JP4145217B2 - Image forming apparatus, stored document processing method, and stored document processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a stored document processing method, and a stored document processing system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, a stored document processing method, and a stored document processing system that perform predetermined processing on a stored document.

  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.

  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. The multi-function peripheral is connected to a network device or other multi-function peripheral via a network, and transmits a stored document stored in the document management DB according to an instruction from the network device. In order to cope with security problems, the multi-function peripheral often sets a password for stored documents stored in the document management DB.

  For example, when acquiring a stored document stored in the document management DB of the multi-function peripheral, the network device transmits a document ID for identifying the desired stored document and a password that proves the right to use the stored document to the multi-function peripheral. . If password authentication succeeds, the multi-function peripheral reads the stored document corresponding to the document ID from the document management DB and transmits it to the network device.

Note that the network device uses a browser or the like to make a request for acquisition of stored documents to the multi-function peripheral. Patent Document 1 describes an example of a fusion machine as described above.
JP 2002-84383 A

  However, the conventional multi-function peripheral receives various processing requests related to the stored document from the network device and other multi-function peripherals in addition to the output request and acquisition request of the stored document. For this reason, the multi-function peripheral is provided with a user service process corresponding to various processing requests relating to stored documents.

  Therefore, when a password is set in the stored document, it is necessary to provide a password authentication function for each user service process corresponding to various processing requests related to the stored document, and there is a problem that the functions are duplicated.

  Further, when the multi-function apparatus handles the stored document read from the document management DB in a plurality of user service processes, the read-out stored document is transferred as it is between the user service processes. Therefore, there is a problem that the resources of the fusion machine are wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can share an authentication function for stored documents, and can perform predetermined processing on stored documents without wasting resources of the network and the MFP. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus, a stored document processing method, and a stored document processing system.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image forming, and a document storage unit for storing stored documents. When an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit is received from an external network device , the authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and the contents of the session information and the identification information are generated according to the authentication processing result. and, the session said in response to the authentication request and acquires identification information of said session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus, the screen data for causing create accumulated document processing screen on the network equipment by the inclusion of identification information of the information transmitted to the network device, the session information from the network device Upon reception of the predetermined processing request using another information, predetermined processing for the specified contents of the session information, stored accumulated document in the document storage means with the content of the session information according to the identification information Screen data for executing a request and causing the network device to create a stored document processing screen includes identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, and document acquirable range information .

The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image formation, and document storage means for storing stored documents, and an external network device When receiving an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage means, the authentication processing is performed according to the authentication request, and the contents of session information and identification information are generated according to the authentication processing result. the acquired identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus according to the authentication request, the specified contents of the session information according to the identification information, content and documents of the session information A predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage means is executed using the acquisition condition information. .

The present invention also relates to an accumulated document processing method of an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image formation, and a document accumulating unit for accumulating accumulated documents. When an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit is received from an external network device, an authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and contents of session information and identification information are generated according to the authentication processing result. said in response to the authentication request and acquires identification information of said session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus, the session information on a screen for data for creating a stored document processing screen on the network equipment and transmitting to the network device by the inclusion of identification information, the session information from the network device Upon reception of the predetermined processing request using another information, predetermined processing for the specified contents of the session information, stored accumulated document in the document storage means with the content of the session information according to the identification information possess a step of performing a request, screen data for causing create accumulated document processing screen on the network device, to encompass the identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, the document acquisition range information It is characterized by.

The present invention also relates to an accumulated document processing method of an image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image formation, and a document accumulating unit for accumulating accumulated documents. When receiving an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage means from an external network device, the authentication processing is performed according to the authentication request, and the contents of the session information and the authentication processing result generating identification information, comprising: obtaining identification information of said session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request, the specified contents of the session information according to the identification information, predetermined processing requirements for stored accumulated document in the document storage means with content and document acquisition condition information of the session information And having a step of the execution.

