JPH10254652A - Information processor and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute a required pre-processing by transmitting a printing instruction for another printer to a certain printer. SOLUTION: When a printing object document is not present, it is secured from the inside of a present device or an external device (steps S4001 4005), and when the conversion of a format is required, it is executed in the present device or by requesting the other device (steps S4006 4010) and whether or not a specified printer is the present device is judged (step S4011). Printing is executed at the time of the present device (step S4012) and the printing instruction is transmitted to the outside at the time of the device other than the present device (step S4013).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to communication between a plurality of devices, in which one device outputs information according to an instruction received from the other device, or requests another device for necessary processing. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An information processing apparatus called a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is an apparatus for handling electronic information. Therefore, physical information existing in the real space, such as a human written on a paper or a printed document, is input by an input device such as a scanner or a digital camera.
It is converted into electronic information and can be handled by a PC for the first time. Conversely, in order to allow electronic information possessed by a PC to be handled by humans, it must be converted into physical information by an output device such as a printer or a display.

On the other hand, since the input / output device is a peripheral device of the PC, the input / output device is operated and controlled via the PC, and cannot be operated / controlled via the peripheral device.
In addition, each PC must have information necessary for operation and control in advance in a form convenient for each PC.

(Prior Art 1) As shown in FIG. 36, in order to convert electronic information possessed by a PC into printed physical information, a user must perform the following operations using a PC and a printer. Become. In this case, the PC must have information such as the operation procedure of the printer in the form of a printer driver in advance.

A user performs a print instruction operation using a printer driver of a PC. Thereafter, the PC sends a print command to the printer.

[0006] The printer that has received the print command immediately prints the specified information unless it is busy or the like. Thereafter, the user goes to retrieve the printed document.

[0007] Here, the print command includes document information to be printed. Also, the print target must be described in a format that can be processed by the printer.

(Prior Art 2) As shown in FIG. 37, a PC can be used as a server terminal. In this case, X
The PC receives information to be displayed on the screen from the server one by one according to a protocol such as Window, and displays the information according to the instruction.

(Prior Art 3) As shown in FIG. 38, information read by a scanner can be printed on a printer via a PC. This makes it possible to use a scanner and a printer as a pseudo copier. However, in order to do so, it is necessary to install a scanner driver and a printer driver in advance and set that both can be used in combination.

In this case, if it is necessary to convert the image format of the scanner into a format that can be understood by the printer, the PC must perform the conversion before sending the data to the printer.

[0011]

In the above prior art,
A printer cannot transmit a print command to another printer, or a printer that has received a print command to another printer cannot transmit a print command to the printer.

Further, it is necessary to transmit the print target information from the PC to the printer together with the print command. If the print target information is present in a device other than the PC, or in some cases, the printer itself, Information had to be obtained by communication with other devices and then passed to the printer.

Further, format conversion must be performed as necessary at the discretion of the PC user.

Further, it was not possible to suspend the received document until the condition was satisfied without printing it.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: an output unit for outputting information; and an output instruction including designation information for designating the output device. Receiving means, determining means for determining a device specified by the specifying information, and an output for controlling the output means to execute the output instruction when the device determined by the determining means is its own device. When the device determined by the determination unit is a device other than the own device, a transmission unit that transmits the output instruction to the outside is provided.

According to another aspect, a communication means for communicating with an external device, a processing means for processing information, and a processing received from the external device via the communication means are provided to the information processing apparatus. Management means for managing the target information in a plurality of management states including a processing hold state and a processing wait state; andcontrol means for controlling the processing target information to be processed by the processing means based on the management state. Prepare.

According to another aspect, the information processing apparatus has a receiving unit for receiving a process to be executed by the other apparatus;
The processing unit includes a processing unit that executes a predetermined process necessary for the process received by the receiving unit, and an output unit that outputs a processing result of the processing unit.

According to another aspect, a receiving means for receiving designation information for designating a processing target in an information processing apparatus, and a securing means for securing a processing target designated by the designation information received by the receiving means, Processing means for performing processing on the processing target secured by the securing means, and output means for outputting a processing result by the processing means.

According to another aspect, the information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving the processing target information, a processing unit for processing the information, and a processing unit for processing the processing target information received by the receiving unit. Conversion control means for controlling conversion to information described in a possible description language.

According to another aspect, an information processing method includes an output step of outputting information, a receiving step of receiving an output instruction including designation information for designating an output device, and an apparatus for designating the designation information. A discriminating step of discriminating, and when the device discriminated in the discriminating step is the own device, an output control step of controlling the output instruction to be executed in the output step; When the device is a device other than the own device, a transmitting step of transmitting the output instruction to the outside is provided.

According to another aspect, the information processing method includes a processing step of processing information, and processing information to be processed received from the external device via a communication unit for communicating with the external device. The management method includes a management step of managing a plurality of management states including a hold state and a processing waiting state, and a control step of controlling the processing target information to be processed by the processing step based on the management state.

According to another aspect, the information processing method includes a receiving step of receiving a process to be executed by another device;
The method includes a processing step of executing a predetermined processing necessary for the processing received in the receiving step, and an output step of outputting a processing result of the processing step.

According to another aspect, the information processing method includes a receiving step of receiving designation information for designating a processing target, and a securing step of securing a processing target designated by the designation information received in the receiving step. A processing step of performing processing on the processing target secured by the securing step, and an output step of outputting a processing result of the processing step.

According to another aspect, the information processing method includes a receiving step of receiving processing target information, a processing step of processing the information, and a processing step of processing the processing target information received in the receiving step. A conversion control step of controlling the conversion into information described in a possible description language.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the present embodiment. The information processing apparatuses 1 and 2 are connected via a network and can communicate.

In the information processing apparatus 1, the information processing apparatus 2
Requesting information processing device 2 to communicate, for example, when the user needs information in the device, wants to transmit information to information processing device 2, or gives an instruction to information processing device 2. Send and receive instructions.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another system configuration of the present embodiment. The information processing apparatuses 1 and 2 belong to networks having different subdomains, but can communicate with each other.

The information processing apparatuses 1 and 2 described above may be any type of apparatus as long as they have a necessary transmission / reception function, such as a printer, a scanner, a FAX, a desktop PC, and a digital camera. Good.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the present embodiment.

The operation unit 41 displays a screen necessary for a user's operation and the like in accordance with the information stored in the operation information 42. That is, the operation or instruction performed by the user is transmitted to the operation unit 41.
And is passed to the task receiving unit 43.

The operation information 42 is information referred to by the operation section 41, and defines the operation of the operation section 41. In the present embodiment, a flexible operation procedure can be realized by changing / updating the operation information 42 based on the information received by the task receiving unit 43 by a processing execution unit 47 described later.

For example, one of the methods for operating devices other than the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 used in the present embodiment is to acquire the operation information 42 of the information processing apparatus 2 and to process the information. There is a method of changing / updating the operation information 42 of the device 1.

In another example, by detecting the presence of the information processing device 2 connected to the information processing device 1 used in the present embodiment via a network or the like, a new combination of the two information processing devices is detected. Recognizing the possibility of realizing functions,
By adding information necessary for an operation instruction of the function to the operation information 42, an operation of a function combining a plurality of devices becomes possible.

The task receiving section 43 reports, in addition to the information from the operation section 41, a change in the environment in which the information processing apparatus 1 is placed, a task from another device such as the information processing apparatus 2, and the like. Receive as a change. For example, when connected via a network, it detects that a new device is connected to the network, receives a print instruction from another device as a task, or performs any processing for a certain period of time. Here, the detection that the operation has not been performed is also performed here.
As a result, the received information is added to the task table 44 as a new task.

