JPH08329005A - Decentralized processing system and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the operability when an input/output device which has a stand-alone mode and a remote mode is used by another information processor through remote control. CONSTITUTION: To use OA equipment 21 through remote operation (in remote mode) from a network-connected personal computer 32, the OA equipment 21 sends screen information, etc., required to display the same menu screen as a menu screen displayed on a console panel 31 when the OA equipment 21 is used in stand-alone mode, etc., to the personal computer 32. The OA equipment 21 displays the menu screen according to the screen information and the user performs operation according to the menu screen. Selected process contents are sent to and set in the OA equipment 21 through the operator's operation and the process is performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises an image input / output device (hereinafter also referred to as "OA device") such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile device, and an information processing (terminal) device such as a workstation and a personal computer. The present invention relates to a distributed processing system that connects to a network and performs distributed processing, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, OA devices such as printers and copying machines have been used independently, but recently,
These devices are often configured so that they can be used even in a so-called client / server distributed environment. In this method, the OA device that functions as a server is LA
In this system, a workstation or a personal computer that functions as a client is connected by N (local area network), and this server is shared by a plurality of clients as a common resource. in this case,
The client side can grasp the connected devices and the services that can be provided in advance, and by issuing an access request to each of these devices as needed, these devices can be used by remote control. There is.

[0003]

However, when the OA device is used in such a client / server distributed environment, there are the following problems.

Conventionally, when an OA device is used, the O
A usage mode (stand-alone mode) in which the A device itself operates and functions independently with only the configuration
The operation method and procedure are different between the mode in which these devices are used as a server by remote control from the client side (remode mode). Therefore, the user has to know the operation method and the procedure for each usage pattern (mode), which makes the operation complicated.

Further, the OA equipment has several operation modes such as the above-mentioned stand-alone mode and remote mode, and it is necessary to set the remote mode when using it by remote control. Therefore, for example, when the OA device as the server is placed in a place away from the personal computer as the client, the user has to bother to go to the OA device to set the mode, and then return to the personal computer to perform remote control. The complicated procedure of performing the procedure was required, and the original meaning of remote control was lost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to remotely control an information processing apparatus having a stand-alone mode and a remote mode from another information processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a distributed processing system and a method for controlling the distributed processing system that can improve the operability at the time.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, a first means is an information processing apparatus having a display unit for displaying information, a display unit for displaying a menu screen of executable processing contents, and In a distributed processing system in which an image input and / or output device having an operation unit for selecting a processing content is connected by a network, the image input and / or output device performs the information processing in response to an access request from the information processing device. Means for transmitting screen information necessary for displaying a menu screen of executable processing contents to the device, and the same screen as the menu screen based on the screen information transmitted from the means for transmitting information. Means for displaying on the display of the device,
Control information is communicated with the image input and / or output device based on the operation content on the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, and the image input and / or output is performed from the information processing device side. And means for controlling the operation of the device.

In the second means, the controlling means in the first means receives a selection operation for a processing item on the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, and the menu screen of the selected processing item is displayed. Position information indicating the display position above is sent to the image input and / or output device, and processed on the side of the image input and / or output device based on the position information sent from the information processing device. The feature is to execute the necessary items.

In a third means, the control means in the first means sends operation control flow information relating to operation control of the menu screen to the image input and / or output device, and the information processing device of the information processing device. The selection operation for the processing item on the menu screen displayed on the display unit is accepted, the content of the item to be processed is determined based on the operation control flow information according to the content of the selection operation, and the determined result is the image. It is characterized in that it is sent to an input and / or output device, and the image input and / or output device side executes the processing content indicated by the received determination result. A fourth means is a method for controlling a distributed processing system in which an information processing device and an image input and / or output device are connected by a network, wherein the image input and / or output device is in response to an access request from the information processing device. From the first processing step of sending screen information necessary for displaying a menu screen of processing contents that can be executed from the information processing device to the information processing device, and the same screen as the menu screen based on the sent screen information. Control information between the second processing step displayed on the display unit of the information processing device and the image input and / or output device based on the operation content on the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device. And a third processing unit for controlling the operation of the image input and / or output device from the information processing device side. It is characterized in that it contains and.

A fifth means is a fourth processing step in which the third processing step in the fourth means receives a selection operation for a processing item on a menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. A fifth processing step of sending position information indicating the display position of the selected processing item on the menu screen from the information processing device to the image input and / or output device, and the image input and / or output device side In addition, a sixth processing step of determining the content of an item to be processed based on the position information sent from the information processing apparatus and a seventh processing step of executing the determined processing content are included. It is characterized by that.

The sixth means is the fourth or fifth means,
The method further includes an eighth processing step of sending operation control flow information related to operation control of the menu screen from the information processing apparatus to the image input and / or output apparatus, and the third processing step includes: A ninth processing step of receiving a selection operation for a processing item on a menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus side based on the operation control flow information according to the content of the selection operation. To determine the contents of items to be processed by
On the image input and / or output device side, an eleventh processing step of sending the result determined by the zero processing step and the tenth processing step from the information processing device to the image input and / or output device. And a twelfth processing step for executing the processing content indicated by the received determination result.

In a seventh means, the image input and / or output device in the fourth to sixth means is the third device.
It is characterized in that it does not accept a direct operation on its own menu screen during execution of the processing step.

An eighth means is the image processing device according to any one of the fourth to seventh means, wherein when the information processing device is plural and the image input and / or output device is accessed from the information processing device. Input and /
Alternatively, the output device is characterized by displaying which information processing device is being accessed.

The ninth means is the fourth to eighth means, wherein the image input and / or
Alternatively, a thirteenth processing step for arbitrating access right when an operation request is directly made to the operation unit of the image input and / or output device while accessing the output device, and the thirteenth processing step And a fourteenth processing step for maintaining or shifting the access right according to the result of the arbitration.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a network system (LA) to which a remote control method in a distributed processing system according to a first embodiment is applied.
It is a figure which shows schematic structure of N). This system includes a first transmission line 11 arranged in office A, a second transmission line 12 arranged in office B, and a third transmission line connecting these first and second transmission lines. The line 13 and various input devices or information processing devices connected to the first and second transmission lines 11 and 12.

