JP4652523B2 - Server apparatus, image processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a server device, an image processing device, a data processing method, and a storage medium capable of processing manual information of the image processing device through communication between various image processing devices and a server device via the Internet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
First, a conventional copying apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
[0003]
FIG. 19 is a schematic external view for explaining the external appearance of a conventional copying apparatus. FIG. 19A is a side view of the copying machine, and FIG. 19B is a plan view of the copying machine.
[0004]
In the figure, reference numeral 1901 denotes a copying apparatus. An operation panel (operation unit) 102 displays the state of the copying apparatus 1901 on the panel and accepts key inputs from the operator.
[0005]
20 is a plan view for explaining a screen displayed on the operation unit 102 shown in FIG.
[0006]
In FIG. 20A, reference numeral 201 denotes a function designation screen which is displayed in the operation unit 102. Reference numeral 202 denotes an enlargement key which is pressed when executing an enlargement function. Reference numeral 203 denotes an equal magnification key which is pressed when executing image formation at an equal magnification. Reference numeral 204 denotes a reduction key which is depressed when executing a reduction function. Reference numeral 205 denotes an application mode key which is pressed when executing the application mode. A paper selection key 206 is pressed to select a paper. Reference numeral 207 denotes an auto paper key which is pressed when the copying apparatus 401 automatically selects a paper. Reference numeral 208 denotes an auto scaling key which is pressed when executing the auto scaling function. Reference numeral 209 denotes a help key, which is pressed when a function realized when each key on the function designation screen 201 displayed on the operation unit 102 is pressed is not known.
[0007]
In FIG. 20B, reference numeral 210 denotes a help display field. When the function key 202 to 208 shown in FIG. 20A is pressed after the help key 209 is pressed, the selected function key is selected. A simple guide message is displayed. In this figure, after the help key 209 is pressed and the help key 209 is set to the selected state (211), the auto scaling key 208 is pressed to select the state (212). A guide message for the zoom function is displayed.
[0008]
As described above, in the conventional copying apparatus, when the function realized when the function keys 202 to 208 shown in FIG. 20 are pressed cannot be understood, an operation manual provided separately as a booklet is referred to. As described above, a simple guide message is displayed in the operation panel.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the operation method is not known, the key in the function designation screen 201 is selected by selecting the key to be executed from the keys displayed on the operation panel. By displaying a simple guide message in the help display field 210, information to be executed next is simply presented.
[0010]
However, the product user manuals (instruction manuals) are becoming increasingly necessary for device operation as the product functions become more advanced, but the advancement of functions has led to an increase in user manual information. Conventional paper manuals have become inconvenient.
[0011]
In order to cope with this, in recent years, distribution and updating of an electronic manual (PDF) from a center server device via a computer (personal computer) that can communicate with an image processing device via the Internet is becoming common.
[0012]
However, it is not always used in an environment adjacent to a computer. In the case of a digital copying apparatus or the like, all operation instruction information is stored in some storage device such as an electronic manual printed out after all. There is a problem that not only the inconvenience of handling the user is not eliminated, but also the cost of the apparatus increases on the contrary.
[0013]
Furthermore, for users who handle the image processing apparatus as described above, it is usual that the skill level of the operation varies, such as a user who is familiar with the operation and a general user other than that, Nevertheless, the contents of the manual given to the user are uniform, and it is difficult to say that it provides an appropriate level of operation method information that is promptly adapted to the user's skill level and necessary conditions. When exchanging the converted information with the image processing apparatus, an enormous amount of communication time is required for one operation instruction, which may cause a problem that the user's operation is delayed. There were many problems.
[0014]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to perform an operation requested by analyzing an operation manual request code received from any image processing apparatus. By retrieving the method information from the storage means and downloading the retrieved unique operation method information to the requesting image processing apparatus, the user can notify the current state of the image processing apparatus without notifying any detailed situation. Server device capable of presenting essential manual information adapted to the operating situation to the user and accurately guiding subsequent operation instructions for smoothly operating the image processing apparatus, and greatly improving user convenience And a data processing method thereof and a storage medium.
[0015]
The second object is to provide a manual request including a manual acquisition request code and a model identification code based on the image processing progress state when it is determined from the operation state that manual information managed by the server device should be presented to the user. To the server device, acquire manual information for each user that is searched by the server device according to the notified manual request and transferred from the server device, and output the acquired manual information Therefore, when referring to the manual, the user can request the server device for the necessary and accurate manual information and intensively download the relevant manual information by simply instructing whether or not there is a manual acquisition request. Without acquiring unnecessary manual information, the user can be guided to the optimum operation in a short time. It is to provide an image processing apparatus and data processing method and a storage medium can.
