JPH086884A - Method and device for control over network system, and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily select a device to be used in consideration of the physical positions of respective devices by making a display based upon the installation positions of the respective devices when the device to be used is selected. CONSTITUTION:The respective equipments in network environment are installed on the respective 1st floor (1F), 2nd floor (2F), and 3rd floor (3F) of a building and connected by a network (LAN 1300). For example, a computer 1310 gathers device information including status information and installation position information from respective usable devices. For example, a virtual optical scanner 1302 reports status information 'in use' and installation position information '3F-B block'. The computer 1310 when displaying the connected input/output devices displays the installation position information acquired from the respective equipments.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control method and apparatus for a network system to which a plurality of image processing apparatuses are connected, and an image processing apparatus for constructing the network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in addition to a scanner, printer, etc. connected to a host computer via a signal cable, an input of the scanner, printer, scanner, printer etc. connected to the above-mentioned scanner, printer, host computer via a communication line. There is a system capable of inputting / outputting image data to / from an output device. In such a system, when the operator selects an input device or an output device to be used from a plurality of devices, a list of selectable devices is displayed on the display device of the host computer. Then, from this display, the operator selects a device to be used for input / output.

[0003]

Generally, an input device such as a digital copying machine, an input / output device connected to a host computer via a signal cable, and an input / output device connected to a communication line. And, the time required for input / output processing is different. That is, the input / output device connected via the communication line tends to take longer time for the input / output processing because the data transmission on the communication line takes longer.

As described above, the difference in the interface used for connecting the input / output devices affects the processing speed. However, in a general network system, when a list of selectable devices is displayed, such a distinction is not shown in the display of input / output devices. For this reason, the operator cannot know from the list display whether the input / output device to be selected can be used without a communication line or is connected to the communication line.

There is also a system that allows a host computer to remotely use various devices connected to the host computer via a bus or a network. In such a system, a user specifies a desired device or a device uniquely determined by the host computer is selected as a device to be used remotely from the host computer.

When the host computer automatically selects a device among the above-described device selecting methods, the device selected by the host computer may be located far away from the position desired by the user. Further, even when the user selects a desired device, the physical position of each device cannot be grasped, and thus there is a possibility that an unnecessarily distant device will be selected. In addition, selecting a device far away unnecessarily increases network traffic, which is not preferable in terms of data transfer.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control method and apparatus for a network system that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system in which, when selecting a device to be used in the network system, a display based on the installation position of each device is performed, and selection can be easily performed in consideration of the installation position of each device. A control method and device are provided.

Another object of the present invention is to display the type of each device together with the display based on the installation position of each device so that the selection of the input device and the output device on the network can be made easier.

Another object of the present invention is to enable each input device on the network to be displayed together with information based on each installation position when selecting the input device, and to select one of the displayed input devices. An object of the present invention is to provide a network system control method and apparatus that improve the operability of image processing operations in the network system.

Another object of the present invention is to enable each output device on the network to be displayed together with information based on each installation position when selecting an output device, and to select one of the displayed output devices. An object of the present invention is to provide a network system control method and apparatus that improve the operability of image processing operations in the network system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method and a device capable of selecting an appropriate device based on the installation position of each device when automatically selecting the device to be used in the network system. In offer.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to identify, when selecting a device to be used, whether each device is a device that can be used without going through a network or a device that is going to be used via a network. (EN) Provided is a control method and device capable of displaying and performing efficient processing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method and device capable of distinguishingly displaying the interface type of each device when selecting the device to be used and performing efficient processing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method and apparatus which can reserve the use of the apparatus connected to the network from a digital copying apparatus or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus applicable to a network system that achieves the above objects.

[0017]

[Means for Solving the Problems] and

A method of controlling a network system according to the present invention which achieves the above object, comprises: a first collecting step of collecting installation position information indicating installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to a network; and a type of the plurality of devices. And a display step of displaying the plurality of devices for each type together with the installation position based on the collected type information and installation position information.

According to the above configuration, the installation position information and the type information of each device arranged on the network are collected and the display based on these information is performed. Therefore, the user can easily understand the installation position and type of each device on the network.

Further, a control method of a network system having another configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, a collecting step of collecting installation position information indicating the installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to the network, and the installation position of each data input device based on the installation position information collected in the collecting step. And a display step of displaying, a selection step of selecting a desired input device from the input devices displayed in the display step, and an input step of inputting data from the input device selected in the selection step.

With the above arrangement, each input device on the network is displayed together with its installation position, and a desired device can be selected from these displayed input devices. Therefore, an appropriate input device on the network can be easily selected.

[0021] Preferably, the method further comprises a reserve step of reserving the input device selected in the selection step.

Further, a control method of a network system having another configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, a collection process of collecting installation position information indicating the installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to the network, and each of the data output devices based on the installation position information collected in the collection process And a display step of displaying, a selection step of selecting a desired input device from the output devices displayed in the display step, and an output step of outputting data to the output device selected in the selection step.

According to the above arrangement, each output device on the network is displayed together with its respective installation position, and a desired device can be selected from these displayed output devices. Therefore, an appropriate output device on the network can be easily selected.

