JP4536696B2 - Notification reservation access control method, image processing apparatus, and notification reservation access control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an event notification method and system by an image processing apparatus.

  Image processing devices such as printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines have a variety of functions and capabilities to suit a particular application or combination of applications. Image processing apparatuses often take the form of multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that combine two or more functions of image processing apparatuses that have been separate. The MFP may be combined with any number of image processing apparatuses, but generally includes a printer, a scanner, a copier, and a fax function.

  Some image processing devices include computing resources (eg, processors, hard disk drives, memory, and other devices) for data storage and processing. If a more characteristic configuration or function is added to the image processing apparatus, it becomes more expensive and more complicated.

  More complex image processing devices and MFPs, for example, having network connection performance that enables communication with other arithmetic devices (for example, personal computers, other image processing devices, network servers, and other devices) There is. This connection performance enables the image processing apparatus to use external resources (other arithmetic devices) that can be used on the connected network.

  An image processing apparatus generally includes a user input panel having a plurality of buttons, knobs, and other user input mechanisms. There is also an image processing apparatus provided with a display panel. Some of these display panels are used only for display, and others are touch panel displays that a user can directly input on the display.

  A device with a touch panel display or a device having buttons arranged with the display can display menu data selected by user input. This menu data is normally driven by a server module mounted on the image processing apparatus.

  According to the above-described complex image processing apparatus and MFP having multiple functions, and other arithmetic devices (for example, a remote arithmetic device (RCD) that can communicate with the image processing device via a network, the remote arithmetic device (RCD) ) Instructs the image processing device to perform one or more functions (such as printing, scanning, and / or fax transmission), and the result is controlled by the image processing device (or other controlled by the image processing device). An image processing system that can be obtained from the image processing apparatus) can be constructed.

As an example of an image processing system, Patent Document 1 discloses a system and method for printing via a network using a print server.
Special table 2004-535618 (announced on November 25, 2004) JP 2002-109170 (April 12, 2002)

  However, the conventional system and method cause the following problems.

  Specifically, in the system of Patent Document 1, the more complex the image processing apparatus is, the more complex the image processing apparatus is, the more demand is placed on the image processing apparatus for a remote computing device that requests the image processing apparatus to execute the function. There is a problem that it becomes complicated to manage the progress of the completed job. Therefore, it is necessary for a remote computing device (user) to easily grasp the occurrence of an event in the image processing device.

  In Patent Document 2, workflow management is performed by notifying the other party of the occurrence of an event in a workflow processing system that automatically processes, by a computer, the workflow work achieved by cooperating on two sites. A method is disclosed.

  However, since the image processing apparatus has a plurality of functions, there are various types of events (jobs) that occur. Therefore, there is a problem that the method of Patent Document 2 cannot be applied. That is, there is a problem that the image processing apparatus cannot cope with a complicated process of managing reservations for various event occurrence notifications.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to manage a reservation for requesting an event occurrence notification by an image processing apparatus and monitor an event occurrence, a notification reservation access control method, an event notification method, An event notification reservation method, a notification reservation access control system, and an event notification system are realized.

  In order to solve the above problem, the notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the notification application receives the event reservation from the reservation application. Receiving the request; the reservation application transmitting a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus; the notification application receiving the certificate from the reservation application; and the notification application The authentication application includes a step of authenticating the certificate, and a step of allowing the notification application to permit the event reservation request when the authentication of the certificate is successful.

  Here, the above-mentioned “managing event occurrence notification reservation” includes the following processing. Specifically, for example, depending on the type of remote computing device, the type of event, and / or the status of each device, there may be a situation where an event notification reservation should not be accepted. As described above, in the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to perform access control of a reservation (event reservation request) from a remote calculation device or the like.

  According to the above method, the notification application receives the event reservation request from the reservation application, receives the reservation application certificate, and authenticates the reservation application based on the certificate. Then, the notification application accepts the event reservation request only when the authentication of the certificate is successful.

  Thereby, the notification application can perform access control of an event reservation request transmitted from a reservation application such as a remote computing device. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  The notification reservation access control method preferably further includes a step of requesting the certificate from the reservation application after the notification application receives the event reservation request.

  Alternatively, the event reservation request may include the certificate.

  In the notification reservation access control method, the authenticating step is preferably executed only after it is determined that the event reservation request requires authentication by a certificate.

  Further, the authenticating step is preferably executed only after it is determined that the event reservation request is a global reservation request.

  Alternatively, the authenticating step may be executed only after it is determined that the event reservation request is a reservation request for requesting a protected job.

  In order to solve the above problem, the notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the notification application receives the event reservation from the reservation application. Receiving the request, the reservation application transmitting a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, the notification application receiving the certificate from the reservation application, and the notification application authenticating A step of transmitting the certificate to the application; a step of authenticating the certificate by the authentication application; and a step of allowing the notification application to permit the event reservation request when the certificate is authenticated. Tsu is characterized in that it comprises a flop.

  According to the above method, since authentication of the certificate is executed by the authentication application, it is possible to reduce the load of authentication processing on the notification application.

  Thereby, the notification application can perform access control of an event reservation request transmitted from a reservation application such as a remote computing device. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  The event reservation request may include the certificate.

  In order to solve the above problems, the notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a notification application of an image processing apparatus receives an event reservation request from a reservation application, and the notification application receives a certificate from the reservation application. Receiving, authenticating the event reservation request when the authentication application requires authentication, authenticating the certificate, and successful authentication when the event reservation request requires authentication, or A step of permitting the event reservation request when the event reservation request does not require authentication.

  According to the above method, certificate authentication processing is executed only when authentication processing is required for the event reservation request.

  Thereby, the notification application can more easily perform access control of an event reservation request transmitted from a reservation application such as a remote computing device. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the reservation application provides the notification application of the image processing apparatus And sending the certificate, and if the certificate authentication is successful and the certificate authentication is successful, the event reservation request is permitted, whereby the notification application When a described event occurs, an event occurrence notification can be transmitted to the reservation application.

  According to the above method, the notification application associates and manages the event described in the event reservation request together with the event reservation request.

  This makes it possible to monitor the event and transmit an event occurrence notification appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  In the notification reservation access control method, the step of transmitting the certificate is preferably executed in response to receiving a certificate request from the notification application.

  In the event notification method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects a predetermined event in the image processing apparatus, and the notification application is stored in the reservation storage unit. The event reservation record is checked to determine whether the predetermined event is recorded in the event reservation record; and the notification application records the predetermined event in the event reservation record The event occurrence notification is transmitted to the reservation application, and the reservation application receives the event occurrence notification from the notification application.

  The above-mentioned “managing event occurrence notification reservation” includes the following processing. Specifically, for example, it is necessary to manage a reservation (event reservation request) from a remote computing device in association with an occurrence event, monitor the event, and appropriately notify the occurrence of the event.

  According to the above method, the notification application detects a predetermined event of the image processing apparatus. Then, the notification application determines that the detected event is an event to which an event occurrence notification should be transmitted because it is stored in the reservation storage unit. Only when the notification application determines that it should be transmitted, an event occurrence notification for notifying the occurrence of the predetermined event is transmitted to the reservation application that is the reservation owner.

  Thus, the notification application can manage an event reservation request indicating an event for which an event occurrence notification should be transmitted, and appropriately execute the event occurrence notification. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  The event reservation record preferably includes job identification information for identifying a job.

  This makes it possible to receive event reservation requests for events related to various types of jobs from the reservation application and appropriately monitor events. Therefore, even in the case of an image processing apparatus having multiple functions, the notification application can appropriately monitor various events that occur in the image processing apparatus and correctly perform event occurrence notification.

The notification application further includes determining whether the job is being executed when the predetermined event occurs;
The step of transmitting the event occurrence notification of the event notification method is preferably executed only when the job is being executed when the event occurs.

  The event reservation record preferably includes designation information of a distribution mechanism. The step of transmitting the event occurrence notification is preferably executed using the distribution mechanism designated by the designation information of the distribution mechanism.

  Further, the event reservation record preferably includes an address of a reservation application.

  The step of transmitting the event occurrence notification of the event notification method preferably includes the step of transmitting the event occurrence notification to the reservation application having the address.

  In the event notification method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects a predetermined event in the image processing apparatus, and the notification application associates with the predetermined event. The step of checking the event reservation record stored in the reservation storage unit, and when the event reservation record stored in association with the predetermined event is detected from the reservation storage unit, the notification application sends an event to the reservation application. And a step of transmitting an occurrence notification.

  According to the above method, the notification application detects a predetermined event of the image processing apparatus. Here, in the reservation storage unit, the registered event reservation request and the event designated by it are stored in association with each other. Thereby, the notification application can determine that the detected event is an event for which an event occurrence notification should be transmitted. That is, only when it is determined that the detected event is registered in the reservation storage unit as a result of the notification application check, the event occurrence notification for notifying the occurrence of the predetermined event is transmitted to the reservation application that is the reservation owner. Is done.

  As a result, the notification application can manage the event for which the event occurrence notification has to be transmitted in association with the event reservation request, and appropriately execute the event occurrence notification. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  In the event notification reservation method of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the reservation application transmits an event reservation request including the address of the reservation application and event identification information to the notification application of the image processing apparatus; The reservation application having the address receives the event occurrence notification from the notification application when the event identified by the event identification information occurs.

  Thereby, the notification application can manage the event reservation request in association with the event identification information of the event to be notified and the reservation application address of the reservation owner. Therefore, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  The event reservation request further includes a job type descriptor including execution period information of a job executed by the image processing apparatus, and the step of receiving the event occurrence notification includes the event during the job execution period. It is preferably executed when the condition that the event has occurred is satisfied.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the notification reservation access control system of the present invention includes an image processing apparatus event including a reservation application, a notification application of the image processing apparatus, and a certificate authentication unit that authenticates a certificate of the reservation application. The reservation application, the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the certificate authentication unit are connected via a communication network, and the reservation application An event reservation request transmitting unit having a certificate for authentication and transmitting at least one event reservation request and a certificate to the notification application, and an event occurrence notification receiving unit receiving an event occurrence notification from the notification application And with The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the event reservation request and the certificate from the event reservation request transmitting unit, and transmits the certificate to the certificate authenticating unit. And an event occurrence notification transmitting means for transmitting the event occurrence notification to the event occurrence notification receiving means when the certificate authentication is successful.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the notification reservation access control system of the present invention is a notification reservation access control system for an image processing apparatus event including a reservation application and a certificate authentication unit for authenticating a certificate of the reservation application. The reservation application has a certificate for authenticating the reservation application, an event reservation request transmission means for transmitting at least one event reservation request and a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and an event Event occurrence notification receiving means for receiving an occurrence notification, wherein the certificate authenticating unit authenticates the certificate when the event reservation request requires certificate authentication, and the notification application When the event described in the reservation request occurs, The event reservation request is designed to be transmitted to the event occurrence notification receiving means when the authentication is successful when the event reservation request requires authentication or when the event reservation request does not require authentication. It is said.

  In order to solve the above problems, the event notification system of the present invention is an event notification system including a reservation application and a notification application of the image processing device, wherein the reservation application and the notification application of the image processing device are: The reservation application is connected via a communication network, and the reservation application includes a reception unit. The notification application is stored in a detection unit that detects a predetermined event of the image processing device, a transmission unit, and a reservation storage unit. A reservation record check means for checking an event reservation record, wherein the reservation record check means checks the event reservation record and determines whether or not the predetermined event is recorded in the event reservation record of the reservation storage unit. And the transmission means Event is if it was recorded in the event booking records, to the reservation application, and wherein the transmitting the event occurrence notification.

  According to the above system, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and realize appropriate event notifications.

  The image processing device (with a notification application) and the remote calculation device (with a reservation application) may be realized by a computer. In this case, the computer is operated as each of the means. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus or the control program of the image processing apparatus or the remote operation apparatus for realizing the remote operation apparatus by a computer and the computer-readable recording medium recording the image processing apparatus or the remote operation apparatus fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing device, a step in which the notification application receives the event reservation request from the reservation application, An application transmitting a certificate to a notification application of the image processing device; the notification application receiving the certificate from the reservation application; and the notification application authenticating the certificate; The authentication application includes a step of permitting the event reservation request when the certificate is successfully authenticated.

