JP5089741B2 - Image processing apparatus and user information transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and a user information acquiring method in which one image processing apparatus can use user information held in the other image processing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus 1b in which a program 24 performs prescribed processing using acquired user information including an acquisition destination selecting function for enabling an operator to select at least other image processing apparatus 1a as an acquisition destination of user information; and a user information selecting function which causes the operator to select one user information items from among one or more user information items 101a held in the other image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination of user information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and user information transmission method, in particular an image processing apparatus performing predetermined processing by the user information relates to a user information transmission method in the image processing apparatus.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses in which the functions of apparatuses such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in a single housing have been known. In such an image processing apparatus, a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like are provided in one casing, and four types of software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are provided, and the software is switched. It operates as a printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of the image processing apparatus as described above.

  Such an image processing apparatus is used by being connected to a network system composed of one or more clients, servers, other image processing apparatuses, or the like. Accordingly, image processing apparatuses often preset destination data such as e-mail addresses and facsimile numbers used for copying, scanners, facsimiles and the like as user information.

  Conventionally, setting of user information for an image processing apparatus is often performed for each image processing apparatus. That is, in the conventional image processing apparatus, only user information set in advance can be used. For this reason, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the functions of the printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner cannot be used for some reason such as failure, the user information set in the image processing apparatus cannot be used. was there.

  For example, when performing facsimile using user information set only for one image processing apparatus, if the facsimile function of the image processing apparatus fails, it is not possible to send a fax from the one image processing apparatus. Since there is no corresponding user information, it was not possible to send a fax from another image processing apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an image processing apparatus and a user information transmission method that can use user information held by another image processing apparatus in one image processing apparatus. Objective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that includes a scanner or facsimile hardware resource and transmits scanner data or facsimile data to a desired destination. User information holding means capable of holding user information including at least a destination to which data or facsimile data is transmitted, and another image processing apparatus for the destination included in the user information held in the user information holding means is scanner data Alternatively, an acquisition request receiving means for receiving the user information acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus for transmitting facsimile data, and the user information holding means based on the acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving means. The user information held in the request is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus as the request source Characterized in that it comprises a signal unit.

The present invention further comprises a scanner or facsimile hardware resource and user information holding means capable of holding user information including at least a destination to which the scanner data or facsimile data is transmitted, and the scanner data or facsimile data is set as a desired destination. A user information transmitting method in an image processing apparatus for transmitting to another image processing apparatus for transmitting scanner data or facsimile data to a destination included in the user information held in the user information holding means. In addition, an acquisition request receiving step for receiving the user information acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus, and the user information held in the user information holding means based on the acquisition request received in the acquisition request receiving step. Is transmitted to the other image processing apparatus as the request source. Characterized in that it comprises and.

  In the present invention, another image processing apparatus can be selected as the acquisition destination of user information by the acquisition destination selection function, and the user information held by the other image processing apparatus selected as the acquisition destination of user information is stored in the user. The information selection function allows the operator to select.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the user information held by another image processing apparatus selected as the user information acquisition destination can be selected from one image processing apparatus, so the user information held by the other image processing apparatus Can be used with one image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, user information held by another image processing apparatus can be used by one image processing apparatus.

It is a block diagram of one Example of the image processing apparatus by this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of one Example of the image processing apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram of an example showing two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is a figure for demonstrating the acquisition request of a user information, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request. It is an image figure of an example of the address book screen which a scanner application displays on an operation panel. It is a data structure figure of an example showing the relationship between heading information and entry information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which a scanner application acquires user information of its own device from a UCS and displays an address book screen. It is a block diagram of an example showing the details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is an image figure of an example of the acquisition destination selection screen which selects the acquisition destination of user information. It is an image figure of 1st Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 2nd Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 3rd Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 4th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 5th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 6th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 7th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the acquisition request of an external device information, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process of acquiring external device information from UCS and displaying an external device information list screen on an operation panel. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for adding external device information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the process which changes external apparatus information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for deleting external device information. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram (1/2) of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram (2/2) illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the process which acquires the detailed information of an image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of a detailed information list screen. It is an image figure of an example of the process which restrict | limits the user information to provide according to the security level of another image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of another example of a process for restricting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 1st processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 2nd processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a heading information entry acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a third process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a designated page entry information acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 4th processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the designated number entry information acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 5th processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a search entry acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a sixth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of the screen for matching a data structure. It is an image figure of an example of the screen for uniting the number of entries. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which performs the setting of a data list. It is a flowchart of another example of the process which performs the setting of a data list. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in an HDD of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is a power cut. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in an SD (Secure Digital) card of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is a power cut. It is a block diagram of an example showing the details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a first process for checking the capability of another image processing apparatus in advance and determining whether or not drawing data can be created and provided by another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of an error display screen. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a second process for checking in advance the capability of another image processing apparatus and determining whether or not drawing data can be created and provided by the other image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of third processing for checking in advance the capability of another image processing apparatus and determining whether or not drawing data can be created and provided by the other image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a first process for displaying drawing data created by another image processing apparatus on an operation panel of the own apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of an example of an address book use start request function. It is an image figure of an example of the screen produced by another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of the address book screen displayed on an operation panel. It is an image figure of an example of drawing data. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a second process for displaying drawing data created by another image processing apparatus on the operation panel of the own apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a search request function. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for notifying another image processing apparatus of the start of lending a screen. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for notifying another image processing apparatus of the end of lending a screen. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a first process when the address book screen displayed on the operation panel is operated. It is an image figure of an example of the address book screen displayed on the screen produced by the other image processing apparatus and an operation panel. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a second process when the address book screen displayed on the operation panel is operated. It is an image figure of another example of the address book screen displayed on the screen produced by the other image processing apparatus, and an operation panel. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for acquiring detailed information including entry information from another image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram of an example showing the details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for checking in advance the UCS capability of another image processing apparatus and determining whether or not user information can be transmitted from the UCS of another image processing apparatus to the UCS of its own apparatus. . FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a scanner application acquires user information from a UCS of its own device or another image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which a scanner application ends acquisition of user information from a UCS of another image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which a scanner application acquires user information from UCS of another image processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of an example of an entry information acquisition request function. It is an image figure of an example of an address book screen. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when one entry is selected from an address book screen created using entry information managed by UCS of another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of an address book screen. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for checking the security level of another image processing apparatus in advance and determining the type of encryption. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for determining an encryption type and an encryption range within a security level range of another image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus when registering an encryption key. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for checking the identity of encryption keys registered in each image processing apparatus.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus is described as an example, but any information processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing using user information may be used. Moreover, although user information is described as an example, any information used for performing predetermined processing may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is configured to include a software group 2, a multifunction machine starting unit 3, and hardware resources 4.

  The multi-function apparatus starting unit 3 is executed when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered on, reads the programs of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 from a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD), and transfers each read program to a memory area to start up. To do. The hardware resource 4 includes a plotter 11, a scanner 12, and other hardware resources 13 such as a facsimile. The software group 2 includes an application layer 5 and a platform 6 that are activated on an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) such as UNIX (registered trademark).

  The application layer 5 includes a printer application 21, a copy application 22, a fax application 23, a scanner application 24, and a net file application 25 as programs for performing unique processing relating to image formation such as a printer, copy, fax, and scanner. Including. The network file application 25 is an application for a network file, and manages data communication with network devices (including other image processing devices) connected to the image processing device 1 via the network.

  The platform 6 interprets a processing request from the application layer 5 and generates a hardware resource 4 acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources 4 to control the control service layer 9 It includes an SRM (system resource manager) 40 that arbitrates acquisition requests, and a handler layer 10 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to acquisition requests from the SRM 40.

  The control service layer 9 is configured to include one or more service modules such as NCS31, DCS32, OCS33, FCS34, ECS35, MCS36, UCS37, CCS38, and SCS39. The platform 6 is configured to have an API 43 that receives a processing request from the application layer 5 using a predefined function. The OS executes the software of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in parallel as processes.

  A process of an NCS (network control service) 31 performs mediation when distributing data received from the network side by each protocol to each application, or mediating when data from each application is transmitted to the network side. For example, the NCS 31 controls data communication with a network device connected to the image processing apparatus via a network.

  A process of DCS (Delivery Control Service) 32 performs control such as delivery of document data stored in the image processing apparatus 1. The process of the OCS (operation panel control service) 33 controls the operation panel described later.

  The process of FCS (fax control service) 34 is to send and receive faxes from the application layer 5 using the PSTN or ISDN network, register or quote various fax data managed in the backup memory, read faxes, receive faxes. Provides an API for printing and the like.

  The process of the ECS (engine control service) 35 controls engine units such as the plotter 11, the scanner 12, and the hardware resource 13. The process of the MCS (memory control service) 36 performs control such as acquisition or release of memory, use of the HDD, compression and decompression of image data, and the like. The UCS (User Information Control Service) 37 process manages user information.

  A process of CCS (security control service) 38 provides a security service to the program of the application layer 5. The process of the SCS (system control service) 39 performs processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt application control.

  The process of the SRM 40 controls the system and manages the hardware resources 4 together with the SCS 39. For example, the process of the SRM 40 arbitrates in accordance with an acquisition request from an upper layer that uses the hardware resources 4 such as the plotter 11 and the scanner 12 and controls the execution of the hardware resources 4.

  Specifically, the process of the SRM 40 determines whether or not the hardware resource 4 requested to be acquired is usable (whether it is not used due to another acquisition request). 4 is notified to the upper layer that 4 is available. The process of the SRM 40 performs scheduling for using the hardware resource 4 in response to an acquisition request from an upper layer, and the requested contents (paper transport and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) Implemented directly.

