JP5494019B2 - Network system and communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network system, an image forming apparatus, and a communication method, and more particularly to a network system that performs communication between an image forming apparatus on a LAN (Local Area Network) and a server on a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the server. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a communication method between a server and the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having a copy function, a print function, a scan function, and the like is widespread, and a company or the like also uses a system that performs printing or the like by linking an image forming apparatus and a server. Yes. For example, in a system in which an image forming apparatus and a server are arranged on an in-house LAN, the image forming apparatus acquires setting information such as printing stored in the server and executes printing or the like.

  With regard to such a printing system, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a Web server as a document data providing apparatus manages document data together with instruction data representing a printing instruction directly, and receives a document data acquisition request from the document processing apparatus. Then, the Web server provides the requested document data and also provides instruction data associated with the document data. The document processing apparatus acquires the document data, and instruction data related to the document data is obtained. If there is, a system that directly prints according to the instruction data regardless of the user operation is disclosed.

  There is also a system in which a client and an image forming apparatus are arranged on an in-house LAN, and a server is arranged on a WAN. With regard to such a printing system, for example, in Patent Document 2 below, a print executable request is sent from a local client to a networked application server, and a print proxy executable in the local client is sent to the local client to perform print processing. The print specification command including the print processing parameter is transferred to the application server, and the document including the printer dependent data stream adjusted by the print processing parameter of the print specification command is transmitted to the application server. And a printer-dependent data stream forwarded to an executable print proxy for printing on a printer controlled by a local client.

JP 2001-32080 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-178583

  Since the system of Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the document processing apparatus and the Web server exist on the same network, the Web server provides document data to the document processing apparatus and is associated with the document data. Instruction data can be provided. However, when the Web server exists on the WAN beyond the network of the document processing apparatus (when the Web server is connected to the document processing apparatus via a router), the server on the WAN crosses the router and performs document processing. Since the IP address of the apparatus cannot be known, there is a problem that document data cannot be transmitted to the document processing apparatus.

  Further, the system of Patent Document 2 can provide a local client that issues a print request to an application server and receives a response (print specification command) from the application server, and the local client can execute printing by controlling the printer. . However, when a browser or the like is mounted on the image forming apparatus without using a client, and the browser issues a scan request or a copy instruction to the server, the image forming apparatus must perform control. There is a problem in that printing cannot be executed unless the image forming apparatus has a function for realizing accurate control.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the main object of the present invention is to provide a system in which an image forming apparatus on a LAN and a server on a WAN are connected via a router. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system, an image forming apparatus, and a communication method in which a server can control an image forming apparatus without acquiring an address.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a network system that communicates between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and a server connected to a WAN, wherein the server responds to a request from the image forming apparatus. A function of adding instruction information to the image forming apparatus and transmitting a response to which the instruction information is added to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus determines whether the instruction information is added to the response. If it is determined and added, it has a function of controlling the operation according to the instruction information, and the request from the image forming apparatus is a scan, print, copy, or fax by pressing a hard key of the image forming apparatus. This is a job start confirmation, and the response to the request is a notification that the start confirmation has been received. , Scanning, printing, execution instructions der shall jobs including setting information of the copy or FAX, the server has a function as a Web server, the image forming apparatus is provided with a function as a Web browser, The Web server may be configured to transmit an HTTP response in which the instruction information is added to an HTML tag, XML, header, or script in response to an HTTP request from the Web browser.

The present invention is also a communication method between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and a server connected to a WAN, wherein the image forming apparatus transmits a request to the server; A second step in which the server receives the request, adds instruction information for the image forming apparatus to a response to the request, and transmits a response to which the instruction information is added to the image forming apparatus; and the image forming apparatus but it receives the response, determines whether the instruction information to the response is added, if it is added, possess a third step of controlling operation in accordance with the instruction information, the said first In the step, confirmation of the start of a scan, print, copy or fax job according to the hard key of the image forming apparatus is performed. In step notifies of the reception of the start confirmation, and sends scanning, printing, and setting information of the copy or FAX, is intended to instruct the execution of the job, the server has a function as a Web server The image forming apparatus has a function as a Web browser. In the first step, the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server. In the second step, the Web server includes an HTML tag, an XML tag. The HTTP response with the instruction information added to the header or script may be transmitted.

  According to the printing system, the image forming apparatus, and the communication method of the present invention, an IP address is not acquired even in a system in which an image forming apparatus on a LAN and a server on a WAN are connected via a router. The server can control the image forming apparatus.

  The reason is that the server analyzes the request from the image forming apparatus, returns the response to the request with the instruction information for the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus transmits the response. This is because the response to the requested request is analyzed, and when the instruction information is included in the response, the operation is controlled according to the instruction information.

  In this way, the server does not transmit the instruction information to the image forming apparatus when making a request from the server side, but adds the instruction information to the response to the request from the image forming apparatus and sends it back. It is possible to notify the image forming apparatus of various information held on the server side without acquiring the IP address of the server, and the operability of various functions of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the network system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the scanning process of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the scanning process of the network system of 1st Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the printing process of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the printing process of the network system of 1st Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the scanning process of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the scanning process of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other operation | movement at the time of the scanning process of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the printing process of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the printing process of the network system of the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the start key state change of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the start key state change of the network system of the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other operation | movement at the time of the start key state change of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the application end of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the application completion | finish of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the screen switching of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the screen switching of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the authentication login of the conventional system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the authentication login of the network system of 2nd Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (login screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen (application menu screen) displayed on an image forming apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (scan destination selection screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen (scan destination selection screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (scan reading setting screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (scanning execution screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (scan preview screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (job details screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (print file selection screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen (print file selection screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (print setting screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen (print execution screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus.