The task receiving section 43 is necessary for communicating between different devices together with a processing executing section 47 to be described later.

The task table 44 is a table storing tasks having start conditions and contents. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the task table 44.

FIG. 6 shows that tasks are stored in the order of priority from the top of the table. To add a task to the task table 44, use the task
The task is extracted from the task table 44 by a task analysis unit 45 described later.

The task analysis unit 45 is provided with the above-described task table.
From 44, the highest priority task is extracted and the purpose of the task is analyzed. By analyzing the purpose by the task analysis unit 45, a planning determination unit 46 and a process execution unit described below are analyzed.
It is possible to avoid the execution of the inefficient processing in 47 and perform the optimum processing.

For example, from the task 63 stored in the task table 44 shown in FIG. 6, it is analyzed that the direct purpose is to print, and finally to deliver the printed document to the user. You. Thus, if the end goal can be reached in a more efficient way, it will be understood that even printing need not be performed and will be planned accordingly. Further, information to be processed is also an analysis target, and for example, it is analyzed that format conversion is necessary.

The planning decision unit 46 plans the processing to be performed in response to the analysis result of the task analysis unit 45 described above. For example, from the task 63 stored in the task table 44 shown in FIG.
PULLing an Object from is planned as a process to be executed.

The processing execution unit 47 executes processing, for example, an instruction to another device, in accordance with the contents determined by the planning determination unit 46 described above. This processing execution unit 47 will be described in more detail in the second and subsequent embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of each device for realizing the processing of this embodiment.

The I / O 201 performs input / output with the outside of the apparatus. The CPU 202 executes programs and controls each unit of the apparatus. The ROM 203 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 202, fixed data, and the like corresponding to each flowchart described below. The RAM 204 temporarily stores various variables and intermediate data generated during the execution of the processing, such as the task table 44 and the operation information 42. Also, R
A program may be loaded into the AM 204 from outside the device and stored.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the overall processing of this embodiment.

When the information processing apparatus 1 used in this embodiment is started, the task table 44 is initialized in step S51 as indicated by 61 in FIG. 6A.

Subsequently, in step S52, the operation unit 41
It is checked whether the task receiving unit 43 has received information on the operation instruction given by the user from, changes in the environment, tasks from other devices, and the like as status changes. If it is determined that the task has been received,
Proceeding to S53, as shown in FIG. 6B, a reception information analysis task 62 is added to the head of the task table 44.

Subsequently, in step S54, it is checked whether an executable task exists in the task table 44. If not, the process returns to step S52, and the reception of the task is checked again. Here, if a task exists, the process proceeds to step S55, and the task with the highest priority is extracted from the task table 44.

Subsequently, the purpose of the task is analyzed in step S56, and the processing to be performed is planned and determined in step S57. When the task table 44 is in the state shown in FIG. 6B, the ANALYZE of the highest priority task 62 is extracted,
It is understood that the purpose is to analyze the received information,
It is planned to perform the analysis.

Subsequently, in step S58, the processing according to the above-mentioned planning is executed, and if necessary, a new task is added to the task table 44. For example, when the received information is analyzed as planned from the ANALYZE of the task 62 illustrated in FIG. 6B, the content “Print“ contract.doc ”from B” specified by the user using the operation unit 41 is analyzed. PRINT of a new task 63 is added as shown in FIG.

Next, the process returns to step S52 again, but since no new task has been received, the process returns to step S54.
And the process is repeated. As a result, the PRINT of the task 63 shown in FIG. 6C added in the previous step S58 is extracted, analyzed, and planned. In this case, it is analyzed that the Object must be present in the information processing apparatus 1 in order to execute the task PRINT, and the PULL of the new task 64 and the PRINT of the task 65 using the pulled Object are analyzed. It is added as shown in FIG. 6 (d).

Further, when the processing is repeated, the PULL of the task 64 shown in FIG. 6D is executed. The detailed description of the execution contents of the task PULL is an important element of the present invention, and will be described in detail in Embodiment 2 and thereafter.

Further, when the processing is repeated, the task
The task 65 illustrated in (e) of FIG. 6 is executed using the Object acquired as a result of the pull.

As a result, the task table 44 becomes as shown in FIG.
As shown by, the state returns to the same state as when initialized.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device capable of operating another device.

The operation procedure (U
I: User Interface) is executed with reference to the operation information 42 originally held by the information processing apparatus 1 itself,
It may be executed with reference to the operation information 42 obtained from another information processing device 2 connected via a network or the like.

The user's voice instruction 71 shown in FIG.
The designation of the operation target device using the screen 72 of the operation panel is executed with reference to the operation information 42 originally possessed by the copying machine 74, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1.

On the other hand, the designation of the transfer destination and the condition using the screen 73 of the operation panel is carried out by executing the task PULL in the processing execution unit 47 by the copier 74 as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, the network or the like. The updated operation information 42 of the copying machine 74 itself is based on the operation information 42 acquired from the facsimile 75 which is one embodiment of the other information processing apparatus 2 connected by
Is executed with reference to FIG.

The copier 74 may hold the operation information 42 of the facsimile 75 in advance and refer to the information as needed.

Further, the operation information 42 of the FAX 75 may be obtained from a device other than the FAX 75, such as a server.

Here, details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described in Embodiment 8 and thereafter.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device in which a function composed of a plurality of devices can be operated.

The operation procedure (U
I: User Interface) is a case where the information processing apparatus 1 itself is executed with reference to the original operation information 42 as it is, and a case where another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like is detected. It may be executed with reference to the updated operation information 42.

The specification of the number of copies using the operation panel 81 shown in FIG. 8 was executed by directly referring to the operation information 42 originally possessed by the copying machine 74 as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1. Things. Here, "copy" displayed at the bottom of the operation panel indicates a copy execution instruction, and "send" displayed in a shaded state indicates that transmission processing cannot be executed. ing.

On the other hand, reference numeral 82 designates the number of copies using the same operation panel as the operation panel 81, but the result of detection of the FAX 75 which is one embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like. This is executed by referring to the operation information 42 of the copying machine 74, which is updated to a display in which the available functions and transmission functions have been shaded off.

Then, when the user selects and instructs the execution of the transmission function, 83 is displayed to specify the transmission destination, and the transmission function can be executed. As described above, the user simply sets a document to be transmitted to a nearby copying machine and instructs execution of the transmission function, and transmits the document using the function of the FAX 75 at a remote place connected via a network or the like. Can be. This realizes a function combining the document input function of the copying machine and the document transmission function of the FAX.

Even when the FAX 75 is not connected, the transmission operation after the operation of designating the transmission destination in 83 is performed in advance, and when the connection of the FAX 75 is detected, the content of the transmission operation is changed. It is transmitted to FAX 75 and automatically transmitted according to this content, or 84
As shown in (1), a reservation operation for asking the user for confirmation before automatic transmission is also possible.

In this example, the display "transmission" for an unexecutable transmission instruction is displayed with shading in a state where the FAX 75 is not connected. However, an embodiment in which the display is not displayed at all is also conceivable.

Here, details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described in the eighth embodiment and thereafter.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device capable of communication.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the user instructs the copying machine 91 located physically away from the copier 91 to display the current location on the My Desk 92 of the desktop PC.
You are.

The content 93 "display the location on <My Desk>" instructed by the user to the copying machine 91, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, is passed to the task receiving section 43 by the operation section 41.
As a result of analysis and planning, the other information processing apparatus 2 connected by a network or the like by the processing execution unit 47
Is executed as an instruction task INDICATE to the PC 92 which is one embodiment of the present invention.