Further, a control method of a network system having another configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, a first collecting step of collecting type information indicating the type of a plurality of devices connected to the network and installation position information indicating the installation position of each device, an input step of inputting the type of the device to be used, Used based on a second collection step for collecting status information of the device corresponding to the type input in the input step, installation position information collected in the first collection step, and status information collected in the second collection step And a selection step of automatically selecting a device to be used.

According to the above configuration, by inputting the type of device to be used, one of the devices corresponding to the type on the network is automatically selected based on its installation position. Therefore, for example, the device whose installation position is closest to the user can be selected only by inputting the type, and the operability is improved.

A method of controlling a network system having another configuration of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, an input process of inputting the type of device to be used from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and a device using a list of devices corresponding to the type input in the input process via the network. And a display step of displaying the device in a distinguishable manner without using the network.

According to the above arrangement, the list of devices corresponding to the input type is displayed so that it can be discriminated from those which are connected via the network and those which are not connected.

A method of controlling a network system having another configuration of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, an input step of inputting the type of the device to be used from a plurality of devices connected to the network, a list of devices corresponding to the type input in the input step, and an interface type of each device are identified. And a display step of displaying as much as possible.

According to the above configuration, a list of devices corresponding to the input type is displayed and the interface type of each device is displayed in a distinguishable manner.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is, an image processing apparatus that can be connected to a network, and a first input / output unit that inputs or outputs image data from a device included in the image processing apparatus, and that is connected via the network. When selecting a second input / output means for inputting or outputting image data and a device for inputting or outputting image data, each device uses the first input / output means and the second input / output means. Display means for distinguishably displaying which one of the input / output means it belongs to.

An image processing apparatus having another configuration of the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned other object has the following configuration. That is,
An image processing apparatus connectable to a network, the input / output unit inputting or outputting image data by a device directly connected to the image processing device and another device connected via the network. And a classifying unit that classifies each of the devices based on the type of interface with the image processing apparatus, and a device related to the input / output unit when selecting a device for inputting or outputting image data. In addition, it is provided with a display unit for distinguishably displaying which one of the classifications each device belongs to.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 and the image input / output control unit 3. The printer unit 2 records an image according to the image data from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper. The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a computer board unit 7, a formatter unit 8, a LAN interface unit 9, a core unit 10, and the like.

The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, and compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10. , Compressed compressed image data is transmitted via a telephone line. A hard disk 12 is connected to the facsimile unit 4 so that the received compressed image data can be temporarily stored. A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file section 5,
The file unit 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and stores it in the magneto-optical disk set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 together with a keyword for searching the image data.

Further, the file unit 5 searches the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred through the core unit 10, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses it. The created image data is transferred to the core unit 10. The computer interface unit 7 is an interface between the personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) 11 and the core unit 10. The formatter unit 8 expands code data representing multiple images even from the PC / WS 11 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2. LAN interface unit 9 is a LAN (local area network)
To perform data communication via the LAN.

The core unit 10 will be described later, but the core unit 10 includes a reader unit 1, a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5,
The data flow between the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 and the LAN interface unit 9 is controlled.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The document feeding device 101 of the reader unit 1 feeds the documents one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 102, and after the document reading operation is completed, the platen glass 102 is fed.
The above original is ejected. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on and the scanner unit 104 is started to move to expose and scan the document. Light reflected from the original at this time is reflected by the mirror 1.
05, 106, 107 and CC by the lens 108
It is guided to a D image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 109. In this way, the image of the scanned original is CCD109.
Read by The image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to predetermined processing and then transferred to the printer unit 2 and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3.

The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 2 drives the laser emission unit 201, and causes the laser emission unit 201 to emit laser light according to the image data output from the reader unit 1. This laser light is applied to the photosensitive drum 20.
2 is irradiated, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. The developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202 by the developing device 203. Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, recording paper is fed from either the cassette 204 or the cassette 205 and conveyed to the transfer unit 206, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred onto the recording paper. To do. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208,
The sorter 220 stores the ejected recording paper in each pin and sorts the recording paper. Note that the sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin when the sorting is not set. When double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the flapper 209 guides the recording paper to the re-feeding conveyance path. When multiplex recording is set, the flapper 209 guides the recording sheet to the re-feeding conveyance path so as not to convey it to the discharge roller 208. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is transferred to the transfer unit 20 at the above-mentioned timing.
6 is fed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reader unit 1. C
The image data output from the CD 109 is subjected to analog / digital conversion in the A / D / SH unit 110, and
Shading correction is performed. A / D / SH section 110
The image data processed by the image processing unit 111 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 111, and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 113.
Transferred to The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface 113 according to the setting contents set by the operation unit 115.

For example, when a copy mode is set in which a trimming process is performed on the operation unit 115 to perform copying,
The image processing unit 111 performs trimming processing and transfers the trimming processing to the printer unit 2. Further, when the facsimile transmission mode is set by the operation unit 115, the interface 113 transfers the image data and the control command according to the set mode to the core unit 10. Such a CPU
The control program of 114 is stored in the ROM 116, and the CPU 114 controls by referring to the ROM 116. The RAM 117 is used as a work area for the CPU 114.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the core section 10. The image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and the control command from the reader unit 1 is CP.
Transferred to U123. The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing, and the image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 121 corresponds to the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. Then, it is transferred to the facsimile section 4, the file section 5, the computer interface section 7, and the LAN interface section 9 via the interface 120. Also,
Code data representing an image input via the computer interface 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then transferred to the formatter unit 8 to be expanded into image data. This image data is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the facsimile unit 4, printer unit 2, file unit 5, and LAN interface unit 9. The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, and the LAN interface unit 9. Further, the image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and then the printer unit 2
And the facsimile section 4, the file section 5, the computer interface section 7, and the LAN interface section 9.