  In a system in which an image forming apparatus and a server cooperate to perform printing or the like, for example, when instructing scanning, the server performs processing such as start key status change, screen transition to the scan setting screen, and scan start. It is necessary to specify the IP address of the image forming apparatus. However, in a system in which the image forming apparatus is in an in-house LAN environment and the server exists in an external network outside the company, the IP address of the image forming apparatus on the in-house LAN cannot be specified from the server on the external network. There was a problem that the device could not be controlled. In addition, if the image forming apparatus is placed in a DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone) environment that can be accessed from outside the company, private IP addresses can be assigned and transferred to each port of the global IP router. In addition to the problems, there arises a problem that the network environment of the customer company needs to be changed.

  As described above, when making a request (request) from the server side to the image forming apparatus, the server needs to specify the IP address of the image forming apparatus, but in response to a request (request) from the image forming apparatus side. When responding (response), the request does not need to specify the IP address of the image forming apparatus because the request (request) includes information specifying the transmission source.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the server responds to a request from the image forming apparatus so that the image forming apparatus can be controlled without specifying the IP address of the image forming apparatus from the server side. Add response information to the image forming apparatus (request for scanning, printing, browser key status change, application termination, screen switching, login authentication, etc.) as a response command. Then, when a request command is added to the response (response), the image forming apparatus executes processing according to the request command.

  When the server functions as a Web server and the image forming apparatus functions as a Web browser, an HTTP response (HTTP (HyperText Markup Language) tag, xml (Extensible Markup Language), header, The instruction information is added to the script or the like and returned to the image forming apparatus, and the browser of the image forming apparatus receives the HTTP response to which the request command is added and instructs the image forming apparatus to execute processing.

  In addition, a function for making a confirmation request to the image forming apparatus is extended to the browser function, and when a script is executed, the image forming apparatus which is a local environment in which the browser is installed transmits a job start request to the server.

  With such a configuration, the following UI (User Interface) can be realized.

  1. Select a scan destination on the panel of the image forming apparatus, scan by changing the resolution, file path, color, etc. depending on the scan reading setting, request screen transition to the scan setting screen of the image forming apparatus, etc. It becomes possible.

  2. By pressing the scan setting key on the panel of the image forming apparatus, a transition is made to the scan setting screen prepared by the image forming apparatus, and the default value in the shifted scan setting screen is set to a value held on the server side. It becomes possible.

  3. When a scan destination or print file is selected on the panel of the image forming apparatus, the hard key (for example, start key) of the image forming apparatus can be pressed, or pressed when the selection is canceled or the screen is changed to another screen. It becomes possible to make it impossible.

  4). Scanning and previewing can be performed by pressing a hard key (for example, a start key or a preview key) on the image forming apparatus side.

  5. The server file selected on the panel of the image forming apparatus is converted into PCL (Printer Control Language) in accordance with the print settings held on the server side, and the converted PCL is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, whereby the image forming apparatus Files that cannot be printed directly with can also be printed.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a network system, an image forming apparatus, and a communication method according to a first example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a network system according to the present exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server. 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams for comparing the operations of the conventional example and the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the network system 10 of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 20 on a LAN, a server 30 on a WAN, a router 40 that relays the LAN and WAN, and the like. FIG. 1A shows the simplest configuration of the network system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, the computer device of the client 50 is arranged on the LAN or WAN. Alternatively, other servers may be arranged. Hereinafter, the configuration of the following apparatus will be described in detail.

[Image forming apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a scanner unit 25, a printing unit 26, a communication I / F unit 27, and the like. Consists of.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and controls the entire image forming apparatus 20. Further, the control unit 21 analyzes a response from the server 30 to the request processing unit that generates a request to the server 30 and the request transmitted to the server 30, and the instruction information added by the server 30 is included in the response. It also functions as a response processing unit that determines whether or not. Then, the control unit 21 controls the operation of the own device according to the added instruction information.

  The storage unit 22 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores scan data, print data, various setting information, user information, and the like.

  The display unit 23 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like, and displays various screens for realizing functions such as copying, scanning, printing, and FAX.

  The operation unit 24 is a hard key or a touch panel on the display unit 23, and performs various instructions for functions such as copying, scanning, printing, and FAX.

  The scanner unit 25 is a part that optically reads image data from a document sheet on a document table, such as a light source that scans the document and a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) that converts light reflected from the document into an electrical signal. It comprises an image sensor and an A / D converter that A / D converts an electrical signal.

  The printing unit 26 transfers the image data to a sheet. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light corresponding to the image from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and the toner charged by the developing device is attached and developed. The image is primarily transferred to a transfer belt, secondarily transferred from the transfer belt to a paper medium, and a fixing device fixes the toner image onto the paper medium. Further, processing such as folding, bookbinding, and stapling is performed as necessary.