[0016]
A third object of the present invention is to confirm a user request as to whether or not manual information managed by the server device should be requested when it is determined that an image processing execution error has occurred, and to execute the image processing execution. By notifying the server device of a manual request including a manual acquisition request code based on an error and a model identification code, the user can perform the operation with a simple operation without forcing a user unaccustomed to the operation of the image processing apparatus to perform an excessive manual acquisition operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a data processing method thereof, and a storage medium capable of efficiently acquiring a minimum amount of manual information sufficient to recover an error.
[0017]
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a manual acquisition request code for each user level based on the image processing progress state when it is determined that manual information managed by the server device should be presented to the user. Since the server device is notified of a manual request including a model identification code, an image processing device capable of acquiring a manual customized to an optimum volume according to the skill level of the user who operates the data processing method and storage medium therefor Is to provide.
[0018]
Furthermore, a fifth object of the present invention is to store and manage the manual information acquired by the acquiring means together with a manual acquisition request code in a non-volatile storage device, so that manual information managed by the server device is requested. If it is determined that the same manual acquisition request code is stored in the nonvolatile storage device, the management unit determines that the same manual acquisition request code is stored. In such a case, an image processing apparatus and a data processing method thereof, in which duplicate acquisition processing of the same manual is limited, the manual information can be immediately indicated to the user, and unnecessary communication costs can be reduced, and It is to provide a storage medium.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
About multiple types of image processing devices manual Storage means for storing information; Manual including model information of the image processing device from the image processing device Receiving means for receiving a transmission request for information; The transmission request includes first information indicating a book, chapter and section in the manual information, second information indicating the proficiency level of the user, third information indicating an operation category, and a first information indicating a module of the device. If it is determined that the first information has been received, the manual information of the position indicated in the first information of the image processing device is searched, and the second information When it is determined that the request for the image processing is received, the manual information corresponding to the proficiency level of the image processing apparatus is searched, and when it is determined that the third information is received, the image processing apparatus Search means for searching for manual information corresponding to the operation and searching for manual information of the module of the image processing apparatus when it is determined that the fourth information is received; The search by the search means manual information To the image processing device Transmission means for transmitting.
[0055]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus and a server apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. A digital copying machine 1 and a client that perform image processing via a network NET 9. This corresponds to the case where the WWW server 10 is configured to be communicable.
[0056]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a digital copying machine that plays a central role in the present system, a hard disk 3 for storing image data and various programs, and a network interface for communicating with external devices via a network NET. The digital copying machine 1 receives print data sent from an external device (client terminal (client) 9) via the network NET, and an operation unit 5 for instructing the operation of itself on the unit 4 and the digital copying machine 1. A formatter unit 6 for converting to a printable format, a digital image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 7, and an output unit (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) for printing out a digital image disposed below the formatter unit 6. 8 and a core unit 2 that integrally controls all these components.
[0057]
The network NET stores and manages a client terminal (client) 9 for instructing the digital copying machine 1 to operate and electronic manual information obtained by digitizing manuals related to various image processing apparatuses described later. A WWW server 10 that transfers electronic manual information stored in accordance with a manual request from the image processing apparatus to the requesting image processing apparatus is communicably connected with a predetermined protocol.
[0058]
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the reader unit 7 and the printer unit 8 shown in FIG.
[0059]
In the reader unit 7, reference numeral 101 denotes a document feeder (ADF), which feeds documents one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 102, and discharges the document on the platen glass 102 after the document reading operation is completed. When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on, and the movement of the reader unit 104 is started to expose and scan the original.
[0060]
At this time, the reflected light from the document is guided to the CCD image sensor (CCD) 109 by the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108. The image information of the scanned original is read by the CCD 109. Image data output from the CCD 109 is transferred to the printer unit 8 and the core unit 2 after being subjected to predetermined processing.
[0061]
In the printer unit 8, a laser driver 221 drives the laser emission unit 201, and causes the laser emission unit 201 to emit laser light corresponding to the image data output from the reader unit 7.
[0062]
The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 202, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. When the developer is transferred to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202 by the developing unit 203, the recording paper is fed from either the cassette 204 or the cassette 205 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation. Then, the developer transferred to the transfer unit 206 is transferred to the recording paper.