The image data input via the LAN interface unit is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7.
Code data representing an image input via the LAN interface unit is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then transferred to the formatter unit 8 to be expanded into image data. This image data is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7.

The CPU 123 controls such data transfer destination switching in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 124 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. Further, the RAM 125 is used as a work area of the CPU 123. As described above, with the core unit 10 as the center, reading of original images, image printing, image transmission / reception, image storage, data input / output from a computer,
It is possible to perform processing that combines functions such as input / output of data via a LAN.

The CPU 123 communicates with the CPUs provided in the reader unit 1, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 and the LAN interface unit 9 to control the data transfer. .

In the image processing system shown in FIG. 1, one of the image information input devices on the LAN connected through the reader unit 1, the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, and the LAN interface unit 9 is used. It is possible to input image information. Further, the printer unit 2, the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the LAN interface unit 9
It is possible to output the image information input to any of the image information output devices on the LAN connected via the.

Further, by using the formatter unit 8, the image information input device on the LAN connected through the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, and the LAN interface unit 9 inputs. Image information can be obtained by expanding a document file or the like (file composed of command data) into image data. Further, the obtained image information is used for the printer unit 2, the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, and the LAN interface unit 9.
It is also possible to output to any of the image information output devices on the LAN connected via.

The operator selects the input device and the output device in these cases. When selecting the input device and the output device, a list of usable input devices and output devices is displayed on the display of the operation unit 115 of the reader unit 1. In the image processing system of this embodiment,
In this list display, it is also displayed whether each device can be used without going through a LAN (is included in the image processing device in FIG. 1) or is connected through a LAN. To be done. Therefore, the operator can select the optimum input device and output device by referring to this display.

As an example of input device selection in the network system for image processing according to the present embodiment as described above, when copying a document image input from the optical scanner device (that is, output by the printer unit 2). If)
Will be described below.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the network system of this embodiment. As described above, the image processing device 100 has the reader unit 1, the printer unit 2, and the image input / output control device 3. A LAN 1300 is connected to the LAN interface unit 9. Various input devices and output devices can be connected to the LAN 1300. In this embodiment, two optical scanner devices 1302 and 1303 and three FAX transmitting / receiving devices 1305, 1306 and 1307 are connected.

In the network system as described above, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 periodically inquires of each device connected to the LAN 1300 about the input / output attribute. Here, the input / output attribute is the type (facsimile, scanner, printer, etc.) of each device. As a result of this inquiry, the table shown in FIG.
Created at 125.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a device table that stores information on input devices and output devices that can be used in the network system. The device table includes type information indicating the type of each device, and connection information indicating whether the device is a device included in the image processing apparatus 100 or a device connected via a LAN.

Image input / output operations in the network system will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the image input procedure of this embodiment. First, in step S1001,
An input device for reading a document image to be copied is selected. In this example, one of the optical scanner devices is selected as the input device to be used. Here, the image processing device 10
A reader unit 1 is included as an optical scanner device in 0, and an original can be input by using the reader unit 1. In addition to the optical scanner device included in the image processing apparatus 100, the LAN interface unit 9 and L
It is also possible to select an optical scanner device 1302, 1303 (hereinafter referred to as a virtual optical scanner device) connected via the AN 1300 and input a document image.

The virtual optical scanner device in this embodiment is a LAN compatible optical scanner device connected on the same LAN. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8, the LAN compatible optical scanner device 1302 includes an image input unit (reader unit 1102) for converting a document into image data,
LAN interface unit 110 for transmitting the read image data to another device connected to the same LAN
3. Reader unit 1102 and LA
The N interface unit 1103 has the same functions as the reader unit 1 and the LAN interface unit 9 included in the image processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment.

The selection processing procedure of the input device in step S1001 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the input device selection processing procedure (step S1001). In step S1010, the type of the input device is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 115 based on the device table of the RAM 125.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display state of the type of the input device. Here, the liquid crystal display unit is composed of, for example, a touch panel, and an input operation is performed by an operator touching an operation key drawn by the liquid crystal display unit. For example,
When the scanner is selected as the type of the input device, when the scanner key 1201 is touched, the display is changed and the display area 1203 displays that the scanner is selected. When the enter key 1202 is touched in this state, it is decided to use the scanner as the type of the input device. When the type of the input device is thus determined, the process proceeds from step S1011 to step S1012.

As described above, when the operator determines the type of the input device according to the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 115 (in this example, the scanner is selected as the type of the input device), In step S1012, a list of input devices belonging to the selected type is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. Here, as in this example, the image processing apparatus 100 uses the LAN interface unit 9 to connect to the LAN 1
When the optical scanner apparatus is connected to the optical processing apparatus 300, and another optical scanner apparatus is connected to the LAN 1300, the operator selects a virtual optical scanner apparatus in addition to the optical scanner apparatus included in the image processing apparatus 100. It can be selected as an input device. That is, LA as shown in FIG.
When the image processing device is provided in the N environment, the optical scanner device (reader unit 1) and the virtual optical scanner device (optical scanner devices 1302 and 1303) can be selected as input devices.

