JP5072499B2 - Image forming apparatus, data communication apparatus, data communication method, and data communication program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs predetermined processing requested from an external device, a data communication device that performs data communication between the image forming apparatus that performs predetermined processing requested from the external device and the external device, and data communication The present invention relates to a method and a data communication program.

  In response to an operation request received via an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) and predetermined data communication means such as a network, the image forming apparatus performs processing requested by a function installed in the image forming apparatus. .

  For example, in Patent Document 1, “in the image forming apparatus, a log information transmission request from a management server connected to a network is received by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) using XML (Extensible Markup Language). An image forming apparatus is disclosed that analyzes a transmission request received by a SOAP listener and transmits the analysis result to the management server by SOAP using a SOAP proxy.

  The case in which the image forming apparatus responds with information according to a request from an external device is the provision of information collected in the image forming apparatus such as log information disclosed in Patent Document 1, There is provision of device information such as functions of the image forming apparatus performed when the power is turned on.

  When a predetermined process such as information provision is requested from an external device to the image forming apparatus, an operation request from the external device is defined in a predetermined format as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Structured data (hereinafter referred to as “SOAP message”) is transmitted from an external device to the image forming apparatus, and after the image forming apparatus performs processing according to a request, SOAP data summarizing the result is transmitted to the external device. A message exchange method using SOAP is used.

  “SOAP” is a protocol specification for exchanging messages based on XML, and is positioned above protocols such as HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). This is a protocol for exchanging SOAP messages necessary for calling. The purpose of SOAP is to easily link components constituting an application via a telecommunication line such as a network. In addition, SOAP can add additional information other than the XML document body, such as destination information such as an IP address and a port number, and action information for instructing a predetermined process, to a SOAP message to be transmitted and received.

From this, by using SOAP for exchanging messages between devices, for example, a device information providing function possessed by a multi-function peripheral (MFP), a function such as copying, facsimile, printer, scanner, etc., is a function possessed by an external device. A cooperative message exchange function can be realized.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-215309

  However, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a multifunction peripheral is designed to operate in different processes so that the memory space used when each function operates is different. In such a multi-process environment, a SOAP module is mounted for each function to realize a message exchange function. In such a case, the external apparatus must manage the destination information by the number of SOAP modules that operate in the image forming apparatus. Further, depending on the number of image forming apparatuses to be linked, more destination information must be managed.

  As described above, the conventional message exchange function has a problem that the connection between the external device for exchanging messages and the image forming apparatus becomes complicated.

  Further, in the conventional message exchange function, since the SOAP module is mounted for each function, an extra storage area such as a memory of the image forming apparatus is consumed (excessive hardware resources are consumed). It was.)

  In the present invention, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, an image forming apparatus and a data communication apparatus capable of reducing resource consumption by a data communication function and linking a function of an external device with a function of an image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a data communication method and a data communication program.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a first function of providing device information including application information included in the image forming device to the external device in response to a request from the external device. An image forming apparatus having at least one second function for executing processing by the application that has received a request from the external device , wherein the first function or the first function transmitted from the external device Receiving means for receiving a request message for requesting processing for two functions in common to a plurality of functions including the first function and the second function; and the first function and the second function In a multi-process environment in which the function of the function operates in a separate process, the request message is required based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving means. It has been processed the first function or to identify either of said second function performed, and notifies the request content of the request message to the identified first function or the second function And a message control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is requested by the message control unit based on information on a destination of the request message and / or information on processing requested by the request message. One of the first function and the second function for performing processing is specified .

In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a software component that implements the receiving unit and the message control unit includes the first function and the second function of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by operating in a process different from the operating process .

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that software components that realize the receiving unit and the message control unit operate in the same process.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the receiving unit receives the request message transmitted from the external device by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol).

  As a result, the image forming apparatus of the present invention shares a data transmission / reception function for exchanging messages bidirectionally with an external device for each function of the image forming apparatus (a SOAP module is shared for each function). A plurality of units connected to the network by specifying a function for performing a requested process based on the content of a message received by a common data transmission / reception function and notifying the specified function of the requested content Can provide a common data transmission / reception function (unify the ports used for data communication) to external devices, reduce resource consumption by the data communication function, and provide functions and images that the external device has. The function of the forming apparatus can be linked.

In order to achieve the above object, the data communication device of the present invention provides a first function for providing device information including application information of the image forming apparatus to the external device in response to a request from the external device; Data communication for performing bidirectional data communication between the external device and an image forming apparatus having at least one second function that executes processing by the application that has received a request from the external device A receiving means for receiving a request message for requesting processing to the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device ; the first function; and the second function. In a multi-process environment in which the request message is received by the receiving means based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving means. The image forming apparatus that performs the requested process and the first function or the second function of the image forming apparatus are specified, and the specified first image forming apparatus has the first function. And a message control means for notifying a request content of the request message to the function or the second function .

In order to achieve the above object, the data communication device of the present invention is requested in the message control unit based on information on a notification destination of the request message and / or information on processing requested by the request message. One of the first function and the second function of the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus that perform the processing is specified .

  In order to achieve the above object, the data communication apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the receiving unit receives the pre-request message transmitted from the external device by SOAP.

  As a result, the data communication apparatus according to the present invention has a data transmission / reception function for performing bidirectional message exchange between the external device and the image forming apparatus (the SOAP module is mounted on a device different from the external device or the image forming apparatus). The image forming apparatus that performs the requested processing and its function are identified based on the content of the message received from the external device by the data transmission / reception function, and the requested content is specified for the function of the identified image forming apparatus. The configuration to notify can provide a common data transmission / reception function (unify ports used for data communication) to multiple external devices connected to the network, and resource consumption by the data communication function The function of the external device and the function of the image forming apparatus can be linked.

