JP4432921B2 - Multifunction machine and its processing function selection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a user interface technique for selecting a processing function of a multifunction peripheral.

  Conventionally, an image input device such as a scanner or a digital camera and an image output device such as a printer or a facsimile are connected to each other via a network, and a multi-function capable of realizing a plurality of functions by combining the image input device and the image output device. A function system (hereinafter referred to as “MFP system”) is realized.

As an MFP system of this type, Patent Document 1 discloses an image input device and an image output device that are currently connected to a network for the purpose of easily grasping executable functions and easily setting desired functions. It is described that transfer path information indicating all of the functions that can be realized by the combination of the above is created, and this transfer path information can be displayed on the display screen of each image input device and image output device.
JP 2000-187573 A

  By the way, in the MFP system described in Patent Document 1, all functions that can be realized by a combination of an image input device and an image output device currently connected to the network are displayed, and the user can select a desired function (copy, Facsimile transmission etc.) can be selected. Therefore, the function is executed using a device that is not intended by the user, which may cause unexpected inconvenience for the user.

  That is, for example, when the color copy function is selected, there may actually be no color printer near the user. At this time, it is inconvenient for the user to go to the printed matter output to a color printer far away. Further, there is a risk of output from a color printer on a different floor, or output from a remote color printer connected by WAN, which is problematic from the viewpoint of security of printed matter.

  Further, in some cases, if the color printer is not in the vicinity, the user thinks that it is sufficient to output with a monochrome printer. However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to select a function first, it is not possible to flexibly cope with such a case.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in an MFP system in which devices such as scanners and printers are distributed on a network, a user can easily select a desired processing function by combining arbitrary devices. An object is to provide an MFP system that can be executed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a multi-function device according to the present invention creates a list of devices connected to a network, transmits a list to the user terminal, and a list list destination user terminal. From the device information receiving means for receiving the information of the device selected by the user and the processing function list executable by the device based on the received device information, and transmitting the processing function list to the user terminal Based on the processing function list transmitting means, the processing function information receiving means for receiving the processing function information selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the processing function list, and the received device information and processing function information, Execution control means for controlling the device to execute the processing function.

  The “device” in the present invention means a device capable of inputting and / or outputting information such as an image, and includes an image input device such as a scanner and an image output device such as a printer. The “processing function” is a function that can be realized by arbitrarily combining an image input device and an image output device, such as a copy function, a network scanner (image capture) function, a facsimile function, a projection function, and a bookbinding function. Including.

  According to this invention, the browser terminal used by the user is first presented with a list of available devices on the first screen, and then presented with a list of processing functions on the second screen. Thus, the user first selects a device to be used, and then selects a processing function to be executed. In this way, it is possible to easily select a desired processing function by combining arbitrary devices and execute a desired processing function using a multifunction device unit connected to a device such as a scanner or a printer via a network. It becomes like this.

  Also, under the situation where devices such as scanners and printers are distributed on the network, first let the user select the device to be used, and then select what processing function that device can do. As a result, it is possible to flexibly respond to the user's intention and provide a user interface along the flow line of the user.

  Preferably, the multi-function device unit further includes device specific information storage means for storing device specific information for identifying a device connected to the network, and the list list transmission means is stored in the device specific information storage means. The list is created with reference to the information.

  According to this invention, it becomes possible to reliably manage devices connected to the network using the device specific information storage means.

  More preferably, the multifunction device unit further includes UI information storage means for storing information regarding processing functions executable by each device connected to the network, and the processing function list transmission means is stored in the UI information storage means. Create a list of processing functions by referring to the information.

  According to this invention, it becomes possible to easily extract processing functions that can be performed using the device selected by the user using the UI information storage means.

  Preferably, the device specific information of the device that can be connected to the network and the model information storage means for storing the information related to the driver for controlling the device in association with each other, and the device is newly connected to the network And a means for searching the model information storage means based on the device-specific information of the newly connected device and installing a driver of the newly connected device.

  According to this invention, when a new device is connected to the network, it becomes possible to automatically install a driver for controlling the newly connected device.

