JP3845065B2 - Image forming apparatus, thumbnail output method, and thumbnail output system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, it relates to a thumbnail output method and thumbnail output system, particularly an image forming apparatus for output the thumbnail stored document in response to a request from an external network device, the thumbnail output method and thumbnail output system About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been known an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multifunction peripheral) in which the functions of each apparatus such as a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are housed in one casing. This multi-function apparatus is provided with a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like in one casing, and four types of software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner, respectively. Operates as a copy, facsimile and scanner. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a fusion machine as described above.
[0003]
Such a multifunction peripheral stores document files as stored documents in a document management database (hereinafter referred to as a document management DB), for example. Further, the multifunction peripheral stores thumbnails (Thumbnail) in the document management DB as sample images of stored documents. Thumbnails facilitate the selection of stored documents by, for example, displaying an image sample of the stored document in a small size.
[0004]
The multi-function peripheral is connected to a network device or other multi-function peripheral via a network, and distributes, for example, stored documents and thumbnails stored in the document management DB using a distribution function. Further, the multi-function device uses an output function (printing function or the like) to output, for example, stored documents and thumbnails stored in the document management DB. In order to cope with security problems, the multi-function peripheral often sets passwords for stored documents and thumbnails stored in the document management DB.
[0005]
For example, when a stored document or thumbnail is downloaded from the multifunction peripheral, the network device transmits a document ID for identifying the desired stored document or thumbnail and a password that proves the right to use the stored document or thumbnail to the multifunction peripheral. When outputting the stored document or thumbnail stored in the document management DB of the multi-function peripheral, the network device proves the document ID for identifying the desired stored document or thumbnail and the authority to use the stored document or thumbnail. Send the password to the fusion machine.
[0006]
After performing password authentication, the multi-function peripheral reads the stored document or thumbnail corresponding to the document ID from the document management DB, and supplies the read stored document or thumbnail to the network device. Further, after performing password authentication, the multi-function peripheral reads the stored document or thumbnail corresponding to the document ID from the document management DB, and outputs the stored document.
[0007]
For example, a network device makes a download request or output request for stored documents or thumbnails to a multi-function peripheral by using a browser.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-84383
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional multi-function peripheral receives various processing requests regarding stored documents and thumbnails from network devices and other multi-function peripherals in addition to the transfer request of stored documents and thumbnails. For this reason, the multi-function peripheral is provided with a user service process corresponding to various processing requests related to stored documents and thumbnails. Therefore, when passwords are set for stored documents and thumbnails, it is necessary to provide a password authentication function for each user service process that responds to various processing requests related to stored documents or thumbnails. there were.
[0010]
Further, when the multi-function apparatus handles the stored document or thumbnail read from the document management DB in a plurality of user service processes, the multi-function peripheral transfers the read stored document or thumbnail as it is. Therefore, there is a problem that the resources of the fusion machine are wasted.
[0011]
Further, when there is a transfer request of stored documents or thumbnails from many network devices at once, there is a problem that the load of the document management DB storing the stored documents and thumbnails increases.
[0012]
In a system in which one or more multifunction peripherals and network devices are connected via a network, stored documents and thumbnails are stored in the document management DB of one or more multifunction peripherals.
[0013]
In such a system, when a password is set for an accumulated document or thumbnail stored in the document management DB, a password authentication function is provided for each MFP that stores the accumulated document or thumbnail in the document management DB. There was a problem that it was necessary and the functions were duplicated.
[0014]
Furthermore, in the case of a system in which the stored documents and thumbnails stored in the document management DB of one multifunction device are handled by another multifunction device, the stored documents and thumbnails read from the document management DB are directly transferred between the plurality of multifunction devices. . In such a system, there is a problem that resources of the network and the multi-function apparatus are wasted.
[0015]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can share an authentication function for thumbnails of stored documents, distribute the burden on the document management DB, and output thumbnails of stored documents without wasting resources. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a thumbnail output method, and a thumbnail output system capable of performing power .
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an output unit that outputs a document input from a scan unit or a network communication unit, and a document storage that can be stored as a stored document with usage restrictions on the input document. A certificate information acquisition request receiving means for receiving a certificate information acquisition request for thumbnails of stored documents stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, and the certificate information acquisition request. Corresponding verification information and certification information creation means for creating certification information for specifying the verification information, holding means for holding the verification information and the certification information in association with each other, and the certification information as the external network device And a certificate information transmitting means for transmitting to the external network device and a thumbnail output request using the certificate information from the external network device. Nail output request receiving means; output thumbnail identification information obtaining means for obtaining output thumbnail identification information of an output thumbnail obtained by duplicating a thumbnail of the stored document collated with the collation information according to the certification information; And thumbnail output means for obtaining an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage unit and outputting the thumbnail from the document storage unit.
[0017]
The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus including an output unit that outputs a document input from a scan unit or a network communication unit, and a document storage unit that can store the input document as a stored document with usage restrictions. A method for receiving thumbnail information of a certification information acquisition request for a thumbnail of a stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, verification information corresponding to the certification information acquisition request, and verification information thereof From the external network device, the step of creating certification information for identifying the verification information, the step of holding the verification information and the certification information in association with each other, the step of transmitting the certification information to the external network device, Receiving a thumbnail output request using the certification information; and the verification according to the certification information Obtaining the output thumbnail identification information of the output thumbnail obtained by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document collated with the information, and obtaining the output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage unit, And outputting at the output unit.
