JP5401872B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a system in which an operating system is divided and arranged for each function.

  In recent years, in an office, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function is used in order to reduce cost and exclusive area.

On the other hand, virtualization technology that builds a plurality of independent virtual machines on a single hardware platform and executes a plurality of operating systems has attracted attention in the field of server management. Using the virtualization technology, a plurality of functions such as the copy function, facsimile function, and printer function can be realized by a single image forming apparatus.
Patent Document 1 discloses a hypervisor that gives a virtual copy of a console and an operator panel to each operating system operating in a plurality of logical partitions.
JP 2002-41306 A

  However, in the case of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, when it is necessary to perform maintenance on one function, all functions of the image forming apparatus are stopped and the maintenance is performed. The plurality of functions cannot be used.

  In the above case, other image forming apparatuses can be used instead. However, the software used by each image forming apparatus is different, and a user interface such as an operation method through an operation screen is provided. Due to the difference, there is a problem that the operability and work efficiency of the user are lowered.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention utilizes the hardware virtualization technology described above, so that even when an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that is normally used is used, the user can operate it. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used without degrading performance and work efficiency.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functional units, a hardware resource layer unit, a hardware resource virtualization layer unit on the hardware resource layer, and the hardware A plurality of functional units on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit, and a controller unit that controls the functional units, and each of the plurality of functional units is configured on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit. , operate independently, the controller unit, the functional unit, after moving to the hardware resource virtualization layer portion on the other image forming apparatus, receives a processing request for the function unit is the mobile In this case, the processing request is transferred to the other image forming apparatus by changing the destination of the processing request .

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functional units, a hardware resource layer unit, and a controller unit that controls the functional units on the hardware resource layer unit. The controller unit includes a hardware / resource virtualization layer unit and a plurality of functional units on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit, and the plurality of functional units include the hardware unit · a resource virtualization layer unit on, operate independently, the controller unit, the functional unit, after moving to the hardware resource virtualization layer portion on the other image forming apparatus, was the mobile when receiving a processing request to the function unit, by changing the destination of the processing request, characterized in that the transfer of the processing request to the other image forming apparatus To.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the controller unit includes an image data management unit that adjusts use of image data in each functional unit.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit has a communication network interface for exchanging information via a communication network, and the controller unit controls the functional unit as a hardware resource virtualization layer of the other image forming apparatus. It is moved to a part via the said communication network interface.

  Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium interface for reading / writing information from / to a recording medium, and the controller unit assigns the function unit to a hardware / resource virtual of the other image forming apparatus. The recording layer is moved over the recording layer section via the recording medium interface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the controller unit stores the functional unit in a storage device connected to the other image forming apparatus via a communication network.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, each functional unit is assigned an IP address, the IP address allocated to the functional unit before movement by the controller unit, and the function after movement by the controller unit. The IP address assigned to the section is the same.

  Therefore, the present invention uses hardware virtualization technology, so that even if an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that is normally used is used, the user can use it without degrading operability and work efficiency. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  According to the present invention, even when using an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that is normally used by using the hardware virtualization technology, the user can use it without deteriorating operability and work efficiency. An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
(Configuration of image forming apparatus and processing operation thereof in this embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a hierarchical structure, and a hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 is provided on the hardware / resource layer unit 11, and the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 is provided. In addition, a controller unit 13, a FAX function unit 14, a copy function unit 15, and a printer function unit 16 are provided.

  The hardware / resource layer unit 11 is a hardware platform constituting the image forming apparatus 10. The hardware resource layer unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, an input / output device 112, a memory 113, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 114, a network I / F (Interface) 115, a recording medium I / F 116, and a plotter 117. A scanner 118 and a FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 119.

  The CPU 111 is a device that executes a program stored in a ROM (Read-Only Memory). The CPU 111 performs arithmetic processing on data expanded (loaded) in a RAM (Random Access Memory) in accordance with instructions of the program, and the entire image forming apparatus 10 Control.

  The input / output device 112 includes a key switch using hard keys and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and functions as a user interface for performing various settings when the user uses the functions of the image forming apparatus 10. Device.