  The multi-function system according to the present invention is a system in which a multifunction machine unit, a user terminal, and a plurality of devices are connected to a network. Then, the MFP unit creates a list of devices connected to the network, and transmits information on the list selected by the user from the list list transmitting means for transmitting the list to the user terminal and the list destination user terminal. Device information receiving means, a processing function list sending means for creating a list of processing functions executable by the equipment based on the received equipment information, and sending the processing function list to the user terminal, processing Based on the processing function information receiving means for receiving information on the processing function selected by the user from the transmission destination user terminal of the function list, and the received information on the equipment and information on the processing function, the processing function is assigned to the equipment. Execution control means for controlling execution. In addition, the user terminal receives a list from the multi-function peripheral unit and presents it to a list list presenting means, and device information transmitting means for transmitting information on a device selected from the list to the multi-function peripheral unit Receiving a processing function list from the multi-function peripheral unit and presenting it to the user; processing function information transmitting means for transmitting processing function information selected from the processing function list to the multi-function peripheral unit; .

  According to this invention, the browser terminal used by the user is first presented with a list of available devices on the first screen, and then presented with a list of processing functions on the second screen. As a result, the user first selects a device to be used, and then selects a processing function to be executed, thereby combining arbitrary devices in an MFP system in which devices such as scanners and printers are distributed on the network. It becomes possible to easily select a desired processing function and execute the desired processing function.

  A processing function selection method according to the present invention is a method for allowing a user to select a processing function in a multi-function peripheral unit having control means for controlling the multi-function peripheral unit, in which the control means is connected to a device connected to a network. Creating a list, sending the list to the user terminal, receiving the information on the device selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the list, and the control means Based on the information, a list of processing functions executable by the device is created, the processing function list is transmitted to the user terminal, and the processing function information selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the processing function list On the basis of the received device information and processing function information. Comprising a step of controlling to execute the ability to.

  According to this invention, the browser terminal used by the user is first presented with a list of available devices on the first screen, and then presented with a list of processing functions on the second screen. Thus, the user first selects a device to be used, and then selects a processing function to be executed. In this way, it is possible to provide a method for easily selecting a desired processing function by combining arbitrary devices and executing the desired processing function.

  The program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each processing step of the processing function selection method according to the present invention. The program of the present invention can be installed or loaded on a computer through various recording media such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a communication network.

  In the present invention, “device-specific information” is information that can uniquely identify a device connected to the network on the network, and is information that each device uniquely holds. Specifically, for example, device specific information is configured by a combination of a product name, a product serial number, a manufacturing date, and a version number. Further, in the present invention, “model information” is information relating to the model (product) of each device controlled by the multifunction peripheral of the present invention.

  In the present invention, “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where the function of the means is realized by software. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the following embodiments are exemplifications for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention only to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

  The present invention is configured to present a list of devices currently connected to the network to the user, as will be described in detail below. Furthermore, after the user selects a device to be used, a list of processing functions that can be executed by the selected device is presented to the user. As a result, the user can select a device to be used and then select what processing is to be executed using the device.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction system 100 (hereinafter referred to as “MFP system 100”) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP system 100 is configured by connecting one or more digital multi-function peripheral units 20 (hereinafter referred to as “units 20”) to a network 10. In addition, various devices 30 capable of inputting or outputting images or the like are connected to the network 10 or the unit 20. Further, the MFP system 100 includes a browser terminal 40.

  The network 10 is a communication line for transmitting and receiving information to and from the unit 20, various devices 30, or the browser terminal 40. For example, a LAN, the Internet, a dedicated line, a packet communication network, a telephone line, and other communication Any of a line, a combination thereof, etc. may be used, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

  The unit 20 is a computer device that manages device-specific information of the devices 30 connected to the network 10 and controls any device 30. Further, the unit 20 can control the devices 30 by connecting the devices 30 such as the print engine to the bus or by connecting the devices 30 externally via a local connection terminal such as a USB. It is like that. Then, any one of an arbitrary device 30 connected to the network 10, a device 30 connected to the bus of the unit 20, or a device 30 connected externally to the unit 20 through a local connection terminal such as a USB. Various processing functions such as printing, copying, image capture, and facsimile are realized by appropriately combining two or more.

  Further, when a plurality of units 20 are connected to the network 10, the plurality of units 20 cooperate to virtually act as one unit.

  The device 30 is connected to the network 10 or the unit 20 and has a function of inputting or outputting an image or the like. Specifically, the device 30 includes the following devices.