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, and stores data stored in a document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. An accumulated document processing system for executing predetermined processing on a document, wherein the image forming apparatus responds to the authentication request when receiving an authentication request for the accumulated document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device. and performs an authentication process to generate a content and identification information of the session information according to the authentication processing result, we obtain the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request , the identification information of the session information on a screen for data for creating a stored document processing screen on the network equipment, the stored document Another information, a function of transmitting to the network device by the inclusion of document acquisition range information, upon receiving a predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information from the network device, said session in response to the identification information A function for specifying the content of the information and executing a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage means using the content of the session information, and the external network device acquires identification information of the session information is included in the data, wherein the predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information in response to an instruction from a user to have the function of transmitting to the image forming apparatus And

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, and stores data stored in a document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. An accumulated document processing system that executes predetermined processing on a document, wherein the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the accumulated document accumulated in the document accumulation unit from an external network device Performing authentication processing according to the authentication request, generating content and identification information of session information according to the authentication processing result, and determining the session information of the session established within the image forming apparatus according to the authentication request . the function of acquiring the identification information to identify the content of the session information according to the identification information, contact the contents of the session information And having a function of executing a predetermined process request for the stored accumulated document in the document storage means using a fine document acquisition condition information.

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, and stores data stored in a document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A stored document processing method of a stored document processing system that executes predetermined processing on a document, wherein the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device performs an authentication process in response to the authentication request, the authentication processing results to generate the content and identification information of the session information in accordance with the identification of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request obtain information, the session information on a screen for data for creating a stored document processing screen on the network equipment Another information, stored document identification information, and transmitting to the network device by the inclusion of document acquisition range information, the network device, identification of the session information that is included in the image data received from the image forming apparatus obtains information, the steps of the predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information in accordance with an instruction from a user and transmits to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus, said session information from said network device When a predetermined processing request using the identification information is received, the content of the session information is specified according to the identification information, and the predetermined processing for the stored document stored in the document storage unit using the content of the session information Performing the request.

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, and stores data stored in a document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. An accumulated document processing method of an accumulated document processing system that executes predetermined processing on a document, wherein the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request and document acquisition for an accumulated document accumulated in the document accumulation unit from an external network device When the condition information is received, the authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, the content of the session information and the identification information are generated according to the authentication process result, and the session established within the image forming apparatus according to the authentication request wherein the step of acquiring identification information of the session information, the image forming apparatus, among the session information according to the identification information Identify, and having a step of performing a predetermined process request for the stored accumulated document in the document storage means with content and document acquisition condition information of the session information.

  According to the present invention, an already authenticated document can be identified by making a stored document processing request using session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus. Can be shared. Further, by making a stored document processing request using session information, it is not necessary to transfer the stored document wastefully between user services of the image forming apparatus, and resource waste can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a stored document processing method, and a stored document processing system that can share an authentication function for stored documents and prevent waste of resources.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  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.

  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 resource 4 includes a plotter 11, a scanner 12, and other hardware resources 13 such as a facsimile. 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.

  The application layer 5 includes a printer application 21, a copy application 22, a fax application 23, a scanner application 24, a WEB page application 25, one or more shared functions (hereinafter referred to as SF) 28, and a WEB page application 25. , And a WEB service function (hereinafter referred to as WSF) 27 provided between the SSF 28 and the SF 28.

  The WSF 27 has an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API) 51 that receives a processing request from the WEB page application 25 using a predefined function. The SF 28 also has an API 52 that receives a processing request from the WSF 27 using a predefined function. When the WSF 27 receives a processing request from the WEB page application 25 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 via the API 52 to the SF 28 selected according to the processing request. When the SF 28 receives a processing request via the API 52, the SF 28 performs processing according to the processing request.

  For example, although the MFP 1 of FIG. 1 includes two SFs 28, one SF 28 performs processing of a network service 142 described later, and the other SF 28 performs processing of a document management service 143 described later.

