when it is determined that some operation event has occurred, the Java applet 133 determines in S504.
In, check the type of operation event that occurred.

If it is determined in S504 that the display type selection operation has occurred, that is, "display" in the menu bar 82 of the initial screen 80 is clicked,
If "File list" or "Thumbnail" in the pull-down menu that is displayed after that is clicked, J
The ava applet 133 advances the process to S505.
In step S505, the Java applet 133 stores the selected display type, that is, "file list display" or "thumbnail display" corresponding to the clicked name. Upon completion of S505, the Java applet 133 returns the processing to S503.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S504 that the operation for changing the number of display thumbnails has occurred, "display" in the menu bar 82 of the initial screen 80 is clicked,
If "thumbnail" in the pull-down menu displayed after that is clicked and "3", "6" or "9" is clicked in the menu displayed after that, Ja
The va applet 133 advances the processing to S506. In step S506, the Java applet 133 stores the number of selected thumbnails, that is, the number of clicks. When this S506 is completed, Java applet 1
33 returns the process to S503.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S504 that the click operation of any directory has occurred, that is, any icon or character currently displayed in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80 (hereinafter, simply , Directory) is clicked, the Java applet 133 advances the process to S508. In S508, the Java applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1 and transmits a file list request packet specifying the path name corresponding to the clicked directory (corresponding to the management information request unit).

In the next S509, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response of the file information (see S715) to the file list request packet transmitted in S508. This file information (file management information) includes the directory name of each subdirectory in the directory indicated by the path name in the file list request packet, the file name of each file stored in the directory indicated by the path name, and the file The size, the file attribute, the time stamp and the number of pages, and the available free disk space in the directory indicated by the path name are included.

When this file information is returned, Ja
The va applet 133 executes the processing from S509 to S510.
Proceed to. In this S510, Java applet 13
3 displays the free disk capacity on the status bar 84 of the initial screen 80 based on the free disk capacity included in the file information, and the window 8 on the left side of the initial screen 80 based on the subdirectory name included in the file information.
Update the tree displayed in 5. That is, as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, each sub-directory name and its icon are displayed in a tree structure in the hierarchy below the clicked directory.

At the next step S511, the Java applet 1
33 checks whether the display type stored in S505 is file list display or thumbnail display. Then, when the file list display is stored, in S512, the file list display is performed based on the file information returned in S509. That is, as shown in FIG. 44, in the window 86 on the right side of the initial screen,
The file name, file size, file attribute, time stamp, and page number of each file included in the file information are listed in order from the top (corresponding to the display unit). This S
Upon completion of 512, the Java applet 133 returns the processing to S503.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S511 that thumbnail display is stored, the Java applet 133 determines in S513 that the first file included in the file information returned in S509. Identify your name. Upon completion of S509, the Java applet 133 advances the process to S510.

In 510, the Java applet 133
Initializes the variable n to "0". Then Java
The applet 133 executes the loop processing of S515 to S520 in order to receive the JPEG thumbnail data corresponding to each file name included in the file information.

In the first step S515 after entering this loop processing, the Java applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1, and steps S513, S521, S52.
4 or a file download request packet specifying the file name specified in S525, its path name, and the requested file type (here, JPEG thumbnail file) is transmitted (corresponding to the JPEG file request unit for general image).

At the next step S516, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response (see S727) of the JPEG thumbnail file (JPEG file for general image) to the file download request packet transmitted in S515.

When the JPEG thumbnail file is returned, the Java applet 133 advances the process from S516 to S517. In step S517, the Java applet 133 saves the received thumbnail JPEG file in the RAM 32.

In the next S518, Java applet 1
33 increments the variable n by one.

At the next step S519, with respect to all the file names included in the file information received at step S509, S51
It is checked whether the file download request packet No. 5 has been transmitted. Then, if the file download request packet has not been transmitted for all the file names, the Java applet 133 executes the processing in S5.
Proceed to 20.

In S520, the Java applet 133 is
Checks whether the variable n and the number of thumbnails stored in S506 match. And the variable n is still
Does not reach the number of thumbnails, the Java applet 133 identifies the next file name in the file information in S521, and then performs a process for transmitting a file download request packet relating to the newly identified file name. To S515.

As a result of repeating the above loop processing of S515 to S521, when the file download request packet transmission is completed for all the file names in the file information, the Java applet 133 executes the processing in S51.
9 to S522. If the variable n matches the number of thumbnails, the Java applet 133 advances the process from S520 to S522.

In S522, the Java applet 133 is
On the basis of the JPEG thumbnail file saved in the RAM 32, as shown in FIG.
A thumbnail is displayed in the window 86 on the right side of 0 (corresponding to the display unit). In this case, for a file name in which the number of pages in the file information is “1”, as shown in A in FIG. 45, a thumbnail image based on the JPEG thumbnail data in the JPEG thumbnail file responding to the file name ( (Schematic image) 87, page 1 of 1 (Page 1 OF 1) 88, its file name 89, and file size 90 are displayed vertically. On the other hand, for a file name in which the number of pages in the file information is a plurality of pages (probably X pages), as shown in B in FIG. 45, images are displayed on the upper edge and the right edge of the thumbnail image 87. Are added with an edge 87a that makes them appear to overlap. Further, between the thumbnail image 87 and the file name 89, a message (Page Y of X) 91 indicating that it is the Y-th page (initially “1”) of the X-pages is displayed. However, Y indicating "page" is displayed in the text box 88b to which the scroll bar 88a is attached. Therefore, by operating the scroll bar 88a with a mouse, the value of Y displayed in the text box 88b is changed to X.
It is possible to increase or decrease within the range of. When this S522 is completed, the Java applet 133
The process returns to S503.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S504 that the click operation of the previous page or next page button has occurred, that is, as shown in FIG. 45, the previous page displayed in the window 86 on the right side in the thumbnail display. When the button 86a or the next page button 86b is clicked, the Java applet 133 advances the processing to S523.

In step S523, the Java applet 133 is sent.
Checks whether the previous page button 86a or the next page button 86b has been clicked. Then, the Java applet 133 advances the processing to S524 when the previous page button 86a is clicked, and advances the processing to S525 when the next page button 86b is clicked. In S524, the Java applet 133
From the file information returned in the latest S509 for the current directory, the file name next to the last file name whose thumbnail is currently displayed in the window 86,
Identify. On the other hand, in S525, the Java applet 133 determines that the latest S
From the file information returned in 509, the current window 86
The file name before the file name at the top where the thumbnail is displayed is identified by the number of thumbnails stored in S506. In any case, Java
The applet 133 then advances the process to S514. Since the processing of S514 and thereafter is already described, the description thereof is omitted here.

On the other hand, in S504, the display page No. of the multi-page file is displayed. When it is recognized that an update operation has occurred, that is, the number of pages Y displayed in the text box 88b because the scroll bar 88a of any thumbnail displayed on the right window 86 is operated by the mouse 42. If is increased or decreased, the Java applet 133 advances the processing to S526.

In S526, the Java applet 133 is
Is a file name (that is, a file name described below the text box 88b in which the number of pages Y is increased / decreased) linked with the primary copy system 1 and updated, its path name, and file type (here, JPEG). A thumbnail file) and a file download request packet specifying the number of requested pages (that is, the page number Y after the increase / decrease) are transmitted (corresponding to a JPEG file request unit for rough images).

In the next S527, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response (see S727) of the JPEG thumbnail file (JPEG file for general image) to the file download request packet transmitted in S526.

If the JPEG thumbnail file is returned, the Java applet 133 advances the process from S527 to S528. In step S528, the Java applet 133 saves the received thumbnail JPEG file in the RAM 32.

At the next step S529, the Java applet 1
33 is a thumbnail image 8 displayed on the text box 88b in which the page number Y is increased or decreased based on the JPEG thumbnail file saved in the RAM 32.
7 is updated. As a result, a thumbnail image (outline image) 87 corresponding to the increased or decreased number of pages Y is displayed. When this S529 is completed, Java applet 1
33 returns the process to S503.

On the other hand, if it is recognized in S504 that the file drop operation has occurred, that is, any file name (and the icon or thumbnail image 87 corresponding thereto) displayed in the right window 86 is dragged. Then, if it is dropped on any directory name (or its icon) displayed in the left window 85, the Java applet 133 advances the processing to S530.