  The handler layer 10 includes an FCUH (fax control unit handler) 41 for managing an FCU (fax control unit), which will be described later, and an IMH (image memory handler) 42 for allocating memory to the process and managing the memory allocated to the process. Including. The SRM 40 and the FCUH 41 make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 using an engine I / F 44 that transmits a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function.

  With the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 can centrally process processes that are commonly required for each application by the platform 6. Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a controller 60, an operation panel 80, an FCU 81, and an engine unit 82. 2 includes a CPU 61, a system memory 62, an NB (North Bridge) 63, an SB (South Bridge) 64, an ASIC 66, a local memory 67, an HDD 68, a network interface card (NIC) 69, and the like. , An I / F 70 for USB, an I / F 71 for IEEE 1394, and an I / F 72 for Centronics.

  The operation panel 80 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60. Further, the FCU 81 and the engine unit 82 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 via the PCI bus 83. In the controller 60, the local memory 67, the HDD 68, and the like are connected to the ASIC 66, and the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63 of the CPU chip set. The controller 60 corresponds to the case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed by connecting the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 via the NB 63.

  The ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 65. As described above, in order to control the execution of one or more processes forming the application layer 5 and the platform 6 of FIG. 1, the performance is degraded by connecting the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 via the AGP 65 instead of the low-speed PCI bus. Is preventing.

  The CPU 61 performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 1. The CPU 61 starts and executes NCS31, DCS32, OCS33, FCS34, ECS35, MCS36, UCS37, CCS38, and SCS39 as processes on the OS, as well as the printer application 21, copy application 22, and fax application that form the application layer 5. 23, the scanner application 24 and the net file application 25 are activated and executed.

  The NB 63 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 61, system memory 62, SB 64, ASIC 66, NIC 69, USB I / F 70, IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and Centronics I / F 72. The SB 64, NIC 69, USB I / F 70, IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and Centronics I / F 72 are connected to the NB 63 via the PCI bus 73. The SB 64 is a bridge for connecting the PCI bus 73 to the ROM, peripheral devices, and the like.

  The system memory 62 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like. The local memory 67 is a memory used as an image buffer and a code buffer for copying. The ASIC 66 is an IC for use in image processing having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 68 is an example of a storage (auxiliary storage device) that stores image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, and the like.

  The NIC 69 is an interface that connects the image processing apparatus 1 to a network. The USB I / F 70, the IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and the Centronics I / F 72 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards. The operation panel 80 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator. The FCU 81 has a memory. The memory of the FCU 81 is used for temporarily storing facsimile data received when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered off, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example showing two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 3, the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN (local area network) or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. The image processing apparatus 1b is preliminarily set with user information 101b as user information of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  Hereinafter, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a will be described. As described above, examples in which the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a include a case where only the scanner function or the fax function of the image processing apparatus 1a has failed or the image processing apparatus. A case where another person occupies 1a can be considered.

  First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 as an example of a module that uses user information receives user information of the own device from the UCS 37 as an example of a module that manages user information. A process for acquiring and displaying the address book screen will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a user information acquisition request, addition request, change request, and deletion request. In FIG. 4, configurations that are not necessary for description are omitted. The UCS 37 included in the image processing apparatus 1b centrally manages the user information 101b. The user information 101b managed by the UCS 37 includes data items such as a name, a mail address, and a FAX number. The UCS 37 provides the user information 101b to the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39 in response to an acquisition request from the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39. The UCS 37 adds, changes, or deletes the user information 101b in response to an addition request, a change request, or a deletion request from the SCS 39.

  The fax application 23 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the user information 101b, acquires the user information 104 necessary for the fax function from the user information 101b, and displays the address book screen 110 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 104. To do. Address book screen 110 displays destinations (for example, FAX numbers) to which fax data can be transmitted.

  The scanner application 24 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the user information 101b, acquires the user information 105 necessary for the scanner function among the user information, and displays the address book screen 120 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105. . The address book screen 120 displays destinations (e.g., mail addresses) to which the scanner data can be transmitted.

  The system initial setting function 103 of the SCS 39 requests the UCS 37 to acquire, add, change, and delete user information 101b, and acquire, add, change, and delete necessary user information in the user information 101b. The soft keyboard function 102 of the SCS 39 displays a soft keyboard on the operation panel 80 and controls the soft keyboard.

  Here, the address book screen 120 displayed on the operation panel 80 by the scanner application 24 will be further described. FIG. 5 is an image diagram of an example of an address book screen displayed on the operation panel by the scanner application. For example, when a hard key for activating the scanner application 24 provided in the housing of the image processing apparatus 1 is pressed, the scanner application 24 acquires the user information 105 from the UCS 37 as described above, and the user information 105 is acquired. The address book screen 121 is displayed on the operation panel 80 by using it.

  The address book screen 121 of FIG. 5 includes twelve entries having e-mail addresses belonging to the heading “common”. When the operator operates the operation panel 80 to select the entry “0001 Ota” from the address book screen 121, the scanner application 24 displays the address book screen 122 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105. The address book screen 122 in FIG. 5 includes a mail address “ohta@ricoh.jp” associated with the entry “0001 Ota”.

  The headers and entries included in the address book screens 121 and 122 are managed as follows by the UCS 37 as header information and entry information that are part of the user information 101b.

  FIG. 6 is an exemplary data structure diagram showing the relationship between the heading information and the entry information. The heading information is configured to include a heading ID, a heading name, belonging entry information, and the like. The affiliation entry information is configured to include an array of entry IDs. The heading ID is an identifier that identifies the heading. The heading name is a display name such as “common” or “a” displayed as a heading. The array of entry IDs is an array of entry IDs of entries belonging to the heading.

  On the other hand, the entry information is configured to include an entry ID, name, display name, entry type, user code information, mail information, FAX information, affiliation information, authentication information, group information, header information, and the like.

  The user code information is configured to include a user code and usage restrictions. The mail information is configured to include a mail address. The FAX information is configured to include a FAX number. The affiliation information is configured to include a company name, a department name, and the like. The authentication information is configured to include a password and the like. The group information is configured to include a group ID and the like. The heading information is configured to include a heading ID and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heading information and the entry information are associated with each other by an entry ID array included in the belonging entry information of the heading information. The entry information is information of a minimum unit for distinguishing entries. That is, an entry can be displayed if there is entry information. Further, the entry belonging to the heading can be determined from the array of entry IDs included in the belonging entry information. Furthermore, the mail address of the selected entry can be determined from the mail information included in the entry information. Therefore, the scanner application 24 can display the address book screens 121 and 122 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105 acquired from the UCS 37.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which the scanner application acquires user information of its own device from the UCS and displays the address book screen. In step S1, a soft key for starting the scanner application 24 provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a scanner screen transition button) is pressed, and the key ID of the scanner screen transition button is pressed from the operation panel 80. Is sent to the SCS 39.

  In step S 2, the SCS 39 transmits a scanner migration notification to the scanner application 24 according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80. In step S3, the scanner application 24 checks whether the scanner can be executed. In step S4, the scanner application 24 determines whether or not the shift to the scanner is OK according to the confirmed execution possibility. If the migration is OK (YES in S4), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S8.

  On the other hand, if the migration is NG (NO in S4), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S5 and transmits a migration impossibility notification to the SCS 39. Proceeding to step S6, the SCS 39 sounds a buzzer for rejection in response to the received notification of migration failure. Then, the SCS 39 proceeds to step S7 and ends the process.

  In step S8, the scanner application 24 transmits a migratable response to the SCS 39. In step S9, the SCS 39 transmits a scanner migration permission to the scanner application 24 in accordance with the received migratable response. In step S 10, the scanner application 24 creates data for displaying a “please wait screen” on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received scanner migration permission. In step S11, the scanner application 24 transmits the data created in step S10 to the operation panel 80 and requests display of a “please wait screen”. In step S 12, the operation panel 80 displays a “Please wait screen” on the operation panel 80.

  In step S 13, the scanner application 24 transmits a header information acquisition request to the UCS 37. In step S14, the UCS 37 transmits the header information to the scanner application 24 in response to the received header information acquisition request. In step S15, the scanner application 24 transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the header information acquired in step S14. The scanner application 24 makes an entry information acquisition request in accordance with the array of entry IDs included in the belonging entry information of the header information acquired in step S14.

  In step S16, the UCS 37 transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 in response to the received entry information acquisition request. Proceeding to step S17, the scanner application 24 determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired according to the heading information acquired at step S14, in other words, entry information to be acquired.

  If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S17), the scanner application 24 returns to step S15 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S17), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S18, and uses the received heading information and entry information to display the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. Create data to be displayed on the screen. In step S 19, the scanner application 24 sends the data created in step S 18 to the operation panel 80 and requests display of the address book screen 121. In step S20, the operation panel 80 displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80. Further, the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S21, transmits a migration response to the SCS 39, and ends the process.

  Next, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 acquires user information from the UCS 37 of another machine and displays the address book screens 121 and 122 on the operation panel 80 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an example showing details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 8, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted. In FIG. 8, the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. In the image processing apparatus 1b, user information 101b is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can transmit and receive user information by being an FTP server / client.

  For example, when the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a, the scanner application 24 requests the user information 101a from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. Then, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires the user information 101a of the own apparatus via the UCS 37, and transmits the user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Note that the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmit and receive user information via the network 100 with the NCS 31 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b.

  FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired. The image processing apparatus 1b according to the present invention can select a user information acquisition destination as follows.

  FIG. 9 is an image diagram of an example of an acquisition destination selection screen for selecting an acquisition destination of user information. For example, when the button 124 on the address book screen 121 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed by the operator, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b displays the acquisition destination selection screen 123 on the operation panel 80. The acquisition destination selection screen 123 selects a button 125 for selecting the user information 101b of the own device as an acquisition destination and a distribution server (not shown) compliant with LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) as the acquisition destination. And a button 127 for selecting another image processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 1a as an acquisition destination.