[0018]
In addition, the present invention uses one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network devices via a network to store data stored in a document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A thumbnail output system for outputting a thumbnail for printing a document, wherein the image forming apparatus receives a certification information acquisition request for a thumbnail of a stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device. Receiving means; verification information according to the certification information acquisition request; certification information creating means for creating certification information for specifying the verification information; and holding means for holding the verification information and the certification information in association with each other. , Proof information transmitting means for transmitting the proof information to the external network device, and the external network device from the A thumbnail output request receiving means for receiving a thumbnail output request using certification information, and obtaining output thumbnail identification information of an output thumbnail obtained by duplicating a thumbnail of the stored document collated with the collation information according to the certification information Output thumbnail identification information acquisition means, and output thumbnail identification means for acquiring an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage section and outputting the thumbnail at the output section.
[0024]
According to the present invention, certification information or thumbnail identification information corresponding to a thumbnail print request or output request is transferred between a document management service, a print service, or an output service, so that thumbnails can be printed or output without wastefully transferring thumbnails. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to print or output thumbnails without wasting resources of the image forming apparatus.
[0025]
According to the present invention, it is possible to share the authentication function for the thumbnails of the stored documents, can distribute the load of the document management DB, it is possible the output of the thumbnails of the stored documents without wasting resources.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention. The multi-function machine 1 is configured to include a software group 2, a multi-function machine starting unit 3, and hardware resources 4.
[0028]
The compound machine starting unit 3 is executed first when the power of the compound machine 1 is turned on, and activates the application layer 5 and the platform 6. For example, the multi-function apparatus activation unit 3 reads the programs of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 from a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD) and transfers each read program to a memory area and activates it. The hardware resources 4 include a monochrome laser printer (B & W LP) 11, a color laser printer (Color LP) 12, and hardware resources 13 such as a scanner and a facsimile.
[0029]
The software group 2 includes an application layer 5 and a platform 6 activated on an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) such as UNIX (registered trademark). The application layer 5 includes programs that perform processing unique to user services related to image formation such as printers, copies, faxes, and scanners.
[0030]
The application layer 5 includes a printer application 21 that is a printer application, a copy application 22 that is a copy application, a fax application 23 that is a fax application, a scanner application 24 that is a scanner application, and a web page application. WEB page application 25, a SOAP communication application 26 that is a simple object access protocol (hereinafter referred to as “SOAP”) communication application, and one or more shared functions (hereinafter referred to as “SF”) 28. 7 and a wrapping layer 8 comprising a WEB service function (hereinafter referred to as WSF) 27 provided between the WEB page application 25 and the SOAP communication application 26 and the SF 28. Including.
[0031]
The WSF 27 has an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API) 51 that can receive processing requests from the WEB page application 25 and the SOAP communication application 26 by a predefined function. In addition, the SF 28 has an API 52 that makes it possible to receive a processing request from the WSF 27 using a predefined function.
[0032]
When the WSF 27 receives processing requests from the WEB page application 25 and the SOAP communication application 26 via the API 51, the WSF 27 selects the SF 28 according to the processing request. The WSF 27 transmits the processing request received via the API 51 to the SF 28 selected according to the processing request via the API 52. When the SF 28 receives a processing request via the API 52, the SF 28 performs processing according to the processing request.
[0033]
For example, although the MFP 1 of FIG. 1 includes two SFs 28, one SF 28 performs processing of a document management service 123 described later, and the other SF 28 performs processing of a document output service 144 described later.
[0034]
Further, the platform 6 interprets a processing request from the application layer 5 and generates a hardware resource 4 acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources 4 to control the control service layer 9. A system resource manager (hereinafter referred to as SRM) 39 that arbitrates acquisition requests from the SRM 39 and a handler layer 10 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to the acquisition requests from the SRM 39.
[0035]
The control service layer 9 includes a network control service (hereinafter referred to as NCS) 31, a delivery control service (hereinafter referred to as DCS) 32, an operation panel control service (hereinafter referred to as OCS) 33, a fax control service (hereinafter referred to as FCS) 34. , Engine control service (hereinafter referred to as ECS) 35, memory control service (hereinafter referred to as MCS) 36, user information control service (hereinafter referred to as UCS) 37, system control service (hereinafter referred to as SCS) 38, etc. The service module is configured to be included.
[0036]
The platform 6 is configured to have an API 53 that can receive a processing request from the application layer 5 using a predefined function. The OS executes the software of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in parallel as processes.
[0037]
The process of the NCS 31 provides a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, or data from each application. Mediation when sending to the network side.
[0038]
For example, the NCS 31 controls data communication with a network device connected via a network by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon) by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).
[0039]
The process of the DCS 32 performs control such as distribution of stored documents. The process of the OCS 33 controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control. The FCS34 process provides APIs to perform fax transmission / reception using the PSTN or ISDN network from the application layer 5, registration / quotation of various fax data managed in the backup memory, fax reading, fax reception printing, etc. To do.
[0040]
The process of the ECS 35 controls engine units such as the monochrome laser printer 11, the color laser printer 12, and the hardware resource 13. The process of the MCS 36 performs memory control such as acquisition and release of memory, use of the HDD, and compression and expansion of image data. The UCS 37 manages user information.