  The communication I / F unit 27 is an interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and performs communication with the server 30 based on a standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Also, the encoded bitmap data of FAX format is transmitted to the FAX apparatus via a telephone line or the like.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is provided with a scanner function, a printing function, and a FAX function. However, the configuration in FIG. 2 is an example, and any one function may be provided. Further, in addition to the above functions, a function of storing scan data or print data in the server 30 or the like, or transmitting it as an attachment to an e-mail may be provided.

[server]
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication I / F unit 33, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM or a ROM, and controls the entire server 30. The control unit 31 also functions as a request processing unit that analyzes a request transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 and a response processing unit that adds instruction information to the image forming apparatus 20 when generating a response to the request. To do. Then, the control unit 31 returns a response to which the instruction information is added and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, executes a job according to the setting information).

  The storage unit 32 is configured by an HDD or the like, and stores setting information such as copying, scanning, printing, and FAX, and actual data for printing and FAX.

  The communication I / F unit 33 is an interface such as a NIC or a modem, and performs communication with the image forming apparatus 20 based on a standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the network system 10 configured as described above (scan processing and print processing) will be described in comparison with a conventional system.

  First, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 during the scanning process will be described with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams at the time of scanning processing, where FIG. 4A shows the conventional operation and FIG. 4B shows the operation of this embodiment. A solid line indicates a request (request), and a broken line indicates a response (response) to the request, and portions different between the conventional example and the present embodiment are indicated by thick lines.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, conventionally, the user presses a hard key (for example, a start key or a confirmation copy key, see FIG. 17 described in an embodiment described later) of the operation unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 20. When the scan start is instructed, a job start confirmation request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, and a job start confirmation response is returned from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Next, a job start request describing information such as scan reading settings, transfer destination settings, previewing / not previewing, and the like held in the server 30 is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. A job start response is returned to 30. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 executes a job based on the above information and transmits a scanned image to the server 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, in this embodiment, when a job start confirmation request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 confirms the job start confirmation. The request is analyzed, and the control unit 31 (response processing unit) receives a job start confirmation response to which a job start request describing information such as scan reading setting, transfer destination setting, previewing / not previewing, etc. held in the server 30 is added. And the job start confirmation response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a job start request is added to the response to the job start confirmation request, and if it is added, transmits a job start notification to the server 30. Thereafter, the job is executed in accordance with the job start request, and the scanned image is transmitted to the server 30.

  In this way, by including the job start request in the response to the job start confirmation request, it is not necessary to transmit the job start request from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and therefore the image forming apparatus 20 on the LAN and the server on the WAN Even when the server 30 cannot identify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 as in the case where the server 30 is connected via the router 40, it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus 20 to start a job.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 during the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram at the time of printing processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation and (b) shows the operation of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, conventionally, the user presses a hard key (for example, a start key, see FIG. 23 described in an embodiment described later) of the operation unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 20 to start printing. When instructed, a job execution confirmation request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, and a job execution confirmation response is returned from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Next, a job execution request describing an instruction to create a PJL (Printer Job Language) command corresponding to the print setting held in the server 30 is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. A job execution response is returned to 30. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 creates a PJL, a PJL transmission request is transmitted to the server 30, and a PJL transmission response is returned from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Next, a print job is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 executes printing based on the print job.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, when a job execution confirmation request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 confirms the job execution confirmation. After analyzing the request, the control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a job execution confirmation response to which a job execution request describing an instruction for creating a PJL command corresponding to the print setting held in the server 30 is added. A job execution confirmation response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a job execution request is added to the response to the job execution confirmation request, and if it is added, transmits a job execution notification to the server 30. Thereafter, a PJL is created and a PJL transmission request is transmitted to the server 30. In response to this PJL transmission request, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the PJL transmission request, and the control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a PJL transmission response including a print job, and the PJL A transmission response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. Then, the control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a print job is added to the response to the job execution confirmation request, and if it is added, executes printing based on the print job. To do.

  Thus, by including the job execution request in the response to the job execution confirmation request and including the print job in the response to the PJL transmission request, it is not necessary to transmit the job execution request and the print job from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, even when the server 30 cannot identify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 as described above, it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus 20 to create PJL and execute printing.

  Next, a specific operation of the image forming apparatus 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the user presses the hard key (start key) of the image forming apparatus 20 (S101), the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a job start confirmation request to the server 30 (S102), and the server 30 sends a response to the job start confirmation. Obtain (S103). Next, the control unit 21 (response processing unit) determines whether a job start request is included in the response content (S104). If included, the control unit 21 determines the type of job ( S105).

  If the job is a copy job, the control unit 21 determines whether the key pressed in step S101 is a start key or a confirmation copy key (S106). In the case of the start key, the copy job is started according to the setting included in the response (S107). On the other hand, in the case of the confirmation copy key, a post-scan preview screen is displayed according to the settings included in the response (S108), and when the user confirms the preview screen and presses the start key (S109), the settings included in the response In response to this, a copy job is started (S110).