In order to achieve the above object, a data communication method of the present invention includes a first function for providing device information including application information included in the image forming apparatus to the external device in response to a request from the external device. Data communication for performing bidirectional data communication between the external device and an image forming apparatus having at least one second function that executes processing by the application that has received a request from the external device A plurality of request messages transmitted from the external device for requesting processing to the first function or the second function, the request message including the first function and the second function; a receiving step of receiving common to function in a multi-process environment in which the first function and the second function is operated in a separate process, is received by the receiving procedure Based on the predetermined information of the request message, the first function or the second function for performing the processing requested by the request message is specified, and the specified first function or the specified function And a message control procedure for notifying a request function of the request message to the second function .

In order to achieve the above object, the data communication method of the present invention is requested based on information on a destination of the request message and / or information on processing requested by the request message in the message control procedure . One of the first function and the second function for performing processing is specified .

  In order to achieve the above object, the data communication method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the reception procedure, the request message transmitted from the external device is received by SOAP.

  Accordingly, the data communication method of the present invention has a data transmission / reception function for exchanging messages bidirectionally with an external device for each function of the image forming apparatus (a SOAP module is shared for each function). Multiple functions connected to the network by specifying the function to perform the requested processing based on the content of the message received by the common data transmission / reception function and notifying the specified function of the requested content Can provide a common data transmission / reception function (unify the ports used for data communication) to external devices, reduce resource consumption by the data communication function, and provide functions and images that the external device has. The function of the forming apparatus can be linked.

In order to achieve the above object, a data communication program according to the present invention includes a first function for providing device information including application information included in the image forming apparatus to the external device in response to a request from the external device. Data communication for performing bidirectional data communication between the external device and an image forming apparatus having at least one second function that executes processing by the application that has received a request from the external device A receiving unit configured to receive a request message for requesting a process for the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device , the first function, and the first function; In a multi-process environment in which the two functions operate in different processes, based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving unit. And specifying either the first function or the second function that performs the processing requested by the request message, and requesting the specified first function or the second function. It functions as a message control means for notifying the request content of a message.

  Thus, the data communication program of the present invention makes the computer share a data transmission / reception function for exchanging messages with an external device in both directions for each function of the image forming apparatus (a SOAP module is shared for each function). And specifying the function for performing the requested processing based on the content of the message received by the common data transmission / reception function, and allowing the specified function to be notified of the request content. it can.

  Therefore, the data communication program of the present invention can provide a common data transmission / reception function (unify ports used for data communication) to a plurality of external devices connected to the network. It is possible to realize a data communication function that can reduce the consumption of resources due to the function and link the function of the external device with the function of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus, a data communication apparatus, a data communication method, and data capable of reducing resource consumption by a data communication function and linking a function of an external device with a function of an image forming apparatus A communication program can be provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<Hardware configuration>
A hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 11, a storage medium I / F 12, a controller 13, a data communication I / F 14, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17, a scanner 15, and a plotter 16. Are connected to each other.

  The operation panel 11 includes an input device 11a and a display device 11b. The input device 11a includes hardware keys and is used to input each operation signal to the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the display device 11b is configured by a display or the like, and displays, for example, various types of information regarding the image forming operation. The data communication I / F 14 includes an interface device 14a, and is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 100 to a data transmission path such as a network. The HDD 17 stores various data such as received document data and read image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the HDD 17 manages these various data by a predetermined file system or DB (Data Base).

  The various data stored in the HDD 17 includes electronic data recorded by an external device such as a digital camera, for example. In such a case, it is provided to the image forming apparatus 100 by a recording medium 12b such as a memory card or uploaded via a network or the like that is a data transmission path. The recording medium 12b is set in the drive device 12a included in the storage medium I / F 12, and various data are stored in the HDD 17 from the recording medium 12b via the drive device 12a.

  The controller 13 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13b, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13c. The ROM 13a is executed when the image forming apparatus 100 is activated. Program and various data are stored. The RAM 13b temporarily stores various programs and data read from the ROM 13a and the HDD 17. Further, the CPU 13c executes a program temporarily stored in the RAM 13b. For example, when the print data is received via the data communication I / F 14, the controller 13 reads a program (PDL parser) that can read PDL (Page Description Language) read from the ROM 13a onto the RAM 13b by the CPU 13c. Execute and interpret the print data to generate a bitmap image.

  The scanner 15 includes an image reading device 15a, and optically reads a document placed on a reading surface and generates image data. The plotter 16 has a printing device 16a and prints a bitmap image on a recording sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic process method.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment realizes a plurality of functions such as a copy, a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner by the above hardware configuration.

<Software configuration>
Next, the software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<< Image forming apparatus >>
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the plotter 16 illustrated in FIG. 1, the scanner 15, the hardware resource 101 such as a facsimile machine and the HDD 17, and the like, and the platform 120 and the application 130 activated by the activation unit 140. And a software group 110 composed of

  The platform 120 interprets a processing request from the application 130 and generates a hardware resource acquisition request, manages one or more hardware resources, and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service 150. An SRM (System Resource Manager) 123 and an OS (Operating System) 121 are included.

  The control service is formed of a plurality of service modules, and includes an SCS (System Control Service) 122, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 124, an MCS (Memory Control Service) 125, an OCS (Operation Panel Control Service) 126, and an FCS. (FAX Control Service) 127 and NCS (Network Control Service) 128.

  The platform 120 includes an API (Application Program Interface) 103 that can receive a processing request from the application 130 by a predefined method, a plotter 16, a scanner 15, and other hardware resources 101. It has an engine I / F 102 that is an interface for controlling via the OS 121 in accordance with a request from an upper layer that uses resources.

  The OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 130 in parallel as processes.

  The SRM 123, together with the SCS 122, controls the system and manages resources, and includes engines such as the plotter 16 and the scanner 15, memory, HDD files, host I / O (for example, Centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE 1394). I / F, RS232C I / F, etc.) arbitration is performed according to a request from a higher layer using hardware resources, and execution control is performed.