  The operator of the image processing apparatus 1b can proceed to the process of selecting another image processing apparatus as the acquisition destination of the user information by pressing the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80. . Note that a plurality of types of processing for selecting other image processing apparatuses are conceivable and will be described in order.

  The first process for selecting another image processing apparatus is to allow the operator to input the IP address or host name of the other image processing apparatus. For example, when the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 128 for inputting an IP address or host name on the operation panel 80. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of the first embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address or host name as the acquisition destination of the user information by inputting the IP address or host name of the image processing apparatus on the screen 128.

  In the second process of selecting another image processing apparatus, an IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 selects the IP address of one image processing apparatus from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address. For this purpose is displayed on the operation panel 80. FIG. 11 is an image diagram of a second embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus.

  Note that the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address can be realized by using, for example, MIB (management information base). By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 129, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  In the third process of selecting another image processing apparatus, an icon list of the image processing apparatuses registered in advance is displayed on the operation panel 80 and selected by the operator. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 130 for selecting one image processing device icon from the image processing device icon list. To display. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of a third embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus.

  The icon list of the image processing apparatus on the screen 130 can be realized by using, for example, the contents described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-92763. By selecting one icon from the image processing apparatus icon list displayed on the screen 130, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the icon as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  In the fourth process of selecting another image processing apparatus, a list of IP addresses of image processing apparatuses registered in advance is displayed on the operation panel 80 and selected by the operator. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 131 for selecting the IP address of one image processing device from the IP address list of the image processing device. It is displayed on the operation panel 80. FIG. 13 is an image diagram of a fourth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 131, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  The fifth process of selecting another image processing apparatus includes detailed information on the image processing apparatus selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus registered in advance and the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Are displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select them. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 132 for selecting the IP address of one image processing device from the IP address list of the image processing device. It is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 14 is an image diagram of a fifth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 132 displays the IP address list of the image processing apparatus registered in advance and the image processing apparatus having the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Including detailed information. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting an image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition source.

  The operator selects one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 132 with reference to the detailed information, and the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address is used as the acquisition destination of the user information. You can choose. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 132 of FIG. 14, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  The sixth process of selecting another image processing apparatus is a list of IP addresses of image processing apparatuses that cannot be used due to a failure at that time, and an image process selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Detailed information of the apparatus is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 is a screen for selecting the IP address of one image processing apparatus from the IP address list of the image processing apparatuses that cannot be used. 133 is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 15 is an image diagram of a sixth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 133 displays the IP address list of the image processing apparatus that cannot be used and the detailed information of the image processing apparatus having the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Including. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting the image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition source, such as the reason why the image processing apparatus cannot be used.

  A list of IP addresses of unusable image processing apparatuses can be realized by using, for example, MIB. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 133, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 133 of FIG. 15, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  The seventh process of selecting another image processing device includes a list of IP addresses of image processing devices that meet a predetermined condition, and detailed information of the image processing device selected from the IP address list of the image processing device at that time. Is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 causes the IP address of one image processing apparatus to be selected from a list of IP addresses of the image processing apparatus that match a predetermined condition. A screen 134 for displaying is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 16 is an image diagram of a seventh embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 134 displays an image of the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having an address book of address version 2 or higher and the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Detailed information of the processing device. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting the image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition destination, such as an address version of the image processing apparatus.

  The IP address list of the image processing apparatus filtered by a predetermined condition such as an address version can be realized by using ping. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 134, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 134 of FIG. 16, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  Here, the process of pre-registering the icon or IP address of the image processing apparatus in the third process and the fourth process of selecting another image processing apparatus will be described. First, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 as an example of a module that uses external device information pre-registers the external device information in the UCS 37 as an example of a module that manages external device information will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an external device information acquisition request, addition request, change request, and deletion request. In FIG. 17, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted. The UCS 37 included in the image processing apparatus 1b centrally manages the external device information 170. The external device information 170 managed by the UCS 37 includes information regarding external devices such as an IP address, authentication information, location information, and host name.

  The UCS 37 provides the external device information 170 to the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39 in response to an acquisition request from the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39. The UCS 37 adds, changes, or deletes the external device information 170 in response to an addition request, a change request, or a deletion request from the SCS 39.

  The fax application 23 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the external device information 170, acquires external device information 171 necessary for selecting or using the external device from the external device information 170, and uses the external device information 171. An acquisition destination selection screen 130 as shown in FIG. 12 or an acquisition destination selection screen 131 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation panel 80. The scanner application 24 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the external device information 170, acquires external device information 172 necessary for selecting or using the external device from the external device information 170, and uses the external device information 172. An acquisition destination selection screen 130 as shown in FIG. 12 or an acquisition destination selection screen 131 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  The system initial setting function 103 of the SCS 39 makes an acquisition request, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request for the external device information 170 to the UCS 37, and external device information necessary for selecting or using an external device from the external device information 170. Acquire, add, change, and delete. The soft keyboard function 102 of the SCS 39 displays a soft keyboard on the operation panel 80 and controls the soft keyboard.

  Further, details of the acquisition processing, addition processing, change processing, and deletion processing of the external device information 170 performed by the SCS 39 will be described. The acquisition request for the external device information 170 performed by the fax application 23 and the scanner application 24 is the same as the acquisition processing for the external device information 170 performed by the SCS 39.

  FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring external device information from the UCS and displaying an external device information list screen on the operation panel. In step S31, the add / change / delete button of the external device information displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, and this is notified to the SCS 39.

  In step S 32, the SCS 39 transmits an external device ID list acquisition request to the UCS 37. In step S33, the UCS 37 reads the array of external device IDs in the external device information 170 in response to the received external device ID list acquisition request, and transmits the array of external device IDs to the SCS 39 as external device ID information. In step S34, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S35, the UCS 37 transmits the external device information to the SCS 39 in response to the received external device information acquisition request.

  Proceeding to step S36, the SCS 39 determines whether there is still external device information to be acquired according to the external device ID information acquired at step S33, in other words, external device information to be acquired. If it is determined that there is still external device information to be acquired (YES in S36), SCS 39 returns to step S34 and continues the processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no more external device information to be acquired (NO in S36), the SCS 39 proceeds to step S37 and creates data for displaying the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80. In step S 38, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S 37 to the operation panel 80 and displays an external device information list screen on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for adding external device information. In step S41, the external device information new registration button displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, and the SCS 39 is notified of this. Although not shown, the SCS 39 creates data for causing the operation panel 80 to display a new registration screen for external device information after step S41, and transmits the data to the operation panel 80 for new registration. The screen is displayed.

  In step S42, the operator inputs the external device information on the new registration screen displayed on the operation panel 80. When the input of the external device information is completed, the operator presses a registration button for external device information displayed on the operation panel 80. When the registration button of the external device information displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the operation panel 80 proceeds to step S43, and transmits the external device information input on the new registration screen to the SCS 39.

  In step S44, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information addition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device information. The UCS 37 adds external device information corresponding to the external device information addition request to the external device information 170 registered in advance. Then, the UCS 37 proceeds to step S45, notifies the SCS 39 of the result of adding the external device information corresponding to the external device information addition request to the external device information 170 registered in advance, and ends the processing.

  FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for changing external device information. In step S51, the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information from the external device information list screen displayed on the operation panel 80. The operation panel 80 notifies the SCS 39 of external device ID information corresponding to the pressed button. In step S52, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S53, the UCS 37 transmits external device information to the SCS 39 in response to the received external device information acquisition request.

  In step S54, the SCS 39 creates data for displaying the external device information edit screen on the operation panel 80. In step S55, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S54 to the operation panel 80 and displays an external device information editing screen on the operation panel 80. In step S56, the operator changes the external device information on the external device information edit screen displayed on the operation panel 80. When the external device information has been changed, the operator presses the external device information change button displayed on the operation panel 80. When the external device information change button displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the operation panel 80 proceeds to step S57, and transmits the changed external device information to the SCS 39.

  In step S58, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information change request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device information. The UCS 37 changes the external device information 170 in response to the external device information change request. Then, the UCS 37 proceeds to step S59, notifies the SCS 39 of the result of changing the external device information 170 in response to the external device information change request, and ends the processing.

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for deleting external device information. In step S61, the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information from the external device information list screen displayed on the operation panel 80. Subsequently, the operator presses a delete button displayed on the operation panel 80. The operation panel 80 notifies the SCS 39 of external device ID information corresponding to the pressed button. In step S 62, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information deletion request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S63, the UCS 37 notifies the SCS 39 of the result of deleting the external device information corresponding to the external device information deletion request from the previously registered external device information 170.

  In step S64, the SCS 39 creates data for displaying the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80. In step S65, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S64 to the operation panel 80, displays the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80, and ends the process.

  The transition of the screen displayed on the operation panel 80 when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information will be described. FIG. 22 is a transition diagram (1/2) of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. FIG. 23 is a transition diagram (2/2) illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when external device information is acquired, added, changed, or deleted.

  When the operator presses a system initial setting button 221 included in the initial setting / counter / inquiry information screen 220, the SCS 39 displays the system initial setting screen 222 on the operation panel 80. Further, when the operator presses the add / change / delete external device information button 223 included in the system initial setting screen 222, the SCS 39 displays the acquisition destination selection screen 224 on the operation panel 80. The acquisition destination selection screen 224 corresponds to an external device information list screen.

  When the operator presses a new registration button 225 included in the acquisition destination selection screen 224, the SCS 39 displays the new registration screen 226 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses the authentication button 227 included in the new registration screen 226, the SCS 39 displays the authentication information input screen 230 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses the position information button 228 included in the new registration screen 226, the SCS 39 displays the position information input screen 231 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information included in the acquisition destination selection screen 224, the SCS 39 displays an external device information editing screen (not shown) on the operation panel.

