KR20060000744A - Apparatus and method for transmitting document in selected multi-function products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving documents, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device capable of printing and storing a document scanned in one multifunction device to another multifunction device through bidirectional communication. It is about. A method for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device receives a command to print or store a predetermined document on another multifunction device on a network, to display information of other multifunction devices existing on the network, and to print or store the document. Receiving a selection signal, receiving an option selection signal necessary for printing the document among the information, or performing an authentication process for storing the document, and then scanning the document and transmitting the scanned signal to the selected multifunction device. According to the present invention, the efficiency of work by simply transmitting scanned documents between the multifunction devices without the intervention of a PC to share information among users, and by implementing functions not supported by the local multifunction devices through selected multifunction devices on the network. Create an effect that can increase.

Description

Apparatus and method for transmitting document in selected multi-function products}

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document transmission apparatus according to the prior art.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction apparatus according to the present invention.

3 is a detailed view of the controller of FIG. 2.

4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a method for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of an authentication processing method for storing a document in FIG. 4.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving documents, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device capable of printing and storing a document scanned in one multifunction device to another multifunction device through bidirectional communication. It is about.

 In general, MFP (Multi-Function Product) refers to an office automation equipment that can perform various complex functions such as printers, copiers, scanners, and faxes used in offices as a device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a document transmission apparatus according to the prior art. The document transmission apparatus may be applied to not only the multifunction apparatus described above but also a general digital copy machine and a scanner.

The first multifunction peripheral 108 is connected to the first PC 106, and the second multifunction peripheral 109 is connected to the second PC 107. The third MFP 110 and the second MFP 109 are connected through the PSTN 101, and the first to fourth MFPs 108 to 111 are connected to the first and second hubs 104 and 105. It is connected to the Internet 100. In addition, the first to fourth multifunction apparatuses 108 to 111 are connected to the first and second data servers 102 and 103 through the Internet 100. Here, the first and second data servers 102 and 103 receive the scanned document from the first to fourth multifunction devices 108 to 111 via the Internet 100, and then the other multifunction devices (first to fourth multifunction devices). (108-111)).

In general, there are methods such as Copy, PC-SCAN, SCAN-TO-Email / Memory / File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and FAX. Double Copy is a method to scan and print independently from the MFP. PC-SCAN is a method of scanning and sending a document between a multifunction device and a PC. SCAN-TO-Memory is a method of storing scanned documents in a storage device (not shown) in the multifunction apparatus, and SCAN-TO-Email / FTP is a method of transmitting scanned documents to a specific server. Unlike the above methods, FAX is the most traditional method of transferring documents between distant multifunction devices. Another method of transferring a document between multifunction devices is to scan a document at the multifunction device and transmit the document to a data server, and the data server transmits the document to another multifunction device to print.

In case of transmitting document using FAX method between multifunction devices, there is a problem of slow transmission speed, low resolution, and high cost of using telephone line, which is a disadvantage of FAX. In this case, since a server configuration is required, a cost is required, and when a document is transmitted / received using the server, an implementation for printing is complicated.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sharing a document between two multifunction devices through two-way communication, and transmits a document to a selected multifunction device that can print and store the document scanned from one multifunction device to another multifunction device. have.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a method for sharing a document between two devices through bidirectional communication, and transmitting the document to a selected multifunction device capable of printing and storing a document scanned from one multifunction device to another multifunction device. It is.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device for solving the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a command to print or store a predetermined document at another multifunction device on a network; (b) displaying information of other multifunction devices present on the network and receiving a multifunction device selection signal for printing or storing the document; (c) receiving an option selection signal for printing the document among the information or performing an authentication process for storing the document; And (d) scanning the document and sending it to the selected multifunction device.

In the present invention, (e) receiving a result of printing or storing the scanned document sent to the selected multifunction device.

In the present invention, the multifunction apparatus information displayed in step (b) includes status information of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing the scanned document, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document. It is characterized by that.

In the present invention, step (c) of storing the document in a selected multifunction device after authentication processing includes: (c-1) selecting a storage location to store the document from the selected multifunction device information; (c-2) comparing a password inputted for the storage location use authentication with a preset password; And (c-3) if the password is matched, approving the storage authentication of the document at the storage location, or displaying an error message if the password is not matched. How to transfer.

In the present invention, in step (d), the header information indicating printing or storage is added to the scan document to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device.

In the present invention, the header generates the selected option information as a header when printing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer, and generates the selected storage location information as a header when storing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer. Characterized in that.

An apparatus for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device for solving the other technical problem to be solved by the present invention is a multifunction device connected through a network, the command for printing or storing a predetermined scan document in the other multifunction device, A user interface for inputting a command for selecting a desired multifunction device among the multifunction devices and predetermined information related thereto; A display unit which displays the command processing process; And control to display information of other multifunction apparatuses present on the network according to the input print or store command, control conversion of the scanned document so that the scanned document is printed or stored in the selected multifunction apparatus, and Preferably it includes a control unit for controlling the transmission of the converted scanned document to the selected multifunction device through.