  The notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing device, a step in which the notification application receives the event reservation request from the reservation application, An application transmitting a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus; a step of the notification application receiving the certificate from the reservation application; and the notification application transmitting the certificate to the authentication application. A step of authenticating the certificate; and a step of allowing the notification application to permit the event reservation request when the certificate is authenticated. To have.

  The notification reservation access control method of the present invention includes a step in which a notification application of an image processing apparatus receives an event reservation request from a reservation application, a step in which the notification application receives a certificate from the reservation application, and an authentication application Authenticate the certificate when authentication is required for the event reservation request, and if the authentication is successful when authentication is required for the event reservation request, or authentication is required for the event reservation request If not, the notification application includes a step of permitting the event reservation request.

  In the notification reservation access control method of the present invention, the reservation application transmits an event reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the reservation application transmits a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus. If the certificate authentication is successful when the certificate authentication is necessary, the event reservation request is permitted, and the notification application causes the event described in the event reservation request to occur. In addition, it is possible to transmit an event occurrence notification to the reservation application.

  In the event notification method of the present invention, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects a predetermined event in the image processing apparatus, and the notification application checks the event reservation record stored in the reservation storage unit. Determining whether or not the predetermined event is recorded in the event reservation record, and the notification application reserves an event occurrence notification when the predetermined event is recorded in the event reservation record. Transmitting to the application, and the reservation application includes receiving the event occurrence notification from the notification application.

  The event notification method of the present invention includes a step in which a notification application of an image processing device detects a predetermined event in the image processing device, and an event stored in a reservation storage unit in association with the predetermined event. A step of checking a reservation record; and a step of transmitting an event occurrence notification to the reservation application when the event reservation record stored in association with the predetermined event is detected from the reservation storage unit. It is characterized by including.

  In the event notification reservation method of the present invention, the reservation application is identified by the step of transmitting an event reservation request including an address of the reservation application and event identification information to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the event identification information. A reservation application having the address when the event occurs, receiving an event occurrence notification from the notification application.

  The notification reservation access control system of the present invention is an image processing device event notification reservation access control system including a reservation application, a notification application of the image processing device, and a certificate authenticating unit for authenticating the certificate of the reservation application. The reservation application, the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and the certificate authentication unit are connected via a communication network, and the reservation application has a certificate for authenticating the reservation application. The image processing apparatus comprising: an event reservation request transmitting unit that transmits at least one event reservation request and a certificate to the notification application; and an event occurrence notification receiving unit that receives an event occurrence notification from the notification application. Notifications The event registration request receiving means for receiving the event reservation request and the certificate from the event reservation request transmitting means, and transmitting the certificate to the certificate authenticating unit, and the authentication of the certificate succeeded. The event occurrence notification is transmitted to the event occurrence notification receiving means.

  The notification reservation access control system of the present invention is an image processing apparatus event notification reservation access control system including a reservation application and a certificate authenticating unit for authenticating a certificate of the reservation application. An event reservation request transmitting unit that has a certificate for authenticating the reservation application, and that transmits at least one event reservation request and a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus, and an event occurrence notification that receives the event occurrence notification The certificate authentication unit authenticates the certificate when certificate authentication is required for the event reservation request, and the notification application receives an event described in the event reservation request. If it occurs, authentication is required for the above event reservation request If authentication is not require authentication or if the event booking request has succeeded when, is characterized in that it is designed to transmit the event occurrence notification to the event occurrence notification receiving means.

  The event notification system of the present invention is an event notification system including a reservation application and a notification application of an image processing apparatus, and the reservation application and the notification application of the image processing apparatus are connected via a communication network. The reservation application includes a reception unit, and the notification application includes a detection unit that detects a predetermined event of the image processing apparatus, a transmission unit, and a reservation record that checks an event reservation record stored in the reservation storage unit. The reservation record check means checks the event reservation record to determine whether or not the predetermined event is recorded in the event reservation record of the reservation storage unit, the transmission means, The predetermined event is the event When that has been recorded at about the record, to the reservation application, and wherein the transmitting the event occurrence notification.

  Here, the above-mentioned “managing event occurrence notification reservation” includes the following processing. Specifically, for example, depending on the type of remote computing device, the type of event, and / or the status of each device, there may be a situation where an event notification reservation should not be accepted. As described above, in the image processing apparatus, it is necessary to perform access control of a reservation (event reservation request) from a remote calculation device or the like. In addition, for example, it is necessary to manage a reservation from a remote calculation device and an occurrence event in association with each other, monitor the event, and appropriately notify the occurrence of the event. Then, it is necessary to newly add or delete the registered reservation depending on the situation.

  Therefore, according to the method and system of the present invention, it is possible to manage reservations for requesting event occurrence notifications by the image processing apparatus, monitor event occurrences, and implement appropriate event notification processing. .

  The system, method, and apparatus of the present invention enable a remote computing device and an image processing device to communicate with each other. The remote calculation device is set to communicate with the image processing device. The image processing apparatus is set to communicate with a system including the image processing apparatus and various remote computing devices that communicate with the image processing apparatus.

  The method and system of the present invention includes a method and system for an image processing apparatus that performs event notification management and event notification reservation.

  Embodiments of the invention will be best understood by referring to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members. Each figure is clearly incorporated as part of the detailed description.

  Although the components of the present invention are depicted and described generally in the drawings shown herein, they can be modified and designed in a wide variety of forms. Accordingly, the following detailed description of the method and system embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but merely to illustrate one example of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

  The components of the embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated into hardware, firmware and / or software. While the exemplary embodiments described herein describe just one example of these forms, those skilled in the art will recognize these components as any of these within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that it can be implemented in the form.

  Embodiments of the present invention include an interface and configuration (architecture) that integrates an image processing device with a remote computing device application, and an environment that provides a solution that is not possible with an image processing device alone. An application on the network may include basic equipment (infrastructure) and an interface that can program-control the functions of the image processing apparatus and can communicate with the user via the input panel of the image processing apparatus. Software functions that are not practical in the image processing apparatus can be executed on a server accessible from the image processing apparatus.

  In the present specification and claims, the image processing apparatus (IDev) will be described as an apparatus having an image processing function. The image processing functions here include functions such as scanning, printing, copying, image transmission (transmission and reception), and image conversion. Typical image processing apparatuses include a printer, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, and an arithmetic unit that transmits, converts, or processes an image. The image processing apparatus (IDev) may have a plurality of image processing functions. For example, but not limited to, a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that generally has multiple functions of a printer, scanner, copier and / or fax, or image transmitter / receiver Is one type of image processing apparatus. Note that another image processing apparatus as the MFP may have a combination of functions other than those described above.

  In this specification and claims, a remote computing device (RCD) is a device capable of data processing and capable of communicating with other devices via a communication line. A remote computing device (RCD) needs to have a communication line such as a network, telephone line, serial cable, or other wired or wireless line to communicate with other devices such as image processing devices. Device. Typical remote computing devices (RCDs) include network servers, network computers, other processing devices, and other storage devices equipped with communication lines.

  Several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. These embodiments include an image processing apparatus (IDev) 4. The image processing apparatus 4 may be a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) or a single function apparatus. The image processing apparatus 4 further includes a user interface (UI) panel 2. The user interface panel 2 includes an input button 14 and a display device. Alternatively, the user interface panel 2 may include a touch panel system. The touch panel system may or may not include the button 14. Further, user input and display may be executed via a separate UI device 8. The UI device 8 is connected to the image processing device 4 via, for example, a communication line 12 such as a USB, a network cable, and wireless. The UI device 8 may include not only a display device but also an input device such as a keyboard or a button. The display device provided in the UI device 8 may be a touch screen panel. Such a type of UI device 8 may further include an interface for transmitting a command input from the remote input device to the UI device 8. Further, the UI device 8 may include a storage device (for example, a memory stick, a USB memory card, etc.) configured to store input data to be transmitted to the image processing device 4.

  These embodiments further include a remote computing device (RCD) 6 linked to the image processing device 4 via a communication line such as the network 10. The network 10 may be a general wired line or a wireless line.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, menu data may be provided from the remote computing device 6 to the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4 via the network 10. When this menu data is sent to the image processing device 4, information can be exchanged with an application operating on the remote computing device 6 using the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 of the image processing device 4. The user input received by the UI panel 2 or the UI device 8 may be returned directly to the remote computing device 6.

  A web service is a software application identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). URI interfaces and bindings have functions that are defined, described, and discovered by XML (Extensible Markup Language) artifacts, and can be used for other purposes via XML-based messages via Internet-based protocols. Supports direct information exchange with software applications.

  The application on the remote computing device 6 uses various functions of the image processing device 4 (a function that enables use, a function that disables use, a function that sets the usefulness of the device, and a device function) using one or more web services. Control functions, etc.).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a network application operating on the remote computing device 6 can exchange information with the user of the image processing device 4 via the I / O panel (UI panel 2) of the image processing device 4. In the above embodiment, the user interface (UI) (that is, the touch panel, button, or display) of the image processing apparatus 4 can be controlled by the network application. There is also a form in which a custom display screen or a custom display menu is integrated with a user interface unique to the image processing apparatus 4. In the above embodiment, the control of the function of the image processing device 4 is executed in the standard operation mode executed in the image processing device 4 in response to the user input to the user interface of the image processing device 4, the application on the remote calculation device 6, etc. The network resource can be handed off to an open system mode that is executed via user input at the user interface of the image processing device 4.

  In the above embodiment, an application operating on the network completely controls the UI of the image processing apparatus 4 so as to display text and graphics in an arbitrary format. In the above embodiment, the application can program display buttons, text boxes, graphics, and the like in a desired layout.

  The user interface arrangement may be easily programmed using a standard language such as a markup language. These languages include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), and Extensible Hypertext Markup Language. A language (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language: XHTML) or the like can be used.

  The remote computing device 6 application or the server application may be able to request that the keyboard UI be displayed on the display device of the image processing device 4 and the UI device 8. This function can also be used in the image processing apparatus 4 and need not be recreated by the application of the remote calculation device 6. The remote computing device 6 may define a keyboard prompt or default value. In these embodiments, the remote calculation device 6 can change the name of each button in the user interface of the image processing device 4 such as an OK button or a cancel button, and can define other buttons.

  The image processing device 4 itself or the remote calculation device 6 may supply the menu template to the user interface of the image processing device 4.

(External authentication application)
Some embodiments of the present invention include an application of the remote computing device 6 registered as an external authentication server. The external authentication application controls access to the image processing apparatus 4 and controls the user interface of the image processing apparatus 4 at the top level (top-level control). The control of the user interface by the application may be the same method as the control by the internal auditor.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit of the image processing apparatus 4 checks whether an external authentication application is registered at the time of activation. If registered, the image processing apparatus 4 is in an unusable mode, and the application is connected to control the user interface. If the external authentication server cannot be used, an error message is displayed and the image processing apparatus 4 remains unusable. In this case, the image processing apparatus 4 periodically tries to connect to the external authentication server until it can be used. Table 1 below shows what controls the user interface when the image processing device 4 is in a disabled mode in a typical embodiment.

(Remote processing unit application)
In the embodiment of the present invention, the method for accessing the custom UI panel 2 of the image processing apparatus 4 may differ depending on the application. Some solutions, such as document management integration, preferably use a unique image transmission screen, while others display a UI panel that aggregates additional information about the scan job. Other solutions, such as custom printing applications, may be accessed from individual modes other than specific functions.

  In order to meet the diversifying needs of these solution applications, the above embodiment supports multiple integration points for user interface control. These integration points are based on an operation ("trigger") for registering an application by the user. In some embodiments, in order for the image processing device 4 to grasp when the “trigger A” is generated when a connection command for the “remote processing device B” is issued to the UI panel 2, 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the application is integrated with the image processing device 4 at multiple “trigger” points.