  The memory 113 is a ROM that stores programs executed by the CPU 111, data, and network settings, and the programs and data that are executed when the CPU 111 executes programs stored in the ROM. It is composed of a RAM that temporarily stores calculation data.

  The HDD 114 is a device that stores basic software such as an operating system and application software together with related data.

  The network I / F 115 is an interface for exchanging information with other devices connected to the network via a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the like. And transmits / receives data to / from the LAN according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The recording medium I / F 116 is an interface for exchanging information with other devices via the recording medium.

The plotter 117 is a device that receives print data and performs printing.
The scanner 118 is a device that optically reads image information of a document and outputs it as image data.

  The FCU 119 is connected to the public line network, converts a digital signal in the facsimile apparatus and an analog signal in the public line network, and performs facsimile transmission / reception to / from the public line network according to the G3 protocol.

  The hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12 virtualizes hardware resources into a plurality of virtual machines, and divides the hardware resources into a plurality of logical partitions. The hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12 treats the operating system and applications running on the hardware system as one system, and provides a function for causing each system to recognize each system as a virtual machine. Allows multiple systems to run simultaneously on one hardware resource.

  The hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12 in the present embodiment may be configured to use hypervisor technology.

  The controller unit 13 operates on an independent virtual machine on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 and controls each functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment. The controller unit 13 includes an operating system (OS) 131, an image data management unit 132, and a function management unit 133. The OS 131 is an operating system assigned to the controller unit 13 on an independent virtual machine on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12.

  The image data management unit 132 is one of the applications that the controller unit 13 has. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of functional units of the image forming apparatus 10 simultaneously use image data. Adjust so that the use of image data does not interfere.

  The function management unit 133 is one of the applications that the controller unit 13 has. When the function unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is moved to another image forming apparatus, the function management unit 133 controls the movement. The function management unit 133 also controls the reception of the function unit included in the image forming apparatus 10 when it is received.

  The FAX function unit 14 operates on an independent virtual machine on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 and has a function of realizing the FAX function of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The FAX function unit 14 includes an OS 141 and a FAX application 142. The OS 141 is an operating system assigned to the FAX function unit 14 on an independent virtual machine on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12. The FAX application 142 is a program for realizing a FAX function.

  The copy function unit 15 operates on an independent virtual machine on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 and has a function of realizing the copy function of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The copy function unit 15 includes an OS 151 and a copy application 152. The OS 151 is an operating system assigned to the copy function unit 15 on an independent virtual machine on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12. The copy application 152 is a program for realizing a copy function.

  The printer function unit 16 operates on an independent virtual machine on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 12 and has a function of realizing the printer function of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The printer function unit 16 includes an OS 161 and a printer application 162. The OS 161 is an operating system assigned to the printer function unit 16 on an independent virtual machine on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit 12. The printer application 162 is a program for realizing a copy function.

  Each function unit (FAX function unit 14, copy function unit 15, printer function unit 16) is assigned an IP address unique to each function unit and a port used in the image forming apparatus. For example, the printer function unit 16 receives a job related to the printer function at the port number 631 of the IP address “012.0122.012.001” and executes it. Here, the IP address “012.0122.012.001” is the IP address of the entire image forming apparatus.

Hereinafter, an operation process of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
When the image forming apparatus 10 performs FAX processing, the CPU 111 executes the FAX application 142 of the FAX function unit 14. First, when the user performs a FAX operation from the input / output device 112, the CPU 111 instructs the scanner 118 to read a document. Then, in accordance with a command from the CPU 111, the image data relating to the read original is temporarily stored in the memory 113. Next, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 111, the FCU 119 reads out the image data temporarily stored in the memory 113, and transmits the image data to the transmission destination designated by the user.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 performs a copy process, the CPU 111 executes the copy application 152 of the copy function unit 15. When the user performs a copy operation from the input / output device 112, the CPU 111 instructs the scanner 118 to read the document. Then, in accordance with a command from the CPU 111, the image data relating to the read original is printed on the plotter 117.

  When performing printer processing in the image forming apparatus 10, the CPU 111 executes the printer application 162 of the printer function unit 16. When the user performs an operation for printing image data via the network I / F 115, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 113 via the network I / F 115. Then, the image data is read from the memory 113 and printed on the plotter 117 according to a command from the CPU 111.