  Next, a process of acquiring detailed information of another image processing apparatus in the seventh process of selecting another image processing apparatus will be described. First, the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b as an example of a module that uses external device information receives an image from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a as an example of a module that manages detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a. Processing for acquiring detailed information of the processing device 1a will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring detailed information of the image processing apparatus. In step S71, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S72, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S71.

  If the client registration is successful, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S73, and performs a process for querying the number of user information that can be registered to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S74, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the number of user information that can be registered.

  In step S75, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs a process for inquiring the current registration number of user information to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S76, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the current registration number of user information.

  By repeating the same processing as steps S73 to S76, other data items of detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a can be acquired. The process shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24 is performed as part of the negotiation performed when the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected, for example. By using the detailed information acquired by the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24, the image processing apparatus 1b displays a detailed information list screen 250 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is an image diagram of an example of a detailed information list screen. In the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24, since the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs client registration in the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a, the data structure of detailed information can also be acquired. Therefore, the detailed information list screen of FIG. 25 can include the data structure of the detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In addition, when the image processing apparatus 1a that provides user information provides user information to another image processing apparatus 1b, the user information provided according to the security level of the other image processing apparatus 1b may be limited. it can.

  FIG. 26 is an image diagram of an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. When the operator inputs the IP address or host name of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the user information acquisition destination to the screen 260 and presses the connection button 261, the scanner application 24 performs connection processing. When the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 262 for inputting login information on the operation panel if login processing is necessary. If the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a fails, the scanner application 24 causes the operation panel 80 to display a screen 265 indicating that the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed.

  When the operator inputs the user name and password as login information on the screen 262 and presses the login button 263, the scanner application 24 performs login processing. If the login is successful, the scanner application 24 is provided with user information in a range corresponding to the security level of the own device. If login fails, the scanner application 24 causes the operation panel 80 to display a screen 266 indicating that login to the image processing apparatus 1a has failed. When the user information is provided, the scanner application 24 displays the address book screen 264 on the operation panel 80 using the user information. As described above, the image processing apparatus 1a can limit the user information provided to the image processing apparatus 1b according to the operator who has logged in.

  FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. In steps S81 and S82, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a connection request to the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the network module 270 of the own apparatus.

  In steps S83 and S84, the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a connection request response to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1b. If the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful (YES in S85), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S96 described later. On the other hand, if the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed (NO in S85), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S86, and whether the cause of the connection failure with the image processing apparatus 1a is an authentication error. Determine whether or not.

  If it is determined that the cause of the failure in connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is not an authentication error (NO in S86), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S95 to indicate that the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed. A display screen 265 is displayed on the operation panel 80, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cause of the failure in connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is an authentication error (YES in S86), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S87, and a screen 262 for inputting login information is displayed. Is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  When the operator inputs login information on the screen 262 and presses the login button 263, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs steps S88 to S90. In steps S88 to S90, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b makes a connection request with authentication information to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a via its own network module 270 and the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In steps S91 to S93, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a connection request response to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1b. . When the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful, the connection request response includes a ticket.

  If the authentication is successful (YES in S94), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S96 described later. On the other hand, if the authentication has failed (NO in S94), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S95, displays a screen 266 indicating that the login has failed on the operation panel 80, and ends the process.

  In step S96, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a user information acquisition request with a ticket to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S97 and 98, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires user information corresponding to the user information acquisition request with a ticket from the UCS 37. In step S99, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and the process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram of another example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. In the following sequence diagrams, the network module 270 is omitted. In steps S101 and S102, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a user information acquisition request with authentication information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S102, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an authentication request to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S103, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the result of the authentication request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. When the authentication fails (NO in S104), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an error code to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S105, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays screens 265, 266 and the like on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received error code.

  If the authentication is successful (YES in S104), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S106, and transmits a user information acquisition request with a ticket to the UCS 37 of its own device. In step S107, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits user information corresponding to the user information acquisition request with the ticket to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S108, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and the process ends. In the process shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 28, a ticket is not transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1b.

  Next, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b acquires user information from the image processing apparatus 1a selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired will be described. The processing for acquiring user information from other image processing apparatuses can be considered in a plurality of types depending on the difference between the data items of user information acquired at one time and the number of user information acquired at one time, and will be described in order.

  First, the process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus includes a process of acquiring all data items constituting the user information at one time and a part of data items constituting the user information (for example, the address book in FIG. 5). Data items necessary for displaying the screen 121) are acquired first, and the remaining data items constituting the user information as necessary (for example, mail addresses necessary for displaying the address book screen 122 in FIG. 5) It is distinguished from the process of acquiring.

  Further, the process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus may be the following process depending on the number of pieces of user information acquired at one time. The first process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire the total number of user information at a time. The first process for acquiring the total number of user information at a time has the advantage that only one network access is required because the total number of user information is acquired at a time.

  FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a first process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. Note that steps S111 to S120 in FIG. 29 are the same as steps S1 to S10 in FIG.

  In steps S121 and S122, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the data structure of the user information via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S123 and S124, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the data structure of user information via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S125, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b sets a data list to be described later from the acquired data structure.

  In Steps S126 and 127, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an all-user information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S128 and S129, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the total number of user information items to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  In step S130, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses a screen display OCS for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 using at least a part of the total number of received user information. Create data. In step S131, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the OCS data for screen display created in step S130 and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  The second process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus acquires user information for each headline. The second process of acquiring user information for each headline has an advantage that user information can be divided and transmitted and received because user information is acquired for each headline.

  FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a second process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 30, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S141 and S142, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a header information entry acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The header information entry acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the header information entry acquisition request function.

  FIG. 31A shows an example of parameters and return values of a header information entry acquisition request. FIG. 31B shows a specific example of the parameter of the header information entry acquisition request. In step S143, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the header ID from the header information entry acquisition request, and transmits the array of entry IDs belonging to the header ID to the scanner application 24 of the own device.

  In step S144, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. The entry information acquisition request in step S144 includes an entry ID. In step S145, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S146, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S143. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S146), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S144 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S146), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S147, and the entry information for each headline is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. To the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S 148, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b creates screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 using at least a part of the received user information. To do. In step S 149, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S 148 and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80.

  The third process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire user information for each page displayed on the address book screen. The third process of acquiring user information for each page has the advantage that the user information is acquired for each page, and therefore it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. .

  FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a third process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 32, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S151 and 152, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a specified page entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The specified page entry information acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a designated page entry information acquisition request function.

  FIG. 33A shows an example of parameters and return values of a specified page entry information acquisition request. FIG. 33B shows a specific example of parameters of the specified page entry information acquisition request. In step S153, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads out the heading ID, filter, number of acquisitions, and acquisition start position corresponding to the specified page from the specified page entry information acquisition request, and the heading ID, filter, acquisition number, acquisition start position. The array of entry IDs corresponding to the ID is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the own device.

  In step S154, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to its own UCS 37. The entry information acquisition request in step S154 includes an entry ID. In step S155, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device in accordance with the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S156, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S153. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S156), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to Step S154 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S156), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S157, and the entry information for each designated page is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Information is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S158, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S159, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the OCS data for screen display created in step S158, and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  The fourth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire user information for each designated number. The designated number may be input by the operator from the operation panel 80, or may be set in advance. Since the fourth process of acquiring user information for each specified number of items acquires user information for each specified number of items, there is an advantage that it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a fourth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. Note that in the sequence diagram of FIG. 34, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S161 and 162, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a specified number entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The specified number of entries information acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the designated number entry information acquisition request function.

  FIG. 35A shows an example of parameters and return values of the specified number of entries information acquisition request. FIG. 35B shows a specific example of parameters of the specified number of entries information acquisition request. In step S163, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the acquisition number and the acquisition start position from the specified number of entry information acquisition request, and stores the array of entry IDs according to the acquisition number and the acquisition start position in the scanner application 24 of its own device. Send.

  In step S164, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. Note that the entry information acquisition request in step S164 includes an entry ID. In step S165, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S166, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S163. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S166), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S164 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S166), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S167, and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b sends the entry information for each designated number to the user. Information is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S168, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S169, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S168 and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  A fifth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is acquired for each searched user information. Since the fifth process to be acquired for each searched user information is acquired for each searched user information, it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 36 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a fifth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 36, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In step S171, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates search screen OCS data for displaying the search screen on the operation panel 80. The search screen is used to allow the operator to specify the search conditions and the number of pieces of user information to be searched. In step S172, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the search screen OCS data created in step S171 and displays the search screen on the operation panel 80.

  The operator inputs a search condition and the number of pieces of user information acquired as search results on the search screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and then presses the search key. In step S173, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the SCS 39 of its own device that the search key has been pressed. In step S174, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search request to its scanner application 24. Note that the search request in step S174 includes the search conditions specified using the search screen and the number of pieces of user information acquired as search results.

  In steps S175 and 176, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search entry acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The search entry acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a search entry acquisition request function. FIG. 37A shows an example of parameters and return values of a search entry acquisition request. FIG. 37B shows a specific example of the parameter of the search entry acquisition request. In step S177, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the search condition and the number of user information acquired as a search result from the search entry acquisition request, and the entry ID corresponding to the search condition and the number of user information acquired as the search result. Is sent to the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In step S178, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. The entry information acquisition request in step S178 includes an entry ID. In step S179, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S180, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S177. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S180), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S178 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S180), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S181, and the searched entry information is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b as user information. To the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S182, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S183, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S182 to display the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  A sixth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is acquired for each selected user information. Since the sixth process to be acquired for each selected user information is acquired for each selected user information, it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 38 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a sixth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 38, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  The operator operates the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b to select user information. In step S191, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the user's own SCS 39 of the selected user information. In step S192, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus of user information selection.

