JP5127408B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer).

  A conventional MFP includes an application layer such as a copy application, a FAX application, and a scanner application, and a service layer that provides a function to each application in the application layer. Processing is performed by calling a service layer function when the application is executed. Was running. Therefore, the function of configuring the application job at the start of application execution has been determined.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a job in a conventional image processing apparatus. FIG. 1A is a copy job including reading, image processing (processing for performing aggregation / magnification / magnification), and printing functions. (B) shows a FAX job composed of reading, image processing, and FAX transmission functions, and (c) shows a document storage job composed of reading and storing functions. That is, the functions and order of each job are statically determined at the time of user request (such as when the start button is pushed), the end function in the job is known, and the structure does not change.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for efficiently and efficiently managing different types of requests by managing processing execution requests from users in a tree structure of data of “requests” and “request specifications”. It is disclosed.
JP 2006-59199 A

  As described above, in the conventional MFP, since the functions constituting the job are statically determined, there is no flexibility to add processing of another function later. In addition, since the software is divided into the application layer and service layer, when adding new functions to the MFP, it is necessary to modify various parts, which requires a huge amount of man-hours and can be handled in a short time. It was not a thing.

  On the other hand, the “request” in Patent Document 1 described above is a concept corresponding to the above “job”, but all the processing performed by the “request” is determined at the timing requested by the user, and another function is later performed. There is no flexibility to add the process.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly flexible image processing apparatus that can add processing of another function later. is there.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, an image processing apparatus that forms a job by combining individual functions related to image processing, the job and Means for displaying the status of each function constituting the job, means for selecting any of the individual functions constituting the job, and accepting addition of another function after the function; and execution of the job The means for accepting the start of the job and the means for accepting the start of the execution of the job are executed even if the addition of another function is scheduled to be added after the individual functions constituting the job. The gist of the image processing apparatus includes means for starting execution of the job when the start of the job is received .

  Further, as described in claim 2, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, whether or not to permit addition based on characteristics of the function and the preceding function when the function is added to the job. It is possible to provide a means for determining.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the function is added to the job, the means for accepting an operation for setting the function to the end the provided, for the function set to the end, it is possible not accept additional other functions downstream of the function.

  Further, as described in claim 4, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 3, when all of the terminal functions constituting the job are set to the terminal, the function is added to the job. It can be prohibited.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further comprises means for accepting a setting operation for prohibiting addition of a function to the job, For jobs for which the addition of functions is prohibited, the addition of functions can be prevented from being accepted.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a log-in operation for specifying an operator is performed when the job status is displayed. Means for displaying only the status of jobs for which the logged-in user has operational authority.

  Further, as described in claim 7, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when a function is added to the job, a file having a new function is selected from the storage area. Means for installing the selected function, and means for displaying the newly installed function as a selection candidate to be added to the job.

  In addition, as described in claim 8, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when a function is added to the job, a new function file is downloaded from an external download server. Means for accepting a search operation; means for searching for a file with a new function from the download server; means for displaying the searched new function as a selection candidate to be added to the job; and addition to the job specified. In the case where the installed function is not installed, a device for downloading a new function file from the download server and installing it can be provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, means for accepting an installation request for a new function for the image processing apparatus from an external terminal; Means for downloading a file of a new function from the terminal and installing it.

  In addition, as described in claims 10 to 18, the image processing apparatus can be configured as a job management method.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus can be configured as a job management program.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, individual functions related to image processing can be added as plug-ins, and processing of other functions can be added later based on the data structure of jobs and functions. And highly flexible processing is possible.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

<Overview of job>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a job according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 2A, the job J1 is initially set with only the reading function F1 and the subsequent image processing function F2, and the FAX function F3 and the subsequent printing function are performed by the user's subsequent operation. F4 is added. That is, the job J1 is temporarily stopped when the processing of the function F2 is completed by the initial execution of the functions F1 and F2, but the function F2 is not a terminal function, but the job F1 is added by adding the following function F3 and the like. It can be resumed.

  In this way, it is possible to execute a job even in an incomplete state having an incomplete structure at the time of a user request, and a desired result can be obtained by adding subsequent functions. Therefore, highly flexible processing can be performed.

  FIG. 2B shows another job configuration example. A job J2 including a reading function F1, an image processing function F2, a reading function F1, a document merging function F5, and the like for a certain document X is converted into a document X. Therefore, the life cycle of one document can be managed, and the execution history of job J2 can be handled as an operation log for document X.