  The remote calculation device 6 is registered in a specific function, and is connected when a hardware key of the above function (for example, image transmission) is pressed on the user interface of the image processing device 4. The user interface information supplied by the remote calculation device 6 is displayed in place of the standard function screen originally provided in the image processing device 4. This trigger can also be used for applications that replace existing functionality with full custom UI functionality. Examples of such applications include a selective scan solution and a special display. The special display is, for example, a screen corresponding to “Section 508” or an interface corresponding to other special needs. These special displays may be equipped with large buttons or other accommodations.

  There is also a form in which the menu of each function in the image processing apparatus 4 may be displayed on the touch screen. Further, this menu may be registered by a remote calculation device 6 such as a server. This allows the solution application to supply custom content and continue to use some of the standard functions provided by the image processing device 4. When a button assigned to a custom application is selected, a menu is displayed with the solution registered for that function. The user can select the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

  There is also a form in which the stand-alone RCD mode for supplying the application of the remote computing device 6 can be accessed from the job queue portion of the user interface displayed on the full screen. This trigger point can be used for applications that are not included in one of the standard device functions of the image processing device 4, such as a custom printing solution in the image processing device 4. When the RCD menu is selected, the menu is displayed together with the solution application registered in the general RCD mode. The user selects the desired solution and the remote computing device 6 is connected to receive instructions.

(Hardware key interaction)
In some embodiments of the present invention, when the image processing device 4 is available, an additional hardware key is used to manage the device. Table 2 shows the hardware key assignments in an exemplary embodiment.

  In addition to logout by pressing down the * key, logout by timeout may be executed. Alternatively, it may be set to automatically delete (or set to disable use) when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds to 240 seconds) elapses. In these embodiments, if no action is taken within the time of the automatic erasure setting, the device automatically returns to the disabled mode and attempts to connect to the remote computing device 6 to re-control the user interface.

(Error & jam notification)
Depending on the particular solution, a remote computing device application (RCU application) may completely or partially control the user interface of the image processing device 4 and a particular image job. In the case of partial control, the remote computing device 6 may be able to respond to information exchange of the user interface in the native mode while monitoring the click, and may control the job. Further, as a partial control, a configuration may be adopted in which the remote calculation device application is integrated with the natural mode (user interface trigger = function custom menu). The image processing device 4 may send all error and jam notifications to the associated remote computing device application.

  In the case where the remote computing device application completely controls the user interface and job of the image processing device 4, there may be a form in which errors and jam notifications are processed in different ways depending on the type of error. In the case of a recoverable error, a notification is transmitted to the remote computing device application, and the application displays a message and performs processing for resolving the notified error. In the case of an error that cannot be repaired, information is exchanged between the image processing apparatus mode and the RCD mode, and the error state is appropriately processed (for example, a command to erase the jam is given to the user).

(Handoff control)
The image processing apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of applications at various points in the image processing job. These applications are not particularly limited, but include, for example, an external authentication application, a standard RCD application, and a unique mode of the image processing apparatus 4. In the following description, the main body that performs control in each process and what kind of control is possible for various processes of the typical job in the typical embodiment will be described.

  Step 1: The user presents proof data for accessing the image processing apparatus in the user interface of the image processing apparatus. This process is controlled by a remote calculation device 6 such as an external authentication application or an internal accounting (inherent mode) built in the image processing device 4 itself. At the end of this step, the image processing device is ready for use. The above external authentication application may also specify default parameters or disable certain job parameters (eg, the default file format is PDF, but the user can change it) Also, the color mode may be set to black and white so that the user cannot change it.)

  Step 2: The user sets job parameters using one of the eigenmode farms of the image processing device or a standard RCD application. At the end of this process, the user makes an input to start the job. When this input is made, an optional notification is sent to the standard RCD application. This standard RCD application then changes the job parameters as needed. An example of an application that requests notification when a user performs input is an e-mail application. The user uses a unique image transmission screen or other input means to select a scan option and select an email recipient. The user then selects a custom application button and selects a scan-to-e-mail option from the menu. Next, the e-mail application displays a custom screen for setting permission for the user's file. When the user places a document on the scanner and starts processing, the e-mail application takes in the destination parameters set by the user and changes the target destination to the FTP server of the e-mail application. The e-mail application then receives the file, grants the appropriate permissions, and sends the e-mail selected by the user to the recipient. As in some embodiments, when the application creates and displays a thumbnail of the scanned image and allows the user to confirm, at this point, the application of the remote computing device re-controls the user interface. You may request.

  Step 3: When the job is started, the image processing apparatus scans or RIPs the job and spools it to the HDD. If the image processing apparatus is configured to authenticate a job using an external authentication application, it sends a click report to the application and waits for a command. The external authentication application can send / print jobs, cancel jobs, or change job parameters (change job parameters to make them usable). For example, the rule-based printing application requests a job parameter change after receiving a click report. Some rule-based printing applications support rule-based printing and rule-based scanning, which limits the actions each user can perform based on time, destination, and many other parameters. For example, it can be set so that only users in the marketing group can scan high-quality color images. For example, when another group of users selects color, 600 dpi, the rule-based application changes the parameter to color, 200 dpi. At the end of this step, the job is allowed or canceled.

  Step 4: When the standard RCD application in Step 2 designates a destination as a temporary storage destination in the HDD, this step may be omitted. In addition, this process may be executed by a Java (registered trademark) application operating on the image processing apparatus 4 in some embodiments. For example, a government agency may have a custom encryption application that runs on the image processing device 4. The custom encryption application captures the scanned document, encrypts it, and then requests the image processing device 4 to send the document to the target destination selected by the user in step 2. Note that in some forms it may be beneficial to send a notification to the external authentication application after this step and after the send / print step. After this step is beneficial because the image processing device does not know how long the file is stored on the hard disk or what the application does with it. It is.

  Step 5: In the final step, the file is actually output. In typical embodiments, the file is transmitted over a network or printed at a terminal. At the end of this step, a notification that the job has been completed successfully is sent to the external authentication application. It may be transmitted to the standard RCD application.

(Device control and management API)
The API allows a remote computing device application to control access to an image processing device that executes vend applications and manage the image processing device 4 from a remote location.

(Device Control and Vend API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, device control and sales APIs may allow applications to enable or disable access to the image processing device 4 and track clicks. The device control and sales API causes the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.

  Enabling / disabling the functions of the image processing device 4: This enables or disables the remote computing device 6 to access the entire image processing device 4 or to specific functions of the image processing device 4. It is possible to exercise the rights of individual users. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the functions described in Table 3 are optionally enabled or disabled depending on the application.

  Report used clicks: At the end of a normal job, the used clicks are reported back to the remote computing device RCD.

  Debit Mode: In these embodiments, the application specifies whether the current job requires authentication when enabling the image processing device 4. In this case, the job is spooled in the memory, and click information (for example, information defined in Table 4) is transmitted to the remote computing device 6. The remote calculation device 6 notifies the image processing device 4 whether the job should be deleted or output / transmitted. At this time, the application can select whether to change the job parameter. If the application does not require authentication, the job continues normally and a click report is sent at the end of the job.

  Print Job Billing: In these embodiments, the remote computing device 6 performs a walk-up function and print job monitoring. When charging a print job, the image processing apparatus 4 monitors all the print jobs that are sent, and sends the charge data in the PJL header to the remote computing device 6 for verification before printing the job. The remote calculation device 6 verifies this billing data (or its shortage) and gives the image processing device 4 information indicating whether the job should be continued or canceled.

  Reports on unconfirmed jobs: In these embodiments, the remote computing device RCD requests monitoring of print jobs that the remote computing device RCD cannot associate with a particular user, such as device reports and incoming fax jobs. The remote computing device RCD can register to receive the number of clicks for all unconfirmed jobs and charge these jobs to a general account.

(Device management API)
In some embodiments of the present invention, a device management API may allow a network application to remotely set and manage an image processing device. In a typical embodiment, the device management API can cause the remote computing device 6 to perform the following control.
Device status—The remote computing device 6 requests the current status of the image processing device 4. This is the same state information that is reported on embedded web pages.
Device configuration—The remote computing device 6 retrieves a list of installed options supported by the image processing device 4.
Web page setting—The remote computing device 6 retrieves and sets any configurable value on the embedded web page.
Key operation program—The remote operation device 6 searches and sets an arbitrary value configurable in a key operation program including software keys.
Custom settings—The remote computing device 6 searches and sets any configurable value in the custom settings.
Job status—The job status remote computing device RCD searches the current job queue and history information to change the priority of jobs in the queue or delete the job.
Number of clicks—The remote calculation device 6 searches for the total number of clicks in the image processing device 4 and the number of clicks of each function based on the account code.
Data security setting-The remote computing device 6 searches for status information (eg, final deletion) on the DSK and starts a data erasure function.
-Red data (RED DATA)-The remote computing device 6 searches for all data normally transmitted with a red message (RED message) or the like.
Remote reboot—The remote computing device 6 initiates a reboot of the image processing device 4.

  The above classifications are only described as exemplary embodiments detailing which settings should be included. In some embodiments, the actual API is classified for each functional area. This is because the key operation setting and the web page setting may overlap.

(INTERNAL ACCOUNTING API)
The internal billing API allows a remote computing device application to configure an internal billing system and report the number of clicks. In some exemplary embodiments, the internal billing API includes the following:
Set audit options—The remote computing device 6 sets audit options including what modes of auditing are possible. The above modes include, for example, “account number security”, “invalid account job cancellation”, and the like.
Account code management—The remote computing device 6 adds, edits, or deletes account codes.
Account restriction—The remote computing device application specifies an upper limit on the number of clicks for each account code or for all account codes.
Account reset—The remote computing device application resets the number of clicks for an individual account or for all accounts.
-Click search-The remote calculation device 6 searches the number of clicks of each account code by function.

(Font and Form Management API)
Some of the above embodiments may include font and format management APIs. The font and format management API allows RCD applications to remotely download and manage fonts and formats to mass storage. In some embodiments, the font and format management API may allow the remote calculation device 6 to perform the following control.
Mass storage device control—The remote computing device 6 application retrieves mass storage device state information, including storage capacity, available space, and write inhibit mode, and changes the write inhibit state.
Resource List—The remote computing device application searches a list of stored fonts and formats (eg, font or macro ID, font number, font / format name, escape sequence, file size, etc.).
Resource download—The remote computing device application downloads PCL fonts, PCL macros, PS fonts, and formats. Any special processing that is performed when a resource is downloaded via a web page is also performed when the resource is downloaded via an open system.
Delete resource-The remote computing device application deletes all resources stored in the mass storage device.
Upload resource-The remote computing device application uploads individual or all resources. In the case of an image processing device 4 that cannot perform efficient memory management, the server application can “defragment” mass storage using this function.
Font / Macro ID—The remote computing device application assigns or changes the ID assigned to the PCL font and macro.

(Firmware Management API (Firmware Management API))
In some of the above embodiments, a remote management device or network application may remotely download and manage image processing device firmware by means of a firmware management API. In a typical embodiment, the firmware management API can cause the remote computing device 6 (for example, a server) to perform the following control.
Firmware version—The remote computing device application retrieves the current firmware version number.
Service mode—The remote computing device application puts the MFP in service mode and locks out other jobs that would hinder firmware upgrades. When the service mode request is received, the image processing apparatus 4 stops receiving the transmitted job, ends all jobs in the queue, and notifies the server that the image processing apparatus 4 is in the service mode. .
Firmware update—The remote computing device 6 downloads the latest firmware version to the image processing device 4. If restart is necessary, the image processing apparatus 4 is automatically restarted after the download is completed.
Download status—The image processing device 4 sends a status notification (normal / error) to the remote computing device 6 after downloading the firmware.
Revert to old version—If the firmware is not updated normally, request the image processing device 4 to revert to the old firmware version.