  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 and a handler layer 10 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to acquisition requests from the SRM 39 are included. The platform 6 is configured to have an API 53 that receives 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.

  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.

  The process of the NCS 31 distributes data received from the network side according to each protocol to each application, and mediates when data from each application is transmitted to the network side. 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).

  The process of the DCS 32 performs control such as delivery 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.

  The process of the ECS 35 controls engine units such as the plotter 11, the scanner 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 process of the UCS 37 manages user information. 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.

  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 that uses the hardware resources 4 such as the plotter 11 and the scanner 12, and performs execution control.

  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.

  The handler layer 10 includes a fax control unit handler (hereinafter referred to as FCUH) 40 that manages a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU), which will be described later, and an image that allocates memory to the process and manages the memory allocated to the process. A memory handler (hereinafter referred to as IMH) 41. The SRM 39, the FCUH 40, and the like make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 using the engine I / F 54 that transmits a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function.

  With the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function apparatus 1 can centrally process processes commonly required for each application on the platform 6. Next, a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the compound machine according to the present invention. The compound machine 1 has a controller 60, an operation panel 80, an FCU 81, and an engine unit 82. The controller 60 includes a CPU 61, a system memory 62, a north bridge (NB) 63, a south bridge (SB) 64, an ASIC 66, a local memory 67, an HDD 68, a network interface card (NIC) 69, a USB device 70, an IEEE 1394 device 71, and a Centronics 72. Have The operation panel 80 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60. Further, the FCU 81 and the engine unit 82 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 via the PCI bus 83.

  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. The controller 60 corresponds to the case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed by connecting the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 via the NB 63.

ASIC 66 and NB 63 are AGP (Accelerated
Graphics Port) 65 is connected. In this way, in order to control the execution of one or more processes forming the application 5 and the platform 6 in FIG. 1, the performance is degraded by connecting the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 via the AGP 65 instead of the low-speed PCI bus. It is preventing.

  The CPU 61 performs overall control of the compound machine 1. The CPU 61 activates and executes the NCS 31, DCS 32, OCS 33, FCS 34, ECS 35, MCS 36, UCS 37, and SCS 38 on the OS, and at the same time, the printer application 21 that forms the application 5, the copy application 22, the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, The web page application 25, WSF27, and SF28 are activated and executed.

  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 711, and Centronics 72 are connected to the NB 63 via the PCI bus 73. The SB 64 is a bridge for connecting the PCI bus 73 to the ROM, peripheral devices, and the like.

  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. The ASIC 66 is an IC for use in image processing having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 68 is an example of a storage (auxiliary storage device) that stores image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, and the like.

  The NIC 69 is an interface device that connects the MFP 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 operation panel 80 is an operation unit that accepts an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator.

  The FCU 81 has a backup 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.

  Hereinafter, a stored document acquisition method realized by the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment of the accumulated document acquisition method according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a sequence diagram of a first embodiment of a stored document acquisition method according to the present invention. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted.

  3 and 4, the network device 120 connected to the MFP 1 via the network 130 such as the Internet acquires a document file stored in the MFP 1 (hereinafter referred to as stored document). To do.

  First, it is assumed that the browser 121 of the network device 120 obtains a list of stored documents and a document ID stored in the MFP 1 from the MFP 1 using, for example, an HTTP request and an HTTP response. The user who operates the network device 120 selects a stored document desired to be acquired from the list of stored documents displayed on the screen of the browser 121, and inputs a password if a password is required to acquire the stored document. To do. Then, the user clicks a predetermined button provided on the screen of the browser 121 with a mouse or the like, for example, in order to acquire the accumulated document from the multifunction machine 1.

  In step S1, the browser 121 of the network device 120 creates an HTTP request including the document ID and password of the stored document selected by the user, and transmits the document ID and password to the MFP 1 via the network 130 such as the Internet. To do. The HTTP request transmitted from the network device 120 is supplied to the network service 142 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31.