  FIG. 2 (c) shows still another job configuration example, in which functions are not simply continuously (in series), but also provided with branches at arbitrary positions to execute functions in parallel. . That is, the reading function F1 branches to the printing function F4 and the image processing function F2, and the function F2 further branches to the mail transmission function F6 and the image processing function F7. The function F7 is followed by the printing function F4 and the like. Is. The flow may converge (merge) from a plurality of functions to one function. Further, the branch may be an alternative branch (conditional branch) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

<System configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the software includes a UI (User Interface) layer 11 that provides a local (image processing apparatus operation panel) and remote (network-connected PC (Personal Computer)) interface for a user, and jobs and functions. A system layer 12 that performs management, a job layer 13 that holds components of a plurality of jobs (J1, J2,...), And a function that holds components of a plurality of functions (F1, F2, F3, F4,...). A layer 14 and a device layer 15 for controlling hardware are provided.

  The UI layer 11 includes a display operation control unit 111 that controls screen display and operation reception, a job list screen control unit 112 that manages a job list screen, and a job setting screen control unit 113 that manages a job setting screen. I have. The system layer 12 includes a job management unit 121 that manages jobs, and a function management unit 122 that manages functions. The function management unit 122 also controls installation of new functions. The device layer 15 includes a storage area 151 that controls a storage area such as a memory and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a communication 152 that controls a network circuit.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure. Jobs have state attributes, and functions have state, execution conditions, termination status, function name, execution module, status list that can be selected, and type (input system, processing system, output system, etc.) attributes. . The job setting screen has screen element attributes, and the user has user name and password attributes. A plurality of functions are linked to the job, functions connected to the front and back are linked to the function, a job setting screen is linked to the job, and a user is linked to the job setting screen. In the function list, a plurality of functions are linked as valid and invalid functions. The selectable status list is used to determine whether the function can be selected to be added after other functions, and is selected later according to the type of the previous stage as shown. Whether or not it can be selected (can be selected after the input system and machining system, and cannot be selected after the output system) is set in advance. It should be noted that, instead of making a determination based only on the preceding stage type, combinations that cannot be consistent may be excluded based on more specific function contents.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the data structures. In the function list, reading, image processing, FAX (FAX transmission), and printing functions are linked as effective functions. Also, the job A setting screen and the job B setting screen are linked to the user A, the job A is linked to the job A setting screen, and the job B is linked to the job B setting screen. The job A is linked with reading and printing functions, and the job B is linked with reading, image processing, and FAX functions, but these functions are linked as valid functions in the function list. Functions that support functions and are not linked to the function list do not appear as subordinate functions of the job.

  6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating examples of job statuses. FIG. 6A illustrates a status related to job execution, and FIG. 6B illustrates a status related to function addition. In (a), the job has a state of waiting for execution, being executed, and being interrupted (suspended due to an error), and during execution standby, functions can be added and deleted, and execution can be executed while waiting for execution. Execution is completed, execution is completed and execution is waited for, execution is suspended, execution is suspended, execution is resumed from interruption, and execution is resumed.

The state relating to the addition of the function (b) includes a state where the function can be added and a state where the function cannot be added. It should be noted that the function can always be added until the job is deleted, and the state where the function cannot be added need not be provided. It should be noted that whether the function can be added or not can be switched based on the following criteria.
(1) A function cannot be added when all the functions included in the job are designated as terminals.
(2) If the user explicitly specifies that no function can be added to the job, no function can be added.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the state of a function. The function has a state of preparing for execution, executing, interrupting (interrupting due to an error), and completing. Execution is performed when it is being prepared for execution, it is being executed when it is interrupted from execution, it is being interrupted when it is resumed from being interrupted, and it is being executed when processing is completed from execution.

<Operation>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of adding a function to a job.

  In FIG. 8, when the user U logs in to the MFP 1 (step S1) and makes a reading request (step S2), the MFP 1 generates a job (step S3), and the user U continuously issues an image processing request (step S3). In step S4), the MFP 1 executes the job to perform reading and image processing. Note that the reading request (step S2) and the image processing request (step S4) by the user U are performed individually, or by selecting the reading request and the image processing request as one job in advance and executing the job. You may do it.