[0063]
Then, the recording paper to which the developer has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, the developer is fixed to the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207, and the recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by the discharge roller 208. The sorter 220 stores the discharged recording paper in each bin and sorts the recording paper. .
[0064]
If sorting is not set in the sorter 220, the recording paper is discharged to the uppermost bin. If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209.
[0065]
Further, when multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the refeed conveyance path 210 by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 210 is again fed to the transfer unit 206 at the timing described above.
[0066]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the core unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0067]
The core unit 2 of the present embodiment is connected to the reader unit 7 through a digital interface, and on the other hand, is connected to the hard disk 3, the network interface unit 4, the operation unit 5, and the formatter unit 6 through a bus.
[0068]
Image data read by the reader unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 124 via the interface unit (I / F) 121 and the core unit main bus, and a control command from the reader unit 7 is transferred to the CPU 122. The
[0069]
The data processing unit 124 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred from the reader unit 7 to the data processing unit 124 corresponds to a control command transferred simultaneously with the image data. Then, the data is transferred to the hard disk 3 and the network interface unit 4 via the I / F 120.
[0070]
When a print request command is sent from the client 9 via the network interface unit 4, the CPU 122 transfers the PDL data sent simultaneously to the formatter unit 6. Thereafter, the PDL data is developed into image data by the formatting unit 6, finally transferred to the data processing unit 124, transferred to the printer unit 8, and printed out. The CPU 122 performs such control according to the control program stored in the memory 123 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 7. The memory 123 is also used as a work area for the CPU 122.
[0071]
In this way, the core unit 2 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 7, the hard disk 3, the network interface unit 4, and the formatter unit 6 to read the original image, print the image, and input data to the computer. It is configured to be able to perform various types of image processing that combines functions such as output.
[0072]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the program hierarchical structure of the network interface unit 4 shown in FIG.
[0073]
In the figure, reference numeral 405 denotes an IP (Internet Protocol) layer, which is an Internet protocol layer that provides a service for sending a message from a source host to a destination host in cooperation with a relay node such as a router, and is the most important for sending a message. This is the address of the outgoing call and destination, and is managed by the IP protocol. Note that the route that determines how a message is delivered through the Internet system to the destination host according to the address information is performed in the IP layer.
[0074]
Reference numeral 404A denotes a transport layer, which is composed of TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and provides a service for sending a message from a sending application process to a receiving application process. Note that TCP is a connection-type service and guarantees high communication reliability. However, since UDP is a connection-type service, reliability is not guaranteed.
[0075]
Reference numeral 401 denotes an application layer, which includes TELNET as a remote login service, FTP as a file transfer service, SNMP and SMTP as network management protocols, LPD as a server protocol for printer printing, and HTTPd as a protocol of a WWW server. .
[0076]
In the application layer 401, the HTTP client 403 that acquires the data of the WWW server 10 and the acquired HTML format data and image data are converted to a data format for printing on paper or displaying on the LCD of the operation unit 5. There is an HTMLParser 402 that performs.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, the function in which the digital copying machine 1 actively accesses the external WWW server 10, acquires HTML data in the WWW server 10, and performs printing with its own printer unit 8 is referred to as Web Pull Print.
[0078]
There are the following two methods for requesting Web Pull Print from the digital copier 1 by the user, and one is a dedicated program (hereinafter referred to as a print utility) operating on the client 9. ) And the other method using the operation unit 5 of the digital copying machine 1 (including a case where a manual request is made to the WWW server 10 during an operation instruction of the digital copying machine 1). It is.
[0079]
First, various settings relating to Web Pull Print can be performed using a print utility, and the setting contents can be transmitted to the digital copying machine 1 using a packet which will be described later. On the other hand, the digital copying machine 1 that has received this packet analyzes the contents of the packet (including electronic manual information acquired from the WWW server 10), and starts a Web Pull Print operation according to the instruction contents.
[0080]
The digital copying machine 1 has a function of spooling a plurality of WebPull Print requests received from the print utility in the form of a job. The print utility can communicate with the digital copying machine 1 using a packet, which will be described later, to acquire information about the job spooled inside, or to delete a specific job.
[0081]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration on the WWW server 10 side shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0082]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a digital copying machine which has a communication network interface and is communicably connected to the server 10 via a network 409 such as the Internet. The server 10 includes a host computer 403, a large-capacity storage medium 404 such as a hard disk, a terminal 405 including an output device such as a display and an input device such as a keyboard.
[0083]
The host computer 403 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage medium 404 to control the entire host computer system.