  In step S 2 following step S 1, the network service 142 acquires the document ID and password included in the HTTP request supplied from the network device 120, and transmits the document ID and password to the document management service 143. Progressing to step S3 following step S2, the document management service 143 transmits the document ID and password received from the network service 142 to the MCS 36, and requests password authentication. The MCS 36 performs password authentication using the document ID and password received from the document management service 143. Proceeding to step S4 following step S3, the MCS 36 transmits the password authentication result to the document management service 143.

  When the password authentication of the document ID ends normally, the document management service 143 generates session information as shown in FIG. 5 in association with the session ID of the session established with the network service 142. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a session. FIG. 5A shows a session ID for identifying a session established between the network service 142 and the document management service 143. FIG. 5B shows session information associated with the session ID.

  The session information is held by the document management service 143. The session information includes session content information and session management information. The session content information includes, as information, a session ID, an expiration date of the session, the number of stored documents, and an array of structures in which a file ID as a document ID and a password are paired. The session management information includes the current session number and the number of issued sessions as information. Note that an array of structures in which a file ID and a password are paired represents an authenticated stored document.

  Therefore, by using the session ID and the session information, the document management service 143 can manage the stored document authenticated in the session for each session established between the network service 142 and the document management service 143. That is, the session ID functions as proof information that the stored document has been authenticated. Note that the document management service 143 considers security problems and invalidates session information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the document management service 143 was created.

  In step S5 following step S4, the document management service 143 supplies the session ID and document acquirable range information described later to the network service 142. When the session ID and the document acquirable range information are supplied, the network service 142 creates screen data for causing the network device 120 to create a web page for obtaining the accumulated document. The screen data includes a session ID supplied from the document management service 143 and document acquirable range information. The document acquirable range information includes the document image format of the stored document, the page number of the stored document, and the like. Further, the document acquirable range information may include an element of an accumulated document that is likely to be acquired by the user in accordance with the document ID supplied from the network device 120 in step S1.

  Progressing to step S6 following step S5, the network service 142 uses the httpd 141 of the NCS 31 and the network 130 to generate screen data (hereinafter simply referred to as screen data) for causing the network device 120 to create a web page for acquiring a stored document. Via the browser 121 of the network device 120. This screen data includes, for example, a session ID as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a session ID included in the screen data. In FIG. 6, “name =“ sid ”value =“ 344: 455: 566: 778 ”” representing the session ID is embedded in the underlined portion 150 of the screen data. Similar to the session ID, document acquirable range information is embedded in the screen data.

  The browser 121 of the network device 120 displays the stored document acquisition Web page on the screen using the supplied screen data. When the user selects one stored document from the list of authenticated stored documents displayed on the screen of the browser 121, the browser 121 displays a document acquisition condition selection screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows an image diagram of an example of the document acquisition condition selection screen. In the document acquisition condition selection screen of FIG. 7, the document image format of the stored document and the page number of the stored document are selected as an example of the document acquisition condition. For example, in FIG. 7, PDF (Portable Document Format) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is selected as the document image format.

  When the user selects a document acquisition condition from the document acquisition condition selection screen displayed on the browser 121 screen, the browser 121 proceeds to step S7. The browser 121 creates an HTTP request including the document ID of the stored document selected by the user, the session ID supplied in step S6, and the document acquisition condition selected from the document acquisition condition selection screen, and sends the HTTP request to the network 130. To the fusion machine 1. The HTTP request transmitted from the network device 120 is supplied to the document management service 143 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31.