(Device function API)
In some of the above embodiments, the device function API allows remote computing device applications to provide new custom solutions using the functionality of existing image processing devices.

(Image transmission API)
In some of the above-described embodiments, the remote control device can be controlled by the image transmission API as follows.
Image transmission parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following scan and fax parameter values:
-Color or black and white-Image mode-text, text / photo, photo; exposure level-resolution-File format-file type, compression, number of file pages-Original-document size, single-sided / duplex, rotation, job build (job build)
・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message ・ Sender ・ Scheduled transmission time ・ Page split (book scanning)
・ Cover ・ Transmission message (confidential, emergency, etc.)
-Thin paper scan-Destination-Document filing-Scan start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the scan function (same as when the user presses the start button).

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device 6 can change the default value of the image processing device 4 or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device 6 may specify whether the user can change the scan parameter for the current job. If one remote computing device application (eg, access control application) specifies that the parameter cannot be changed and a second application (eg, document management application) attempts to set the parameter, a notification is sent to the second application. The setting is not changed.

(Print API)
In some embodiments, the remote computing device may present the print job via a standard print channel. In some embodiments, the print API may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
PJL searching (sniffing) —The application of the remote computing device RCD registers with the image processing device to contact for instructions when a specific PJL command is found in the print job. The remote processing device can instruct the image processing device IDev to replace the command, cancel the job, or continue printing. This interface can be used for applications such as billing and is compatible with other types of applications.

(Copy API)
In the above embodiment, a copy API (Copy API) may cause the remote computing device to perform the following control.
Copy parameters—The remote computing device RCD application obtains and sets the following copy parameter values:

Color or black and white Exposure-Text, text / photo, photo, super photo; exposure level Paper selection (per tray)
・ Copy rate ・ Double-sided copy: 1-to-1, 1-to-2, 2-to-2, 2-to-1; edge binding ・ Eject / eject tray, sort, staple, group, offset ・ Original size ・ Special functions-margin change, Erasing, pamphlet, etc.-Document filing / copy start-The application of the remote computing device RCD starts the copy function (starts in the same way as when the user presses the start button)

  In some embodiments, the remote computing device can change the default value of the image processing device or the value of the current job. Further, the remote calculation device may specify whether or not the user can change the copy parameter for the current job.

(Document Filing API)
In the above embodiment, there is a document filing API that may cause the remote calculation device to perform the following control.
Backup / Restore-Remote Computing Device RCD application imports and exports batch files along with all document filing data. In some embodiments, this package may be in a proprietary format. Because this package contains documents that are not accessible to password protected individuals. This package is generally used for restoration when a failure occurs or when copying to another device.
File / Folder List—The application of the remote calculation device 6 searches, changes, and creates new files and folders for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
File download-The remote computing device 6 downloads a new file to the document filing system and designates a folder, a file name, a user name, and a password.
User list—The remote computing device application searches, modifies, and registers new users for storage in the image processing device 4 (or for management of the image processing device 4).
HDD status—The remote computing device application searches the current HDD status, such as% (ratio of capacity) assigned to the main folder, quick folder, custom folder, and remaining%.
Document filing parameters—The remote computing device application obtains and sets various values (eg, the values shown below) when saving a file to document filing:
・ Exposure ・ Resolution ・ Original-Size, Single-sided / Double-side ・ File information-User name, File name, Folder, Confidential, Password ・ Special mode-Erase, bag binding copy, 2IN1, job build, card shot
Start printing—The remote computing device application selects one of the stored files and starts printing, eg reflecting the following parameters:
・ Paper size / source ・ Discharge-sort / grouping, discharge tray, staple, punch, offset ・ Single-sided / double-sided (tablet / booklet)
・ Tandem printing ・ Number of copies ・ Deleting or saving after printing ・ Transmission start-The application of the remote computing device selects one of the stored files, for example, reflecting the following parameters Start:
・ Resolution ・ File format ・ Destination ・ Timer ・ Sender ・ File name ・ Subject ・ Message

(security)
By enabling the image processing apparatus 4 to be controlled by an external application, the image processing apparatus 4 is exposed to a new security vulnerability. In the embodiment of the present invention that provides security measures, the following typical items are security concerns, which are addressed by the interface of the remote computing device 6.

  Access to the interface of the remote computing device 6 is limited to legitimate applications. The embodiment provides extensive access and control of the image processing device 4, which poses a significant security risk. While the interface in these embodiments is protected from access by attackers, setting up and using an effective solution remains easy.

  Confidential data (user certification data and job data) is protected during network transmission. The reason why the user certification data and the job data are protected during network transmission is to ensure theft prevention, prevention of device operation monitoring by an intruder, and prevention of message alteration due to man-in-the-middle attacks. The image processing device 4 establishes a secure socket layer (SSL) and other connections so as to ensure data safety while communicating between the image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application. Supported.

  The administrator can restrict access to the image processing apparatus 4. For users who require strict security, the administrator can disable access from the remote computing device 6 or restrict access to specific applications. The administrator can arbitrarily register only a limited number of applications that can access the interface of the image processing apparatus 4.

  The remote computing device application can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the image processing device 4. The remote calculation device 6 can authenticate the image processing device 4 connected to the remote calculation device 6. This is because an intruder pretends to be the image processing device 4 to collect network configuration and password information, monitor the file / folder configuration of the document management system, and check the security settings and DSK status of the image processing device 4. This is so that it cannot be distracted.

  The remote computing device 6 can be prevented from being “spoofed” by the server. The image processing device 4 must be able to authenticate all remote computing devices 6 connected to the image processing device 4. This is to prevent an intruder from impersonating the IP address of the remote computing device 6. By pretending to be a remote computing device 6, an intruder steals user proof data, transfers scanned documents, modifies device configuration or firmware (to give access to unauthorized users or The access control system can be stopped (to initiate a denial of service attack on the user).

  The access control / sales application is not at risk when the remote computing device 6 is in an unusable state. When the remote calculation device 6 is not usable, it is not permitted to give the image processing device 4 open access. If the remote computing device 6 is activated but cannot be used or cannot be used at any time (for example, when someone disconnects the network cable), the image processing device 4 is immediately disabled and an error occurs. A message is displayed.

  Administrators can adjust the security level based on the needs of the enterprise and / or application. Security requirements have a significant impact on the time spent developing remote computing device applications and the resources required to run the solution. Users utilizing some embodiments have only one image processing device 4, no IT staff, and small businesses using simple scanning or printing applications to access control and all device May extend to government agencies with audit trails that record their actions. The security measures taken to protect the interface of the image processing apparatus 4 can be adjusted by the administrator so as to match the target environment.

  The image processing device 4 and the remote computing device application can communicate user certification data with each other. The user may be prompted to log in at multiple points during the job. For example, the access control application or billing application controls all device access, the image processing device 4 performs user authentication that enables image transmission, and the document management application prompts the user before displaying the folder list. Request to log in. In many environments, all these applications use a common user database. For this reason, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the application to communicate user certification data with each other so that the user does not need to repeat the authentication process.

  Some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. These embodiments include an image processing device configured to communicate with a remote computing device such as a server connected via a communication line, for example. The image processing apparatus 30 includes a user interface 32 and a display 36. The user interface 32 is a user input panel 34, such as a keyboard, one or more buttons, knobs or switches, or a touch screen panel. The display 36 may be a user input device in the form of a touch screen panel.

  The image processing device 30 is generally capable of performing one or more image processing functions. Examples of the image processing function herein include, but are not limited to, scanning, printing, copying, fax communication (transmission and reception), and the like.

  In this embodiment, a communication line 38 is further provided. The communication line 38 may be wired (as shown in FIG. 3). As the cable, for example, a network cable, a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection line, or other cables can be used. . Alternatively, the communication line 38 may be wireless. As the wireless connection, for example, IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, Bluetooth connection, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) connection, or other wireless connection can be used.

  An example of the operation of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, first, the image processing device 30 receives menu data from a remote computing device (not shown in FIG. 3) (step 40). This remote calculation device is connected to the image processing device 30 via a wired or wireless communication line 38. Next, the menu data is displayed on the display 36 of the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 (step 42). The purpose of displaying the remote menu data in this way is to speed up input by the user on the user input panel 34 of the user interface 32.

  The image processing apparatus 30 of the above embodiment is configured to receive an input by the user after the remote menu data is displayed and to transmit the user input data to the remote computing device (step 44). In some embodiments, this user input data is processed by a remote computing device. The process includes, for example, execution of an application in the remote computing device, access to data stored in the remote computing device, communication of the data, and the like.

  The image processing apparatus 30 according to the embodiment is configured to receive data generated by the processing of the user input data (step 46). The received data may include data generated by an application executed on the remote computing device after user input. The image processing device 30 may also receive data stored in a remote computing device such as a file server after processing of user input.

  When the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data (step 46), the image processing apparatus 30 executes a specific function in accordance with the data or by using the data (step 48). For example, but not limited to this, the image processing device 30 prints a document stored in the remote computing device and modified on the remote computing device in response to a user input. As another example, but not limited to this, when the image processing apparatus 30 receives the processing data in step 46, the image processing apparatus 30 performs the functions of the image processing apparatus 30 (for example, scanning, copying, printing, fax communication). It may be active or usable.

  Several more specific embodiments of the image processing apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the image processing device 30 is configured to receive menu data formatted in the markup language from the remote computing device (step 50). The communication line through which the menu data is communicated may be constructed and maintained using a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Examples of the markup language include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or others. Can be used.

  Upon receiving the menu data (step 50), the image processing device 30 displays the received menu data on the user interface display 36 of the image processing device 30 (step 52). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the menu data is generally for prompt input by the user on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. Display of the remotely stored menu data (step 52) may be accomplished using a browser application provided with the image processing device 30.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing device 30 is further configured to transmit user input received via the user interface 32 to the remote computing device (step 54). Upon receiving the user input, the remote calculation device executes the application or processes the received user input and returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 is further configured to receive processing data from the remote computing device (step 56). In some embodiments, the image processing device 30 may perform one or more functions after receiving processing data (step 56).

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment includes a remote computing device (RCD) 60 with a communication line 64. As the communication line 64, use a network cable (as shown in FIG. 6), a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, for example, a power communication line such as a home plug connection, or other wired lines. Can do. Alternatively, the connection via the communication line 64 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11 (b) standard connection, a Bluetooth connection, an infrared connection as defined by the Infrared Communication Association (IrDA) standard, or other wireless connection. . In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 may further include a data storage device 62. The data storage device 62 is typically a hard drive, but may be an optical drive device such as a compact disk drive, flash memory, or other storage device.

  An embodiment of the remote computing device 60 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In these embodiments, the remote computing device 60 includes a processor 72. The processor 72 processes data and executes programs such as an operating system and applications. The remote computing device 60 further includes a memory 74. The memory 74 may be a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). In general, any application processed by processor 72 is loaded into memory 74. The remote computing device 60 further includes a network interface 78. This network interface 78 allows the remote computing device 60 to communicate with another device such as the image processing device 30. In some embodiments, the remote computing device 60 further includes a user interface (UI) 80, but this is not necessary in many embodiments. The remote calculation device 60 also includes a storage device 62 that stores applications and data accessed by the image processing device 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The processor 72, memory 74, storage device 62, network interface 78, and optional user interface 80 are generally connected by a system bus 76. This enables data transmission between the members. The communication line 64 connects the remote computing device 60 to another device via the network interface 78.

  In some embodiments described with respect to FIG. 8, remote computing device 60 has menu data stored in storage device 62 or memory 74. The menu data may be displayed on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. The menu data may be stored in various formats and configurations. In some embodiments, the menu data may be in the form of terms expressed in a markup language. Markup languages include hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML), and / or other languages. Can be used. In the present embodiment, the menu data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication line 64 in step 82. Accordingly, the menu data configured to be displayed on the image processing device 30 is stored in the remote calculation device 60.