  If the job is a scan job, the control unit 21 determines whether the key pressed in step S101 is a start key or a confirmation copy key (S111). In the case of the start key, the scan job is started according to the setting included in the response (S112). On the other hand, in the case of the confirmation copy key, a post-scan preview screen is displayed according to the settings included in the response (S113). When the user confirms the preview screen and presses the start key (S114), the settings included in the response In response to this, a scan job is started (S115).

  If the job is a print job, the control unit 21 determines whether the PJL is created by the image forming apparatus 20 or the server 30 (S116). When the image forming apparatus 20 creates the PJL according to the print settings included in the response (S117), a PJL transmission request is transmitted to the server 30 (S118). When a response including a print job is received from the server 30 (S119), the print job is started according to the actual print data included in the response (S120). On the other hand, when the PJL is created by the server 30, the print job is started according to the setting and the actual print data included in the response (S121).

  If the job is a FAX / PC FAX job, the control unit 21 starts the FAX job according to the transmission destination information, setting, and FAX actual data included in the response (S122).

  Thereafter, the job execution screen is displayed on the display unit 23, and the process is terminated (S123).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the server 30 does not transmit an instruction (such as a job start request or data transmission necessary for job execution) to the image forming apparatus 20 as a request, but from the image forming apparatus 20. Since it is not necessary to specify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 by adding to the response to the request, the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 are provided via the router 40 even if the configuration is present. Can be controlled appropriately.

  Next, a network system, an image forming apparatus, and a communication method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 are sequence diagrams for comparing the operation of the conventional example with that of the present embodiment. FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. 15 to 26 are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the user gives an instruction by pressing the hard key of the image forming apparatus 20 is described. However, the control unit 31 of the server 30 functions as a Web server to control the image forming apparatus 20. The unit 21 can function as a Web browser, and a screen created by the server 30 can be displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20. In this case, an instruction can be given by pressing a key on the browser. .

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the browser screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 26. First, a login screen 60 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20, and when a user ID or password is input and a login key is pressed, an application menu screen 61 as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. Is displayed. On this screen, functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 20 are displayed so as to be selectable corresponding to the login user's usage authority. When the user selects a desired function and presses a key, the screen changes to that function screen. .

  For example, when the “Scan application” key is pressed on the application menu screen 61, a scan destination selection screen 62 as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. On this screen, a destination to which the scanned image is transmitted is displayed so as to be selectable, and keys for changing to another screen (such as reading setting and job display) are displayed. In addition, hard keys (operation unit 24) such as a start key and a confirmation copy key are arranged at the bottom of this screen, and the screen can be changed to another screen by pressing this hard key. Instead of using the start key as a hard key, it may be arranged in the screen as in the scan destination selection screen 62a in FIG.

  When the user presses the “read setting” key on the scan destination selection screen 62, the screen shifts to a scan read setting screen 63 as shown in FIG. 19 and is set for the destination selected on the scan destination selection screen 62. The scan settings (resolution, color file format, etc.) are displayed as selected by default. In addition, when the user presses the “Start” key on the scan destination selection screen 62 or the scan destination selection screen 62a, a transition is made to a scan execution screen 64 as shown in FIG. 20 to confirm that the scan is being executed. Can do. Further, when the user presses the “confirm copy” key on the scan destination selection screen 62, a transition is made to a scan preview screen 65 as shown in FIG. 21, and a scan preview image can be confirmed. When the user presses the “job display” key on the scan destination selection screen 62, the job details screen 66 as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed, and the details of the job can be confirmed.

  Further, when the “Print application” key is pressed on the application menu screen 61, a print file selection screen 67 as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. On this screen, a print file source is displayed so that it can be selected, and a key (print setting or the like) for transitioning to another screen is displayed. Also, a hard key (operation unit 24) such as a start key is arranged at the bottom of this screen, and the screen can be changed to another screen by pressing this hard key. Instead of using the start key as a hard key, it may be arranged in the screen as in the print file selection screen 67a in FIG.

  When the user presses the “print setting” key on the print file selection screen 67, a transition is made to a print setting screen 68 as shown in FIG. 25, and various print settings (number of copies, color, paper size, page designation, etc.) are set. be able to. Also, when the user presses the “Start” key on the print file selection screen 67 or the print file selection screen 67a, a transition is made to a printing execution screen 69 as shown in FIG. 26 to confirm that printing is being executed. Can do.

  Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the network system 10 having the above configuration will be described in comparison with a conventional system.

  First, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 during the scanning process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram at the time of scan processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation, and (b) and (c) show the operation of this embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the solid line is a request (request), and the broken line is a response to the request (response), and a portion different from the conventional one and the present embodiment is indicated by a thick line.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, conventionally, the user presses a key on the browser displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, the start key on the scan destination selection screen 62a in FIG. 18). When an instruction to start scanning is given, a request from the browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30. Next, a job start confirmation is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. In response to this, a job start response is returned from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, and the image forming apparatus 20 executes the job. Thereafter, a response from the server 30 to the browser is transmitted, and the image forming apparatus 20 displays a screen. When the job is completed, the scan image is transmitted to the server 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, in this embodiment, when a request from a browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the request. The control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a response to the browser including the job start request (for example, response including response message in HTML, XML, browser client script, http header, etc., see the figure) A response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. In addition, a request by Ajax (Asynchronous Java (registered trademark) Script + XML) is transmitted, setting information is received by XML, JSON (Java (registered trademark) Script Object Notation), etc., and a job is started from the client script to the image forming apparatus 20 May be indicated. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a job start request is added to the response to the request from the browser, and if added, after transmitting a job start notification to the server 30 The job is executed and the screen is displayed, and the scanned image is transmitted to the server 30.