  Further, the processing in steps S6 and S7 will be described in detail using other screen data. In step S 6, the network service 142 transmits image data as shown in FIG. 8 to the browser 121 of the network device 120 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31 and the network 130.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of screen data including a session ID. In the image data of FIG. 8, “name =“ sid ”value =“ 326482964264 ”” representing the session ID is embedded without being displayed. The image data in FIG. 8 includes “name =” did ”value =“ 212 ”” representing the document ID and “name =” rid ”value =“ 5-1-4-3-4 ”representing the document image format. -3 ”” and “name =” cid ”value =“ 1-2-3-4-5 ”” representing the page number of the stored document are embedded without being displayed. For example, the document ID, the document image format, and the page number of the stored document constitute the document acquirable range information.

  The browser 121 of the network device 120 displays the stored document acquisition Web page as shown in FIG. 9 on the screen using the supplied screen data of FIG. FIG. 9 is an image diagram of an example of a Web page for acquiring a stored document. When the user clicks the OK button of the Web page for acquiring the stored document displayed on the screen of the browser 121, the browser 121 proceeds to step S7 and uses the screen data of FIG. Create a request.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an HTTP request including a session ID. In the HTTP request of FIG. 10, “sid = 326482964264” representing the session ID is embedded in the underlined portion 160. The HTTP request in FIG. 10 includes “did = 212” representing the document ID, “rid = 5-1-4-3-4-3” representing the document image format, and “cid = 1” representing the page number of the stored document. -2-3-4-5 "is embedded in the underlined portion 161.

  The browser 121 transmits the created HTTP request to the MFP 1 via the network 130. The HTTP request transmitted from the network device 120 is supplied to the document management service 143 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31.

  The document management service 143 acquires the document ID, session ID, and document acquisition condition included in the HTTP request supplied from the network device 120, and confirms the correctness of the session ID. For example, the correctness of the session ID can be performed using session information associated with the session ID.

  If the correctness of the session ID can be confirmed, the document management service 143 proceeds to step S8. The document management service 143 transmits the document ID and the document acquisition condition to the MCS 36, and makes an acquisition request for the stored document.

  The MCS 36 acquires a stored document from the HDD 68, for example, using the document ID and the document acquisition condition received from the document management service 143. Progressing to step S9 following step S8, the MCS 36 transmits the acquired stored document to the document management service 143.

  In step S 10, the document management service 143 transmits the stored document received from the MCS 36 to the network device 120 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31. For example, the network device 120 displays the stored document received from the multi-function device 1 on the screen of the browser 121.

  Accordingly, by operating the browser 121 of the network device 120, the user can specify and acquire at least a part of the stored documents that meet the document acquisition conditions among the stored documents stored in the MFP 1. is there. Further, in the multi-function apparatus 1 of FIG. 3, by using the session ID, the stored document data itself is not transferred unnecessarily, and the waste of the hardware resources 4 can be prevented.

  Furthermore, since the session information includes information representing an authenticated stored document, the stored document acquisition method of the present invention eliminates the need for password authentication processing each time a document is acquired, thereby reducing the operation burden on the user. Can do. Since session information is invalidated after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was created, it is excellent in terms of security.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the accumulated document acquisition method according to the present invention. In the stored document acquisition method of FIG. 11, a plurality of network devices 120 a and 120 b connected to the MFP 1 via the network 130 acquire the stored documents stored in the MFP 1.

  In FIG. 11, functional configurations that are not necessary for explanation are omitted. Further, since the processing in steps S21 to S28 and the processing in steps S31 to S38 in FIG. 11 are the same as the processing in steps S1 to S10 in FIG. 3, a plurality of network devices 120a and 120b are connected to the multi-function peripheral. A process necessary for acquiring the accumulated document accumulated in 1 will be described.

  When the document management service 143 is notified from the MCS 36 that the password authentication of the document ID has been normally completed, the document management service 143 generates session information in association with the session ID of the session established with the network service 142. In addition, the network service 142 manages the created session ID and session information in association with the target that has made the HTTP request.