[0041]
The process of the SCS 38 performs processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, interrupt application control.
[0042]
The SRM 39 process controls the system and manages the hardware resources 4 together with the SCS 38. For example, the process of the SRM 39 performs arbitration in accordance with an acquisition request from an upper layer using the hardware resource 4 such as the black and white laser printer 11 and the color laser printer 12 and controls execution.
[0043]
Specifically, the process of the SRM 39 determines whether or not the requested hardware resource 4 is available (whether it is not used by another acquisition request). The higher layer is notified that the resource 4 is available. Further, the process of the SRM 39 performs scheduling for using the hardware resource 4 in response to an acquisition request from an upper layer, and the request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) Has been implemented directly.
[0044]
The handler layer 10 has a fax control unit handler (hereinafter referred to as FCUH) 40 for managing a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU), which will be described later, and an image for allocating memory to the process and managing the memory allocated to the process. A memory handler (hereinafter referred to as IMH) 41. The SRM 39 and the FCUH 40 make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by using the engine I / F 54 that can transmit the processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function.
[0045]
The multi-function apparatus 1 can process the processing commonly required for each application by the platform 6. Next, a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described.
[0046]
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention. The multi-function apparatus 1 includes a controller 60, an operation panel 80, an FCU 81, an engine unit 82, and a plotter 83.
[0047]
The controller 60 includes a CPU 61, a system memory 62, a north bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 63, a south bridge (hereinafter referred to as SB) 64, an ASIC 66, a local memory 67, an HDD 68, and a network interface controller. (Hereinafter referred to as NIC) 69, USB device 70, IEEE 1394 device 71, and Centronics 72.
[0048]
The operation panel 80 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60. In addition, the FCU 81, the engine unit 82, and the plotter 83 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 through the PCI bus 84.
[0049]
In the controller 60, the local memory 67, the HDD 68, and the like are connected to the ASIC 66, and the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63 of the CPU chip set. In this way, if the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63, it is possible to cope with a case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed.
[0050]
The ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are not connected via a PCI bus, but are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 65. As described above, in order to control execution of one or more processes forming the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in FIG. 1, the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are connected via the AGP 65 instead of the low-speed PCI bus to prevent performance degradation. It is out.
[0051]
The CPU 61 performs overall control of the compound machine 1. The CPU 61 starts and executes NCS31, DCS32, OCS33, FCS34, ECS35, MCS36, UCS37, SCS38, SRM39, FCUH40, and IMH41 as processes on the OS, and also executes a printer application 21 and a copy application that form the application layer 5 22, the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, the WEB page application 25, the SOAP communication application 26, the WSF 27, and the SF 28 are activated and executed.
[0052]
The NB 63 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 61, system memory 62, SB 64, ASIC 66, NIC 69, USB device 70, IEEE 1394 device 71, and Centronics 72. The SB 64, NIC 69, USB device 70, IEEE 1394 device 71, and Centronics 72 are connected to the NB 63 via the PCI bus 73. The SB 64 is a bridge for connecting the NB 63 to the ROM, PCI bus, and peripheral device.
[0053]
The system memory 62 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multifunction machine 1. The local memory 67 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.
[0054]
The ASIC 66 is an IC for use in image processing having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 68 is a storage for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, and the like. The operation panel 80 is an operation unit that accepts an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator.
[0055]
The NIC 69 is an interface device for connecting the compound machine 1 to a network. The USB device 70, the IEEE 1394 device 71, and the Centronics 72 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards. The FCU 81 has a memory. The memory of the FCU 81 is used for temporarily storing facsimile data received when the power of the multi-function apparatus 1 is OFF, for example.
[0056]
Hereinafter, a thumbnail printing method and a thumbnail output method realized by the MFP 1 will be sequentially described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral for explaining the thumbnail printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 3, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 3, in the thumbnail printing method of the present invention, a network device 100 connected to the MFP 1 via a network 200 such as the Internet is connected to a document file stored in the MFP 1 (hereinafter referred to as storage). (A document) is printed on the MFP 1.
[0058]
In FIG. 3, the network device 100 and the document management service 123 and print service 130 of the MFP 1 exchange data in the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format. Further, a communication protocol standard called SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is used as a data access protocol.
[0059]
In step S1, the network device 100 transmits the document ID and password of the stored document selected by the user to the document management service 123 of the MFP 1 via the network 200 and the httpd 121 of the NCS 31, thereby obtaining the ticket 124 acquisition request. I do. The ticket acquisition request is made using SOAP and XML.
[0060]
Progressing to step S2 following step S1, the document management service 123 transmits the document ID and password included in the ticket 124 acquisition request received from the network device 100 to the MCS 36, and makes a password authentication request. The password authentication request is made using, for example, a password authentication request function “int mcsCheckPassword (unsignedInt DocId, string password)” that uses the document ID and password as arguments. The MCS 36 performs password authentication using the document ID and password received from the document management service 123.
[0061]
In step S3 following step S2, the MCS 36 transmits the password authentication result to the document management service 123. The password authentication result is transmitted from the MCS 36 to the document management service 123 as a return value of the password authentication request function, for example.