The PC 92, which is an embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected by a network or the like, receives the communication task COMMUNICATION by the receiving unit 43,
As a result of analyzing and planning the received instruction, the processing execution unit 47 executes processing such as displaying a message on a screen.

The details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described later in the eighth embodiment.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device capable of acquiring information from another device.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the user is
The user wants to print the information 104 "contract.doc" held by the printer 101 by instructing the printer 101 at a physically remote location.

The content that the user instructed the printer 101, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, from "B to" contract.doc "
Is returned to the task receiving unit 43 by the operation unit 41, analyzed and planned,
The process execution unit 47 executes the information acquisition task PULL to the device B102, which is an embodiment of another information processing device 2 connected via a network or the like.

The apparatus B102, which is one embodiment of the other information processing apparatus 2 connected by a network or the like, receives the information acquisition task PULL by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received instruction, performs planning, and processes the result. The execution unit 47 executes processing such as transmitting the corresponding information 104 “contract.doc”.

The details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described in the eighth embodiment and thereafter.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device capable of storing information in another device.

In the example shown in FIG.
By reading the document 115 in step 1 and giving the instruction 113, a filing server 112 at a physically distant place is to be filed with a title or index.

The content “Filing to Filing Serv” specified by the user to the scanner 111 as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1
The “er, Title, Index Extraction” is passed to the task receiving unit 43 by the operation unit 41, analyzed and planned, and the processing execution unit 47 executes the other information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like. It is executed as an information storage task PUSH to the filing server 112 which is an embodiment.

A filing server 112 as one embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like.
Receives the information storage task PUSH by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received instruction, performs planning, and then executes the processing execution unit.
A process such as filing the corresponding information 115 "contract.doc" is executed by 47.

The details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described in Embodiment 8 and thereafter.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device capable of instructing other devices.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the user
By giving the instruction 123 to 1, the information 125 held by the filing server 122 located at a physically distant place is to be transmitted to the John 124 further physically located.

The content that the user instructed the printer 121 as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 "Action: SEND, What: abc.
The “doc, From: Filing Server, To: John” is passed to the task receiving unit 43 by the operation unit 41, analyzed and planned, and the other information processing apparatus connected to the processing execution unit 47 via a network or the like. This is executed as an instruction task to the filing server 122 according to the second embodiment.

A filing server 122 which is an embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like.
Receives the instruction task by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received instruction, and, as a result of the planning, executes processing such as transmitting the corresponding information 125 "abc.doc" to John by e-mail by the processing execution unit 47. .

The details of a specific method of communication between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described in the eighth embodiment and thereafter.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the <COMMUNICATE> task.

The <COMMUNICATE> task is a task when A needs to communicate with B between arbitrary devices A and B. FIG. 13 shows processing to be executed by the device A (source side) transmitting the COMMUNICATE request for communication with the device B (destination side) receiving the COMMUNICATE request.

First, in step S1312, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication. In step S1313, it is checked whether there is a response. If not, in step S1314, it is determined whether it is necessary to notify the user or another related party that there is no response. Step if necessary
In step S1315, the notification is made by an appropriate means / media. In step S1316, it is determined whether the system needs to re-execute this task later based on the determination / inference of the system itself or the setting of the user. If you need to re-run
In step S1317, the information is added to the task table, and the process ends. If re-execution is not necessary, in step S1318, the task is deleted, added to the "failed list", and the process ends.

On the other hand, if there is a response in step S1313, in step S1319 the response is “Will callbac
k ”, and if so, device B
Step S1
At 320, it is determined whether the response needs to be sent to the user or other parties. If necessary, in step S1321, notification is made by an appropriate means / media.
In step S1322, the system adds the task to the task table, remembers that there is a callback later, and ends the process by responding to the callback.

In step S1319, the response is “Will ca
If not "llback", it is determined in step S1323 whether or not the response is "Contact later", and if so, it means that a contact is desired later, so that the processing from step S1314 described above is performed. S1323
If the response is not "Contact later", the response is assumed to be "OK" and the
Confirmed in S1324. If it is not “OK”, an error message is displayed in step S1331 because it is an error.

If the response is "OK", then step S1
At 325, it is determined whether it is necessary to negotiate with the device B for the current operation, and if necessary, negotiation is performed at step S1326. Here, the negotiation target includes a data format of data exchange and a protocol / version exchange, and a data format of other information necessary in advance for correct communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

In step S1327, information to be communicated is transmitted from apparatus A to apparatus B as a request. In contrast,
In step S1328, it is checked whether there is a response, and if a response is received, in step S1329,
Determine whether there is an action to be performed on the received input. Here, the action is, for example, format conversion or deletion of an unnecessary header. Also, the purpose of the communication includes actions such as print, send, file, voice output, display, etc., which indicate that the required action should be performed, and
In S1330, it is added to the task table.

If there is no response in step S1328, the above-described processing from step S1314 is performed. The above processing loop is continued until the requested information is obtained or the system cannot continue the processing.

(Embodiment 9) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a <PULL> task.

The <PULL> task is a task in a case where A needs to extract information from B between arbitrary devices A and B. FIG. 14 shows a process to be executed by the device A (source side) transmitting the pull request for communication with the device B (destination side) receiving the pull request.

First, in step S1412, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication. In step S1413, it is checked whether there is a response. If not, it is determined in step S1414 whether it is necessary to notify the user or another related party that there is no response. Step if necessary
In step S1415, the notification is made by an appropriate means / media. In step S1416, it is determined whether the system needs to re-execute the task later, based on the determination / inference of the system itself or the setting of the user. If you need to re-run
In step S1417, the information is added to the task table, and the process ends. If re-execution is not required, the task is deleted and added to the "failed list" in step S1418, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if there is a response in step S1413, in step S1419 the response is “Will callbac
k ”, and if so, device B
Step S1
At 420, it is determined whether this response needs to be notified to the user or another party. If necessary, in step S1421, notification is made by appropriate means / media.
In step S1422, the system adds the task to the task table, remembers that there is a callback later, and ends the process by responding to the callback.

In step S1419, the response is “Will ca
If the response is not "llback", it is determined in step S1423 whether or not the response is "Contact later". If so, it means that a contact is required later, so that the processing from step S1414 described above is performed. S1423
If the response is not "Contact later", the response is assumed to be "OK" and the
Confirmed in S1424. If it is not “OK”, an error message is displayed in step S1431 because an error has occurred.

If the response is "OK", then step S1
At 425, it is determined whether negotiation with the device B is necessary for the current operation, and if necessary, negotiation is performed at step S1426. Here, the target of the negotiation includes a data format for exchanging data and exchanging protocols / versions, and other information necessary in advance for proper communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

In step S1427, information to be extracted is transmitted from device A to device B as a request. On the other hand, in step S1428, it is checked whether the requested information has been received. If the requested information has been obtained, step S1
At 429, it is determined whether there is an action to be performed on the received input. Here, the action is, for example, format conversion or deletion of an unnecessary header. Also, the purpose of extracting information includes actions such as printing, transmission, file, voice output, display, etc., which indicate that necessary actions should be performed, and in step S1430 , Added to the task table.

If the requested information is not obtained in step S1428, the above-described processing from step S1414 is performed. The above processing loop is continued until the requested information is obtained or the system cannot continue the processing.

(Embodiment 10) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of a <PUSH> task.

The <PUSH> task is a task when A needs to pass information to B between arbitrary devices A and B. FIG. 15 shows a device A that transmits a PUSH request (source side).
Shows processing to be executed for communication with the device B (destination side) that receives the PUSH request.