  After that, the user U logs out of the MFP 1 (step S5), moves to a different location, logs in to the MFP 1 from the PC 2 (step S6), selects a job to be processed (step S7), and adds printing to the job (step S6). In step S8, the addition of printing to the job is transmitted from the PC 2 to the MFP 1 (step S9), and the job waiting for completion of reading and image processing is resumed to execute printing.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of job status display when a function is added to a job. Here, it is assumed that the reading function F1 and the image processing function F2 are set in this order in the job J1.

  In FIG. 9, login is performed from the display operation control unit 111 for job management (step S101). FIG. 10A shows an example of a login screen. A user ID and a password are input and login is performed by pressing a login button.

  Returning to FIG. 9, when a display request is issued from the display operation control unit 111 to the job list screen control unit 112 (step S <b> 102), the job list screen control unit 112 displays a job for which the user who has logged in the display operation control unit 111 has the operation authority. A job list (such as a job created by the user) is notified (step S103), and the display operation control unit 111 displays a job list screen. FIG. 10B shows an example of a screen immediately after login. When the job management button is pressed from this state, the job list screen shown in FIG. 10C is displayed. In the job list screen, a plurality of jobs currently waiting for execution are displayed. One screen data is stored for each job, and the job to be selected can be confirmed by a thumbnail of the job setting screen (screen data reduced display).

  Returning to FIG. 9, when a job in the job list (for example, job A in the upper left in FIG. 10C) is selected from the display operation control unit 111 and a display request is made to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S104). The job setting screen control unit 113 issues a job information acquisition request to the corresponding job J1 (step S105).

  The job J1 issues a status acquisition request to the reading function F1 (step S106), and the function F1 notifies the job J1 of the status (step S107). Similarly, the job J1 issues a status acquisition request to the image processing function F2 (step S108), and the function F2 notifies the job J1 of the status (step S109).

  Next, the job J1 makes an execution condition acquisition request to the reading function F1 (step S110), and the function F1 notifies the execution condition to the job J1 (step S111). Similarly, the job J1 issues an execution condition acquisition request to the image processing function F2 (step S112), and the function F2 notifies the execution condition to the job J1 (step S113).

  Next, the job J1 makes an execution result acquisition request to the reading function F1 (step S114), and the function F1 notifies the execution result image to the job J1 (step S115). Similarly, the job J1 makes an execution result acquisition request to the image processing function F2 (step S116), and the function F2 notifies the execution result image to the job J1 (step S117).

  The job J1 notifies the job setting screen control unit 113 of the state, execution condition, and execution result image (step S118), and the job setting screen control unit 113 notifies the display operation control unit 111 of the state, execution condition, and execution result. The image data to be displayed is notified (step S119), and the display operation control unit 111 displays a job setting screen. FIG. 10D shows an example of a job setting screen, which shows details about the selected job A. Here, it is shown that the state of the reading function is complete, the reading conditions are color, text, and density 3, the state of the image processing function is complete, and the processing conditions are aggregated.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for adding a function to a job. Here, it is assumed that the reading function F1 and the image processing function F2 are set in this order in the job J1, and the printing function F3 is added after the image processing function F2.

  In FIG. 11, when adding a function, the display operation control unit 111 makes a function edit screen display request to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S201). The function edit screen display request is made by selecting the “edit” button in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the job setting screen control unit 113 notifies the display operation control unit 111 of the function editing screen (step S202), and the display operation control unit 111 displays the function editing screen. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a function editing screen, so that functions can be added from the function list displayed at the bottom to the reading and image processing functions already set for job A. FIG. It has become.

  Returning to FIG. 11, when a function is specified from the display operation control unit 111 to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S203), the job setting screen control unit 113 requests the job J1 to add a function (step S204). Specifically, in the case of adding a function after image processing by pressing the function addition button in FIG. 12A and selecting the image processing, the function addition is performed after the image processing as shown in FIG. A display to the effect (shown by a broken line in the figure) is made, and a function is designated by selecting printing here. In addition, when the function addition button is pressed in FIG. 12A and reading is selected, a display indicating that a function is added at a position parallel to image processing by branching from reading as shown in FIG. Is made.

  Returning to FIG. 11, if the function instructed to be added is printing, the job J1 generates the printing function F3 (instance generation) (steps S205 and S206). When the job J1 is normally generated, the job setting screen control unit 113 is notified of this (step S207), and the job setting screen control unit 113 switches the display operation control unit 111 to display the execution condition input screen. (Step S208). FIG. 12C shows an example of an execution condition input screen for printing, and it is possible to select or input whether or not it is the end of a job and print condition settings (number of copies, single side / double side, finish). .