[0062]
When the password authentication ends normally, the document management service 123 generates a ticket as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ticket. FIG. 4A shows a structure of a ticket 124 transferred between the network device 100 and the document management service 123. The ticket 124 stores a ticket ID and a data size of the ticket.
[0063]
FIG. 4B is a table 126 for collating the tickets 124. The table 126 is held by the document management service 123. Table 126 includes ticket content information and ticket management information. The ticket content information includes, as information, an array of structures in which a file ID and password as a ticket ID, a ticket expiration date, the number of files, and a document ID are paired. The ticket management information includes the current ticket number and the number of issued tickets as information. Note that the ticket 124 and the table 126 are associated by a ticket ID.
[0064]
In step S <b> 4, the document management service 123 transmits the generated ticket 124 to the network device 100 via the httpd 121 of the NCS 31 and the network 200. Transmission of the ticket 124 from the document management service 123 to the network device 100 is performed using SOAP and XML.
[0065]
In step S5, the network device 100 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S4 to the print service 130 of the MFP 1, and makes a thumbnail print request. The thumbnail print request is made using SOAP and XML.
[0066]
Progressing to step S6 following step S5, the print service 130 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S5 to the document management service 123, and makes a print thumbnail generation request for use in print processing. In step S6, a document ID corresponding to the ticket may be requested, and a thumbnail ID corresponding to the document ID may be acquired later. The print thumbnail generation request is made using, for example, a print thumbnail generation function “anyURL createThumbnail (base64Binary ticket)” using the ticket 124 as an argument.
[0067]
Progressing to step S7 following step S6, the document management service 123 checks the validity of the received ticket 124 using the table 126. If the ticket 124 is valid, the document management service 123 checks the table 126 according to the ticket ID included in the ticket 124. Get the document ID from
[0068]
The document management service 123 transmits the acquired document ID to the MCS 36, and requests opening of the thumbnail file of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. A thumbnail file open request is made using, for example, a thumbnail open function “boolean mcsOpenPage (unsigndInt DocId)” with a document ID as an argument.
[0069]
After the thumbnail file is opened, the document management service 123 generates a thumbnail for printing that duplicates the thumbnail of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. The print thumbnail is stored in, for example, the system memory 62, the local memory 67, or the HDD 68. If the thumbnails for printing are stored outside the document management DB, the load on the document management DB is reduced. The document management service 123 sets a thumbnail ID corresponding to the print thumbnail.
[0070]
The document management service 123 transmits the set thumbnail ID to the print service 130. For example, the thumbnail ID is transmitted from the document management service 123 to the print service 130 as a return value of the print thumbnail generation function.
[0071]
In step S8, the print service 130 transmits the thumbnail ID received in step S7 to the ECS 35, and prints a print thumbnail corresponding to the thumbnail ID. For example, the ECS 35 reads a print thumbnail from the HDD 68 or the like using the thumbnail ID and performs print processing.
[0072]
Here, the thumbnail print processing performed by the print service 130 and the ECS 35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an event flow diagram of an example of a thumbnail print process performed by the print service and ECS.
[0073]
In step S100, the print service 130 requests the ECS 35 to open a job using a function. Progressing to step S101 following step S100, the ECS 35 transmits a job ID to the print service 130 as a return value of the function.
[0074]
Progressing to step S102 following step S101, the print service 130 requests the ECS 35 to set the job operation mode using a function. Progressing to step S103 following step S102, the ECS 35 transmits success or failure of setting the job operation mode to the print service 130 as a return value of the function.
[0075]
Proceeding to step S104 following step S103, the ECS 35 transmits an executability notification to the print service 130 as an event. In step S105 following step S104, the print service 130 requests a job entry from the ECS 35 using a function. Progressing to step S106 following step S105, the ECS 35 transmits success or failure of the job entry to the print service 130 as a return value of the function.
[0076]
Proceeding to step S107 following step S106, the ECS 35 transmits an executability notification to the print service 130 by an event. In step S108 following step S107, the print service 130 requests the ECS 35 to start a job using a function.
[0077]
Proceeding to step S109 following step S108, the ECS 35 transmits a job end notification and job ID of the completed job to the print service 130 as an event. In step S110 following step S109, the print service 130 requests the ECS 35 to close the job using a function.
[0078]
With the event flow as shown in FIG. 5, the print service 130 can perform the printing process of the printing thumbnail corresponding to the thumbnail ID received in step S7.
[0079]
In step S <b> 9, the print service 130 transmits the print processing result to the network device 100 via the httpd 121 of the NCS 31 and the network 200. Transmission of the print processing result from the print service 130 to the network device 100 is performed using SOAP and XML. Then, the network device 100 displays the print processing result from the multifunction peripheral 1 on the screen of the network device 100.
[0080]
The document management service 123 deletes the generated print thumbnail after the expiration date of the ticket 124 has expired. For example, the print thumbnail deletion function “void mcsDeleteThumbnail (unsignedInt thumbnailId)” with the thumbnail ID as an argument is used to delete the print thumbnail.
[0081]
Therefore, the user can easily print the print thumbnails of the stored documents stored in the multi-function peripheral 1 by operating the network device 100. Further, in the MFP 1 shown in FIG. 3, by using the ticket 124, the printing thumbnail data itself is not transferred unnecessarily, and waste of resources can be prevented.
[0082]
Note that the multifunction peripheral 1 uses the ticket 124 to allow printing of an authenticated print thumbnail without notifying the print service 130 of a password.
