JP4837987B2 - Electronic device, control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus such as an image forming apparatus (digital multifunction peripheral) capable of providing various services such as a copy service, a printer service, a FAX service, and a scanner service, a control method in the electronic apparatus, and a computer (CPU) of the electronic apparatus And a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

For example, a digital multi-function peripheral can selectively provide various services as described above according to instructions from the operation unit.
Therefore, in such a digital multi-function peripheral, in order to provide a service instructed by the operation unit, a service providing unit (service providing unit) that issues an execution request for the corresponding device and an execution request from the service providing unit A device control unit (device control means) for controlling the operation of the device.

By the way, for such a digital multi-function peripheral, various services are selectively selected not only by an instruction from the operation unit but also by an instruction from an external device (remote operation unit) such as a PC (personal computer). There is a request to make it available.
In view of this, an image forming apparatus capable of providing a service by an instruction from a remote operation unit has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP 2004-348372 A JP 2005-091509 A

However, in the image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the remote operation unit is a dedicated operation unit, an instruction from the remote operation unit is the same as the dedicated operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus. We accept only and make available corresponding service. That is, it has been impossible to receive instructions from a plurality of operation units and provide a service.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points. In an electronic device such as a digital multi-function peripheral, various services can be selected by an instruction from an operation unit (remote operation unit) other than the operation unit of the electronic device. The purpose is to make it available.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electronic device, a control method for the electronic device, a program executed by a computer of the electronic device, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

The electronic apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention provides service providing means for issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices , in order to provide a service instructed by the operation unit among various services , and the service providing an electronic apparatus and a device control means for controlling the operation of a device executing the means is requested, it interprets the operation unit or the events issued from the remote operating unit of the electronic device, the event is the services when was the execution request of one of the services of, managing and operating unit event interpreting means for issuing an execution request of the service to the service providing means, their usage of various services as resources provided a service resource management unit, said service providing means, the service from the operating unit event interpreter When receiving the execution request, query the usage of the service said actual line was requested for the service resource management means, when it is determined from the result of the inquiry the service is executable, of the plurality of devices This is a means for issuing an execution request for the corresponding device to the device control means.

In the electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, when it is determined that the service requested to be executed by the service providing means is not executable, a request to execute the service is sent to that effect. Service execution impossibility notification means for notifying the issuer of the service is provided.
An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the service resource management means receives an inquiry about the usage status of the service requested to be executed from the service providing means. The use status of the service is confirmed, and the confirmation result is notified to the service providing means as an inquiry result.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the third aspect, when the service providing means determines that the service requested to be executed is not executable from the inquiry result, the service is executed. The execution of the service is suspended until it is determined that it is possible.
An electronic device according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the service providing means executes the execution at a timing when the service being executed ends after the execution of the service requested to be executed is suspended. The service resource management means is again inquired about the usage status of the reserved service.

An electronic device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the service resource management means is means for managing the usage status of various services according to parameters at the time of service execution. .
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device of the sixth aspect, when the service resource management means receives an inquiry about the usage status of the service requested to be executed from the service providing means, Is checked for each parameter, and the confirmation result is notified to the service providing means as an inquiry result.

An electronic device according to an eighth aspect of the invention provides service providing means for issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices , in order to provide a service instructed from an operation unit among various services , and the service provision an electronic apparatus and a device control means for controlling the operation of a device executing the means is requested, interprets the events issued from the operation unit or the remote operation unit of the electronic device, the event of the plurality When it is an execution request for one of the services, an operation unit event interpretation unit that issues the execution request for the service to the service providing unit, and manages the usage status of each device as a resource provided a device resource managing means for, the device control means, from said service providing means of the device When a line request is received, the device resource management unit is inquired about the usage status of the device that is requested to execute the operation, and when it is determined that the device is executable from the inquiry result, the operation of the device It is a means for controlling.

The electronic device according to the invention of claim 9 is requested to execute the operation in the electronic device of claim 8 when the device control means determines that the device requested to be executed is not executable. Service execution impossibility notifying means for notifying the issuer of the service execution request that the service cannot be executed is provided.
The electronic device according to the invention of claim 10 is the electronic device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the device resource management means receives an inquiry about the usage status of the device requested to be executed from the device control means. The usage status of the device is confirmed, and the confirmation result is notified to the device control means as an inquiry result.

The electronic device according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to the tenth aspect, wherein when the device control means determines that the device requested to be executed is not executable from the inquiry result, the device is executed. The execution of the device is suspended until it is determined that it is possible.
An electronic device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the device control unit suspends execution of the device requested to be executed and then ends the operation of the device being executed. The device resource management means is again inquired about the usage status of the device whose execution has been suspended.

An electronic device according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the device resource management means is means for managing the usage status of various devices according to parameters at the time of device execution. .
An electronic device according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention is the electronic device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the device resource management means receives the inquiry about the usage status of the device requested to be executed from the device control means. Is used for each parameter, and the confirmation result is notified to the device control means as an inquiry result.

In the control method according to the fifteenth aspect, in order to provide a service instructed from the operation unit among various services, an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices is issued and the operation of the device is controlled. A control method in an electronic device, interpreting an event issued from an operation unit or a remote operation unit of the electronic device , and when the event is an execution request for one of the various services , The usage status of the service is confirmed, and when it is determined that the service is executable, an execution request for the corresponding device among the plurality of devices is issued.
In the control method according to the sixteenth aspect, in order to provide a service instructed from the operation unit among various services, an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices is issued and the operation of the device is controlled. A control method in an electronic device, interpreting an event issued from an operation unit or a remote operation unit of the electronic device , and when the event is an execution request for one of the various services , The usage status of the corresponding device among the plurality of devices is confirmed, and when the device is determined to be executable, an execution request for the device is issued.

The program according to the invention of claim 17 interprets an event issued from an operation unit or a remote operation unit of the electronic device to a computer of the electronic device capable of providing various services, and the event is one of the various services. when was the service execution request, and the operation unit event interpretation function of issuing the execution request, if from the operation unit event interpretation unit receives the execution request of the service, the service said actual line is requested to provide a service providing function of issuing a corresponding execution request of a device of the plurality of devices, the device control function for controlling the operation of the device that the service providing function or RaMinoru row is requested, the various services This is a program for realizing a service resource management function that manages the usage status of these resources as resources. The-bis providing function, when receiving an execution request of the service from the operating unit event interpretation function inquires the usage of the service said actual line was requested for the service resource management function, the service from the inquiry result Is determined to be executable, a function for issuing an execution request for the corresponding device of the plurality of devices to the device control function.

The program according to the invention of claim 18 interprets an event issued from an operation unit or a remote operation unit of the electronic device to a computer of the electronic device capable of providing various services, and the event is one of the various services. when was the service execution request, and the operation unit event interpretation function of issuing the execution request, if from the operation unit event interpretation unit receives the execution request of the service, the service said actual line is requested to provide a service providing function of issuing a corresponding execution request of a device of the plurality of devices, the device control function for controlling the operation of the device that the service providing function or RaMinoru row is requested, the various devices It is a program for realizing a device resource management function that manages the usage status of these as resources, Vice control function, when receiving an execution request of the device from the service providing function inquires the use state of the device said actual line was requested for the device resource management functions, the device is performed from the query results The function is to control the operation of the device when it is determined to be possible.
A recording medium according to an invention of claim 19 is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program of claim 17 or 18 is recorded.

According to this invention, when the electronic device interprets an event issued from the operation unit or the remote operation unit of the electronic device , and the event is an execution request for any one of various services , By checking the usage status of the service and issuing a request to execute the corresponding device among multiple devices when it is determined that the service can be executed, by controlling the operation of the device , multiple operation unit service providing function electronic device's become (the operation unit and the remote operation unit of the electronic device) is freely available, there is no dependency between the different types and services of the operating unit Therefore, the display screens of the plurality of operation units can be shared. Therefore, the development man-hours can be reduced, and the operation procedure by each operation unit can be unified. Therefore, it is easy to expand the types of operation units and service types. Also, by executing service management, exclusive control is facilitated when electronic devices are used from a plurality of operation units at the same timing, and device performance can be provided to the user to the maximum extent. In other words, since the unit of service that the user requests to execute is handled as a resource, it is possible to realize a resource management process that is easy to understand and intuitive for the user.