  For example, in FIG. 11, when the MCS 36 notifies that the password authentication of the document ID has been normally completed in step S23, the network service 142 corresponds to the network device 120a that has made an HTTP request in step S21. Let them manage. In step S33, when the MCS 36 notifies that the password authentication of the document ID has been normally completed, the network service 142 manages the session ID and the session information in association with the network device 120b that has made the HTTP request in step S31. To do.

  Normally, the network service 142 manages the created session ID and session information in association with the network devices 120a and 120b that have made an HTTP request in step S21 or step S31.

  Therefore, when the network devices 120a and 120b make a request regarding the stored document, the network service 142 automatically uses the session ID corresponding to the network devices 120a and 120b when making a request to the network service 142.

  However, when acquiring the stored document instead of the Web page displaying the stored document, the network devices 120a and 120b need to make a direct request to the document management service 143 as in steps S26 and S36. In this case, the session ID managed by the network service 142 in association with the network devices 120a and 120b cannot be used, and password authentication for the stored document is required again.

  Therefore, by including the session ID in the screen data transmitted to the network device 120a or the network device 120b in step S25 or step S35, the network devices 120a and 120b use the session ID to perform steps S26 and S36. As described above, a request can be made directly to the document management service 143. Therefore, according to the stored document acquisition method of the present invention, it is not necessary to perform password authentication processing each time a document is acquired, and the operation burden on the user can be reduced.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of the accumulated document acquisition method according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of the third embodiment of the accumulated document acquisition method according to the present invention. In the stored document acquisition method of FIGS. 12 and 13, the network device 120 connected via the network 130 acquires the stored document stored in the MFP 1. In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, configurations that are not necessary for description are omitted.

  In step S41, the browser 121 of the network device 120 creates an HTTP request including the document ID, password, and document acquisition condition of the stored document selected by the user, and transmits the HTTP request to the MFP 1 via the network 130. To do. The HTTP request transmitted from the network device 120 is supplied to the network service 142 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31.

  Progressing to step S42 following step S41, the network service 142 acquires the document ID, password, and document acquisition condition included in the HTTP request supplied from the network device 120, and transmits the document ID and password to the document management service 143. To do.

  Progressing to step S43 following step S42, the document management service 143 transmits the document ID and password received from the network service 142 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 143. Proceeding to step S44 following step S43, the MCS 36 transmits the result of password authentication to the document management service 143. When the password authentication of the document ID ends normally, the document management service 143 generates session information as shown in FIG. 5 in association with the session ID of the session established with the network service 142.

  In step S 45 following step S 44, the document management service 143 supplies the session ID to the network service 142. In step S46 following step S45, the network service 142 transmits the session ID supplied in step S45 and the document ID and document acquisition conditions supplied in step S41 to the document management service 143.

  The document management service 143 acquires the document ID, session ID, and document acquisition condition supplied from the network service 142, and confirms the correctness of the session ID. For example, the correctness of the session ID can be performed using session information associated with the session ID. If the correctness of the session ID can be confirmed, the document management service 143 proceeds to step S47. The document management service 143 transmits the document ID and the document acquisition condition to the MCS 36, and makes an acquisition request for the stored document.

  The MCS 36 acquires a stored document from the HDD 68, for example, using the document ID and the document acquisition condition received from the document management service 143. Proceeding to step S 48 following step S 47, the MCS 36 transmits the acquired stored document to the document management service 143. In step S49, the document management service 143 transmits the stored document received from the MCS 36 to the network device 120 via the httpd 141 of the NCS 31. For example, the network device 120 displays the stored document received from the multi-function device 1 on the screen of the browser 121.