  FIG. 7C shows an example of an implementation method by a browser in which a script or the like for executing an instruction to the image forming apparatus 20 is extended. The browser instructs the image forming apparatus 20 to request confirmation. In response to this instruction, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a job start confirmation request to the server 30 (see the figure). The control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the job start confirmation request, and the control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a job start confirmation response including the job start request and uses the response as the image forming apparatus 20. Reply to The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a job start request is added to the response to the job start confirmation request, and if so, executes the job and scans the server 30 Send an image.

  As described above, by including the job start request in the response to the request or the job start confirmation request by the browser, or instructing the job start confirmation request from the image forming apparatus 20 by the instruction of the browser, the image forming apparatus 20 from the server 30. Therefore, even if the server 30 cannot identify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20, it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus 20 to start the job.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 during the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram at the time of printing processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation and (b) shows the operation of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, conventionally, the user presses a key on the browser displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, the start key on the print file selection screen 67a in FIG. 24). When printing is instructed, a job execution confirmation request is transmitted to the server 30 by pressing a key on the browser. Next, a job execution request is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and a job execution response is returned from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 creates a PJL, a PJL transmission request is transmitted to the server 30, and a PJL transmission response is returned from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Next, a print job is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 executes printing based on the print job.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in this embodiment, when a job execution confirmation request by pressing a browser key is transmitted to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 confirms the job execution confirmation. After analyzing the request, the control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a job execution confirmation response including the job execution request, and returns the job execution confirmation response to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a job execution request is added to the response to the job execution confirmation request, and if it is added, transmits a job execution notification to the server 30. Thereafter, a PJL is created and a PJL transmission request is transmitted to the server 30. In response to this PJL transmission request, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the PJL transmission request, and the control unit 21 (response processing unit) generates a PJL transmission response including a print job. A transmission response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. Then, the control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a request message is added to the received response, and if so, the browser instructs a command according to the request message. The image forming apparatus 20 performs printing. When the PJL command is created on the server 30 side, a response message such as print setting information or actual data of the print job may be included in the response to the job execution confirmation request. In this case, the processing within the solid line frame is It is unnecessary.

  Thus, by including the job execution request in the response to the job execution confirmation request and including the print job in the response to the PJL transmission request, it is not necessary to transmit the job execution request and the print job from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, even when the server 30 cannot identify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 as described above, it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus 20 to create PJL and execute printing.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 when the key state is changed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram at the time of start key state change processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation, and (b) and (c) show the operation of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, conventionally, the user selects a key on the browser displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, destination selection on the scan destination selection screen 62 in FIG. 17, print in FIG. When a key (such as file selection on the file selection screen 67) is pressed, a request by the browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30. Next, a start key state change request is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 returns a start key color change acceptance response after changing the start key state. Thereafter, a response from the server 30 to the browser is transmitted, and the image forming apparatus 20 displays a screen.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, in this embodiment, when a request from a browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the request. The control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a response to the browser including the start key state change request (for example, a response including a response message in an HTML or XML, a browser client script, an http header, etc., see the figure). The response is returned to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 displays a screen and determines whether or not a start key state change request is added to a response to the request by the browser. After changing the state (for example, after changing the color of the start key in FIG. 17 or FIG. 27 (shown by shading in the drawing) to enable pressing), the server 30 is notified of a start key color change acceptance notification. Send.

  FIG. 9C is an example in which a function for making a confirmation request to the image forming apparatus 20 is extended to the browser function so that the start key state can be changed from the browser to the image forming apparatus 20. Issues a confirmation request instruction to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 changes the start key state in response to this instruction (the start key color in FIGS. 17 and 27 is changed as described above). Then, a start key color change acceptance notification is transmitted to the server 30.

  As described above, the start key state change request is sent from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20 by including the start key state change request in the response to the request by the browser or by instructing the image forming apparatus 20 to change the start key color according to the browser instruction. Since there is no need to send a change request, the key state of the image forming apparatus 20 can be changed even when the server 30 cannot identify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 as described above.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 when the application (browser) is terminated will be described with reference to FIG. 10A and 10B are sequence diagrams at the time of application termination processing, where FIG. 10A shows the conventional operation and FIG. 10B shows the operation of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, conventionally, when the user presses a key on the browser displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, the end key in FIG. 17 or FIG. 23), the image forming apparatus. A request from the browser is transmitted from 20 to the server 30. Next, an application termination request is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 returns an application termination response, terminates the browser cooperation, and notifies the server 30 of disconnection.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in this embodiment, when a request from a browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the request. The control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a response to the browser including the application termination request, and returns the response to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether or not an application termination request is added to the response to the request from the browser. Notify disconnection.