In S530, the Java applet 133
Advances the process to S531 if the drop destination is My Computer (or a directory belonging to the lower hierarchy),
If the drop destination is another directory name, the process proceeds to S53.
Go to 5.

In S531, the Java applet 133 is
Links with the primary copy system 1 to copy the file name of the copy source (that is, the dragged file name) and its path name, and the copy destination drive name (that is, the own client terminal 2 of the directory to which the file name is dropped). A file download request packet specifying the drive name of the hard disk 38), its path name, and the file type (here, an image file containing all data) is transmitted.

At the next step S532, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response (see S727) of the image file (JPEG file or TIFF file) to the file download request packet transmitted in S531.

If the image file is replied, Java
The applet 133 advances the process from S532 to S533. In this S533, the Java applet 133
Writes the received image file in the directory indicated by the copy destination path name in the copy destination drive.

At the next step S534, the Java applet 1
33 checks whether or not all the image files corresponding to the file download request in S531 have been received. If all the image files have not been received, the process returns to S532. On the contrary,
When all image files have been received, Java
The applet 133 returns the process to S503.

On the other hand, in S535, the Java applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1 and sets the copy source file name (ie, dragged file name) and its path name and copy destination drive name (ie, file name). A file copy request packet specifying the copy server 10 to which the name-dropped directory belongs or the hard disk drive 13 or 38 of another client terminal 2) and its path name is transmitted (corresponding to a file transmission request unit).

In the next S536, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response to the file download request packet transmitted in S535. If there is a response, the Java applet 133 indicates that the copy has been normally accepted in the next S537 (S730, S73).
3, S736, S740) or an error is checked. Then, when an error is returned, the Java applet 133 returns S
In 542, after displaying an error on the screen, the process returns to S503. On the other hand, when the response that the copy is normally accepted is returned, the Java applet 133 advances the processing to S538. In step S538, the Java applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1 and transmits a copy status confirmation packet for confirming the copy end. In this copy status confirmation packet, the processing number,
The copy source file name and its path name and the copy destination drive name and its path name are stored.

In the next S539, the Java applet 1
33 checks the contents of the response to the copy status confirmation packet in S538 (see S742 and S746). Then, when the error is responded, the Java applet 133 displays the error on the screen in S542 and then returns the processing to S503. On the other hand, the fact that it is continuing (that is, the processing progress <10
0%), Java applet 13
In step S540, after displaying the fact that the copying is being continued and the processing progress in step S540, the processing in step S538 is performed.
Return to. On the other hand, if a response indicating that the copying has been completed (that is, processing progress = 100%) is returned, the Java applet 133 displays in step S541 that copying has ended, and then the processing proceeds to step S503. return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S504 that a file search operation has occurred, that is, the initial screen 8
0 is displayed by clicking “Edit” in the menu bar 82 and then clicking “Search” in the pull-down menu that is displayed thereafter, or by clicking the search button 83c in the toolbar 83. When the search path and the search target file name or the search target directory name are input in the search dialog (not shown), the Java applet 133 advances the process to S542.

In S542, the Java applet 133 is
Is whether or not the search path entered in the search dialog (not shown) includes the drive name in the own client terminal 2.
To check. Then, if the search path does not include the drive name in the own client terminal 2, the Java applet 133 advances the process directly to S544. On the other hand, when the search path includes the drive name in the own client terminal 2, the Java applet 133 uses S
In 543, after executing the file search in the hard disk 38 of the own client terminal 2, the process is performed in S54.
Go to 4.

In this S544, the Java applet 1
33 links with the primary copy system 1,
A file search request packet including the search range (search path range) and the search target file name or the search target directory name input in a search dialog (not shown) as parameters is transmitted.

In the next S545, the Java applet 1
33 waits for a response (see S751) to the file search request packet transmitted in S544. When there is a response, the Java applet 133 sends the next S546.
At, it is checked whether the search is normally completed based on the response content. If the search is not completed normally, the Java applet 133 returns S54.
In 8, the process returns to S503 after displaying an error on the screen.

On the other hand, when the search is completed normally, the Java applet 133 displays all the search results (search results in S543 and search results included in the response) on the screen. indicate. When this S547 is completed, the Java applet 133 executes the processing in S503.
Return to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S504 that a file delete operation has occurred, that is, the right window 8
Any file name displayed in 6 or the left window 8
After clicking any of the directory names displayed in No. 5, "File" in the menu bar 82 of the initial screen 80 was clicked, and "Delete" was clicked in the pull-down menu displayed after that. If, or if the delete button 83d in the toolbar 83 is clicked after clicking any file name or directory name, the Java applet 133 advances the process to S549.

In S542, the Java applet 133 is
Is the deletion path (that is, the path corresponding to the clicked file name or directory name)
Check whether the drive name in is included. Then, when the deletion path includes the drive name in the own client terminal 2, the Java applet 133 uses S552.
In, the deletion target file (the file indicated by the clicked file name) or the deletion target directory (the directory indicated by the clicked directory name) is deleted from the hard disk 38 of the client terminal 2.
When this S552 is completed, Java applet 133
Advances the process to S553.

On the other hand, when the deletion path does not include the drive name in the own client terminal 2, the Java applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1 in S550 to search for the file name or the search target file name. A file deletion request packet including a directory name and its path name as parameters is transmitted. In the next step S551, the Java applet 133 sets the step S550.
The system waits for a response (see S756) to the file deletion request packet transmitted in. If there is a response, Ja
The va applet 133 advances the processing to S553.

[0229] In S553, the HDD control section 113 determines the S
Execution result of file deletion processing in 552, or S5
At 51, based on the response received from the primary copy system 1, it is checked whether or not the file has been deleted normally. If the file is not deleted normally, the Java applet 133 sends S555
In S, after displaying the error on the screen,
Return to 503.

[0230] On the other hand, when the file is deleted normally, the Java applet 133 returns S554.
In step S552, the execution result of the file deletion process,
Alternatively, in S551, the free disk space displayed on the status bar 84 is rewritten to that after file deletion based on the parameter included in the response received from the primary copy system 1. Upon completion of S554, the Java applet 133 executes the processing in S503.
Return to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S504 that the file rename operation has occurred, that is, any file name displayed in the right window 86 or any directory displayed in the left window 85. After the name is clicked, "File" in the menu bar 82 of the initial screen 80 is clicked, "Rename" in the pull-down menu displayed after that is clicked, and a new file name or directory name is further clicked. When input from the keyboard 41, the Java applet 133
Advances the process to S556.

At S556, the Java applet 133 is
Checks whether the rename path (that is, the path corresponding to the clicked file name or directory name) includes the drive name in the own client terminal 2. If the rename path includes the drive name in the own client terminal 2, the Java applet 133 uses S
In 559, the actual name of the rename target file (file indicated by the clicked file name) or rename target directory (directory indicated by the clicked directory name) in the hard disk 38 is
The name is changed to the name input from the keyboard 41. This S
When 559 is completed, the HDD control unit 113 executes the processing in S
Proceed to 560.

On the other hand, if the rename path does not include the drive name in the own client terminal 2, then Java
In step S557, the a-applet 133 links with the primary copy system 1 and transmits a file rename request packet including the rename target file name or rename target directory name, its path name, and the name input from the keyboard 41 as parameters. To do. In the next S558, the Java applet 133 is
It waits for a response (see S761) to the file rename request packet transmitted in 7. If there is a response,
The Java applet 133 advances the processing to S560.

At S560, the HDD control section 113 proceeds to S
Based on the execution result of the file renaming process in 559 or the response received from the primary copy system 1 in S558, it is checked whether or not the file renaming is normally done. If the file rename is not normally done, the Java applet 133
After displaying an error on the screen in S562, returns the process to S503.

On the other hand, if the file renaming is normally done, the Java applet 133 sends S5
At 61, the display of the clicked file name or directory name is changed to the name input from the keyboard 41. When this S561 is completed, the Java applet 133 returns the processing to S503.

On the other hand, if another event occurs in S504, the Java applet 133 determines in S507.
In, after executing the process corresponding to the event, the process returns to S503.