  Therefore, by operating the browser 121 of the network device 120, the user can specify and acquire at least a part of the stored documents corresponding to the document acquisition condition among the stored documents stored in the MFP 1. is there. Further, in the multi-function apparatus 1 of FIG. 12, by using the session ID, the stored document data itself is not transferred unnecessarily, and the waste of the hardware resources 4 can be prevented.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said Example, A various change is possible within the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram of one Example of the compound machine by this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of one Example of the compound machine by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 1st Example of the accumulation | storage document acquisition method by this invention. It is a sequence diagram of 1st Example of the stored document acquisition method by this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a session. It is a figure explaining an example of session ID contained in screen data. It is an image figure of an example of a document acquisition condition selection screen. It is a figure explaining an example of the data for screens including session ID. It is an image figure of an example of the web page for accumulation | storage document acquisition. It is a figure explaining an example of the HTTP request containing session ID. It is explanatory drawing of 2nd Example of the accumulation | storage document acquisition method by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 3rd Example of the accumulation | storage document acquisition method by this invention. It is a sequence diagram of 3rd Example of the stored document acquisition method by this 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 9 Control service layer 10 Handler layer 11 Plotter 12 Scanner 13 Other hardware resources 21 Printer application 22 Copy application 23 Fax application 24 Scanner application 25 WEB page application 27 WEB service function (WSF)
28 Shared function (SF)
31 Network Control Service (NCS)
32 Delivery Control Service (DCS)
33 Operation Panel Control Service (OCS)
34 Fax Control Service (FCS)
35 Engine Control Service (ECS)
36 Memory Control Service (MCS)
37 User Information Control Service (UCS)
38 System Control Service (SCS)
39 System Resource Manager (SRM)
40 Fax Control Unit Handler (FCUH)
41 Image memory handler (IMH)
51-53 Application Program Interface (API)
54 Engine I / F
60 controller 61 CPU
62 System memory 63 North Bridge (NB)
64 South Bridge (SB)
65 AGP (Accelerated
Graphics Port)
66 ASIC
67 Local memory 68 Hard disk drive (HDD)
80 Operation panel 81 Fax control unit (FCU)
82 Engine 120 Network equipment 121 Browser 130 Network 141 httpd (Hypertext
Transfer Protocol Daemon)
142 Network Service 143 Document Management Service