  In step S193, 194, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The entry information acquisition request includes an entry ID corresponding to the selected user information. In step S195, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S196, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information as user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S197, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S198, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the OCS data for screen display created in step S197 to the SCS39. The SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received screen display OCS data.

  The first to sixth processes for acquiring user information from other image processing apparatuses include a process for acquiring all data items constituting user information at once and a part of data items constituting user information. A further distinction is made between the process of acquiring and acquiring the remaining data items constituting the user information as required.

  Note that the image processing apparatus 1b of the present invention can also automatically select an optimum process among the first to sixth processes for obtaining user information from the other image processing apparatuses as described above. For example, the optimum process among the first to sixth processes is selected according to the number of registered user information. Further, when the registered user information is small, a process for acquiring all data items constituting the user information at a time is selected as an optimal process. Furthermore, when there is a lot of registered user information, the process that obtains some data items that make up the user information first, and obtains the remaining data items that make up the user information as needed is the optimal process Selected as.

  Next, a device for effectively using user information acquired from another image processing apparatus will be described. For example, when there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, a data list for matching the data structure is set.

  FIG. 39 is an image diagram of an example of a screen for matching data structures. The screen of FIG. 39 shows the image of the acquisition destination when the image processing apparatus 1a of the acquisition destination can hold three “mail addresses” and the image processing apparatus 1b can hold one “mail address”. Priorities are set for the three “mail addresses” of the processing apparatus 1a. When there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, a screen for associating the data item of the user information 101a and the data item of the user information 101b is also prepared. ing.

  FIG. 40 is an image diagram of an example of a screen for matching the number of entries. In the screen 400 of FIG. 40, when 300 entries are held in the image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition destination and the number of entries that can be displayed by the image processing apparatus 1b is 200, the entries to be acquired are set as necessary. Filtering.

  When a button 401 for shifting to a filtering setting screen on the screen 400 is pressed by the operator, a filtering setting screen 410 is displayed on the operation panel 80. When the operator inputs a filtering condition on the filtering setting screen 410 and presses an OK button 411, an address book screen 420 corresponding to the filtering result is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  Note that when the operator presses the button 402 for displaying the address book screen 420 without shifting to the filtering setting screen on the screen 400, 300 images held by the image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition destination are displayed. Among the entries, 200 entries are selected in ascending order of registration numbers, and an address book screen 420 corresponding to the entries is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  When there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, the acquisition destination image processing apparatus 1a determines the user information based on a preset data list. The data structure may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1b after being matched with the data structure of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  Furthermore, when there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, the image processing apparatus 1b uses the data list received from the image processing apparatus 1a to store user information data The structure may be matched with the data structure of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an example of a process for setting a data list. In step S201, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the member of the first item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S202, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is a member. If there is a member (YES in S202), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S203, and determines whether there is the same member in the own apparatus.

  If it is determined that there is the same member in the own apparatus (YES in S204), the image processing apparatus 1b checks the number of data of the member. In step S206, if it is determined that the number of member data is different between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b (YES in S206), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the image processing apparatus 1b displays a screen as shown in FIG. 39 on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to set the priority order of data to be acquired, and then proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the number of member data is not different between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b (NO in S206), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the image processing apparatus 1b adds the results of steps S202 to S207 to the data list, and proceeds to step S209.

  If there is no member (NO in S202), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S209. If it is determined that there is no same member in the own machine (NO in S204), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the member of the next item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S210, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is a member. If there is a member (YES in S210), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S203 and continues the process. On the other hand, if there is no member (NO in S210), the image processing apparatus 1b ends the process.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart of another example of processing for setting a data list. In step S211, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the first item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S212, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is an item. If there is an item (YES in S212), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S213, and checks whether there is the same item in its own device. Proceeding to step S214, a data list for one item is created based on the result of checking whether or not there is the same item in the own device, and then proceeding to step S215.

  In step S215, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the next item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a, and proceeds to step S216. In step S216, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is an item. If there is an item (YES in S216), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S213 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if there is no item (NO in S216), the image processing apparatus 1b ends the process.

  Next, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b acquires user information from the image processing apparatus 1a when the state of the power mode of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination for acquiring user information is power cut. explain.

  FIG. 43 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in the HDD of the image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is power cut. In step S221, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a whose power mode state is power cut. In step S222, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device.

  In step S223, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a requests the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a to return to the silent mode for returning the power mode to the silent mode. If the power mode is silent, the HDD 86 can be accessed. In step S224, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a changes the state of the power mode from power cut to silent. In step S225, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the own apparatus that the power mode state has been restored from the power cut to the silent state. In step S266, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies its own UCS 37 that the HDD 68 is ready.

  In step S227, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a accesses the HDD 68 to acquire entry information. In Step S228 and Step S229, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  As described above, the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 43 is performed when the power mode of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination from which the user information is acquired is the power cut. It is possible to acquire the user information by returning the power mode to the minimum necessary range for acquiring the user information.

  FIG. 44 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring user information stored in an SD (Secure Digital) card of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is power cut. In step S231, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a whose power mode is “power cut”. In step S232, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the own apparatus.

  In step S233, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a accesses the SD card and acquires entry information. Even if the power mode is silent, access to the SD card is possible, so the power mode is not restored from the silent mode. Proceeding to step S234 and step S235, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  As described above, the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 44 is for acquiring user information even when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination for acquiring user information is power cut. If it is possible, the power mode state is not restored from the power cut.

  Next, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 acquires drawing data of the address book screens 121 and 122 from the UCS 37 of the other machine and displays the address book screens 121 and 122 on the operation panel 80 will be described. . FIG. 45 is a configuration diagram of an example showing details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 45, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted.

  In FIG. 45, image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. In the image processing apparatus 1b, user information 101b is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can transmit and receive drawing data or user information on the address book screens 121 and 122 by being an FTP server / client. .

  For example, when the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a, the scanner application 24 requests drawing data of the address book screen 121 from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. To do. Then, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires the user information 101a of the own device via the UCS 37, and creates drawing data of the address book screen 121 from the user information 101a using the OCS library of the own device. The image processing apparatus 1a transmits the created drawing data of the address book screen 121 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b exchange drawing data on the address book screen 121 via the network 100 and the NCS 31 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b. .

  FIG. 45 illustrates an example in which the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired. As described above, the image processing apparatus 1b according to the present invention can select a user information acquisition destination.

  Next, the capability of the image processing apparatus 1a is checked in advance, and the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data such as the address book screens 121 and 122 and transmits the drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. Processing for determining whether or not it is possible will be described.

  FIG. 46 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a first process in which the capability of another image processing apparatus is checked in advance to determine whether drawing data can be created and provided by the other image processing apparatus. The sequence diagram of FIG. 46 is an example in which the image processing apparatus 1b selects the image processing apparatus 1a as a user information acquisition destination.

  In step S241, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S242, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S241.

  In step S243, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S241 is successful. If the client registration in step S241 is successful (YES in S243), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S244, and determines that the SCS 39 is present in the image processing apparatus 1a. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S241 fails (NO in S243), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen 471 as shown in FIG. FIG. 47 is an image diagram of an example of an error display screen.

  In step S245 following step S244, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S246, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S245.

  In step S247, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S245 is successful. If the client registration in step S245 is successful (YES in S247), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S248, and determines that the CCS 38 is present in the image processing apparatus 1a. Then, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S249 following step S248. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S245 fails (NO in S247), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that there is no CCS 38 in the image processing apparatus 1a, and then proceeds to step S249.

  In step S249, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S250, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S249.

  In step S251, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S249 is successful. If the client registration in step S249 is successful (YES in S251), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S252 and determines that the image processing apparatus 1a has the UCS 37. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S249 fails (NO in S251), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen 472 as shown in FIG.

  Proceeding to step S253 following step S252, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the OCS 33 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S254, the OCS 33 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S253.

  In step S255, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S253 is successful. If the client registration in step S253 is successful (YES in S255), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S256, and determines that the image processing apparatus 1a has the OCS 33. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S253 fails (NO in S255), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the error display screen 473 as shown in FIG.

  In the sequence diagram of FIG. 46, OCS 33, UCS 37, CCS 38, and SCS 39 are used as modules necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. Although described in the example, it is not limited to this.

  In the sequence diagram of FIG. 46, client registration is requested to each module required for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. Whether or not there is a module in the image processing apparatus 1a is determined based on whether or not the above has succeeded.

  The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines the presence / absence of a module necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. When all the modules are present, it can be determined that the image processing device 1a can create drawing data for the address book screen and transmit drawing data from the image processing device 1a to the image processing device 1b.

  FIG. 48 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a second process in which the capability of another image processing apparatus is checked in advance to determine whether drawing data can be created and provided by the other image processing apparatus. The sequence diagram of FIG. 48 is an example in which the image processing apparatus 1b selects the image processing apparatus 1a as a user information acquisition destination.

  In step S261, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S262, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S261.

  In step S263, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S261 is successful. If the client registration of step S261 is successful (YES in S263), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that the CCS 38 is in the image processing apparatus 1a, and proceeds to step S264. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S261 fails (NO in S263), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that there is no CCS 38 in the image processing apparatus 1a, and proceeds to step S266.

  In step S264, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires of the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the capability. Here, the necessity of authentication and the presence / absence of ticket distribution are inquired. In step S265, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the inquiry result of step S264.

  In step S266, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S267, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S266.

  In step S268, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S266 is successful. If the client registration in step S266 is successful (YES in S268), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that the image processing apparatus 1a has the UCS 37 and proceeds to step S269. On the other hand, when the client registration in step S266 fails (NO in S268), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen 472 as shown in FIG.

  In step S269, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the capability. Here, the number of registered user information, the type of heading, and the like are inquired. In step S270, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the result of the inquiry in step S269 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 48, UCS 37 and CCS 38 are described as examples of modules necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. However, it is not limited to this.