This selection is made by the operator selecting any one optical scanner device according to the display screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 115.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen for selecting a scanner to be used as an input device. As shown in FIG.
Regarding the selectable optical scanner devices, by referring to the device table in the RAM 125 shown in FIG. 6, the devices included in the image processing device 100 and the devices connected via the LAN are displayed separately. . As a result, the operator can identify whether the input device is included in the image processing device 100 or is connected via the LAN, and can more effectively select the optical scanner device used as the input device. As described above, the selected input device is reserved, the input device selection processing is ended (step S1013), and the processing is step S1002.
Proceed to (Fig. 12).

In step S1002, the operator can select any image printing device as an output device for copying a document. The output device selection processing in step S1002 will be described in detail later, and will be omitted here. The image processing apparatus includes the printer unit 2 as an image printing apparatus.
When the output device selection processing is not performed in 1002, the printer unit 2 is unconditionally selected as the image printing device.

Subsequently, in step S1003, a document image reading process is performed. When a document is read by the reader unit 1 included in the image processing apparatus 100, the image read by the reader unit 1 is the printer unit 2 or the core unit 10.
Sent to

When inputting from the virtual optical scanner device connected through the LAN interface unit 9, the operator reads the document by using the LAN compatible scanner selected in step S1001. It Regarding the reading of a document by the reader unit 1102 of the LAN compatible scanner 1101,
It is similar to the reader unit 1.

The image information read from the LAN compatible scanner 1101 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 via the LAN interface section 1103 and LAN 1300. The basic operation of the LAN interface unit 1103 regarding the LAN transmission of image information is the same as that of the LAN interface unit 9. On the other hand, in the image processing apparatus 100, the image information transmitted via the LAN is transferred to the LAN.
The interface unit 9 receives and sends this to the core unit 10.

Next, in step S1004, print output processing of image information is performed. Here, the printer unit 2 is selected as the image information print output device, especially when the operator does not give an instruction. When the image read by the reader unit 1 is printed by the printer unit 2, the image information is directly sent from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2.

Next, as an example of selecting an output device in the image processing apparatus 100, a case of transmitting a document image input from an optical scanner device by FAX will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the image output procedure of this embodiment. First, step S1401
The operator can then select the input device as required.
That is, it is possible to select either an optical scanner device included in the image processing apparatus 100 or various image input devices connected via a network as an input device for reading a document to be fax-transmitted. is there. still,
The input device selection processing in step S1401 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
If the input device is not selected (step S1401), the reader unit 1 is unconditionally selected as the image input device.

Next, in step S1402, one of the FAX transmission / reception devices is selected as an output device for performing FAX transmission of the document image. Here, the image processing apparatus 100 has F
The fax unit 4 is included as an AX transmission / reception device and can be used to perform FAX transmission of image information. However, in addition to the fax unit 4 included in the image processing apparatus 100, a FAX transmission / reception device (hereinafter, referred to as a virtual FAX transmission / reception device) connected via the LAN interface unit 9 is selected, and image information is selected. It is also possible to perform the FAX transmission. The virtual FAX transmitting / receiving apparatus in this embodiment is a LAN compatible FAX transmitting / receiving apparatus connected on the same LAN.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 13, the LAN-compatible FAX transmitter / receiver 1501 performs FAX transmission / reception via a telephone line with a LAN interface 1502 for transmitting / receiving image information to / from another device via a LAN. And a fax unit 1503. Regarding the LAN interface unit 1502 and the fax interface unit 1503, the image processing apparatus 1
00 has the same functions as the LAN interface unit 9 and the fax unit 4.

FIG. 14 shows an output device selection process (step S
It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in 1402). First, in step S1020, the operation unit 11
The screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of No. 5. Here, the operator selects a desired output device as the output device from a plurality of types of output devices. In this example, the fax is selected. When the operator sets the type of the output device by the same procedure as described in the selection of the input device (FIG. 10), the process proceeds from step S1021 to step S1022.

In step S1022, a list of usable output devices belonging to the set type is displayed. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display state of a list of usable output devices when a fax is selected as a type of output device. As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing apparatus 100 is an LA
It is connected to the LAN by the N interface unit 9, and another FAX transmitting / receiving device is connected to the LAN. That is, the operator can select a virtual FAX transmission / reception device other than the FAX transmission / reception device included in the image processing apparatus 100 as an output device. For example, when the image processing apparatus 100 is placed in the LAN environment as shown in FIG. 5, the fax unit 4 and the virtual FAX transceivers 1305, 1306, and 1307 can be selected as output devices.

A display as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section of the operation section 115. The operator selects one of the FAX transmitting / receiving devices according to this display screen to select the output device. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the selectable FAX transmission / reception devices are displayed separately for those included in the image processing apparatus 100 and those connected via the LAN. As a result, the operator can more effectively select the FAX transmission / reception device used for output in consideration of the information.

When the output device is selected as described above, the process of FIG. 14 is terminated (step S1023), and the process of FIG.
2 to step S1403.