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request), and if it is available, the requested hardware resource is used. Tell the upper layer that it is possible. In addition, the SRM 123 performs use scheduling of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly executes request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation, memory allocation, file generation, etc. by a printer engine). Yes.

  The SCS 122 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, resource management, and interrupt application control. The ECS 124 controls a hardware resource engine including the plotter 16 and the scanner 15.

  The MCS 125 acquires and releases an image memory, uses an HDD, compresses and decompresses image data, and the like. The OCS 126 is a module that controls the operation panel 11 serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control.

  The FCS 127 transmits / receives facsimiles using PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) / ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) from each application layer of the system controller, and various facsimile data managed by BKM (Backup SRAM: Static Random Access Memory). An API for performing registration / quotation, facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception is provided. In the FCS 127, an FCU handler (FCUH) that is a subprocess thereof is activated. The FCUH controls the device driver of the facsimile engine when performing facsimile transmission / reception according to a command from the FCS 127.

  The NCS 128 is a module group for providing a service that can be commonly used for the applications 130 that require network I / O.

  The NCS 128 has a data communication function according to the present embodiment. Specific software components (programs) constituting the NCS 128 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The application 130 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application having a PDL parser such as PCL and PostScript (PS), a copy application 112 that is a copy application, a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application, and a scanner application. It has a scanner application 114 as an application, a network file application 115 as a network file application, a process inspection application 116 as a process inspection application, and a distribution application 117 as a distribution application.

  Each of these control services, SRM 123, and each application 130 is an object having one or more methods, and is generated and executed on the OS 121 as a process by activating this object. A plurality of threads are activated in each process, and parallel execution is realized by switching the CPU occupation time of these threads under the management of the OS 121. For this reason, compared with parallel execution by process switching, the processing speed at the time of parallel execution is improved.

  Messages are transmitted and received between each application process and each control service process by inter-process communication by executing a method.

<< NCS >>
From here, the NCS 128 having the data communication function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Overview of software configuration)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the NCS 128 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The software configuration of the NCS 128 according to the present embodiment is mainly composed of a module group that distributes data received by each protocol to each application 130 and mediates when data is transmitted from the application 130 to the network side. Among the module groups, there is a WS-MFP module group 20 according to the present embodiment.

  Here, the above-mentioned “WS” means a standardized Web service based on XML that is being promoted by a working group (WG) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). As for “WS”, an open document “Devices Profile for Web Services” in which the details are disclosed is disclosed, and the description thereof is omitted here. The URL for obtaining the published document is “http://specs.xmlsoap.org/ws/2006/02/devprof/devicesprofile.pdf”. In the following description, function names and module names with “WS” are functions and modules designed in accordance with this standardized Web service. For example, the WS-MFP module group 20 is a module group for a multifunction machine designed in accordance with a standardized Web service.

  The WS-MFP module group 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a WS-Printer 21p that handles printer-related data between the external device and the printer application 111 included in the image forming apparatus 100, and a scanner application included in the external device and the image forming apparatus 100. 114 includes a WS-Scanner 21 s that handles scanner-related data, and a DFM module 22 that handles device-related data between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100. Implemented to be invoked and run in a process.

  For example, the WS-Printer 21p has a function of responding to an information acquisition request regarding the printer application 111 from the DFM module 22 and notifying the printer application 111 of a print request from an external device. The DFM module 22 acquires application information such as the printer application 111 and the scanner application 114 from the WS-Printer 21p, WS-Scanner 21s, and the like, and standardization that the image forming apparatus 100 can provide to external devices based on the acquired information. Device information including information related to the Web service is transmitted. In the above description, the case where the printer-related information held by the WS-Printer 21p is acquired from the DFM module 22 has been described. However, since the printer-related information is operated by different processes, data is transmitted and received by inter-process communication.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the NCS 128 configured as described above, so that data can be transmitted and received between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100.
(Details of software configuration)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the WS-MFP module group 20 and the SOAP 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the NCS 128 according to the present embodiment includes a SOAP 50 and a dispatcher 60 in addition to the DFM module 22, WS-Printer 21 p and WS-Scanner 21 s of the WS-MFP module group 20. , Each implemented in a separate process.

  In the following, main software components constituting the DFM module 22, WS-Printer 21p, WS-Scanner 21s, SOAP 50, and dispatcher 60 will be described.

  The WS-Printer 21p is composed of a Printer DCP 41p and a WS-Eventing 42p.

  The Printer DCP 41 p transmits and receives printer-related data between a function (for example, a printer driver) of an external device that uses the printer function and the printer application 111 of the image forming apparatus 100. The WS-Eventing 42p notifies the printer application 111 of the image forming apparatus 100 of a processing request event such as a print request transmitted from a function of an external device that uses the printer function.

  With such a functional configuration, the WS-Printer 21p prints the received image data by the printer application 111 included in the image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with a print request from the external device, for example. Realize the process of notifying.

  WS-Scanner 21s is composed of Scanner DCP 41s and WS-Eventing 42s. The Scanner DCP 41 s transmits and receives scanner-related data between a function (for example, document management software) of an external device that uses the scanner function and the scanner application 114 of the image forming apparatus 100. Also, the WS-Eventing 42s notifies the scanner application 114 of the image forming apparatus 100 of a processing request event such as an image reading request transmitted from a function of an external device that uses the scanner function.

  The WS-Scanner 21s performs processing for reading the document by the scanner application 114 included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the image reading request from the external device, and notifying the external device that the reading is completed. Is realized.

  The DFM module 22 includes a WS-Discovery 31, a WS-Transfer 32, a WS-Metadata Exchange 33, and a WSD-Manager 34.

