JP4066302B2 - Image input / output processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input / output processing system, and more specifically, image data captured by a scanner function or the like of an image input / output processing apparatus connected to a network together with setting information such as a processing method of the image data. The present invention relates to an image input / output processing system in which a processing device passes to a management server and causes the management server to appropriately process another image input / output processing device most suitable based on the processing information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, scanned data is stored on a server. In this case, each user logs in to the server and takes out necessary data from the data stored in the server.
[0003]
Furthermore, in recent years, a high-function image input / output processing device having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile communication function is connected to a network, and data read by the image input / output processing device is stored in a server. To be done. Also in this case, in order to use the data stored in the server, the user logs in to the server and takes out necessary data.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional technology, when printing out data scanned by an image input / output device, if there is no paper size or type to actually print, the paper to be printed can be purchased, It is necessary to change the setting, so that the usability of data and the usability of the image input / output device are poor.
[0005]
In this case, even if the data read by the image input / output device is once stored in the server, in order to print it out by another image input / output device connected to the network, the user logs in to the server and takes out necessary data. There was a problem that it was necessary and utilization was bad.
[0006]
  Accordingly, the invention described in claim 1 is that a plurality of image input / output processing devices having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function communicate with a management server using a predetermined communication method. The image input / output processing apparatus is registered as a management target, and at least data transmission from the registered management target image input / output processing apparatus is received, and the transmitted data is stored and managed in a storage device. In the image input / output processing system having a data management function, the image input / output processing apparatus transmits setting information in which a data and a processing method including designation of print paper, paper type and the like of the data are set to the management server When the management server receives the setting information together with the data, the management server processes the data according to the processing method indicated by the setting information. Thus, for example, the paper size / type to be printed in advance set by the image input / output device is set, transmitted to the management server, stored, and automatically printed by the most suitable image input / output processing device. Can be performed under the management of the management server, the usability can be improved, and the image input / output processing deviceHowever, a plurality of management servers that can be registered in advance as management targets and that can register a management server that accepts a print request among the plurality of management servers. By rejecting a print request from a management server other than the management server registered as a management server that accepts the print request among the management servers, the image input / output processing device is registered as a management target in a plurality of management servers. Administrators who have the authority to change the settings on the management server and users with the same authority as well as reduce the trouble of changing settings on multiple management servers when they want to change / limit the management server Even if there is no change, the print request is rejected by setting the management server on the image input / output process. Only the print data from been opponent to improve on for the security and billing relationship, and,With the management serverofWhen there is a print request using a special access right from the management server, even when the management server is a management server that is not permitted to print requests, when the user wants to print immediately by accepting the print request If a nearby image input / output processing device is in a mode that rejects printing or is in an unprintable state due to an error or the like, an image that is in a rejected state can be set by holding / specifying a special access right. An object of the present invention is to provide an image input / output processing system that can perform printing even with respect to an input / output processing device and is more highly usable.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In the image input / output processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image input / output processing devices having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function communicate with a management server by a predetermined communication method. The management server registers the image input / output processing device as a management target, accepts at least transmission of data from the registered management target image input / output processing device, and stores the transmitted data in a storage device. In an image input / output processing system having a data management function for storing and managing, the image input / output processing apparatus sets a processing method including designation of data, print paper, paper type, and the like of the data in the management server. When the setting information is transmitted and the management server receives the setting information together with the data, the processing indicated by the setting information is performed. Treated in accordance with the method, and the image output processing apparatus,A plurality of management servers that can be registered in advance as management targets with respect to a plurality of management servers and that can be registered with the management server that accepts a print request among the plurality of management servers. Rejecting a print request from a management server other than a management server registered as a management server that accepts the print request among the servers,With the management serverofWhen a print request using a special access right is received from the management server, the object is achieved by receiving the print request even if the management server is a management server that is not permitted to print requests. .
[0010]
  According to the above configuration, a plurality of image input / output processing devices having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function communicate with the management server using a predetermined communication method.SaidThe management server registers the image input / output processing device as a management target, accepts at least data transmission from the registered management target image input / output processing device, and stores the transmitted data in a storage device ManageIn an image input / output processing system having a data management functionAndSaidImage input / output processorSaidSends the setting information that sets the data and the processing method including designation of the print paper, paper type, etc. of the data to the management server,SaidManagement server with the dataSaidWhen the setting information is received, the data is processed according to the processing method indicated by the setting information. For example, the paper size / type on which the data scanned in advance by the image input / output device is to be printed is set and transmitted to the management server. Thus, various processes such as printing can be automatically performed under the management of the management server by the most suitable image input / output processing apparatus, and usability can be improved.