<Network Receiving Unit> Next, the process performed by the network receiving unit 111 on the copy server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, the network receiver 111 is
In S601, it waits for a packet to be received from any one of the client terminals 2 or the copy server 10 (control unit 112) of another copy system 1 ′ via the network NW. When any packet is received, S
At 602, one of the control units 112 in the empty state is selected based on the control unit management table (FIG. 41) stored in the RAM 11.

At the next step S603, the network receiver 1
11 is, regarding the control unit 112 selected in S602,
Information recorded in the control unit management table is "empty"
To "busy".

At the next step S604, the network receiver 1
11 extracts the message from the packet received in S601 and notifies it to the control unit 112 selected in S602. Upon completion of S604, the network reception unit 111 returns the processing to S601 and waits for the next packet.

<Control Unit> Next, the processing by each control unit 112 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 to 34. Each control unit 112 receives a message from the network interface unit 111 in S701 (S60
(See 4)). Upon receiving the message from the network interface unit 111, the control unit 112
In step S702, the type of message received is checked. And the received message is "WebExplo
If the URL is "re" (see S401), the control unit 112 advances the process from S702 to S703.

At S703, the control section 112 controls the contents stored in the copy server 10 of its own system (that is,
Names and I's of other copy systems 1'and client terminals 2 which are registered in advance as destinations of image files
The hypertext data “WebExplore.htlm” is dynamically created based on the P address, the class file name of the Java applet 133, and other parameters.

At the next step S704, the control section 112 makes the step S7.
Hypertext data created in 03 “WebExplor
"e.htlm" is transmitted to the requesting client terminal 2 (web browser 301).
In S710, the own information (that is, the network interface unit 1) recorded in the control unit management table.
The information corresponding to the use control unit number passed from 11) is rewritten from the "busy state" to the "empty state", and then the process is returned to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface unit 11
1 is a Java applet class file request message (see S403) ”, the control unit 112 performs processing from S702 to S7.
Go to 05.

In step S705, the class file requested in the class file request message is received from the HDD control unit 113 and sequentially transmitted to the requesting client terminal 2 (web browser 301) (corresponding to the program transmission unit). ). After that, the control unit 112
Returns the processing to S701 after rewriting its own information recorded in the control unit management table from the "busy status" to the "empty status" in S710.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another file list request from another copy system 1 ′ (see S508 and S712), the control unit 112 advances the process from S702 to S711.

At S711, the control unit 112 checks whether or not the path name specified in the file list request includes the drive name in the own system. Then, if the drive name in the own system is not included, the control unit 112 links with the request destination copy system (secondary copy system) 1'indicated by the path name in S712, and the file list request packet To transfer. The control unit 112, in the next S713,
The response of the file information to the file list request packet transferred in S712 (see S715) is waited, and if there is a response, the process proceeds to S715.

On the other hand, when the path name specified in the file list request includes the drive name in the own system, the control section 112 indicates the path name from the hard disk 13 in S714. After reading the file information of the directory, the process proceeds to S71.
Go to 5.

At S715, the control section 112 determines at S714.
Then, the file information read by itself is transmitted to the Java applet 133 or the primary copy system 1 ', which is the source of the file list request (corresponding to the management information response unit). Alternatively, the file information received from the secondary copy system 1 ′ in S713 is set to the file list request source Ja
It is transmitted to the va applet 133 (corresponding to the management information response unit). After that, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from “busy state” to “empty state” in S710, and then the process is performed in S7.
Return to 01.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another file download request from another copy system 1 '(see S515, S526, S531, S717), the control unit 112 executes the process in S70.
2 to S716.

In S716, the control unit 112 determines that the path name specified in the file download request (the path name specified as the copy source in the case of the file download request sent in S531) is the drive name in the own system. Check whether it contains. If the drive name in the own system is not included, the control unit 11
2 is the request destination copy system (secondary copy system) indicated by the path name in S717.
1'is linked and the file download request packet is transferred. In the next step S718, the control unit 112 responds to the image file with respect to the file download request packet transferred in step S717 (see S727).
Waiting, and if there is a response, the process proceeds to S727.

On the other hand, when the path name specified in the file download request includes the drive name in the own system, the control unit 112 determines in S719.
It is checked whether the file type specified in the file download request is a JPEG thumbnail file or an image file including all data. And JPE
When the G thumbnail file is specified (S51
5, S526, S717), the process proceeds to S720.

At S720, control unit 112 checks whether or not a page number is designated in the file download request. If the page number is not specified (S
515, S717), the control unit 112, S72.
In 1, the JPEG file or the TIFF file corresponding to the file name specified in the file download request is read from the hard disk 13 and the file for the first page is read.
JPEG thumbnail data is extracted from the JPEG Thumbnail areas 62 and 72, and this is extracted as a JPEG file (JPEG file).
G thumbnail file) (JPEG image general image file). When this S721 is completed, the control unit 1
12 advances the process to S727.

On the other hand, if the page number is specified in the file download request (see S526 and S717), the control section 112 determines in S722 that the JPEG file corresponding to the file name specified in the file download request or Read the TIFF file from the hard disk 13 and use the JP for the page with the specified page number.
JPEG thumbnail data is extracted from the EG Thumbnail areas 62 and 72, and this is extracted as a JPEG file (JPEG
Thumbnail file) (JPEG image JPEG file)
To store. Upon completion of S722, the control unit 112
Advances the process to S727.

On the other hand, if the file type specified in the file download request is an image file including all data (see S531 and S717), the control unit 11
2 advances the processing from S719 to S723. This S7
In 23, the control unit 112 reads from the hard disk 13 the JPEG file or TIFF file corresponding to the path name and file name designated as the copy source in the file download request.

At the next step S724, the control section 112 determines at step S7.
It is checked whether the image file read in 23 is a JPEG file or a TIFF file. If the file is a TIFF file, the process proceeds directly to S727. On the other hand, if the file is a JPEG file, the control unit 112 determines in step S725 whether the file is a JPEG multi-page file (see FIG. 38) or a JPEG single page file (see FIG. 37).
Check). If the file is a JPEG single page file, the control unit 112
The process proceeds directly to S727. On the other hand, JP
If the file is an EG multi-page file, the control unit 11
2 advances the process to S726.

At S726, the control section 112 determines at S723.
The JPEG multi-page file read in step 1 is decomposed and divided into a plurality of JPEG files consisting only of Total JPEG data areas 60-1 to 60-X for individual pages. This S
Upon completion of 726, the control unit 112 causes the process to proceed to S727.
Proceed to.

At S727, the control section 112 causes the control section 112 to move to S721.
Alternatively, a JPEG file that stores the JPEG thumbnail data extracted in S722 and J read in S723.
PEG file or TIFF file, or S72
A plurality of JPEG files divided in 6 are transmitted to the Java applet 133 or the primary copy system 1'which is the file download request source (JP for general image).
Equivalent to the EG file response part). Alternatively, the JPEG file or the TIFF file received from the secondary copy system 1 ′ in S718 is transmitted to the Java applet 133 that is the file download request source (corresponding to the JPEG file response unit for rough image). After that, in S710, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from the “busy state” to the “empty state”, and then returns the process to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another file copy request from another copy system 1 ′ (see S535 and S739), the control unit 112 advances the process from S702 to S728.

At S728, the control section 112 checks whether or not both the copy source path name and the copy destination path name specified in the file copy request include the drive name in the own system. Then, when both the copy source path name and the copy destination path name include the drive name in the local system, the control unit 112, in S729, the copy source path name and the file name specified in the file copy request. Source file (JP
Hard disk 1 that reads an EG file or TIFF file and identifies this by the copy destination path name
Write to the directory in 3. In the next S730,
The control unit 112 receives the Java applet 133 only when directly requested by the Java applet 133.
In response to the fact that the copy has been normally accepted.