[0084]
In the image processing system shown in FIG. 5, the server 10 communicates with a plurality of copying apparatuses as shown by the digital copying machine 1 to collect internal data of each digital copying machine 1 and within the digital copying machine 1. It has a function to download data to.
[0085]
In addition to the control program for the server 10 to communicate with the digital copying machine 1, the storage medium 404 corresponds to each version of the control program for the copying apparatus main body as shown in FIGS. Correspondence table 901 with manual file version and manual file of each version (operation method information, information corresponding to operation procedures for explaining various functions that can be set in the copying machine, for example, information according to XML data format (characters, graphics, images) Etc.) according to the manual structure (table of contents (book / chapter / section etc.)).
[0086]
Further, the host computer 403 stores the manual file from a CD-ROM or the like into the storage medium 404, or communicates with another computer connected via a communication medium (LAN, Internet, etc.) (not shown). And a manual file can be stored in the storage medium 404.
[0087]
Therefore, even if the digital copying machine 1 is upgraded, the manual file can be updated and added as needed.
[0088]
The digital copying machine 1 has an operation panel 102 as in the conventional copying apparatus, and can display a function designation screen 201 shown in FIG. 9 to be described later.
[0089]
Although FIG. 1 shows a case where the digital copying machine 1 and the WWW server 10 are connected one-to-one, a plurality of copying apparatuses similar to the digital copying machine 1 and the WWW server 10 can communicate via the network 409. You may comprise so that it may be connected to.
[0090]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an operation panel control unit that controls the operation unit 102 of the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
[0091]
In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes an operation panel control CPU (CPU), which cooperates with other control units on the digital copying machine 1 to control the operation unit 102 and is displayed on the operation unit 102 through the key controller 503 and the liquid crystal controller 504. Key input from the function designation screen and the screen display on the operation unit 102 are controlled.
[0092]
Reference numeral 502 denotes a RAM (storage area), which is a storage area for the CPU 501 to execute a control program stored in the ROM 505. Reference numeral 2 denotes a network interface unit s, which is a network interface for communicating with the host computer system 402 shown in FIG.
[0093]
A page memory (storage area) 507 temporarily stores manual page data loaded from the WWW server 10. In order to print the transmitted manual page data, the CPU 501 transmits the stored manual page data to the printer control module (not shown) via the printer module interface (interface) 508.
[0094]
A reader module interface 509 is an interface for the CPU 501 to send and receive data to and from a control unit for reading a document placed on a document table of a document reading unit (not shown).
[0095]
A backup RAM (storage area) 510 stores an identifier (ID) for identifying each copying apparatus and a version of a control program built in the digital copying machine 1.
[0096]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the memory map of the storage medium 404 shown in FIG. 5. Hereinafter, the configuration of the manual file stored in the WWW server 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0097]
In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes a first storage area, which indicates the correspondence between the control program of the digital copying machine 1 and the version of the manual file corresponding to each version of the control program based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. A correspondence table (program file manual file version correspondence management table) 901 shown in FIG. 8 to be described later is stored.
[0098]
Reference numeral 1002 denotes a second storage area in which manual files for each version are stored. Each manual file stored in the second storage area 1002 includes a function number 1004 assigned to each function of the copying apparatus and a manual corresponding to the function, as indicated by a manual file (version 1.1) 1003. It consists of data 1005.
[0099]
The manual data 1005 is composed of text data and / or image data such as an illustration, and when transmitted to the digital copying machine 1, it is converted into a format that can be printed by the digital copying machine 1 as manual page data.
[0100]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table stored in the first storage area illustrated in FIG.
[0101]
In the figure, reference numeral 901 denotes a correspondence table, which shows the correspondence between the control program version (program version 902) of the digital copying machine 1 and the manual file version (latest help file version 903) corresponding to the control program.
[0102]
By referring to this table, the version information (number) of the control program sent from the digital copying machine 1 can be used to obtain the version information of the manual file corresponding to the control program.
[0103]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic procedure until a manual file is printed by an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.
[0104]
First, in FIG. 9A, on the function designation screen displayed on the operation unit 102, the help key 209 is pressed, followed by the key of the function to be known, in this case, the auto scaling key 208 as an example. Then, the help key 209 and the auto scaling key 208 are selected and highlighted (help key 211, auto scaling key 212).