Subsequently, in step S1403, an image original reading process is performed. Here, as the image information input device, the reader unit 1 is selected unless the operator gives an instruction. The image read from the reader unit 1 is sent to the core unit 10.

Next, in step S1404, the core unit 10
The image information input to is transferred to the fax unit 4.

When FAX transmission is performed from the virtual FAX transmission / reception device connected via the LAN interface unit 9, the operator performs step S1402.
The FAX transmission of the image is executed by using the LAN compatible FAX transmission / reception device connected to the same LAN selected in. In the LAN compatible FAX transmitter / receiver 1501, first, the LAN interface unit 9
The image information transmitted via the LAN interface unit 1 included in the LAN compatible FAX transmission / reception device 1501.
Received by 502. The image information received by the LAN interface unit 1502 is the fax unit 1
Fax transmission is performed via a telephone line connected to 503.

Also, a LAN-compatible FAX transmitter / receiver 150
LAN interface unit 1502 included in 1 is LA
The basic operation when receiving N transmission image information is LAN
It is similar to the interface unit 9. Also, a fax unit 150 included in the LAN-compatible fax transmitter / receiver 1501.
The basic operation when faxing image information from 3 is
It is similar to the fax unit 4.

In the above embodiment, the case where the communication line to which the virtual device is connected is a LAN (local area network) has been described, but this communication line is generally known such as WAN (wide area network). It may be any available communication line. Further, each device connected to the communication line may be any device as long as it is a device that can be connected to a generally known communication line.

When there are a plurality of input devices including virtual devices connected to the LAN, each of them may be included in the image processing device 100 or may be virtually used via the LAN. In the present embodiment, when displaying whether or not there is any, the respective devices are displayed in such a form that they are classified into one of these two, but for this display form, the input device is in one of these two classifications. It goes without saying that any display form may be used as long as it can be identified.

Similarly, when there are a plurality of output devices including virtual devices connected to the LAN, each device is included in the image processing device 100 or can be virtually used via the LAN. In the above embodiment, each device is displayed in such a form that the output device is classified into one of the two types. However, in this display form, the output device is classified into one of the two types. It goes without saying that any display form may be used as long as the display can be distinguished.

In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the case where the original image input from the optical scanner device is copied has been described, but the input device does not necessarily have to be the optical scanner device and a device capable of inputting image information. , That is, F
It may be an AX transmission / reception device, a magneto-optical storage device connected to the file unit 5, a computer terminal via an interface, or the like. In that case, the display on the liquid crystal display unit, the instruction procedure of the operator, and the like are the same as described above.

In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the case where the original image input from the optical scanner device is transmitted by FAX has been described in detail, but the output device is not necessarily the FAX.
The device need not be a transmission / reception device and may be a device capable of outputting image information, that is, a FAX transmission / reception device, a magneto-optical storage device connected to the file unit 5, a computer terminal via an interface, or the like. In that case, the display on the liquid crystal display and the instruction procedure of the operator are the same as those described above.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in making the device table of FIG. 6, inquiries are periodically made to each device on the LAN, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inquiry may be executed when the type of the input / output device is selected.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when selecting the input / output device to be used, the input / output device included in the image processing apparatus 100 and the input / output device connected via the LAN are selected. Can be displayed separately. Generally, an input / output device connected via a LAN is
Since the network communication process is performed, the processing speed becomes slower than that of the input / output device built in the device body. According to the first embodiment, the operator can select the input / output device in consideration of such processing speed, and the processing can be efficiently performed.

<Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the input / output device included in the image processing apparatus 100 and the input / output device connected via the LAN are displayed separately so as to be displayed according to the required processing speed. I / O device can be selected. However, a LAN capable of high-speed communication has been introduced, for example, RS2 of the computer interface unit 7.
It may be possible that the processing speed becomes faster when the image data is captured through the LAN, rather than when the image data is captured through the 32C communication. In the second embodiment, a network system capable of clearly notifying the operator of the difference in processing speed including such various conditions will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the device table of the second embodiment. The timing of inquiring the attribute information to each input / output device on the LAN may be periodically performed, or may be performed when the process of selecting the type of the input / output device is executed. .

In the device table of the second embodiment, in addition to the distinction between the input / output device included in the image processing device 100 and the input / output device connected via LAN, the device table is included in the image processing device 100. If it is an input / output device, data indicating the interface type is registered.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the input device selection processing. This display screen replaces the display state in step S1012 in FIG. 9 described above. As shown in the figure, usable optical scanners are displayed by being divided according to processing speed (high speed, medium speed, low speed). Here, the categories of high speed, medium speed and low speed are
It is done based on the interface type. For example,
If RS232C, it is low speed, if it is SCSI, it is high speed, and if it is connected via LAN, it is judged as medium speed and the display is performed. It should be noted that similarly classified displays can be performed for input / output devices other than the above scanner.

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment, when selecting the input / output device, the images are classified and displayed based on the processing speed of the interface. Therefore, the operator inputs the communication speed in consideration. The output device can be selected.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where it is achieved by supplying a program that causes a system or an apparatus to execute the processing defined by the present invention.