On the other hand, if either the copy source path name or the copy destination path name specified in the file copy request includes a drive in another system, the control unit 112 executes the processing in S731. Proceed to. In S731,
The control unit 112 checks whether the copy source path name specified in the file copy request includes the drive name in the local system and the copy destination path name includes the drive name in the other system. If the copy source path name includes the drive name in the local system and the copy destination path name includes the drive name in the other system, the control unit 112, in step S732, the copy destination system (secondary The copy system) 1'is linked, the copy source path name specified in the file copy request and the copy source file (JPEG file or TIFF file) specified by the file name are read from the hard disk 13 and the copy destination path is specified. And sends it to the destination system (corresponding to the image file sending unit).
In the next step S733, the control unit 112 determines that the Java applet 133 requests this Java
It responds to the a applet 133 that the copy has been normally accepted.

On the other hand, if the copy source path name specified in the file copy request includes the drive name in another system, the control unit 112 executes the processing in S73.
Go to 4. In S734, the control unit 112 determines whether the copy source path name specified in the file copy request includes the drive name in another system and the copy destination path name includes the drive name in the local system. To check. Then, when the copy source path name includes the drive name in another system and the copy destination path name includes the drive name in the local system, the control unit 112 causes the S
In 735, the copy source system (secondary copy system) 1 ′ is linked, and the file transfer request packet in which the copy source file name and path name and the copy destination path name are specified is transferred. In the next S736, the controller 112
Responds to the Java applet 133 that the copy has been normally accepted. In the next step S737, the control unit 112 determines that the copy source system sends an image file (JPE) to the file transfer request packet transmitted in step S736.
Wait for the response of G file or TIFF file). Then, when there is an image file response (see S708), the control unit 112 writes the data of the received image file in the directory corresponding to the copy destination path name specified in the file copy request in the next S738. .

On the other hand, if the copy destination path name specified in the file copy request includes the drive name in another system, the control unit 112 executes the processing in S73.
Proceed to 9. In S739, the control unit 112 links with the copy source system (secondary copy system) 1'and transfers the file copy request packet. Next S
In 740, the control unit 112 controls the Java applet 13
A response indicating that the copy has been normally accepted is sent to No. 3.

S730, S733, S738, S740
When either of the above is finished, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from “busy state” to “empty state” in S710, and then returns the process to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is another copy system 1 '
If the image file is the image file transmitted from (see S732), the control unit 112 performs the process from S702 to S70.
Go to 6.

At S706, the control section 112 writes the data of the received image file in the directory corresponding to the designated copy destination path. In next step S707, the control unit 112 checks whether or not the data reception of the image file is completed. Then, if the data reception is not yet finished, the process is returned to S706, and if the data reception is finished, in S710, the own information recorded in the control unit management table is changed from “busy state” to “ After rewriting to the "empty state", the process returns to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is another copy system 1 '
If the request is the file transfer request sent from the server (see S735), the control unit 112 performs the process from S702 to S702.
Proceed to 708.

In step S708, the control unit 112 reads the copy source file (JPEG file or TIFF file) specified by the copy source path name and file name specified in the file transfer request, and the copy destination system that is the request source. (Primary copy system) In next step S709, the control unit 112 checks whether or not all the data of the file has been transmitted. Then, if the transmission of all the data has not been completed, the process returns to step S708, and if the transmission of all the data has been completed, S
In 710, after rewriting the information of itself recorded in the control unit management table from the “busy state” to the “empty state”, the process is returned to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface unit 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another copy system 1 ′ confirms the copy status (see S538 and S744), the control unit 1
12, the process proceeds from S702 to S741.

In S741, the control unit 112 checks whether both the copy source path name and the copy destination path name specified in the copy status confirmation include the drive name in the own system. Then, when both the copy source path name and the copy destination path name include the drive name in the local system, the control unit 112, in S742, the processing number and the copy source path name specified in the copy status confirmation. The progress status of the copy operation is checked based on the file name, the file name, and the copy destination path name, and the processing progress (%) is returned to the Java applet 133.

On the other hand, if any of the copy source path name and the copy destination path name specified in the file copy status confirmation includes a drive in another system,
The control unit 112 advances the processing to S743. In step S743, the control unit 112 determines that the copy status confirmation request source is Java.
It is checked whether it is the a applet 133 or another copy system 1 '. Then, when the request source is the Java applet 133, the control unit 112 causes the S7
At 44, a copy status confirmation packet is further transmitted to another copy system 1 ′ that is a copy destination or a copy source. In the next S745, the control unit 112 causes the S7
The system waits for a response (see S747) from the copy system 1'which received the copy status confirmation packet transmitted at 44.
Then, when there is a response, the control unit 112 advances the processing to S746.

At S746, the control unit 112 determines the progress status of the copy operation inside the own system based on the processing number, the copy source path name and the file name, and the copy destination path name specified for the copy status confirmation, and , S74
Check the copy status (processing progress) returned from another system in step 5, and check the processing progress (%)
Is returned to the Java applet 133.

On the other hand, the request source for the copy status confirmation is another copy system (primary copy system) 1 '.
If it is, the control unit 112 checks the progress status of the copy operation based on the process number, the copy source path name and the file name, and the copy destination path name specified in the copy status confirmation in S747. Then, the processing progress (%) is returned to the requesting primary copy system 1 ′.

Upon ending any one of S742, S746, and S747, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from "busy state" to "empty state" in S710, Processing is S70
Return to 1.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another file search request from another copy system 1 ′ (see S544 and S752), the control unit 112 advances the process from S702 to S748.

[0275] In S748, the control unit 112 checks whether the search range specified in the file search request is within its own system or within another system. If the search range is within the other system, the control unit 112 links to the other system (secondary copy system) in S749 and transfers the file search request packet. In the next step S750, the control unit 112 returns a search result response to the file search request packet transferred in step S749 (see step S751).
Waiting, and if there is a response, the process proceeds to S751.

On the other hand, when the search range specified in the file search request is within the own system, the control unit 112 determines in S752 the search range and search target specified in the file search request. The file search is executed in the hard disk 13 in the own system according to the file name or the search target directory name. After executing S752, the control unit 112 advances the process to S751.

At S751, the control unit 112 causes the S752.
The search result obtained by the file search in (1) is transmitted to the Java applet 133 or the primary copy system 1'which is the file search request source. Alternatively, the file search result received from the secondary copy system 1 ′ in S750 is transmitted to the Java applet 133 which is the file search request source. After that, the control unit 112 determines S710.
In, after rewriting its own information recorded in the control unit management table from the “busy state” to the “empty state”, the process returns to S701.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or a file deletion request from another copy system 1 ′ (see S550 and S754), the control unit 112 advances the process from S702 to S753.

In S753, the control unit 112 checks whether the path name of the file or directory to be deleted specified in the file deletion request includes the drive name in the own system or the drive name in another system. Then, when the path name includes the drive name in another system, the control unit 112 links with another system (secondary copy system) in S754 and transfers the file deletion request packet. In the next step S755, the control unit 112 returns a deletion result response to the file deletion request packet transferred in step S754 (see step S756).
Waiting, and if there is a response, the process proceeds to S756.

On the other hand, if the path name of the file or directory to be deleted specified in the file deletion request includes the drive name in the own system, the control unit 11
2 deletes the deletion target file or the deletion target directory according to the path name and the deletion target file name or the directory name specified in the file deletion request in S757. After executing this S757, the control unit 112
Advances the process to S756.

At S756, the control section 112 causes the control section 112 to proceed to S757.
The deletion result (including information on the free disk capacity and total disk capacity of the drive storing the deleted file or directory) in the file deletion request source Ja
It is sent to the va applet 133 or the primary copy system 1 ′. Alternatively, the file deletion result received from the secondary copy system 1 ′ in S755 is transmitted to the Java applet 133 which is the file deletion request source. After that, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from the “busy state” to the “empty state” in S710, and then the process of S70.
Return to 1.

On the other hand, the network interface section 11
The message received from 2 is Java applet 13
3 or another file renaming request from another copy system 1 ′ (see S557 and S759), the control unit 112 executes the processing from S702 to S75.
Proceed to 8.

In S758, the control unit 112 checks whether the path name of the rename target file or directory specified in the file rename request includes the drive name in its own system or the drive name in another system. Then, when the path name includes the drive name in another system, the control unit 112 links with another system (secondary copy system) in S759 and transfers the file rename request packet. Control unit 112
In the next S760, the system waits for a response (see S761) of the rename result to the file rename request packet transferred in S759.
Proceed to 1.