Alternatively, when the electronic device interprets an event issued from the operation unit or the remote operation unit of the electronic device , and the event is an execution request for one of various services , a plurality of devices By checking the usage status of the corresponding device and determining that the device can be executed, an electronic device can be controlled by issuing an execution request for the device so that the operation of the device can be controlled. The service providing function owned by is available to multiple operation units (operation unit and remote operation unit of the electronic device), and there is no dependency between the type of operation unit and the type of service. The display screen of the operation unit can be shared. Therefore, the development man-hours can be reduced, and the operation procedure by each operation unit can be unified. Therefore, it is easy to expand the types of operation units and service types. Also, by managing the device of the electronic device, exclusive control when the electronic device is used at the same timing from a plurality of operation units is facilitated, and the device performance can be provided to the user to the maximum extent. In other words, since the service configuration unit of the electronic device is handled as a resource, it is possible to realize resource management processing that makes the best use of the performance of the electronic device.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an image processing apparatus, a digital multifunction peripheral (provided with various services such as a copy service, a printer service, a FAX service, a scanner service, a stored document printing service, an address book registration service, and a device setting information change service) An example using an MFP) will be described.

[Example network environment]
First, a network system including a digital multi-function peripheral which is an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the network system.
The digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 10 is connected to a plurality of external devices including PCs (personal computers) 20 and 30 via a network 1 such as a local area network (LAN). Although the MFP 10 and the external device can communicate with each other in a one-to-many relationship via the network 1, the MFP 10 and the external device are connected to each other via a communication line such as USB or IEEE 1394 so that the MFP 10 and the external device are in a pair. It is also possible to communicate with one another.

[Hardware configuration example of MFP]
Next, a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10 in FIG. 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 10 of FIG.
The MFP 10 is an image forming apparatus that can provide services (functions) as a digital copying machine, a printer, a FAX apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, that is, a copy service, a printer (printing) service, a FAX service, and a scanner service. As shown, the controller 11, FCU (fax control unit) 12, engine interface (hereinafter “interface” is also referred to as “I / F”) 13, engine 14, and the like. These configurations are hardware resources for performing image processing such as document image reading, printing (image formation), and image data transmission.

The controller 11 comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP 10. Various functions can be realized by the control.
The FCU 12 controls communication with an external device, for example, a FAX apparatus or an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine having a modem function (FAX communication function) or another MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) via a public line.
The engine I / F 13 is an interface for connecting the engine 14 to a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The engine 14 reads a monochrome image (which may be another single color image) or a full color image of a document and outputs it as image data (image reading means), image data read by the scanner, or monochrome data received from the PCs 20 and 30. Alternatively, full-color print data is automatically displayed as a visible image (monochrome image or full-color image) on a paper (other recording medium) or a plotter (image forming means) or an original is automatically fed to the image reading position of the scanner. Corresponding to hardware devices such as an automatic document feeder (ADF), a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as sorting (sorting), punching (punching), stapling on paper printed by a plotter It is.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 101, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 102, SDRAM 103, ROM 104, NVRAM 105, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 106, operation unit 107, modem 108, USB (Universal Serial Bus) / I / F 109, IEEE (Institute of Institute). Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 / I / F110, MAC (Media Access Controller) / I / F111, and the like. Note that the operation unit 107 is actually disposed outside the controller 11.

The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs data processing (control of each function) via the ASIC 102.
The ASIC 102 is a multi-function device board composed of a CPU interface, SDRAM interface, local bus interface, PCI interface, HDD interface, etc., and is designed to share devices to be controlled by the CPU 101 and develop applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. It supports high efficiency.

The ASIC 102 is directly connected to an operation unit 107 that receives an operation command of the engine 14 and the like, and a modem 108 is also directly connected thereto. The USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, MAC I / F 111, FCU 12, and engine I / F 13 are connected via the PCI bus 112.
The SDRAM 103 is a main memory used as a program memory for storing various programs, a work memory used when the CPU 101 performs data processing, and the like. In place of the SDRAM 103, a DRAM or SRAM may be used.

The ROM 104 is a fixed memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed data.
The NVRAM 105 is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as various parameters that can be changed, and retains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. As the NVRAM 105, a nonvolatile RAM in which a backup circuit using a RAM and a battery is integrated, or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory can be used.

The HDD 106 is a storage device (recording medium) that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off, and stores and saves various data including an OS and various applications (application programs) for providing various services. Note that the data in the SDRAM 103 and the data in the NVRAM 105 can be stored.
The operation unit 107 includes various input units (including operation switches or operation buttons) for inputting data such as operation instructions for the external devices including the engine 14 and the PCs 20 and 30, and a display unit for an LCD or CRT. It is an operation means. A screen for making various services available can be displayed on the display unit.

The modem 108 is modulation / demodulation means. When data is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via a public line, the modem 108 modulates the data so that it can flow through the public line. In addition, when modulated data sent from an external device is received, the data is demodulated.
The USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 are USB standard and IEEE 1394 standard interfaces (direct interfaces) for directly connecting to and communicating with external devices (peripheral devices), respectively.
The MAC I / F 111 is a network interface for communicating with each external device including the PCs 20 and 30 via the network 1 such as a LAN.
A direct interface other than the USB I / F 109 and the IEEE 1394 I / F 110 can be added to the controller 11.

Here, the copy service is a service that causes a scanner to read an image of an original and send the image data to a plotter to perform a copy operation for printing (forming) as a visible image on a recording medium such as paper. .
The printer service is a service for performing a printer operation (printing operation) in which data from an external device is directly or processed and sent to a plotter to be printed as a visible image on a recording medium.
The scanner service is a service for causing a scanner to read an image of an original and writing the image data to a memory such as the HDD 106 or a document server (not shown) to store (accumulate) the scanner service.

By pressing the start key after processing by the scanner operation, image data in the SDRAM 103 or the HDD 106 can be called (read), and an image can be printed on the transfer paper based on the image data.
The FAX service is a FAX transmission operation for causing a scanner to read an image of an original and transmitting the image data to an external device by the FCU 12, and receiving image data from the external device by the FCU 12, sending the image data to a plotter, and recording media. This is a service for performing a FAX reception operation for forming an image on the top.

The stored document printing service is a service that performs a printer operation of sending data (stored document) stored in a memory as it is or processing it to a plotter and printing it as a visible image on a recording medium.
The address book registration service is a service for registering user information in an address book stored in a memory such as the HDD 106 or a personal information management server (not shown).
The device setting information change service is a service for changing device setting information stored in a memory such as the HDD 106.

In addition, when the MFP 10 is turned on, the CPU 101 reads the OS in the HDD 106 according to a boot loader (boot program) in the ROM 104, loads it into the SDRAM 103, expands it, and then activates the OS. Further, other data such as an application in the HDD 106 is loaded into the SDRAM 103 and developed as necessary.
When a copy execution request is issued by operating the operation unit 107 in the copy service mode, the copy operation is performed according to the execution conditions (copy condition, device selection condition), and when the print execution request is issued in the printer service mode. The printing operation is executed according to the conditions (printing condition, device selection condition), and the scanner operation is executed according to the execution condition (reading condition) when the scanner execution request is issued in the scanner service mode. In the FAX service mode, a FAX transmission operation is executed according to an execution condition (reading condition) when a FAX transmission execution request is issued.

[PC control system hardware configuration example]
Next, a hardware configuration example of the PC 20 in FIG. 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the PC 30 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the PC 20 of FIG.
The PC 20 is a terminal device having various functions including a function for generating print data such as document data and graphic data, and a function equivalent to the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10, and as shown in FIG. The input device 220 and the display device 230 are included.

The apparatus main body 200 controls the entire PC 20, and includes a CPU 201, an ASIC 202, an SDRAM 203, a ROM 204, an NVRAM 205, an HDD 206, a modem 207, a USB I / F 208, an IEEE 1394 I / F 209, a MAC I / F 210, and the like. Has been.
The configuration of the apparatus main body 200 is substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the controller 11 of the MFP 10 described with reference to FIG.

The HDD 206 is a storage device that stores and saves data regardless of whether the power is on or off, and stores and saves various data including an OS, an application, and a printer driver (printer driver program). The printer driver transmits (notifies) a print request to the MFP 10 and passes print data (including image data processing).
The input device 220 corresponds to a keyboard or a pointing device (for example, a mouse) for performing various operations such as generating print data or using various services.

The display device 230 corresponds to an LCD display or a CRT display that displays various screens including a screen for generating print data and a screen equivalent to the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 (a screen for making various services available). To do. Note that a touch panel may be provided on the surface of the display device 230.
Here, when the power of the PC 20 is turned on, the CPU 201 of the apparatus main body 200 reads the OS in the HDD 206 in accordance with the boot loader in the ROM 204, loads it into the SDRAM 203 and expands it, and then activates the OS. Further, other data such as an application and a printer driver in the HDD 206 are loaded into the SDRAM 203 and expanded.

In the print data generation mode, print data corresponding to the operation of the input device 220 is generated on the screen of the display device 230 by the application on the SDRAM 203. Thereafter, the mode is switched to the printer service mode. When a print execution request is issued by operating the input device 220, the printer driver translates (processes) the print data into a language understandable by the MFP 10, and the translated print data and execution An event indicating a print execution request including a condition is transmitted to the MFP 10 to perform a printing operation.
In the copy service mode, when a copy execution request is issued by operating the input device 220, a copy execution request including an execution condition is transmitted to the MFP 10 to perform a copy operation.

