JPH10269045A - Network-distributed image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of adding a new function, and to construct a system of latest functions, by fetching an optimum image processing object from a client device to a server device. SOLUTION: The client device 100 is provided with a request input part 101 for receiving an image processing request (request, hereafter) an object storage part 102 for storing an image processing object and a request transmission part 104 for transferring the request to the selected image processing object. The server device 110 is provided with a request reception part 111 for receiving the request of the client device 100, a plug-in management part 113 for selecting the image processing object capable of executing the request and managing plug-in, an image processing part 115 for executing an image processing and the object storage part 114 for storing the objects for executing the image processing to the request.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention distributes and connects one or a plurality of client devices and a server device to an information transmission path such as a communication network, and particularly incorporates the latest data from the client device into a corresponding server device. The present invention relates to a network-distributed image processing system that acquires and captures possible software modules (plug-ins) and updates the functions of a plurality of distributed devices and internal software.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, the following system is disclosed as a system that connects a plurality of printers to a network, controls the plurality of printers, and enables efficient printing and device management. JP-A-7-1545
In the "Image processing system" of JP-A-71, a print request is sent to a plurality of printing apparatuses in a daisy-chain manner, an apparatus that meets the request is selected, and print data is transmitted, so that an operating or faulty apparatus is The time is shortened by bypassing. Also, changes in the device configuration are handled by reconnecting the daisy chain.

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-152507, "Print instruction system and method", a usable combination of a plurality of functions (for example, double-sided printing and aggregated printing) of a printer is defined in advance as a virtual printer. By considering and giving each a name,
Printer instructions are easier.

[0004]

However, in the prior art as shown above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
In the case of the "image processing system" disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4571, there is a problem in that if the number of devices increases, it takes time to change the daisy chain, and thus it is not efficient.
Also, in the case of “Print instruction system and method” in JP-A-7-152507, if the number of functions increases,
Since the number of combinations is increased, it is not practical, and there is a problem in that a number of new virtual printers must be defined as management when a new function is added and presented to the user.

Further, in the above two systems, the functions and operations of the devices connected to the network cannot be dynamically changed when executing the client application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an administrator or an end user dynamically loads an optimal image processing object from a client device installed at a remote location to a server device. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of processing for adding new functions and to construct an image processing system with the latest functions.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network-distributed image processing system for transmitting information based on a predetermined communication protocol such as a communication network. In a network-distributed image processing system in which one or more client devices and a server device are distributed and connected to a transmission path, the client device is an image processing object that is a program module that is processed by the server device. A request input unit that receives an input of an image processing request from a client, an object storage unit that stores the image processing object corresponding to the server device, and an image processing request for the selected image processing object by middleware. The server Request transmitting means for transferring the image processing request to the client device, wherein the server device receives an image processing request input from the client device via a communication network using predetermined middleware, and executes the image processing request. Select a possible image processing object, register / delete /
Plug-in management means for managing execution and the like, image processing means for executing predetermined image processing, and an image processing object for causing the image processing means to execute image processing in response to input of an image processing request are stored. Object storage means.

That is, when a device configuration of a corresponding server device is changed or internal software is updated among a plurality of server devices distributed and connected to a communication network,
The server device executes the most suitable image processing object for the server device in response to a request from the client device, so that it is possible to obtain the latest functions and performance, and to easily upgrade the system.

In the network-distributed image processing system according to a second aspect, the client device registers the plug-in for registering the image processing object in the object storage device of the server device by the request input device. A request transmitting unit that receives the request and transfers the plug-in registration request to the server device using predetermined middleware. The server device receives the plug-in registration request when the plug-in registration request is input. Registration / deletion using the image processing object indicated by
Plug-in management means for managing execution and the like is provided, and the request reception means receives the plug-in management request input from the client device via the communication network using predetermined middleware.