[0105]
Next, in FIG. 9B, the digital copying machine 1 sends a request to the host computer 403 to send a manual corresponding to the function designated by the user on the function designation screen 201. At this time, the digital copying machine 1 transmits the ID number of the digital copying machine 1, the version information of the control program, and the function number corresponding to the designated function to the host computer 403 via the Internet.
[0106]
Upon receiving the request, the host computer 403 explains the function selected using the program file / manual file version correspondence management table (correspondence table) 901 and the function number transmitted from the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. The manual data to be searched is retrieved from the recording medium 404.
[0107]
Then, in FIG. 9C, the host computer 403 converts the manual data retrieved and read from the storage medium 404 into a format suitable for printing on the digital copying machine 1, for example, page data, via the Internet. To directly transmit to the digital copying machine 1.
[0108]
The received digital copying machine 1 prints one page of the manual page 609. When there are a plurality of page data, the digital copying machine 1 prints the received page data for all pages.
[0109]
The data processing procedure in the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0110]
10 and 11 are flowcharts for explaining an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. For example, when the electronic manual is acquired at the time of an error occurring in the digital copying machine 1, the digital processing shown in FIG. This corresponds to a process of making a manual page request from the copying machine 1 to the WWW server 10 and displaying or printing the electronic manual information acquired by the digital copying machine 1 from the WWW server 10 in accordance with the request. In addition, (1)-(13) shows each step.
[0111]
First, in step (1), during the operation based on the user operation in the operation unit 102 (corresponding to the operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 3), has an error occurrence including toner out, paper out, paper jam processing, etc. recognized? If it is determined that no error has occurred, the process ends.
[0112]
On the other hand, if the occurrence of an error is recognized in step (1), the generated error is analyzed in step (2), the abnormal error / mode code is received, and a manual page request request is received from the digital copying machine 1. A manual request code (including a model code of the digital copying machine 1 and an additional code indicating an optional device thereof) is set on the memory 123.
[0113]
Next, in step (3), the message screen shown in FIG. 12 for confirming manual reference to the user is displayed on the operation unit 5, and it is determined whether or not the request for the message screen requests manual reference. If manual reference is not requested, the process ends.
[0114]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that manual reference is requested, step (4) the CPU 122 refers to the download history stored and managed on the hard disk 3 (referring to the manual request code at the time of download history). In step (5), it is determined whether the same manual reference request has been made and the electronic manual information has been downloaded onto the hard disk 3. If it is determined that the electronic manual information has been downloaded, the process proceeds to step (8) and subsequent steps. move on.
[0115]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the download has not been completed, a manual request code corresponding to the current failure is generated in step (6) and manually downloaded to the WWW server 10 via the Internet. Issue a request.
[0116]
Further, in step (6), the electronic manual data (corresponding to the type of error and its recovery process are described) retrieved in response to the manual request code corresponding to the current failure from the WWW server 10 via the Internet. Download process history information indicating the correspondence between the acquired electronic manual data and the manual request code is registered in the hard disk 3.
[0117]
Next, in step (7), the electronic manual data retrieved from the WWW server 10 corresponding to the manual request code corresponding to the current failure is registered on the hard disk 3 via the Internet.
[0118]
Next, an output method for outputting electronic manual data retrieved corresponding to a manual request code corresponding to the current failure from the WWW server 10 registered on the hard disk 3 via the Internet is a print / screen display. The confirmation screen shown in FIG. 13 for inquiring which one is displayed is displayed on the operation unit 5, and in step (8), it is determined which one is selected on the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 13, and the screen display is selected. In this case, the process proceeds to step (11), and a part of the electronic online manual is displayed on the screen of the operation unit 5 together with an instruction button such as scroll.
[0119]
In step (12), when the user executes an error recovery operation according to the electronic online manual and determines in step (13) whether or not the error has been recovered, The process is terminated.
[0120]
On the other hand, if the error is not recovered in step (13), the process waits until the error is recovered.
[0121]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the output method for outputting the retrieved electronic manual data is selected as a print, a print format for printing the retrieved electronic manual data from the printer unit 8 is selected. In order to set, the print format setting screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the operation unit 5 together with the confirm (FIX) button, and in step (9), the print format (for example, output size, single side / double side, layout (2in1, 4in1 ))) Is selected, and when the print format intended by the user is set on the setting screen and the confirm button is instructed, the electronic manual data is transferred from the printer unit 8 in step (10). For printing, the formatter unit 6 develops a bitmap image that can be printed by the printer unit 8 and prints electronic manual data in units of pages. Then, the process is terminated.