In the scanner service mode, when a scanner execution request is issued by operating the input device 220, a scanner execution request including an execution condition is transmitted to the MFP 10 to perform a scanner operation.
In the scanner service mode, when a scanner execution request is issued by operating the input device 220, a scanner execution request including an execution condition is transmitted to the MFP 10 to perform a scanner operation.
In the FAX service mode, when a FAX transmission execution request is issued by operating the input device 220, a FAX transmission execution request including execution conditions is transmitted to the MFP 10 to execute a FAX transmission operation.

[Example of main functional configuration of MFP and PC]
Next, a main functional configuration example (software configuration example) of the MFP 10 and the PC 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Since the main functional configuration example of the PC 30 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the MFP 10 and the PC 20 in FIG.

The PC 20 has a function as the remote operation display unit 600. This function can be realized by the CPU 201 in FIG. 3 operating according to the program on the ROM 204 or SDRAM 203 and selectively using the USB I / F 208, IEEE 1394 I / F 209, or MAC I / F 210 as necessary. Is.
The remote operation display unit 600 is a unit that provides an IU (user interface) to a user (user) and performs input / output control between the input device 220 and the display device 230 of the PC 20 and the user.

  The MFP 10 has functions as an operation display unit 501, an operation unit event interpretation unit 502, a service providing unit 503, a device control unit 504, a service resource management unit 505, and a device resource management unit 506. These functions are realized by the CPU 101 in FIG. 2 operating according to the program on the ROM 104 or SDRAM 103 and selectively using the USB I / F 109, IEEE 1394 I / F 110, or MAC I / F 111 as necessary. It can be done.

The operation display unit 501 is a unit that provides an IU to the user and performs input / output control between the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 and the user.
The operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets an arbitrary event such as an event issued from the operation display unit 501 (the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10) or an event issued from the remote operation display unit 600 (PC 20). When the service execution request is as described above, the operation unit event interpretation unit issues the execution request to the service providing unit 503.

When the service providing unit 503 receives a service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 performs various types of processing including the following processing (a1) or (b1) to provide the service. Means.
(A1) When the service resource management unit 505 is inquired about the usage status (usage status) of the service requested to be executed by the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, and the service is determined to be executable from the inquiry result A device execution request is issued to the device control unit 504.
(B1) Immediately issue an execution request for the corresponding device to the device control unit 504.

The device control unit 504 is a device control unit that performs various processes including the following process (a2) or (b2) when a device execution request is received from the service providing unit 503.
(A2) Control the operation of the device requested to be executed immediately. In this case, the service providing unit 503 performs the process shown in (a1).
(B2) The device resource management unit 506 is inquired about the usage status of the device requested to be executed, and when it is determined that the device is executable from the inquiry result, the operation of the device is controlled. In this case, the service providing unit 503 performs the process shown in (b1).

The service resource management unit 505 is a service resource management unit that manages the usage status of various services as resources. When a service usage status inquiry is received from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 The service providing unit 503 is notified of the confirmation result as an inquiry result.
The device resource management unit 506 is a device resource management unit that manages the usage status of various devices as resources. When a device usage status inquiry is received from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 Is used, and the confirmation result is notified to the device control unit 504 as an inquiry result.

The operation unit event interpretation unit 502 and the service providing unit 503 also serve as a service execution impossibility notification unit.
Note that the processing shown in (a1) and (a2) or the processing shown in (b1) and (b2) can be selected by an instruction from the operation display unit 501 or the remote operation display unit 600. Alternatively, the function as the service resource management unit 505 or the device resource management unit 506 is omitted, and only the processing shown in (a1) and (a2) or the processing shown in (b1) and (b2) is performed. It may be.

Hereinafter, different embodiments of the characteristic part related to the present invention in the above-described MFP 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[First Example]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence related to the present invention in a network system including the MFP 10.

  An operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 is operated by operating the operation unit 107 to display designation information of a color mode (here, “full color mode”), which is one of execution condition (operation mode) designation information. When an event is issued, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S1). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of a copy service, which is one of the services, is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S2).

  When receiving an event from the operation display unit 501, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event. If the event is full color mode designation information, the full color mode designation information is stored in the memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106). Etc.). Further, when the event received continuously from the operation display unit 501 is a copy service execution request, information on the issue source of the event (an operation unit identifier or operation unit location information described later) is stored in the memory immediately before. The operation mode storage table is stored in association with the full color mode designation information, the event issuer information and the full color mode designation information are added to the copy service execution request as command parameters, and the copy service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503. (Step S3).

Here, the operation mode storage table will be described with reference to FIGS.
6 and 7 are diagrams showing different examples of the operation mode storage table.
The operation unit identifier (ID) is event issuer information, and a unique (different) number is assigned to each operation unit so that each operation unit can be distinguished.
The operation unit location information is also event issuer information, and uses the IP address of the operation unit (which may be a device name using DNS).
In the operation mode storage table shown in FIG. 6, full color mode and aggregation mode (for example, two original images are transferred on one sheet) with the operation unit identifier “ID = 1” and the local host (localhost) as operation unit location information. Each specification information of the mode for printing on paper), duplex mode (mode for printing images on both sides of the paper), and plain paper (or the paper tray containing it) is stored in association as execution condition specification information. .

In the operation mode storage table shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit identifier “ID = 2”, “133.XXX.XXX.XXX (DNS server)” is used as operation unit location information, and monochrome mode and single-sided mode (one side of the paper) Each of the specified information for the image printing mode), the scaling mode (for example, the 71% scaling mode), and the recycled paper (or the paper feed tray in which it is stored) are associated and stored as execution condition specifying information.
The operation mode storage table shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 shows the state after receiving the event of the execution condition designation information from the service providing unit 503 and the device control unit 504, but until the event is received. The default execution condition specification information is in the default state.

When the service providing unit 503 receives a copy service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides a copy service that is requested to be executed. Is transmitted to the service resource management unit 505 (step S4).
When the service resource management unit 505 receives a copy service usage status confirmation request from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 confirms the usage status of the copy service. Is transmitted (notified) to the service providing unit 503 (step S5).

  When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the copy service from the service resource management unit 505, the service providing unit 503 determines whether or not the copy service requested to be executed can be executed based on the confirmation result. If execution is possible, the execution start information (including event issuer information) of the copy service is transmitted to the service resource management unit 505, and then the scanner execution request (respective execution requests of the scanner and plotter corresponding to each device) (Including event issuer information and full color mode designation information) and a plotter execution request (including event issuer information and full color mode designation information) are sequentially transmitted to the device controller 504 (steps S6 to S8).

Upon receiving the copy service execution start information from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 sets the usage status of the copy service stored in the service resource management table in the memory as “in use”.
Here, the service resource management table will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the service resource management table.
In this example, the usage statuses of the copy service, printer service, and stored document print service are “in use”, the scanner service, the address book registration service (user information registration service to the address book), and the device setting information change service. Each usage status is set to “unused”. For convenience of illustration, the use status of the FAX service is not shown.

  Upon receiving a scanner execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 controls the operation of the scanner (scanner operation) according to the full color mode designation information included in the scanner execution request, and displays a full color image of the document on the scanner. Let me read. When a plotter execution request is received following the scanner execution request from the service providing unit 503, the operation of the plotter is controlled in accordance with the full color mode designation information included in the plotter execution request, and the full color image data from the scanner is converted into image data. It is sent to a plotter via a bus and printed as a visible image on a recording medium.

Thereafter, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the result is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a scanner execution result (including event issuer information) (step S9). Subsequently, when the plotter operation being executed is completed, the result is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a plotter execution result (including event issuer information) (step S12).
Upon receiving the scanner execution result from the device control unit 504, the service providing unit 503 transmits it to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 as a copy execution result (step S10). When the plotter execution result is received from the device control unit 504, the copy service execution end information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service resource management unit 505, and the plotter execution result is used as the copy execution result. It transmits to the event interpretation part 502 (step S13, S14).

Upon receiving the copy service execution end information from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 sets the usage status of the copy service stored in the service resource management table in the memory as “unused”.
When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives the copy execution result (scanner execution result) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares and matches the event issuer information included therein and the storage information in the memory. The received copy execution result is transmitted to the operation unit 107 (operation display unit 501) which is the event issuing source (step S11). The same process is performed when a copy execution result (plotter execution result) is received from the service providing unit 503 (step S15).
When the operation display unit 501 receives each copy execution result (scanner execution result, plotter execution result) sequentially from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the operation display unit 501 displays them on the screen of the display unit of the operation unit 107.