By the way, when executing control such that an image is transferred from a desired input device on a LAN to a desired output device using the host computer 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer), selection of the input device and the output device is performed. Can be set arbitrarily by the operator (manual mode)
Then, a method (automatic mode) in which the image processing apparatus 100 (or the computer 11) automatically selects can be considered. By sending out device information including status information and physical position information (installation position information) from each input / output device, and performing a display based on this device information when selecting the input / output device, the operator displays this display. The input / output device most suitable for the processing can be selected with reference. Therefore, even when the computer 11 automatically selects the input / output device, it is possible to select one that is easier to use.

As an example of the selection of the input / output device in the above network system, a case of transmitting the original image input from the optical scanner device by FAX will be described in detail.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the installation position of each device in the network environment of this embodiment. The above-mentioned devices are installed on the first floor (1F), second floor (2F), and third floor (3F) of the premises, respectively.
00 is connected.

Further, 1308, 1309 and 1310 are
An information processing device connected to the LAN 1300,
Image data can be input / output by controlling each device via the N1300. Information processing devices 1308 to 13
Examples of 10 include a personal computer and the like.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the network environment of this embodiment.

In such an environment, an instruction is given from the information processing apparatus 1109 on the 1st floor to input the original image and
The data input / output procedure according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case of performing AX transmission output.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart for explaining the image data input / output procedure of this embodiment. First, step S
At 10, a display for designating the type of the input device is displayed. Then, in step S11, the type of the input device is designated. FIG. 22 shows a display state on the display of the information processing device 1310 when the type of the input device is designated. In the figure, reference numeral 1400 is a graphic cursor, which is operated by, for example, a pointing device to designate a desired input device. The scanner is set as a selection candidate by moving the graphic cursor 1400 onto the scanner selection button 1401 and clicking it. At this time, “scanner” is displayed in the display area 1403, and the display state of the scanner selection button 1401 is displayed separately from the selection buttons of other devices. In this state, by moving the graphic cursor 1400 onto the enter key 1402 and clicking it, the scanner is set as the type of the input device.

When the type of the input device is designated as described above, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12. In step S12, the information processing device 1310 acquires device information including status information and installation position information from each available input / output device. For example, from the virtual optical scanner 1302, status information "in use" and installation position information "3F-B block" are transferred. Also, a LAN-compatible fax transmitter / receiver 1304
From, information such as "transmitting" and "3F-C block" is transferred. Similarly, device information about each device on the LAN is collected in the information processing device 1310.
In the present embodiment, each device information is collected at the time of use (step S12), but the device information of each device may be collected by, for example, periodically polling.

Each piece of information obtained as described above is stored in the device table in the memory of the information processing apparatus 1310. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of the device table. In the device table, the above step S1
Since the information acquired in step 2 is stored for each device, it is possible to obtain information on the installation position and status of each device by referring to this device table.

In step S13, a list of input devices belonging to the designated type as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. Here, based on the device information (device table in FIG. 26) obtained in step S12, the installation position (“1F-A” or the like) and status (“R
"EADY", "BUSY") is displayed on the display of the information processing device.

Next, in step S14, the operator specifies whether to select the input device in the "automatic mode" or the "manual mode". When the manual mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S15 and waits for selection input of a device to be used. On the other hand, when the automatic mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S16, and the optimum input device is automatically selected based on the collected device information. The automatic and manual modes may be selected each time the input device is selected, or the automatic mode or the manual mode may be set in advance.

In the case of the manual mode, step S15
Then, the operator designates the input device to be used with reference to the display shown in FIG. As the designation method, an operation method similar to the type designation (method using a graphic cursor) can be applied. As a result, the operator can determine from the display in FIG. 23 that the optical scanner 1303 near the information processing apparatus 1310 on the 1st floor is in the ready state and should be selected. Also, in the case where a manuscript image is input from a person on the second floor, it is understood that "scanner2 (reader unit 1 of system machine 100)" may be selected on the display screen of FIG. In this manner, the operator selects any one of the optical scanner devices according to the display screen to determine the input device to be used. As a result, the selected scanner device is reserved and selection by another information processing device is prohibited.

On the other hand, if the automatic mode is selected, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S16. In step S16, the optimum input device is automatically selected based on the device information of each input device collected in step S12. There are various conceivable conditions for this selection, but as an example, if a device physically close to the information processing apparatus 1310 being operated is preferentially selected, the scanner 1 on the first floor is automatically selected. If a device with a short physical distance is in use, a device with the next short physical distance is automatically selected.

When the designation of the input device is completed as described above, the designation of the output device is continued.

In step S17, the type of output device is displayed. FIG. 24 shows a display state on the display of the information processing device 1109 when the type of the output device is designated. The type of the output device is designated by the same procedure as when the type of the input device is designated (step S11) (step S1).
8). In this example, a fax is specified.

When the type of output device is designated, the process proceeds from step S18 to step S19, and a list of output devices is displayed. In step S19, a list of output devices belonging to the designated type as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. Here, the device information acquired in the previous step S12 is referred to, and the installation position information and status information are displayed for each output device.

In step S20, it is determined whether the output device is selected automatically (automatic mode) or manually (manual mode). If it is the manual mode, the operation proceeds to step S21, in which the operator designates a desired output device (facsimile device in this case) by referring to its installation position information and status information.