  In addition, the image input / output processing device may have a print request using a special access right with the management server, even if the management server is a management server that is not permitted to print requests. Because it accepts print requests, special access rights are available when you want to perform urgent printing and the nearby image input / output processing device is in a mode that rejects printing or is in an unprintable state due to an error. By setting / holding, it is possible to perform printing even for an image input / output processing apparatus in a refusal state, and the usability can be further improved.
[0012]
According to the above configuration, the image input / output processing apparatus can be registered in advance as a management target with respect to a plurality of management servers, and a management server that accepts a print request among the plurality of management servers can be registered. Since a print request from a management server other than the management server registered as the management server that accepts the print request among the plurality of management servers registered as the management target is rejected, the image is set as a management target in the plurality of management servers. When I / O processing devices are registered but you want to temporarily change / limit the management server, you can reduce the effort of changing settings on multiple management servers and change the settings on the management server. Even if there is no administrator who has authority to do so or a user with equivalent authority, the management server can be By setting, and rejects the print request, only can print data from a limited opponent to improve the corresponding security and billing relationship, it is possible to further improve usability.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. As long as there is no description which limits, it is not restricted to these aspects.
[0016]
1 to 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an image input / output processing system of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an image input / output process to which an embodiment of an image input / output processing system of the present invention is applied. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a system 1. FIG.
[0017]
In the image input / output processing system 1, a plurality of management servers 2, a plurality of terminal devices 3, a printer 4, a scanner 5, and a plurality of image input / output processing devices 6 a to 6 n are connected to a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Has been.
[0018]
Each management server 2 includes a large-capacity storage device 2a, such as a hard disk, and registers each terminal device 3, printer 4, scanner 5, and a plurality of image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n connected to the network NW. The data is exchanged with each of these devices and stored in the storage device 2a, or the data is transferred to the designated device together with instructions for processing contents. That is, the management server 2 has a function of performing various data processing such as print output, fax transmission output, and data presence / absence notification to the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and the printer 4.
[0019]
The terminal device 3 is a personal computer or the like, and a plurality of terminal devices 3 are connected to the network NW.
[0020]
The printer 4 receives a print request and print data from the management server 2 and the terminal device 3, and records and outputs the print data on paper.
[0021]
The scanner 5 reads an image recorded on a sheet and outputs the read image data to a device that is instructed to read, for example, the terminal device 3 and the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n.
[0022]
The image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are configured as shown in FIG. 2, and include a main control unit 11, a printer unit 12, a function information management unit 13, a notification management unit 14, a component search management unit 15, and a download management. Unit 16, billing management unit 17, user management unit 18, distribution management unit 19, scanner function management unit 20, version information management unit 21, communication management unit 22, console 23, information accumulation management unit 24, software management unit 25, A security management unit 26, a document request management unit 27, a search management unit 28, and the like are provided. The image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n can be registered in the plurality of management servers 2, respectively, and communicate with the registered management server 2 via the trust management unit 22 to scan images. Data is transmitted and received, and software installed in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n is downloaded. In the present embodiment, the management server 2 and the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are connected via the network NW. However, the present invention is not limited to those connected via the network NW. It may be connected through a communication line such as. That is, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n have various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function.
[0023]
The main control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. In the ROM, basic programs and data as the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are stored. An input / output management processing program and the like are stored. The RAM is used as a work memory of the CPU and stores various data used in the data input / output management process of the present invention described later. The main control unit 11 controls each unit of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n in accordance with a program in the ROM, executes basic processing as the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, and performs image data input / output of the present invention. Perform management.
[0024]
For example, an electrophotographic recording device or the like is used as the printer unit 12, and data received from the management server 2, the terminal device 3, the scanner 5, or the like via the network NW is scanned with the scanner unit provided by the printer unit 12. The image data of the original read is recorded and output on a recording sheet.
[0025]
The function information management unit 13 includes various function information installed in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and information necessary for using these various functions, for example, an IP address for a network function and a facsimile number for a fax function. The notification management unit 14 has various communication functions with the management server 2 performed via the communication management unit 22 described later, for example, a function for notifying the management server 2 of the occurrence of an error when an error occurs, In addition, when a plurality of communication functions such as a communication function are provided, the order of the communication functions to be used is managed. For example, when the first communication function cannot be used, the second communication function is Manages communications such as automatically selecting and communicating.
[0026]
The part search management unit 15 stores maintenance information and manages the part number information of each part of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, and the download management unit 16 is mounted on the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n. It manages the download of various software from the management server 2.
[0027]
The charging management unit 17 manages access charges from users and the like based on a predetermined charging table, and the user management unit 18 manages user access such as user access registered in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n. Perform management.
[0028]
The distribution management unit 19 distributes data, for example, manages the data distribution destination and the data distribution result based on the setting information instructing the data processing method of the ID or control file (Ctrl + File), and manages the scanner function. The unit 20 performs operation management of the scanner unit included in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n.