On the other hand, if the path name of the rename target file or directory specified in the file rename request includes the drive name in the local system, the control unit 112 specifies in S762 the file rename request. The rename target file or the rename target directory is specified according to the path name and the rename target file name or the directory name, and the name is changed to the new name specified in the file rename request. After executing this S762, the control unit 112 executes the processing in S761.
Proceed to.

[0285] In S761, the control section 112 determines in S762.
The result of the renaming (at the completion of the renaming) is transmitted to the Java applet 133 or the primary copy system 1 ′ which is the file renaming request source. Alternatively, the file rename result received from the secondary copy system 1 ′ in S760 is transmitted to the Java applet 133 which is the file rename request source. After that, in S710, the control unit 112 rewrites its own information recorded in the control unit management table from the “busy state” to the “empty state”, and then returns the process to S701.

(Operational Example) Next, an operational example of the network copy file management system according to this embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be concretely described. In the following description, it is assumed that the first copy system 1 is installed in the vicinity of the client terminal 2 operated by the operator and the second copy system 1'is installed in a remote place.
Therefore, the operator sets an original on the scanner 20 of the first copy system 1 and operates the touch panel 18 and the keyboard 23 of the original.
It is assumed that the second copy system 1 ′ becomes the “primary copy system” and the second copy system 1 ′ becomes the “secondary copy system”.

<Storage of Image File in Scan Mode> First, the operation when the primary copy system 1 is set in the scan mode and a document is read will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. In this case, as a premise of the operation, the operator presses the scan mode button 53 displayed on the touch panel 18, and the scan mode basic operation screen (FIG. 3) displayed as a result thereof is displayed.
6) Various parameters are set on the above, and the original is set on the flat bed or the ADF of the scanner 20.

When the operator presses the start key on the keyboard 23 after making such preparations, the operation panel unit 118 manages a key information message including these parameters and the press of the start key. To the unit 114 (S00
6). The management unit 114, which has received this key information message, transmits a scanner operation confirmation request message to the scanner unit 115 while holding each parameter included in this key information message (S1).
14). Upon receiving the scanner operation confirmation request message, the scanner unit 115 responds to the management unit 114 whether the scanner 20 is busy or idle (S203). The management unit 114 that has received this response sends a display switching message in which a display number for displaying busy is set when the response is in a busy state, and scanning is performed when the response is in an idle state. A display switching message in which a display number for displaying
To (S122, S124). The operation panel unit 118 that has received this display switching message displays L
The display according to the display number is performed on the CD 19 (S00
8).

When the response from the scanner section 115 is in the idle state, the management section 114
The HDD control unit 113 is provided with “scan and HD including various parameters included in the key information message.
"D storage request message" is transmitted (S123). Upon receiving the “scan and HDD storage request message” from the management unit 114, the HDD control unit 113 sends to the scanner unit 115 a scan request message with various parameters attached to the “scan and HDD storage request message”. It is transmitted (S303). Then,
The scanner unit 115 instructs the scanner 20 to execute the scan for each page of the document set in the flat bed or the ADF of the scanner 20 according to various parameters attached to the scan request message (S21).
1).

Then, the scanner section 115 uses the scanner 2
Every time the scan data for a predetermined line from 0 is received,
The received scan data is transmitted to the HDD control unit 113 (S213). When the scan data including the final line of each page is transmitted, the scanner unit 115 outputs the H
A scan end message is sent to the DD control unit 113 (S217, S218), and if there are no remaining pages, a process end message is sent to the management unit 114 (S219). The HDD control unit 113
Depending on the file type parameter in the "scan and HDD storage request message", a JPEG file or T
Create an IFF file. In any image file, if the document has a plurality of pages, the scanner unit 115
Image data (JPEG data or 24-bit RGB data) for each page is created based on the scan data received from and stored in the image file. further,
For each page, the resolution of the scan data is reduced to create JPEG thumbnail data that is JPEG-compressed and stored in the image file. When the image file is created in this way, the HDD control unit 113 sends a processing end message to the management unit 114 (S363, S374).

Scanner unit 115 and HDD control unit 113
The management unit 114, which has received the processing end message from both of the above, displays the display switching message in which the display number for displaying the normal scan mode basic operation screen is set.
Send to operation panel unit 118 (S10)
5). The operation panel unit 118 that has received this display switching message displays the original scan mode basic operation screen on the LCD 19 (S008).

<File operation from client terminal>
Next, the operation in the case of file operation from the web browser 301 of the client terminal to the primary copy system 1 will be described. In this case, the operator launches the web browser 301 on the client terminal 2, inputs the URL of “WebExplore” of the primary copy system 1 on the web browser 301, and the communication unit 302
It is sent to the network NW via the network (S401).
Then, the copy server 1 of the primary copy system 1
Network interface unit 1 running in 0
11 receives this URL and any of the control units 112 managed as an empty state in the control unit management table
To the URL (S601 to S604).

[0293] Then, the control unit 112 receives information about the IP addresses and names of the other copy systems (secondary copy systems) 1'and other client terminals 2 registered in the own system 1 as the transmission / reception destinations of the image files. Hypertext data “WebExplore.html” including the class file name of Java applet and Java applet is dynamically created (S703), and this hypertext data “WebExplore.html” is created on the client terminal 2
To the web browser 301 (S704).

[0294] This hypertext data "WebExplorer
The web browser 301 which has received the "e.html" has the Java in which the applet class file name is described in the hypertext data "WebExplore.html".
It requests the server 10 for the applet class file (S403). Upon receiving this request, the network interface unit 111 determines which of the control units 1 in the waiting state.
The request is passed to 12 (S601 to S604). The control unit 112, which has received the request for the class file, sequentially reads out the requested class files from the hard disk 13 according to the designated applet class file name, and the web browser 30 of the client terminal 2.
1 (S705).

In this way, when all the class files necessary for activation are prepared in the RAM 32 of the client terminal 2, the web browser 301 causes the Java applet 13 to
3 is activated (S405). This Java applet 1
33 displays the initial screen 80 shown in FIG. 42 in the designated area on the display screen displayed by the web browser 301.

[File List Display] Next, the operation when the file list display is selected (S505) and any directory name is clicked while the initial screen is displayed will be described.

When a directory name in the primary copy system 1 is clicked When the operator clicks the primary copy system 1 or the directory name in the lower layer displayed in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80, the screen shown in FIG. 47 is displayed. As shown, the Java applet 133 sends a file list request packet specifying the path name corresponding to the clicked directory name to the primary copy system 1 (S508). Upon receiving the file list request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 receives, from the hard disk 13, file information (subdirectory name and each image) in the directory corresponding to the path name specified in the file list request packet. The file name, file size, time stamp, file attribute, and number of pages of the file are read (S714), and this file information is returned to the requesting Java applet 133 (S715). Upon receiving this file information, the Java applet 133 displays a tree of subdirectory names based on the received file information in the lower hierarchy of the directory name clicked by the operator in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen (S
510). At the same time, the HDD control unit 113 displays the received file information list (file list display) in the window 86 on the right side of the initial screen as shown in FIG. 44 (S512).

When the directory name in the secondary copy system 1'is clicked, the operator clicks any of the secondary copy system 1'or its lower layer directory name displayed in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80. Then, as shown in FIG. 48, the Java applet 133 sends a file list request packet specifying the path name corresponding to the clicked directory name to the primary copy system 1 (S508).

Upon receiving this file list request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 transfers the file list request packet to the secondary copy system 1'corresponding to the path name specified in the file list request packet. Yes (S712).

Upon receiving the file list request packet, the control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1 ', from the hard disk 13, file information (subdirectory name, subdirectory name) in the directory corresponding to the path name specified in the file list request packet. In addition, the file name, file size, time stamp, file attribute, and number of pages of each image file are read (S71
4) The file information is returned to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S715).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the response of this file information, returns the received file information to the requesting Java applet 133 (S715). Java that received this file information
The a-applet 133 displays a tree of subdirectory names based on the received file information in the lower layer of the directory name clicked by the operator in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen (S510). At the same time, H
As shown in FIG. 44, the DD control unit 113 displays a list of the received file information (file list display) in the window 86 on the right side of the initial screen (S512).