That is, when a device configuration of a corresponding server device is changed or internal software is updated among a plurality of server devices distributed and connected to a communication network,
The client device checks the plug-in of the server device, and the client device registers the optimum plug-in with the plug-in registration request to the server device and executes the plug-in, thereby facilitating the system management. It is possible to do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the network distributed image processing system, when the client device executes a process by combining image processing operations of the plurality of server devices, the client device executes the respective processes. After transmitting a plug-in registration request for registering / changing a predetermined plug-in to the server device, an image processing operation is executed.

That is, when a client device executes processing by combining image processing operations of a plurality of server devices, the client device dynamically sets necessary / optimal plug-ins for the server device before executing the process. Thus, even if an image processing object capable of responding to a request from the client device is not registered in the server device, it is possible to automatically update the configuration by the download function and respond.

In the network-distributed image processing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when performing processing by combining image processing operations of the plurality of server apparatuses, the corresponding server apparatus has a function related to the image processing means. Information is exchanged with each other, and each server device itself registers and changes a predetermined plug-in, and then executes an image processing operation.

That is, when processing is performed by combining the image processing operations of a plurality of server devices, the server devices that have received the image processing request from the client device exchange function information relating to the image processing means with each other. By executing the image processing operation after registering / changing a predetermined plug-in, the configuration can be automatically updated by the download function of the image processing object.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network-distributed image processing system, wherein request receiving means for receiving a plug-in search request using predetermined middleware via the communication network; A plug-in storage unit that holds an image processing object for executing a processing operation and searches for a predetermined image processing object in response to the plug-in search request, and via the image processing object searched by the plug-in storage unit. And a request transmission unit for transmitting the plug-in search request to the server device using a predetermined middleware. The plug-in database device is connected to the communication network, and the server device transmits the plug-in search request to the server device via the communication network. For plug-in database devices Te is obtained with a request transmission means for transmitting the plug search request using a predetermined middleware.

That is, when an image processing request from a client device is transmitted to a corresponding server device, a plug-in that the own device does not have is retrieved to a plug-in database device, so that the image processing of the server device is performed. Maintenance such as periodic version upgrade of objects becomes easier.

In the network-distributed image processing system according to claim 6, the plug-in management means of the server device detects addition, deletion, or change of the configuration of the image processing means, and A plug-in request request for requesting a predetermined image processing object from the database device is generated.

That is, when the device configuration of the server device is changed, the plug-in is automatically downloaded from the plug-in database device. And necessary maintenance can be easily performed.

Further, in the network distributed image processing system according to claim 7, the server device periodically transmits the list of the image processing means and the list of the image processing objects to the plug-in database device. The plug-in database device generates a plug-in registration request for returning a predetermined plug-in according to the configuration of the image processing means to the server device,
What to send.

That is, the server device periodically transmits a part or all of the list of its own device configuration and plug-in configuration to the plug-in database device, and the plug-in database device transmits the optimum plug-in configuration to the server device configuration. By downloading the server, it is possible to easily change the server device accompanying the upgrade of the plug-in database device.

Further, in the network distributed image processing system according to claim 8, the plug-in database device holds history information of a plug-in registration request received from the server device, and holds the history information. When a plug-in is added or changed, a plug-in registration request is transmitted to register a new plug-in in the server device.

That is, the plug-in database device holds the request history from the server device, and when a new plug-in is registered on the plug-in database device side, a plug-in for registering the new plug-in in the server device. By issuing the in-registration request, it is possible to easily change the server device accompanying the upgrade of the plug-in database device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the network distributed image processing system, the client device acquires information on an image processing means and a plug-in of the server device by an image processing request, and based on the information, And executes a predetermined plug-in.

That is, the client device obtains information on the image processing means and plug-ins of the server device by an image processing request, determines an optimal image processing object according to an application, and executes the object. It is possible to respond quickly to changes and operating conditions.

Further, in the network distributed image processing system according to the tenth aspect, resources such as font data and overlay used by the image processing means are downloaded as plug-ins.