  Next, the remote computing device 60 of some embodiments is configured to receive user input (step 84). This user input is input via the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30 and transmitted to the remote computing device 60 via the communication lines 38 and 64. When receiving this input data, the remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86). This processing step 86 may be a step of converting this data into a new format, a step of executing a command in this data, or another processing step. The remote calculation device 60 processes the input data (step 86), and then returns the processing result to the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 uses the received processing result for processing in the image processing device 30 or a function executed in the image processing device 30.

  Another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the remote computing device 60 transmits menu data configured for the display 36 of the image processing device 30 using a markup language (step 90). The markup language menu data is received by the image processing apparatus 30 and displayed to the user. Thus, normally, the user can quickly input on the user interface 32 of the image processing apparatus 30. This user input is transmitted to the remote computing device RCD 60 by the image processing device 30, and the remote computing device RCD 60 receives input data for quickly displaying menu data on the image processing device 30 (step 92). Further, the remote computing device RCD 60 processes the received input data (step 94). This processing step may be, for example, a step of selecting, recording, changing, etc. the format, document, or other data stored in the remote computing device RCD 60, and authenticates the user identified by the user input. May be a step, may be a step of translating a document input by the user, may be a step of generating a map or other instruction related to the user input, or other processing or function It may be.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The above-described embodiment includes at least one remote calculation device RCD60 and a plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d. In the above embodiment, at least one of the image processing apparatuses 30 a to 30 d includes the user interface 32 having the display 36 and the user input panel 34. The user input panel 34 may be integrated with the display (ie, a touch screen) or may be an input device that is separate from the display. The remote computing device RCD 60 is connected to the image processing devices 30 a to 30 d through a communication line and the network 100. Thereby, data transmission between the remote calculation device RCD60 and the image processing devices 30a to 30d is possible.

  In the above embodiment, the menu data is stored in the remote computing device RCD 60 and is transmitted to at least one of the image processing devices 30a to 30d. This menu data is displayed on the user interface. Each of the image processing devices 30a to 30d is configured to receive the menu data, accept a user input (step 112), and transmit the accepted user input to the remote computing device 60 (step 114). When receiving the user input data, the remote computing device 60 processes this data in the same manner as in the previous embodiment (step 116). Then, the result of the process (step 116) is returned to the arbitrarily combined image processing apparatuses 30a to 30d (step 118).

  In the above-described embodiment, processing capability, resources, and functionality are supplied to the plurality of image processing devices 30a to 30d using a single remote calculation device RCD60. At this time, these resources are not reproduced in each image processing apparatus. In some embodiments, processing data generated in response to an input to an image processing device 30a may be transmitted to another image processing device 30d for output or final processing of the processing data. There is also.

(Embodiment of event notification reservation)
In the present embodiment, a system and method for notification processing between an image processing apparatus (IDev) 4 and an application according to the present invention will be described. The application may be in the image processing apparatus 4 or in a remote computing device (RCD) 6. The notification method and system can be used for error reporting and other purposes. The application receives the notification by making a reservation with the notification application of the image processing apparatus 4. Then, the image processing device 4 notifies the application that a specific event has occurred in the image processing device 4 (or related device).

  In the present embodiment, the step of making an event reservation may include a step of calling an IDev web service and a step of identifying an event for which notification is specified. Furthermore, an application may schedule an event in the context of a single job or a global job (all jobs). In general, the application may present its own web service that allows the image processing device 4 to transmit the notification.

  In the present embodiment, receiving the event notification may include executing a web service for receiving the event notification. A web service or other application may be used to reserve the event notification process. A web service or other application may be used to process the event data when the event occurs. In this embodiment, the event notification process may be called at any timing when an event occurs. Further, the event method may be prepared for each job dedicated to the job. That is, the notification message may be transmitted only for a specific job. Further, in the present embodiment, an “event data” parameter may be used. The event data parameter has a structure including event-specific data such as a job identifier, a user certificate, and / or other data.

  In the present embodiment, in general, an application can reserve an error notification process that is started when several types of errors on the IDev system are triggered. Further, some of them may be described as an error event during system execution (ON_SYSTEM_ERROR event). Error conditions can be caused by several factors. In general, the error state includes, for example, a “paper out” state in which the printing process stops, or a “document not found” state in the input tray in the case of scanning.

  In embodiments that include web services, the event trigger may include configuration data provided by the application. The configuration data is syntactically and semantically valid in Web Service Description Language (WSDL), but is not valid for the entire rule. For example, when a user sets up a fax operation and enters a fax number, the user enters an invalid phone number.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, an application or device that needs information about the operation of the image processing device may request the image processing device for a list of events that can be notified by the image processing device. Each event is associated with a unique function and / or application, or with a remote application that can communicate with the image processing device. In the present embodiment, the reservation application may acquire a list of event elements that can be transmitted by the notification application of the image processing apparatus using the SOAP method GetServiceEventElements. Once a list of events that can be notified is obtained, the reservation application can request a reservation for events in the list. The notification application of the image processing apparatus records a notification request in the notification record, and notifies the reservation application when the event occurs.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of processes to be executed as Web service methods may be included. Within each of the above processes, there may be a process referred to by a specific name used in the general embodiment. Each of the above names may be associated with a syntax using a name followed by a closed parenthesis “()” (ie Event (), CreateJob (), Authenticate (), etc.).

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the notification application may operate according to a reservation model. A reservation model is a local or network application for receiving notifications that can be reserved prior to an event by a known image processing device. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus can execute and manage a reservation list. This may be done using a web service. In the above embodiment, the event notification is a message transmitted to the reservation application when a certain state is invited to the image processing apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the purpose of event notification processing is to enable a remote client to receive information about events that occur in an image processing apparatus or related apparatus during execution of a specific job. In the above embodiment, when a job-dedicated reservation is made, a notification is requested only when a specific job is being executed. In a general embodiment of the present invention, the notification application of the image processing apparatus transmits a Hello () SOAP request to an application (reservation application) registered with external authority. The SOAP request is transmitted every time a new application is registered in the image processing apparatus, such as a multifunction peripheral device, or every time an application is deleted from the list of known image processing apparatuses.

  In the present embodiment, an application may reserve an event in association with a specific job ticket. The “job ticket reservation” performed for each job is valid while the job ticket is valid. When a job ticket expires, the reservation associated with it also expires. This type of reservation is used by standard user applications. By reserving an event for each job ticket, the reservation application can be notified of events that are in the context of the client's job. The embodiment of job ticket reservation can be said to be a kind of embodiment of job-specific reservation in a broad sense.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a notification mechanism may be defined for notifying a reservation application about an event that can replace an image processing apparatus or a related application / related apparatus. In this embodiment, the notification mechanism may be specified by the reservation application when a notification request occurs or sometime before the actual notification occurs.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, access control may be performed in which the certificate application requests certificate authentication before permitting notification reservation. In the above embodiment, in order to authenticate the user, the notification request may include a user certificate, or the user certificate may be transmitted following the notification request. The notification application itself may process the certificate or may send the certificate to a remote authentication application for certificate processing. The reservation request is accepted only when the certificate authentication is successful. In this embodiment, only a certain type of reservation request may request access control or certificate authentication. For example, even when a job-dedicated reservation request does not require authentication, a global reservation request (reservation request for all jobs in the image processing apparatus) may request authentication.

  In the present embodiment, generally, the notification application of the image processing apparatus may be executed in the secure access mode. In the above mode, the request from the reservation application may include a SOAP header containing a security element of the type SECURITY_SOAPHEADER_TYPE. The element has a user (or account) certificate. Alternatively, the request may include all (or part) of an XML element or a SOAP element as described below.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, generally, a response message including an XML element or a SOAP element as described below may be returned.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the account certificate may be provided including information about the user or application, such as a user login name or password. It may be provided in a user certificate or account certificate SOAP header element. The account certificate may be provided in a CreateJob () request or a PJL stream. A caller account certificate may be provided as one of the parameters of the request. The certificate may be sent as a separate message or an exchange message.

  The message having user account data may include the following XML element.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, an access control list (ACL) may be used. The access control list may include information about each permission of the user of the image processing device, the resources of the image processing device, and / or the remote application. A remote application (for example, an external authority described later) can manage the access control list and provide it to a plurality of image processing apparatuses on the network. The external authority or another application returns the access control list in response to the Authenticate () request from the image processing apparatus or as a parameter in the EnableDevice () request transmitted to the image processing apparatus. When the external authority does not receive the Authenticate () request from the image processing apparatus, the external authority may transmit an EnableDevice () request. When the user starts a job from the operation panel interface, the image processing apparatus cannot transmit the Authenticate () request. The access control list response message may include an instruction for the image processing device characteristics to enable or disable the requested account. If the above method is successful without an access control list element, the multifunction peripheral interprets the certificate as valid and makes all the characteristics available to the user. When an error occurs, the multifunction peripheral device returns an error element to the requesting application.

  In general, the above method is used only by the image processing apparatus and the external authority application. The image processing apparatus executes a client-side process among the above methods, and acquires a job ID data type as a certificate and a parameter. The purpose of the request is to allow an external authority to authenticate the user certificate and permit or prohibit access to the characteristics of the image processing apparatus. The above method is prepared for exclusive use between the image processing apparatus and the registered external authority application. The application executes server-side processing of the method, while the image processing apparatus executes client-side processing.

  In this embodiment, an administrator-level certificate or other qualified application may be able to reserve events on a global basis. This eliminates the need to issue a job ticket for each reservation, for example. This type of reservation has no expiration date. In the above embodiment, an event occurs when a specific state occurs in the image processing apparatus. The global reservation type is used by applications such as a billing application and an external authority application. Each of the above applications reserves a specific type of event and receives a notification from the image processing device when the job or job ticket is being executed on the image processing device and is actually in a certain state It is something that can be done. In the above embodiment, there is no expiration date for event reservation. In general, the global reservation of an event is best performed when an application detects an available image processing apparatus from the network.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the image processing device may be configured to operate under the supervision of an “external authority” application responsible for exclusive decisions. The “external authority” application is an application that monitors or controls processing on the image processing apparatus. As described above, the external authority can make a decision on whether or not the system can be used. When the image processing device operates under the control of an application as described above, the characteristics of the image processing device remain unavailable until external authority is made available. When the user account certificate is recognized as valid, an availability signal is sent from the external authority application as described above. This type of application can provide access control characteristics to the image processing device based on a given certificate, or can enable or disable certain characteristics of the image processing device. The image processing apparatus may be set to operate only under the control of one external authority application. When set to operate with external authority, the image processing apparatus only executes a job provided by the external authority application or a job authenticated by the external authority.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, it is set to operate without control of a specific image processing apparatus, that is, without control by “external authority” or under control of “external authority”. May be. When the image processing apparatus operates without control of a specific apparatus, all characteristics can be used with the default settings of the image processing apparatus. On the other hand, when it is set to operate under the control of the external authority, all the characteristics of the image processing apparatus cannot be used with the default setting. Therefore, the external authority application makes the characteristics of a specific image processing device available based on the given user certificate.

  Further, the image processing apparatus may provide a setting page for registering an application that can be accessed only by an administrator. The administrator sets an external authority application and executes at least the following methods in the multifunction peripheral device core web service (CoreWS) interface. In other words, each method is a server-side method, Hello (), Authenticate (), Authorize () method, and a client-side method, EnableDevice (). Further, the following method may be executed. In other words, if the client side method, the Subscribe () method, the server side method, Event (), and the external authority application need control of the operation panel, the client side method, ShowScreen1 Execute () request and ShowScreen2 () request.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the remote application may make an event notification reservation or release a reservation by transmitting a reservation SOAP request message to the image processing apparatus. The “action” parameter in the SOAP request defines the behavior. If the value of the “action” parameter is evaluated as “true”, the SOAP request means that a specific event is reserved; otherwise, it is a reservation cancellation request. Means. In general, a remote application may reserve an event by transmitting a Subscribe () SOAP request having an action field set to True. The remote application may again send a Subscribe () SOAP request with an action field set to false to cancel the event notification reservation.