  As described above, by including the application termination request in the response to the request by the browser, it is not necessary to transmit the application termination request from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. Even when the address cannot be specified, the application of the image forming apparatus 20 can be terminated.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 when the screen of the image forming apparatus 20 is switched will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram at the time of screen switching processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation and (b) shows the operation of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, conventionally, the user has displayed the keys on the browser displayed on the display unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 20 (for example, read setting and job display in FIG. 17, print setting in FIG. 23, etc.). When a key is pressed, a request (existing screen display) by a browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30. Next, a screen switching request is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 20 displays an internal panel (transition destination screen) and then returns a screen switching display response to the server 30. Thereafter, when the user closes the internal panel, a screen end notification is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, and the server 30 returns a screen end response.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, in this embodiment, when a request from a browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the request. The control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a response to the browser including the screen switching request, and returns the response to the image forming apparatus 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a screen switching request is added to the response to the request from the browser, and if so, the internal panel (transition destination screen, for example, In the case of reading setting, the scan reading setting screen 63 in FIG. 19 is displayed, in the case of job display, the job details screen 66 in FIG. 22 is displayed, and in the case of printing setting, the print setting screen 68 in FIG. Send a display notification. Thereafter, when the user closes the internal panel, a screen end notification is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, and the server 30 returns a screen end response.

  As described above, by including the screen switching request in the response to the request by the browser, it is not necessary to transmit the screen switching request from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, so that the server 30 receives the IP of the image forming apparatus 20 as described above. Even when the address cannot be specified, the screen of the image forming apparatus 20 can be switched.

  Next, data communication between the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 during the login authentication process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram at the time of login authentication processing, where (a) shows the conventional operation and (b) shows the operation of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, conventionally, when a user inputs an ID and a password on the login screen 60 in FIG. 15 and presses a key on the browser (for example, a login key), the image forming apparatus 20 sends a server 30 to the server 30. A browser request is sent to. Next, the server 30 confirms the validity of the authentication using the ID and password. If the authentication is OK, a screen switching request is transmitted from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, and the image forming apparatus 20 receives the internal panel ( After the transition destination screen) is displayed, a screen switching display response is returned to the server 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, in this embodiment, when a request from the browser is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the server 30, the control unit 31 (request processing unit) of the server 30 analyzes the request. If the authentication is OK, the control unit 31 (response processing unit) generates a response to the browser including the screen switching request, and the response is sent to the image forming apparatus. Reply to 20. The control unit 21 (response processing unit) of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether a screen switching request is added to the response to the request from the browser, and if so, the internal panel (transition destination screen, for example, After the application menu screen 61) of FIG. 16 is displayed, a screen switching display notification is transmitted to the server 30.

  As described above, by including the screen switching request in the response to the request by the browser, it is not necessary to transmit the screen switching request from the server 30 to the image forming apparatus 20, so that the server 30 receives the IP of the image forming apparatus 20 as described above. Even if the address cannot be specified, login authentication can be executed.

  Next, a specific operation of the image forming apparatus 20 (operation in the case of FIG. 7 to FIG. 12B) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the user presses a key on the browser screen (S201), the image forming apparatus 20 transmits a request to the server 30 (S202), and acquires a response to the request from the server 30 (S203). Next, the control unit 21 (response processing unit) determines whether a request command is included in the response content (S204), and if included, determines the response content (S205).

  If the response content is a job start request, the control unit 21 determines the type of job (S206). If the response content is a copy job, the control unit 21 starts a copy job according to the settings included in the response (S207), and scan job. In the case of, the scan job is started according to the setting included in the response (S208), and in the case of the print job, the print job is started according to the setting included in the response and the actual print data (S209). In the case of a PC FAX job, the FAX job is started according to transmission destination information, settings, and FAX actual data included in the response (S210). Then, the browser screen is closed and a job execution screen or the like is displayed (S211).

  If the response content is a start key state change request, the control unit 21 determines whether the start key state is ON or OFF (S212). If ON, the hard key of the image forming apparatus 20 can be pressed. (S213) If it is OFF, the hard key of the image forming apparatus 20 is not pressed (S214). Thereafter, a screen is displayed according to the HTML of the response content (S215).

  If the response content is a screen transition request, the control unit 21 determines the screen type (S216). If the response content is a print setting screen, the control unit 21 displays a print setting screen according to the settings included in the response (S217). In the case of the scan setting screen, the scan setting screen is displayed according to the setting included in the response (S218). In the case of the job detail screen, the job detail fixed screen is displayed (S219). Then, an error screen is displayed according to the message included in the response (S220), and in the case of the browser screen transition, the browser screen is displayed according to the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) included in the response (S221). Thereafter, the browser screen is closed (S222).

  When the response content is an application termination request, the control unit 21 performs a browser application termination process (S223) and switches to the transition destination screen (S224).

  If the response content is an authentication cancellation / function use permission request, the control unit 21 determines whether the authentication result included in the response content is authentication OK (S225). If the response content is authentication OK, it is included in the response. In accordance with the function restriction information, the key of the usable function is set to a pressable state (S226), the browser screen is closed, and the screen is changed to the screen after authentication (S228). On the other hand, in the case of authentication NG, an authentication error screen is displayed according to the HTML of the response content (S228).