[Thumbnail Display] Next, while the initial screen is displayed, thumbnail display is selected (S5
05), the operation when any directory name is clicked will be described.

When a directory name in the primary copy system 1 is clicked When the operator clicks the primary copy system 1 or the directory name of the lower layer displayed in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80, FIG. 49 is displayed. As shown, similar to the case of the file list display, the file information is returned to the Java applet 133, and a tree display is made in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80 (S50).
8, S714, S715, S509, S510).

Next, the Java applet 133 sets the display type parameter as the thumbnail for the first file name included in the received file information, and sets the path name and the file name in the file download request packet. Is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S515). Upon receiving the file download request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 reads out the image file corresponding to the path name and the file name specified in the file download request packet from the hard disk 13, and J on the first page
PEG thumbnail data is extracted, and the JPEG thumbnail file that stores the JPEG thumbnail data is
Send to the requesting Java applet 133 (S72
1, S727). When the file information includes a plurality of file names, the above-mentioned file download is performed for each of a predetermined number of file names (the same number as the number of display thumbnails preset by the operator) from the first file name. Request packet transmission (S515)
And sending JPEG thumbnail files (S727)
Is repeated.

Upon receiving the JPEG thumbnail files for a predetermined number or all file names in the file information, the Java applet 133, based on the JPEG thumbnail files received and saved, as shown in FIG. In the window 86 on the right side of the initial screen 80,
Display thumbnails.

When the directory name in the secondary copy system 1'is clicked, the operator clicks any secondary copy system 1'or the directory name of the lower layer displayed in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80. Then, as shown in FIG. 50, as in the case of the file list display,
File information is returned to the Java applet 133,
A tree display is made in the window 85 on the left side of the initial screen 80 (S508, S712, S714, S715, S50).
9, S510).

Next, the Java applet 133 sets the display type parameter as the thumbnail for the first file name included in the received file information, and sets the path name and the file name in the file download request packet. Is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S515).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 which has received this file download request packet
Is the secondary copy system 1'corresponding to the path name specified in the file download request packet.
A file download request packet is transferred to (S717).

Upon receiving this file download request packet, the secondary copy system sends the image file corresponding to the path name and file name specified in the file download request packet to the hard disk 13
The JPEG thumbnail data of the first page in the image file is extracted from the
The JPEG thumbnail file storing the thumbnail data is transmitted to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S721, S727).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 that has received this JPEG thumbnail file sends the received JPEG thumbnail file to the requesting Java.
It is transmitted to the applet 133 (S727).

When a plurality of file names are included in the file information, a predetermined number (the same number as the number of display thumbnails preset by the operator) of file names from the first file name are respectively described above. And transfer of the downloaded file download request packet (S
515, S717) and the transmission of the JPEG thumbnail file (S727) are repeated.

When a JPEG thumbnail file is received for a predetermined number or all file names in the file information, the Java applet 133, based on each JPEG thumbnail file received and saved, as shown in FIG. In the window 86 on the right side of the initial screen 80,
Display thumbnails.

[File Copy] Next, the operation in the case where any file name is dragged and dropped onto any directory name while the file list display or thumbnail display is being performed will be described. .

When the directory with the dragged file name is within the primary copy system 1 and the dropped directory is My Computer or a directory below it: In this case, as shown in FIG. 51, the Java applet 133. Sends to the primary copy system 1 a file download request packet in which the dragged file name and its path name are set as the copy source and the path name corresponding to the dropped directory in the client terminal 2 is set as the copy destination. It transmits to (S531).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 which has received this file download request packet
Reads out the image file corresponding to the path name and file name specified as the copy source in the file download request packet from the hard disk 13 (S723) and sends it to the requesting Java applet 133 (S727).

Upon receiving this image file, the Java applet 133 writes the received image file in the directory corresponding to the path name designated as the copy destination in the hard disk 38 (S533).

When the directory of the dragged file name is in the primary copy system 1 and the dropped directory is in the primary copy system 1 In this case, as shown in FIG. 52, the Java applet 133 A file download request packet in which the dragged file name and its path name are set as the copy source and the path name corresponding to the dropped directory in the primary copy system 1 is set as the copy destination is sent to the primary copy system 1. It is transmitted (S531).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 which has received this file download request packet
Reads the image file corresponding to the path name and file name specified as the copy source in the file download request packet from the hard disk 13,
The hard disk 13 is written to the directory corresponding to the path name specified as the copy destination (S72).
9). At the same time, the control unit 112 responds to the requesting Java applet 133 that the copy has been accepted (S730).

Java applet 1 that received this response
33 transmits a copy status confirmation packet in which the file name and path name of the copy source and the path name of the copy destination are set to the primary copy system 1 (S538).

Upon receiving this copy status confirmation packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 indicates the copy progress status (error or progress information) to the request source Ja.
It is returned to the va applet 133 (S742).

Upon receiving the copy progress status, the Java applet 133 displays an error (S542), a continuation display (S540) or an end display (S541) according to the copy progress status.

When the directory of the dragged file name is in the primary copy system 1 and the dropped directory is in the secondary copy system 1'In this case, as shown in FIG. 53, the Java applet 133 is , A file download request packet in which the dragged file name and its path name are set as the copy source and the path name corresponding to the directory in the dropped secondary copy system 1'is set as the copy destination is sent to the primary copy system 1. It transmits to (S531).

[0323] The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 that has received this file download request packet
Reads the image file corresponding to the path name and file name specified as the copy source in the file download request packet from the hard disk 13,
Information of the copy destination path name is added and transmitted to the secondary copy system 1'corresponding to the copy destination path name (S732).

The control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1'which has received the transmission file writes the received image file in the directory corresponding to the path name designated as the copy destination in the hard disk 13 (S706).

At the same time, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 responds to the requesting Java applet 133 that the copy has been accepted (S733).

Java applet 1 that received this response
33 transmits a copy status confirmation packet in which the file name and path name of the copy source and the path name of the copy destination are set to the primary copy system 1 (S538).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received this copy status confirmation packet, transmits the copy status confirmation packet to the secondary copy system 1'corresponding to the path name designated as the copy destination (S744). ).

The control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1'which has received this copy status confirmation packet returns the copy progress status (error or progress information) to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S74).
7).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 having received this copy progress status, based on the received copy progress status of the secondary copy system 1'and the copy progress status within the own system, the total copy progress status (error or (Progress information) is determined, and the copy progress status is returned to the requesting Java applet 133 (S746).

The Java applet 133 which has received the copy progress status displays an error (S542), a continuation display (S540) or an end display (S541) according to the copy progress status.

[File Search] Next, the operation when the file name or directory name to be searched and the search range are input in the search dialog (not shown) in the state where the file list display or the thumbnail display is performed will be described. To do.

When the input search range is within the primary copy system 1 In this case, as shown in FIG. 54, the Java applet 133 uses the input search range and search target file within the primary copy system 1. A file search request packet in which the name or directory name is set is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S544).

Upon receiving this file search request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 searches for the file having the specified search target file name or the specified search within the search range specified in the file search request packet. A directory having the target directory name is searched (S752). Then, the search result is returned to the Java applet 133 (S751).

The Java applet 133 having received this search result displays the received search result (S54).
7).

-When the input search range is within the secondary copy system 1'In this case, as shown in FIG. 55, the Java applet 133 uses the input secondary copy system 1 '.
A file search request packet in which the search range and the search target file name or directory name are set is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S544).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the file search request packet, transfers the file search request packet to the secondary copy system 1 '(S749).

Upon receiving this file search request packet, the control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1 ', within the search range specified in the file search request packet, has a file having the specified file name to be searched or is specified. The directory having the searched directory name is searched (S752). Then, the search result is returned to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S
751).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the search result, outputs the search result to Java.
Transfer to the applet 133 (S751).

The Java applet 133 which has received this search result displays the received search result (S54).
7).

[Delete File] Next, in the state where the file list display or the thumbnail display is made, after clicking any file name or thumbnail, “Delete” of “File” is clicked from the menu bar 83. The operation when the delete button 83d is clicked will be described.

When the clicked deletion target file or deletion target directory is in the primary copy system 1 In this case, as shown in FIG. 56, the Java applet 133 uses the clicked deletion target file name or deletion target A file deletion request packet in which the directory name and its path name are set is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S550).