  In other embodiments of the present invention, an application such as a billing service can reserve a global-based specific event without specifying a job ticket. In this way, there is an advantage that a trigger for exchange between the entire application and the image processing apparatus service is simplified.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the expiration date of the reservation input is determined by several factors. As the most basic case, as described above, there is a case in which a reservation record is deleted from the reservation list in response to a specific request from the user to cancel the reservation. When an event reservation request is made for each job, the reservation automatically expires when the job object no longer exists.

  Web service methods, such as the multi-function peripheral core web service framework, may generally delete any references in the reservation database when a job is canceled. When an event reservation request is made on a global basis, the reservation record has no expiration date. Therefore, the multifunction peripheral core web service framework does not delete the certificate from the reservation database. The record may be deleted from the list only when a request to delete the record of the reservation is specified for the application that first reserved the known event. Reservations database records are not permanent. In such a case, when the apparatus is turned off, all records are lost, and this is not notified to the reservation source.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the image processing apparatus may transmit an event notification to the reservation application. The event notification may be triggered by an event associated with the function of the image processing apparatus, the application of the image processing apparatus, and the remote application. Examples of triggering events include job generation, job execution start, job execution end, job cancellation, job completion, job interruption, user login, user logout, and other events.

  In the example of the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_CREATE (job generation) event notification when the remote application succeeds in generating a new job using the CreateJob () method. The image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_EXECUTE (job execution) event when the remote application causes the ExecuteJob () request to successfully start the job on the image processing apparatus. When the remote application issues a CancelJob () request, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_CANCEL (job cancel) event. When the remote application issues a closeJob () request and the job is completed without failure on the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_CLOSE (job completion) event. When the user ends the job from the operation panel of the image processing apparatus using the job status mode, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_ABORT (job suspension) event to the registered application. When a job started from the operation panel starts execution on the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_STARTED (job execution start) event to the reservation application. When a job started by the image processing apparatus stops execution on the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_JOB_COMPLETED (job execution end) event. Possible reasons for stopping execution of the job include, for example, that the job has been completed without failure, or that the job has been canceled and has entered an error state.

  The ON_JOB_COMPLETED event indicates to the registered reservation source that the job has been completed without failure or that the job has stopped due to an error. Further, the ON_JOB_COMPLETED event may include job setting information and a job result data structure indicating details of resource use of the image processing apparatus related to the job. When the user logs out from the image processing apparatus using the operation panel, the image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_USER_LOGOUT (user logout) event to the reservation application. A series of processes in which the user performs logout from the image processing apparatus varies depending on the image processing apparatus. The logout operation actually performed by the user may be different for each apparatus, and any monitoring application may be used. In any case, the monitoring application receives an ON_USER_LOGO event indicating that the logged-on session between the image processing apparatus and the user has now ended. The image processing apparatus raises this type of event when the user performs a logout operation from the operation panel of the image processing apparatus or when the session times out. The session time-out occurs automatically when the user leaves the image processing apparatus as it is.

  Alternatively, the image processing apparatus may transmit a notification when a specific image processing apparatus hardware key is pressed. When the hardware key is pressed, the image processing apparatus notifies the reservation application of ON_HKEY_PRESSED event notification. In the present embodiment, the notification occurs when one of the keys of the E_MFP_KEY_ID_TYPE type is pressed by the user in the image processing apparatus. The above event is triggered by pressing a key such as KEY_COPY, KEY_IMGSND, KEY_PRINT, KEY_FAX, KEY_DOC_FILING, KEY_JOB_STATUS, KEY_CLEAR_ALL, KEY_SPECIAL_FUNCTIONS, KEY_CUSTOM_SETTINGS, or KEY_PROGRAM. The image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_SYSTEM_READY event to the reservation application when a component of the image processing apparatus system is in an operation ready state. The image processing apparatus may transmit an ON_SYSTEM_ERROR event to the reservation application when an internal system error occurs in the image processing apparatus such as a paper jam or out of paper. Subsequently, the reservation application can obtain more detailed information on the above-described problem by issuing a GetDeviceStatus () request.

In other embodiments of the invention, the event notification may include some information when sent to the booking application. The information added to the event notification may be supplied by the multifunction peripheral core web service framework inside the <event-data> element. The element consists of two parts. The first is a header segment. In the present embodiment, information is prepared in the header segment in common for all types, not individually for each event type. For example, the header segment may include account information and device information. The account information is represented by a <user-info /> element. The device information is represented by a <device-info /> element. Each of the above elements is expressed in the following format, for example. That is,
<user-info>, <account-id> bplewnia </ account-id>, </ user-info><device-info uuid = ”SN0F21F359-AB84-36D110E6D2F9MNAR-650”>, <serial-number> 0F21F359-AB84 -36D110E6D2F9 </ serial-number>, <modelname> AR-650 </ modelname>, <location> DS Engineering Dept-Japan </ location>, <mac_address> 90: EF: 0F: 21: 2A: 36 </ mac_address >, <network_address> 1.2.3.4 </ network_address> and </ device-info>
It is.

  The second of the above elements is an event dedicated segment. In the present embodiment, the contents of the event-dedicated segment may vary depending on, for example, the event type and job type. The above information included in the event-dedicated segment is included in the <details /> element.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the notification message may be transmitted to the reservation application in a plurality of ways using various mechanisms. For example, event messages can be distributed using the following communication protocol. That is, SOAP using a notification method such as the Event () method, an e-mail whose message body is the notification content, HTTP-GET or HTTP_POST using an HTTP communication function for distributing event data to a reservation application, RAW 2.0 protocol, which is a notification mechanism of Sharp (registered trademark). The application can also specify an event delivery mechanism for each reservation.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus (IDev) 120 includes a user interface 124. The user interface 124 can accept user input and can display data to the user. The user interface 124 generally includes a display. This display is often in the form of a touch panel. This display is used to display data to the user. This data is, for example, menu data for quick user selection such as user ID and password, data input, format selection, and other input. The image processing apparatus 120 includes a communication line 122. As the communication line 122, a general computer network connection, a serial cable, or a wired or wireless communication line described in another embodiment can be used. The communication line 122 connects the image processing apparatus 120 to remote computing devices (RCD) 126a and 126b such as servers. The remote computing devices 126a, 126b may be for storing documents such as formats and other data, and may be used to make the data accessible from the image processing device 120. . The remote computing devices RCD 126a and 126b may also execute applications that exchange information with the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124, and applications that receive input to the image processing device 120 and its user interface 124. . In some embodiments, the database 125 may be linked to the image processing device 120 and / or the remote computing devices 126a and 126b. In some embodiments, the remote calculation device 126b or the database 125 may be connected to the image processing device 120 via a wide area network such as the Internet 128.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as a reservation application 130 capable of requesting and receiving a global or job-dedicated event notification reservation, for example, a billing application may be considered. The reservation application may be an external authority application. External authority applications are privileged and can access limited notification resources. The external authority application can also access global notifications that are not dedicated to jobs. The external authority application may require that a certificate for authentication be submitted before receiving the restricted notification.

  Furthermore, this embodiment may include other remote reservation applications 132A and 132B. The remote reservation applications 132A and 132B request an event notification reservation from the event notification application 138 of the image processing apparatus (IDev) 136. Remote reservation applications 132A and 132B may be able to access only unrestricted notifications. The external authority application, the remote application, and the notification application of the image processing apparatus are connected to be communicable with each other via a network 134 using a SOAP method or another method. The external authority application and the remote application can specify the event notification data transfer mechanism 139. The event notification data transfer mechanism 139 transmits and receives event notifications and related data. Common event notification data transfer mechanisms include, for example, HTTP Post, e-mail, SOAP message, and other mechanisms.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 140). The reservation request includes the address of the reservation application and the event type. The reservation request may include a user certificate, an account certificate, and other data. The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request from the reservation application (step 142). Then, the notification application records the reservation application ID and the event identifier in the reservation record (step 144). When the event specified by the reservation request occurs, the notification application of the image processing apparatus sets itself to notify the reservation application specified by the reservation request of the event occurrence (step 146).

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15A, a job-dedicated reservation may be executed. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request including the address of the reservation application, the event type, and the job ID to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 150). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request including the address of the reservation application, the event type, and the job ID from the reservation application (step 151). The notification application of the image processing apparatus records the reservation request data in the reservation record (step 152). When the event described in the event type occurs during the execution of the job identified by the job ID, the notification application of the image processing apparatus reports the occurrence of the event at the reservation application address at the reservation application (Step 153). The job ID may include a job ticket.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15B, another job-dedicated reservation may be executed. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a single reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 154). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the single reservation request and requests an event type from the reservation application (step 155). The reservation application transmits the event type to the notification application (step 156). Upon receiving the event type, the notification application requests a job ID from the reservation application (step 157). Then, the reservation application transmits the job ID to the notification application (step 158). When the notification application receives the reservation request, the event type, and the job ID, when the event identified by the event type occurs during the execution of the job identified by the job ID, the event is generated. Is set to notify the reservation application (step 159).

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the embodiment of the present invention, event notification reservation may be executed using a designated notification delivery mechanism. In the present embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus together with the address of the reservation application, the event type, and the specified distribution mechanism (step 160). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request from the reservation application together with the address of the reservation application, the event type, and the specified distribution mechanism (step 162). The notification application of the image processing apparatus records reservation request data including the specified distribution mechanism in the reservation record (step 164). When the event described in the event type occurs, the notification application of the image processing apparatus notifies the occurrence of the event to the reservation application at the address of the reservation application using the designated distribution mechanism. Set itself (step 166). The reservation request, the reservation application address, and the designated distribution mechanism may be exchanged over a plurality of messages.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, a reservation application such as a billing application detects usable image processing apparatuses from the network (step 170). The reservation application acquires from the image processing apparatus a list of events that can be notified that can be identified by the image processing apparatus (step 172). Alternatively, the reservation application may detect the event that can be notified from other means instead of the list supplied from the image processing apparatus. For example, an event that can be notified may be detected by identifying an image processing device and searching for an external source dedicated to the image processing device data. Alternatively, the noticeable event may be determined by detecting the function of the image processing apparatus directly through various protocols.

  When a notification-possible event is detected, the reservation application transmits a reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 174). The reservation request or related message may include the address of the reservation application that is the destination to which the notification is sent. Alternatively, it may include one or a plurality of event types selected from the noticeable events acquired from the image processing apparatus. Alternatively, the notification application of the image processing apparatus may include a job ID for identifying the job. The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives a reservation request and related message including the reservation application address, event type, and job ID (in the case of job-only reservation) from the reservation application (step 176). The notification application of the image processing apparatus records the reservation request and related data in the reservation record (step 178). When the event described in the event type occurs, the notification application of the image processing apparatus sets itself so as to notify the occurrence of the event to the reservation application at the address of the reservation application (step 179). Further, in the case of job-dedicated notification, the notification may be performed only when an event occurs during the execution of the job identified by the job ID.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, access control may be performed at the time of notification reservation. In the above embodiment, the booking application needs to submit a certificate before the booking is allowed. Alternatively, a certificate may be submitted only for some specific reservations.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request including a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 180). Then, the notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request including the certificate (step 182). When the certificate is received, the notification application authenticates the certificate (step 184). Then, the notification application determines whether to reject the reservation request (step 186) or allow the reservation (step 188) (step 185). If the certificate authentication is successful and the user / account is authorized to receive the requested notification, the reservation request is accepted (step 188).

  A further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application requests a notification reservation from the notification application (step 190). The notification application receives the request (step 191). When the request is restricted and the certificate is not included in the request, the notification application may request a certificate from the reservation application (step 192). The reservation application transmits the certificate (step 193), and the notification application receives the certificate (step 194). The notification application authenticates the certificate (step 195) and confirms that the user / account to be authenticated may be allowed to receive the requested notification. Based on the confirmation, the notification application can decide whether to reject the reservation (step 197) or allow the reservation (step 198) (step 196).