  In the first embodiment, the communication sequence when the event of the full color mode designation information and the event of the copy service execution request is issued by the operation on the operation unit 107 has been described, but the PC 20 (corresponding to the remote operation unit) A similar communication sequence is also obtained when a similar event is issued by the above operation (which may be an external device such as the PC 30). The same communication sequence is performed regardless of which execution condition designation information event is issued by the operation unit 107 or the PC 20 and which service execution request event is issued. Of course, it goes without saying that the operation executed by the engine 14 is different for each type of combination of events. The same applies to the second and subsequent embodiments.

  According to the first embodiment, the operation unit event interpretation unit of the MFP interprets an event (instructed service) issued from the operation unit or the remote operation unit of the MFP, and the event is a service execution request. In this case, a service execution request is issued to the service providing unit (service providing function), and the service providing unit receiving the service execution request manages the usage status of the service requested to execute the service resource. If the service is determined to be executable from the inquiry result, the corresponding device execution request is issued to the device control unit to control the operation of the device. .

Therefore, the following effects (A1) to (A3) can be obtained.
(A1) Any operation unit (multiple operation units) can freely use (use) the service providing function possessed by the MFP, and there is no dependency between the type of operation unit and the type of service. The display screens of the operation units (the MFP operation unit and the remote operation unit) can be shared. Therefore, the development man-hours can be reduced, and the operation procedure by each operation unit can be unified. Therefore, it is easy to expand the types of operation units and service types.

(A2) By managing the service (service resource), exclusive control when the MFP is used from a plurality of operation units at the same timing becomes easy, and the performance of the MFP can be provided to the user to the maximum extent. In other words, since the unit of service that the user requests to execute is handled as a resource, it is possible to realize a resource management process that is easy to understand and intuitive for the user.
(A3) Since service management is performed using a table, it is possible to efficiently determine the usage status (in use / unused) of a plurality of services with low resources.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
The operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 when an event of full color mode designation information is issued by an operation on the operation unit 107 (step S21). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S22).

Accordingly, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the device control unit 504 perform processing similar to steps S3 to S8 described with reference to FIG. 5 (steps S23 to S28).
On the other hand, the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of color mode (here, “full color mode”) designation information by an operation on the PC 20. Then, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S29). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S30).

  When receiving an event from the remote operation display unit 600, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 interprets the event, and stores the full color mode designation information in the memory when the event is full color mode designation information. . Further, when the event received continuously from the remote operation display unit 600 is a copy service execution request, the event issue source information is associated with the full color mode designation information stored immediately in the memory as an operation mode storage table. The event issuing source information and full color mode designation information are added as command parameters to the copy service execution request, and the copy service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S31).

When the service providing unit 503 receives a copy service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 sends a request for confirming the use status of the copy service to the service resource management unit 505 in order to provide the copy service requested to be executed. Transmit (step S32).
When the service resource management unit 505 receives a copy service usage status confirmation request from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 confirms the usage status of the copy service. At this time, the copy service is already in use. The confirmation result is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S33).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the copy service from the service resource management unit 505, the service providing unit 503 determines whether or not the copy service requested to be executed can be executed based on the confirmation result. If it cannot be executed, the fact (including event issuer information) is transmitted as a copy execution result to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S34).
When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives a copy execution result (copy service execution is not possible) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares the event issuer information included therein with the stored information in the memory, and if they match, The received copy execution result is transmitted to the remote operation unit (remote operation display unit 600) which is the event issuing source (step S35).
When the remote operation display unit 600 receives a copy execution result (copy service cannot be executed) from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the remote operation display unit 600 displays it on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20.

Thereafter, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the device control unit 504 transmits the result to the service providing unit 503 as a scanner execution result (including event issuer information) (step S36). Subsequently, when the plotter operation being executed is completed, the result is transmitted as a plotter execution result (including event issuer information) to the service providing unit 503 (step S39).
Accordingly, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 perform the same processing as steps S10, S11, and S13 to S15 described with reference to FIG. 5 (steps S37, S38, and S40). S42).

According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (A1) to (A3) (the same effects as in the first embodiment), the following effects (A4) can be obtained.
(A4) When the operation section event interpretation section of the MFP determines that the service requested to be executed by the service providing section cannot be executed, the service execution request issue source (event issue source) By notifying the user, it is possible to immediately inform the user (user) of the situation in which the service cannot be used. Therefore, the synchronization of the execution timing of the service by the user and the execution timing of the MFP can be made consistent. Becomes higher.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
When the operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 issues an event of full color mode designation information by an operation on the operation unit 107, the operation display unit 501 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S51). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S52).
Accordingly, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the device control unit 504 perform processing similar to steps S23 to S28 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 (steps S53 to S58). ).

On the other hand, the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of color mode (here, “full color mode”) designation information by an operation on the PC 20. Then, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S59). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S60).
Accordingly, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the device control unit 504 perform processing similar to steps S31 to S33 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 (steps S61 to S63). ).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the use status of the copy service from the service resource management unit 505 (step S63), the service providing unit 503 determines whether or not the copy service requested to be executed from the remote operation unit can be executed based on the confirmation result. If the copy service cannot be executed, execution of the copy service is suspended.
Thereafter, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the device control unit 504 transmits the result to the service providing unit 503 as a scanner execution result (including event issuer information) (step S64). Subsequently, when the plotter operation being executed is completed, the result is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a plotter execution result (including event issuer information) (step S67).
Accordingly, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 perform the same processing as steps S10, S11, and S13 to S15 described with reference to FIG. 5 (steps S65, S66, and S68). S70).

  The service providing unit 503 transmits the scanner execution result and the plotter execution result received from the device control unit 504 to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 as the copy execution result, and then holds the copy service (executed from the remote operation unit). In order to restart the copy service for which the copy service has been requested, a confirmation request for the use status of the copy service is sent again to the service resource management unit 505 and the confirmation result is received (steps S71 and S72). It is determined that the service is executable.

  As a result, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505, and the device control unit 504 perform processing similar to steps S6 to S15 described with reference to FIG. 5 (steps S73 to S82). However, since the event issuing source in this case is the remote operation unit (PC 20), the remote operation display unit 600 displays the copy execution result received from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 on the screen of the display device 230.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects (A5) can be obtained in addition to the effects (A1) to (A4) described above.
(A5) If the service providing unit of the MFP determines that the service requested to be executed is not executable, the service is suspended until the service is determined to be executable (execution requested After the service execution was suspended, the service resource management unit was inquired again about the usage status of the service that had been suspended when the service being executed ended. Since the service can be executed immediately when the service becomes executable, the execution speed of the service is increased.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
When the operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 issues an event of full color mode designation information by an operation on the operation unit 107, the operation display unit 501 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S91). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document printing service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S92).

  When receiving an event from the operation display unit 501, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event. If the event is full color mode designation information, the full color mode designation information is stored in the memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106). Etc.). If the event received continuously from the operation display unit 501 is an accumulated document print service execution request, the operation mode storage table associates the event issuer information with the full color mode designation information stored immediately before in the memory. The event issuer information and the full color mode designation information are added as command parameters to the stored document print service execution request, and the stored document print service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S93).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the stored document printing service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides the stored document printing service requested to be executed. A certain service parameter is determined, and the service parameter is added to a confirmation (inquiry) request for use status of the stored document print service (stored document print resource) and transmitted to the service resource management unit 505 (step S94).
When the service resource management unit 505 receives a request for checking the usage status of the stored document printing service from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 checks the usage status of the stored document printing service that matches the service parameter added thereto. Since the service is not used, the availability of the stored document printing service is transmitted as a confirmation result to the service providing unit 503 (step S95).

  When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the use status of the stored document printing service from the service resource management unit 505, the service providing unit 503 determines whether or not the stored document printing service requested to be executed can be executed from the confirmation result. When the stored document print service is executable, the execution start information (including event issuer information) of the stored document print service is transmitted to the service resource management unit 505, and then the execution request of the plotter that is the corresponding device is sent. A plotter execution request (including event issuer information, full color mode designation information, and service parameters) is transmitted to the device control unit 504 (steps S96 and S97).

Upon receipt of the stored document print service execution start information from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 sets the usage status of the stored document print service stored in the service resource management table in the memory for each parameter.
Here, the service resource management table will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the service resource management table.

  In this example, the use status of the copy service is set to “full color”, “plain paper”, and “in use” for the color mode, transfer paper type, and ADF (automatic document feeder), respectively. Regarding the usage status of the printer service, the color mode and the transfer paper type are set to “monochrome” and “recycled paper”, respectively. The usage status of the scanner service is set to “unused” in both the color mode and ADF. The usage status of the stored document print service is set to “unused” and “133.XXX.XXX.XXX” for the HDD data in the device (MFP) and the document server data, respectively. As for the usage status of the address book registration service, both the in-device HDD data and the personal information management server data are set to “unused”. For convenience of illustration, the usage status of the FAX service and the device setting information change service is not shown.