That is, by downloading resources such as font data and overlays used by the image processing means as plug-ins, resource data can be easily updated or changed, and the apparatus needs to hold all resources. Therefore, miniaturization and simplification of a storage device and the like can be realized.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a network distributed image processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the theoretical structure of a client device and a server device according to the present invention and the flow of requests. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a client device such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS);
Are printers, image scanners, facsimile machines, multifunction copiers (digital copiers), digital cameras, image filing systems, video recorders, etc. that can be connected to a communication network such as a LAN (local area network). It is a server device.

The client device 100 includes a request input unit 101 as a request input unit for receiving an input of an image processing request from the client to the image processing object, and an object storage unit in which the image processing object corresponding to the server device 110 is stored. The object storage unit 102, a middleware processing unit 103 that executes middleware processing, and a request transmission unit that transfers an image processing request input to the selected image processing object to the server device 110 by the middleware of the middleware processing unit 103. A request transmission unit 104.

The server device 110 is a client device 1
A request receiving unit 111 serving as a request receiving unit for receiving an image processing request input using predetermined middleware through a communication network from 00,
Middleware processing unit 112 that executes middleware processing
And a plug-in management unit 113 as a plug-in management unit for selecting an image processing object capable of executing the image processing request and managing registration, deletion, and execution of the plug-in. An object storage unit 114 as an object storage unit in which an image processing object for causing an image processing unit to execute image processing to be described later is stored, and an image processing unit 115 as an image processing unit to execute predetermined image processing. Have.

Note that the image processing object described above is a program module for performing processing using the server device 110.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network-distributed image processing system of a client device and a server device connected to a communication network. Here, an example is shown in which the client device 100 and the server devices 110a to 110b are connected to the communication network 200. In addition, the client device 100
Has a client application, a virtual object, and object-oriented middleware.
10a to 110b have client applications, device objects, and object-oriented middleware.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the client device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration (shape) example of the client device in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire apparatus by a control program; 302, a bus; 303, a ROM in which the control program is stored; 304, a RAM for storing data during control;
Is floppy disk, 307 is FDD, 308 is CD
-ROM, 309 is a CD-ROM drive, 310 is a mouse, 311 is a keyboard, 312 is a display, 3
Reference numeral 13 denotes an I / F for controlling a communication interface with the communication network 200; 314, a microphone; and 315, a speaker.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device (composite type copying machine). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration (shape) of the server device (composite copying machine) in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a CPU which controls the entire apparatus by a control program;
Is a bus, and 503 is an RO in which a control program is stored.
M and 504 are RAMs for storing data during control, and the like.
Reference numeral 505 denotes an HDD, 506 denotes an FDD, 507 denotes an operation panel for performing operation inputs such as various condition settings and mode settings in the server device, and 508 denotes a communication network 200.
509 is a modem, 510 is a scanner unit that optically reads image information, converts and outputs digital image information, and 511 is a printer unit that prints and outputs image information on recording paper. , 512 are image processing units for processing image information in accordance with predetermined instructions;
13 is a public line.

[System Operation] Next, the operation of the system configured as described above will be described by dividing it into operation examples (1) to (10). (1) A system in which a server device determines and executes an image processing software module (plug-in)

Here, the client device 100 checks the device configuration and the plug-in of the server device 110, registers the optimum plug-in in the server device 110, and executes it. That is, a plurality of image processing objects for causing the image processing unit 115 of the server device 110 to execute image processing are held in the device, and the client device 1
An optimum image processing object is determined according to the request from 00 and executed. For example, when accessing from an old version of the printer driver, the client device 10
0 replaces the plug-in in the server device 110 and then executes.

The client device 100 receives an image processing request or a plug-in registration request from an end user application.
1 can be received. Client device 1
00 is stored in the server device 110
Holds a stub of an image processing object that can be processed in the.

A stub is an object having only a program interface of an image processing object held in the server device 110. The internal application of the client device 100 is described using a stub. When a stub program interface (stub function) is called during execution of the internal application, a processing request is transmitted to the server device 100 by the middleware processing unit 103 and executed. You.