First, in step S1512, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication. In step S1513, it is checked whether there is a response. If not, in step S1514, it is determined whether it is necessary to notify the user or another related party that there is no response. Step if necessary
In step S1515, the notification is made by an appropriate means / media. In step S1516, whether the system needs to re-execute this task later is determined based on the determination / inference of the system itself or the setting of the user. If you need to re-run
In step S1517, the process is added to the task table, and the process ends. If re-execution is not required, in step S1518, the task is deleted, added to the "failed list", and the process ends.

On the other hand, if there is a response in step S1513, in step S1519 the response is “Will callbac
k ”, and if so, device B
Step S1
At 520, it is determined whether this response needs to be notified to a user or other party. If necessary, in step S1521, notification is made by appropriate means / media.
In step S1522, the system adds the task to the task table, remembers that there is a callback later, and ends the process by responding to the callback.

At step S1519, the response is “Will ca
If not "llback", it is determined in step S1523 whether or not the response is "Contact later", and if so, it means that a contact is required later, so that the processing from step S1514 described above is performed. S1523
If the response is not "Contact later", the response is assumed to be "OK" and the
Confirmed in S1524. If it is not “OK”, an error message is displayed in step S1531 because an error has occurred.

If the response is "OK", then step S1
At 525, it is determined whether negotiation with device B is necessary for the current operation, and if necessary, negotiation is performed at step S1526. Here, the negotiation target includes a data format of data exchange and a protocol / version exchange, and a data format of other information necessary in advance for correct communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

In step S1527, the device A transmits information to be passed to the device B as a request. On the other hand, in step S1528, it is checked whether there is a response, and
If a response has been received, it is determined in step S1529 whether there is an action to be performed on the received input. Here, the action is, for example, format conversion or deletion of an unnecessary header. In addition, the purpose of communication includes actions such as printing, transmission, file, voice output, and display. This indicates that a necessary action should be performed, and the process proceeds to step S153.
At 0, it is added to the task table.

If there is no response in step S1528, the processing from step S1514 described above is performed. The above processing loop is continued until the requested information is obtained or the system cannot continue the processing.

(Embodiment 11) FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the <INDICATE> task.

<INDICATE> task means any device A, B
This is a task when A needs to instruct B. FIG. 16 shows a process to be executed by the device A (source side) transmitting the INDICATE request for communication with the device B (destination side) receiving the INDICATE request.

First, in step S1612, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication. In step S1613, it is checked whether there is a response. If not, in step S1614, it is determined whether it is necessary to notify the user or another related party that there is no response. Step if necessary
In step S1615, the notification is made by an appropriate means / media. In step S1616, it is determined whether the task needs to be re-executed later by the system based on a determination / inference of the system itself or a user setting. If you need to re-run
In step S1617, the information is added to the task table, and the process ends. If re-execution is not required, in step S1618, the task is deleted, added to the "failed list", and the process ends.

On the other hand, if there is a response in step S1613, in step S1619 the response is “Will callbac
k ”, and if so, device B
Step S1
At 620, it is determined whether this response needs to be notified to a user or other party. If necessary, in step S1621, notification is made by appropriate means / media.
In step S1622, the system adds the task to the task table, remembers that there is a callback later, and ends the process by responding to the callback.

At step S1619, the response is “Will ca
If not "llback", it is determined in step S1623 whether or not the response is "Contact later", and if so, it means that a contact is required later. S1623
If the response is not "Contact later", the response is assumed to be "OK" and the
Confirmed in S1624. If it is not "OK", it is an error, and an error message is displayed in step S1631.

If the response is "OK", then step S1
At 625, it is determined whether negotiation with device B is necessary for the current operation, and if necessary, negotiation is performed at step S1626. Here, the negotiation target includes a data format of data exchange and a protocol / version exchange, and a data format of other information necessary in advance for correct communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

In the following step S1627, the device A sends the device B
The instructions are passed on as a request.

On the other hand, in step S1628, it is checked whether a response has been received. If a response has been received, it is determined in step S1629 whether there is an action to be performed on the received input. Here, the action is, for example, format conversion or deletion of an unnecessary header. In addition, the purpose of the communication includes actions such as printing, sending, file, voice output, and display, which indicate that the necessary action should be performed. In step S1630, the task Added to the table.

In step S1628, if there is no response, the above-described processing in step S1614 and thereafter are performed. The above processing loop is continued until the requested information is obtained or the system cannot continue the processing.

(Embodiment 12) FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the <RESPOND> task.

The <RESPOND> task is a task in the case where the device B receiving the COMMUNICATE request (destination side) responds. FIG. 17 shows processing to be executed by the device B that has received the COMMUNICATE request (for example, PULL) from the transmitting-side (source-side) device A.

First, in step S1712, it is checked whether the request is a contact. If so, device A is trying to establish a connection to communicate with device B, and in step S1713, assigns the current status or appropriate user settings to status S1.
In step S1314, it is checked whether the status S1 is in the "Very busy" or "Standby" mode. To decide. Therefore, it is determined whether B can call back to A at any time. If so, the process proceeds to step S1716, where "Will ca
llback ”. Otherwise, step S1717
And reply “Contact later”. This means that A must contact B later. On the other hand, if the status S1 is not in the “Very busy” or “Standby” mode in step S1714, a response of “OK” is returned.
When the response is completed, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the request type is not a contact, it is determined in step S1719 whether the request type is an information request. If so, in step S1720, FIG.
In response to an information request type request described later. If the request type is not the information request, step S172
At 1, it is determined whether the type of request is an information storage request. If so, in step S1722, a response is made to the information storage request type request described later with reference to FIG. If the request type is not an information storage request, step S1723
It is determined whether the type of request is an instruction request. If so, in step S1724, a response is made to an instruction request type request described later with reference to FIG. If the request type is not an instruction request, an appropriate response is made in step S1723,
The process ends.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of a response task to an information request type request. The process described in this flow is a process activated when the type of request is an information request (step S1720 in FIG. 17).

First, in step S1812, it is checked whether it is necessary to negotiate with the device A that has sent the instruction request. If it is determined that negotiation is necessary, step S1
Proceed to 813 to negotiate. Here, the target of the negotiation includes a data format for exchanging data and exchanging protocols / versions, and other information necessary in advance for proper communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

Subsequently, in step S1814, the requested information is obtained. In step S1815, it is checked whether or not the requested information has been found. If not, in step S1816, a reply = NG is returned and the processing ends.

If found, step S181
Proceed to 7 to determine whether to transmit immediately, if it is necessary to transmit immediately, proceed to step S2018, determine whether it is necessary to format or convert the data, if necessary, In step S1819, formatting and conversion are performed. Subsequently, step S182
If 0, the requested information is transmitted as a reply, and the process ends. On the other hand, if there is no need to transmit immediately,
Proceed to S1821, add a task for transmitting the data later to the task table, and in step S1822, reply = O
Returns K and ends.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of a response task to an information storage type request. The process described in this flow is a process started when the type of request is information storage (step S1722 in FIG. 17).

First, in step S1912, it is checked whether it is necessary to negotiate with the device A that has sent the request. If it is determined that it is necessary to negotiate, the process advances to step S1913 to negotiate. Here, the target of the negotiation includes a data format for exchanging data and exchanging protocols / versions, and other information necessary in advance for proper communication. This negotiation is repeated until a common ground for communication is established.

Subsequently, in step S1914, the information transmitted from A is obtained. In step S1915, it is checked whether information has been received.
In step S1916, a reply = NG is returned and the processing ends. If received, the flow advances to step S1917 to determine whether data needs to be formatted or converted, and if necessary, to format or convert in step S1918. Subsequently, in step S1919, a reply = OK is returned, and the processing ends.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a response task to an instruction-type request. The process described in this flow is the process that is started when the type of request is instruction
(Step S1724 in FIG. 17).