[0122]
In step (1) in FIG. 10, the case where the recognition condition of the electronic manual data acquisition request is conditional on error processing recognition in the digital copying machine 1 is described. A request for obtaining electronic manual data is received on the Internet by catching the state of the next operation instruction (when the no-instruction state continues from the previous operation instruction for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds)), that is, during the operation patrol. It may be configured to automatically issue to the WWW server 10 and execute the processing after step (2).
[0123]
Further, by registering and managing the electronic manual data registered in the hard disk 3 by adding a user ID or the like, each user can display a list of electronic manual data acquired from the WWW server 10 or register the electronic manual data registered. The manual data may be collected and a personal electronic manual for each user ID may be displayed or printed.
[0124]
Furthermore, the user of the digital copying machine 1 may acquire the table of contents items of the manual of the own machine from the WWW server 10 and display or print it.
[0125]
FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts for explaining an example of the first data processing procedure in the server apparatus according to the present invention. For example, when the electronic manual is requested at the time of an error occurring in the digital copying machine 1, FIG. It corresponds to a process of performing a request for a manual page request from the digital copying machine 1 and transferring the latest applicable electronic manual information retrieved by the WWW server 10 to the digital copying machine 1 via the Internet in accordance with the request. In addition, (21)-(35) shows each step.
[0126]
First, in step (21), a request for a manual page request is received from the digital copying machine 1, and the request is analyzed. Next, it is determined whether or not the code requested by the acquired request is the first code (model / book / chapter / section code) (22), and if it is determined that it is the first code, Proceeding to step (33), the set code is used to search the storage medium 404 of the WW server 10, which is the corresponding manual database, to extract the manual data requested by the digital copying machine 1, and at step (34). The host computer 405 sets electronic manual data extracted from the storage medium 404 to meet the request of the digital copying machine 1 in the transfer buffer.
[0127]
Next, in step (35), download is started for destination information such as an IP address that has received the electronic manual data set in the transfer buffer, and the processing is terminated.
[0128]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (22) that the requested code is not the first code, it is determined whether the requested code is a second code indicating a request for each user type of the specific model (23). If it is determined that it is the second code, in step (24), the user type code and book / chapter / section code reference table of the specific model managed by the storage medium 404 are referred to and step (25) is referred to. Then, the book / chapter / section code of the user type is set on the transfer buffer, and the processing after step (33) is executed.
[0129]
In the present embodiment, the user type code of a specific model is a code set based on the difficulty level of the operation level, and is generated from, for example, a user operation history, and a manual request request is made based on the user type code. Thus, manual data having different levels of difficulty are organized from normal manual data and managed in the storage medium 404, so that manual data of different levels such as a detailed manual or a simple manual can be provided to the user.
[0130]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (23) that it is not the second code, it is determined in step (26) whether or not the requested code is a third code indicating a request for each operation category of the specific model. If it is determined that it is the third code, in step (27), the operation category code and the book / chapter / section code reference table of the specific model managed by the storage medium 404 are referred to. At step (28), the book / chapter / section code of the user type is set on the transfer buffer, and the processing after step (33) is executed.
[0131]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (26) that it is not the third code, it is determined in step (29) whether or not the requested code is the fourth code indicating a module of a specific model. If it is determined that the code is the fourth code, the module code and the book / chapter / section code reference table of the specific model managed by the storage medium 404 are referred to in step (30), and in step (31). Then, the book / chapter / section code of the operation module is set on the transfer buffer, and the processing after step (33) is executed.
[0132]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (29) that the code is not the fourth code, the process ends as a communication error.
[0133]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the second data processing procedure in the server apparatus according to the present invention. This is performed in response to a manual page request from the digital copying machine 1 shown in FIG. This corresponds to the process of transferring the table of contents structure and the editing menu data of the latest electronic manual information to be searched retrieved by the server 10 to the digital copying machine 1 via the Internet. In addition, (41)-(44) shows each step.
[0134]
First, in step (41), when a request for downloading the manual table of contents / edit menu is received from the digital copying machine 1, in step (42), the manual table of contents / edit menu data is searched in the storage medium 404. In step (43), the retrieved manual table of contents configuration / edit menu data is set in the transfer buffer, and in step (44), the IP address from which the manual table of contents configuration / edit menu data set in the transfer buffer is obtained. To the digital copying machine 1 via the Internet.
[0135]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the WWW server 10 also serves as a provider is described. Even if it exists, this invention is applicable. When security is required, the WWW server 10 can easily identify the model by performing a transfer control by performing a unique encryption process for each model on the packet transferred over the Internet. You may comprise so that it can do.