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image formation, and a document storage unit for storing stored documents,
When an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit is received from an external network device, an authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and contents of session information and identification information are generated according to an authentication processing result, acquires the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus according to the authentication request, the identification of the session information on a screen for data for creating a stored document processing screen on the network equipment Including the information and sending it to the network device,
Upon reception of the predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information from the network device to identify the content of the session information according to the identification information, stored in the document storage means with the contents of the session information Execute a predetermined processing request for the stored document ,
Image data for causing the network device to create a stored document processing screen includes identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, and document acquirable range information . After sending to the network equipment by the inclusion of identification information of the session information on a screen for data, upon receiving the stored document acquisition request using the identification information of the session information from the network device, the identification information of the session information The content of the session information is specified in response, the stored document corresponding to the stored document acquisition request is acquired from the document storage unit using the content of the session information, and transmitted to the network device. The image forming apparatus according to 1. When a predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information is received from the network device, the content of the session information is specified according to the identification information, and the predetermined processing request is determined according to the content of the session information. the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining the validity. Wherein the predetermined processing request includes identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a document acquisition range information. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the document acquisition range information includes at least a stored document format and a stored document page. The document access range information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least a page format and documents stored stored document.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus is invalidated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the session was established. It said hardware resources used in image forming processing, claims 1 to 7 any one claim characterized by having at least a plotter means for forming an image from the scanner unit and the image data to generate image data from the image Image forming apparatus. Claims, characterized in that the said data for a Web page for the network device creates a Web page for the stored document processing is included the identification information of the session information, and transmits the data for that Web page to the network device The image forming apparatus according to 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the Web page data is described in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). An image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing, a program for performing processing relating to image formation, and a document storage unit for storing stored documents,
Upon receiving an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage means from an external network device, the authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and the contents and identification of the session information are determined according to the authentication processing result. It generates information to obtain identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request,
The content of the session information is specified according to the identification information, and a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit is executed using the content of the session information and document acquisition condition information. Image forming apparatus. A stored document processing method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: hardware resources used in image forming processing; a program for performing processing related to image formation; and a document storage unit for storing stored documents.
When an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit is received from an external network device, an authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and contents of session information and identification information are generated according to an authentication processing result, acquires the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus according to the authentication request, the identification of the session information on a screen for data for creating a stored document processing screen on the network equipment Including information and transmitting to the network device;
Upon reception of the predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information from the network device to identify the content of the session information according to the identification information, stored in the document storage means with the contents of the session information possess a step of performing a predetermined process request for has been stored document,
The stored document processing method, wherein the screen data for causing the network device to create a stored document processing screen includes identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, and document acquirable range information . A stored document processing method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: hardware resources used in image forming processing; a program for performing processing related to image formation; and a document storage unit for storing stored documents.
Upon receiving an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage means from an external network device, the authentication process is performed according to the authentication request, and the contents and identification of the session information are determined according to the authentication processing result. a step of generating information, acquires the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request,
Specifying the content of the session information according to the identification information, and executing a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage means using the content of the session information and the document acquisition condition information. An accumulated document processing method characterized by the above. Using one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network device via a network, a predetermined document is stored in a document storage unit stored in the document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. An accumulated document processing system for executing processing,
When the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, the image forming apparatus performs an authentication process according to the authentication request, and the content and identification of the session information according to the authentication process result It generates information, the authentication request to acquire the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in accordance with the screen data for causing create accumulated document processing screen on the network equipment identification information of the session information, a function of transmitting stored document identification information, to the network device by the inclusion of document acquisition range information,
Upon reception of the predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information from the network device to identify the content of the session information according to the identification information, stored in the document storage means with the contents of the session information A function to execute a predetermined processing request for the stored document that has been stored,
The external network device obtains the identification information of the session information that is included in the received image data, predetermined processing request the image using the identification information of the session information in response to an instruction from the user An accumulated document processing system having a function of transmitting to a forming apparatus. Using one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network device via a network, a predetermined document is stored in a document storage unit stored in the document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. An accumulated document processing system for executing processing,
When the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, the image forming apparatus performs an authentication process according to the authentication request, and according to the authentication process result It generates a content and identification information of the session information, a function of acquiring the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request,
A function for specifying the content of the session information in accordance with the identification information and executing a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit using the content of the session information and the document acquisition condition information. An accumulated document processing system characterized by that. Using one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network device via a network, a predetermined document is stored in a document storage unit stored in the document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A stored document processing method of a stored document processing system for executing processing,
When the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, the image forming apparatus performs an authentication process according to the authentication request, and contents and identification of the session information according to the authentication process result It generates information, the authentication request to acquire the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in accordance with the screen data for causing create accumulated document processing screen on the network equipment and transmitting identification information of the session information, stored document identification information, to the network device by the inclusion of document acquisition range information,
The network device acquires identification information of the session information included in the image data received from the image forming apparatus, and makes a predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information according to an instruction from a user. Transmitting to the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus receives a predetermined processing request using the identification information of the session information from the network device to identify the content of the session information according to the identification information, by using the contents of the session information And a step of executing a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage means. Using one or more external network devices and an image forming apparatus connected to the external network device via a network, a predetermined document is stored in a document storage unit stored in the document storage unit of the image forming apparatus. A stored document processing method of a stored document processing system for executing processing,
When the image forming apparatus receives an authentication request and document acquisition condition information for the stored document stored in the document storage unit from an external network device, the image forming apparatus performs an authentication process according to the authentication request, and according to the authentication process result a step of generating a content and identification information of the session information, and acquires the identification information of the session information of a session established within the image forming apparatus in response to the authentication request,
The image forming apparatus specifies the content of the session information according to the identification information, and issues a predetermined processing request for the stored document stored in the document storage unit using the content of the session information and the document acquisition condition information. And a step of executing the stored document processing method.

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