  Returning to FIG. 11, when an execution condition is input from the display operation control unit 111 to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S209), the job setting screen control unit 113 notifies the job J1 of the execution condition (step S210), and the job J1. Notifies the execution function to the printing function F3 (step S211).

  When the print function F3 accepts the execution condition normally, the job J1 is notified of this (step S212), the job J1 notifies the job setting screen control unit 113 of the same content (step S213), and the job setting screen control is performed. The unit 113 performs display switching to a state in which the execution condition is reflected in the display operation control unit 111 (step S214). FIG. 12D shows an example of a screen in this state, in which printing is added after image processing, and in addition to reading and image processing state and conditions, the state about printing (preparing for execution) and the end The printing conditions (number of copies, duplex printing) are displayed.

  Next, a description will be given of the control of whether or not the function can be added or not included in the job status.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which all the functions included in the job are terminated. That is, in the job J4, the printing function F4 branched from the first reading function F1 is set as the termination, and the mail transmission function F6 further branched from the image processing function F2 branched from the reading function F1 is set as the termination. When the print function F4 following the PDF conversion function F8 branched from the image processing function F2 is set as the termination, the state regarding the addition of the function of the job J4 is controlled under the control of the job management unit 121. It is assumed that “function addition is impossible”. Even in such a case, addition of branching from a function (F1, F2, F8) in the middle may be allowed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in which the user cannot explicitly add a function. (A) shows the editing screen for job A. By pressing the “disable function addition” button on this screen, job A is made incapable of function addition, as shown in (b). Transition to the status display screen.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for controlling a state related to addition of a job function and checking when the function is added.

  FIG. 15A is a processing example when the user designates that the function cannot be added, and the display operation control unit 111 requests the job setting screen control unit 113 to change the state to the state where the function cannot be added (step S221). ), The job setting screen control unit 113 requests the job management unit 121 to change the status so that it cannot be added (step S222).

  In response to this, the job management unit 121 changes the state relating to the addition of the function of the corresponding job so that the function cannot be added (step S223), and notifies the job setting screen control unit 113 of the completion of the processing (step S224). The job setting screen control unit 113 notifies the display operation control unit 111 of the completion of processing (step S225).

  FIG. 15B shows an example of processing when a user specifies a function to be added. The display operation control unit 111 specifies a function to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S231), and controls the job setting screen. The unit 113 designates a function for the job management unit 121 (step S232).

  In response to this, the job management unit 121 checks whether or not the job can be added by referring to the status related to the addition of the function of the corresponding job (step S233). Good) is transmitted to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S234), and the job setting screen control unit 113 transmits the same content to the display operation control unit 111 (step S235).

  Next, installation of a new plug-in function will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode of installing a new function. (A) shows a case where functions are installed from the memory card 3 or the HDD 161 in the MFP 1. (B) shows a case where the MFP 1 searches for available functions from the download server 4 and downloads and installs the available functions. (C) shows a case where the function component is once downloaded from the download server 4 to the PC 2 and the function is installed from the PC 2 to the MFP 1.

  FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when a new function is installed from a memory card, HDD, or the like.

  In FIG. 17, when the user makes a plug-in addition request for the editing screen (step S241), the display operation control unit 111 displays a plug-in selection screen (step S242). FIG. 18A shows an example of an edit screen. When a plug-in addition button is pressed from this screen, a plug-in addition request is made, and a plug-in file selection screen shown in FIG. 18B is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 17, when the user selects a plug-in from the plug-in selection screen and requests installation (step S243), the display operation control unit 111 requests the function management unit 122 to add a function with a file path. (Step S244). The request for installation is made by pressing the install button in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the function management unit 122 specifies a file path in the storage area 151 and requests acquisition of a file (step S245), and acquires a file of the function (step S246).

  Then, the function management unit 122 performs installation based on the acquired function file (step S247), and returns the result to the display operation control unit 111 (step S248). The display operation control unit 111 updates the screen (step S249). FIG. 18C shows an example of the editing screen in this state, and the function “PDF conversion” is added to the function list.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when installing a new function from the download server 4.