  WS-Discovery 31 uses a standardized Web service to generate a message for detecting the function of an external device that a device (WS-Device) capable of providing an installed application function has joined the network, and forming an image with the external device. Data is transmitted to and received from the device 100.

  The WS-Transfer 32 transmits and receives a message for notifying information (device information) related to a standardized Web service that can be provided by the image forming apparatus 100 between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100. Also, the WS-Transfer 32 notifies an external device that the image forming apparatus 100 has joined the network 200 by using UDP (User Datagram Protocol) (for example, a “Hello” command is sent to all external devices connected to the network 200. Multicast to device).

  The WS-MetadataExchange 33 generates data on information relating to standardized Web services that can be provided by the image forming apparatus 100 based on information relating to each application acquired from the WS-Printer 21p and the WS-Scanner 21s.

  The WSD-Manager 34 performs operation control and management of the WS-Discovery 31, the WS-Transfer 32, the WS-Metadata Exchange 33, and the DCPs 41p and 41s included in the WS-Printer 21p and the WS-Scanner 21s.

  The DFM module 22 realizes the automatic detection function of the image forming apparatus 100 capable of providing an installed application function by, for example, a standardized Web service with the above-described functional configuration.

  The SOAP 50 includes a SOAP message transmission / reception 51 and a SOAP message generation 52.

  The SOAP message transmission / reception 51 transmits / receives a SOAP message between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 200 by a communication protocol such as HTTP or SMTP corresponding to a lower layer. The SOAP message generation 52 generates a SOAP message based on the data generated by the WS-MetadataExchange 33.

  With such a functional configuration, the SOAP 50 converts communication data received from the DFM module 22, WS-Printer 21p, WS-Scanner 21s, and the like into a SOAP message, and provides a message exchange function between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100. Realized. In the present embodiment, open source “gSOAP” is adopted as the SOAP 50, and it is mounted so as to operate in a process different from the process in which the WS-MFP module group 20 operates. For “gSOAP”, the URL to “gSOAP: C / C ++ Web Services and Clients” (http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~engelen/) soap.html), which is not described here.

  The dispatcher 60 distributes the SOAP message received from the external device via the SOAP message reception 51 to the DFM module 22, the WS-Printer 21p, or the WS-Scanner 21s according to the content of the SOAP message (notifies the message content). Conversely, data is transmitted to the SOAP message generation 52 of the SOAP 50 in accordance with the message generation request received from the DFM module 22, WS-Printer 21p, or WS-Scanner 21s.

  As described above, the dispatcher 60 implements a SOAP message dispatch function between the function of the external device and the WS-MFP module group 20 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the SOAP 50. In the present embodiment, the dispatcher 60 is mounted so as to operate in the same process as the SOAP 50.

  Further, by implementing the dispatcher 60, the SOAP 50 realizes a common data transmission / reception function for the DFM module 22, the WS-Printer 21p, and the WS-Scanner 21s.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the NCS 128 having the software configuration as described above, and performs data communication such as message exchange with an external device.

<Data communication function>
Next, based on the hardware and software configurations described so far, the “data communication function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the data communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

<< Overview of functional configuration >>
The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is mainly standardized by a message transmission / reception unit 71 (reception unit) that transmits and receives a SOAP message between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100, and from the image forming apparatus 100 to the external device. A device information providing unit 72 that provides device information including information related to the Web service, an application management unit 73 that manages functions related to the application 130 such as a copy, a fax, a printer, and a scanner that the image forming apparatus 100 has, and an external device The distribution of various messages exchanged between the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 and the device information providing unit 72 or the application management unit 73 of the image forming apparatus 100, or the device information management unit 72 or the application management unit 73 with respect to the message transmission / reception unit 71. Control such as transmitting processing requests from It is constructed from the message control unit 74 (message control means).

  In addition, each of the functional units is read out from the ROM 13a arranged in the controller 13 of the image forming apparatus 100 onto the RAM 13b and executed by the CPU 13c, as described below with reference to FIG. This is a function that is realized.

  The message transmission / reception unit 71 is a function realized by the SOAP message transmission / reception 51 included in the SOAP 50. The device information providing unit 72 is a function realized by each software component (WS-Discovery 31, WS-Transfer 32, WS-Metadata Exchange 33, and WSD-Manager 34) included in the DFM module 22.

  The application management unit 73 includes an input unit 73a and an output unit 73b corresponding to an input / output function that is a basic function of the image forming apparatus 100. The input unit 73a is a WS-Scanner 21s, and the output unit 73b is a WS. -A function realized by Printer 21p. The message control unit 74 is a function realized by the dispatcher 60.

<< Operation overview >>
Next, with regard to the operation of the “data communication function” according to the present embodiment by each of the functional units described above, an operation example of “an external device detects an image forming apparatus 100 that can provide an installed application function by a standardized Web service”. This will be explained based on the above.

(1) Issuing Automatic Detection Command: Image Forming Apparatus Side First, the image forming apparatus 100 uses an apparatus information providing unit 72 to install application functions to be installed on an external device connected to the network 200 using a standardized Web service. An automatic detection command is transmitted in order to be detected as a device that can be provided. More specifically, an automatic detection command (for example, “Hello”) is multicast by UDP.

(2) Request for Acquisition of Detailed Information of Provided Service: External Device Side When the external device receives the automatic detection command transmitted via the network 200 by the data communication unit, detailed information on the service that can be provided by the image forming apparatus 100 (Hereinafter referred to as “provided service information”), a request message (SOAP message) requesting acquisition is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 that is the transmission source.