  In the sequence diagram of FIG. 48, client registration is requested to each module necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. Whether or not there is a module in the image processing apparatus 1a is determined based on whether or not the above has succeeded. Further, in the sequence diagram of FIG. 48, an inquiry is made as to the capability of the module for which client registration has succeeded.

  The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires about the presence and capability of modules necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. When all the necessary modules are present and the necessary module capabilities are satisfied, the image processing device 1a creates the address book screen drawing data and transmits the drawing data from the image processing device 1a to the image processing device 1b. Can be determined to be possible.

  FIG. 49 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a third process in which the capability of another image processing apparatus is checked in advance to determine whether drawing data can be created and provided by the other image processing apparatus. The sequence diagram of FIG. 49 is an example in which the image processing apparatus 1b selects the image processing apparatus 1a as a user information acquisition destination.

  In step S281, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The capability detection module 45 detects the presence / absence and capability of a module in the image processing apparatus 1a. For example, the capability detection module 45 is provided in the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S282, the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S281. In step S283, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration in step S281 is successful. If the client registration in step S281 is successful (YES in S283), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that the image processing apparatus 1a has the capability detection module 45 and proceeds to step S284. On the other hand, if the client registration in step S281 fails (NO in S283), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines that the image processing apparatus 1a does not have the capability detection module 45 and displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80. Ends the processing.

  In step S284, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires of the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a whether there is a necessary module. It should be noted that modules necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b are set in advance in the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b, for example. Yes.

  In step S285, the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a detects the presence / absence of the module inquired in step S284, and notifies the scanner module 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the detection result. In step S286, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether all the necessary modules are present in the image processing apparatus 1a according to the detection result notified from the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a. To do.

  If it is determined that all the necessary modules are present in the image processing apparatus 1a (YES in S286), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S287. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least some of the necessary modules are not present in the image processing apparatus 1a (NO in S286), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80, and then ends the processing.

  In step S287, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the required module capability. In step S288, the capability detection module 45 of the image processing apparatus 1a detects the capability of the module inquired in step S287, and notifies the detection result to the scanner module 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In the sequence diagram of FIG. 49, the capability detection module 45 that detects the presence / absence and capability of a module in the image processing apparatus 1a is inquired about the presence / absence and capability of a required module. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b is configured to detect the presence / absence and capability of a module necessary for creating drawing data by the image processing apparatus 1a and transmitting drawing data from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. By inquiring 45, when all the necessary modules are present and the necessary module capabilities are satisfied, the image processing apparatus 1a creates the drawing data of the address book screen and the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b. It can be determined that the drawing data can be transmitted.

  Next, processing for creating drawing data by the image processing device 1a, processing for sending drawing data from the image processing device 1a to the image processing device 1b, and the image processing device 1b displaying a screen on the operation panel 80 using the drawing data. Processing will be described. FIG. 50 is a sequence diagram of an example of a first process for displaying drawing data created by another image processing apparatus on the operation panel of the own apparatus.

  In step S291, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an address book use start request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The address book use start request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an address book use start request function. FIG. 51A shows an example of parameters and return values of an address book use start request. FIG. 51B shows a specific example of parameters of the address book use start request.

  In step S292, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a user information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. In step S293, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads out user information corresponding to the user information acquisition request in step S292 and transmits it to the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In step S294, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data on the screen 521 as shown in FIG. 52 using at least a part of the received user information. The screen 521 corresponds to the dotted line portion 532 of the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53 displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. The drawing data on the screen 521 includes frame information including coordinates X and coordinates Y designated from the image forming apparatus 1b, and a key ID, heading ID, page, coordinates, and color set for each button representing the heading or entry. , Characters, character codes, and other icon information.

  The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data of a screen 521 as shown in FIG. 52 using its own OCS library. Specifically, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a uses the OCS library to create drawing data as shown in FIG. 54 including a screen designation diagram, alert rules, icon data, and the like. FIG. 54 is an image diagram of an example of drawing data. The drawing data in FIG. 54 is created in a text format, XML format, or the like.

  Note that the screen designation diagram defines the arrangement and shape of windows on the screen, the display positions of keys, messages, and the like. The alert rule specifies the meaning and role of the alert, the message content and the number of lines displayed on the screen, and the designation of the display position. The icon data defines the name, pattern, etc. of the data prepared as icon data.

  In step S295, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the drawing data on the screen 521 shown in FIG. 52 created in step S294 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S296, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates drawing data of the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53 and transmits the drawing data to the operation panel 80 of the own apparatus.

  Note that the drawing data corresponding to the dotted line portion 532 of the address book screen 531 of FIG. 53 is the drawing data of the screen 521 transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. Then, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53 in accordance with the drawing data received from the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  FIG. 55 is a sequence diagram of an example of a second process for displaying drawing data created by another image processing apparatus on the operation panel of the own apparatus. In step S301, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates drawing data for displaying the search screen on the operation panel 80. The search screen is for allowing the operator to specify search conditions. In step S302, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the drawing data created in step S301 and causes the operation panel 80 to display a search screen.

  The operator presses a search key after inputting search conditions on the search screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S303, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the SCS 39 of its own device that the search key has been pressed. In step S304, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search request to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. Note that the search request in step S304 includes search conditions specified using the search screen.

  In step S305, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The search request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the search request function. FIG. 56A shows an example of a search request parameter and a return value. FIG. 56B shows a specific example of search request parameters.

  In step S306, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a search request to the UCS 37 of its own device. In step S307, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads out the user information corresponding to the search request in step S306 and transmits it to the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In step S308, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data for the screen 521 as described above using at least a part of the received user information. In step S309, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the drawing data on the screen 521 as shown in FIG. 52 created in step S308 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S310, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates drawing data of the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53 and transmits the drawing data to the operation panel 80 of the own apparatus. Then, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an address book screen 531 according to the drawing data received from the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In the first and second processes for displaying drawing data created by another image processing apparatus on the operation panel 80 of the own apparatus, other drawing data including at least user information in the screen displayed on the operation panel 80 is used. Therefore, the display format of the user information can be determined by another image processing apparatus, and it is not necessary to match the data structure.

  Note that the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an address book use start request or an address book use end request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a, thereby displaying a screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a can be notified of the start of lending of at least some of the screens or the end of lending of the screens.

  FIG. 57 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for notifying another image processing apparatus of the start of lending a screen. In step S321, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an address book use start request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a can recognize that the lending of the screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b has started by receiving the address book use start request in step S321. In step S322, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the result of step S321 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. If the address book use start request in step S321 is OK (YES in S323), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b continues the process of using the address book. If the address book use start request in step S321 is not OK (NO in S323), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80, and then ends the process.

  FIG. 58 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for notifying another image processing apparatus of the end of lending a screen. In step S331, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an address book use end request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a can recognize that the lending of the screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b has ended by receiving the address book use end request in step S331. In step S332, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the result of step S331 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the drawing data created by the image processing apparatus 1a is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1b, and the address book including the screen 521 as shown in FIG. The screen 531 can be displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. At this time, when the operator operates the address book screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b, the following processing is performed.

  FIG. 59 is a sequence diagram of an example of a first process when the address book screen displayed on the operation panel is operated. When the operator operates the address book screen 531 displayed on the operation panel 80, the operation panel 80 proceeds to step S341. Here, an example in which the operator selects an entry from the address book screen 531 displayed on the operation panel will be described. In step S341, the operation panel 80 transmits an entry selection notification to its own SCS39.

  In step S342, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b includes the key ID representing the selected entry in the key press notification and transmits it to the scanner application 24 of its own device. In step S343, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether or not the key ID included in the received key press notification is the key ID displayed in the own apparatus.

  If the key ID included in the key press notification is the key ID displayed in the own machine (YES in S343), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S344 and performs the process in the own machine. On the other hand, if the key ID included in the key press notification is not the key ID displayed in the device itself (NO in S343), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S345 and includes the key ID in the key press notification. To the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S346, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires the key ID included in the received key press notification and selects an entry ID corresponding to the key ID. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a includes the entry ID in the entry information acquisition request and transmits it to the UCS 37 of its own device. In step S347, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires an entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request, and acquires entry information corresponding to the entry ID. The UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In step S348, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data on a screen 601 as shown in FIG. 60 displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S349, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a performs image processing on the received detailed information including the entry information and the drawing data on the screen 601 as shown in FIG. 60 displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. It transmits to the scanner application 24 of the apparatus 1b.

  In step S350, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates drawing data of the address book screen 602 as shown in FIG. 60, and transmits the drawing data to the operation panel 80 of the own apparatus. Then, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an address book screen 602 according to the drawing data received from the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  Note that the drawing data corresponding to the dotted line portion 603 of the address book screen 602 in FIG. 60 is created by the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b from the mail address included in the received detailed information. Further, the drawing data corresponding to the dotted line portion 604 of the address book screen 602 is the drawing data of the screen 601 transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  By the way, when registering a shortcut key, the image processing apparatus 1b needs detailed information including entry information. On the other hand, when an entry is selected from the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53, the image processing apparatus 1b needs only the mail address among the detailed information including the entry information.

  Therefore, when an entry is selected from the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53, if drawing data corresponding to the dotted line portions 603 and 604 of the address book screen 602 as shown in FIG. The detailed information may be transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b at the timing when communication ends.