[0083]
FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the multi-function peripheral for explaining the thumbnail printing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 6, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted. Moreover, the process of step S11-S13 of FIG. 6 is the same as the process of step S1-S3 of FIG. 3, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0084]
In step S 14, the document management service 123 stores the generated ticket 124 in the HTTP session object 132 in association with the HTTP session ID 134. In step S 15 following step S 14, the document management service 123 transmits the HTTP session ID 134 associated with the HTTP session object 132 to the network device 100 via the httpd 121 of the NCS 31 and the network 200. Transmission of the HTTP session ID 134 from the document management service 123 to the network device 100 is performed using SOAP and XML.
[0085]
In step S16, the network device 100 transmits the HTTP session ID 134 received in step S15 to the print service 130 of the MFP 1, and makes a thumbnail print request. The thumbnail print request is made using SOAP and XML.
[0086]
In step S17, the print service 130 refers to the HTTP session object 132 and acquires the ticket 124 corresponding to the HTTP session ID 134 received in step S16.
[0087]
At this time, the print service 130 confirms that the network device 100 that has transmitted the HTTP session ID 134 in step S15 is the same as the network device 100 that has transmitted the HTTP session ID 124 in step S16. The thumbnail print request may not be permitted.
[0088]
The processing in steps S18 to S21 after acquiring the ticket 124 from the HTTP session object 132 is the same as the processing in steps S6 to S9 in FIG.
[0089]
Therefore, the security can be improved by transmitting / receiving the HTTP session ID 134 associated with the ticket 124 without transmitting / receiving the ticket 124 on the network 200 between the MFP 1 and the network device 100.
[0090]
FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of the multi-functional apparatus for explaining the thumbnail output method of the third embodiment according to the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 7, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted. Moreover, since the process of step S31-S34 of FIG. 7 is the same as that of step S1-S4 of FIG. 3, description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0091]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the thumbnail output method of the present invention, the network device 100 connected to the MFP 1 via the network 200 such as the Internet fuses the thumbnails of the stored documents stored in the MFP 1. This is for outputting to the machine 1 (for example, printing).
[0092]
Proceeding to step S35 following step S34, the network device 100 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S34 to the document output service 140 of the multi-function peripheral 1 and makes a thumbnail output request. A thumbnail output request is made using SOAP and XML.
[0093]
Progressing to step S36 following step S35, the document output service 140 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S35 to the document management service 123, and requests generation of an output thumbnail for use in output processing. The output thumbnail generation request is made using, for example, an output thumbnail generation function “anyURL createThumbnail (base64Binary ticket)” using the ticket 124 as an argument.
[0094]
In step S37 following step S36, the document management service 123 checks the validity of the received ticket 124 using the table 126. If the ticket 124 is valid, the document management service 123 transmits the document ID included in the ticket 124 to the MCS 36. , Request to open the thumbnail file of the stored document corresponding to the document ID.
[0095]
After the thumbnail file is opened, the document management service 123 generates an output thumbnail that duplicates the thumbnail of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. The output thumbnail is stored in, for example, the system memory 62, the local memory 67, or the HDD 68. When the output thumbnail is stored in a document management DB other than the document management DB, the load on the document management DB is reduced.
[0096]
Then, the document management service 123 sets a thumbnail ID corresponding to the output thumbnail, and transmits the thumbnail ID to the document output service 140. For example, the thumbnail ID is transmitted from the document management service 123 to the document output service 140 as a return value of the output thumbnail generation function.
[0097]
Progressing to step S37 following step S36, the document output service 140 transmits the thumbnail ID received from the document management service 123 to the DCS 32, FCS 34, or ECS 35, and performs output processing of an output thumbnail corresponding to the thumbnail ID. For example, the DCS 32, FCS 34, or ECS 35 reads the output thumbnail from the HDD 68 or the like using the thumbnail ID and performs output processing.
[0098]
For example, the document output service 140 transmits the thumbnail ID received from the document management service 123 to the ECS 35, and performs the printing process of the thumbnail corresponding to the thumbnail ID based on the thumbnail printing process of FIG.
[0099]
Progressing to step S39 following step S38, the document output service 140 transmits the result of the output process to the network device 100 via the httpd 121 of the NCS 31. The network device 100 displays the output processing result received from the multi-function apparatus 1 on the screen of the network device 100.
[0100]
The document management service 123 deletes the generated output thumbnail after the expiration date of the ticket 124 has expired. For example, the output thumbnail deletion function “void mcsDeleteThumbnail (unsignedInt thumbnailId)” with the thumbnail ID as an argument is used to delete the output thumbnail.
[0101]
Accordingly, by operating the network device 100, the user can easily output thumbnails for output of stored documents stored in the multi-function apparatus 1. Further, in the multi-function apparatus 1, by using the ticket 124, the output thumbnail data itself is not transferred unnecessarily, and waste of resources can be prevented. Note that the MFP 1 can output an authenticated output thumbnail without notifying the document output service 140 of a password by using the ticket 124.
[0102]
FIG. 8 is a functional configuration diagram of the multi-function apparatus for explaining a thumbnail output method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 8, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted.
[0103]
In step S41, the network device 100 establishes a session with the document management service 123 of the multi-function device 1. The document management service 123 acquires the session ID 151 of the document management service associated with the session object 150 of the document management service.