The image processing object is a program module for performing processing using the server device 110. The image processing object registered in the object storage unit 102 of the client device 100 is called a stub as described above, and is executed by sending a processing request to the server device 110 via the middleware processing unit 103. The image processing object registered in the object storage unit 114 of the server device 110 is called a skeleton, and holds a program for actually operating the device of the server device 110 as described above.

A plug-in is a server device 110
An image processing object that can be registered / deleted in the internal object storage unit 114. The plug-ins are stored in a plug-in storage unit of a plug-in database device (see FIG. 10) described later. The plug-in database device searches based on a plug-in search request from outside, generates a plug-in registration request including the corresponding plug-in, and issues the request to the server device 110. Upon receiving the plug-in registration request, the server device 110 registers the corresponding plug-in in the object storage unit 114 inside the server device 110 by the plug-in management unit 113. After that, the processing of the server device 110 is executed using the registered plug-in.

Next, the operation of the client device 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client device. First, the client device 100
Determines whether a request has been input (S80).
1). Here, when it is determined that the request has been input,
Further, it is determined whether or not the request is an image processing request (S802). If it is determined that the request is not an image processing request, it is further determined whether the image processing request is a plug-in registration request (S80).
3). If it is determined that it is a plug-in registration request,
The plug-in registration request is transmitted to the server device 100 using the middleware processing unit 103 (S804).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that the request is an image processing request, it is further determined whether or not there is a corresponding image processing object in the object storage unit 102 (S805). If it is determined that there is an image processing object corresponding to the object storage unit 102, an image processing request is transmitted to the server device 110 using the middleware processing unit 103 (S80).
6). If it is determined that there is no corresponding image processing object in the object storage unit 102, an error process is executed (S807).

Next, the operation of the server device 110 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the server device, and schematically shows an example in which a plug-in is registered in the server device 110. As described above, the device includes the device internal application, the image processing object, the unregistered plug-in, and the object-oriented middleware. A copy application, a fax application, a print application, and a plug-in management application are provided as internal devices. Further, a scanner object, a printer object A, a fax object, an image processing object, and a communication path object are prepared as image processing objects. Further, a printer object B and a printer object C are prepared as unregistered plug-ins.

That is, in the above description, since the printer object A is registered in the image processing object, when the request for the print processing is received at this point, the processing described in the printer object A is executed. Here, upon receiving the plug-in registration request for the printer object B from the client device 100, the server device 110 selects the printer object B or the printer object C from the unregistered plug-ins shown in FIG. It is an unregistered plug-in.

Further, before the server device 110 receives the image processing request from the client device 100 and executes the image processing request, an unregistered plug-in can be registered as necessary and then started to be executed. In this case, even if the server device 110 does not receive the plug-in registration request, the server device 110 itself performs plug-in replacement.

(2) A system in which a plug-in can be installed from a client device via a network.
Check the device configuration and plug-in of the client device 10
0 registers the optimal plug-in in response to the plug-in registration request with the server device 110 and executes the plug-in.
For example, upon access from an old printer driver, the client device 100 transfers the plug-in to the server device 110 and then executes the plug-in.

The client device 100 is configured as shown in FIG.
By using the operation described above, the plug-in registration request can be transmitted to the server device 110 using the middleware processing unit 103. Further, the server device 110 that has received the plug-in registration request takes in the plug-in into the server device 110 based on the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 9 described below.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device. When the process is started, first, the server device 110 determines whether or not the request receiving unit 111 has successfully received (S901). If the request receiving unit 111 determines that the reception has succeeded, the middleware processing unit 112 determines the request (S902).
It is determined whether the request is an image processing request (S903).