(Movement of function part via communication network I / F)
Hereinafter, a description will be given of moving a functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment to another image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication network.

  FIG. 2 conceptually shows a mode in which the functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment moves to another image forming apparatus 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication network. In FIG. 2, the printer function unit 16 moves from the image forming apparatus 10 to another image forming apparatus 20. Since the printer function unit 16 is a virtual system of the image forming apparatus 10, when the virtual resource provided by the image forming apparatus 10 and the virtual resource provided by the image forming apparatus 20 provide the same environment, the printer function unit 16 Even if the function unit 16 moves to the image forming apparatus 20, the same function as the function of the printer function unit in the image forming apparatus 10 is realized on the image forming apparatus 20. The printer function unit 26 that has conventionally been in the image forming apparatus 20 and the printer function unit 16 that has moved from the image forming apparatus 10 are distinguished on the image forming apparatus 20. Further, since the printer function unit 16 on the image forming apparatus 10 has moved to the image forming apparatus 20, the printer function cannot be used on the image forming apparatus 10.

  When the printer function unit 16 moves, the function management unit 133 searches for an available port (number) on the image forming apparatus 20 and newly assigns the port number to the printer function unit 16. For example, the port number assigned to the printer function unit 16 before movement is “631” (port on the image forming apparatus 10), and the port number assigned to the printer function unit 16 after movement is “6310” (image). Port number on the forming apparatus 20). However, the same IP address is assigned to the printer function unit 16 regardless of whether it is on the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 20. In this way, it is possible to effectively utilize the available port on the destination image forming apparatus 20, and to execute a job execution request without changing the IP address assigned to the printer function unit 16 in the user terminal. You can be notified.

  Further, the function management unit 133 transfers the processing request packet for the printer function unit 16 notified to the image forming apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus 20. This IP relay function of the function management unit 133 changes the header of the TCP / IP packet related to the processing request, and sends the processing request packet notified to the port number (for example, “631”) on the image forming apparatus 10. Transfer to a port number (for example, “6310”) on the image forming apparatus 20. By doing so, the print processing request and print data notified from the user terminal can be transferred to the printer function unit 16 moved onto the image forming apparatus 20, and the printer function unit 16 can execute the process request. (The job is printed).

  Next, moving the functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment to another image forming apparatus 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication network will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. . FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for moving the functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 to another image forming apparatus 20 connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication network.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, an example in which the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 is moved to the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

  In step S31, the function management unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source connects to the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 that is the movement destination via the network I / Fs 115 and 215. In step S <b> 32, the function management unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 10 requests whether the printer function unit 16 operates on the image forming apparatus 20 that is the movement destination, and the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 In response to this, a confirmation response is made as to whether or not the printer function unit 16 operates. Specifically, it is checked whether the hardware environment at the movement source used by the printer function unit 16 to be moved matches the hardware environment at the movement destination, and if they match, the printer function unit 16 operates at the movement destination. Can be made. In S32, the function management unit 133 checks the above and checks an available port number on the image forming apparatus 20 that is the movement destination.

  If it can be confirmed in S32 that the printer function unit 16 operates even at the movement destination, the function management unit 133 stops the function of the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source in S33. Further, in S33, the function management unit 133 assigns the number of the free port investigated in S32 to the printer function unit 16. At this time, the IP address assigned to the printer function unit 16 is not changed.

  In step S34, the function management unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source stores the OS 161 and the printer application 162, which are programs for realizing the functions of the printer function unit 16, and the setting information about the printer function unit 16, as the movement destination. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication network. In step S35, the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 that is the movement destination receives the program for realizing the functions of the received printer function unit 16 and the setting information about the printer function unit 16 as a hardware resource virtualization layer unit. 22 to save. Thus, the function of the printer function unit 16 is realized in the other image forming apparatus 20. If there is a user operation request in S 36, the processing of the printer function unit 16 is started in the image forming apparatus 20 at the movement destination.