Upon receiving this file deletion request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 deletes from the hard disk 13 the path name specified by the file deletion request packet and the deletion target file name or deletion target directory name. The target file or the deletion target directory is deleted (S757). Then, the deletion result (including information on the free disk space and the total disk space available for the directory specified by the path name) is returned to the Java applet 133 (S756).

The Java applet 133 having received the deletion result displays the free disk capacity in the received deletion result on the status bar 84 (S554).

-When the clicked deletion target file or deletion target directory is in the secondary copy system 1'In this case, as shown in FIG. 57, the Java applet 133 uses the clicked deletion target file name or deletion. A file deletion request packet in which the target directory name and its path name are set is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S550).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received this file deletion request packet, transfers the file deletion request packet to the secondary copy system 1 '(S754).

The control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1'which has received the file deletion request packet corresponds to the path name and the deletion target file name or the deletion target directory name designated by the file folder deletion request packet from the hard disk 13. The deletion target file or the deletion target directory is deleted (S757). And
The deletion result (including the information on the free disk space and the total disk space available for the directory specified by the path name) is returned to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S756).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the deletion result, sends the deletion result to Java.
Transfer to the applet 133 (S756).

The Java applet 133 having received the deletion result displays the free disk capacity in the received deletion result on the status bar 84 (S554).

[File Rename] Next, in the state where the file list display or the thumbnail display is made, after any file name or thumbnail is clicked,
The operation when "Delete" of "File" is clicked from the menu bar 83 or the delete button 83d is clicked and a new file name or directory name is input will be described.

If the clicked rename target file or rename target directory is within the primary copy system 1 In this case, as shown in FIG. 58, the Java applet 133 uses the clicked rename target file name or rename target. A file rename request packet in which a directory name, its path name, and a new file name or directory name are set is transmitted to the primary copy system 1 (S557).

Upon receiving this file rename request packet, the control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1 sets a file in the hard disk 13 corresponding to the path name and the rename target file name or the rename target directory name specified by the file rename request packet. Alternatively, the name of the directory is changed to a new name designated by the file rename request packet (S
762). Then, the rename result is returned to the Java applet 133 (S761).

The Java applet 133 having received this rename result renews the name displayed for the rename target file or rename target directory according to the received rename result (S561).

When the clicked rename target file or rename target directory is in the secondary copy system 1'In this case, as shown in FIG. 59, the Java applet 133 uses the clicked rename target file name or rename. A file rename request packet in which the target directory name, its path name, and a new file name or directory name are set is sent to the primary copy system 1 (S557).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the file rename request packet, transfers the file rename request packet to the secondary copy system 1 '(S759).

The control unit 112 of the secondary copy system 1 ', which has received this file rename request packet,
In the hard disk 13, the path name specified by the file rename request packet and the name of the file or directory corresponding to the rename target file name or rename target directory name are changed to the new name specified by the file rename request packet ( S762). Then, the rename result is returned to the requesting primary copy system 1 (S761).

The control unit 112 of the primary copy system 1, which has received the rename result, transfers the rename result to the Java applet 133 (S761).

The Java applet 133 that has received this rename result renews the name displayed for the rename target file or rename target directory according to the received rename result (S561).

<Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to the network copy file management system of the present embodiment, the operator presses the scan mode selection button 53 from the touch panel 18 of the copy server 10 and the keyboard 23 in the keyboard 23 is pressed. When the start key is pressed, the document set on the flat bed or the ADF of the scanner 20 is read, but the image data obtained by reading the image data (JPEG file is not immediately printed on the paper by the printer 21). Or TIF
F file), and is stored in the hard disk 13. Then, the operator downloads the class file of the Java applet 133 from this copy server 10 and executes the Java applet 133, whereby the management information (file name) of each image file stored in the hard disk 13 of this copy server 10 is executed. , The file size, the time stamp, the file attribute, the number of pages of the image data stored in the image file) and the schematic image (thumbnail) of the image data stored in each image file are selectively selected. Can be displayed on the display 40. Furthermore, when the file name of any image file displayed on the display of the client terminal 2 is dragged and dropped on any directory name, it is stored in the hard disk 13 of the copy server 10. The specific image file is copied to the copy server 10 of another copy system 1'or another client terminal 2. Therefore, the operator can arbitrarily send the image file stored in the server 10 of the primary copy system 1 to the required third network device (secondary copy system 1'or other client terminal 2) when needed. Therefore, it becomes possible to transmit images with much higher image quality and higher speed than the conventional FAX mail service, and much easier than when transmitting image data by personal computer communication.

[0359]

According to the present invention configured as described above, the image data obtained by the image reading unit of the copy system by reading the original is saved as an image file in the disk in the copy system, and the computer network is connected. In response to a request from a terminal connected to this copying system via the terminal, management information of a plurality of image files within the requested range can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal. When any one of the plurality of management information displayed in this way is specified by the operator and the third network device of the transmission destination is specified, the image file corresponding to the specified management information is displayed. Send (copy, move) to the specified third network device
To be done. Therefore, an image can be transmitted to a required network device when needed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network file management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a client terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a program configuration diagram showing tasks executed respectively on a copy server and a client terminal of each copy system shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by an operation panel unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the management unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a management unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the scanner unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a scanner unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the HDD control unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a web browser.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a Java applet.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the network reception unit.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing executed by each control unit.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a copy mode basic operation screen displayed on the LCD.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a scan mode basic operation screen displayed on the LCD.

FIG. 37 is a format diagram of a JPEG single page file.

FIG. 38 is a format diagram of a JPEG multi-page file.

FIG. 39 is a format diagram of a single page TIFF file.

FIG. 40 is a format diagram of a multi-page TIFF file.

FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram of a control unit management table.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an initial screen displayed by a Java applet.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged view showing a menu bar when selecting a display type and setting the number of display thumbnails.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a file list display.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing thumbnail display.

FIG. 46 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of storing scan data.

FIG. 47 is a time chart showing message transmission for displaying a file list for a directory in the primary copy system.

FIG. 48 is a time chart showing message transmission for displaying a file list for a directory in the secondary copy system.

FIG. 49 is a time chart showing a message transmission for displaying a thumbnail for a directory in the primary copy system.

FIG. 50 is a time chart showing a message transmission for displaying a thumbnail for a directory in the secondary copy system.

FIG. 51 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of downloading an image file from the primary copy system.

FIG. 52 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of copying an image file in the primary copy system.

FIG. 53 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of copying an image file from the primary copy system to the secondary copy system.

FIG. 54 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of search in the primary copy system.

FIG. 55 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of search in the secondary copy system.

FIG. 56 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of deletion in the primary copy system.

FIG. 57 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of deletion in the secondary copy system.

FIG. 58 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of renaming in the primary copy system.

FIG. 59 is a time chart showing message transmission at the time of renaming in the secondary copy system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 copy system (primary copy system) 1'copy system (secondary copy system) 2 Client terminal 10 copy server 11 RAM 13 hard disk 17 CPU 20 scanner 21 Printer 30 CPU 32 RAM 38 hard disk 112 control unit 113 HDD control unit 114 Management Department 115 Scanner 118 Operation panel section 131 Control program 132 Hypertext data 133 Java Applet

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-10-173897 (JP, A) JP-A-10-233860 (JP, A) JP-A-11-120148 (JP, A) JP-A-11- 96194 (JP, A) JP-A-7-49805 (JP, A) JP-A-10-320615 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00 H04N 1 / 00 107 G06F 12/00 515 G06F 12/00 520 H04N 1/32