In the office A, first and second OA devices 21 and 22 and two workstations (hereinafter referred to as "W
Also referred to as "S". ) 24, 25 and Super Printer 2
6, an OA device service integrated control device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “service integrated control device”) 27, and a printer 2.
8, an X terminal 29, a personal computer (hereinafter,
Also referred to as "PC". ) 31 and are connected to each other by the first transmission line 11. On the other hand, the office B is provided with an OA device 23 and a personal computer 32, which are connected to each other by the second transmission line 12.

The OA device 21 has an operation panel 41, and the personal computers 31 and 32 have display devices (CRTs) 42 and 43, respectively. Operation panel 41
Is an input device for instructing a desired operation when the OA device 21 is used as a stand-alone device, and is arranged on the entire surface of a liquid crystal display panel for displaying a menu screen of operation contents (processable items), for example. Configured as a transparent panel. Here, it is assumed that the OA device 21 is installed on the floor 1 and the OA device 2 is installed on the floor 2.

The OA devices 21, 22, and 23 are, for example, a copying machine (copy), a printer, a facsimile machine (FA).
X), and one or a plurality of scanners, which is a multi-function machine and is a client PC 31, 32.
Alternatively, it functions as a server that provides a predetermined service to the WS 24, 25. The service general control device 27 is connected to the OA devices 21 and 2 from the PCs 31 and 32 and WSs 24 and 25.
It plays a role of arbitrating the conflicting access requests with respect to Nos. 2 and 23. In addition to being configured as an independent device as shown in the figure, it may be built in any OA device. It is possible.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the OA device as the server in FIG. 1 and a functional connection relationship between the OA device and the client. Here, an OA device 21 as a server and a PC 32 as a client will be described as an example, but the other OA devices 22 and 23 are similarly configured.

As shown in FIG. 2, the OA device 21 has five manager programs, which are control programs, namely a database manager 51 and a service manager 5.
2, a job manager 53, a device manager 54, and an operation manager 55, and further, a database 56 managed and accessed by the database manager 51, various service programs 61 to 64 managed by the service manager 52, and a device manager 54. Various device information 65 to 68, various operation information 69 managed by the operation manager 55, a real-time OS (operating system) 71 as a basic program for managing all of these manager programs, a printing device, a scanning device, paper It is provided with hardware 72 such as a feeder and a media device, and a driver program 73 for driving and controlling these hardware. The various service programs include a printer service 61, a scan service 62, a FAX service 63, an artificial intelligence (AI) service 64, and the like, and various device information includes printing device data 65, scanning device data 66, and These are data 67 for the paper feeding device and data 68 for the media device.

Of these, the operation information 69 includes screen information such as screen bitmap information and screen coordinate information, operation control flow information such as operation panel information and key operation information, or device bitmap information. Here, the operation control flow information is used to determine the requested processing content according to the content of the operation performed on the operation panel (FIG. 1), that is, the operation sequence.

On the other hand, the personal computer 32, which is a client, obtains information from the above managers,
Access is possible for execution instructions, status acquisition, attribute acquisition, and completion notification acquisition.

Next, a remote control method of the information processing equipment in the network system having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 shows the overall operation of the network system shown in FIG. Here, from the personal computer 32 as a client to the OA as a server.
It is assumed that the devices 21, 22, and 23 are accessed to request a printout service of print data, for example.

First, when the personal computer 32 makes a service request to the service general control device 27 [step 301], the service general control device 27 first requests the OA device 21 for the type (content) and service of the service. Inquire about availability [Step 30
2]. Then, a response to this is received from the OA device 21 [step 303]. Next, the service general control device 27 makes a similar inquiry to the OA device 22 [step 304], and sends a response to the inquiry to the OA device 22.
[Step 305]. As a result, for example,
The response from the OA device 21 is the personal computer 32.
If the request is satisfied (for example, a printout request), the service general control device 27 requests the OA device 21 to execute an actual service (for example, printout) [step 306].

As a result, the OA device 21 enters the remote mode and executes the service in accordance with, for example, the protocol shown in FIG. 4 described later. In this case, specifically,
The print data is sent from the personal computer 32 to the OA device 21, and is printed out in the designated format. After that, the service general control device 27 sets the OA device 21.
When the service completion response for notifying the service completion is received from [step 307], the service completion notification is sent to the personal computer 32 [step 308].
In this way, a series of remote operations is completed. In addition,
As described above, when the service general control device 27 is incorporated in the OA device 21, the service request is directly issued to the OA device 21 through the layer of the service general control device 27 in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a protocol for exchanging control information required when the OA equipment 21 executes a service in response to a request from the personal computer 32. As shown in this figure, when there is a service request from the personal computer 32, [Step 40
1], the service overall control device 27 uses step 30 in FIG.
A service inquiry is made to each OA device according to the procedure shown in 2-305, and the content of the service to be provided is notified to the personal computer 32 based on the obtained response [step 402].

On the other hand, the personal computer 32
When the user instructs the service selection [step 403], the service general control device 27 causes the personal computer 32 to operate.
Notifies the OA device 21 that the access right has been acquired [step 404]. As a result, the personal computer 32 acquires the connection with the OA device 21, and the OA device 21
Recognizes that the personal computer 32 is under remote control, that is, the remote mode has been entered. And OA
The operation manager 55 of the device 21 displays on the operation panel 41 that the personal computer 32 is accessing by remote control (remote mode). After entering the remote mode in this way, even if a direct (local) operation is performed on the operation panel 41 of the OA device 21, it cannot be accepted.

When the OA device 21 recognizes that it has entered the remote control of the personal computer 32, the OA device 21 has the screen information necessary to display the initial menu screen among the operation information 69 shown in FIG. The screen coordinate information is sent to the personal computer 32 [step 405]. The personal computer 32 displays a menu screen having the same configuration as the menu screen of the operation panel 41 of the OA device 21 on the CRT 43 based on the screen information [step 406]. Personal computer 32
When this user sees this screen and selects the desired processing content using a pointing device such as a mouse, the coordinates of the pressed point are sent to the OA device 21 [step 407].