  Upon receiving a plotter execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504, for example, full color image data (stored document) stored in the HDD 106 according to the full color mode designation information and service parameters included in the plotter execution request. And the operation of the plotter is controlled, and the full-color image data is sent to the plotter via the image data bus and printed as a visible image on a recording medium such as plain paper.

  On the other hand, the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of color mode (here, “monochrome mode”) designation information by an operation on the PC 20. Then, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S98). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document printing service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S99).

  When receiving an event from the remote operation display unit 600, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event, and when the event is monochrome mode designation information, stores the monochrome mode designation information in the memory. Further, when an event received continuously from the remote operation display unit 600 is a stored document print service execution request, information on the issue source of the event is stored in association with the full color mode designation information stored immediately before in the memory. The stored event printing source information and monochrome mode designation information are added as command parameters to the stored document print service execution request, and the stored document print service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S100).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the stored document print service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides the stored document print service requested to be executed. Service parameters (including execution conditions) are determined, and the service parameters are added to the confirmation request for the use status of the stored document print service and transmitted to the service resource management unit 505 (step S101).
When the service resource management unit 505 receives a request for checking the usage status of the stored document print service from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 checks the usage status of the stored document print service that matches the service parameter added thereto. Although the document print service is being used but does not match the service parameter, the stored document print service cannot be used as a confirmation result and transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S102).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the stored document print service from the service resource management unit 505, the service providing unit 503 can execute the stored document print service requested to be executed by the operation unit event interpreting unit 502 based on the check result. If the stored document print service cannot be executed, the fact (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the operation unit event interpreter 502 as the stored document print execution result (step S103).
When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives the stored document print execution result (cannot execute the stored document print execution) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares and matches the event issuer information included therein and the stored information in the memory. In the case where the event is issued, the received accumulated document print execution result is transmitted to the remote operation unit (remote operation display unit 600) which is the event issuing source (step S104).

When the remote operation display unit 600 receives the stored document print execution result (cannot execute the stored document print) from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the remote operation display unit 600 displays it on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20.
If a service parameter change is required due to a service execution request from another operation unit while a service is being executed by an execution request from a certain operation unit, it takes time and money. In this case, it is more advantageous for the user to continue the execution of the service with the same parameter (the same service parameter as the service being executed). In this case, it is preferable to notify the event issuer that execution is not possible (accumulated document printing cannot be executed, etc.) so that execution conditions can be specified so as to have the same parameters. In the fourth embodiment, such processing is performed.

Conversely, when service parameters are changed by a service execution request from another operation unit, if it is possible to execute services simultaneously, it is better for the user to continue service execution with different parameters. The benefits are great. In this case, it is preferable to notify the event issuer that execution is possible (accumulated document printing can be executed, etc.) so that execution conditions can be specified so as to have different parameters.
In order to perform the latter process, when the service resource management unit 505 receives a service usage status confirmation request from the service providing unit 503, the service parameter included therein includes the service parameter of the service being executed and If they are different, the service providing unit 503 is transmitted as a confirmation result indicating that the service cannot be used.

  The remote operation display unit 600 displays the accumulated document print execution result on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20 and then, when an event of full color mode designation information is issued by an operation on the PC 20, the event is displayed on the operation unit of the MFP 10. It transmits to the event interpretation part 502 (step S105). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document printing service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S106).

  When receiving an event from the remote operation display unit 600, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event, and if the event is full color mode designation information, stores the full color mode designation information in a memory. Further, when an event received continuously from the remote operation display unit 600 is a stored document print service execution request, information on the issue source of the event is stored in association with the full color mode designation information stored immediately before in the memory. The stored event print source information and full color mode designation information are added as command parameters to the stored document print service execution request, and the stored document print service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S107).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the stored document printing service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides the stored document printing service requested to be executed. A service parameter is determined, and the service parameter is added to the request for confirming the use status of the stored document print service and transmitted to the service resource management unit 505 (step S108).
When the service resource management unit 505 receives a request for checking the usage status of the stored document printing service from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 checks the usage status of the stored document printing service that matches the service parameter added thereto. Since the stored document printing service is used, the availability of the stored document printing service is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a confirmation result (step S109).

  When the service providing unit 503 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the stored document print service from the service resource management unit 505, the service providing unit 503 can execute the stored document print service requested to be executed by the operation unit event interpreting unit 502 based on the check result. If the stored document print service is executable, the stored document print service execution start information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service resource management unit 505 and then the corresponding device. A plotter execution request (including event issuer information, full color mode designation information, and service parameters) that is an execution request of a certain plotter is transmitted to the device control unit 504 (steps S110 and S111).

Upon receipt of the stored document print service execution start information from the service providing unit 503, the service resource management unit 505 sets the usage status of the stored document print service stored in the service resource management table in the memory for each parameter. At this time, since the same setting has already been made, a new service resource management table (FIG. 12) may be prepared so that it can be distinguished.
Subsequent processing by the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, service providing unit 503, service resource management unit 505, and device control unit 504 is the same as steps S9 to S15 described with reference to FIG.

According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects (A1), (A2), and (A4) described above, the following effects (A6) and (A7) can be obtained.
(A6) When the service resource management unit manages the usage status of various services for each parameter at the time of service execution and receives an inquiry about the usage status of the service requested to be executed from the service providing unit, the usage status of the service Can be managed for each parameter, and the service result management can be performed with a finer granularity by notifying the confirmation result to the service providing unit as an inquiry result, and thus the performance of the machine can be further extracted.
(A7) Since service management is performed for each parameter using a table, the usage status (in use / unused) of a plurality of services can be determined efficiently with low resources for each parameter.

[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
When the operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 issues an event of color mode (here, “full color mode”) designation information by an operation on the operation unit 107, the event is displayed on the operation unit event interpretation unit. It transmits to 502 (step S121). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S122).

  When receiving an event from the operation display unit 501, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event. If the event is full color mode designation information, the full color mode designation information is stored in the memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106). Etc.). Also, when the event received continuously from the operation display unit 501 is a copy service execution request, the event issuer information is stored as an operation mode storage table in association with the full color mode designation information stored immediately before in the memory. Then, the event issuer information and the full color mode designation information are added to the copy service execution request as command parameters, and the copy service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S123).

  When the service providing unit 503 receives a copy service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides a copy service for which the execution is requested. A request (including event issuer information and full color mode designation information) and a plotter execution request (including event issuer information and full color mode designation information) as a plotter execution request are sequentially transmitted to the device control unit 504 (step S124, S125).

Upon receiving the scanner execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 transmits a request for checking (inquiring) the usage status of the scanner (scanner resource) to the device resource management unit 506 (step S126).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives the confirmation request for the scanner usage status from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the scanner usage status. However, since the scanner is not currently used, the device control unit 504 confirms that the scanner can be used. (Notification) is transmitted to (step S127).

  When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the scanner from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the scanner requested to be executed is executable based on the confirmation result. After the scanner execution start information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S128), the scanner operation (scanner operation) is performed according to the full color mode designation information included in the scanner execution request. To cause the scanner to read a full color image of the document.

When a plotter execution request is received from the service providing unit 503 following the scanner execution request, a request for checking the usage status of the plotter (plotter resource) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S129).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives a request for checking the plotter use status from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the use status of the plotter. However, since the plotter is not currently used, the device control unit 504 determines that the plotter can be used. (Step S130).

  When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the use status of the plotter from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the plotter requested to be executed is executable from the confirmation result. After the plotter execution start information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S131), the plotter operation is controlled according to the full color mode designation information included in the plotter execution request. Full color image data from the scanner is sent to a plotter via an image data bus and printed as a visible image on a recording medium.

  Upon receiving the scanner execution start information from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 sets the usage status of the scanner stored in the device resource management table in the memory as “in use”. Subsequently, when plotter execution start information is received from the device control unit 504, the usage status of the plotter stored in the device resource management table in the memory is also set to “in use”.

Here, the device resource management table will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device resource management table.
In the example of FIG. 14, the usage statuses of the scanner, plotter, and image data bus are set to “in use”, and the usage statuses of the memory (HDD) and the FAX line are set to “unused”.

  After that, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the device control unit 504 transmits scanner execution end information (including event issuer information) to the device resource management unit 506, and then displays the execution result of the scanner operation as the scanner execution result ( (Including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (steps S132 and S133). When the plotter operation being executed is completed, the plotter execution end information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506, and the execution result of the plotter operation is displayed as the plotter execution result (event issuer information is changed). Are transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (steps S136 and S137).

Upon receiving the scanner execution end information from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 sets the usage status of the scanner stored in the device resource management table in the memory to “unused”. Subsequently, when the plotter execution end information is received from the device control unit 504, the usage status of the plotter stored in the device resource management table in the memory is also set to “unused”.
Upon receiving the scanner execution result from the device control unit 504, the service providing unit 503 transmits it to the operation unit event interpreting unit 502 as a copy execution result (step S134). In addition, when a plotter execution result is received from the device control unit 504, it is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 as a copy execution result (step S138).