  In S36, the function management unit 133 sets the IP relay function. In other words, the function management unit 133 changes the header of the TCP / IP packet related to the processing request, and sends the processing request packet notified to the conventional port number on the image forming apparatus 10 to the current on the image forming apparatus 20. Set to forward to port number. Thereafter, when the processing request is notified to the image forming apparatus 10, the function management unit 133 transfers the processing request to the current port number on the image forming apparatus 20.

  Here, the operation processing of the printer function unit 16 in the destination image forming apparatus 20 is as follows. In this case, the CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus 20 executes the printer application 162 of the printer function unit 16. First, when the user performs an operation for printing image data via the network I / F 215, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 213 via the network I / F 215. Then, in response to a command from the CPU 211, the image data is read from the memory 213 and printed on the plotter 217 of the image forming apparatus 20.

  As a result, by using the hardware virtualization technology, even when using an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus that is normally used, the user can use the image forming apparatus without reducing operability and work efficiency. An image forming apparatus that can be used can be provided.

  Further, even after the function unit is moved onto another image forming apparatus, the function unit can be accessed by the same method, and can be accessed without changing the setting on the user side.

(Movement of functional unit via recording medium I / F)
The movement of the functional unit included in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment to another image forming apparatus 20 via the recording medium will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for moving the functional unit of the image forming apparatus 10 to another image forming apparatus 20 via the recording medium.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, an example in which the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 is moved to the image forming apparatus 20 will be described.

  In step S41, the function management unit 133 stops the function of the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source. In S41, in addition to the previous processing, the function management unit 133 may check an available port number on the image forming apparatus 20 that is the transfer destination, and assign the number of the checked empty port to the printer function unit 16. . At this time, the IP address assigned to the printer function unit 16 is not changed.

  In step S42, the function management unit 133 of the source image forming apparatus 10 records the OS 161 and the printer application 162, which are programs for realizing the functions of the printer function unit 16, and the setting information about the printer function unit 16. Recording is performed on a recording medium via the medium I / F 116. In step S43, the function management unit 233 of the destination image forming apparatus 20 uses the recording medium I / F 216 to execute a program for realizing the functions of the printer function unit 16 recorded on the recording medium and the printer function unit 16. The setting information is stored on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 22. Thus, the function of the printer function unit 16 is realized in the other image forming apparatus 20. If there is a user operation request in S44, the processing of the printer function unit 16 is started in the destination image forming apparatus 20.

  Further, the function management unit 133 may set the IP relay function in S44. In other words, the function management unit 133 changes the header of the TCP / IP packet related to the processing request, and sends the processing request packet notified to the conventional port number on the image forming apparatus 10 to the current on the image forming apparatus 20. Set to forward to port number. Thereafter, when a processing request to the image forming apparatus 10 is notified, the function management unit 133 transfers the processing request to the current port number on the image forming apparatus 20.

  Here, the operation processing of the printer function unit 16 in the destination image forming apparatus 20 is as follows. In this case, the CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus 20 executes the printer application 162 of the printer function unit 16. First, when the user performs an operation for printing image data via the network I / F 215, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 213 via the network I / F 215. Then, in response to a command from the CPU 211, the image data is read from the memory 213 and printed on the plotter 217 of the image forming apparatus 20.

  As a result, by using the hardware virtualization technology, even when using an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus that is normally used, the user can use the image forming apparatus without reducing operability and work efficiency. An image forming apparatus that can be used can be provided.

  Further, even after the function unit is moved onto another image forming apparatus, the function unit can be accessed by the same method, and can be accessed without changing the setting on the user side.

(Move functional unit to storage device on communication network)
The functional unit included in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is moved to a storage device on the communication network via the network I / F 115, and another image forming apparatus 20 accesses the moved functional unit. The realization of the function of the functional unit on the other image forming apparatus 20 will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. The function unit of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 5 is moved to the storage device on the communication network via the network I / F 115, and another image forming apparatus 20 accesses the moved function unit. A flowchart for realizing the function of the functional unit on another image forming apparatus 20 is shown.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 6, an example in which the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 is moved to the storage device 30 on the communication network will be described.