Receiving this, the OA equipment 21 further sends screen information of a menu screen showing the details of the designated processing item to the personal computer 32 [step 40].
8]. Hereinafter, such processing, that is, selection of a processing item on the menu screen on the personal computer 32 side and transmission of new screen information for displaying the next menu screen corresponding thereto are repeatedly performed. Then, the personal computer 32 further sends the data to be printed to the personal computer 32. The OA device 21 receives the print data and executes the service (printout) according to the instructed format [step 409]. After the service ends, when the personal computer 32 notifies the OA device 21 of the service end request [step 410], the OA device 21 makes a connection release request to the service general control device 27 [step 411]. Receiving this, the service overall control device 27
The personal computer 32 is notified of the end of service [step 412]. As such, in this embodiment, the user has his own personal computer 3
Since the desired service content can be specified on the CRT 43 of No. 2 while looking at the same screen as the menu screen of the operation panel 41 of the OA device 21, it is as if operating the OA device 21 directly in the stand-alone mode. It can be operated and complexity can be eliminated.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a remote control method for an information processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows that when the OA device 21 executes a service in response to a request from the personal computer 32,
It shows an example of another protocol for exchanging control information necessary for this. In this embodiment, the access right acquisition step [step 501 to step 50
4] is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, when there is a service request from the personal computer 32 as shown in FIG. 5 [step 501], the service general control device 27 makes a service inquiry to each OA device by the procedure shown in steps 302 to 305 of FIG. Based on the response, the personal computer 32 is notified of the content of the service provided [step 50].
2]. On the other hand, when the personal computer 32 instructs the service selection [step 503], the service general control device 27 notifies the OA equipment 21 that the personal computer 32 has acquired the access right [step 5].
04], so that the personal computer 32 is OA
Upon gaining a connection with the device 21, the OA device 21 recognizes that it has entered the remote control of the personal computer 32. When the OA device 21 recognizes that it has entered the remote control of the personal computer 32, of the operation information 69 shown in FIG. 2, all screen information necessary for displaying all menu screens, that is, screen bitmap information and screens. The coordinate information and the manager operation control flow information (operation panel information and key operation information) necessary for a series of screen operation control are sent to the personal computer 32 [step 505]. Based on these screen information, the personal computer 32 creates an initial menu screen CR43 having the same configuration as the menu screen of the operation panel 41 of the OA device 21.
[Step 506] to prompt the user to select a processing item.

When the user of the personal computer 32 sees this screen and selects a desired processing content using a pointing device such as a mouse, the personal computer 32 displays the processing content set by the selection based on the operation control flow information. The determination is made, and the setting item is notified to the OA device 21 [step 507]. O receiving this
The device A 21 performs the setting related to the setting item and notifies the personal computer 32 of the completion of the setting [step 508]. In response to this, the personal computer 32 further displays a menu screen for selecting the next setting item on the CRT 43 and prompts the selection operation. Below, such processing is
The setting of the processing items on the menu screen on the personal computer 32 side and the sending of the setting items to the OA device 21 are repeatedly performed until they are all finished. Then, the personal computer 32 further sends the data to be printed to the personal computer 32.

The OA device 21 receives the print data,
A service (printout) is executed according to the set format [step 509]. After the service is completed, when the personal computer 32 notifies the OA device 21 of the service end request [step 510], the OA
The device 21 makes a connection release request to the service general control device 27 [step 511]. Receiving this, the service general control device 27 notifies the personal computer 32 of the end of service [step 512].

Thus, in this embodiment, the OA
The entire screen information required for the service by the device 21 and all the operation control flow information necessary for the operation setting process are sent from the OA device 21 to the personal computer 32 in advance and registered (uploaded), and this operation control flow is executed. All the setting items are judged on the side of the personal computer 32 based on the information, and then the setting item which is the judgment result is notified to the OA device 21. That is, as in the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 4) described above, the positional information designated by the pointing device in the personal computer 32 is sent to the OA device 21, and the OA device 21 side determines the setting item. Rather than this, the personal computer 32
I try to do it on my side.

Also in this embodiment, the user similarly operates the CRT 4 of his / her personal computer 32.
3, the desired service content can be specified while viewing the same screen as the menu screen of the operation panel 41 of the OA device 21, so that the OA device 21 is operated in the same sense as if it is directly operated in the stand-alone mode. You can
The complexity can be eliminated.

3. Third Embodiment Next, a remote control method for information processing equipment according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described first embodiment, after the remote mode is entered, the operation panel 41 of the OA equipment 21.
Although it is not accepted even if a direct (local) operation is performed on the OA device 21 in this embodiment.
When a local operation is performed on the OA device 21 during use in the remote mode, the interrupt request can be dealt with.

In this embodiment, when there is a service request from the personal computer 32, the service general control device 27 makes a service inquiry to each OA device 21 by the procedure shown in steps 302 to 305 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Based on the response obtained, the contents of the service provided are displayed on the personal computer 32.
To notify. On the other hand, the personal computer 32
When the user instructs the service selection [step 601], the service general control device 27 communicates to the OA device 21 that the personal computer 32 has acquired the access right [step 602]. This allows the personal computer 3
2 acquires the connection with the OA device 21, and the OA device 21 recognizes that it has entered the control of the personal computer 32.

In this state, if another user directly operates the operation panel 41 to use the OA equipment 21, the O
An interrupt request is made to the A device 21 main body [step 603]. Specifically, the job manager 53 is operated from the operation panel 41 via the operation manager 55.
Is given an interrupt request signal. And OA
The device 21 requests the service general control device 27 to arbitrate access rights [step 604].

In response to this, the service general control device 27 inquires of the personal computer 32 whether or not the current connection state can be released [step 605]. As a result, for example, when there is a response indicating that the service can be opened in the first case [step 606], the service integrated control device 27 terminates the connection between the OA device 21 body and the personal computer 32. Request for access [Step 607], and a notification permitting access in the stand-alone mode [Step 40].
8]. Further, the service general control device 27 notifies the operation manager 55 via the job manager 53 of the OA device 21 that it can be used in the stand-alone mode [step 609]. The operation manager 55 receiving this, after that,
It operates by accepting an operation on the operation panel 41 by the user.