(3) Generation of Provided Service Information: Image Forming Apparatus Side The image forming apparatus 100 receives a request message transmitted from an external device via the network 200 by the message transmission / reception unit 71. The image forming apparatus 100 analyzes the received request message by the message control unit 71 and identifies a functional unit that can collect the provided service information. In the case of the present embodiment, a processing request from an external device is notified to the device information providing unit 72 that can collect device information including information related to a standardized Web service that can be provided by the image forming apparatus 100.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the device information providing unit 72 to acquire information related to the input / output function that can be provided from the application management unit 73, and the acquired information related to the input / output function that can be provided and other acquired information (for example, , Device information is generated based on the hardware resource information acquired via the OS 121.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 100 passes the device information generated by the device information providing unit 72 to the message transmitting / receiving unit 71 via the message control unit 74. Based on the received device information, the image forming apparatus 100 generates a SOAP message for responding to the external device as provided service information by the message transmission / reception unit 71.

(4) Response of Provided Service Information: Image Forming Apparatus Side The image forming apparatus 100 uses the message transmission / reception unit 71 to transmit the generated SOAP message to the requesting external apparatus.

<Details of data communication function>
In the “data communication function” according to the present embodiment, in the above operation, “How is the request content of the message transmitted from the external device dispatched to the functional unit that performs the corresponding request processing ( Will be described in detail.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a function unit (apparatus information providing unit) that performs a predetermined process requested by the message control unit 74 based on predetermined information of a request message received by the message transmission / reception unit 71. 72 or the application management unit 73), and the request contents of the request message are notified to the specified function.

<< Data structure >>
A SOAP message transmitted from an external device, which is analyzed when the message control unit 74 specifies a functional unit, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of SOAP messages 81 and 82 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows an example of a “WS-Transfer Get message”, and FIG. 6B shows an example of a “WS-Eventing Subscribe message”.

  The structure of the XML-based SOAP message assumed in this embodiment will be briefly described.

(Message structure)
Characteristic in the structure of XML-based SOAP messages is a structured definition called “envelope”. In the “envelope”, incidental information is defined by a Header tag (<SOAP-ENV: Header>), and destination information (for example, “IP address” or “port number”) that specifies a function part to which a SOAP message is notified. ) And action information (for example, character string data such as “transfer” and “eventing”) that is information related to a predetermined process processed in response to a request is described. After that, a SOAP message body is defined by a Boy tag (<SOAP-ENV: Body>) described as the element, and an XML encoded message name and data are described therein. Therefore, parameters necessary for calling a functional unit that performs predetermined processing in response to a request are described in the Body tag. As described above, the SOAP message assumed in the present embodiment is based on XML, and thus has a structured data format. This XML-based SOAP message is currently submitted to the W3C as a W3C Note and is being standardized.

  The SOAP message 81 shown in FIG. 6A includes a character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/09/transfer/Get </ wsa: Action> in the Header tag. "Describes the information regarding the processing of" WS-Transfer Get ". The SOAP message 81 is a message transmitted from an external device when the image forming apparatus 100 issues an automatic detection command.

  In addition, the SOAP message 82 shown in FIG. 6B includes a character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/08/eventing/Subscribe </ wsa: “Action>” describes information related to the processing of “WS-Eventing Subscribe”. The SOAP message 82 is a message transmitted from an external device when a print request is made to the image forming apparatus 100, for example.

<< Dispatch processing (specification of functional part according to message contents) >>
Hereinafter, a dispatch process for specifying a functional unit according to the message content performed by the message control unit 74 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

(Analysis of message contents)
The message control unit 74 according to the present embodiment analyzes the structured data described in the SOAP messages 81 and 82 received by the message transmission / reception unit 71. The message control unit 74 requests a character string indicating destination information or action information (for example, “http: //192.168” indicating an IP address and “53” indicating a port number) stored in advance for message analysis. Based on "transfer / Get" and "eventing / Subscribe" indicating processing), destination information and / or action information (such as a character string indicating destination information or action information) is included in the structured data. Search whether or not. As a result, when the message control unit 74 finds the destination information and / or action information, based on the information, the message control unit 74 performs a requested predetermined process (either the device information providing unit 72 or the application management unit 73). On the other hand).

(The functional part is specified from the analysis result)
When the message control unit 74 analyzes the SOAP message 81 shown in FIG. 6A, the character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/09/transfer/ A character string “transfer / Get” (broken frame A in the figure) corresponding to the action information is found from Get </ wsa: Action> ”, and the device information providing unit 72 that performs the requested processing is specified.

  When the SOAP message 82 shown in FIG. 6B is analyzed, the character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/08/eventing/Subscribe </ wsa” in the message is analyzed. : Character string “eventing / Subscribe” (broken frame B2 in the figure) corresponding to the action information is found from Action> ”.

  However, in the case of a “WS-Eventing Subscribe message” such as the SOAP message 82, the final functional unit cannot be specified only by the action information described above. This is because the image forming apparatus 100 may have a plurality of functions required by the “WS-Eventing Subscribe message”, such as the output unit 73 a and the input unit 73 b. In such a case, the message control unit 74 must specify “to which functional unit of the input unit 73a or the output unit 73b a processing request has been made” from an external device. Therefore, in this embodiment, data as shown in FIG. 7 is held in advance.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the association data 91 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 includes a “protocol type” indicating a protocol type when data is transmitted / received between the external device and the image forming apparatus 100, a “port number” indicating a port designated when data is transmitted / received, An example of the association data 91 including “assignment application” indicating the function unit assigned to the port number is shown. As described above, in this embodiment, a unique function unit that transmits and receives data through a designated port is tabulated in advance and held as data as shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, the message control unit 74 uses the character string “53XX1” corresponding to the destination information from the character string “<wsa: To> http://192.168.xxx.xxx:53XX1 </ wsa: To>” in the message. When (the broken line frame B1 in the figure) is found, this character string is used as a reference key, and the association data 91 shown in FIG. 7 is referenced (broken line frame C in the figure). From the set function name (“WS-Printer” in the figure), the output unit 73b that performs the requested processing is specified.