On the other hand, in the automatic mode, step S2
From 0, the process proceeds to step S22, and the output device is automatically selected based on the device information. In this example, the output device is selected with reference to the installation position information so that the device physically close to the information processing device 1310 in operation is preferentially used.

As described above, the operator can select a desired FAX transmission / reception device as an output device for performing FAX transmission of a document image. However, in general, it is irrelevant to the recipient regardless of which FAX device transmits the image. Therefore, when the fax is designated as the type of the output device, the information processing device 1310 may automatically select the FAX terminal 1307 having a short data path based on the installation position information. This is also important to prevent the traffic on the LAN from being inadvertently increased.

As described above, for example, the scanner 1303 and the FAX 1307 are determined as the input / output devices. Then, the scanner 1 is instructed by the information processing device 1310.
The original image input from 303 is transferred to the FAX transmission / reception device 1307 via the LAN, and the facsimile device 130
7 calls the designated dial and sends the image.

In the present embodiment, the communication line to which the virtual device is connected is a LAN (local area network).
In the above description, the communication line may be any generally known communication line such as WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, each device connected to the communication line may be any device as long as it is a device that can be connected to a generally known communication line.

In the above embodiment, the case where the original image input from the optical scanner device is output to the FAX transmission / reception device has been described, but the combination of the input device and the output device is not limited to this. Needless to say. As the input / output device, a device capable of inputting or outputting image information, that is, a fax transmitting / receiving device, an external storage device, a computer terminal via an interface, or the like can be applied. Further, even when these input / output devices are selected, it is clear that the above-mentioned input / output device selection procedure and various display contents can be applied.

Further, instead of the operator selecting the input device and the output device by the information processing device, as in the first embodiment,
Alternatively, the operation unit 115 of the image processing apparatus 100 may be used.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
By using the device information including the status information and installation position information of each device, when selecting the input / output device manually or automatically, it is possible to avoid the trouble of selecting the device at a distant position carelessly. it can.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where it is achieved by supplying a program that causes a system or an apparatus to execute the processing defined by the present invention.

As described above, according to the above embodiment,
In the display of equipment when the operator selects the equipment to be used, it must be possible to identify whether each equipment is included in the image processing equipment main body or connected to the communication line. Is possible.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, in the display of the device when the operator selects the device to be used, it is possible to classify each device based on the interface type and display the classification in a distinguishable manner. Becomes

Further, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, when selecting the device to be used, it is possible to perform the display based on the physical position of each device, and it is easy to select the device in consideration of the physical position of each device. You can do it.

Further, according to the above embodiment, when automatically selecting the device to be used, it is possible to select an appropriate device based on the physical position of each device.

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, when selecting a device to be used in a network system,
(EN) Provided are a control method and a device for a network system, in which display is performed based on the installation position of each device, and selection can be easily performed in consideration of the installation position of each device.

Further, according to the present invention, the type of each device is displayed together with the display based on the installation position of each device, so that the input device and the output device on the network can be selected more easily.

Further, according to the present invention, when selecting an input device, each input device on the network can be displayed together with information based on each installation position, and one of the displayed input devices can be selected. The operability of image processing operations in the network system is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, when selecting an output device, it becomes possible to display each output device on the network together with the information based on each installation position and select one of the displayed output devices. The operability of image processing operations in the network system is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, when automatically selecting the device to be used in the network system, it is possible to select an appropriate device based on the installation position of each device.

Further, according to the present invention, when selecting a device to be used, it is possible to identify whether each device is a device that can be used without a network or a device that is used via a network. It is possible to display, and it is possible to perform efficient processing.

Further, according to the present invention, when the device to be used is selected, the interface type of each device can be displayed in a distinguishable manner, and efficient processing can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the use of the device connected to the network can be reserved from the digital copying device or the like.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus applicable to a network system which achieves each of the above effects.