On the other hand, in the second case, when there is a response from the personal computer 32 to the service general control device 27 that it cannot be opened [Step 4
10], the service general control device 27 notifies the operation manager 55 via the job manager 53 of the OA device 21 that it cannot be used in the stand-alone mode [step 611]. In response to this, the operation manager 55 displays on the operation panel 41 that the personal computer 32 is accessing by remote control, that is, the remote mode.

As described above, in this embodiment, while the OA device as the server is being used by any of the clients in the remote mode, the OA device is requested to be used in the stand-alone mode. In such a case, the access right is transferred or maintained after arbitration.

In the above first to third embodiments, the case where the personal computer 32 as the client accesses the OA device 21 as the server has been described, but the other OA device 22 or 23 can be accessed. The same applies to access from the personal computer 31 or the workstations 24 and 25.

4. Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, a distributed processing system according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

4.1 Distributed Processing System Environment The distributed processing system according to this embodiment is basically composed of a network, a personal computer (PC) / workstation (WS), an image input / output device, and a broker. ing.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the distributed processing system in this embodiment. In the figure, the distributed processing system includes a network 101 and a personal computer (hereinafter, also referred to as "personal computer") 102-.
1, 102-2 or a workstation and printers 103-1, 103-2 as image output devices,
A scanner 104-1 as an image input device, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP-Multi Function Printer) 105-
1, 105-2 and a broker 106. MFP 105-1 (MFP1), 105-2 (MF
P2) is a device integrally provided with a printer function, a copying function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, etc., and functions as an image input / output device, and the broker 106 is the first
The middleware is synonymous with the service integrated control device in the above embodiment, and is responsible for maintaining and managing the function information of the input / output device connected to the network 101 and establishing the connection between the client and the server.
In this embodiment, the client is the personal computer 10.
2 applies, and the image input / output device corresponds to the server.

The broker 106 includes a CPU 106a and an RO.
It is generally provided with an M106b, a RAM 106c, a communication control unit 106d and a function information database 106e, and is constructed on a workstation or a personal computer. The CPU 106a manages the entire broker 106, the ROM 106b stores various control programs for the CPU 106a, and the RAM 106c stores data and functions as a work area for the CPU 106a. Further, the communication control unit 106d selects a serviceable component based on the function information stored in the function information database 106e when a service request is made from each component connected to the network 101. ,
It controls the connection of lines between components.

4.2 Hardware Configuration Among the components connected to the network 101, the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 105 is, as shown in FIG. 8, a CPU 105a and a CPU that control the overall multifunction peripheral 105.
ROM 105b, RAM 105 under the control of 105a
c, NVRAM 105d, operation panel 105e, scan / print engine 105f, storage device 105g, communication control unit 105h, and modem 105i. The operation panel 105e is operated via the panel control unit 105j, and the scan / print engine 105f is operated by the engine control unit 10.
The storage device 105g is connected to the disk control unit 10 via 5k.
Each of them is connected to the CPU 105 via 51.

The ROM 105b stores program codes, fonts and other static information,
The RAM 105c stores data, functions as a work area for the CPU 105a, and is used as a temporary storage location. Nonvolatile information is stored in the NVRAM 105d. Operation panel 105e and panel control unit 105j
Is for user interface,
The instruction from the user is the multifunction device 105 side (CPU 105a)
And information from the multifunction peripheral 105 side is displayed.
The scan / print engine 105f and the engine control unit 105k function as an image data input / output unit to read a paper original and print on paper. The storage device 105g and the disk control device 105l are large-capacity storage devices used when storing a large amount of image data. The communication control unit 105h is connected to a network (LAN) 101 such as Ethernet to enable communication with an external device, and the modem 105i is connected to a public line (WAN) to enable communication with an external device.

4.3 Software Configuration Since the software configuration of the OA equipment represented by the multifunction peripheral is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
A duplicate description will be omitted.

4.4 Device Configuration FIG. 9 shows a front view of the multifunction machine 105. This multifunction machine 105
Are physical devices such as a printing device (plotter) 118a, a scanning device (scanner) 118b, a paper feeding device (paper feeder, paper sorter) 118c, a FAX modem 105i (FIG. 7), an external storage device 105g, a memory (RAM 105c, It has an NVRAM 105d), physical resources such as fonts, and an operation panel 105e for a user interface. Note that FIG.
, Reference numeral 118c-1 is a paper feed tray, and 118c-
Reference numeral 2 denotes a document feeder, and 118c-3 denotes a discharge bin. Further, in this embodiment, the discharge bin 11
A plurality of 8c-3 (a plurality of stages) are provided, and a display unit and a lock mechanism for each discharge bin are provided.

A server and a client, in the example of FIG. 8, an OA device (multifunction peripheral-MFP) 105 and a PC 102.
The following three connection modes are available: (1) One-to-one connection (2) Multiple clients / one server (multi-client / single server) (3) Multiple clients / multiple servers (multi-client / multi-server) Two forms are possible.

There are two data structures of screen information: (1) object data (button and its attribute) (2) bitmap data.

4.5 Device Selection Algorithm 4.5.1 Multi-Client / Single Server With reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10, a device selection algorithm in a multi-client / single-server connection form is shown. That is, in FIG. 10, print processing capability data, that is, capabilities such as “printable size” and “printable resolution” are set in the multifunction peripheral 105, and the feasible value of each capability is declared as an enumerated type. Assuming that the printable size of the multifunction peripheral (MFP) 105 corresponding to the single server is A4, B5, B6, A6, B6, A7 and the printable resolution is 400 dpi, the first client (client 1-PC1) is "I want to print at A4, 600 dpi.", 2nd client (Client 2-P
C2) is "I want to print at A4, 400 dpi.", No. 3
The client (client 3-PC3) is "A3,
I want to print at 400 dpi. Shows the sequence when a request is made.