  Examples of devices that input images and the like include, for example, a scanner that optically reads images displayed on a sheet, a digital whiteboard that optically reads images displayed on a board, and records captured images as digital data. And digital cameras.

  Examples of the device that outputs an image include an image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms an image by an electrophotographic method, a projector that projects an image on a screen, a viewer that displays an image on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. It is done.

  Examples of devices that input and output images and the like include storage for storing data optically or electromagnetically, such as a FAX modem or a hard disk device that transmits or receives a facsimile. Note that the FAX modem may be provided not only in a personal computer but also in a facsimile dedicated apparatus that can be connected to the network 10. The storage includes a storage device indirectly connected to the network 10 such as a hard disk device provided in a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”).

  In the present specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the types of devices connected to the network, the devices connected to the network will be collectively referred to as the device 30.

  The browser terminal 40 is a device that communicates with the unit 20 via the network 10 or directly by infrared communication or the like, and has a web browser for browsing information distributed from the web server. Any device is acceptable. For example, a PC, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like are applicable. A processing device such as a CPU provided in the browser terminal 40 executes a predetermined program stored in a memory, an external storage device, or the like, thereby causing the browser terminal 40 to function as a predetermined information presentation unit and a transmission / reception unit.

  A user of the MFP system 100 can use the browser terminal 40 to access the unit 20 and instruct processing. When the browser terminal 40 includes an external storage device, the external storage device functions as a storage device (device 30) connected to the network 10.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the unit 20. The unit 20 includes a PC module 21 and an output module 28. The PC module 21 has a function having a server, a driver, and a controller for the device 30 such as a printer. The PC module 21 further includes an MFP module 22, a DB module 23, and a Web server module 27.

  The MFP module 22 is a module for communicating with other devices (unit 20, device 30, browser terminal 40). The MFP module 22 obtains device-specific information of a device 30 connected to the network 10 and means for transmitting or receiving various information with any other device and registers it in the device-specific information table 24 described later. Means for recognizing a newly connected device 30 based on the device specific information, installing a driver for controlling the device 30 in the unit 20, and a driver for the device 30 being installed. And means for controlling execution of processing of the device 30.

  The MFP module 22 communicates with an arbitrary device 30 connected to the network 10 to control the device 30, so that the unit 20 combines the arbitrary devices 30 to form a multi-function peripheral (MFP). Provides various functions (printing, copying, image capture, facsimile, etc.).

  The DB module 23 is a module for recording and managing various information necessary for the unit 20 to control and manage the MFP system 100 in a database (DB). In the present embodiment, a device unique information table (device unique information storage means) 24 for recording and managing device unique information of the devices 30 connected to the network 10, and device model information that the unit 20 can control. A model information table (model information storage means) 25 for registering a user interface, and a UI information storage for storing information on a user interface (hereinafter referred to as “UI”) presented to the browser terminal 40 of the user who uses the MFP system 100 The means 26 is recorded and managed by the DB module 23.

  The device unique information table 24 is a table for managing device unique information of the devices 30 connected to the network 10, and stores information such as product names, serial numbers, and manufacturing dates for each device 30. Keep it. The unit 20 refers to the table 24 and grasps what device 30 is connected to the network 10. Based on the device-specific information recorded in the table 24, the unit 20 performs processing such as control of each device 30 and presentation of available devices to the user.

  In the model information table 25, when a device 30 is newly connected to the network 10, model information for the unit 20 to collate the device 30 and install a necessary driver is recorded and managed. In the model information table 25, model information of products that can be used by the unit 20 is recorded and managed. When a new model such as a new product enters the market, a predetermined server computer (not shown) is determined in advance. Model information corresponding to the new model is acquired from the database or the like, and is additionally registered in the model information table 25. For example, every time a new product is released, the model information of the new product is additionally registered on the manufacturer's website or the like, and the unit 20 has a predetermined timing such as when the device 30 is newly connected to the network 10. Then, the predetermined server computer is accessed, and the model information of the new product is automatically downloaded and additionally registered in the model information table 25. This additional registration process is preferably executed in the background.