  FIG. 61 is a sequence diagram of an example of the second process when the address book screen displayed on the operation panel is operated. In addition, since the process of step S361-S365 is the same as that of step S341-S345 of FIG. 59, description is abbreviate | omitted. Progressing to step S366 following step S365, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a creates drawing data of a screen 621 as shown in FIG. 62 displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S367, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the drawing data on the screen 621 shown in FIG. 62 created in step S366 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S368, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates drawing data of the address book screen 622 as shown in FIG. 62, and transmits the drawing data to the operation panel 80 of the own apparatus. Then, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the address book screen 622 in accordance with the drawing data received from the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. Note that the drawing data corresponding to the dotted line portion 623 of the address book screen 622 in FIG. 62 is the drawing data of the screen 621 transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  Detailed information including entry information is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b at the timing when communication ends. For example, when the operator presses a mail transmission button displayed on the operation panel 80 and the image processing apparatus 1b actually uses the detailed information including the entry information, or when the operator uses the operation panel 80 For example, when the user exits the current scanner application 24 by pressing the application transition button displayed at 80.

  FIG. 63 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring detailed information including entry information from another image processing apparatus. When the operator presses the mail transmission button displayed on the operation panel 80, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S371. In step S371, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a mail transmission key pressing notification to the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S372, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a mail transmission notification to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S373, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an address book use end request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S374, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry ID of the entry selected on the screen 622 as shown in FIG. The entry ID of the entry selected on the screen 622 as shown in FIG. 62 is held by, for example, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S375, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires an entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request, and acquires entry information corresponding to the entry ID. Then, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device. In step S376, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits detailed information including the received entry information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  When an entry is selected from the address book screen 531 as shown in FIG. 53, drawing data corresponding to the dotted lines 603 and 604 of the address book screen 602 as shown in FIG. 60 is created by the other image processing apparatus 1a. In this way, detailed information including entry information can be transmitted from the image processing apparatus 1a to the image processing apparatus 1b at the timing when communication is completed.

  Next, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 acquires user information from the UCS 37 of another machine and displays the address book screens 121 and 122 on the operation panel 80 will be described. FIG. 64 is a block diagram of an example showing details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 64, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted.

  In FIG. 64, image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. In the image processing apparatus 1b, user information 101b is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1b. The UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b can use the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a like the user information 101b of its own device by registering as a client with the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  For example, when temporarily acquiring and using the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the address book screen 121 of the image processing apparatus 1a from the UCS 37 of the own apparatus. The UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b acquires user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a via the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the acquired user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Note that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b transmits and receives user information via the network 100 with the NCS 31 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b.

  FIG. 64 illustrates an example in which the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired. As described above, the image processing apparatus 1b according to the present invention can select a user information acquisition destination.

  Next, a process for checking the ability of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in advance and determining whether or not user information can be transmitted from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b will be described. FIG. 65 is an example of a process for checking in advance the UCS capability of another image processing apparatus and determining whether or not user information can be transmitted from the UCS of the other image processing apparatus to the UCS of the own apparatus. It is a sequence diagram.

  In step S381, a soft key (hereinafter referred to as an “external address use button”) provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b in order to use external user information is pressed, and an external address use button key is pressed from the operation panel 80. The ID is transmitted to the SCS 39. The external address use button corresponds to a button that is pressed after the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as a user information acquisition destination using the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123, for example.

  In step S382, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an external address use notification to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80. In step S 383, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b transmits an external address use request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the received external address use notification. In the process of step S383, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of the own apparatus to use the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S384, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the use start declaration to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. With this use start declaration, the UCS 37 of the multi-function peripheral 1b registers with the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a as a client. In step S385, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S384. In other words, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of whether or not the client registration is successful by the use start declaration in step S384.

  The result of successful client registration indicates that the image processing apparatus 1a has the UCS 37. In addition, the result that the client registration has failed indicates that the image processing apparatus 1a does not have the UCS 37. Therefore, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b can confirm the presence / absence of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a by the processes of steps S384 and S385.

  In step S386, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the capability. In step S387, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of its capability as a result of the inquiry in step S386.

  In step S388, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether or not the client registration is successful based on the result notified from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S385. If it is determined that the client registration is successful (YES in S388), the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S391, and the image processing apparatus notified in step S387 that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a can be used. The scanner application 24 of its own device is notified of the ability of the UCS 37 of 1a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the client registration has failed (NO in S388), the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the scanner application 24 of its own device that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a is not usable. In step S389, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates an error display screen indicating that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a cannot be used. In step S390, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the error display screen created in step S389 on the operation panel 80, and then ends the process.

  Therefore, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can know the success or failure of client registration with respect to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the ability of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  FIG. 66 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which the scanner application acquires user information from the UCS of the own apparatus or another image processing apparatus. In step S401, a soft key (hereinafter referred to as a normal address use button) provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b in order to use the user information of the own apparatus is pressed, and the normal address use button is selected from the operation panel 80. The key ID is transmitted to the SCS 39. The normal address use button corresponds to the button 125 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123, for example.

  In step S402, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a normal address use notification to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80. In step S403, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the received normal address use notification. In the process of step S403, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of its own device to obtain entry information from the user information 101b of its own device.

  In step S404, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b acquires entry information from the user information 101b of the own apparatus. In step S405, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the entry information acquired in step S404 to the scanner application 24 of its own device. In step S406, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the entry information received in step S405 to create data for causing the operation panel 80 to display the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. In step S407, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the data created in step S406 and displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80.

  Note that the processing in steps S408 to S418 checks in advance the ability of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a to determine whether or not user information can be transmitted from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Since it is the same as the process of step S381-S391 of FIG. 65 to determine, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S419, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the external address use notification received in step S409. In the process of step S419, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of its own device to acquire entry information from the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S420, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transfers the entry information acquisition request received from the scanner application 24 of its own apparatus to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S419. In step S421, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires entry information from the user information 101a of the own apparatus. In step S422, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transfers the entry information acquired in step S421 to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S423, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the entry information transferred from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus in step S422. In step S424, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 using the entry information received in step S423. In step S425, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the data created in step S424 and displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80.

  Therefore, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can acquire user information from the UCS 37 of the external image processing apparatus 1a by making an external address use request to the UCS 37 of its own apparatus. Further, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether to use the user information 101b of the own apparatus or the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a according to the presence / absence of an external address use request from the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. I can judge. As a result, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can easily select either the own device or the UCS 37 of the other image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition source of the entry information.

  When the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b that has requested use of the external address uses the user information 101b of the own apparatus again, processing as shown in FIG. 67 is performed. FIG. 67 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process in which the scanner application ends acquisition of user information from the UCS of another image processing apparatus.

  In step S431, a soft key (hereinafter referred to as an external address use end button) provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b is pressed to end the use of external user information, and the external address use is started from the operation panel 80. The key ID of the end button is transmitted to the SCS 39. The external address use end button may be substituted for the button 125 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123, for example. In step S432, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an external address use end notification to the scanner application 24 of its own device in accordance with the key ID received from the operation panel 80.

  In step S433, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an external address use end request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the received external address use end notification. In the process of step S433, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of its own device to end the use of the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S434, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a use end request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In response to this use termination request, the UCS 37 of the MFP 1b cancels the client registration with the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S435, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S434. In other words, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of whether or not the client registration has been successfully canceled by the use termination request in step S434. In step S436, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the scanner application 24 of its own device of the result notified in step S435.

  In step S437, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. Note that the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b may determine whether or not to perform the process of step S437 according to the result notified in step S436.

  In step S438, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b acquires entry information from the user information 101b of the own apparatus. In step S439, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the entry information acquired in step S138 to the scanner application 24 of its own device. In step S440, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 using the entry information received in step S439. In step S441, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the data created in step S440 and displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80.

  Therefore, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b obtains the user information of its own device managed by the UCS 37 of its own device again by making the external address use end request even after making the external address use request. it can. Further, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b can determine whether or not to end the use of the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a according to the presence / absence of the external address use end request from the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. As a result, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can easily select either the own device or the UCS 37 of the other image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition source of the entry information.

  By performing the processing shown in the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 65 to 67, the image processing apparatus 1b can use the user information managed by the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in the same manner as the user information managed by the UCS 37 of its own apparatus. .

  FIG. 68 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing in which the scanner application acquires user information from the UCS of another image processing apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as the registration destination of user information.

  In step S451, a soft key for starting the scanner application 24 provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b (hereinafter referred to as a scanner screen transition button) is pressed, and the key ID of the scanner screen transition button is pressed from the operation panel 80. The registration destination of the user information is transmitted to the SCS 39 of the own device.

  In step S452, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an application migration notification in the external address book to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80 and the registration destination of the user information. In step S453, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an external address use request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the received application migration notification in the external address book. In the process of step S453, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of the own apparatus to use the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S454, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs client registration with the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S455, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S454. In step S456, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus of the result notified from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S455. In step S457, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether the client registration is successful based on the result notified from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b in step S456.

  If it is determined that the client registration is successful (YES in S457), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S460. On the other hand, if it is determined that the client registration has failed (NO in S457), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S458, determines that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a cannot be used, and the image processing apparatus 1a. An error display screen indicating that the UCS 37 cannot be used is created. In step S459, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the error display screen created in step S458 on the operation panel 80, and then ends the process.

  In step S460, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the application migration notification in the external address book received in step S452. The entry information acquisition request in step S460 is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the entry information acquisition request function. The entry information acquisition request function in FIG. 69 represents an example of parameters and return values of the entry information acquisition request. In step S460, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests the UCS 37 of its own apparatus to obtain entry information from the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S461, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transfers the entry information acquisition request received from the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S460. In step S462, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires entry information from the user information 101a of the own apparatus. In step S463, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transfers the entry information acquired in step S462 to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S464, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the entry information transferred from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus in step S463. In step S465, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the entry information received in step S464 to create data for displaying the address book screen 700 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 70 is an image diagram of an example of an address book screen. A portion 701 surrounded by a dotted line in the address book screen 700 in FIG. 70 is created using entry information managed by the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S466, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the data created in step S465 and displays the address book screen 700 on the operation panel 80.