According to this sequence, the client 1
The (PC1) first requests the server (MFP) for a reply as to whether or not the desired A4 size can be processed (size processing capacity acquisition request) [step 1001], and the server (MFP) side indicates that there is processing capacity. , Client 1 (PC1) that reply is returned and processing capacity is OK
(Processing power = OK reply) [Step 10
02]. Next, the client 1 (PC1) receives 600
An inquiry is made as to whether processing can be performed at a resolution of dpi (request for acquisition of processing ability of resolution) [step 1003]. On the other hand, since the processing capacity of the server is 400 dpi, the server side replies that there is no processing capacity (processing capacity = NG).
(Step 1004). Thereby, the client 1 recognizes that the server cannot respond to the request of the client 1.

Next, the client 2 inquires of the server about the processable size like the client 1 [step 1005] and obtains a reply that the process is possible [step 1006]. This time, inquire about the resolution [step 1007]. Server resolution is 400d
Since it is pi, a reply that the request for resolution can be met [step 1008]. Based on this, the client 2 sends a device reservation request to the server [step 1009]. In response to the reservation request, the server replies that the reservation has been accepted (reservation OK) [step 1010]. By making a reservation with the server in this way, it becomes possible to use the service of the server, in other words, the online state.

Since the client 3 wants to print the size of A3, the client 3 transmits to the server whether or not it has the processing capacity of A3, that is, a processing capacity acquisition request of size = A3 [step 1011]. On the other hand, since the processing capacity size of the server is A4, there is no processing capacity, that is,
Reply that processing capacity = NG [Step 101
2]. As a result, the client 3 recognizes that the server cannot meet the request of the client 3.

4.5.2 Multi Client / Multi Server When a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers are connected via a network, for example, the first server (server 1-MFP1) has (a) printable size A4, B
5, A5, B6, A6, B6, A7, printable resolution is 400 dpi, second server (server 2-MFP2)
(B) Printable size is A3, A4, B5, A5
B6, A6, B6, A7, printable resolution is 400d
pi, the third server (server 3-MFP3) is (c)
Printable size is A4, B5, A5, B6, A6, A7
The printable resolution is 600 dpi. On the client side, the first client (client 1) is A4, 400 dpi, the second client (client 2) is A4, 400 dpi, and the third client (client 3). ), When printing at A3 and 400 dpi, respectively, is processed by the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, the server 1, the server 2, and the server 3 respectively notify the broker 106 of the processing capacities (a) to (c) [step 11
01, 1102, 1103], and the broker 106 stores the processing capability information notified from the servers 1 to 3. On the other hand, on the client side, A
Inquire about a server having a processing capacity of 4,400 dpi (processing capacity acquisition request) [step 1104].
In response to this acquisition request, the broker 106 replies that the servers 1 and 2 can meet the request [step 110.
5]. In response to this response, the client 1 issues a device reservation request to the server 1 [step 1106], the server 1 responds to the client 1 with permission to use [step 1107], and the client 1 and the server 1 are online. It becomes a state.

4.6 Setting of Operation Mode from Remote Client 4.6.1 Case of Sending / Receiving with Button Information FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the case of setting the operation mode from the remote client with button information. . Note that the button information is shown in FIGS.
It is possible to display a button for instructing server operation on the display screen, send the function and position of the button to the client side, and click the position of the button on the client side to operate it. It is information that can be provided.

When an external view of the server to be used is displayed on the display device on the client side, the display screen on the client side is 400 dots vertically and 600 dots horizontally as described above. Is transmitted [step 1201]. In this case, command C
MD = 03 and dot information (X = 600, Y = 400) are transmitted. In response, on the server side,
Obtain the button information indicated by w_ptr [Step 1
202], if there is such button information [Step 120
3], button information is sent to the client side. The button information in this case includes ID information, X, Y coordinates, width, height,
TYPE etc. [step 1204]. Furthermore, T
The button raster data indicated by YPE is acquired and transmitted [step 1205]. The client side stores the transmitted ID, TYPE, and POSITION [step 1206], and displays the data transmitted from the server side on the display screen of the client (or writes it in the display memory) [step 1207]. When the user or operator looks at the display on the PC and designates the desired button position with a pointing device (not shown) [step 1208], the PC side obtains the pointed pointing coordinates (x, y) [step 1209]. , Calculate the corresponding button ID from the acquired coordinates [Step 12
10], button ID corresponding to the coordinates acquired on the server side
Is notified [step 1211].

On the server side, the value set from the received button ID, in this case "horizontal", is saved [Step 12
12], the next screen data is acquired [step 121
3] together with notification that the set value has been saved on the client side [step 1214]. Note that step 12
After step 13, the process returns to step 1201 and the second and subsequent processes are repeated. At that time, the data indicated by the window_ptr in step 1202 is
The button information is represented by t_ptr.

The data structure of the button information is as shown in FIG. 13, and the button data from the window pointer has a list structure. Here, “ID” is an identifier attached to each button, “TYPE” is the button shape, “X coordinate” is the X-axis direction coordinate from the upper left origin, and “Y”
“Coordinates” is the Y-direction coordinate from the upper left origin, “width” is the width of the button, “height” is the height of the button, and “next_ptr” is the pointer to the next button (0 is the termination).

FIG. 1 shows the transferred format.
As shown in FIG. 4, the structure of FIG. 13 is sequentially connected, and the header has byte number information. Note that here, next_ptr is an offset value from the header.

FIG. 15 is a specific example of the button information displayed on the display screen. Ten keys, start keys, etc. are assigned corresponding to the X and Y coordinates. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the raster data structure of a button.

4.6.2 Case of Raster Data and Graphics Data FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing when the operation mode is set from the remote client.