[0128]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reader unit and a printer unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a reader unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a core unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a device table that stores information on input / output devices that can be used in a network system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image input procedure of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a LAN-compatible optical scanner device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of a selection processing procedure of an input device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display state of types of input devices.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen for selecting a scanner to be used as an input device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an image output procedure of this embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a LAN-compatible FAX transmission / reception device of this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in output device selection processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display state of types of output devices.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen for selecting a fax to be used as an output device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device table according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen during an input device selection process in the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the installation position of each device in the network environment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a network environment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an image data input / output procedure of the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display state on the display of the information processing device when the type of the input device is designated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which a list of input devices belonging to a designated type is displayed.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display state on the display of the information processing device when the type of output device is designated.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which a list of output devices belonging to a designated type is displayed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a device table according to the present embodiment.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Satoru Eda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoshi Kaneko 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Masaki Sakai 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masahiro Kurahashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Masahito Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A first collecting step of collecting installation position information representing installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to a network, and a second collecting step of collecting type information representing types of the plurality of devices.
A method of controlling a network system, comprising: a collection step; and a display step of displaying the plurality of devices for each type together with the installation position based on the collected type information and installation position information. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an input step of inputting a type of device to be used, wherein the display step displays an installation position of the device corresponding to the input type. Method of controlling network system. 3. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 1, further comprising a selecting step of selecting a device to be used from the devices displayed in the displaying step. 4. A collecting step of collecting installation position information representing installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to a network, and each of the data input devices based on the installation position information collected in the collecting step, A display step of displaying together with the installation position, a selection step of selecting a desired input device from the input devices displayed in the display step, and an input step of inputting data from the input device selected in the selection step A method for controlling a network system, comprising: 5. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 4, further comprising a reserve step of reserving the input device selected in the selecting step. 6. A collecting step of collecting installation position information indicating installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to a network, and each of the data output devices based on the installation position information collected in the collecting step, A display step of displaying together with its installation position, a selection step of selecting a desired input device from the output devices displayed in the display step, and an output step of outputting data to the output device selected in the selection step A method for controlling a network system, comprising: 7. A first collecting step of collecting type information indicating a type of a plurality of devices connected to the network and installation position information indicating an installation position of each device, and an input process of inputting a type of the device to be used. And a second collecting step of collecting status information of devices corresponding to the type inputted in the input step, installation position information collected in the first collecting step, and status information collected in the second collecting step. And a selecting step of automatically selecting a device to be used based on the control method of the network system. 8. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 7, wherein in the input step, a type of a data input device or a data output device is input. 9. The method for controlling a network system according to claim 7, wherein in the selecting step, a device near an operator's place is selected. 10. Collection means for collecting installation position information indicating installation positions of a plurality of devices connected to a network and type information indicating types of the plurality of devices, installation position information collected by the collecting means, and A control device for a network system, comprising: a display unit that displays the plurality of devices together with their installation positions for each device type based on the type information. 11. The apparatus further comprises input means for inputting the type of device to be used, and the display means displays the installation position of the device corresponding to the type input by the input means. 10. The control device for the network system according to item 10. 12. The control device for a network system according to claim 10, further comprising a selection unit that selects a device to be used from the devices displayed on the display unit. 13. A first collecting means for collecting type information indicating a type of a plurality of devices connected to the network and installation position information indicating an installation position of each device, and an input for inputting a device type to be used. Means, second collecting means for collecting status information of the device corresponding to the type inputted by the input means, installation position information collected by the first collecting means, and collecting by the second collecting means A controller for automatically selecting a device to be used based on the obtained status information. 14. The control device for a network system according to claim 13, wherein the selection means selects a device near an operator's place. 15. An input process of inputting a device type to be used from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and a list of devices corresponding to the type input in the input process are used via the network. A control method for a network system, comprising: a display device and a display step for distinguishably displaying the device to be used without going through a network. 16. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 15, further comprising a collecting step of collecting type information indicating types of the plurality of devices. 17. An input process of inputting a device type to be used from a plurality of devices connected to a network, and a list of devices corresponding to the type input in the input process are displayed in an interface of each device. A method of controlling a network system, comprising: a display step of displaying the type in a distinguishable manner. 18. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 17, further comprising a collecting step of collecting type information indicating types of the plurality of devices. 19. The method of controlling a network system according to claim 17, further comprising a collecting step of collecting type information indicating types of interfaces of the plurality of devices. 20. An input unit for inputting a type of a device to be used from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and a list of devices corresponding to the type input by the input unit are used via the network. A control device for a network system, comprising: a display device that distinguishably displays a device that is used and a device that is used without going through a network. 21. The control device for a network system according to claim 20, further comprising a collecting unit that collects type information indicating types of the plurality of devices. 22. An input unit for inputting the type of a device to be used from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and a list of devices corresponding to the type input by the input unit are listed in the interface of each device. A control device for a network system, comprising: a display unit that displays the type in a distinguishable manner. 23. The network system control device according to claim 22, further comprising a collecting unit that collects type information indicating types of the plurality of devices. 24. The collection for collecting the type information indicating the types of the plurality of devices, further comprising a collecting unit for collecting identification information indicating the types of interfaces of the plurality of devices. 21. The network system control apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising means. 25. An image processing apparatus connectable to a network, the first input / output means for inputting or outputting image data from a device included in the image processing apparatus, and the connection via the network. When selecting a device for inputting or outputting image data from another device and a device for inputting or outputting image data, each device uses the first input / output device and the above-mentioned first input / output device. Second
And a display unit for displaying which of the input / output units it belongs to is identifiable. 26. Further comprising: collection means for collecting type information indicating the type of equipment related to the first and second input / output means, and designation means for designating the type of equipment used as an input device. The display unit selects and displays a device corresponding to the type specified by the specifying unit based on the type information collected by the collecting unit, and each selected device receives the first input / input. 26. The image processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the image processing apparatus displays the output unit and the second input / output unit in a distinguishable manner. 27. Each time the collecting means performs an operation for selecting a device for inputting or outputting image data, the collecting device selects one of the devices related to the first and second input / output devices. 3. The type information is acquired.
5. The image processing device according to item 5. 28. An image processing device connectable to a network, wherein image data is input or output by a device directly connected to the image processing device and another device connected via the network. Input / output means, classification means for classifying each of the devices based on the type of interface with the image processing apparatus, and input / output means for selecting a device for inputting or outputting image data. An image processing apparatus, which displays the devices related to the device, and a display unit that can identify which of the classifications each device belongs to. 29. The image processing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the classification unit classifies each of the devices based on a processing speed of an interface with the image processing apparatus.