[0136]
In the above embodiment, the case of responding to a download request for electronic manual data from the digital copying machine 1 has been described. The user may be prompted to request an update manual in an email format.
[0137]
When manual data is transferred from the WWW server 10 to the digital copying machine 1, format information for setting an optimum output format (including designation of font information) for the digital copying machine 1 is added and transferred. Alternatively, the user may be configured to print manual data that has been edited into an optimal format only by instructing the printout.
[0138]
Furthermore, it is assumed that the WWW server 10 is managed so as to support a plurality of languages of manual data according to the destination of the digital copying machine 1.
[0139]
According to the above embodiment, a device (digital copying machine or the like) can directly receive (receive) the latest user manual of the corresponding model via the Internet and display or print the manual contents.
[0140]
This allows the user to obtain the latest user manual without paying attention to storage or loss.
[0141]
It is also possible to display or print out the contents of the user manual according to the operation status when the operation is abnormal (when an error occurs or during an operation patrol).
[0142]
As a result, manual information can be obtained without taking the trouble of examining the manual.
[0143]
Further, the user manual can be edited from the device, and the manual can be displayed or printed out on the device display unit.
[0144]
As a result, it is possible to obtain an arbitrarily edited manual for each user need such as the user's proficiency level and the user's role (administrator, etc.).
[0145]
Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus and the server apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.
[0146]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus and the server apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
[0147]
Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.
[0148]
Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0149]
The functions shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 15 to 17 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.
[0150]
As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.
[0151]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0152]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.
[0153]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0154]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the server device and its data processing method and storage medium according to the present invention, the requested operation method information is obtained by analyzing the operation manual request code received from any of the image processing devices. By retrieving from the storage means and downloading the retrieved unique operation method information to the requesting image processing apparatus, the user can return to the current operation status of the image processing apparatus without notifying any detailed situation. Applicable main part manual information is presented to the user, and subsequent operation instructions for smoothly operating the image processing apparatus can be accurately guided, and the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.
[0156]
According to the image processing apparatus, the data processing method, and the storage medium according to the present invention, when it is determined from the operation state that manual information managed by the server apparatus should be presented to the user, the image processing progress state is set. A manual request including a manual acquisition request code and a model identification code is notified to the server device, and manual information for each user that is retrieved by the server device and transferred from the server device in accordance with the notified manual request is acquired. Since the obtained manual information is output, the user simply requests the server device for necessary and accurate manual information when referring to the manual, and requests the server device for necessary and accurate manual information. High-level manual information can be centrally downloaded, and a series of unnecessary manual information can be acquired. And no, it is possible to guide the optimum operation to the user in a short time.
[0157]
Furthermore, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when it is determined that an image processing execution error has occurred, a user request for whether to request manual information managed by the server apparatus is confirmed, and the image is A manual request including a manual acquisition request code based on a processing execution error and a model identification code is notified to the server device, so that a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the image processing device is not required to perform an excessive manual acquisition operation. It is possible to efficiently obtain the minimum manual information sufficient to recover the error.
[0158]
Further, when it is determined that manual information managed by the server device should be presented to the user, a manual request including a manual acquisition request code and a model identification code for each user level based on the image processing progress state is sent to the server. Since the notification is made to the apparatus, a manual customized to an optimum volume according to the skill level of the user who operates can be acquired.
[0159]
Further, since the manual information acquired by the acquisition means is stored and managed in a nonvolatile storage device together with a manual acquisition request code, when it is determined that manual information managed by the server device should be requested, It is determined whether the same manual acquisition request code is stored in the nonvolatile storage device by the management means, and if it is determined that the same manual acquisition request code is stored, the same manual is duplicated. The acquisition process is limited, and the manual information can be immediately shown to the user, and there is an excellent effect that unnecessary communication costs can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus and a server apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating configurations of a reader unit and a printer unit illustrated in FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
4 is a diagram for explaining a program hierarchical structure of a network interface unit shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration on the WWW server side illustrated in FIG. 1;
6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an operation panel control unit that controls an operation unit of the digital copying machine shown in FIG. 5;
7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a memory map of the storage medium shown in FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table stored in the first storage area illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic procedure until a manual file is printed by an image processing system to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
12 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the server apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the server apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus and the server apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 19 is a schematic external view for explaining the external appearance of a conventional copying apparatus.