When the external view of the server to be used is displayed on the display device on the client side, the display screen on the client side is 400 dots vertically and 600 dots horizontally.
A screen information request is transmitted from the client side to the server side [step 1701]. In this case, the command CMD = 0
3 and dot information (X = 600, Y = 400) are transmitted. In response to this, the server side acquires screen data [step 1702] and enlarges or reduces the X / Y size according to the display size on the client side [step 1703]. Then, it is returned to the client side as screen data [step 1704]. On the client side, it is displayed on the display screen (or written in the display memory) based on the received screen data [Step 170
5]. Note that the display screen on the server side is as shown by reference numeral 1700, and in addition to the display screen having 400 dots in the vertical direction and 600 dots in the horizontal direction, the setting screens such as “printing direction”, “vertical” and “horizontal” are set. This screen is a condition setting screen for a printer or the like, and the setting value on the server side can be changed by clicking the pointing device on the remote side, in other words, the client side. Therefore, the user or the operator can use the personal computer (P
Looking at the display of C), for example, when the portion in the print direction “horizontal” is designated by the pointing device, [Step 170
6], on the PC side, pointing coordinates (x,
y) is acquired [step 1707] and the server side is notified of the acquired coordinates [step 1708]. The server side calculates the notified coordinate position, determines which area the position corresponds to, and gives the instruction part corresponding to that area, that is, the operation instruction corresponding to the display part clicked on the client side. Will be executed. For example,
The server can be started by clicking the start key portion from the client side on the display screen on the server side. When it is determined in step 1709 which area is the area designated on the server side, the set value, in this case, “horizontal” is saved [step 1710] and the server side acquires the next screen data. [Step 1
711], the client side replies that the set values are saved [step 1712].

In order to perform such processing, each screen, a series of operation flows, and setting value data information are provided. 1 each
The display screen information for each surface has a list structure starting from Window_ptr as with the above-described button information as shown in FIG. However, as additional data, each button has a pointer to the next screen when the button is pressed, a set item, and setting value information thereof.
The set items are “printing direction”, “resolution”, etc., and the setting values are “vertical”, “horizontal”, “240”.
The values are “dpi”, “400 dpi”, and the like. Here, it is described as a structure having an escape sequence.

That is, in FIG. 18, next bu
tton ptr indicates a pointer to another button on the same screen, and next window What is ptr?
Indicates a pointer to the screen displayed when the button is pressed. Also, ESC SEQUENCE is a printer command sequence representing an item and its setting value set when the button is pressed. For example, in the case of the “horizontal” button of the “printing method” item, FIG.
become that way. In FIG. 19, 0x represents hexadecimal and 0x1B is an ESC code, which is based on the specifications of various page description languages. Therefore, in FIG.
This is a command for setting the second (horizontal) of item 9 (printing direction). 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a list structure of windows and buttons.

4.6.3 When all operation flow information is transmitted When all operation flow information is transmitted from the remote client to set the operation mode, the procedure shown in FIG. 21 is performed. In this process, first, the client (PC) side requests operation control flow information from the server (MFP) side [step 2101], and the server side receives this and creates a list of operation control flow information [step 210].
2], send to the client [Step 210
3]. On the client side, the MFP transmission information is created from the list of transmitted operation control flow information according to the button input according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 [step 2104]. Then, the created setting data is transmitted to the server side as the aforementioned ESC sequence [step 2105], and the server side updates the mode of the MFP according to the ESC sequence [step 210].
6]. This mode update of the MFP is similar to the normal printer control.

As described above, M in step 2104
The FP transmission information is created by the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this creation procedure, first, the operation control flow information list is acquired [step 2201] and the MFP transmission file is initialized [step 2202]. When the initialization is completed, the first screen, that is, the buttons for one screen are displayed according to the structure of the button list described above [step 2203]. If the button is pushed down [step 2204], it is checked whether the button is an end button [step 2205]. If it is not the end button, it is further checked whether there is an ESC sequence [step 2206], and the ESC sequence is If there is, the ESC sequence is written in the MFP transmission file [step 2207], and if there is no ESC sequence, the pointer of the next window is directly acquired [step 2208]. Then, the processing returns to step 2203 and the subsequent processing is repeated. When the end button is pressed, the MFP transmission file is transmitted to the MFP [steps 2205, 2
209], the process ends.

4.7 Exclusive Control of Remote User and Local User There are various variations depending on the relationship between the remote user and the local user, giving priority to one and putting the other behind. Hereinafter, each case will be described in detail.

4.7.1 Priority of Remote User Connected First This control gives priority to the remote user connected first, and rejects the input to the operation panel input of the local user. To control it. Such control is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

That is, in this processing procedure, the server (MFP 2) first registers the processing capacity with the broker [step 2301], while the remote user A
The (PC) requests the broker to acquire the processing capacity [step 2302]. In this case, the remote user is requesting a processing capacity of A4, 600 dpi. In response to this request, the broker notifies that the server corresponding to the MFP 2 has the capability [step 230.
3]. The remote user A who has acquired this capability transmits a device reservation request as a user ID to the server (MFP 2) [step 2304]. The user ID is set in the data structure as shown in FIG. 24 when the connection to the server (MFP2) of the remote user is established. If this data is not set, in other words, if it is "0", the local user can use the MFP service. The user ID can be any of a personal identification number used for accounting management of the MFP, a department code, or a login name on the network. When the user ID is set in the server (MFP 2) in this way, the server notifies the remote user A that the reservation has been completed [step 2305].

After the reservation is completed for the remote user A in this way, a key input is made from the operation panel of the local user B, and even if an attempt is made to access the server (MFP 2) [step 2306], the server (MFP 2)
In 2), since a connection is currently being made with the remote user A, the access request is rejected, an alert display is sent to the effect that the server (MFP 2) cannot be used, and a warning is displayed to the local user B [step 2307]. At this time, the server (MFP 2) performs a process as shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the operation panel processing of the server. In this processing,
First, from the operation panel of the local user B, step 23
At 06, it is checked whether or not the button is pressed [step 2501]. When the button is pressed, it is checked whether or not there is a remote user [step 250].
2]. If the connection with the remote user is established, it is determined that the remote user exists, and the alert screen is sent to the local user [Step 250].
3, 2307], and the processing from step 2501 is repeated. On the other hand, if there is no remote user in step 2502, normal screen processing is executed [step 2504].

4.7.2 Display of Connected Remote User Information on Local User's Operation Panel In the previous section 4.7.1, the previously connected remote user is given priority, and the local user's operation panel is input. However, although the input is rejected, the local user cannot grasp the contents even though he / she knows that it cannot be used. Therefore, in this processing, the user information is displayed on the display device of the local user who cannot be used, and the fact is clarified.
This processing procedure is shown in FIG.