[0104]
Further, the network device 100 makes a request for acquiring the ticket 124 by transmitting the document ID and password of the stored document selected by the user to the document management service 123 of the MFP 1 via the network 200 and the httpd 121 of the NCS 31.
[0105]
Progressing to step S42 following step S41, the document management service 123 transmits the document ID and password included in the ticket 124 acquisition request received from the network device 100 to the MCS 36, and makes a password authentication request. The MCS 36 performs password authentication using the document ID and password received from the document management service 123.
[0106]
Proceeding to step S43 following step S42, the MCS 36 transmits the password authentication result to the document management service 123. When the password authentication for the document ID is normally completed, the document management service 123 generates a table 126 including the ticket 124, ticket content information, and ticket management information.
[0107]
In step S44, the document management service 123 stores the generated ticket 124 and the session ID 151 of the document management service in the HTTP session object 132 in association with the HTTP session ID 134. In step S 45 following step S 44, the document management service 123 transmits an HTTP session ID 134 associated with the HTTP session object 132 to the network device 100 via the httpd 121 of the NCS 31 and the network 200.
[0108]
In step S46, the network device 100 makes a thumbnail output request to the document output service 140 of the MFP 1 using the HTTP session ID 134 received in step S45.
[0109]
Progressing to step S47 following step S46, the document output service 140 refers to the HTTP session ID 134 received from the network device 100 in step S46, and from the HTTP session object 132 corresponding to the HTTP session ID 134, the ticket 124 and the document management service. Session ID 151 is acquired.
[0110]
At this time, the document output service 140 confirms that the network device 100 that has received the HTTP session ID 134 in step S45 and the network device 100 that has transmitted the HTTP session ID 134 in step S46 are the same. The thumbnail output request may not be permitted.
[0111]
Progressing to step S48 following step S47, the document output service 140 transmits the ticket 124 acquired in step S47 and the session ID 151 of the document management service to the document management service 123, and generates an output thumbnail for use in output processing. Make a request.
[0112]
At this time, the document management service 123 confirms the session object 150 of the document management service associated with the received session ID 51 of the document management service. If the session ID 151 of the document management service is not applicable, the document management service 123 issues a thumbnail ID acquisition request. It may not be allowed.
[0113]
In step S49 following step S48, the document management service 123 checks the validity of the received ticket 124 using the table 126. If the ticket 124 is valid, the document management service 123 transmits the document ID included in the ticket 124 to the MCS 36. , Request to open the thumbnail file of the stored document corresponding to the document ID.
[0114]
After the thumbnail file is opened, the document management service 123 generates an output thumbnail that duplicates the thumbnail of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. The output thumbnail is stored in, for example, the system memory 62, the local memory 67, or the HDD 68. Then, the document management service 123 sets a thumbnail ID corresponding to the output thumbnail, and transmits the thumbnail ID to the document output service 140.
[0115]
The processing in steps S50 to S51 after the document output service 140 acquires the thumbnail ID from the document management service 123 is the same as the processing in steps S38 to S39 in FIG.
[0116]
Therefore, the security can be improved by transmitting / receiving the HTTP session ID 134 associated with the ticket 124 without transmitting / receiving the ticket 124 on the network 200 between the MFP 1 and the network device 100.
[0117]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the multi-functional apparatus for explaining a thumbnail output method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 9, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted.
[0118]
In the thumbnail output method of FIG. 9, the network device 100 connected to the MFPs 1a and 1b via a network such as the Internet outputs thumbnails of stored documents stored in the MFP 1a to the MFP 1b (for example, Printing).
[0119]
In the thumbnail output method of FIG. 9, the network device 100, the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a, and the document output service 140b of the MFP 1b exchange data in the XML format. The thumbnail output method in FIG. 9 uses a communication protocol standard called SOAP as a data access protocol.
[0120]
In steps S <b> 61 to S <b> 64, a ticket 124 is generated by the same processing as steps S <b> 31 to S <b> 34 in FIG. 7, and the ticket 124 is transmitted to the network device 100.
[0121]
In step S65, the network device 100 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S64 to the document output service 140b of the MFP 1b via the httpd 121b of the NCS 31b, and makes a thumbnail output request.
[0122]
In step S66, the document output service 140b transmits the ticket 124 received in step S65 to the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a via the NCS 31b and the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a, and generates an output thumbnail for use in output processing. Make a request.
[0123]
In step S67, the document management service 123a checks the validity of the received ticket 124 using the table 126a, and if the ticket 124 is valid, obtains the document ID from the table 126a according to the ticket ID included in the ticket 124. And request to open the thumbnail file of the stored document corresponding to the document ID.
[0124]
After the thumbnail file is opened, the document management service 123a generates an output thumbnail that duplicates the thumbnail of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. The output thumbnail is stored in, for example, the system memory 62, the local memory 67, or the HDD 68. Then, the document management service 123a reads the output thumbnail from the HDD 68 or the like, and transmits the thumbnail to the document output service 140b of the MFP 1b via the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a and the NCS 31b.
[0125]
In step S68, the document output service 140b transmits the output thumbnail received in step S67 to the DCS 32b, FCS 34b, or ECS 35b, and performs output processing of the output thumbnail.