  The UI information storage unit 26 records and manages screen information presented to the browser terminal 40 that has accessed the unit 20 and its transition. Referring to the UI information storage unit 26, the unit 20 first presents the first screen for selecting a device to be used from the list of devices connected to the network 10 to the browser terminal 40, and next The second screen on which a list of processing functions that can be executed using the selected device is displayed is presented.

  The Web server module 27 is a module provided with means that functions as a Web server that distributes Web information. It communicates with the browser terminal 40 directly via the network 10 or by infrared communication or the like, and distributes Web information to the browser terminal 40. The browser terminal 40 performs screen display based on the received Web information.

  When a plurality of units 20 are connected to the network 10, the PC modules 21 included in each unit 20 cooperate to share information managed by each DB module 23 and to each module 22, 23, 27. By performing the processing in cooperation, the plurality of units 20 function so as to behave as one virtual unit.

  The output module 28 is a module provided with means for inputting and outputting data such as images. Here, the input / output means includes, for example, an image forming means (so-called print engine) for forming an image based on input data by an electrophotographic method, an RGB output terminal for displaying an image on a display, a file input It includes devices such as a hard disk device (external storage device) for output.

  A module is a unit of components having a group of functions, and is realized by dedicated hardware or by a control unit such as a CPU executing a predetermined program stored in a memory or the like. Thus, each module is configured. Each module described above may be configured by a single piece of hardware, each module may be configured by individual dedicated hardware, or may be configured by software to one or more computers. Each module may be mounted.

  Next, the present invention will be described assuming a specific system configuration.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific system configuration of the MFP system 100. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two units 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B are connected to the network 10. A monochrome printer 30A and a scanner 30B are externally connected to the unit 20A. Further, a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 30D, a color printer 30E, a scanner 30F, and a FAX modem 30G are connected to the network 10. The FAX modem 30G is connected to the telephone line network 15 so that FAX data can be transmitted / received via the telephone line network 15.

  Furthermore, a PC 40A having an HDD 30C is connected to the network 10. The HDD 30C is connected to the network 10 via the PC 40A. Further, the portable terminal 40B provided with the web browser can directly communicate with the unit 20A by infrared communication or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the device specific information table 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device unique information table 24 includes device unique information 51 of the devices 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> G connected to the network 10 and reference information 52 set by an administrator or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the device specific information 51 includes a product name 53, a product serial number 54, a manufacturing date 55, and a version number 56. The reference information 52 includes a general name 57, a location 58, and a group 59 of the device. Here, the location indicates the installation location of the device. Also, by setting a group for a device, access to each device can be managed in units of groups.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the model information table 25. As shown in FIG. 5, the model information table 25 includes a product name 61, a product serial number 62, and information 63 about a driver for the unit 20 to control the product. The driver information 63 may be the driver execution program itself or link information for installing the driver. Moreover, you may make it include the information 64, such as a manufacture date and a version number, as needed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure stored in the UI information storage unit 26. As shown in FIG. 6, the UI information storage unit 26 manages information related to screen state transitions presented to the browser terminal 40 in a tree structure. A list of devices that can be used in the MFP system 100 is managed in the root portion 71 of the tree structure. A child node 72 exists for each device, and a list of processing functions that can be executed using each device is managed. Further, there is a grandchild node 73 for each processing function, and a list of devices necessary for executing the processing function using each device is managed.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the MFP system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a device 30 is newly connected to the network 10.

  First, when a device 30 such as a scanner is newly connected to the network 10, the unit 20 negotiates with the device 30, collects device-specific information, and stores it in the device-specific information table 24 (S110). . Next, the device-specific information is checked against the model information table 25, and information related to the driver necessary for controlling the newly connected device 30 is acquired (S112). Since the information related to the driver stores the link destination where the driver is stored or the driver program itself, the driver is installed based on this information (S114). In this way, the unit 20 registers and manages the device unique information of the device 30 connected to the network 10 in the device unique information table 24, and installs a driver for controlling each device 30 in the unit 20, so that the unit 20 Therefore, the device 30 can be used.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence chart when processing functions such as copying are executed by the MFP system 100.

  First, the user accesses the unit 20 using the Web browser of the browser terminal 40 (S120). At this time, the browser terminal 40 accesses the unit 20 via the network 10 or directly by infrared communication or the like.