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request including a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 200). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request including the certificate (Step 201), and transmits the certificate to the authentication application (Step 202). Then, the authentication application authenticates the certificate (step 203). The authentication application notifies the notification application of the result of the authentication process. If the authentication fails, the notification application rejects the reservation (step 204). If the authentication is successful, the authentication application sends an authentication message to the application for notification (step 206), and the notification application accepts the reservation request (step 208).

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation request is transmitted to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 210). The notification application of the image processing apparatus requests a certificate from the reservation application (step 211). Then, the reservation application transmits the certificate to the notification application (step 212). The notification application transmits the certificate to the authentication application (step 213). The authentication application authenticates the certificate (step 214). The authentication application transmits the authentication result to the notification application (step 215). Based on the authentication result, the notification application rejects the reservation (step 217) or permits the reservation (step 218).

  A further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request including a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 220). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request and certificate (step 221). Then, it is determined whether or not the reservation request is of a type requesting a certificate for authentication (step 222). In the present embodiment, the reservation request of the above type may include a global reservation request from an external authority application such as a billing application, or may include a reservation request for requesting a protected job. If the reservation request is restricted and a certificate for authentication is requested, the notification application authenticates the certificate (step 224). If the authentication fails, or if the user / account is not authorized to receive the requested notification (NO in step 226), the reservation request is rejected (step 229). If the authentication is successful (YES in step 226), the reservation request is permitted (step 228). On the other hand, if the reservation request is not restricted and an authentication certificate is not requested (NO in step 222), the reservation request is permitted without processing the certificate (step 228). ).

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request including a certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus. Then, the notification application receives a reservation request including a certificate from the reservation application. (Step 230). The notification application of the image processing apparatus determines whether or not the reservation request is a type that requires a certificate for authentication (step 232). When the reservation request requests a certificate for authentication, the notification application transmits the certificate to the authentication application (step 233). The authentication application authenticates the certificate (step 234). The notification application analyzes the result of the authentication process, and if the authentication fails or if the user / account is not approved to receive the requested notification (NO in step 235), the reservation request Is rejected (step 237). If the authentication is successful, or if the user / account is authorized to receive the requested notification (YES in step 235), the notification application accepts the reservation request (step 236). On the other hand, if the reservation request is not restricted and a certificate is not requested (NO in step 232), the reservation request is permitted without processing the certificate (step 236).

  A further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 240). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request (step 241). Then, the notification application determines whether or not the reservation request is a type for requesting a certificate for authentication (step 242). When the reservation request requests a certificate for authentication, the notification application requests a certificate from the reservation application (step 243). The reservation application sends the certificate to the notification application (step 244). The notification application receives the certificate (step 245). The notification application authenticates the certificate (step 246). The notification application analyzes the result of the authentication process, and if the authentication fails, or if the user / account is not approved to receive the requested notification (NO in step 247), the reservation request Is rejected (step 249). If the authentication is successful and if the user / account is approved to receive the requested notification (YES in step 247), the reservation request is permitted (step 248). On the other hand, if the reservation request is not restricted and no certificate is requested (NO in step 242), the reservation request is permitted without processing the certificate (step 248).

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the reservation application transmits a reservation request to the notification application of the image processing apparatus (step 250). The notification application of the image processing apparatus receives the reservation request (step 251). Then, the notification application determines whether or not the reservation request is a type for requesting a certificate for authentication (step 252). When the reservation request requests a certificate for authentication, the notification application requests a certificate from the reservation application (step 253). When the notification application receives the certificate from the reservation application (step 254), the notification application transmits the certificate to the authentication application (step 255). The authentication application authenticates the certificate (step 256). Then, the authentication result is transmitted to the notification application. The notification application analyzes the result of the authentication process, and if the authentication fails or if the user / account is not approved to receive the requested notification (NO in step 257), the reservation request Is rejected (step 259). If the authentication is successful and if the user / account is approved to receive the requested notification (YES in step 257), the reservation request is permitted (step 258). On the other hand, if the reservation request is not restricted and a certificate is not requested (NO in step 252), the reservation request is permitted without processing the certificate (step 258).

  Further embodiments of the present invention may include event notification systems and methods. Furthermore, the notification in the above embodiment may include a global notification and a job-dedicated notification. Furthermore, notification may be performed by a designated distribution mechanism.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects that a specific event has occurred (step 260). The notification application of the image processing apparatus checks whether or not the event is recorded in the reservation record (step 262). If the specific event is not recorded in the reservation record, the notification application of the image processing apparatus determines not to send a notification (step 266). Alternatively, when the specific event is recorded in the reservation record, the notification application transmits a notification of the specific event to any reservation application (step 268). The reservation application receives the event notification from the notification application (step 269).

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects that a specific event has occurred (step 270). The notification application of the image processing apparatus checks whether the event is recorded in the reservation record (step 271). If the specific event is not recorded in the reservation record, the notification application of the image processing apparatus determines not to send the notification (step 273). Alternatively, when the specific event is recorded in the reservation record, the notification application checks whether the reservation is a global reservation or a job-only reservation (step 274). If the reservation is a global reservation, the notification application sends a notification of the event to the reservation application.

  If the reservation is a job-only reservation, the notification application checks whether the job was being executed at the time of the event (step 276). If the job is not being executed at the time of the event, the notification application determines that the job-specific reservation is not valid and decides not to send the event notification (step 278). If the job is being executed at the time of the event, the notification application sends a notification of the specific event to the reservation application (step 279). The reservation application receives notification of the event from the notification application (step 280). Note that the notification application may determine whether or not the job is being executed using a job ticket method. According to the above method, the job ticket is managed by the application during job execution. When the job is complete, the job ticket is deleted.

  A further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects that a specific event has occurred (step 290). Next, the notification application of the image processing apparatus checks whether or not the event is recorded in the reservation record (step 291). If the specific event is not recorded in the reservation record, the notification application of the image processing apparatus determines not to send the notification (step 293). If the specific event is recorded in the reservation record, the notification application checks whether or not a distribution mechanism for notification is specified by the user (step 294). If the distribution mechanism for notification is designated by the user, the notification application transmits the event notification to the reservation application using the distribution mechanism designated by the user (step 297). If a delivery mechanism for notification has not been specified by the user, the notification application sends a notification of the event to the reservation application using the default delivery mechanism (step 296). When the notification message is sent, the reservation application receives a notification of the event from the notification application via a default or specified delivery mechanism (step 298).

  A further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above embodiment, the notification application of the image processing apparatus detects that a specific event has occurred (step 300). Next, the notification application of the image processing apparatus checks whether or not the event is recorded in the reservation record (step 301). If the specific event is not recorded in the reservation record, the notification application of the image processing apparatus determines not to send a notification (step 303). If the specific event is recorded in the reservation record, the notification application checks whether the reservation is global or dedicated to the job (step 304).

  If the reservation is global, the notification application checks whether a distribution mechanism for notification is specified (step 309). On the other hand, if the reservation is dedicated to a job, the notification application checks whether the job was being executed at the time of the event (step 306). If the job is not being executed when the event occurs (NO in step 307), the notification application determines not to transmit a notification (step 308). On the other hand, if the job is being executed when an event occurs (YES in step 307), the notification application checks whether a distribution mechanism for notification is designated (step 309). When the distribution mechanism for the notification is designated, the notification application transmits the event notification to the reservation application using the designated distribution mechanism (step 312). If the delivery mechanism is not specified, the notification application transmits an event notification to the reservation application using the default delivery mechanism (step 311). When the notification is transmitted, the reservation application receives a notification of the event from the notification application via the designated distribution mechanism or the default distribution mechanism (step 313).

(Core Web Service Framework)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment includes a core web service framework (CWSF) 350. The core web service framework 350 includes a platform for building, deploying, and executing web services on an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral. For example, a standard-based multilingual execution environment for building a distributed network application can be mentioned. Each application can control processing executed on the image processing apparatus.

In this embodiment, the core web service framework 350 may include a hardware interface (HWIF) 326 connected to the image processing device hardware 320. The hardware interface 326 is provided between a specific platform dedicated to hardware and the core web service framework 350. With the standardized hardware interface 326, the core web service framework 350 allows a plurality of image processing device hardware 320 to comply with the interface standard.
It becomes possible to communicate with.

  The hardware interface 326 is for collecting information from the image processing apparatus using the core web service framework 350 as a host. The hardware interface 326 may include a set of API-dependent devices that the core web service framework 350 uses when communicating with the operating components of the image processing device hardware 320. On the other hand, the hardware interface 326 can perform device-specific operations for controlling the hardware components of a particular platform. As described above, the hardware interface 326 mediates the interaction between the operating hardware architecture and the core web service framework 350.

  The hardware interface 326 may further function as a source of notifications received by the core web service framework 350 via the state monitoring module (SMM) 330. The notification is transmitted to the core web service framework 350 via the state monitoring module 330 by calling a callback means. For example, but not limited to this, the hardware interface 326 may operate as a transmission source of the start notification callback. A start notification callback is dispatched when the device is about to start executing a job. The hardware interface 326 may function as a transmission source of the completion notification callback. A completion notification callback is dispatched when a job is completed. The hardware interface 326 may function as a transmission source of the state change notification callback. The status change notification callback is dispatched when the job status is changed. The hardware interface 326 may function as a page notification callback source. A page notification callback is dispatched when a page is loaded or printed.

  In this embodiment, the core web service framework 350 may include a system architecture layer (SAL) 324. The system architecture layer 324 is responsible for translating high level application requests into a series of requests dedicated to job types at the hardware interface 326 level. This eliminates the complexity of the application. The system architecture layer 324 can also bundle a small series of simple operations into a high level function. Also, the system architecture layer 324 can be logically connected to the hardware interface 326. The system architecture layer 324 can also register a set of notification callbacks with the hardware interface 326. Also, when a state occurs during job execution, the system architecture layer 324 may receive a corresponding notification from the hardware interface 326. Alternatively, the system architecture layer 324 may function as a source of event notification. In the present embodiment, as an example, the system architecture layer 324 sends an On_Job_Started (job execution start) notification and / or an On_Job_Completed (job execution end) notification.

  The architecture in the embodiment of the present invention is based on the concept of jobs. Depending on the actual device capabilities and device architecture, one or more jobs can be executed simultaneously on the image processing device. For example, but not limited to this, the user may execute a scan job while another client requests a print job, for example. At the same time, other users can receive a fax message and the management application can monitor the job of the image processing apparatus. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that all the above-mentioned jobs can be executed simultaneously. This is because each job can be identified by a uniquely identifiable identifier represented by a job object.

  A mechanism inside the core web service framework 350 for controlling the dynamic job environment is called a job queue manager (JQM) 328. The job queue manager 328 manages jobs processed by the system. Each job may be represented by a job object associated with a process executed by the user on the image processing apparatus. Alternatively, each job may be represented by a job identifier (job ID), and the job ID is associated with each job setting, job result, and access control list (ACL). The access control list may include detailed information regarding access to job information by the notification reservation application. The job queue manager 328 may manage each job object while the job object exists during the expiration date. The job queue manager 328 includes a function for generating a job object, a function for discarding a job object, a function for managing job settings, a function for protecting security data associated with a job user, and a function for protecting a job description and a job state. And other functions can be performed.

  The job queue manager 328 may function as an event notification transmission source. In this embodiment, for example, the job queue manager 328 transmits an On_Job_Create (job creation) notification, an On_Job_Execute (job execution) notification, an On_Job_Close (job completion) notification, an On_Job_Cancel (job cancel) notification, and other event notifications. May be.

  The job queue manager 328 may manage a job object database (DB) 325. The job object database 325 is a database that manages jobs being executed on the image processing apparatus or related hardware and applications. The job object database 325 may include an execution history journal. The execution history journal is recorded as a record regardless of whether the power is turned on or off, even if other job information is lost when the power of the apparatus is turned off.