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. A network copy file management system comprising a copy system, a terminal, and a third network device connected to each other via a common network, wherein the copy system reads an original to obtain image data. Section, an image file saving section that converts the image data obtained by the image reading section into an image file format and saves the image file on a disc, and a plurality of <br> within a predetermined range requested in accordance with a request from the terminal. /> A management information response unit for transmitting the management information of the image file to the terminal through the network , and the requested image file is read from the disk in response to a request from the terminal and specified by the terminal. Bei an image file transmission section that transmits through the third of the network to a network device that is , The terminal management information of image files within a predetermined range, the network
Management information requesting unit for making a request to the copy system through a network, a display unit for displaying a plurality of management information transmitted by the copy system in response to the request, and a display unit for displaying the management information. a plurality of management information data input by the operator to the effect that identifies any of the image files shown respectively was, and receives data input by the operator to the effect that identifies a third network device as the destination of the image file An image displayed by the input unit and the plurality of management information displayed on the display unit
Among the files, transmitting any one of the image files specified by the data input accepted by the input unit to the specified third network device ,
A network copy file management system, comprising: an image file transmission request unit that requests the copy system via the network. 2. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein a large number of directories are defined on the disk, and the image files are stored in any of the directories. 3. The network copy file management system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined range is a range of the directory. 4. The management information response unit, when a lower hierarchy directory is defined within the predetermined range, also transmits the management information of the lower hierarchy directory to the terminal, and the display unit 4. The directory structure is displayed based on the management information of the directory.
Network copy file management system described. 5. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit also displays management information of a third network device capable of communicating with the copy system. 6. The input unit accepts data input by an operator for specifying any of the management information of the third network devices displayed on the display unit, and the image file request unit, 6. The network copy file management system according to claim 5, wherein the copy system is requested to transmit an image file to any of the third network devices specified by the data input accepted by the input unit. . 7. The network copy file management system according to claim 6, wherein the input unit includes a pointing device. 8. The image file is a JPEG file, and the image file storage unit stores the image data in JP
2. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein JPEG data is generated by EG compression, and the JPEG data is stored in the JPEG file. 9. The image file storage section performs JPEG compression on the image data to obtain a JPEG for a detailed image.
In addition to generating data, the resolution of the image data is reduced and then JPEG compression is performed to generate JPEG data for the rough image, and the JPEG data for the detailed image and the JPEG data for the rough image are combined to form one JPEG file. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein the network copy file management system is stored in. 10. The image file storage unit, when the original includes a plurality of pages, the JPEG data for each detailed image and the JPEG for each schematic image generated for each page.
10. The network copy file management system according to claim 9, wherein the data is combined and stored in one JPEG file. 11. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein the image file is a TIFF file, and the image file storage unit stores the image data in the TIFF file. 12. The image file storage unit generates JPEG data for a rough image by reducing the resolution of the image data and then performing JPEG compression, and combines the image data and the JPEG data for the rough image into a single image. The data is stored in one TIFF file.
1. The network copy file management system described in 1. 13. The image file storage unit combines the image data of each page and the JPEG data for each schematic image generated for each page into a single TIFF file when the original has a plurality of pages. 13. The network copy file management system according to claim 12, which is stored. 14. The network copy file management system according to claim 1, wherein the management information of the image file transmitted to the terminal by the management information response unit is a file name of the image file. 15. The copying system extracts the JPEG data for the general image from the requested image file in response to a request from the terminal and outputs the JPEG data for the general image.
The terminal further comprises a general image JPEG file response unit for storing the PEG data in the general image JPEG file and transmitting the general image JPEG file to the terminal, and the terminal transfers the general image JPEG file relating to a predetermined range of image files to the copy system. And a JPEG file requesting unit for the rough image, the display unit based on the JPEG data for the rough image in the JPEG file for the rough image transmitted by the copy system in response to the request. 13. The network copy file management system according to claim 9, wherein a schematic image is displayed. 16. The copying system extracts the general image JPEG data for a requested page from a requested image file in response to a request from the terminal, and outputs the general image JPEG data. JPE for general image stored in JPEG file for general image and transmitted to the terminal
The terminal further comprises a G file response unit, wherein the terminal sends to the copy system the general image JPEG file for any page relating to any image file specified by the data input accepted by the input unit. Further comprising a general image JPEG file requesting unit for requesting the general image based on the general image JPEG data in the general image JPEG file transmitted by the copy system in response to the request. 14. The network copy file management system according to claim 10, wherein a schematic image is displayed. 17. A copy system having a scanner for reading a manuscript and a printer for printing based on image data read by the scanner and capable of communicating with a terminal and a third network device via a common network. An image file storage unit for converting image data obtained by scanning the document by the scanner into an image file format and storing the image file in a disc; and an image of a predetermined range stored in the disc by the terminal. when it came requesting management information file, the management information of the plurality of image files of the requested predetermined range, prior to
The management information response unit that transmits to the terminal via the network, and the terminal requests that the image file corresponding to any of the plurality of management information transmitted to the terminal be transmitted to the third network device. when came reads the requested image file from the disk, the network said to third network device identified by the terminal
An image file transmission section that transmits through network, the computer constituting the terminal, the predetermined range
Transferring image file management information through the network
The management information response unit makes a request, and the management server responds to the request.
The management information sent by the physical information response section is displayed and displayed.
Any one of the plurality of management information shown is the terminal
Image files identified by the operator of
The third network device as the destination of the
If specified by the operator,
The image file corresponding to the management information
To send to the network device of No. 3 above
A program that requests the image file transmission unit through
A computer-readable medium storing a computer-readable medium and the computer-readable medium according to a request from the terminal.
The program stored in the body is
And a program transmitting unit for transmitting the program to the terminal through the network. 18. A copying system is constituted by being connected to a scanner for reading an original and a printer for printing on the basis of image data read by the scanner, and a copy system is constituted, and a terminal and a third device are provided via a common network. An image file storage unit for converting image data obtained by scanning the original document by the scanner into an image file format and storing the image file in a disc; when came requests management information of a predetermined range image files stored within, the management information of the plurality of image files of the requested predetermined range
The management information response unit that transmits to the terminal via the network, and the terminal requests that the image file corresponding to any of the plurality of management information transmitted to the terminal be transmitted to the third network device. when came reads the requested image file from the disk, the network said to third network device identified by the terminal
An image file transmission section that transmits through network, the computer constituting the terminal, the predetermined range
Transferring image file management information through the network
The management information response unit makes a request, and the management server responds to the request.
The management information sent by the physical information response section is displayed and displayed.
Any one of the plurality of management information shown is the terminal
Image files identified by the operator of
The third network device as the destination of the
If specified by the operator,
The image file corresponding to the management information
To send to the network device of No. 3 above
A program that requests the image file transmission unit through
A computer-readable medium storing a computer-readable medium and the computer-readable medium according to a request from the terminal.
The program stored in the body is
And a program transmitting section for transmitting the program to the terminal through the copy server. 19. A network copy system comprising a copy system, a terminal, and a third network device, which are connected to each other via a common network, and manages image files obtained by the copy system reading an original. A network copy file management method, wherein management information of image files in a predetermined range is stored in the network.
Via the network, the terminal makes a request to the copy system, management information of a plurality of requested image files in a predetermined range is transmitted to the terminal by the copy system via the network , and the plurality of transmitted management information is sent. Through the network , the terminal displays the information, and transmits the image file corresponding to the management information specified by the operator among the plurality of displayed management information to the third network device specified by the operator. The terminal requests the copy system, and the image file requested by the terminal is sent to the third network device specified by the terminal by the net.
A network copy file management method, wherein the copy system transmits through a work . 20. A copying system is constituted by being connected to a scanner for reading an original and a printer for printing on the basis of image data read by the scanner, and a copy system is constituted, and a terminal and a third device are provided via a common network. To a computer capable of communicating with the network device, the image data obtained by the scanner reading an original is converted into an image file format and stored in a disc, and the terminal is stored in the disc. When requesting the management information of the image files in the predetermined range, the management information of the plurality of image files in the requested predetermined range is written as above.
Is transmitted to the terminal via a network, that transmits the image file corresponding to any of a plurality of management information transmitted to said terminal to a specific third network when the terminal has come to demand reads the requested image file from the disk, the Ne
Is transmitted to the third network device via Ttowaku, the computer constituting the terminal, the predetermined range
Transferring image file management information through the network
Request the computers that make up the copy system,
The computer that composes the copy system according to this request
Display and display multiple management information sent by the computer.
One of the plurality of management information stored in the
Image files sent by the user
The third network device as the destination is the operation of the terminal.
Data, if specified by the data
The image file corresponding to the information is set to the specified third image.
Via the network to send to the network device
Required to the computer that constitutes the copy system.
In response to the request from the terminal,
A computer-readable medium that stores a program to be transmitted to the terminal .