  Upon receiving access from the browser terminal 40, the unit 20 searches the device specific information table 24, extracts the devices 30 connected to the network 10, and creates a list of available devices (S122). For example, in the example of the device specific information table 24 shown in FIG. 3, when the user of the browser terminal 40 is a user of group A, the device specific information related to the group A is extracted to create a list of available devices. .

  Then, the unit 20 transmits this list to the browser terminal 40 that has previously accessed (S124). In this way, when the list is transmitted from the unit 20 to the browser terminal 40, the browser terminal 40 that has received the list is used in a state that can be understood by the user, specifically displayed on a display device. A list of possible devices is presented (S126).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (first screen) 41 of a list of available devices presented on the browser terminal 40. In the present embodiment, scanner 1, scanner 2, monochrome printer, color printer, 40G-HDD, 60G-HDD, and FAX modem are presented as available devices. When the list and the installation location of each device are included in the list transmitted from the unit 20, it is preferable to present these pieces of information at the same time. Further, in addition to the general name of the device, the features of each device such as A3 / A4 correspondence may be presented.

  Thereafter, when the user selects a device to be used from the list of available devices presented on the browser terminal 40 using an input means or the like, information on the device selected by the user is transmitted from the browser terminal 40 to the unit 20. (S128 in FIG. 8).

  Based on the information of the device selected by the user, the unit 20 creates a list of processing functions that can be performed by the MFP system 100 using the device (S130). Specifically, the unit 20 searches the UI information storage unit 26 based on the information on the selected device received from the browser terminal 40, and extracts processing function candidates that can be executed using the device selected by the user. . Further, referring to the device specific information table 24, unnecessary processing functions are removed from the candidates in association with the devices currently connected to the network 10. In this way, a list of processing functions that can be performed by the user is created using the selected device. Preferably, a user group is taken into account when creating the processing function list.

  After creating the list, the unit 20 transmits this processing function list to the browser terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the selected device information (S132). Then, the browser terminal 40 that has received the processing function list presents the processing function list in a state that is understandable to the user, specifically, by displaying it on the display device (S134).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing function list display screen (second screen) 42 presented on the browser terminal 40. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected “scanner 1” on the first screen, and processing functions that can be executed by the MFP system 100 using this “scanner 1” include “copy”, “image capture”, A list of “FAX transmission” is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the user selects a desired processing function from the processing function list presented on the browser terminal 40 by using an input means or the like, information related to the processing function selected by the user is transmitted from the browser terminal 40 to the unit 20. (S136 in FIG. 8).

  The unit 20 uses the input device or the output in executing the device and the processing function selected by the user based on the received information on the processing function and the information recorded in the UI information storage unit 26 and the device specific information table 24. It is determined whether it is necessary to add and select a device (S138).

  For example, in the present embodiment, when the user selects “copy” on the second screen, the unit 20 recognizes that the output device is a printer based on the information recorded in the UI information storage unit 26. At this time, referring to the device-specific information table 24, it can be seen that two printers are connected to the network 10. Therefore, it is additionally selected which of the two printers is to execute print processing. I understand that it is necessary.

  On the other hand, when the user selects “FAX transmission” on the second screen, the unit 20 uses the FAX modem 30G to transmit the image captured by the scanner 1 based on the UI information storage unit 26 and the device specific information table 24. Can be uniquely identified. Therefore, the unit 20 can determine that it is not necessary to select any more devices.

  In this way, the unit 20 determines the necessity of additional selection of devices, and if it is necessary to select additional devices, the unit 20 displays a list of additional selected devices related to input devices or output devices for executing a desired processing function. The generated additional list is transmitted to the browser terminal 40 (S140) and displayed on the display device of the browser terminal 40 to present the received additional list (S142).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (third screen) 43 of the additional selection device list presented on the browser terminal 40. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected “scanner 1” on the first screen and further selected “copy” on the second screen, and the output that can be used for copy processing of the image captured by this “scanner 1”. A list of devices, that is, a list of available printers is displayed. In this way, the user waits for the user to select which printer is used for printing (copy processing).

  Thereafter, when the user selects a device to be used from the list of additional selected devices presented on the browser terminal 40 using an input unit or the like, information on the device selected by the user is transmitted from the browser terminal 40 to the unit 20. (S144 in FIG. 8).