If it is determined in step S903 that the request is not an image processing request, it is further determined whether the request is a plug-in registration request (S904).
If it is determined that the request is a plug-in registration request, the process proceeds to step S908 described below.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the request is an image processing request,
Further, it is determined whether or not the requested image processing object is available (S905). Here, if it is determined that the image processing object is not available, the plug-in in the server device 110 is searched (S906), and it is determined whether the plug-in exists in the server device 110 (S906).
907). If there is a plug-in, the plug-in in the server device 110 is installed (S908), and the image processing unit 115 executes the processing (S909).

If it is determined in step S907 that there is no plug-in in the server 110,
Using the middleware processing unit 112, a plug-in search request is transmitted to a plug-in database device (see FIG. 10) described later (S910).

(3) Dynamic Installation of Plug-in by Client Device Here, when a plurality of devices are used in combination, the client device 100 needs to
An example in which the optimal plug-in is dynamically set and then executed will be described.

For example, an end user can output an image read by a scanner using a printer, using a system in which the scanner and the printer are connected.
At this time, there is a case where the combination of the devices cannot be performed due to the type of the scanner and the printer, for example, the difference in the data transfer protocol, the difference in the image data compression method, and the like. Therefore,
The client device 100 checks each model, determines an appropriate combination of a scanner object and a printer object, and transmits a plug-in registration request for incorporating each of them to the server device 110.

(4) Dynamic Installation of Plug-in by Negotiation between Server Devices Here, similarly to the above (3), in a system using a plurality of server devices 110 including a scanner and a printer, a client device is used. The server devices 110 that have received the image processing request from each other exchange configuration information with each other, and set and execute necessary / optimal plug-ins.

(5) A system in which the server itself can download the plug-in via the network Here, an example in which the plug-in is acquired from the plug-in database device when an image processing request is transmitted from the client device 100 State.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a system in which a plug-in database device is incorporated between a client device and a server device. In this system, a plug-in database device 1000 is added to the above-described system of FIG.
5 is added.

The plug-in database device 1000
A request receiving unit 1001 that receives a plug-in search request using predetermined middleware via a communication network, and an image processing object for the server device 110 to execute an image processing operation. Plug-in storage unit 1 as plug-in storage means for searching for a predetermined image processing object
002, and transmits a plug-in registration request using predetermined middleware via a communication network in order to return the image processing object searched for in the plug-in storage unit 1002 to the server device 110 that has issued the plug-in search request. A request transmission unit 1003 as request transmission means and a middleware processing unit 1004 for executing middleware processing are provided.

In the system configured as described above, when the image processing object is sent from the client device 100 to the server device 110, the server device 1
If there is no suitable plug-in in the server 10, the server device 110 transmits a plug-in search request to the plug-in database device 1000 using the middleware processing unit 112 as described in the flowchart of FIG. .

Next, the plug-in database device 100
The operation of 0 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, first, the plug-in database apparatus 1000 determines whether or not the request receiving unit 1001 has succeeded in receiving (S1101). If the request receiving unit 1001 determines that the reception has succeeded, the middleware processing unit 1004 determines the request (S110).
2) First, it is determined whether the request is a plug-in search request (S1103).

If it is determined that the request is a plug-in search request, the plug-in database held in the plug-in storage unit 1002 is searched (S110).
4), it is determined whether or not there is a plug-in (S110)
5). If it is determined that there is a plug-in, a plug-in registration request is generated by the searched plug-in (S1106), and the plug-in registration request is generated by the middleware processing unit 1004 using the plug-in.
10 (S1107).

On the other hand, in step S1105,
If it is determined that there is no plug-in, a plug-in registration request is generated with an empty plug-in (S1108), and the plug-in registration request is transmitted to the server device 110 using the middleware processing unit 1004 (S1108).
107).

The above operation is performed, for example, when the server device 110 itself accesses the old printer driver, acquires the plug-in from the plug-in database device 1001,
This is effective when executing after replacing.

(6) System for Automatic Downloading with Addition / Deletion of Image Processing Unit In this system, when the device configuration of the server device 110 is changed, the plug-in database device 1
Download plugins from 000.