When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives the copy execution result (scanner execution result) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares and matches the event issuer information included therein and the storage information in the memory. The received copy execution result is transmitted to the operation unit 107 (operation display unit 501) which is the event issuing source (step S135). The same process is performed when a copy execution result (plotter execution result) is received from the service providing unit 503 (step S139).
When the operation display unit 501 receives each copy execution result (scanner execution result, plotter execution result) sequentially from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the operation display unit 501 displays them on the screen of the display unit of the operation unit 107.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the operation unit event interpretation unit of the MFP interprets an event (instructed service) issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the MFP, and the event is a service execution request. In this case, a service execution request is issued to the service providing unit (service providing function), and the service providing unit that receives the service execution request issues a corresponding device execution request to the device control unit. Then, the device control unit that has received the execution request for the device inquires (confirms) the usage status of the device for which the execution is requested, and determines that the device is executable from the inquiry result. If this happens, control the operation of the device.

Accordingly, the following effects (B1) to (B3) can be obtained.
(B1) Any operation unit (multiple operation units) can freely use (use) the service providing function possessed by the MFP, and there is no dependency between the type of operation unit and the type of service. The display screens of the operation units (the MFP operation unit and the remote operation unit) can be shared. Therefore, the development man-hours can be reduced, and the operation procedure by each operation unit can be unified. Therefore, it is easy to expand the types of operation units and service types.

(B2) By managing devices (device resources), exclusive control when the MFP is used from a plurality of operation units at the same timing becomes easy, and the performance of the MFP can be provided to the user to the maximum extent. In other words, since a device, which is a service configuration unit of the MFP, is handled as a resource, resource management processing that makes the best use of the performance of the MFP can be realized.
(B3) Since device management is performed using a table, it is possible to efficiently determine the usage status (in use / unused) of a plurality of devices with low resources.

[Sixth embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
When the operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 issues an event of full color mode designation information by an operation on the operation unit 107, the operation display unit 501 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S141). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S142).

Thereby, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504, and the device resource management unit 506 perform processing similar to steps S123 to S131 described with reference to FIG. 13 (steps S143 to S151).
On the other hand, the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of color mode (here, “full color mode”) designation information by an operation on the PC 20. Then, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S152). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S153).

  When receiving an event from the remote operation display unit 600, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 interprets the event, and stores the full color mode designation information in the memory when the event is full color mode designation information. . Further, when the event received continuously from the remote operation display unit 600 is a copy service execution request, the event issue source information is associated with the full color mode designation information stored immediately in the memory as an operation mode storage table. The event issuing source information and full color mode designation information are added as command parameters to the copy service execution request, and the copy service execution request is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (step S154).

  When the service providing unit 503 receives a copy service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 provides a copy service that is requested to be executed. A scanner execution request (including event issuer information and full color mode designation information) is transmitted to the device control unit 504 (step S155).

Upon receiving the scanner execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 transmits a request for checking (inquiring) the usage status of the scanner (scanner resource) to the device resource management unit 506 (step S156).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives a scanner usage status confirmation request from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 confirms the usage status of the scanner. At this time, the scanner is already in use. It transmits to the control part 504 (step S157).

When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the scanner from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the scanner requested to be executed is executable based on the confirmation result. In addition, the fact (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a scanner execution result (step S158).
When the service providing unit 503 receives a canner execution result (scanner execution is impossible) within a predetermined time after transmitting the scanner execution request, the service providing unit 503 sends the received result to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 as a copy execution result (copy service execution is impossible). Transmit (step S159). Transmission of a plotter execution request, which is a request for executing a plotter, is prohibited.

When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives a copy execution result (copy service execution is not possible) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares the event issuer information included therein with the stored information in the memory, and if they match, Then, the received copy execution result is transmitted to the remote operation unit (remote operation display unit 600) which is the event issuing source (step S160).
When the remote operation display unit 600 receives a copy execution result (copy service cannot be executed) from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the remote operation display unit 600 displays it on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20.

After that, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the device control unit 504 transmits scanner execution end information (including event issuer information) to the device resource management unit 506, and then displays the execution result of the scanner operation as the scanner execution result. (Including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (steps S161 and S162). When the plotter operation being executed is completed, the plotter execution end information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506, and the execution result of the plotter operation is displayed as the plotter execution result (event issuer information is changed). (Including)) to the service providing unit 503 (steps S165 and S166).
Accordingly, the service providing unit 503, the device resource management unit 506, and the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 perform the same processing as steps S134, S135, S138, and S139 described with reference to FIG. 13 (steps S163, S164, S167, S168).

According to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (B1) to (B3) (the same effects as in the fifth embodiment), the following effects (B4) can be obtained.
(B4) If the operation unit event interpretation unit of the MFP determines that the device requested to be executed by the device control unit is not executable, the service execution request is issued to the effect that the service cannot be executed. By notifying the original (event issuer), the user can immediately be notified of the situation where the service is not available, so that the execution timing of the service by the user can be synchronized with the execution timing of the MFP, Convenience increases.

[Seventh embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
The operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 when an event of full color mode designation information is issued by an operation on the operation unit 107 (step S171). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S172).
Accordingly, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504, and the device resource management unit 506 perform processing similar to steps S143 to S151 described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 15 (steps 173 to S181). ).

On the other hand, the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of color mode (here, “full color mode”) designation information by an operation on the PC 20. Then, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S182). Subsequently, when a copy service execution request event is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S183).
Thereby, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504, and the device resource management unit 506 perform processing similar to steps S123 to S125 described with reference to FIG. 13 (steps S184 to S186).

Upon receiving the scanner execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 transmits a scanner usage status confirmation request to the device resource management unit 506 (step S187).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives a scanner usage status confirmation request from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 confirms the usage status of the scanner. At this time, the scanner is already in use. The data is transmitted to the control unit 504 (step S188).
When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the scanner from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the scanner requested to be executed is executable based on the confirmation result. The execution of the scanner is suspended.

When the device control unit 504 receives a plotter execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 also transmits a request for checking the use status of the plotter to the device resource management unit 506 (step S189).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives a confirmation request for the plotter usage status from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the usage status of the plotter. It transmits to the control part 504 (step S190).
When the device control unit 504 receives a confirmation result of the plotter usage status from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the plotter requested to be executed is executable based on the confirmation result. In addition, the execution of the plotter is also suspended.

After that, when the scanner operation being executed is completed, the device control unit 504 transmits scanner execution end information (including event issuer information) to the device resource management unit 506, and then displays the execution result of the scanner operation as the scanner execution result. (Including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (steps S191 and S192). When the plotter operation being executed is completed, the plotter execution end information (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506, and the execution result of the plotter operation is displayed as the plotter execution result (event issuer information is changed). Are included) and transmitted to the service providing unit 503 (steps S198 and S199).
As a result, the service providing unit 503, the device resource management unit 506, and the operation unit event interpreting unit 502 perform the same processing as steps S134, S135, S138, and S139 described with reference to FIG. 13 (steps S193, S194, and S200, S201).

  The device control unit 504 also transmits a scanner execution result to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 as a copy execution result, and then sends a scanner usage status confirmation request again to the device resource in order to resume execution of the scanner. The data is transmitted to the management unit 506 and the confirmation result is received (steps S195 and S196). This time, it is determined that the scanner can be executed, and the execution start information (including event issuer information) of the scanner is determined as the device resource management unit 506. (Step S197), the operation of the scanner is controlled in accordance with the full color mode designation information included in the scanner execution request, and the scanner is caused to read the full color image of the document.

Further, after transmitting the plotter execution result as the copy execution result to the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the device control unit 504 again sends a request for checking the plotter usage status to resume execution of the pending plotter. The data is transmitted to the management unit 506 and the confirmation result is received (steps S202 and S203). This time, it is determined that the plotter can be executed, and the execution start information (including event issuer information) of the plotter is included in the device resource management unit 506. (Step S204), the operation of the plotter is controlled in accordance with the full color mode designation information included in the above plotter execution request, and the full color image data from the scanner is sent to the plotter via the image data bus to be recorded on the recording medium. Print as a visible image.
Subsequent processing by the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, service providing unit 503, device control unit 504, and device resource management unit 506 is the same as steps S134, S135, S138, and S139 described with reference to FIG. To do.

According to the seventh embodiment, the following effects (B5) can be obtained in addition to the effects (B1) to (B4) described above.
(B5) If the device control unit of the MFP determines that the device requested to be executed is not executable, execution of the device is suspended until it is determined that the device is executable (execution requested After the device execution is suspended, the device resource management unit is inquired again about the usage status of the device for which execution has been suspended at the timing when the operation of the device being executed is completed. When the placed device becomes executable, the device can be executed immediately, which increases the execution speed of the device.