  In FIG. 19, when the display operation control unit 111 requests the job setting screen control unit 113 to display an edit screen (step S <b> 251), the job setting screen control unit 113 selects the installation installed in the job management unit 121. The acquisition of a possible function is requested (step S252), and the job management unit 121 requests the function management unit 122 to acquire a selectable function installed with the current function (step S253).

  In response to this, the function management unit 122 determines whether or not the installed function can be selected (step S254), transmits a list of selectable functions to the job management unit 121 (step S255), and the job management unit 121. Transmits the same list to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S256), and the job setting screen control unit 113 provides an editing screen to the display operation control unit 111 (step S257). FIG. 20A shows an example of an editing screen, in which the current functional configuration of job A is displayed, and the installed selectable functions are displayed in the lower part. In addition, functions that can be downloaded are not displayed at this time, and buttons for searching for functions are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 19, when the user performs a function search operation (pressing the search button for the function in FIG. 20A), the display operation control unit 111 searches the job setting screen control unit 113 for the function. In step S258, the job setting screen control unit 113 requests the job management unit 121 to obtain a downloadable function (step S259). The job management unit 121 requests the function management unit 122 to obtain the current function. Is requested to acquire a downloadable function (step S260). The function management unit 122 requests the communication 152 to communicate with the server (step S261), and the communication 152 requests the download server 4 to acquire a function that can be downloaded with the current function (step S262). .

  In response to this, the download server 4 determines whether or not the held function can be selected (step S263), transmits a list of selectable functions to the communication 152 (step S264), and the communication 152 uses the list. The function management unit 122 transmits the list to the job management unit 121 (step S266), and the job management unit 121 transmits the list to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S267). .

  Then, the job setting screen control unit 113 constructs an editing screen based on the acquired function list (step S268), and provides the editing screen to the display operation control unit 111 (step S269). FIG. 20B shows an example of the editing screen at this point, and “Preview” and “PDF conversion” are displayed as downloadable functions.

  Returning to FIG. 19, when the user performs an operation for specifying a function (selection of one of the downloadable functions in FIG. 20B), the display operation control unit 111 performs a function on the job setting screen control unit 113. (Step S270), the job setting screen control unit 113 requests the job management unit 121 to add a function with a function name and order (step S271), and the job management unit 121 uses the function management unit. A function installation request is sent to 122 along with the function name (step S272). The function management unit 122 requests the communication 152 to communicate with the server (step S273), the communication 152 requests the download server 4 to download (step S274), and obtains a function file (step S275). The function file is passed to the function management unit 122 (step S276).

  Then, the function management unit 122 performs installation based on the passed function file (step S277), and informs the job management unit 121 of the installed function information (step S278).

  The job management unit 121 updates the function included in the corresponding job (step S279), and notifies the job setting screen control unit 113 that the function has been added normally (step S280). In response to this, the job setting screen control unit 113 constructs an editing screen (step S281), and provides an editing screen in which the function designated by the display operation control unit 111 is added to the job (step S282).

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a processing example when installing a new function from the PC 2.

  In FIG. 21, when the communication 152 receives a request for installation with a file path from the PC 2 (step S291), it requests the display operation control unit 111 for installation with a file path (step S292), and performs a display operation. The control unit 111 requests the function management unit 122 to add a function with a file path (step S293).

  In response to this, the function management unit 122 requests the communication 152 to download from the PC 2 with a file path (step S294), and obtains a function file (step S295).

  Then, the function management unit 122 performs installation using the acquired function file (step S296), transmits the result to the display operation control unit 111 (step S297), and the display operation control unit 111 transmits the result to the communication 152 (step S297). S298).

  Next, the data structure of the function file and the processing at the time of installation will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a function file. For example, the file is composed of a jar (Java ARchiver) file, and inside the jar file, a binary file group, a manifest file group, and a resource file group are stored. Contains. The resource file group includes a file that records information about functions to be provided and a file that records conditions for selecting functions.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the time of installation in the function management unit 122.

  In FIG. 23, when the process starts, the function management unit 122 acquires information on the function to be provided and information on the conditions for selecting the function from the function file (step S21), and updates the function management data (step S21). Step S22). The function management data corresponds to the function list, function, and selectable status list in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 23, the function management unit 122 installs a function program in the service platform (step S23). That is, the function program is arranged in the system so that it can operate on Java VM (Java Virtual Machine).