First, in step S2012, it is checked whether it is necessary to negotiate with the device A that has sent the instruction request. If it is determined that negotiation is necessary, step S2
Proceed to 013 to negotiate. Here, examples of the negotiation include adjustment of the information format, conversion protocol, version, adjustment of the information accompanying a change in the type of information, and specification of the instruction. Note that the negotiation process is already planned before this process is started.

Subsequently, in step S2014, the instruction information is interpreted, and the processing to be actually performed is determined. In the next step S2015, it is checked whether or not the process can be executed by itself. If the process cannot be executed, a response = NG is returned and the process ends.

If it can be executed, step S201
The process proceeds to step S7, and it is determined whether or not the process should be executed immediately. If the process does not need to be executed immediately, the process proceeds to step S2020. In the task table, a task that specifies execution of the corresponding process is added. finish.

On the other hand, if it is necessary to immediately execute the processing, the flow advances to step S2018 to execute the specified processing, return the execution result as a response, and end.

(Embodiment 13) Based on the above-mentioned FIG.
As an example of an L task, a pull
An example of printing, ie, print-on-demand, will be described.

In the example shown in FIG.
By giving an instruction 103 to 101, information 104 “contract.doc” held by the device B 102 which is physically separated from the printer A
Can be pulled out and printed by the printer A 101. Here, the device B is a printer, a scanner, a desktop, a filing server, or the like.

The content that the user instructed to the printer A 101, "Bring" contract.doc "from B and print it"
Command input with a mouse or the like, or text input in a natural language by keyboard, voice, digitizer, character recognition, or the like may be used.

Here, when the device B is a device of a different type from the printer A, for example, a scanner, the information format is TIFF, BMP, JPEG or the like, and the format must be converted. This conversion may be performed on either side of the device B or the printer A, whereby the data is converted into an appropriate format. On the other hand, for example, when the device B is also a printer and the information of the device B is in a format that the printer A can understand (for example,
If both are PCL printers), no conversion is required.
Otherwise, even if device B is also a printer, it needs to be converted.

Note that the printer A does not need to be a printer, but may be another output device such as a facsimile, a copying machine, or a display.

Next, the information flow of the above-mentioned PULL task will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pull session. Here, the devices A and B are both printers, but as described above, the scanner, the printer, the copier, and the F
AX, etc., and need not be the same type of device.

Apparatus A follows the processing procedure of FIG. 14, and apparatus B follows the processing procedure of FIG. First, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication (step S1412 in FIG. 14). On the other hand, if the response is OK (step S1424 in FIG. 14, S1822 in FIG. 18), the request for the information (in this case, information <abc>) and the necessary information (Step S1427 in FIG. 14).

Device B goes to get the requested information (FIG. 1).
8 Step S1814), Convert the format if necessary
(Step S1819 in FIG. 18), information is transmitted as a response to the request (Step S1820 in FIG. 18).

In the device A, when the information is extracted from the device B, the information is obtained according to an instruction from the user or a determination of the system.
Perform the required action. The required action is
For example, printing is performed. In this case, pull printing, that is, information is extracted from a distance and printed. In other words, print-on-demand can be realized.

Another example of the required action is display, in which case pull viewing, ie, pulling out information from a distance and displaying it. In other words, view-on-demand can be realized. Another example of the required action is audio output, in which case a pull-hearing, i.e., pulling out information from a distance and listening.
In other words, here-on-demand can be realized.

Similarly, storage, filing, transfer, and the like can be performed as other examples of necessary actions. Here, any type of information can be extracted, such as a document, a file, an e-mail, a schedule, a status report, a log, a voice mail, and a telephone.

(Embodiment 14) FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session. Here, information <abc> is requested from device A to device B in the same procedure as in FIG. However, the device B does not immediately transmit the requested information (No in step S1817 in FIG. 18). Then, a task for transmitting the data is added to the task table later (step S1821 in FIG. 18), and a response = OK is returned and the process ends (step S1822 in FIG. 18).

In this case, the requested information is transferred as a print request from apparatus B by establishing a new session.

(Embodiment 15) FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session. Here, negotiations are performed prior to the actual transfer of necessary information (step S in FIG. 14).
1425-1426, step S1812-1822 in FIG. 18). Here, the information to be extracted by the device A is a file, and the device A first requests the device B for a file list. In response, the list of files is transmitted from the device B. From this list, the system A determines necessary information, or the user inputs and instructs necessary information, so that the device A determines the information to be requested, and sends the information to the device B as in the above example. Make a request for information.

(Embodiment 16) FIG. 24 is a view for explaining an example of here-on-demand. In this example, “Read out N
ew Mail "is input. In FIG. 24, an input window is used for this input, but any input device such as a voice input device, a keyboard, and a digitizer may be used as in the above-described example.

In this example, the above-mentioned command is given to the device A (here, the printer) in Kosugi, and the mail to be output is in the device B (desktop) in Shimomaruko. Here, the devices A and B may be at the same place, may be on the same network domain, or may be on different domains. This session will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session. Here, the type of information is e-mail and the required format is voice, but the processing procedure is the same as in the previous example.

That is, the device A transmits the above information (mail)
(Step S1427 in FIG. 14, FIG. 14), and the device B converts the requested data into the requested format (here, audio format) (FIG. 18, Step S1819) and responds. Thereafter, the device A performs an appropriate action.
Here, the appropriate action is to output information by voice, and the content of the mail is read aloud. Here, the conversion from the text to the audio format is performed by the device B.
However, if the conversion cannot be performed by the device B, the conversion may be performed by the device A prior to the output.

Embodiment 17 FIG. 26 is a view for explaining another example of the pull task. In this example, device C is used to instruct device A. Here, the device A is a display, and an instruction to “show my schedule” is issued to the device C. This means that the communication is not explicitly specified in the instruction, but the user wants to extract the schedule information from the device B (user's desktop) and display it on the device A.

[0157] Although the type of information is schedule information, the processing procedure is the same as in the previous examples.

Embodiment 18 FIG. 27 is a view for explaining an example of a push task. In this example, the device A to which the command is given is a scanner, and the command shown in FIG.
The device A sends the document scanned this morning to the device B (here, a printer), and instructs the device B to hold the document without immediately printing the document. This session is described next.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a session in the example of the push task in FIG. As described above, here, the device A is a scanner, and the device B is a printer.

Apparatus A follows the processing procedure of FIG. 15, and apparatus B follows the processing procedure of FIG. First, the device A contacts the device B and attempts to establish a connection for performing communication (step S1512 in FIG. 15). On the other hand, it is assumed that the response is OK (step S1524 in FIG. 15, and S1718 in FIG. 17).

Next, transmission of information (in this case, information <abc>) is requested. Since the type of this request is an information storage type, the device B follows the processing procedure of FIG. And the negotiations (Figure 1
The device B requests the format of the information to be transmitted (<xyz>) from the device A by the step S1526 of 5 and S1913) of FIG.

The device A converts the format if necessary, and transmits the requested information (step S1527 in FIG. 15).
Upon receiving the data, the device B performs a necessary action according to the determination of the transmitting side, the user, or the device itself. This action is, for example, format conversion, filing, index creation, data extraction, title extraction, and the like. The required action in this example is to hold the received document without immediately printing it.

(Embodiment 19) FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a push task.

Here, device A is a scanner, pushes information to device B (scanner) and device C (filing server), files a document to the receiving side, and extracts the title and index. Request to do so.