[Eighth embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an eighth example of the communication sequence related to the present invention in the network system including the MFP 10.
The operation display unit 501 of the operation unit 107 of the MFP 10 transmits the event to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 when an event of designation information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray A is issued by an operation on the operation unit 107. (Step S211). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document printing service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 (step S212).

  When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives an event from the operation display unit 501, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event, and when the event is the designation information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray A, the full color mode and the paper feed tray. The designation information of A is stored in a memory (SDRAM 103, NVRAM 105, HDD 106, etc.). Further, when the event received continuously from the operation display unit 501 is a stored document print service execution request, the information of the issue source of the event is stored in the memory in the full color mode and the designation information of the paper feed tray A stored immediately before in the memory. Corresponding information is stored as an operation mode storage table, and the event issuer information and full color mode and paper tray A designation information are added as command parameters to the stored document print service execution request, and the stored document print service execution request is serviced. It transmits to the provision part 503 (step S213).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the accumulated document print service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 receives a plotter execution request (event issuer information and full color mode and paper feed tray A) that is a request for executing a plotter that is a corresponding device. Is transmitted to the device control unit 504 (step S214).
When the device control unit 504 receives a plotter execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 determines a device parameter, which is a parameter necessary for executing the plotter requested to execute the plotter. Therefore, a request for confirming the usage status of the paper feed tray A (paper feed tray A resource) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S215).

When the device resource management unit 506 receives a request for checking the usage status of the paper feed tray A from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the usage status of the paper feed tray A. The availability of the tray A is transmitted as a confirmation result to the device control unit 504 (step S216).
When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the paper feed tray A from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the plotter can be executed from the confirmation result, but the paper feed tray A can be used. Therefore, the following processing is performed.

  That is, after it is determined that the plotter can be executed and the use start information (including event issuer information) of the paper feed tray A is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S217), it is included in the plotter execution request. For example, the full color image data (stored document) stored in the HDD 106 is read and the operation of the plotter is controlled according to the specified information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray A, and the full color image data is transferred to the plotter via the image data bus. The paper is fed and printed as a visible image on the paper fed from the paper feed tray A. In addition, when there are a plurality of device parameters, a confirmation request for the usage status of each device parameter is sequentially transmitted to the device resource management unit 506, and when it is determined that each device parameter is all usable from each confirmation result, It is determined that the plotter can be executed.

  Upon receiving the paper feed tray A usage start information from the service providing unit 503, the device resource management unit 506 sets the paper tray A of the plotter stored in the device resource management table in the memory as “in use”. Note that when use start information of a plurality of device parameters is received from the service providing unit 503, the usage status of the plotter (device) is set for each parameter.

Here, the device resource management table will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of the device resource management table.
In the example of FIG. 18, the usage status of the plotter is set as “in use” for the paper feed tray A, finisher, and duplex unit, and “unused” for the paper feed tray B, respectively. The usage status of the scanner is set such that the ADF is “in use” and the pressure plate is “unused”. Regarding the usage status of the memory (HDD), “20% used” is set for the image data development memory, and “unused” is set for the data storage area. The usage status of the image data bus is set to “30% usage”. The usage status of the FAX line is set to “unused”.

  On the other hand, when the remote operation display unit 600 of the PC 20 (or an external device such as the PC 30) corresponding to the remote operation unit issues an event of designation information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray A by an operation on the PC 20, The event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S218). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document printing service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S219).

Thereby, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the service providing unit 503, and the device control unit 504 perform the same processing as described above (steps S220 to S222).
When the device resource management unit 506 receives a request for checking the usage status of the paper feed tray A from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the usage status of the paper feed tray A. A A Unusable is transmitted as a confirmation result to the device control unit 504 (step S223).
When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the paper feed tray A from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the plotter is executed from the confirmation result, but the paper feed tray A cannot be used. Therefore, it is determined that the plotter cannot be executed, and the fact (including event issuer information) is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as the plotter execution result (step S224).

Upon receiving the plotter execution result from the device control unit 504, the service providing unit 503 transmits it to the operation unit event interpreting unit 502 as a stored document print execution result (accumulated document print execution is impossible) (step S225).
When the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 receives the stored document print execution result (cannot execute the stored document print execution) from the service providing unit 503, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 compares and matches the event issuer information included therein and the stored information in the memory. In the case where the event is issued, the received accumulated document print execution result is transmitted to the remote operation unit (remote operation display unit 600) which is the event issuing source (step S226).

When the remote operation display unit 600 receives the stored document print execution result (cannot execute the stored document print) from the operation unit event interpretation unit 502, the remote operation display unit 600 displays it on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20.
Here, when a device parameter change is required due to a service execution request from another operation unit during execution of a service due to an execution request from a certain operation unit, it takes time and money. In this case, it is more advantageous for the user to continue the execution of the service with the same parameters (the same device parameters as the service being executed). In this case, it may be notified to the event issuer that execution is not possible (according to execution of stored document printing is impossible) so that execution conditions can be specified so as to have the same parameters, and such processing is performed in the eighth embodiment.

Conversely, when device parameters are changed by a service execution request from another operation unit, if it is a situation where simultaneous service execution is possible, it is better for the user to continue service execution with different parameters. The benefits are great. In this case, it is preferable to notify the event issuer that execution is possible (accumulated document printing can be executed, etc.) so that execution conditions can be specified so as to have different parameters.
In order to perform the latter processing, when the device resource management unit 506 receives a device parameter use status confirmation request from the device control unit 504, the device parameter management unit 506 determines that the device parameter is different from the device parameter of the service being executed. The device parameter availability is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a confirmation result.

  The remote operation display unit 600 displays the stored document printing execution result on the screen of the display device 230 of the PC 20 and then changes the designation from the paper feeding tray A to the paper feeding tray B by an operation on the PC 20. When an event of designation information for the paper feed tray B is issued, the event is transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S227). Subsequently, when an event for requesting execution of the stored document print service is issued, the event is also transmitted to the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 of the MFP 10 (step S228).

  When receiving an event from the remote operation display unit 600, the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 interprets the event, and if the event is the designation information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray B, the full color mode and the paper feed. The designation information of tray B is stored in the memory. In addition, when the event continuously received from the remote operation display unit 600 is a stored document print service execution request, the information on the issue source of the event is stored in the memory immediately before the designation information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray B Is stored as an operation mode storage table, and the event issuer information and full color mode and paper tray B designation information are added as command parameters to the stored document print service execution request, and the stored document print service execution request is It transmits to the service provision part 503 (step S229).

When the service providing unit 503 receives the accumulated document printing service execution request from the operation unit event interpreting unit 502, the service providing unit 503 receives a plotter execution request (event issuer information and full color mode and paper feed tray B) that is a request for executing a plotter as a corresponding device. Is transmitted to the device control unit 504 (step S230).
When the device control unit 504 receives a plotter execution request from the service providing unit 503, the device control unit 504 determines a device parameter which is a parameter necessary for executing the plotter requested to execute the plotter. Therefore, a request for confirming the usage status of the paper feed tray B (paper feed tray B resource) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S231).

When the device resource management unit 506 receives a request for checking the usage status of the paper feed tray B from the device control unit 504, the device resource management unit 506 checks the usage status of the paper feed tray B. The availability of the tray B is transmitted as a confirmation result to the device control unit 504 (step S232).
When the device control unit 504 receives the confirmation result of the usage status of the paper feed tray B from the device resource management unit 506, the device control unit 504 determines whether or not the plotter can be executed based on the confirmation result, but the paper feed tray B can be used. Therefore, the following processing is performed.

That is, after it is determined that the plotter can be executed and the use start information (including event issuer information) of the paper feed tray B is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506 (step S233), it is included in the plotter execution request. For example, the full color image data (stored document) stored in the HDD 106 is read out and the operation of the plotter is controlled according to the specified information of the full color mode and the paper feed tray B, and the full color image data is transferred to the plotter via the image data bus. The image is printed as a visible image on the paper fed from the paper feed tray B.
Upon receiving the paper feed tray B use start information from the service providing unit 503, the device resource management unit 506 sets the paper feed tray B of the plotter stored in the device resource management table in the memory as “in use”.

After that, although illustration is omitted, the device control unit 504 terminates the use completion information (first event issue source) of the paper feed tray A when the first executed plotter operation (including paper feed from the paper feed tray A) is finished. (Including information) is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506, and the execution result of the plotter operation is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as a scanner execution result (including event issuer information). When the subsequent plotter operation (including paper feeding from the paper feeding tray B) is completed, use termination information (including event issuer information) of the paper feeding tray B is transmitted to the device resource management unit 506. Then, the execution result of the plotter operation is transmitted to the service providing unit 503 as the plotter execution result (including event issuer information).
The subsequent processing by the operation unit event interpretation unit 502 and the service providing unit 503 is the same as steps S134, S135, S138, and S139 described with reference to FIG.