  Next, the function management unit 122 requests initialization processing for the installed function (step S24). That is, initialization processing is performed so that functions can be used, such as device initialization.

  Next, the function management unit 122 requests the installed function to execute processing performed during installation (step S25). That is, processing that is performed only once at the time of installation, such as registration of function setting values, is performed.

  Next, the function management unit 122 requests the installed function to execute processing that is performed when the system is activated (step S26). That is, processing is performed for acquiring information that needs to be acquired at each activation, such as device information such as an IP address.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of job execution. Here, it is assumed that the reading function F1, the image processing function F2, and the printing function F3 are set in this order in the job J1.

  24, when an execution request is made from the display operation control unit 111 to the job setting screen control unit 113 (step S301), the job setting screen control unit 113 makes an execution request to the corresponding job J1 (step S302). FIG. 25A shows a screen example of a job that has been edited and is waiting for execution. By pressing the continuation button from this screen, an execution request is made to the job.

  Returning to FIG. 24, the job J1 makes a status acquisition request to the reading function F1 (step S303), and the function F1 sends a status notification to the job J1 (step S304). Here, “complete” is notified.

  Next, the job J1 makes a status acquisition request to the image processing function F2 (step S305), and the function F2 sends a status notification to the job J1 (step S306). Here, “complete” is notified.

  Next, the job J1 sends a status acquisition request to the printing function F3 (step S307), and the function F3 sends a status notification to the job J1 (step S308). Here, it is assumed that “in preparation for execution” is notified.

  Next, the job J1 makes an execution request to the printing function F3 that is not yet ready for execution (step S309). When the function F3 completes execution, the job J1 notifies the job J1 of completion (step S310).

  The job J1 notifies the job setting screen control unit 113 of completion (step S311), the job setting screen control unit 113 notifies the display operation control unit 111 of completion (step S312), and the display operation control unit 111 is completed. Is displayed. FIG. 25B shows an example of the screen when the printing function is being executed. FIG. 25C shows the screen when the execution of the printing function is completed. When an error due to a paper jam or the like occurs during printing, a screen indicating that the printing function as shown in FIG.

<Summary>
As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages.
(1) Since the execution state can be managed by each function executed in the job, the job can be executed even when all the functions to be executed in the job are not determined.
(2) Since a new process can be added to the job and executed from the middle, a job combining various functions can be created with a high degree of freedom.
(3) Since the job is not deleted even when execution of all functions in the job is completed, the job can be used as an operation log for the document.
(4) Since the functions executed inside the job are not restricted, even when a new function is added to the multifunction peripheral, the function can be incorporated into the job.
(5) Since the job is managed for each user, it is possible to cope with a workflow in which a job executed halfway in one operation unit is continuously executed in another operation unit.
(6) Since functions that operate in parallel within a job can be defined on the screen, a user can create a job having a complicated processing procedure.
(7) Since the function to execute after conditional branching within the job can be defined on the screen, the user can create a job having a complicated processing procedure.
(8) Since the results of a plurality of functions can be combined and input to the next function, the user can create a job having a complicated processing procedure.
(9) Since one screen data is stored for one job, the job to be selected can be confirmed by the thumbnail of the job setting screen.
(10) Since the functions in the job retain the conditions and results even when the execution is completed, the conditions and results of the processing performed so far can be referred to on the job management screen.
(11) Since a new plug-in function can be installed later and added to the job, more flexible processing can be performed.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Obviously you can. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the job in the conventional image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the job by this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the software structure of the image processing apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure. It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship of each data structure. It is a figure which shows the example of the state of a job. It is a figure which shows the example of the state of a function. It is a figure which shows the example which performs the function addition to a job. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of job status display. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for adding a function to a job. It is a figure which shows the example of a function edit screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which all of functions included in a job are terminated. It is a figure which shows the example of operation which a user cannot add a function explicitly. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for controlling a state related to addition of a job function and checking when the function is added. It is a figure which shows the example of the aspect of installation of a new function. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example when installing a new function from a memory card, an HDD, or the like. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process example in the case of installing a new function from a download server. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process example in the case of installing a new function from PC. It is a figure which shows the data structure example of the file of a function. It is a flowchart which shows the process example at the time of installation in a function management part. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing example of job execution. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen.