The specific procedure is the same as that of the eighteenth embodiment. A session between the devices A and B will be described with reference to FIG. The same applies to the devices A and C. However, the communication between the devices A and B and the communication between the devices A and C are performed in parallel.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a push session. Here, devices A and B are scanners.

When the data is received by the device B, the device B
Performs the required action. In this case, the device A has transmitted information specifying the related action to be performed. Here, the action is to file and extract the title and index. Here, the action is instructed from the device A, but the device B may determine the action or may discard the received action.

(Embodiment 20) FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of sending a mail which is another example of the push task.

Here, the device A (printer) in Kosugi
From Device B in New York (John's PC, Device A
To a different subdomain of the network)
signfrom Bill ”.

E-mail transmission may be performed by any of the following methods. First, if the device A itself has a function of transmitting an e-mail, the mail is transmitted by itself. Otherwise,
It sends the mail information to another device on the network, for example, a mail server, and requests transmission of the mail.

(Embodiment 21) The flow of the instruction task INDICATE will be described with reference to FIG. 9 described above.

The user operates the desktop PC MyDesk.
An instruction 93 is given to a copying machine 91 which is physically remote from the user in order to display the current location on the 92.

The content 93 "display the location on <My Desk>" instructed by the user to the copier 91, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, is passed to the task receiving unit 43 by the operation unit 41. As a result of analysis and planning, the processing execution unit 47
INDICATE to PC 92 which is one embodiment of another information processing device 2 connected by a network or the like
Is executed as

The PC 92, which is one embodiment of the other information processing apparatus 2 connected by a network or the like, receives the instruction information by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received instruction, performs planning, and obtains the processing execution unit 47. , A process such as displaying the whereabouts on the screen, such as “Meeting is in progress (Shimomaruko A111 meeting room)”, is performed.

The flow of information for each session between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 32 shows a copying machine as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 in the instruction task INDICATE, and an information processing apparatus 2
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a flow of information for each session between PCs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The processing procedure is shown in FIG. 16 for the transmitting side and FIG.
Follow 20. Here, the communication content is the instruction and the processing target information of the processing corresponding to the instruction, but the information flow is the same as in the case of the push task described above.

In response to the instruction request from the device A, the device B transmits <xyz> type as an instruction type that can be understood by itself. The device A receiving the information converts the instruction information as necessary.

Thereafter, as the information of the actual instruction, in this case, the instruction and necessary information are put together so that the fact that the conference is currently being held and the current location are displayed on the screen of the PC. Send to device B.

After receiving the information, the device B performs necessary processing according to the information, and displays the user's location on the screen as instructed.

(Embodiment 22) Another example of the instruction task INDICATE will be described with reference to FIG. 7 described above.

The user is located at a physically distant place to set the FAX 75 so that the document from Suzuki sent to the FAX 75 in Shin-Kawasaki is transferred to the printer 77 of Toyoda in Kosugi. The instruction 71 is given to the copying machine 74.

The content 71 that the user instructed to the copying machine 74, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, "Would you tell MyFAX to send a document to Mr. Toyota when Mr. Suzuki comes?" As a result of being passed to the task receiving unit 43 by the unit 41, analyzed, and planned, one of the other information processing apparatuses 2 connected by a processing execution unit 47 via a network or the like.
It is executed as an instruction task INDICATE to the FAX 75 according to the embodiment.

The FAX 75, which is one embodiment of the other information processing apparatus 2 connected by a network or the like, receives instruction information by the receiving section 43, analyzes the received instruction, performs planning, and outputs a result to the processing execution section 47. And the like to change the condition setting. The information flow for each session between the information processing device 1 and the information processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 33 shows the flow of information for each session between a copying machine as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 and a facsimile as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 2 in another example of the instruction task INDICATE. FIG.

The processing procedure is as shown in FIG. 16 for the transmitting side and FIG.
Follow 20. The information flow is the same as in the above-described example.

First, the device A responds to the instruction request and the device B
Sends <xyz> type as the type of instruction it can understand. The device A receiving the information converts the instruction information as necessary.

Thereafter, in this example, when a document addressed to the user is received from Mr. Suzuki as the information of the actual instruction, the instruction and necessary information are transmitted to the device B so as to be transferred to Mr. Toyoda.

[0189] The device B that has received the information sets necessary conditions after performing necessary processing according to the information.

(Embodiment 23) Referring to FIG.
Another example of DICATE will be described.

The user instructs the filing server 122 to send the stored document 125 “abc.doc” to John 124, and the scanner 121 located at a physically distant place.
Instruction 123 has been given.

The contents 123 "Action: SEND, What: a" instructed by the user to the printer 121 as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1
bc.doc, From: Filing Server, To: John '' is passed to the task receiving unit 43 by the operation unit 41, analyzed and planned, and other information connected via a network or the like by the processing execution unit 47 It is executed as an instruction task INDICATE to the filing server 122 which is one embodiment of the processing device 2.

A filing server 372 as one embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like.
Receives the instruction information by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received instruction, and executes a process such as transmitting a document by the processing execution unit 47 as a result of the planning.

The flow of information for each session between the information processing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a flow of information for each session between the scanner which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 and the filing server which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 2. The processing procedure is shown in Fig. 16 for the sender and
Follow 20. The information flow is the same as in the above-described example.

In response to the desire to give an instruction from the device A, the device B sets the type of instruction that can be understood by itself as:
Send <xyz> type. The device A that has received the information converts the instruction information as necessary.

Thereafter, in the case of this example, the document “abc.do” held by the filing server is used as the information of the actual instruction.
An instruction and necessary information are transmitted to the device B together so as to transmit “c” to John.

After receiving the information, the device B performs necessary processing according to the information, determines the transmission method to be an optimal method such as Email, and transmits the document to John as instructed.

(Embodiment 24) FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the flow of operation using the operation procedure of another device.

In the twenty-third embodiment described with reference to FIG.
25 In order to send "abc.doc" to John's desktop 124, he instructs the printer 121 at a physically remote location, the scanner 121 interprets the contents, and executes the instruction task INDICATE. Was running.

In this example, the printer 351 displays the operation information 353 received from the filing server 352, operates the user according to the display, and transmits the operated information to the filing server 352. Achieves the same purpose.

When the user instructs the printer 351 which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 to operate the filing server 352, the printer 351 causes the planning decision unit 46 to operate the filing server 352. Step 3
Plan to acquire the operation information necessary to realize 53. Therefore, the processing execution unit 47 causes one of the other information processing apparatuses 2 connected via a network or the like to operate.
It is executed as an information acquisition task PULL to the filing server 352 according to the embodiment.

A filing server 352 which is an embodiment of another information processing apparatus 2 connected via a network or the like.
Receives the information request information by the receiving unit 43, analyzes the received request, and performs a process such as transmitting the operation information 353 by the process execution unit 47 as a result of the planning.

The operation unit 41 of the scanner 351 which has received the operation information 353 from the filing server 352 is provided with a screen, and the operation unit 41 displays the operation procedure of the filing server 352 corresponding to the operation information 353 on the screen.

According to the displayed operation screen, information on the user's operation performed is transmitted to filing server 352 in the same flow as described above. The filing server 352 that has received the user's operation interprets the operation and executes necessary processing. As a result, the file “abc.doc” as the user's purpose can be transmitted to John.

In the above description, the filing server 352 itself transmits the operation information 353 for realizing the operation procedure of the filing server 352. However, an operation information server that manages the operation information 353 is prepared, and received from there. You may do it. Alternatively, similarly to the printer 351 which is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, the operation information 353 of the filing server 352 may be received from a third information processing apparatus which has received the operation information 353 before. Further, a scanner may be used instead of the printer 351 described above.