That is, in the server apparatus 110, the plug-in management unit 113 detects addition, deletion, or change of the configuration of the image processing unit 115, and requests the plug-in database apparatus 1000 for a predetermined image processing object. Generate a search request.

(7) Periodic Maintenance The server apparatus 110 periodically sends a list of some or all of its own apparatus configuration and plug-in configuration to the plug-in database apparatus 1000, and the plug-in database apparatus 1
000 downloads a plug-in that is optimal for the device configuration of the server device 110.

(8) Maintenance When Updating the Plug-in Database The plug-in database device 1000
The request history from 0 is retained, and when a new plug-in is registered in the plug-in database device 1000, a plug-in registration request for registering a new plug-in in the server device 110 is issued.

(9) Acquisition of plug-in configuration information of server device and determination of plug-in The client device 100 can acquire the internal configuration information of the image processing unit 115 and the plug-in of the server device 110, and according to the application. Determine and execute the optimal image processing object.

(10) Plug-in of resource data Resources such as form image data and fonts can be registered by plug-in.

[Effects of Embodiment] In the system described above, for example, when remote copying is realized using a scanner and a printer, each internal software module (plug-in) is installed in accordance with the combination of these devices. Can be changed dynamically.

Further, in the above system, the administrator or the end user obtains the software module from the client device 100 provided at a remote place via the communication network 200 and incorporates the software module, thereby obtaining the latest function and performance. It becomes possible. Also, because you can use the object-oriented paradigm,
Since software can be reused or made into components, development efficiency can be improved.

[0071]

As described above, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 1), of the plurality of server devices distributed and connected to the communication network, When a device configuration is changed or internal software is updated, the server device executes an image processing object optimal for the server device in response to a request from the client device, so that the latest functions and performance can be obtained. At the same time, the system can be easily upgraded.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 2), of the plurality of server devices distributed and connected to the communication network, the device configuration of the corresponding server device is changed or the internal configuration is changed. When updating the software, the client device checks the plug-in of the server device, and the client device registers the optimum plug-in with the plug-in registration request to the server device before executing the software. , The system can be easily managed.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention, when the client device executes the process by combining the image processing operations of the plurality of server devices, the client device executes the process. Since the required / optimal plug-in is dynamically set for the application and executed, even if the image processing object that can respond to the request from the client device is not registered inside the server device, the download function automatically The configuration can be updated as needed.

According to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 4), when processing is performed by combining image processing operations of a plurality of server devices,
The server device that has received the image processing request from the client device exchanges function information about the image processing means with each other, and after each server device registers and changes a predetermined plug-in, performs image processing operations. The configuration can be automatically updated by the processing object download function.

According to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 5), when an image processing request from a client device is transmitted to a corresponding server device, the own device does not have it. Since the plug-in is transferred to the plug-in database device, maintenance such as periodic upgrading of the image processing object of the server device can be easily performed.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 6), when the device configuration of the server device is changed, the plug-in is automatically downloaded from the plug-in database device. , For the server device that is required even when updating or changing the plug-in,
Plug-ins can be sent from time to time to perform necessary maintenance easily.

According to the network-distributed image processing system of the present invention, the server periodically stores a list of a part or all of the apparatus configuration and the plug-in configuration in the plug-in database apparatus. And the plug-in database device downloads a plug-in most suitable for the device configuration of the server device, so that the server device can be easily changed in accordance with the upgrade of the plug-in database device.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 8), the plug-in database device holds the request history from the server device, and a new plug-in is registered in the plug-in database device. Then, a plug-in registration request for registering a new plug-in is issued to the server device, so that the server device can be easily changed with the upgrade of the plug-in database device.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention (claim 9), the client device acquires information on the image processing means and the plug-in of the server device by the image processing request, and according to the application. Since the optimal image processing object is determined and executed, it is possible to quickly respond to hardware changes and operating conditions of the apparatus.