20 is a plan view for explaining a screen displayed on the operation unit shown in FIG. 19;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital copier
2 Core part
3 Hard disk
4 Network interface section
5 Operation part
6 Formatter section
7 Leader
8 Printer section
9 Client terminal
10 WWW server

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing manual information about a plurality of types of image processing devices;
Receiving means for receiving a transmission request for the manual information including model information of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus ;
The transmission request includes first information indicating a book, chapter and section in the manual information, second information indicating the proficiency level of the user, third information indicating an operation category, and a first information indicating a module of the device. If it is determined that the first information has been received, the manual information of the position indicated in the first information of the image processing device is searched, and the second information When it is determined that the request for the image processing is received, the manual information corresponding to the proficiency level of the image processing apparatus is searched, and when it is determined that the third information is received, the image processing apparatus Search means for searching for manual information corresponding to the operation and searching for manual information of the module of the image processing apparatus when it is determined that the fourth information is received;
Transmitting means for transmitting the manual information searched by the searching means to the image processing apparatus ;
The server apparatus characterized by having.   In the storage means,
  Information indicating the correspondence between the second information and the book, chapter, and section of the manual information;
  Information indicating the correspondence between the third information and the book, chapter and section of the manual information;
Information indicating the correspondence between the fourth information and the book, chapter, and section of the manual information;
The server device according to claim 1, wherein the server device is stored. The receiving means receives a transmission request for the table of contents information of the manual information,
The transmission unit, the server device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that transmitting the contents information. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server apparatus that manages manual information about a plurality of types of image processing apparatuses operable by a user ,
First information indicating the model, book, chapter and section in the manual information, second information indicating the proficiency level of the user, third information indicating an operation category of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing Transmission means for transmitting to the server apparatus as a transmission request for the manual information together with any one of the fourth information indicating the module of the apparatus and the information of the model of the image processing apparatus;
When the first information is transmitted, manual information of the position shown in the first information of the image processing apparatus is received, and when the second information is transmitted, the image processing apparatus When manual information corresponding to a proficiency level is received and the third information is transmitted, manual information corresponding to the operation of the image processing apparatus is received, and when fourth information is transmitted Receiving means for receiving manual information of the module of the image processing apparatus ;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Determining means for determining whether or not the image processing apparatus has the manual information corresponding to the transmission request;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit does not transmit the transmission request when it is determined that the image processing apparatus has the manual information. The transmission unit transmits a request for transmission of manual information corresponding to the specific operation input when it is determined that the image processing apparatus has not received the specific operation input for a predetermined time. The image processing apparatus described. Detecting means for detecting the occurrence of an error in the image processing apparatus;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits a transmission request for manual information corresponding to the detected error in response to detection by the detection unit. An image processing system comprising at least one image processing apparatus according to claim 4 and the server apparatus according to claim 1 . An information processing method in the server apparatus stores and manages documentation information for a plurality of types of image processing apparatus in the storage means,
A receiving step of receiving a transmission request for manual information including model information of the image processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus ;
The transmission request includes first information indicating a book, chapter and section in the manual information, second information indicating the proficiency level of the user, third information indicating an operation category, and a first information indicating a module of the device. If it is determined that the first information has been received, the manual information of the position indicated in the first information of the image processing device is searched, and the second information When it is determined that the request for the image processing is received, the manual information corresponding to the proficiency level of the image processing apparatus is searched, and when it is determined that the third information is received, the image processing apparatus Searching for manual information corresponding to the operation, and if it is determined that the fourth information has been received, a search step of searching for manual information of the module of the image processing device ;
A transmission step of transmitting the manual information searched by the search step to the image processing device ;
An information processing method characterized by comprising : An information processing method in an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server apparatus that manages manual information about a plurality of types of image processing apparatuses that can be operated by a user ,
First information indicating the model, book, chapter and section in the manual information, second information indicating the proficiency level of the user, third information indicating an operation category of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing A transmission step of transmitting any one of the fourth information indicating a module of the apparatus to the server apparatus as a transmission request for the manual information together with information on a model of the image processing apparatus;
When the first information is transmitted, manual information of the position shown in the first information of the image processing apparatus is received, and when the second information is transmitted, the image processing apparatus When manual information corresponding to a proficiency level is received and the third information is transmitted, manual information corresponding to the operation of the image processing apparatus is received, and when fourth information is transmitted Receiving step for receiving manual information of the module of the image processing apparatus ;
A control step for controlling the output of the manual information received by the receiving step;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 9.

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