(Embodiment 25) FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the relationship between the change of a print job to three types of states and the processing corresponding to each state.

An output device (printer), which is one embodiment of the information processing device 1, receives a print JOB including a document or the like for which a user instructed printing.

First, the input JOB judging unit 391 judges whether the received print JOB should be printed immediately or should be held until the execution condition is satisfied. Pass it to the waiting job management unit 394.

[0210] The reserved job management unit 392 stores the received print JO.
B is stored as a pending JOB in the pending JOB table 393, and on the contrary, it is checked whether there is a job whose execution condition is satisfied in the pending JOB stored in the pending JOB table 393.
Remove from table 393. The held job for which the extracted execution condition is satisfied is passed to the output waiting job management unit 394.

[0211] The output-waiting job management unit 394 saves the received print job in the output-waiting job table 395 as an output-waiting job. Conversely, when output by the output unit 396 becomes possible, it is stored in the output-waiting job table 395. The job waiting for output which has been saved is extracted and passed to the output unit 396.

The output unit 396 actually prints the received print job, and when the printing is successful, passes it to the output job management unit 397 to save the printed print job.

[0213] The output-completed job management unit 397 stores the received printed print job in the output-completed job table 398 as an output completed job.

As described above, the received print job
Is processed in three states.

[0215] The execution conditions of the hold JOB include, in addition to the condition of holding until the user instructs execution, the condition of printing at the designated time, and the condition that the printing is performed by the information processing apparatus 1. In the case of a printer other than the printer A according to the embodiment, there is a condition that the printer can print.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process according to this embodiment.

The document “abc.doc” is stored in the printer A, which is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, by the printer A itself or the printer A.
Print job "PRINT (A," abc.doc ")" or "PR
This represents the flow of printing processing of “INT (not A,“ abc.doc ”)”.

When the print task PRINT is started, it is checked in step S4001 whether the print job to be printed includes a document to be actually printed. If there is no document to be printed, the process proceeds to step S4002. move on.

In step S4002, the above-mentioned document is stored in the pending job table 393 and the output waiting job table 39 described in FIG.
5. Search for a document included in the print job saved in the output job table 398, and then go to step S400
If it is determined in step 3 that no document was found, the process advances to step S4004.

In step S4004, an information acquisition task PULL is executed to acquire the document from another information processing device 2. If it is determined in step S4005 that the acquisition of the document was successful, the flow advances to step S4006 to acquire the document. If the processing has failed, the flow advances to step S4016 to display an error and perform other necessary processing, and then ends the processing.

In step S4006, the document to be printed is
It is checked whether the description can be printed by the printer A as one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 or a printer other than the printer A. As a result, if it is determined that conversion into a printer description language or the like is necessary, the process advances to step S4007.

In step S4007, it is determined whether the conversion can be performed by the printer A itself, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1. If it is determined that the print document can be converted, the process advances to step S4008 to convert the print document. On the other hand, if it is determined that the conversion is not possible, the process proceeds to step S4009, and the other information processing apparatus 2 is instructed to convert the print document to INDICATE. However, as a result of the instruction INDICATE performed here, other information processing devices 2
May be converted immediately and return the result of the conversion, or only a reply that the conversion may be performed, and the actual conversion may be performed later when printing is instructed. .

In the next step S4010, it is determined whether or not the above conversion result has succeeded.
Proceeding to step 1, if the conversion has failed, proceeding to step S4016, performing error display and other necessary processing, and then terminating the processing.

In step S4011, it is determined whether or not to print by the printer A itself, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1, and if it is determined that printing should be performed by itself, step S4
Proceed to 012 to print the document. On the other hand, the other information processing device 2
If it is determined that printing should be performed, the process proceeds to step S4013,
The information storage task PUSH and the print task PRINT to another information processing device 2 are executed.

In step S4014, it is determined whether the printing is successful. If it is determined that the printing is successful, the process proceeds to step S4015, where the printing job is stored as a printed job in the output job table 398, and other necessary processing is performed. And exit. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing has failed,
Proceeding to S4016, error display and other necessary processing are performed, and the processing ends.

The conversion of the document performed in step S4008 means not only the conversion of a normal text document into a printer description language, but also the printing of a document described in a specific printer description language by a printer which is to print the document. To a printer description language, convert a document in an image format read by a scanner or digital camera to a printer description language, or convert a document written in a general document description language such as WWW to a printer description language. Conversion is also included.

The conversion instruction INDICATE performed in step S4009 is information having a corresponding application for converting a document described in a language specific to a specific application into a printer description language printable by a printer. In order to instruct conversion to the processing device 2 or to convert a document described in a language specific to a specific printer into a printer description language that can be printed by itself, the information processing device 2 having a corresponding printing function May be instructed to perform the conversion.

FIG. 41 shows the print job described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a process flow and a user operation.

The user reads the document “abc.doc” 413 into the scanner A 411 which is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus 2 and gives an instruction “Send“ abc.doc ”to the printer B!” 414. In this case, the printer B 412, which is one embodiment of the information processing apparatus 1 that has received the print job, saves “abc.doc” in the hold job table 393 as a hold job without printing immediately.

Here, when the user newly gives an instruction “show the pending document!” 415 to the pending job, the document “abc.doc” is displayed on the operation panel of the printer B. Further, when the user designates the document "abc.doc" and issues a deletion instruction "Delete the pending document!" 416, the pending job table 393 is displayed.
The specified document is deleted from.

When the user designates the document "abc.doc" and instructs printing, "Print the pending document!"
abc.doc "changes to the job waiting to be printed, and the job waiting job table
It is stored in 395, and when printing becomes possible, it is actually printed 418.

Then, if the printing is successful, the document "abc.do
c "is changed to a printed job, and stored in the printed job table 398. Further, the user can print the document" ab
When "c.doc" is specified and the deletion instruction "Delete the printed document!" 419 is issued, the document is deleted from the printed JOB table.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for the user to operate the print jobs in the three types of states described in FIG.

Operations performed by the user and other information processing devices
The print job in the above-mentioned three states is arbitrarily operated according to an instruction from the user 2 or a result of the processing performed by the information processing apparatus 1 itself, and is added to the task table 399 as a new task.

For example, by using the operation screen shown in FIG. 42, the user can delete 4206 the print JOB stored in the reserved JOB tables 393 and 4201 or send 4208 to print it with another printer. It is possible to instruct to print immediately. Also, the output wait job table 395,4
The priority of the print job stored in 202 is raised to 4210, and the print job is printed with the highest priority, and the output job table 398,4
It is also possible to instruct to print 4204 the print job stored in 203 again.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a computer, an interface device, a display, etc.) as long as the functions of the above embodiments can be realized. May be applied to such a device.

Also, in order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in a system. The present invention also includes a software program code supplied and implemented by operating the various devices by a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus according to the supplied program. Further, in this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself, means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code is stored. The storage medium will constitute the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-RO
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,
A ROM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) Or when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with other application software or the like, it goes without saying that such program codes are included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium,
The storage medium may store the program code corresponding to the flowchart described above.

[0242]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the information processing apparatus can handle an instruction for another output device, for example, there is an effect that preprocessing such as format conversion and acquisition of information to be processed can be performed for output by another output device. .

Also, the received information can be put on hold without processing, for example, by changing the processing order,
There is an effect that processing such as deletion can be performed without processing.

[0244] Further, there is an effect that the processing information can be secured and processed on the output side from the internal or external device as needed.