  In the present embodiment, the core web service framework 350 may include a state monitoring module (SMM) 330. The status monitoring module 330 monitors the status of the device or the status of a job executed on the device. The status monitoring module 330 monitors changes in the status of devices and jobs. Further, the state monitoring module 330 may register a set of notification callbacks in the hardware interface 326. The state monitoring module 330 notifies the job queue manager 328 or the notification module 332 of a change in the state of the job or the apparatus or other information. The state monitoring module 330 may function as a transmission source of an On_System_Error (system running error) notification.

  The core web service framework 350 may include a notification module 332. The notification module 332 receives event notifications from any source within the core web service framework 350. The notification module 332 notifies a signal indicating an internal event of the image processing apparatus, an event that occurs in each module of the image processing apparatus hardware 320, the core web service framework 350, the remote OSA application 346, or other events, or other events. Receive. Upon receiving the notification, the notification module 332 communicates with the job queue manager 328 to generate an event data message. The notification module 332 may also communicate with the reservation manager 338 to see if there is a reservation registered to receive event notifications. When even one registered reservation is found, the notification module 332 prepares to distribute event notification data to the reservation source. When the reservation source has specified a specific notification method, the notification module 332 prepares to distribute the notification using the transfer protocol specified by the reservation source at the time of the reservation request or at other timing.

  The core web service framework 350 may also include a user interface processor 334. The user interface processor 334 mediates between the core web service framework 350 and the front panel 322 of the image processing apparatus. The user interface processor 334 supplies the contents of the user interface to the front panel 322. The contents of the user interface include prompts for prompting the user to input and information for notifying the user of the status of the image processing apparatus, the core web service framework module, or the remote application. is there. The user interface processor 334 also accepts user input signals input via the front panel 322 and passes the input signals to the image processing device hardware 320, the core web service framework 350 module, or the remote OSA application 346. introduce. Further, the user interface processor 334 allows the remote OSA application 346 to display an application-specific screen in which a form is defined using an industry standard markup language such as XHTML. Further, the user interface processor 334 may function as a source of event notifications such as On_Hkey_Pressed notifications, On_User_Logout notifications, or other notifications.

  A web service module (WSM) 336 functions as the core of the core web service framework 350. The web service module 336 supplies a simple object access protocol (SOAP) interface to the image processing apparatus. The remote OSA application 346 uses the web service module 336 through a set of SOAP interface methods to control the image processing device hardware 320 including the front panel 322 as a user interface. The remote OSA application 346 accesses and / or reports each module of the core web service framework 350 via the web service module 336.

  An example of the web service module 336 is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, examples of the remote application include a security application 351, a higher authority application 352, and other applications (354). These remote applications are connected to the web service module 364 of the image processing apparatus via a communication connection such as a network 356. In this embodiment, a SOAP interface is mediated between the web service module 364 and the external applications (351 to 354). When the remote client application (351 to 354) generates a SOAP request to the image processing device, the web service module 364 converts the markup language (for example, XML) data representing the request into binary data that can be processed by the device. Take the role of translating into Web service module 364 may also translate the binary data into an appropriate markup language and return it to the remote client.

  In the present embodiment, the web service module 364 may collate the input markup language stream received from the remote clients (351 to 354), or verify the validity thereof. The data validity verification is executed according to a rule described in a Web Service Definition Language (WSDL) that defines a document for a SOAP interface. While processing the SOAP request of the client, the web service module 364 may return error information arranged in order as a message to convey an error.

  When the process is executed in the secure mode, the web service modules 364 and 336 indicate that the request is transmitted from an authorized authorized source, and the user who generates the request generates the request. It may be responsible for confirming that it has a legitimate right. The web service modules 364 and 336 may also perform session management with the user.

  In this embodiment, the core web service framework 350 may include a reservation manager 338. The reservation manager 338 manages the reservation database 335. In the reservation database 335, reservation source data for event reservation is recorded.

  Alternatively, the core web service framework 350 may include a markup language library such as the XML library 340. The XML library 340 may include a utility code library. The XML library 340 provides a function for managing XML contents. Each of the above functions is used to analyze and / or generate XML data.

  The core web service framework 350 may include an event distribution module (EDM) 342. The event distribution module 342 distributes the event notification message to the reservation source. The event distribution module 342 can access the reservation source preference recorded in the reservation database 335, for example. The reservation source data is used to select a distribution mechanism for distributing the notification.

  The terms and expressions used in this specification are for explaining the contents and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, these terms and expressions are not intended to make a difference with respect to the features or parts of the invention shown and described. In other words, the scope of the present invention is defined and not limited by anything other than the claims recited in the claims.

  Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a system including a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, and the like having an image processing function, for example.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of this invention containing the image processing apparatus connected to the remote arithmetic unit. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical user interface for an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process with an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a remote computing device. It is a block diagram which shows the component of a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in a remote computing device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process using the markup language in a remote computing device. It is a figure which shows the system provided with the several image processing apparatus connected to a remote arithmetic unit. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the system shown by FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates components of an embodiment of the present invention that includes multiple remote computing devices and linked resources. It is a figure which shows the system of the image processing apparatus which performs event notification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification reservation. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification reservation using the event type and job ID in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification reservation using the event type and job ID in other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification reservation using a delivery mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification reservation using an event type, job ID, and a delivery mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control performed by requesting a certificate. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the event notification access control performed using an authentication application. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the event notification access control performed by requesting a certificate and using an authentication application. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control in case the requested notification requests a certificate. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control performed using an authentication application, when notification requests | requires a certificate. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control by requesting a certificate when a certificate is required. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification access control which makes a certificate request | requirement using an authentication application. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the event notification accompanied by a global reservation. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of event notification using a delivery mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an event notification process using a global reservation and a delivery mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an event notification process using a global reservation and a delivery mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a core web service framework. It is a figure explaining the mutual relationship with a core web service framework.

Explanation of symbols

2 User Interface (UI) Panel 4 Image Processing Device 6 Remote Computing Device 8 UI Device 10 Network 12 Communication Line 30 Image Processing Device 32 User Interface 34 User Input Panel 36 Display 60 Remote Computing Device 62 Data Storage Device 72 Processor 74 Memory 76 System Bus 78 Network interface 80 User interface 100 Network 120 Image processing device 124 User interface 125 Database 126a Remote computing device 128 Internet 130 Reservation application 134 Network 136 Image processing device 138 Event notification application 139 Event notification data transfer mechanism 320 Image processing device hardware 322 Front panel 324 system architecture layout 325 Job object database 326 Hardware interface 328 Job queue manager 330 Status monitoring module 332 Notification module 334 User interface processor 335 Reservation database 336 Web service module 338 Reservation manager 340 XML library 342 Event delivery module 346 Remote OSA application 350 Core web service frame Work 351 Security application 352 Higher-order authority application 356 Network 364 Web service module

Claims (17)

Notifications application of the image processing apparatus, receiving an event notification subscription request that is transmitted from the reservation application,
Determining whether the event notification reservation request is of a type that requires authentication;
The notification application receiving a certificate sent from the reservation application;
When the determination step determines that the event notification reservation request is a type that requires authentication, the notification application authenticates the certificate;
When the certificate authentication is successful, the notification application permits the event notification reservation request ,
The step of receiving the event notification reservation request includes:
A job dedicated event notification reservation request for reserving event notification for each job, or a global event notification reservation request for reserving event notification in all jobs,
The step of determining
The received event notification subscription request, in the case of the global event notification subscription request, notification reservation access control how to being a determining that a type that requires authentication. The notification application, upon receiving the event notification subscription request, further seen including the step of requesting the certificate for the reservation application,
The step of requesting the certificate includes
The notification reservation access control according to claim 1, wherein in the determination step, the event notification reservation request is a step of requesting the certificate when it is determined that the request requires authentication. Method. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 1, wherein the event notification reservation request includes the certificate.   The step of determining
  2. The event notification reservation request received is a job-dedicated event notification reservation request for reserving an event notification of a protected job, and it is determined that the type requires authentication. 4. The notification reservation access control method according to any one of items 3 to 3.   The step of authenticating the certificate is as follows:
  The notification application sends the certificate to an authentication application and causes the authentication application to authenticate the certificate;
  The steps to allow are
  5. The step of permitting the event notification reservation request if the authentication of the certificate is successful when the certificate is authenticated by the authentication application. 6. The notification reservation access control method according to the item.   The steps to allow are
  The notification application includes a step of permitting the event notification reservation request when the determination step determines that the event notification reservation request is of a type that does not require authentication. 6. The notification reservation access control method according to any one of 1 to 5.   When the event notification reservation request is permitted in the step of permitting the event notification reservation request, the notification application of the image processing apparatus includes reservation application identification information included in the received job-specific event notification reservation request, and It further comprises a step of storing a job dedicated reservation record including event identification information and a job identifier, or a global reservation record including reservation application identification information and event identification information included in the received global event notification reservation request. The notification reservation access control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   A notification application of the image processing device detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event in the image processing device;
  When the event detected in the detecting step is an event specified by the event identification information included in the reservation record, the notification application determines whether the corresponding reservation record is a global reservation record or a job dedicated A step to check if it is a reserved record;
  The above notification application
    In the checking step, if the corresponding reservation record is found to be a global reservation record, an event occurrence notification is sent to the reservation application without identifying the job execution period,
    A step of identifying an execution period of the corresponding job when the corresponding reservation record is determined to be a job-dedicated reservation record, and transmitting an event occurrence notification to the reservation application according to the identified result. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 7.   9. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 8, wherein the reservation record includes designation information of a distribution mechanism.   10. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 9, wherein the step of transmitting the event occurrence notification is executed using a distribution mechanism designated by the designation information of the distribution mechanism.   9. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 8, wherein the reservation record further includes an address of the reservation application as the reservation application identification information.   The step of transmitting the event occurrence notification is a step of transmitting an event occurrence notification to a reservation application having an address included in a corresponding reservation record when an event specified by the event identification information occurs. The notification reservation access control method according to claim 11, wherein:   Receiving means for receiving a certificate and a job-specific event notification reservation request for reserving an event notification for each job or a global event notification reservation request for reserving event notifications for all jobs sent from a reservation application ,
  A notification application for transmitting an event occurrence notification in response to an event notification reservation request permitted based on the certificate,
  The above notification application
  When the received event notification reservation request is the global event notification reservation request, it is determined whether the event notification reservation request is a type that requires authentication by determining that the event notification reservation request is a type that requires authentication. And
  If it is determined that the event notification reservation request is a type that requires authentication, the certificate is authenticated,
  An image processing apparatus, wherein the event notification reservation request is permitted when authentication of the certificate is successful.   The above notification application
  The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the event notification reservation request is permitted when it is determined that the event notification reservation request is a type that does not require authentication.   Furthermore, a reservation storage unit for storing a reservation record to be stored when the event notification reservation request is permitted,
  The reservation storage unit includes a job-dedicated reservation record including reservation application identification information, event identification information, and a job identifier included in the job-dedicated event notification reservation request received by the receiving unit, and the received global The image processing apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a global reservation record including reservation application identification information and event identification information included in the event notification reservation request is stored.   The above notification application
  Detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event in the image processing apparatus,
  If the detected event is an event specified by the event identification information included in the reservation record stored in the reservation storage unit, check whether the corresponding reservation record is a global reservation record or a job dedicated reservation record And
    When it is determined that the corresponding reservation record is a global reservation record, an event occurrence notification is sent to the reservation application without identifying the job execution period,
    When it is determined that the corresponding reservation record is a job-dedicated reservation record, an execution period of the corresponding job is identified, and an event occurrence notification is transmitted to the reservation application according to the identified result Item 15. The image processing apparatus according to Item 15.   An image processing device event notification reservation access control system including a reservation application and the image processing device according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
  The reservation application and the image processing apparatus are connected via a communication network.
  The above reservation application
    Have a certificate to authenticate the booking application,
    At least one job-dedicated event notification reservation request or global event notification reservation request, and event notification reservation request transmission means for transmitting the certificate to the notification application of the image processing apparatus;
    A notification reservation access control system comprising event occurrence notification receiving means for receiving an event occurrence notification from the notification application.

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