  The message control unit 74 notifies the requesting contents of the SOAP messages 81 and 82 to the specified functional units.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment forms the data transmission / reception function (message transmission / reception unit 71) for exchanging messages bidirectionally with an external device by the configuration of each functional unit described above. Common to each function (device information providing unit 72 and application management unit 73) of the apparatus 100 (a SOAP module is shared for each function), and a common data transmission / reception function (message transmission / reception unit 71). Based on the contents of the received messages (SOAP messages 81 and 82), the function of performing the requested processing (the device information providing unit 72, the input unit 73a included in the application management unit 73, or the output unit 73b) The function part is specified, and the request content is notified to the specified function.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can provide a common data transmission / reception function (unify ports used for data communication) to a plurality of external devices connected to the network 200. It realizes a “data communication function” that reduces the consumption of resources by functions and links the functions installed by itself with the functions of external devices.

<Processing procedure>
A specific processing procedure of the “data communication function” according to the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. The processing procedure described below is mainly processing performed by a data communication program executed by the CPU 13c disposed in the controller 13 included in the image forming apparatus 100. Further, in the following processing procedure, a case where the image forming apparatus 100 is a printer and the external device is a client terminal 300 will be described as an example.

<< Basic processing procedure >>
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a basic processing procedure of the data communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  When the printer 100 participates in the network 200 (for example, “when the network cable is connected” or “when the power is turned on while the network cable is connected”), the printer 100 uses the WS-Printer 21p. The provided service information notification is requested to the DFM module 22 (step S101), and the automatic detection command is transmitted to all the client terminals 300 connected to the network 200 by the DFM module 22 that has received the request (step S102). .

  The client terminal 300 receives the automatic detection command via the network 200 and issues a SOAP message 81 (“WS-Transfer Get message”) requesting the transmission source printer 100 to obtain the provided service information (step S103). ).

  The printer 100 receives the SOAP message 81 transmitted from the client terminal 300 by the SOAP 50, and passes the received SOAP message 81 to the dispatcher 60 (step S104). Upon receiving the SOAP message 81 (received Get message dispatch / notification specification), the dispatcher 60 analyzes the message and obtains requested service information based on destination information and / or action information included in the data. The DFM module 22 to be collected is specified, and the provided service information collection request (that the Get message has been received) is notified to the specified DFM module 22 (step S105).

  The printer 100 passes the device information including the provided service information collected in step S101 by the DFM module 22 to the SOAP 50 via the dispatcher 60, so that the metadata of the provided service information for responding to the client terminal 300 can be obtained. Generation is requested (steps S106 and S107).

  The printer 100 generates metadata in response to the request by the SOAP 50 (step S108), passes the generated metadata to the dispatcher 60, and instructs dispatch of the responding metadata and response notification (step S109). Upon receiving the metadata by the dispatcher 60, the dispatcher 60 analyzes the metadata and identifies and identifies the DFM module 22 that has requested the generation of the metadata based on the destination information and / or action information included in the data. The generated DFM module 22 is notified that the metadata has been generated (step S110).

  The printer 100 requests the client terminal 300 to respond to the provided service information by passing the GetResponse response to the SOAP 50 via the dispatcher 60 by the DFM module 22 (steps S111 and S112).

  In response to the request, the printer 100 transmits a SOAP message of the provided service information (“WS-Transfer GetResponse message”) to the client terminal 300 (step S113).

  As a result, the functions of the client terminal 300 and the functions of the printer 100 are linked.

  After the cooperation, the client terminal 300 issues a SOAP message 82 (“WS-Eventing Subscribe message”) requesting registration of a request event for a printer-related process such as “print” to the printer 100 (step S114).

  The printer 100 receives the SOAP message 82 transmitted from the client terminal 300 by the SOAP 50, and passes the received SOAP message 82 to the dispatcher 60 (step S115). The dispatcher 60 that receives the SOAP message 82 (receives the dispatch / notification designation of the Subscribe message) analyzes the message, and requests the requested printer-related processing based on the destination information and / or action information included in the data. The WS-Printer 21p for registering the event is specified, and a processing request event registration request (that the Subscribe message has been received) is notified to the specified WS-Printer 21p (step S116).

  When the event registration is completed by the WS-Printer 21p, the printer 100 issues a registration response, and the issued registration response is passed to the SOAP 50 via the dispatcher 60, so that the registration response of the printer-related processing request event is sent to the client terminal 300. Is requested (steps S117 and S118).

  In response to the request, the SOAP 100 transmits a SOAP message (“Subscribe Response message”) as a registration response to the client terminal 300 (step S119).

  As a result, the client terminal 300 instructs the printer 100 to execute printing of image data.

  Upon receiving a registration response from the printer 100 via the network 200, the client terminal 300 determines that printing is possible, and issues a SOAP message (“Create Print Job message”) requesting “print” to the printer 100 ( Step S120).

  The printer 100 receives the SOAP message transmitted from the client terminal 300 by the SOAP 50, and passes the received SOAP message to the dispatcher 60 (step S121). The dispatcher 60 that received the SOAP message (received the dispatch / notification designation of the Create Print Job message) analyzes the message and prints the requested image data based on the destination information and / or action information included in the data. The WS-Printer 21p that instructs the printer application 111 to execute is specified, and a print execution instruction request (that the Create PrintJob message has been received) is notified to the specified WS-Printer 21p (step S122).

  When image data is printed by the printer application 111, the printer 100 issues a print start response (Job ID) by the WS-Printer 21p, and passes the issued print start response to the SOAP 50 via the dispatcher 60. Then, the client terminal 300 is requested to send an image data printing start response (steps S123 and S124).