Further, according to the network distributed image processing system of the present invention, since resources such as font data and overlay used by the image processing means are downloaded as plug-ins, the resource data is updated. And the change process can be easily performed, and the device does not need to hold all the resources, so that the storage device and the like can be reduced in size and simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a theoretical structure of a client device and a server device according to the present invention and a flow of requests.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network-distributed image processing system of a client device and a server device connected to a communication network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a client device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration (shape) example of the client device in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device (composite copying machine).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration (shape) example of the server device (composite copying machine) in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a server device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a system in which a plug-in database device is incorporated between a client device and a server device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the plug-in database device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 client device 101 request input unit 102 object storage unit 104 request transmission unit 110 server device 111, 1001 request reception unit 113 plug-in management unit 114 object storage unit 115 image processing unit 200 communication network 1000 plug-in database device 1002 plug-in storage unit 1003, 1005 Request transmission unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A network distributed image processing system in which one or a plurality of client devices and server devices are distributed and connected to an information transmission path for transmitting information based on a predetermined communication protocol such as a communication network. A request input unit for receiving an input of an image processing request from a client to an image processing object which is a program module which is processed by the server device, and the image processing object corresponding to the server device Request storage means for transferring the image processing request for the selected image processing object to the server device by middleware,
Wherein the server device selects a request receiving means for receiving an image processing request input from the client device via a communication network using predetermined middleware, and an image processing object capable of executing the image processing request, Plug-in management means for managing registration, deletion, and execution of plug-ins, image processing means for executing predetermined image processing, and for causing the image processing means to execute image processing in response to input of an image processing request And an object storage means for storing the image processing object. 2. The client device receives a plug-in registration request for registering an image processing object in an object storage unit of the server device by the request input unit, and the request transmitting unit determines the plug-in registration request. The server device has a function of transferring the plug-in registration request to the server device by using the image processing object indicated by the plug-in registration request when the plug-in registration request is input. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising plug-in management means for performing management, wherein the request receiving means receives the plug-in management request input from the client device via the communication network using predetermined middleware. The described network Distributed image processing system. 3. When the client device executes processing by combining image processing operations of the plurality of server devices, the client device registers and changes a predetermined plug-in with each server device. 3. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the image processing operation is executed after transmitting the plug-in registration request. 4. When performing processing by combining image processing operations of the plurality of server devices, the corresponding server devices exchange function information regarding the image processing means with each other,
Each server device itself registers a predetermined plug-in
3. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 2, wherein an image processing operation is performed after the change. 5. A request receiving means for receiving a plug-in search request using predetermined middleware via the communication network, and an image processing object for the server device to execute an image processing operation, Plug-in storage means for searching for a predetermined image processing object in response to an in-search request, and the server apparatus transmits the plug-in search request using a predetermined middleware via the image processing object searched for in the plug-in storage means. A plug-in database device having request transmission means for transmitting the plug-in database device to the plug-in database device using predetermined middleware via the communication network. Submit search request 2. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a request transmitting unit. 6. A plug-in management unit of the server device detects addition, deletion, or change of the configuration of the image processing unit, and requests a predetermined image processing object from the plug-in database device. The network distributed image processing system according to claim 5, wherein the request is generated. 7. The server device periodically transmits the list of the image processing means and the list of the image processing objects to the plug-in database device. 6. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 5, wherein a plug-in registration request for returning a corresponding predetermined plug-in to the server device is generated and transmitted. 8. The plug-in database device holds history information of a plug-in registration request received from the server device, and the stored plug-in is added or deleted.
6. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 5, wherein a plug-in registration request is transmitted so as to register a new plug-in in the server device when changed. 9. The client device according to claim 1, wherein the client device acquires information on an image processing means and a plug-in of the server device by an image processing request, and executes a predetermined plug-in based on the information. 9. The network-distributed image processing system according to any one of claims 8 to 8. 10. The network-distributed image processing system according to claim 1, wherein resources such as font data and overlay used by said image processing means are downloaded as plug-ins.