In this processing procedure, steps 2601 to 2606 are step 23 in FIG.
The same process as from 01 to step 2306 is performed.
The user information of the remote user A (PC) is displayed on the operation panel. This user information has the structure shown in FIG. 24 described above, but it is also possible to display the information incidental to this user ID. In this case, the supplementary information is, for example, a user name, a department name, a telephone number,
The user ID information storing these additional information is as shown in FIG. The user ID is, for example, a 6-digit number (used by being input from the operation panel of the local user or as an identifier of the remote user. A 20-digit ASCII code is used as the user name.
The user's name does not have to be unique. The department name, which is the name of the department that manages the device, is also written in a 20-digit ASCII code. A four-digit number such as an extension number is used as the telephone number.

The processing procedure of the operation panel of the server (MFP 2) in this processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the server (MFP 2) presses the button of its own device [step 2801], it checks whether there is a remote user [step 280].
2] If there is a remote user, the user ID is acquired from the remote user [step 2803]. Next, the user incidental information list is acquired [step 280
4], it is checked whether or not the user ID acquired in step 2803 and the user ID in the user supplementary information list match [step 2805]. If they match, the user name, department name, and telephone number shown in FIG. 27 are acquired. , Is displayed on the operation panel and the process returns to [Step 2806] Step 2801.

If they do not match, it is checked whether or not the next user ID exists [step 2807], and if there is, the processing from step 2804 is repeated and the user I
If D matches, then step 2806 returns to step 2801 as described above. If the user ID does not exist, the unknown user (anonymo) is checked in step 2808.
“Us user” is displayed and the process returns to step 2801.

4.7.3 Arbitration between Remote User and Local User For operation panel key input, that is, use request of the connected remote user and local user, both requests are arbitrated, and only one of them is arbitrated. Grant access. The arbitration method is (1) according to the priority of the user.

(2) Determined by interactive communication with both users.

There are two methods.

4.7.3.1 Case of User's Priority FIG. 2 shows the procedure for processing in accordance with the user's priority.
9 shows a flowchart.

In this case, first, the server (MFP2) registers the processing capability with the broker [step 290].
1]. On the other hand, the remote user A (PC) side sends a request for acquisition of processing capability (A4, 600 dpi) to the broker [step 2902]. In response to this acquisition request, the broker transmits the processing capability of the server (MFP 2) [step 2903]. The remote user A is the server (M
A device reservation request is sent to FP2). At that time, the user ID is transmitted [step 2904]. Server (MFP
In step 2905, 2) transmits that it is “OK” in response to the device reservation request from the remote user A [step 2905]. After the connection between the remote user A and the server (MFP2) is established in this way, the local user B
In other words, when a key input is made from the operation panel of the local user B and a service request is made to the server (MFP 2) [step 2906], the server (MFP 2)
On the side 2), looking at the priority order with the remote user A, if the remote user A has a higher priority order, an alert display indicating that the remote user A cannot be used is transmitted to the local user B side [step 2907].

On the other hand, if the priority of the local user is higher than that of the remote user A, key input from the local user B [step 2908] causes the server (MFP 2) to close the connection to the remote user A. Send the request [step 2909]. In response to this, the remote user A side, after receiving the connection close request, forcibly does not accept other requests until a connection restart request is sent [step 2914]. During this time, on the local user B side,
Repeat key input [steps 2910, 2911],
Instruct the server to execute key input [Step 291]
2], in the server (MFP 2), when execution of the instruction from the local user B is completed [step 2913],
A connection restart request is sent to the remote user A [step 2914], and the server (M
It becomes possible to give an instruction to FP2).

Steps 2906 and 2908
The priority checked in is added to the above-mentioned user ID supplementary information shown in FIG. 27 in the data structure shown in FIG. The priority is a numerical value from 1 to 255, for example, and the higher the numerical value, the higher the priority is set.

4.7.3.2 When Determined by Interactive Communication between Both Users In this case, the server (MFP2) first registers the processing capability with the broker [step 3101]. on the other hand,
The remote user A (PC) side sends a request for acquisition of processing capability (A4, 600 dpi) to the broker [step 3102]. Upon receiving this acquisition request, the broker sends the processing capability of the server (MFP 2). The remote user A sends a device reservation request to the server (MFP2). At that time, the user ID is transmitted [step 310].
4]. The server (MFP 2) transmits a message that the message is “OK” in response to the device reservation request from the remote user A [step 3105].

After the connection between the remote user A and the server (MFP2) is established in this way, a key input is made from the local user B, in other words, from the operation panel of the local user B, to the server (MFP2). When a service request is made [step 3106], the server (MFP 2) inquires of the remote user A whether the release is possible [step 3107]. Note that steps 3101 to 3106 are the same as step 2 above.
It is the same as 901 to 2906. On the side of the remote user A, in response to the releasable inquiry in step 3107, if the release cannot be done, in other words, if the connection cannot be closed, the release not possible is transmitted to the server (MFP 2) [step 3108], and the local An alert display is transmitted to the user B side [Step 310
9].

On the other hand, after the connection between the remote user A and the server is established, a key input is made from the local user B and a service request is made to the server (MFP 2) [step 3110], the server ( MF
P2) inquires of the remote user A whether the release is possible [step 3111]. Then, if the remote user A can release it, in other words, if the connection with the server (MFP2) can be closed, the fact that release is possible is transmitted to the server (MFP2) side [step 3112]. In response to this, the server (MF
P2) transmits a connection close request to the remote user A [step 3113], and accepts key input and execution instruction from the local user B [steps 3114 to 3116]. When the execution of these key inputs is completed [step 3117], the server (MFP2) sends a connection restart request to the remote user [step 3118], and the reservation state between the remote user A and the server (MFP2). Return to.

[0092]

As described above, according to the first to sixth aspects.
According to the described invention, even when an image input and / or output device is used by remote control, the same menu screen as when using the input / output device directly is used, and the operation for this can be performed. Since the same operation as in the case of directly operating the input / output device is used, the user can use the image input device and / or output device (printer, etc.) by the display unit (display device) of his / her information processing device (personal computer, etc.). ) You can specify the desired service content while looking at the same screen as the display menu screen, and you can operate the information processing device in the same way as you operate it directly in stand-alone mode. improves.