[0029]
The version information management unit 21 indicates the versions of various software installed in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, for example, the software version notified from the management server 2 and the version of the installed software. The software is managed by performing comparisons.
[0030]
Various communication lines such as a network and a telephone line are connected to the communication management unit 22. The communication management unit 22 manages and communicates with each other via these various communication lines, particularly with the management server 2. Control.
[0031]
The console 23 includes various commands for causing the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n to perform various operations, keys for performing various operations for performing various settings of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, and a display unit. The information storage management unit 24 acquires and stores various information necessary for various operations of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, such as error information that has occurred, information that has occurred, information that should be acquired, and the like.
[0032]
The software management unit 25 manages various software installed in the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, and the security management unit 26 manages the users who access the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n. Manage user passwords to prevent unauthorized access. The security management unit 26 sets a special access right with the management server 2 that rejects printing, and permits printing when the management server 2 makes a print request using the access right.
[0033]
The document request management unit 27 manages invoices and documents for printing invoices, and the search management unit 28 searches and manages the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n under management. The function information and setting information of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n below are searched.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the image input / output management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are registered in a plurality of management servers 2, and data is transmitted to the registered management server 2 together with setting information once. The data is stored in the management server 2, and the management server 2 causes other image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n suitable for the setting information to perform data processing such as print output.
[0035]
That is, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n set the setting for transmitting data to the management server 2, that is, the setting of setting information such as an ID indicating the data processing method in the management server 2 or a control file (Ctrl + File). When the document is read by the scanner unit managed by the scanner function management unit 20, data obtained by reading the image of the document by the scanner unit is set in the communication management unit 22, and Data received from the scanner 5 and the terminal device 3 connected to the network NW via the communication management unit 22 is set in the communication management unit 22 and transmitted to the management server 2.
[0036]
Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when the data and setting information such as the ID or the control file are transmitted from the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, the management server 2 receives the data and the setting information (step). In step S101, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and the printer 4 suitable for the printing conditions are searched from the received setting information (step S102), and the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and the printer suitable for the printing conditions are searched. It is checked whether there is a device such as 4 (step S103).
[0037]
If there is a device suitable for the printing condition in step S103, the management server 2 inquires of the device such as the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and the printer 4 suitable for the printing condition whether print output is possible. In step S105, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n and the like that have received the inquiry about whether or not to perform print output judge the current setting or the status of the device, and notify the management server 2 that transmission is possible or not. Notice. When the result of the inquiry is permission, the management server 2 transmits data by a method registered in advance according to the output method of the device, and causes the device to perform print output based on the printing conditions. The process is terminated (step S106).
[0038]
In step S105, if the result of the inquiry about whether print output is possible is rejected, the management server 2 searches for other image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, printers 4 and the like suitable for the printing conditions (step S105). In step S107, it is checked whether there is an apparatus suitable for the printing conditions (step S108).
[0039]
In step S108, if there is a device suitable for the printing condition as a result of the search, the management server 2 transmits data according to the output method of the device, and causes the device to perform printing output based on the printing condition. Then, the process ends (step S106).
[0040]
If there is no device suitable for the printing condition as a result of the search in step S108, the management server 2 sends the management server 2 and the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n to the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n that are not permitted. Data is transmitted in accordance with the output method of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n that are not permitted, using a special access right set in advance with the security management unit 26, and the image input / output processing is performed. The devices 6a to 6n are caused to perform printing processing (step S109). When there is a print request using the special access right, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n permit the print, accept the print request, and perform the print processing even if the management server 2 rejects the print. Do.
[0041]
If there is no apparatus suitable for the printing condition in step S103, the process proceeds to step S107 to search for an apparatus suitable for another printing condition and check whether there is an apparatus suitable for the printing condition (step S108). .
[0042]
Thereafter, as described above, if there is a device suitable for the printing condition as a result of the search in step S108, the management server 2 transmits data in accordance with the output method of the device, and based on the printing condition. The print output is performed, and the process is terminated (step S106).
[0043]
If there is no device suitable for the printing condition as a result of the search in step S108, the management server 2 uses the special access right to the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n that are not permitted, and does not permit it. Data is transmitted in accordance with the output method of the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n, and the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n perform printing processing (step S109).
[0044]
As described above, in the image input / output processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n set a processing method including designation of data, print paper, paper type, and the like of the data in the management server 2. When the setting information is transmitted together with the data, the management server 2 processes the data according to the processing method indicated by the setting information.
[0045]
Therefore, for example, the paper size / type desired to be printed in advance set by the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n is set, transmitted to the management server 2 and stored, and automatically the most suitable image input / output processing device. Various processes such as printing can be performed under the management of the management server 2 in 6a to 6n, and usability can be improved.