  In response to the request, the printer 100 transmits a SOAP message (“Create Print Job message (Job ID)”) as a print start response to the client terminal 300 (step S125).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the data communication program according to the present embodiment receives the message transmitted from the external device to the DFM module 22 or the WS-Printer 21p in common by the SOAP 50. Then, the dispatcher 60 can function to analyze the SOAP messages 81 and 82 received by the SOAP 50 and specify a function unit that notifies the request content according to the content of the message.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has each function that the image forming apparatus 100 has the data transmission / reception function for exchanging messages bidirectionally with external devices. For each function (the SOAP module is shared for each function), and based on the content of the message received by the common data transmission / reception function, the function for performing the requested processing is specified and specified. Notify the request to the function.

  Thus, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides a common data transmission / reception function to a plurality of external devices connected to the network 200 (unifies ports used for data communication). Therefore, it is possible to provide a “data communication function” that can reduce resource consumption by the data communication function and link the function of the external device with the function of the image forming apparatus 100.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, considering the case of an image forming apparatus that has few resources for operating a data communication program such as an on-board memory, the consumption of resources by the data communication function is reduced, and the functions of external devices and the low-end image forming apparatus are A data communication apparatus having a “data communication function” capable of cooperating with the functions it has will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the data communication program is read from the ROM arranged in the controller of the image forming apparatus onto the RAM and executed by the CPU, so that the functions and the image forming apparatus possessed by the external device are The linkage with the functions it had had been realized. However, in the present embodiment, the SOAP module group is mounted in another device in the data communication program according to the first embodiment, and a low-end image forming device (an image forming device equipped with hardware having low specifications) Since the data communication device is arranged between the external device and the low-end image forming apparatus, a common data transmission / reception function is provided to a plurality of external devices connected to the network (data). Ports used in communication can be unified), resource consumption by the data communication function can be reduced, and the function of the external device and the function of the low-end image forming apparatus can be linked.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The technical matters similar to those of the first embodiment are not described in the present embodiment by using the drawings and reference numerals described in the first embodiment.

<Data communication system>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system including the image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n and the data communication apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the data communication system according to the present embodiment, a data communication apparatus 400 having functions of SOAP 50 (message transmission / reception unit 71) and dispatcher 60 (message control unit 74) is connected via a network 200. The image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n are arranged between the external device and the image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n. Further, the data communication apparatus 400 considers that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n are connected, and data that flows on the network 200 to which external devices are connected is converted to data to which the image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n are connected. It also has a routing function for relaying from the communication device 400 to the network.

<Details of data communication function>
A dispatch process performed in the “data communication function” of the data communication apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<< Dispatch processing (specification of functional part according to message contents) >>
The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is processing when a “WS-Eventing Subscribe message” which is a SOAP message 82 is received.

(The functional part is specified from the analysis result)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of SOAP messages 81 and 82 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
When the message control unit 74 analyzes the SOAP message 81 shown in FIG. 10A, the character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/09/transfer/ A character string “transfer / Get” (broken frame A in the figure) corresponding to the action information is found from Get </ wsa: Action> ”, and the device information providing unit 72 that performs the requested processing is specified.

  When the SOAP message 82 shown in FIG. 10B is analyzed, the character string “<wsa: Action> http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2004/08/eventing/Subscribe </ wsa” in the message is analyzed. : Character string “eventing / Subscribe” (broken frame B2 in the figure) corresponding to the action information is found from Action> ”.

  However, in the case of a “WS-Eventing Subscribe message” such as the SOAP message 82, the final functional unit cannot be specified only by the action information described above. This is because a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 a to 100 n having a function requested by the “WS-Eventing Subscribe message” may be connected to the data communication apparatus 400. In such a case, the message control unit 74 must specify “which image forming apparatus 100a to 100n has made a processing request to the input unit 73a or the output unit 73b” from the external device. Therefore, in the data communication apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment, association data 91 similar to that in the first embodiment is held in advance.

  As a result, the message control unit 74 starts with the character string “http: of destination information from the character string“ <wsa: To> http://192.168.xxx.xxx:53XX1 </ wsa: To> ”in the message. //192.168.xxx.xxx "(broken frame B1a in the figure) When this character string is used as a reference key, a routing table (not shown) used in the routing function is referenced, and an image is formed from the corresponding IP address. Identify devices 100a-n. Further, when the message control unit 74 finds the character string “53XX1” (broken frame B1b in the figure) of the destination information, the message control unit 74 refers to the association data 91 shown in FIG. The output unit 73b that performs the requested processing is specified from the function name ("WS-Printer" in the figure) set in the corresponding "assigned app" information item.

  The message control unit 74 notifies the request content of the SOAP message 82 to the functional units of the identified image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n.

  As described above, the data communication apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment has the configuration including the message control unit 74 described above, thereby reducing the resource consumption due to the data communication function, and the functions of the external device and the low-end image. A “data communication function” capable of linking the functions of the forming apparatuses 100a to 100n is realized.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the data communication apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment has a data transmission / reception function for exchanging messages bidirectionally with external devices. The image forming apparatuses 100a to 100a that perform the requested processing based on the content of the message received by the common data transmission / reception function, and are shared by the respective functions (the SOAP module is shared by the functions). n and the function of the device are specified, and the request contents are notified to the specified function.

  Thereby, the data communication apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment provides a common data transmission / reception function to a plurality of external devices connected to the network 200 (unifies ports used for data communication). It is possible to provide a “data communication function” that can reduce the consumption of resources by the data communication function and link the function of the external device with the function of the low-end image forming apparatus 100.

  Up to this point, the present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments. The “data communication function” of the image forming apparatus 100 according to each embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The data communication program according to the present embodiment including the processing procedure can be realized by being executed by the CPU 13c disposed in the controller 13 included in the image forming apparatus 100. Accordingly, the data communication program included in the image forming apparatus 100 according to each embodiment of the present invention can be stored in the recording medium 12b readable by the image forming apparatus 100.