According to the eighth embodiment, the following effects (B6) and (B7) can be obtained in addition to the effects (B1), (B2), and (B4) described above.
(B6) When the device resource management unit manages the usage status of various devices for each parameter at the time of device execution and receives an inquiry about the usage status of the device requested to be executed from the device control unit, the usage status of the device Is confirmed for each parameter, and the result of the confirmation is notified to the device control unit as an inquiry result. This makes it possible to manage device resources at a finer granularity, and thus to further draw out the performance of the machine.
(B7) Since device management is performed for each parameter using a table, the usage status (in use / unused) of a plurality of devices can be efficiently determined with low resources for each parameter.

The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various services such as other image processing apparatuses such as a digital copying machine and a facsimile apparatus can be provided. It can be applied to various electronic devices.
The program according to the present invention causes a computer (CPU) that controls an electronic device to realize the functions as the operation unit event interpretation unit, the service providing unit, the device control unit, and the service execution impossibility notification unit, which are various functions according to the present invention. The above-described effects can be obtained by causing a computer to execute such a program.

Such a program may be stored in a storage means such as a ROM or HDD from the beginning, but a non-volatile recording medium (memory such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, SRAM, EEPROM, or memory card) as a recording medium. ) Can be recorded and provided. Each procedure described above can be executed by causing a computer to execute a program recorded in the memory or causing the computer to read and execute the program from the memory.
Furthermore, it is also possible to download and execute an external device that is connected to a network and includes a recording medium that records the program, or an external device that stores the program in the storage unit.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the service providing function possessed by the electronic device can be freely used by any operation unit (a plurality of operation units). Since there is no dependency between the display screens, the display screens of the plurality of operation units can be shared. Therefore, development man-hours can be reduced and the operation procedure by each operation unit can be unified. Therefore, it is easy to expand the types of operation units and service types. Therefore, if this invention is utilized, a low-cost electronic device can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system including an MFP (digital multifunction peripheral) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 10 in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of PC20 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration example of an MFP 10 and a PC 20 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication sequence according to the present invention in a network system including the MFP 10 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode storage table generated by an operation unit event interpretation unit 502 in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the other example of the operation mode storage table. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service resource management table of a service resource management unit 505 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of a communication sequence related to the present invention in a network system including the MFP 10 shown in FIG. 4. It is a figure which similarly shows the 3rd example of the communication sequence in connection with this invention.

It is a figure which similarly shows the 4th example of the communication sequence in connection with this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the service resource management table of the service resource management part 505 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a communication sequence according to the present invention in a network system including the MFP 10 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device resource management table of a device resource management unit 506 in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a communication sequence according to the present invention in a network system including the MFP 10 shown in FIG. 4.

It is a figure which similarly shows the 7th example of the communication sequence in connection with this invention. It is a figure which similarly shows the 8th example of the communication sequence in connection with this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the device resource management table of the device resource management part 506 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1: Network 10: MFP 11: Controller 20, 30: PC
101, 201: CPU 102, 202: ASIC 103, 203: SDRAM
104, 204: ROM 105, 205: NVRAM 106, 206: HDD
107: Operation unit 109, 208: USB / I / F
110, 209: IEEE 1394 I / F 111, 210: MAC I / F
501: Operation display unit 502: Operation unit event interpretation unit 503: Service providing unit 504: Device control unit 505: Service resource management unit 506: Device resource management unit 600: Remote operation display unit

Claims (19)

Among various services, in order to provide a service instructed by the operation unit , service providing means for issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices , and operation of the device requested to be executed by the service providing means An electronic device having device control means for controlling
Interpreting an event issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the electronic device , and providing the service execution request when the event is an execution request of any of the various services An operation unit event interpreting means to be issued to the means, and a service resource management means for managing the use status of various services as resources,
The service providing means, when from the operation unit event interpretation unit receives the execution request of the service, querying usage of the service said actual line was requested for the service resource management means, said from the inquiry result An electronic apparatus comprising: means for issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among the plurality of devices to the device control means when it is determined that a service is executable. The electronic device according to claim 1,
Said when the execution is requested service is determined to not be executed, to the provision of the service execution failure notification means for notifying against that to issuing execution request of the service by the service providing means Features electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
When the service resource management unit receives an inquiry about the usage status of the service requested to be executed from the service providing unit, the service resource management unit checks the usage status of the service, and uses the confirmation result as an inquiry result. An electronic device characterized by notifying The electronic device according to claim 3.
If it is determined from the inquiry result that the service requested to be executed is not executable, the service providing means suspends execution of the service until it is determined that the service is executable. Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 4,
The service providing means suspends the execution of the service requested to be executed, and then again indicates the usage status of the service whose execution has been suspended to the service resource management means at a timing when the service being executed is terminated. Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the service resource management means is means for managing the usage status of various services according to parameters at the time of service execution. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6.
When the service resource management unit receives an inquiry about the usage status of the service requested to be executed from the service providing unit, the service resource management unit checks the usage status of the service for each parameter, and uses the verification result as an inquiry result to determine the service status. An electronic device characterized by notifying a providing means. Among various services, in order to provide a service instructed by the operation unit , service providing means for issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices , and operation of the device requested to be executed by the service providing means An electronic device having device control means for controlling
Interpreting an event issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the electronic device , and providing the service execution request when the event is an execution request of any of the various services An operation unit event interpreting means to be issued to the means, and a device resource management means for managing the usage status of various devices as resources,
Said device control means, when from the service providing unit receives the execution request of the device, querying the availability of the device to the device resource management means, determines from the query result the device can be executed In this case, the electronic apparatus is means for controlling the operation of the device. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein
If it is determined by the device control means that the device requested to be executed is not executable, the service execution request issuer is notified that the service requested to be executed is not executable. An electronic apparatus comprising a service execution impossibility notification means for notifying. The electronic device according to claim 8 or 9,
When the device resource management unit receives an inquiry about the usage status of the device requested to be executed by the device control unit, the device resource management unit confirms the usage status of the device, and uses the confirmation result as an inquiry result. An electronic device characterized by notifying The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein
When it is determined from the inquiry result that the device requested to be executed is not executable, the device control unit suspends execution of the device until it is determined that the device is executable. Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein
The device control unit again suspends the execution of the device requested to be executed, and then again uses the device resource management unit when the operation of the device being executed is terminated. An electronic device characterized by contacting The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
The device resource management means is means for managing the usage status of various devices according to parameters at the time of device execution. The electronic device according to claim 13.
When the device resource management unit receives an inquiry about the usage status of the device requested to be executed from the device control unit, the device resource management unit checks the usage status of the device for each parameter, and uses the confirmation result as an inquiry result. An electronic device characterized by notifying a control means. Among various services, in order to provide a service instructed by an operation unit , a control method in an electronic device that issues an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices and controls the operation of the device,
Interpreting an event issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the electronic device , and if the event is an execution request for one of the various services , confirm the usage status of the service, A control method characterized by issuing an execution request for a corresponding device among the plurality of devices when it is determined that the service is executable. Among various services, in order to provide a service instructed by an operation unit , a control method in an electronic device that issues an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices and controls the operation of the device,
When an event issued from the operation unit or the remote operation unit of the electronic device is interpreted, and the event is an execution request for any one of the various services, a corresponding one of the plurality of devices A control method characterized by checking the usage status of a device and issuing an execution request for the device when it is determined that the device is executable. In electronic equipment computers that can provide various services,
Operation unit event interpretation that interprets an event issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the electronic device and issues the execution request when the event is an execution request of any of the various services A function and a service provision that issues an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices in order to provide the service requested to be executed when the service execution request is received from the operation unit event interpretation unit function and a program for implementing a device control function of controlling the operation of the device that the service providing function or RaMinoru row is requested, and a service resource management function to manage their usage of various services as resources Yes,
Said service providing function, when from the operation unit event interpreter receives the execution request of the service, querying usage of the service said actual line was requested for the service resource management function, said from the inquiry result A program that is a function that issues an execution request for a corresponding device of the plurality of devices to the device control function when it is determined that a service is executable. In electronic equipment computers that can provide various services,
Operation unit event interpretation that interprets an event issued from the operation unit or remote operation unit of the electronic device and issues the execution request when the event is an execution request of any of the various services A function and a service provision that issues an execution request for a corresponding device among a plurality of devices in order to provide the service requested to be executed when the service execution request is received from the operation unit event interpretation unit function and a program for implementing a device control function of controlling the operation of the device that the service providing function or RaMinoru row is requested, a device resource management function to manage their usage of various devices as resources Yes,
The device control function, when from the service providing function has received the execution request of the device, queries the device usage that said actual line was requested for the device resource management function, the said device from the query results A program characterized by having a function of controlling the operation of the device when it is determined that it can be executed.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 17 or 18 is recorded.

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