[0046]
Further, in the image input / output processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n can be registered in advance as management targets with respect to the plurality of management servers 2, and Among them, a management server 2 other than the management server 2 registered as the management server 2 that accepts the print request out of the plurality of management servers 2 registered as the management target is assumed to be able to register the management server 2 that accepts the print request. The print request from 2 is rejected.
[0047]
Therefore, although the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are registered as management targets in the plurality of management servers 2, when the management server 2 is temporarily changed / restricted, the settings on the plurality of management servers 2 are changed. The image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n can also be changed when there is no administrator who has the authority to change the setting on the management server 2 or a user with equivalent authority. By setting the management server 2 in, the print request can be rejected and only data from a limited partner can be printed, and the correspondence with security and billing relations can be improved to further improve the usability. be able to.
[0048]
Further, in the image input / output processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n have a print request using the management server 2 and a special access right from the management server 2, the management server 2 Even if the management server 2 is not permitted to print requests, the print request is accepted.
[0049]
Therefore, when urgent printing is desired, if the nearby image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n are in a mode in which printing is refused or printing is not possible due to an error or the like, a special access right is given. By setting / holding, it is possible to perform printing even for the image input / output processing devices 6a to 6n in the rejected state, and the usability can be further improved.
[0050]
The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the image input / output processing system of the first aspect, a plurality of image input / output processing apparatuses having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function communicate with the management server by a predetermined communication method. AndSaidManagement serverSaidThe image input / output processing apparatus is registered as a management target, and at least data transmission from the registered management target image input / output processing apparatus is received, and the transmitted data is stored and managed in a storage device.In an image input / output processing system having a data management functionAndSaidImage input / output processorSaidSends the setting information that sets the data and the processing method including designation of the print paper, paper type, etc. of the data to the management server,SaidManagement server with the dataSaidWhen the setting information is received, the data is processed according to the processing method indicated by the setting information. For example, the paper size / type on which the data scanned in advance by the image input / output device is to be printed is set and transmitted to the management server. Thus, various processes such as printing can be automatically performed under the management of the management server by the most suitable image input / output processing apparatus, and usability can be improved.
  In addition, if the management server and a print request using a special access right are received from the management server, the previous term image input / output processing apparatus can execute the print request even if the management server is not permitted to print requests. Therefore, when you want to perform urgent printing, set a special access right when the nearby image input / output processing device is in a mode in which printing is rejected or printing is not possible due to an error. By holding / holding, it is possible to perform printing even with respect to the image input / output processing apparatus in the rejected state, and the usability can be further improved.
[0052]
  Also,The image input / output processing apparatus can be registered in advance as a management target for a plurality of management servers, and can be registered as a management server that accepts a print request from the plurality of management servers. Print requests from management servers other than the management server registered as the management server that accepts print requests out of multiple management servers that are registered, so register image input / output processing devices as management targets in multiple management servers However, if you want to change / limit the management server temporarily, you can reduce the trouble of changing the settings on multiple management servers, and you have the authority to change the settings on the management server. Even if there is no user with equivalent authority, you can set the management server on the image input / output process even if you cannot change it. Rejecting a print request, only can print data from a limited opponent to improve the corresponding security and billing relationship, it is possible to further improve usability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image input / output processing system to which an embodiment of an image input / output processing system of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the image input / output processing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing data input / output management processing by the management server of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image input / output processing system
2 management server
2a storage device
3 Terminal equipment
4 Printer
5 Scanner
6a-6n Image input / output processing device
11 Main control unit
12 Printer section
13 Function Information Management Department
14 Notification Management Department
15 Parts Search Management Department
16 Download Management Department
17 Billing Management Department
18 User Management Department
19 Distribution Management Department
20 Scanner Function Management Department
21 Version Information Management Department
22 Communication Management Department
23 console
24 Information Storage Management Department
25 Software Management Department
26 Security Management Department
27 Document Request Management Department
28 Search Management Department
29 Bus

Claims (1)

A plurality of image input / output processing devices having various functions such as a network function, a scanner function, and a facsimile communication function communicate with a management server using a predetermined communication method, and the management server manages the image input / output processing device. Image input / output having a data management function for accepting transmission of data from at least the registered image input / output processing apparatus to be managed and storing and managing the transmitted data in a storage device In the processing system,
The image input / output processing apparatus transmits setting information in which data and a processing method including designation of a print paper, a paper type, and the like of the data are set to the management server, and the management server sends the setting information together with the data. When received, the data is processed according to the processing method indicated by the setting information, and the image input / output processing apparatus can be registered in advance as a management target in the plurality of management servers, and the plurality of management Registration of the management server that accepts a print request among the servers is possible, and a management server other than the management server registered as the management server that accepts the print request among a plurality of management servers registered as the management target If a print request using a special access right with the management server is received from the management server, An image input / output processing system that accepts a print request even if the management server is a management server that does not permit the print request.

Images