Explanation of symbols

J1 to J4 jobs F1 to F8 Function 11 UI layer 111 Display operation control unit 112 Job list screen control unit 113 Job setting screen control unit 12 System layer 121 Job management unit 122 Function management unit 13 Job layer 14 Functional layer 15 Device layer 151 Storage Area 152 Communication 1 MFP
2 PC
U user 3 memory card 4 download server

Claims (19)

An image processing apparatus that configures a job by combining individual functions related to image processing,
Means for displaying the status of the job and the individual functions constituting the job;
Means for selecting any of the individual functions constituting the job and accepting the addition of another function after the function;
Means for accepting the start of execution of the job;
When the means for accepting the start of execution of the job accepts the start of execution of the job, even in an unfinished state in which other functions are scheduled to be added after the individual functions constituting the job an image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a means for performing the start of the execution of the job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for determining whether or not to permit addition when adding a function to the job, based on characteristics of the function and the preceding function. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
Means for accepting an operation for setting the function to the end when the function is added to the job;
An image processing apparatus characterized in that, for a function set at the end, addition of another function is not accepted after the function. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
An image processing apparatus for prohibiting addition of a function to the job when all of the terminal functions constituting the job are set to the end. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Means for accepting an operation of setting to prohibit addition of a function for the job;
An image processing apparatus that does not accept addition of a function for a job for which addition of a function is prohibited. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When displaying the job status, there is provided a means for performing a login operation for identifying an operator,
An image processing apparatus that displays a status only for a job for which a logged-in user has an operation authority. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Means for selecting a new function file from the storage area when adding a function to the job;
Means for installing the selected features;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for displaying a new installed function as a selection candidate to be added to the job. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Means for accepting an operation for searching for a file with a new function from an external download server when adding a function to the job;
Means for searching for a file with a new function from the download server;
Means for displaying the searched new function as a selection candidate to be added to the job;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for downloading and installing a new function file from the download server when a function designated to be added to the job is not installed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Means for receiving an installation request for a new function for the image processing apparatus from an external terminal;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for downloading and installing a file having a new function from the terminal. A job management method of an image processing apparatus that configures a job by combining individual functions related to image processing,
Displaying the status of the job and the individual functions constituting the job;
Selecting one of the individual functions constituting the job, and accepting addition of another function after the function;
A step of accepting the start of execution of the job;
Even if it is in an unfinished state where other functions are scheduled to be added after the individual functions that constitute the job, the process for accepting the start of execution of the job accepts the start of execution of the job. And a step of starting execution of the job. The job management method according to claim 10.
A job management method comprising a step of determining whether or not to allow addition when adding a function to the job based on characteristics of the function and the preceding function. In the job management method according to any one of claims 10 and 11,
A step of accepting an operation for setting the function to the end when the function is added to the job;
A job management method characterized in that, for a function set at the end, addition of another function is not accepted after the function. The job management method according to claim 12, wherein
A job management method characterized by prohibiting addition of a function to the job when all of the terminal functions constituting the job are set to the end. The job management method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
A step of accepting an operation for setting to prohibit addition of a function for the job;
A job management method characterized by not accepting addition of a function for a job whose addition of a function is prohibited. The job management method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
When displaying the job status, a step of performing a login operation to identify the operator is provided.
A job management method characterized in that the status is displayed only for jobs for which the logged-in user has operation authority. The job management method according to any one of claims 10 to 15,
A step of selecting a new function file from the storage area when adding a function to the job;
Installing the selected features; and
And a step of displaying the installed new function as a selection candidate to be added to the job. The job management method according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
Accepting an operation for searching for a file with a new function from an external download server when adding a function to the job;
Searching for a file with a new function from the download server;
Displaying the searched new function as a selection candidate to be added to the job;
And a step of downloading a new function file from the download server and installing it when the function designated to be added to the job is not installed. The job management method according to any one of claims 10 to 17,
Receiving a new function installation request for the image processing apparatus from an external terminal;
A job management method comprising: downloading a file of a new function from the terminal and performing installation. A job management program for an image processing apparatus that configures a job by combining individual functions related to image processing,
A computer constituting the image processing apparatus;
Means for displaying the status of the job and the individual functions constituting the job;
Means for selecting any of the individual functions constituting the job and accepting the addition of another function after the function;
Means for accepting the start of execution of the job;
When the means for accepting the start of execution of the job accepts the start of execution of the job, even in an unfinished state in which other functions are scheduled to be added after the individual functions constituting the job , the job management program to function as a means for performing the start of the execution of the job.

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