[0126]
Progressing to step S69 following step S68, the document output service 140b transmits the result of the output process to the network device 100 via the httpd 121b of the NCS 31b. The network device 100 displays the output processing result received from the multifunction peripheral 1b on the screen. The document management service 123a deletes the generated output thumbnail after the expiration date of the ticket 124 has expired.
[0127]
Therefore, by operating the network device 100, the user can easily output the output document thumbnails stored in the multi-function apparatus 1a using the document management service 123a of the multi-function apparatus 1a. Is possible. In the thumbnail output system of FIG. 9, by using the ticket 124, it is possible to output an authenticated output thumbnail without notifying the document output service 140b of a password.
[0128]
FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of the multi-function peripheral for explaining the thumbnail output method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the functional configuration diagram of FIG. 6, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted.
[0129]
In step S71, the network device 100 establishes a session with the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a. The document management service 123a acquires the session ID 151 of the document management service associated with the session object 150a of the document management service.
[0130]
In addition, the network device 100 transmits the document ID and password of the stored document selected by the user to the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a via the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a, thereby making a request for acquiring the ticket 124.
[0131]
Progressing to step S72 following step S71, the document management service 123a transmits the document ID and password of the stored document received from the network device 100 to the MCS 36a, and requests authentication of the password. The MCS 36a performs password authentication using the document ID and password received from the document management service 123a.
[0132]
In step S73 following step S72, the MCS 36a transmits the password authentication result to the document management service 123a. When the password authentication for the document ID ends normally, the document management service 123a generates a table 126a including the ticket 124, ticket content information, and ticket management information as shown in FIG.
[0133]
In step S74, the document management service 123a transmits the generated ticket 124 and the session ID 151 of the document management service to the network device 100 via the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a.
[0134]
In step S75, the network device 100 transmits the ticket 124 received in step S74 and the session ID 151 of the document management service to the document output service 140b of the multifunction peripheral 1b via the httpd 121b of the NCS 31b, and makes a thumbnail output request.
[0135]
In step S76, the document output service 140b transmits the ticket 124 and the session ID 151 of the document management service received in step S75 to the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a via the NCS 31b and the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a, and uses them in output processing. Output thumbnail generation request.
[0136]
In step S77, the document management service 123a confirms the validity of the received ticket 124 using the table 126a. If the ticket 124 is valid, the document management service 123a obtains the document ID from the table 126a according to the ticket ID included in the ticket 124. And request to open the thumbnail file of the stored document corresponding to the document ID.
[0137]
After the thumbnail file is opened, the document management service 123a generates an output thumbnail that duplicates the thumbnail of the stored document corresponding to the document ID. The output thumbnail is stored in, for example, the system memory 62, the local memory 67, or the HDD 68. Then, the document management service 123a reads the output thumbnail from the HDD 68 or the like, and transmits the thumbnail to the document output service 140b of the MFP 1b via the httpd 121a of the NCS 31a and the NCS 31b.
[0138]
At this time, the document management service 123a confirms the session object 150a of the document management service associated with the received session ID 51 of the document management service, and permits a thumbnail acquisition request if the session ID 151 of the document management service is not applicable. You may make it not.
[0139]
Note that the processing in steps S78 to S79 after the document output service 140b of the MFP 1b obtains the thumbnail from the document management service 123a of the MFP 1a is the same as the processing of steps S68 to S69 in FIG. Omitted.
[0140]
Therefore, by operating the network device 100, the user can easily output the output thumbnails stored in the multi-function apparatus 1a by the multi-function apparatus 1b using the document management service 123a of the multi-function apparatus 1a. is there. Further, in the thumbnail output system of FIG. 10, by using the ticket 124 and the session ID 151 of the document management service, it is possible to output an authenticated output thumbnail without notifying the document output service 140b of a password.
[0141]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.
[0142]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to share the authentication function for the thumbnails of the stored documents, can distribute the load of the document management DB, can output the thumbnail stored document without wasting resources is there.
[0143]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of a compound machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral for explaining a thumbnail printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a ticket.
FIG. 5 is an event flow diagram illustrating an example of a thumbnail print process performed by a print service and ECS.
FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the multifunction peripheral for explaining a thumbnail printing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a functional configuration diagram of a multi-function peripheral for explaining a thumbnail output method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a functional configuration diagram of a multi-function peripheral for explaining a thumbnail output method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of a multi-function peripheral for explaining a thumbnail output method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of a multi-function peripheral for explaining a thumbnail output method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fusion machine 2 Software group 3 Fusion machine starting part 4 Hardware resource 5 Application layer 6 Platform 7 Shared function layer 8 Wrapping layer 9 Control service layer 10 Handler layer 31 Network control service (NCS)
32 Delivery Control Service (DCS)
34 Fax Control Service (FCS)
35 Engine Control Service (ECS)
36 Memory control service 41 Image memory handler 60 Controller 68 Hard disk drive (HDD)
80 Operation panel 81 Fax control unit (FCU)
82 Engine 83 Plotter 100 Network equipment 121 httpd (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon)
123 Document management service 124 Ticket 126 Table 130 Print service 132 HTTP session object 134 HTTP session ID
140 Document output service 150 Session object 151 of document management service Session ID of document management service
152 HTTP session object

Claims (24)

  An image forming apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs a document input from a scanning unit or a network communication unit; and a document storage unit that can store the input document as a stored document with usage restrictions.