Also, there is an effect that the format conversion can be performed in the device on the output side or requested to an external device, if necessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another system configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of overall processing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a task table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of operating another device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of operating a function including a plurality of devices.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of communication.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of acquiring information from another device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of storing information in another device.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input / output device capable of instructing another device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a <COMMUNICATE> task.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a <PULL> task.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a <PUSH> task.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an <INDICATE> task.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a <RESPOND> task.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a response task to an information request type request.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a response task to an information storage type request.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a response task to an instruction type request.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pull session.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of here-on-demand.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the pull session.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating another example of the pull task.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating another example of the pull task.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a session in another example of the pull task.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a push task.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a push session.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission of a mail.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a session of an instruction task INDICATE.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating another example of the session of the instruction task INDICATE.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating another example of the session of the instruction task INDICATE.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a flow of an operation using an operation procedure of another device.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a PC sends a print command to a printer.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a PC is used as a terminal of a server.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a scanner and a printer are controlled by a PC.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a change in the status of a print job and a process corresponding to each status.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a printing process.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a print job and a processing flow, and a user operation.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for a user to operate a print job.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masayuki Takayama 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shoichi Ibaraki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Kyano (72) Inventor Kenichi Fujii 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (54)

[Claims] An output unit for outputting information; a receiving unit for receiving an output instruction including designation information for designating an output device; a decision unit for discriminating a device designated by the designation information; An output control unit that controls the output instruction to be executed by the output unit; if the device determined by the determination unit is a device other than the own device, An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the output instruction to the outside. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is a unit that prints information. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output means is means for displaying information. 4. Communication means for communicating with an external device, processing means for processing information, and processing target information received from the external device via the communication means, in a processing hold state and a processing wait state. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a management unit that manages data in a plurality of management states, and a control unit that controls the processing target information to be processed by the processing unit based on the management state. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of management states include a processed state. 6. A processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the received processing target information is to be executed immediately; and a determination unit configured to determine a management state of the processing target information based on a determination result of the determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 7. Inspection means for inspecting an execution condition of the processing target information in the hold state, and changing means for changing a management state of the processing target information for which the execution condition is satisfied as a result of the inspection by the inspection means to a processing waiting state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, comprising: 8. Setting means for setting a priority to the processing target information in the processing waiting state, wherein the control means sets the high priority processing target information among the processing target information in the processing waiting state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled to execute the processing. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a change unit that changes a management state of the processing target information in the processing waiting state to a processed state. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit is capable of executing deletion, search, output, or change of the processing target information with respect to the processing target information. . 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the output includes any of display, printing, and transmission. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the change is an execution condition, a subject of processing,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein any one of the priorities is changed. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an execution condition is given to the processing target information. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the execution condition includes one of a user instruction, a processing time limit, and a state of another apparatus. 15. A receiving unit for receiving a process to be executed by another device, a processing unit for executing a predetermined process required for the process received by the receiving unit, and an output for outputting a processing result by the processing unit. And an information processing apparatus. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said output means outputs said processing result to said another apparatus. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined processing is a pre-processing of the received processing. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the pre-processing is acquisition of a processing target of the received processing. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the pre-processing is conversion of a format to be processed by the received processing. 20. Receiving means for receiving designation information for designating a processing target, securing means for securing a processing target designated by the designation information received by the receiving means, and processing means for securing the processing target secured by the securing means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a processing unit that performs a process by using the processing unit; and an output unit that outputs a processing result of the processing unit. 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said securing means secures the processing target by searching information in the own apparatus. 22. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the securing unit acquires the processing target from another apparatus. 23. A receiving means for receiving processing target information, a processing means for processing information, and converting the processing target information received by the receiving means into information described in a description language which can be processed by the processing means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a conversion control unit that performs control as described above. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a conversion unit, wherein the conversion control unit controls the conversion unit to execute the conversion. 25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said conversion control means requests a conversion to an external device. 26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the conversion target is information described in a language specific to a specific application or an output device. 27. The method according to claim 23, wherein the format of the received processing target information to be converted is any of a text document, an image format, a specific printer description language, and a document description language. Information processing device. 28. An output step of outputting information; a receiving step of receiving an output instruction including designation information for designating an output device; a decision step of discriminating a device designated by the designation information; If the performed device is its own device, an output control step of controlling the output instruction to be executed in the output step, and if the device determined in the determination step is a device other than its own device, And a transmitting step of transmitting the output instruction to the outside. 29. The information processing method according to claim 28, wherein said output step is a step of printing information. 30. The information processing method according to claim 28, wherein said output step is a step of displaying information. 31. A processing step for processing information, and processing target information received from the external device via a communication unit for communicating with the external device, in a plurality of management states including a processing hold state and a processing wait state. An information processing method, comprising: a management step of managing the information to be processed; and a control step of controlling the processing target information to be processed by the processing step based on the management state. 32. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of management states include a processed state. 33. A method for determining whether to immediately execute the received information to be processed, and a determining step to determine a management state of the information to be processed based on a result of the determination in the determining step. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein: 34. An inspection step of inspecting an execution condition of the processing target information in the suspended state, and a change step of changing a management state of the processing target information whose execution condition is satisfied as a result of the inspection in the inspection step to a processing waiting state. The information processing method according to claim 31, comprising: 35. A setting step of setting a priority to the processing target information in the processing waiting state, wherein the control step includes the processing target information having the higher priority among the processing target information in the processing waiting state. 32. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein control is performed to execute the processing. 36. The information processing method according to claim 31, further comprising a change step of changing a management state of the processing target information in the processing waiting state to a processed state. 37. The processing step according to claim 31, wherein the processing target information can be deleted, searched, output, or changed with respect to the processing target information.
An information processing method according to claim 1. 38. The information processing method according to claim 37, wherein the output includes any of display, printing, and transmission. 39. The change includes an execution condition, a subject of processing,
38. The information processing method according to claim 37, wherein any of the priorities is changed. 40. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein an execution condition is given to the processing target information. 41. The information processing method according to claim 31, wherein the execution condition includes one of a user instruction, a processing deadline, and a state of another device. 42. A receiving step of receiving a process to be executed by another apparatus, a processing step of executing a predetermined process required for the process received in the receiving step, and an output of outputting a processing result of the processing step And an information processing method. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein said output step outputs said processing result to said another device. 44. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein the predetermined process is a pre-process of the received process. 45. The information processing method according to claim 44, wherein the pre-processing is acquisition of a processing target of the received processing. 46. The information processing method according to claim 43, wherein the pre-processing is conversion of a format to be processed by the received processing. 47. A receiving step of receiving designation information for designating a processing target, a securing step for securing a processing target designated by the designation information received in the receiving step, and a process for securing the processing target secured by the securing step. An information processing method, comprising: a processing step of performing a process in accordance with the above process; and an output step of outputting a processing result of the processing step. 48. The information processing method according to claim 47, wherein in the securing step, information in the own device is searched to secure the processing target. 49. The information processing method according to claim 47, wherein said securing step acquires said processing target from another device. 50. A receiving step of receiving processing target information, a processing step of processing information, and converting the processing target information received in the receiving step into information described in a description language that can be processed by the processing step. And a conversion control step of performing control as described above. 51. The information processing method according to claim 23, further comprising a conversion step, wherein the conversion control step controls the conversion to be performed by the conversion step. 52. The information processing method according to claim 50, wherein said conversion control step requests an external device for conversion. 53. The information processing method according to claim 52, wherein the conversion target is information described in a language specific to a specific application or an output device. 54. The method according to claim 50, wherein the format of the received processing target information to be converted is one of a text document, an image format, a specific printer description language, and a document description language. Information processing method.