  Next, specific operations of the image forming apparatus 20 (operations in the case of FIGS. 7C and 9C) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the user presses a key on the browser screen (S301), an execution command is issued from the browser to the image forming apparatus 20 (S302), and the control unit 21 determines the type of command (S303).

  If the command type is a job start request, the control unit 21 determines the job type (S304). If the command type is a copy job, the control unit 21 starts a copy job according to the settings included in the response (S305), and scans. In the case of a job, the scan job is started according to the settings included in the response (S306). In the case of a FAX job, the FAX job is started according to the transmission destination information, settings, and FAX actual data included in the response (S306). S307). Then, the browser screen is closed and a job execution screen or the like is displayed (S308).

  If the command type is a job start confirmation request, the control unit 21 determines the job type (S309). In the case of a copy job, a copy job start confirmation request is transmitted to the connection destination server (S310), a response is acquired (S311), and the copy job is started according to the settings included in the response (S312). In the case of a scan job, a scan job start confirmation request is transmitted to the connection destination server (S313), a response is acquired (S314), and the scan job is started according to the settings included in the response (S315). In the case of a print job, a print job start confirmation request is transmitted to the connection destination server (S316), a response is acquired (S317), and the print job is started according to the settings and actual print data included in the response. (S318). In the case of a FAX / PC FAX job, a FAX job start confirmation request is transmitted to the connection destination server (S319), a response is acquired (S320), and the destination information, settings, and FAX actual data included in the response are obtained. In response, a FAX job is started (S321). Then, the browser screen is closed and a running screen or the like is displayed (S308).

  If the command type is a start key state change request, the control unit 21 determines whether the start key state is ON or OFF (S322). If ON, the hard key of the image forming apparatus 20 can be pressed. In the state (S323), if it is OFF, the hard key of the image forming apparatus 20 cannot be pressed (S324).

  If the command type is a screen transition request, the control unit 21 determines the screen type (S325). If the command type is a print setting screen, the control unit 21 displays a print setting screen according to the settings included in the response ( In the case of the scan setting screen, the scan setting screen is displayed according to the setting included in the response (S327). In the case of the job detail screen, the job detail fixed screen is displayed (S328). Displays an error screen according to the message included in the response (S329), and in the case of a transition of the browser screen, displays the browser screen according to the URL included in the response (S330). Thereafter, the browser screen is closed (S331).

  When the command type is an application termination request, the control unit 21 performs a browser application termination process (S332) and switches to the transition destination screen (S333).

  If the command type is an authentication cancellation / function use permission request, the control unit 21 transmits an authentication inquiry request including the input ID and password to the connection destination server (S334), and obtains a response. (S335) It is determined whether the authentication result included in the response content is authentication OK (S336). In the case of authentication OK, the key of the usable function can be pressed according to the function restriction information included in the response (S337), the browser screen is closed, and the screen is changed to the screen after authentication (S338). On the other hand, in the case of authentication NG, an authentication error screen is displayed according to the HTML of the response content (S339).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the server 30 sends an instruction to the image forming apparatus 20 (job start request, data transmission necessary for job execution, key state change, application termination, screen switching, etc.). Since it is not necessary to specify the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 by adding it to the response to the request from the browser instead of transmitting it as a request, the image forming apparatus 20 and the server 30 exist via the router 40. Even with the configuration, the image forming apparatus 20 can be appropriately controlled.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and arbitrary instruction information for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 can be added to the response to the request from the image forming apparatus 20. The type, content, format, etc. of information can be changed as appropriate.

  The present invention can be used in a system in which an image forming apparatus and a server exist via a router.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Network system 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Control part 22 Storage part 23 Display part 24 Operation part 25 Scanner part 26 Printing part 27 Communication I / F part 30 Server 31 Control part 32 Storage part 33 Communication I / F part 40 Router 50 Client 60 Login screen 61 Application menu screen 62, 62a Scan destination selection screen 63 Scan reading setting screen 64 Scan execution screen 65 Scan preview screen 66 Job details screen 67, 67a Print file selection screen 68 Print setting screen 69 Print execution screen

Claims (16)