  In S <b> 51, the function management unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source connects to the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 via the network I / F 115 and 215. In step S52, the function management unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 10 makes a request for checking whether the printer function unit 16 operates on the image forming apparatus 20, and the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 responds to the request. A confirmation response is made as to whether or not the printer function unit 16 operates. Specifically, it is checked whether the hardware environment used by the printer function unit 16 to be moved and the hardware environment of the image forming apparatus 20 match, and if they match, the printer function unit 16 is operated by the image forming apparatus 20. be able to. If it can be confirmed in S52 that the printer function unit 16 operates even at the movement destination, the function management unit 133 stops the function of the printer function unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 that is the movement source in S53.

  In step S54, the function management unit 133 of the source image forming apparatus 10 is connected to the printer application 162, which is a program for realizing the functions of the printer function unit 16, via the network I / F 115 via the communication network. Stored in the storage device 30. In S54, the function management unit 133 obtains the OS 161, which is a program for realizing the functions of the printer function unit 16, the setting information about the printer function unit 16, and the information related to the access method to the storage device 30. Then, the data is transmitted to the function management unit 233 of the other image forming apparatus 20. In S55, the function management unit 233 of the destination image forming apparatus 20 receives the received program related to the OS 161, the setting information about the printer function unit 16, and the information related to the access method to the storage device 30 in hardware / Saved on the resource virtualization layer unit 22.

  In S55, the OS 161 of the printer function unit 16 is constructed on the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 20 that is the movement destination. If there is a user operation request in S56, the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 accesses the storage device 30 by the notified access method and realizes the stored function of the printer function unit 16. The printer application 162 as a program is read out and temporarily stored in the printer function unit 16. Thus, the function of the printer function unit 16 is realized in the other image forming apparatus 20. In step S57, the processing of the printer function unit 16 is started in the image forming apparatus 20.

  Here, the operation processing of the printer function unit 16 in the destination image forming apparatus 20 is as follows. First, when the user performs an operation for printing image data via the network I / F 215, the function management unit 233 of the image forming apparatus 20 accesses the storage device 30 and reads the printer application 162. Then, the function management unit 233 stores it in the printer function unit 16, and the function of the printer function unit 16 is realized. The CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus 20 executes the printer application 162 of the printer function unit 16. Next, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 213 via the network I / F 215. Then, in response to a command from the CPU 211, the image data is read from the memory 213 and printed on the plotter 217 of the image forming apparatus 20.

  As a result, by using the hardware virtualization technology, even when using an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus that is normally used, the user can use the image forming apparatus without reducing operability and work efficiency. An image forming apparatus that can be used can be provided.

(Modification of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment)
A modification of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  An image forming apparatus 70 according to the modification includes a hardware / resource layer unit 71 and a controller unit 72. A controller unit 72 is provided on the hardware / resource layer unit 71, and the controller unit 72 includes a hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 73. In addition, a FAX function unit 74, a copy function unit 75, and a printer function unit 76 are provided.

  The operation processing of each part constituting the image forming apparatus 70 and the image forming apparatus 70 in this modification is the same as the processing operation of each part constituting the image forming apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment described above. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment described above also includes the movement of the functional unit via the communication network, the movement of the functional unit via the recording medium, and the movement of the functional unit to the storage device 30 connected via the communication network. This is the same as the tenth example.

  Accordingly, in this modification as well, by using the hardware virtualization technology, the user can reduce operability and work efficiency even when using an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus normally used. An image forming apparatus that can be used without any problems can be provided.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Deformation / change is possible.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a mode in which a functional unit included in an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment moves to another image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication network. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for moving a functional unit included in an image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication network. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for moving a functional unit included in an image forming apparatus to another image forming apparatus via a recording medium. It is a figure which shows the flowchart about moving the function part which an image forming apparatus has to the memory | storage device on a communication network. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an aspect in which a functional unit included in an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is stored in a storage device connected via a communication network. FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Hardware / resource layer part 12 Hardware / resource virtualization layer part 13 Controller part 14 Fax function part 15 Copy function part 16 Printer function part 132 Image data management part 133 Function management part 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Hardware Hardware / resource layer unit 22 Hardware / resource virtualization layer unit 23 Controller unit 24 FAX function unit 25 Copy function unit 26 Printer function unit 232 Image data management unit 233 Function management unit 70 Image forming apparatus 71 Hardware / resource layer unit 72 Controller unit 73 Hardware resource virtualization layer unit 74 FAX function unit 75 Copy function unit 76 Printer function unit 722 Image data management unit 723 Function management unit