  When the unit 20 determines that it is not necessary to additionally select a device in step S138, or when receiving the additionally selected device information from the browser terminal 40, the device determined based on the user's selection. 30 and 30 are controlled to execute the processing function designated by the user (S146).

  For example, in this embodiment, when the user selects the first screen “scanner 1”, “copy” on the second screen, and “color printer” on the third screen, the unit 20 is connected to the scanner 1 (device 30B). To obtain image data by scanning an image from the sheet, and sends the obtained image data to a color printer (device 30E) to perform printing. In this way, processing functions such as printing, copying, image capture, and facsimile can be executed by combining arbitrary devices 30 distributed and arranged on the network 10.

  As described above, the browser terminal 40 used by the user of the MFP system 100 first presents the available device list on the first screen and then presents the list of processing functions on the second screen. It has become. The user selects a processing function to be executed after selecting a device to be used first. As described above, in the present invention, before selecting a processing function, a device to be used is first selected. The reason for this is mainly as follows.

  That is, for example, in the case of a normal multifunction device in which a scanner and a printer are integrally formed, even if a processing function is selected first, a device such as a scanner or a printer that is integrally formed with the multifunction device No special inconvenience will occur as it can be used to perform processing functions. However, in the multi-function peripheral (digital multi-function peripheral unit) according to the present embodiment on the assumption that devices such as scanners and printers are distributed on the network, when the processing function is first selected, the processing function There may be a situation where the device that performs the operation is installed at a remote location. In such a case, for example, the printed product may go to a different floor, and the user's intention to use the multi-function device is significantly impaired.

  In addition, the user often wants to perform some processing using the devices in the vicinity of the user. For example, if the printer is installed only in a remote place, you may want to give up printing and give priority to storing the image in a file for the time being.

  Therefore, in the present invention, instead of first selecting a processing function, the user needs to prioritize executing various processing functions by using a device around the user by selecting a device to be used. It is possible to respond.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. For this reason, the said embodiment is only a mere illustration in all points, and is not interpreted limitedly.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the present invention has been described based on the specific system configuration shown in FIG. 3, but it goes without saying that the system configuration of the present invention is not limited to this.

  In addition, the processing steps shown in FIG. 8 can be executed in any order or in parallel as long as the processing contents do not contradict each other.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of units 20 are connected to the network 10, the plurality of units 20 are controlled so as to virtually operate as one unit. Therefore, even if the browser terminal 40 accesses any unit 20 in the system, a common UI is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the device is further selected on the third screen, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a specific device may be default-set for each device type such as a scanner or a printer, and instead of selecting a device on the third screen, the processing may be executed using the default-set device. . In addition, when a plurality of FAX modems are installed in the network 10, when one FAX modem is occupied, distribution control may be performed so that FAX transmission / reception processing is performed using another FAX modem. .

  Further, when a plurality of devices of the same device type are installed, the tasks may be distributedly processed using a plurality of devices. In particular, if the printing task is distributed when there are a plurality of printers, or if the FAX transmission / reception task is distributed when there are a plurality of FAX modems, productivity can be expected to improve.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a unit 20. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an MFP system 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a device specific information table 24. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a model information table 25. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure stored in a UI information storage unit 26. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process when the apparatus 30 is newly connected. It is a sequence chart at the time of performing a processing function. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st screen 41 shown on the browser terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the 2nd screen 42 shown on the browser terminal 40. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3rd screen 43 shown on the browser terminal 40. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 network, 20 digital multifunction device unit, 21 PC module, 22 MFP module, 23 DB module, 24 device specific information table, 25 model information table, 26 UI information storage means, 27 Web server module, 28 output module, 30 device, 40 Browser terminal, 41 1st screen, 42 2nd screen, 43 3rd screen

Claims (7)