Further, in the invention described in claim 7, when the information processing device is used in the remote mode, the local operation for the information processing device is not accepted, so that the priority of the remote control is given. Can be secured.

Further, in the invention described in claim 8, when the information processing apparatus is used in the remote mode, the information processing apparatus accessing the information processing apparatus is displayed on the display unit of the input / output device. Therefore, a user who wants to locally access the input / output device can know the information processing device, in other words, who is currently using the input / output device by remote control.

Further, in the invention according to claim 9, when the input / output device is used in the remote mode, when a local operation is performed on the input / output device, the access right is arbitrated and the access right is arbitrated. Since the access right is maintained or shifted according to the arbitration result, remote or local use control of the input / output device can be performed according to the urgency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a connection diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an OA device (multifunction peripheral) in FIG.

3 is a diagram showing the overall protocol of the system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a remote control method for the distributed processing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of a remote control method for a distributed processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of a remote control method for a distributed processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a connection diagram showing a schematic configuration of a distributed processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the multi-function peripheral in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a multifunction machine.

10 is a flowchart showing a device selection algorithm in the case of multi-client / single server in the system of FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing a device selection algorithm in the case of multi-client / multi-server in the system of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for setting an operation mode from a remote client using button information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of button information.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a format when the button data of FIG. 13 is transferred.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display state of buttons.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a raster data structure of a button.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for setting an operation mode from a remote client.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data structure of operation control flow information in setting an operation mode.

19 is an ESC in FIG. It is a figure which shows the content of SEQUENCE.

20 is a diagram showing a list structure of windows and buttons in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for transmitting all operation flow information and setting an operation mode from a remote client.

22 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of processing on the client side in the processing of FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a control process of prioritizing a remote user connected first and rejecting an operation panel key input of a local user.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a data structure of remote user information.

25 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of processing on the operation panel of the server in the processing of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of a process for displaying connected remote user information on the operation panel of a local user.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a data structure of incidental information of a user ID.

28 is a flowchart showing an algorithm of processing on the operation panel of the server in the processing of FIG. 26. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing an algorithm of processing when one of the users is prioritized according to the priority of the user.

30 is a diagram showing a data structure of user priority data in the processing of FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing an algorithm of processing in the case of determining the priority of users by interactive communication of both users.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31, 32, 102 Personal computer (PC) 11, 12, 13 Transmission line 21, 22, 23 OA equipment 24, 25 Workstation 26 Super printer 27, 106 Service integrated control device 41, 105e Operation panel 42, 43 Display device 55 Operation Manager 69 Operation information 101 Network 105 Multifunction peripheral (MFP) 105a CPU 106 Broker

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having a display unit for displaying information, and an image input and / or output device having a display unit for displaying a menu screen of executable processing contents and an operation unit for selecting the processing contents. In a distributed processing system in which the image input and / or output device is required to display a menu screen of executable processing contents to the information processing device in response to an access request from the information processing device. Means for transmitting screen information, means for displaying the same screen as the menu screen on the display unit of the information processing apparatus based on the screen information transmitted from the means for transmitting, and a display unit of the information processing apparatus The image input and / or output device is controlled based on the operation content on the menu screen displayed on the screen. Means for communicating control information and controlling the operation of the image input and / or output device from the information processing device side. 2. The position for indicating the display position on the menu screen of the selected processing item, wherein the control means accepts a selection operation for the processing item on the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. Information is sent to the image input and / or output device, and an item to be processed is executed on the side of the image input and / or output device based on the position information sent from the information processing device. The distributed processing system according to claim 1. 3. The control means sends operation control flow information regarding operation control of the menu screen to the image input and / or output device, and the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device. A selection operation for the above processing item is accepted, the content of the item to be processed is determined based on the operation control flow information according to the content of the selection operation, and the determined result is sent to the image input and / or output device. 2. The distributed processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image input and / or output device side executes the processing content indicated by the received determination result. 4. A method for controlling a distributed processing system in which an information processing device and an image input and / or output device are connected by a network, wherein the image input and / or output device responds to an access request from the information processing device. A first processing step of transmitting screen information necessary for displaying a menu screen of executable processing contents to the information processing apparatus; and a screen identical to the menu screen based on the transmitted screen information. A second processing step of displaying the information on the display unit of the information processing apparatus; and a control information between the image input and / or output apparatus based on the operation content on the menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus. A third processing unit that exchanges information and controls the operation of the image input and / or output device from the information processing device side. A method of controlling a distributed processing system, comprising: 5. The third processing step includes a fourth processing step of accepting a selection operation for a processing item on a menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, and a menu screen of the selected processing item. A fifth processing step of sending position information indicating the display position on the image input and / or output device from the information processing device, and a step of sending the position information from the information processing device on the image input and / or output device side. 5. A sixth processing step of determining the content of an item to be processed based on the received positional information, and a seventh processing step of executing the determined processing content. A method for controlling the described distributed processing system. 6. The method further comprises an eighth processing step of sending operation control flow information related to operation control of the menu screen from the information processing apparatus to the image input and / or output apparatus, and the third processing step. A ninth processing step of receiving a selection operation for a processing item on a menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus; and the operation control flow on the information processing apparatus side according to the content of the selection operation. A tenth processing step of determining the content of an item to be processed based on the information, and an eleventh processing step of sending the result determined in the tenth processing step from the information processing device to the image input and / or output device. And a twelfth processing step for executing the processing content indicated by the received determination result on the image input and / or output device side. Control method for distributed processing system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in. 7. The image input and / or output device does not accept a direct operation on its own menu screen during execution of the third processing step. A method for controlling a distributed processing system according to claim 1. 8. When there are a plurality of information processing devices and the image input and / or output device is accessed from the information processing device, which image processing device is accessing the image input and / or output device. It is displayed by displaying whether or not.
The method for controlling the distributed processing system according to any one of 1. 9. An access right is arbitrated when an operation request is directly made to an operation unit of the image input and / or output device while the information processing device is accessing the image input and / or output device. And a fourteenth processing step for maintaining or transferring the access right according to the result of the arbitration in the thirteenth processing step,
9. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:
A method for controlling a distributed processing system according to item.