  A certification information acquisition request receiving means for receiving a certification information acquisition request for thumbnails of stored documents stored in the document storage unit from an external network device;
  Proof information creation means for creating verification information according to the certification information acquisition request and certification information for specifying the verification information;
  Holding means for holding the verification information and the certification information in association with each other;
  Certificate information transmitting means for transmitting the certificate information to the external network device;
  A thumbnail output request receiving means for receiving a thumbnail output request using the certification information from the external network device;
  Output thumbnail identification information acquisition means for acquiring output thumbnail identification information of an output thumbnail obtained by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document verified by the verification information according to the certification information;
  Thumbnail output means for obtaining an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage unit and outputting the thumbnail at the output unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The output thumbnail identification information acquisition unit generates an output thumbnail by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document collated by the collation information, and transmits the output thumbnail identification information of the output thumbnail to the thumbnail output unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The output thumbnail identification information acquisition means stores the generated output thumbnail in a storage unit other than the document storage unit,
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the thumbnail output unit acquires an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the storage unit and outputs the thumbnail from the storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail output unit transmits output processing result information to the external network device.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the certification information acquisition request includes at least identification information for identifying a stored document and password information for certifying authority to use the stored document.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collation information includes identification information for identifying the authenticated accumulated document.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification information includes an expiration date of the verification information and the certification information.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes the collation information and the certification information held in the holding unit after the expiration date has expired.   A thumbnail output method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an output unit that outputs a document input from a scan unit or a network communication unit; and a document storage unit that can store the input document as a stored document with usage restrictions. And
  Receiving a certification information acquisition request for thumbnails of stored documents stored in the document storage unit from an external network device;
  Creating verification information according to the certification information acquisition request and certification information for specifying the verification information;
  Associating and holding the verification information and the certification information;
  Transmitting the certification information to the external network device;
  Receiving a thumbnail output request using the certification information from the external network device;
  Obtaining output thumbnail identification information of an output thumbnail obtained by duplicating a thumbnail of the stored document collated with the collation information according to the certification information;
  Obtaining an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage unit and outputting the output thumbnail at the output unit;
A thumbnail output method characterized by comprising:   The step of obtaining the output thumbnail identification information includes generating an output thumbnail by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document collated by the collation information, and transmitting the output thumbnail identification information of the output thumbnail. The thumbnail output method according to claim 9, wherein:   The step of acquiring the output thumbnail identification information stores the generated output thumbnail in a storage unit other than the document storage unit,
  The step of outputting by the output unit obtains an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from a storage unit that holds the collation information and the certification information in association with each other and outputs the thumbnail by the output unit. The thumbnail output method according to claim 10.   12. The thumbnail output method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of transmitting output processing result information to the external network device.   13. The thumbnail output method according to claim 9, wherein the certification information acquisition request includes at least identification information for identifying a stored document and password information for certifying use authority of the stored document.   14. The thumbnail output method according to claim 9, wherein the collation information includes identification information for identifying the authenticated accumulated document.   15. The thumbnail output method according to claim 9, wherein the verification information includes an expiration date of the verification information and the certification information.   16. The thumbnail output method according to claim 15, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes the collation information and the certification information held in the holding unit after the expiration date has expired. Using one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network device via a network, print thumbnails of stored documents stored in document storage means of the image forming apparatus are displayed. A thumbnail output system for outputting,
The image forming apparatus includes certification information acquisition request receiving means for receiving certification information acquisition requests for thumbnails of stored documents stored in the document storage unit from an external network device;
  Proof information creation means for creating verification information according to the certification information acquisition request and certification information for specifying the verification information;
  Holding means for holding the verification information and the certification information in association with each other;
  Certificate information transmitting means for transmitting the certificate information to the external network device;
  A thumbnail output request receiving means for receiving a thumbnail output request using the certification information from the external network device;
  Output thumbnail identification information acquisition means for acquiring output thumbnail identification information of an output thumbnail obtained by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document verified by the verification information according to the certification information;
  Thumbnail output means for obtaining an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the document storage unit and outputting the thumbnail at the output unit;
A thumbnail output system comprising:   The output thumbnail identification information acquisition unit generates an output thumbnail by duplicating the thumbnail of the stored document collated by the collation information, and transmits the output thumbnail identification information of the output thumbnail to the thumbnail output unit The thumbnail output system according to claim 17, wherein:   The output thumbnail identification information acquisition means is configured to generate the output thumbnail. Store the thumbnail in a storage unit other than the document storage unit,
  19. The thumbnail output system according to claim 18, wherein the thumbnail output means acquires an output thumbnail corresponding to the output thumbnail identification information from the storage unit and outputs the thumbnail from the storage unit.   20. The thumbnail output system according to claim 17, wherein the thumbnail output unit transmits output processing result information to the external network device.   21. The thumbnail output system according to claim 17, wherein the certification information acquisition request includes at least identification information for identifying a stored document and password information for certifying authority to use the stored document.   The thumbnail output system according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the collation information includes identification information for identifying the authenticated accumulated document.   The thumbnail output system according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the verification information includes an expiration date of the verification information and the certification information.   24. The thumbnail output system according to claim 23, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes the collation information and the certification information held in the holding unit after an expiration date has expired.

Images