In a network system that communicates between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and a server connected to a WAN,
The server has a function of adding instruction information for the image forming apparatus to a response to a request from the image forming apparatus, and transmitting a response to which the instruction information is added to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus has a function of determining whether the instruction information is added to the response and, if added, a function of controlling an operation according to the instruction information ,
The request from the image forming apparatus is a start confirmation of a scan, print, copy, or FAX job by pressing a hard key of the image forming apparatus.
Network system response to the request, characterized notification and receiving the start confirmation, scanning, printing, Ru execution instruction der the job including the setting information of the copy or FAX, that. The server has a function as a Web server,
The image forming apparatus has a function as a Web browser,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the Web server transmits an HTTP response in which the instruction information is added to an HTML tag, XML, a header, or a script in response to an HTTP request from the Web browser. . In a network system communicated between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and having a function as a Web browser and a server connected to a WAN and having a function as a Web server,
The Web server has a function of transmitting, to the HTTP request from the Web browser, an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header, or script to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus has a function of determining whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a function of controlling an operation according to the instruction information,
The HTTP request is a scan destination or print file selection notification by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser,
The network system , wherein the HTTP response is a notification of receiving the selection notification and an instruction to change a state of a specific hard key of the image forming apparatus . The network system according to claim 3 , wherein the state of the hard key is a color of the hard key and / or whether the hard key can be pressed or not . In a network system communicated between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and having a function as a Web browser and a server connected to a WAN and having a function as a Web server,
The Web server has a function of transmitting, to the HTTP request from the Web browser, an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header, or script to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus has a function of determining whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a function of controlling an operation according to the instruction information,
The HTTP request is a browser application termination request by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser,
The network system , wherein the HTTP response is a notification of receiving the termination request and an instruction to terminate the browser application . In a network system communicated between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and having a function as a Web browser and a server connected to a WAN and having a function as a Web server,
The Web server has a function of transmitting, to the HTTP request from the Web browser, an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header, or script to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus has a function of determining whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a function of controlling an operation according to the instruction information,
The HTTP request is a screen switching request by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser,
2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the HTTP response is a notification of receiving the screen switching request and an instruction to switch to a predetermined screen . In a network system communicated between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and having a function as a Web browser and a server connected to a WAN and having a function as a Web server,
The Web server has a function of transmitting, to the HTTP request from the Web browser, an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header, or script to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus has a function of determining whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a function of controlling an operation according to the instruction information,
The HTTP request is a request for login authentication by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser,
The network system , wherein the HTTP response is a notification of receiving the login authentication request and an instruction to switch to a predetermined screen . The Web browser has a function of instructing the image forming apparatus to transmit the HTTP request,
The image forming apparatus according to an instruction from the Web browser, the network system according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the sending the HTTP request to the server, it is characterized. A communication method between an image forming apparatus connected to a LAN and a server connected to a WAN,
  A first step in which the image forming apparatus transmits a request to the server;
  A second step in which the server receives the request, adds instruction information for the image forming apparatus to a response to the request, and transmits a response to which the instruction information is added to the image forming apparatus;
  The image forming apparatus receives the response, determines whether or not the instruction information is added to the response, and if added, includes a third step of controlling the operation according to the instruction information. ,
  In the first step, the start confirmation of the scan, print, copy or FAX job is performed according to the hard key of the image forming apparatus,
  In the second step, notifying that the start confirmation has been received, transmitting scan, print, copy, or FAX setting information, and instructing execution of a job, characterized in that: The server has a function as a Web server,
  The image forming apparatus has a function as a Web browser,
  In the first step, the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server,
  The communication method according to claim 9, wherein in the second step, the Web server transmits an HTTP response in which the instruction information is added to an HTML tag, XML, a header, or a script. A communication method between an image forming apparatus having a function as a Web browser connected to a LAN and a server having a function as a Web server connected to a WAN,
  A first step in which the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server;
  A second step in which the server receives the HTTP request, and the Web server transmits to the image forming apparatus an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header or script;
  The image forming apparatus receives the HTTP response, determines whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a third step of controlling the operation according to the instruction information. Have
  In the first step, notification of selection of a scan destination or print file is made by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser;
  In the second step, notifying that the notification has been received, and instructing to change the state of a specific hard key of the image forming apparatus. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein the hard key state is a color of the hard key and / or whether the hard key can be pressed or not . A communication method between an image forming apparatus having a function as a Web browser connected to a LAN and a server having a function as a Web server connected to a WAN,
A first step in which the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server;
A second step in which the server receives the HTTP request, and the Web server transmits to the image forming apparatus an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header or script ;
Wherein the image forming device receives the HTTP response, determines whether the instruction information to the HTTP response is added, if it is added, and a third step of controlling the operation in accordance with the instruction information, the Yes, and
In the first step, by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser, it is notified that the browser application has been requested to end,
In the second step, the communication method is characterized by notifying that the request has been accepted and instructing termination of the browser application . A communication method between an image forming apparatus having a function as a Web browser connected to a LAN and a server having a function as a Web server connected to a WAN,
A first step in which the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server;
A second step in which the server receives the HTTP request, and the Web server transmits to the image forming apparatus an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header or script;
The image forming apparatus receives the HTTP response, determines whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a third step of controlling the operation according to the instruction information. Have
In the first step, by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser, it is notified that a screen switch has been requested,
In the second step, the communication method is characterized by notifying that the request has been accepted and instructing switching to a predetermined screen . A communication method between an image forming apparatus having a function as a Web browser connected to a LAN and a server having a function as a Web server connected to a WAN,
A first step in which the image forming apparatus transmits an HTTP request to the server;
A second step in which the server receives the HTTP request, and the Web server transmits to the image forming apparatus an HTTP response in which instruction information for the image forming apparatus is added to an HTML tag, XML, header or script;
The image forming apparatus receives the HTTP response, determines whether the instruction information is added to the HTTP response, and, if added, a third step of controlling the operation according to the instruction information. Have
In the first step, by pressing a key on the screen of the Web browser, notification that login authentication is requested is made,
In the second step, the communication method is characterized by notifying that the request has been accepted and instructing switching to a predetermined screen . The Web browser has a function of instructing the image forming apparatus to transmit the HTTP request,
16. The communication method according to claim 10 , wherein, in the first step, the image forming apparatus transmits the HTTP request to the server according to an instruction from the Web browser .

Images