A multi-function device unit connected to a user terminal and a plurality of devices via a network,
A list sending means for creating a list of devices connected to the network and sending the list to the user terminal;
Device information receiving means for receiving information of the device selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the list;
Based on the received information of the device, a list of processing functions that can be executed by the device, processing function list transmission means for transmitting the processing function list to the user terminal,
Processing function information receiving means for receiving information on the processing function selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the processing function list;
Execution control means for controlling the device to execute the processing function based on the received device information and processing function information;
Equipped with a,
When a device other than the selected device is further needed to realize the selected processing function, the selected processing function is realized in addition to the device selected from the list. An additional list transmission means for creating an additional list of devices necessary for transmission and transmitting the additional list to the user terminal;
An additional device information receiving means for receiving information of a device added and selected by the user from a transmission destination user terminal of the additional list,
The execution control means is based on the device information received by the device information receiving means, the processing function information received by the processing function information receiving means, and the device information received by the additional device information receiving means. A multifunction device unit that controls the selected device and the additionally selected device to execute the selected processing function . Device-specific information storage means for storing device-specific information for identifying a device connected to the network;
The list transmission means creates the list by referring to information stored in the device-specific information storage means;
The multifunction device unit according to claim 1. UI information storage means for storing information related to processing functions executable by each device connected to the network,
The processing function list transmission unit refers to the information stored in the UI information storage unit and creates the processing function list.
The multi-function device unit according to claim 1 or 2. Model information storage means for storing device specific information of devices that can be connected to the network and information related to drivers for controlling the devices in association with each other;
Means for searching the model information storage means based on the device-specific information of the newly connected device when a device is newly connected to the network, and installing a driver of the newly connected device; ,
The multifunction device unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: In a multi-function system in which a multifunction device unit, user terminal and multiple devices are connected to a network,
The MFP unit is
A list sending means for creating a list of devices connected to the network and sending the list to the user terminal;
Device information receiving means for receiving information of the device selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the list;
Based on the received information on the device, a list of processing functions that can be executed by the device, processing function list transmission means for transmitting the processing function list to the user terminal,
Processing function information receiving means for receiving information on the processing function selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the processing function list;
Execution control means for controlling the device to execute the processing function based on the received device information and processing function information;
In order to realize the selected processing function in addition to the device selected from the list, when another device other than the selected device is further required to realize the selected processing function An additional list transmission means for creating an additional list of necessary devices and transmitting the additional list to the user terminal;
Additional device information receiving means for receiving information of a device added and selected by the user from the transmission destination user terminal of the additional list,
With
The user terminal is
A list list presenting means for receiving the list from the multifunction device unit and presenting the list to a user;
Device information transmitting means for transmitting information of a device selected from the list to the multifunction device unit;
Processing function list presentation means for receiving the processing function list from the multi-function device unit and presenting it to the user;
Processing function information transmitting means for transmitting information of the processing function selected from the processing function list to the multi-function peripheral unit;
Receiving the additional list from the multi-function device unit, and presenting to the user additional list list presenting means;
Additional device information transmitting means for transmitting information of the device selected from the additional list to the multifunction device unit,
The execution control means of the multi-function device unit includes information on the equipment received by the equipment information receiving means, information on processing functions received by the processing function information receiving means, and information on equipment received by the additional equipment information receiving means. A multi-function system that controls the selected device and the additionally selected device to execute the selected processing function based on the system. Is connected to a user terminal and a plurality of devices via a network, the MFP unit with a control unit, a method for selecting a processing function to a user,
The control means creates a list of devices connected to the network, and sends a list to the user terminal list list sending step;
A device information receiving step in which the control means receives information on the device selected by the user from the destination user terminal of the list;
The control means creates a list of processing functions executable by the device based on the received device information, and transmits a processing function list transmission step for transmitting the processing function list to the user terminal;
Said control means, from the destination user terminal of the processing function list, and the processing function information receiving step of receiving information of user selected processing functions said control means,
An execution control step in which the control means controls the device to execute the processing function based on the received device information and processing function information;
Equipped with a,
When the control means further requires a device other than the selected device in order to realize the selected processing function, in addition to the device selected in the list, the control unit performs the selected processing function. An additional list sending step of creating an additional list of devices necessary to realize, and sending the additional list to the user terminal;
The control means further comprises an additional device information receiving step of receiving information of a device added and selected by the user from a transmission destination user terminal of the additional list,
In the execution control step, the control means receives information on the equipment received by the equipment information receiving means, information on processing functions received by the processing function information receiving means, and information on equipment received by the additional equipment information receiving means. And a processing function selection method for controlling the selected device and the additionally selected device to execute the selected processing function.   A program for causing a computer to execute the processing function selection method according to claim 6.

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