Claims (13)

An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functional units,
Hardware resource layer part,
A hardware resource virtualization layer on the hardware resource layer;
A plurality of functional units on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit, and a controller unit for controlling the functional units;
The plurality of functional units each operate independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit,
Said controller unit, said function unit, after moving to the hardware resource virtualization layer portion on the other image forming apparatus, when receiving a processing request for the function unit is the mobile, of the processing request An image forming apparatus, wherein the processing request is transferred to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination . An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functional units,
Hardware resource layer part,
A controller unit for controlling the functional unit on the hardware resource layer unit;
The controller unit includes a hardware resource virtualization layer unit,
A plurality of functional units on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit;
The plurality of functional units each operate independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit,
Said controller unit, said function unit, after moving to the hardware resource virtualization layer portion on the other image forming apparatus, when receiving a processing request for the function unit is the mobile, of the processing request An image forming apparatus, wherein the processing request is transferred to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit includes an image data management unit that adjusts use of image data in each functional unit. A communication network interface for sending and receiving information via the communication network;
4. The controller unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit moves the functional unit onto a hardware resource virtualization layer unit of the other image forming apparatus via the communication network interface. The image forming apparatus according to one item. A recording medium interface for reading and writing information to the recording medium;
4. The controller unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit moves the functional unit onto a hardware resource virtualization layer unit of the other image forming apparatus via the recording medium interface. The image forming apparatus according to one item. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller unit stores the functional unit in a storage device connected to the other image forming apparatus via a communication network. 5. Each functional unit is assigned an IP address,
The IP address assigned to the function unit before movement by the controller unit and the IP address assigned to the function unit after movement by the controller unit are the same. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. A hardware resource layer unit, a hardware resource virtualization layer unit on the hardware resource layer unit, a plurality of functional units on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit, and a control of the functional unit An image forming method of an image forming apparatus that operates independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit,
When the controller unit receives the processing request for the moved functional unit after moving the functional unit onto the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit of another image forming apparatus , the processing request An image forming method comprising a step of transferring the processing request to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination . A hardware resource layer unit; and a controller unit that controls a functional unit on the hardware resource layer unit, wherein the controller unit includes a hardware resource virtualization layer unit and the hardware resource A plurality of functional units on the virtualization layer unit, and each of the plurality of functional units is an image forming method of an image forming apparatus that operates independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit. And
When the controller unit receives the processing request for the moved functional unit after moving the functional unit onto the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit of another image forming apparatus , the processing request An image forming method comprising a step of transferring the processing request to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination . Each functional unit is assigned an IP address,
9. The IP address assigned to the functional unit before movement by the controller unit and the IP address assigned to the functional unit after movement by the controller unit are the same. 10. The image forming method according to 9. A hardware resource layer unit, a hardware resource virtualization layer unit on the hardware resource layer unit , a plurality of functional units on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit, and a control of the functional unit Each of the plurality of functional units is an image forming program of an image forming apparatus that operates independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit,
On the computer,
When the controller unit receives the processing request for the moved functional unit after moving the functional unit onto the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit of another image forming apparatus , the processing request An image forming program for executing a step of transferring the processing request to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination . A hardware resource layer unit; and a controller unit that controls a functional unit on the hardware resource layer unit, wherein the controller unit includes a hardware resource virtualization layer unit and the hardware resource A plurality of functional units on the virtualization layer unit, and each of the plurality of functional units is an image forming program of an image forming apparatus that operates independently on the hardware resource virtualization layer unit. And
On the computer,
When the controller unit receives the processing request for the moved functional unit after moving the functional unit onto the hardware / resource virtualization layer unit of another image forming apparatus , the processing request An image forming program for executing a step of transferring the processing request to the other image forming apparatus by changing a destination . Each functional unit is assigned an IP address,
12. The IP address assigned to the function unit before movement by the controller unit and the IP address assigned to the function unit after movement by the controller unit are the same. 12. The image forming program according to 12.

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