  Therefore, the scanner 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transfers the command transmitted and received between the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b and the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a as it is. The user information 101a can be easily used. Further, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can similarly implement commands for the UCS 37 of its own apparatus and the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  Next, processing when an entry is selected from the address book screen 700 as shown in FIG. 70 will be described. FIG. 71 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing when one entry is selected from the address book screen created using entry information managed by the UCS of another image processing apparatus. Here, it is assumed that an address book screen 720 as shown in FIG. 72 is displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b. FIG. 72 is an image diagram of an example of an address book screen.

  In step S471, a soft key (hereinafter referred to as an entry selection button) for selecting an entry provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b is pressed, and the key ID of the entry selection button is selected from the operation panel 80. It is transmitted to SCS39. In step S472, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry selection notification to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80.

  In step S473, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device in response to the received entry selection notification. It is assumed that the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b is registered as a client with respect to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S474, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transfers the entry information acquisition request received from the scanner application 24 of its own apparatus to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S473. In step S475, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires entry information from the user information 101a of the own apparatus. In step S476, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transfers the entry information acquired in step S475 to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S477, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the entry information transferred from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S476 to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S478, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the entry information received in step S477 to create data for displaying the address book screen 721 as shown in FIG. In step S479, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the data created in step S478 and displays the address book screen 721 on the operation panel 80.

  The address book screen 720 in FIG. 72 is configured to include a mail address as detailed information of the entry selected in step S471. The address book screen 720 includes twelve entries having mail addresses belonging to the heading “common”. Here, when the operator operates the operation panel 80 to select the entry “0002 Otani” from the address book screen 720, the scanner application 24 displays the address book screen 721 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 101a. The address book screen 721 includes a mail address “ohtani@ricoh.jp” as detailed information of the entry associated with the entry “0002 Otani”.

  Accordingly, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1b easily obtains detailed information of the entry when one entry is selected from the address book screen created using the entry information managed by the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. be able to.

  Next, a process for encrypting data transmitted and received between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b will be described. Since data such as detailed information transmitted and received between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b includes personal information, it is desirable to perform encryption for security.

  FIG. 73 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for checking the security level of another image processing apparatus in advance and determining the type of encryption. In step S491, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an encryption negotiation start request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S492, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S491.

  In step S493, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether or not the encryption negotiation start is OK according to the result of step S491 notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S492. . If it is determined that the encryption negotiation start is OK (YES in S493), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S494. If it is determined that the encryption negotiation start is not OK (NO in S493), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80 and ends the process.

  In step S494, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b includes the list of encryptions supported by the own apparatus and makes an encryption negotiation request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S495, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a compares the encryption list included in the received negotiation request with the encryption list supported by the own apparatus, and both the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b. Create a list of encryptions supported by. Then, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines one type of encryption that satisfies the security level of the own apparatus from the list of encryption supported by both the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines that the image processing apparatus 1b does not have an encryption type satisfying its own security level in the encryption list supported by both the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b. Data transmission to the scanner application 24 is rejected.

  The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the determined encryption type or rejection of data transmission to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b as a result of step S494. In step S496, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether transmission of data has been rejected according to the result of step S494 notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S495. .

  If it is determined that the data transmission is rejected (YES in step S496), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80, and then ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data transmission is not rejected (NO in step S496), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b continues the process.

  If the security level of the image processing apparatus 1a is checked in advance and the type of encryption is determined in the process of FIG. The transmission of information can be refused.

  FIG. 74 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for determining the type of encryption and the range of encryption within the range of security levels of other image processing apparatuses. In step S501, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a list request for an encryption range (for example, all data, part of data, etc.) to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S502, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S501. That is, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of a list of encryption ranges according to the security level of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S503, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b selects one encryption range from the list of encryption ranges notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S502. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b selects an encryption range in consideration of the display speed of its own device.

  In step S504, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b designates the encryption range selected in step S503 as an encryption range to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S505, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S504.

  In step S506, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether or not the designation of the encryption range is OK according to the result of step S504 notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S505. To do. If it is determined that the specification of the range to be encrypted is OK (YES in S506), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to Step S507. If it is determined that the designation of the range to be encrypted is not OK (NO in S506), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80 and ends the process.

  In step S507, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the used encryption method to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether or not the use encryption method notified by the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b satisfies the security level of its own device, and whether or not to permit the use encryption method. To decide. In step S508, as a result of step S507, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies permission or non-permission of the use encryption method notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b in step S507.

  In step S509, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether or not the notified use encryption method is permitted according to the result of step S207 notified from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a in step S508. judge. If it is determined that the use encryption method is permitted (YES in S509), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b continues processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the use encryption method is not permitted (NO in S509), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays an error display screen on the operation panel 80, and then ends the process.

  In the process of FIG. 74 in which the encryption type and the encryption range are determined within the security level range of the image processing apparatus 1a, the image processing apparatus 1b is within the security level range of the image processing apparatus 1a. And the range of encryption can be determined.

  Next, processing for registering an encryption key (encryption key) in the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b will be described. FIG. 75 is a transition diagram of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the image processing apparatus when an encryption key is registered.

  When the operator presses a system initial setting button 752 included in the initial setting / counter / inquiry information screen 751, the SCS 39 displays a system initial setting screen 753 on the operation panel 80. Further, when the operator presses an encryption key setting button 754 with an external address book included in the system initial setting screen 753, the SCS 39 displays the encryption key setting screen 755 on the operation panel 80. When the operator inputs the encryption key on the encryption key setting screen 755 and presses the setting button, the encryption key is registered.

  FIG. 76 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for checking the identity of the encryption key registered in each image processing apparatus. In step S511, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b generates a digest based on the encryption key input to the operation panel 80. In step S512, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b encrypts an arbitrary character string using the generated digest. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a key sharing request including an arbitrary encrypted character string to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S513, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a generates a digest based on the encryption key input to the operation panel 80. In step S514, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a decrypts an arbitrary character string included in the key sharing request with the generated digest.

  In step S515, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a generates a digest based on the decrypted arbitrary character string. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a key sharing result including a generated digest of an arbitrary character string to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S516, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b generates a digest based on the arbitrary character string before being encrypted in step S511. In step S517, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b compares the digest of the arbitrary character string transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a with the digest of the arbitrary character string generated in step S516.

  In step S518, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b generates a digest of an arbitrary character string transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a according to the result of the comparison performed in step S517 and generated in step S516. It is determined whether or not the digest of an arbitrary character string matches.

  If it is determined that the digest of the arbitrary character string transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a does not match the digest of the arbitrary character string generated in step S516, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b operates. After an error display screen indicating that the encryption keys do not match is displayed on the panel 80, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the digest of the arbitrary character string transmitted from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a matches the digest of the arbitrary character string generated in step S516, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs encryption. An address book use start request in which presence is specified is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The address book use start request is an example, and may be an entry information acquisition request, for example.

  In step S519, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a generates a digest based on the encryption key input to the operation panel 80, and stores the digest as a key. In step S520, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a uses the key stored in step S519 to encrypt the drawing data as described above.

  When an entry information acquisition request is made instead of the address book use start request in step S518, step S520 encrypts the entry information using the key saved in step S519. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the drawing data or entry information encrypted in step S520 to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S521, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b decrypts the encrypted drawing data or entry information received from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a with the digest generated in step S511.

  In the process of FIG. 76 for checking the identity of the encryption key registered in each image processing device, the identity of the encryption key registered in each of the image processing devices 1a and 1b can be checked. It is possible to encrypt drawing data, entry information, and the like transmitted and received between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b using an encryption key whose property is checked.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a, 1b Image processing apparatus 2 Software group 3 Fusion machine starting part 4 Hardware resource 5 Application layer 6 Platform 23 Fax application 24 Scanner application 31 NCS (network control service)
33 OCS (Control Panel Control Service)
37 UCS (User Information Control Service)
38 CCS (Security Control Service)
39 SCS (System Control Service)
60 controller 68 hard disk drive (HDD)
80 Operation panel 81 Fax control unit (FCU)
82 Engine part 100 Network 101a, 101b User information

JP 2002-84383 A

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus having hardware resources for a scanner or a facsimile and transmitting scanner data or facsimile data to a desired destination,
User information holding means capable of holding user information including at least a destination for transmitting scanner data or facsimile data in the image processing apparatus;
In order for another image processing apparatus to transmit scanner data or facsimile data to a destination included in the user information held in the user information holding means, an acquisition request for the user information is sent from the other image processing apparatus. An acquisition request receiving means for receiving;
An image comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit user information held in the user information holding unit to the other image processing apparatus as a request source based on the acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving unit. Processing equipment. User information management means for managing user information held in the user information holding means,
The user information management means acquires user information held in the user information holding means based on the acquisition request received by the acquisition request receiving means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the user information acquired by the user information management unit to the other image processing apparatus. The acquisition request receiving means receives the acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus via a network,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the user information held in the user information holding unit to the other image processing apparatus as a request source via a network. . Among fax application for sending scanner application or facsimile data for transmission scanner data to the desired destination in the desired destination, any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one application one The image processing apparatus according to item . The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the user information holding means is characterized by a HDD or SD card. Image processing including a scanner or facsimile hardware resource and user information holding means capable of holding user information including at least a destination to which scanner data or facsimile data is transmitted, and transmitting scanner data or facsimile data to a desired destination A method for transmitting user information in a device, comprising:
In order for another image processing apparatus to transmit scanner data or facsimile data to a destination included in the user information held in the user information holding means, an acquisition request for the user information is sent from the other image processing apparatus. An acquisition request reception step for receiving;
A transmission step of transmitting the user information held in the user information holding means to the other image processing apparatus as a request source based on the acquisition request received in the acquisition request reception step. Information transmission method. The acquisition request receiving step receives the acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus via a network,
7. The user information transmitting method according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting step transmits the user information held in the user information holding means to the other image processing apparatus as a request source via a network.

Images