  A data communication program according to each embodiment is stored in a recording medium 12b such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like, and can read the recording medium 12b. The image forming apparatus 100 can be installed from the recording medium 12b via the storage medium I / F 12 having the apparatus 12a. Since the image forming apparatus 100 includes the data communication I / F 14 having the interface device 14a, the data communication program can be downloaded and installed using an electric communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, the apparatus that cooperates with the external device described in the second embodiment is not limited to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatuses 100a to 100n are an example of apparatuses to be linked, and may be apparatuses that can provide an application function to be installed by a standardized Web service. In addition, the device having the data communication function described in the second embodiment may not be a device dedicated to the data communication function described in the second embodiment. For example, the device may be a print server or a power management device. Any device may be used as long as it has an environment in which a program for realizing the data communication function according to the second embodiment can be installed and executed and includes hardware that can be connected to the network 200.

  Finally, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown here, such as combinations of other elements with the shapes listed in the above embodiments. With respect to these points, the present invention can be changed within a range that does not detract from the gist of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the software structure of NCS which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a WS-MFP module group and a SOAP according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of the data communication function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the SOAP message which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the association data which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the basic processing procedure of the data communication function which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the system comprised from the image forming apparatus and data communication apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the SOAP message which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Operation Panel 11a Input Device 11b Display Device 12 Storage Media I / F
12a drive device 12b recording medium 13 controller 13a ROM
13b RAM
13c CPU
14 Data communication I / F
14a interface device 15 scanner 15a image reading device 16 plotter 16a printing device 17 HDD
20 WS-MFP module group 21p WS-Printer
21s WS-Scanner
22 DFM module 31 WS-Discovery
32 WS-Transfer
33 WS-MetadataExchange
34 WSD-Manager
41p PrinterDCP
41s Scanner DCP
42 WS-Eventing
50 SOAP
51 SOAP message transmission / reception 52 SOAP message generation 60 Dispatcher 71 Message transmission / reception unit 72 Device information providing unit 73 Application management unit 73a Output unit 73b Input unit 74 Message control unit 81 WS-Transfer Get message 82 WS-Eventing Subscribe message 91 Association data 100, 100a-n Image forming apparatus 101 Hardware resource 102 Engine I / F
103 API
110 Software group 111 Printer application 112 Copy application 113 Fax application 114 Scanner application 115 Net file application 116 Process inspection application 117 Distribution application 120 Platform 121 OS
122 SCS
123 SRM
124 ECS
125 MCS
126 OCS
127 FCS
128 NCS
129 IMH
130 Application 140 Starter 150 Control Service 200 Network 300 Client Terminal (PC)
400 Data communication device

Claims (12)

In response to a request from an external device, the first function that provides device information including application information of the image forming apparatus to the external device, and the application that has received the request from the external device executes processing An image forming apparatus having at least one second function
A request message for requesting processing to the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device is common to a plurality of functions including the first function and the second function. Receiving means for receiving;
In a multi-process environment in which the first function and the second function operate in different processes, processing requested by the request message is performed based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving unit. Message control means for specifying either the first function or the second function to be performed, and notifying the specified content of the request message to the specified first function or the second function; An image forming apparatus comprising: The message control means includes
Specifying either the first function or the second function for performing the requested process based on the information about the destination of the request message and / or the information about the process requested by the request message. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The software component that implements the receiving means and the message control means is:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus operates in a process different from a process in which the first function and the second function of the image forming apparatus operate. The software component that implements the receiving means and the message control means is:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus operates in the same process. The receiving means includes
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request message transmitted from the external device is received by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). 6. In response to a request from an external device, the first function that provides device information including application information of the image forming apparatus to the external device, and the application that has received the request from the external device executes processing A data communication apparatus that performs bidirectional data communication between the image forming apparatus having at least one second function and the external device,
Receiving means for receiving a request message for requesting processing to the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device;
In a multi-process environment in which the first function and the second function operate in different processes, processing requested by the request message based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving unit The image forming apparatus that performs the above and the first function or the second function of the image forming apparatus are specified, and the first function or the second of the specified image forming apparatus is specified. And a message control means for notifying the function of the request message of the request message. The message control means includes
The image forming apparatus that performs a requested process based on information on a notification destination of the request message and / or information on a process requested by the request message, and the first function or the first function of the image forming apparatus The data communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one of the two functions is specified. The receiving means includes
8. The data communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pre-request message transmitted from the external device is received by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). In response to a request from an external device, the first function that provides device information including application information of the image forming apparatus to the external device, and the application that has received the request from the external device executes processing A data communication method for performing bidirectional data communication between an image forming apparatus having at least one second function and the external device,
A request message for requesting processing to the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device is common to a plurality of functions including the first function and the second function. The receiving procedure to receive,
In a multi-process environment in which the first function and the second function operate in different processes, processing requested by the request message based on predetermined information of the request message received by the reception procedure A message control procedure for specifying either the first function or the second function for performing the notification, and notifying the specified content of the request message to the first function or the second function And a data communication method. The message control procedure includes:
Specifying either the first function or the second function for performing the requested process based on the information about the destination of the request message and / or the information about the process requested by the request message. The data communication method according to claim 9, wherein: The reception procedure is as follows:
11. The data communication method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the request message transmitted from the external device is received by SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol). In response to a request from an external device, the first function that provides device information including application information of the image forming apparatus to the external device, and the application that has received the request from the external device executes processing A data communication program for performing bidirectional data communication between an image forming apparatus having at least one or more second functions and the external device,
Computer
Receiving means for receiving a request message for requesting processing to the first function or the second function transmitted from the external device;
In a multi-process environment in which the first function and the second function operate in different processes, processing requested by the request message based on predetermined information of the request message received by the receiving unit Message control means for specifying either the first function or the second function for performing the notification and notifying the specified content of the request message to the specified first function or the second function Data communication program to function as.

Images