In the present invention, the control unit further comprises a storage unit for storing the information of the other multi-function device received.

In the present invention, the information is characterized in that the status information of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing the scanned document, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document.

In the present invention, the control unit comprises: an information processing unit for processing the information of the multifunction apparatuses transmitted through the network into displayable information; A header generation unit generating and adding a header indicating printing or storing to a scanned document to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device; And a monitoring unit for monitoring a scan document processing result sent to the selected multifunction device.

In the present invention, when the scanned document is printed on the selected multifunction printer, the necessary option is selected from the information of the processed multifunction printer.

In the present invention, when storing the scanned document in the selected multifunction device, select a storage location to store the scanned document from the multifunction device information, and if the input password and the predetermined password is compared and matched, the storage of the document Characterized in that it further comprises an authentication processing unit for approval.

In the present invention, the header generation unit generates the selected option information as a header when printing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer, and when the scanned document is stored in the selected multifunction printer, the selected storage location information as a header. It is characterized by generating.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail the present invention.

An apparatus for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction device will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus for transmitting a document to a selected multifunction apparatus according to the present invention, the first being connected to the local multifunction apparatus 210 via the Internet 200, the local multifunction apparatus 210, and the Internet 200. To 4th multifunction apparatus (220-250). In the present invention, the local MFP 210 includes a user interface 210-1, a network interface 210-2, a display unit 210-3, a storage unit 210-4, a scan unit 210-5, and data. The generation unit 210-6, the data processing unit 210-7, and the control unit 210-8 are included. In the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 210-8, information processing unit 210-81, header generation unit 210-82, monitoring unit 210-83, authentication processing unit 210 -84).

The local multifunction apparatus 210 performs bidirectional communication with the first to fourth multifunction apparatuses 220 to 250 (hereinafter, referred to as a multifunction apparatus) through the network 200. By the request of the local multifunction apparatus 210, the multifunction device transmits its information to the local multifunction apparatus 210. The local multifunction apparatus 210 receives information transmitted from the multifunction apparatus, selects one or more multifunction apparatuses, scans a document to be printed or stored, and transmits the document to the selected multifunction apparatus. The MFP that receives the document to be printed or stored prints or stores the document.

In detail, the local multifunction printer 210 adds a key (not shown, hereinafter referred to as a remote key) or a menu for transmitting a document to be printed or stored to the selected multifunction device. The remote key is divided into a function of printing a scanned document on the selected multifunction device and a function of storing (copying) a scanned document on the selected multifunction device.

The user interface 210-1 prints or stores a document on one or more multifunction devices in the network, that is, inputs a remote key selection signal, and selects a desired multifunction device among the multifunction devices. Input the relevant information. The predetermined information herein refers to various information input for printing or storing a document, which will be described below as optional information.

The network interface 210-2 interfaces information transmission / reception between a local multifunction apparatus and a plurality of multifunction apparatuses through the network 200. The network interface 210-2 transmits an information request signal to a plurality of multifunction devices, receives multifunction device information transmitted from a plurality of multifunction devices, sends a multifunction device selection signal to the multifunction device, and sends a scanned document to be printed or stored to the selected multifunction device. Transmit and receive a scan document processing result signal of the selected multifunction device.

The display unit 210-3 displays a plurality of multifunction apparatus information received through the network interface 210-2 under the control of the controller 210-8, and user commands and information input to the user interface 210-1. Displays the operating state of the local MFP 210 according to the input.

The storage unit 210-4 stores a plurality of multifunction apparatus information received through the network interface 210-2 under the control of the controller 210-8. The multifunction apparatus information may include a list of multifunction apparatuses capable of printing or storing a scanned document, status information on whether the multifunction apparatus is available, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document. The optional information supported by the all-in-one includes the paper size supported by the all-in-one, the page description language (PDL) supported by the all-in-one, the duplex printing function, and the status information of other optional devices such as staples and punches.

The scan unit 210-5 scans a predetermined document under the control of the control unit 210-8.

The data generator 210-6 generates a scanned image from the output of the scanr 210-5.

The data processor 210-7 may generate new data to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device by reflecting the option processing result selected by the user interface 210-1 in the scanned image output from the data generator 210-6.

The new data generated by the data processing unit 210-7 is transmitted to the selected multifunction apparatus through the network interface 210-2 and printed or stored under the control of the control unit 210-8.

Next, the printing and storing control operation of the controller 210-8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

The controller 210-8 controls to display a plurality of all-in-one information existing on the network 200 according to the input print or save command, and controls the conversion of the scanned document to print or store the scanned document in the selected multifunction device. And converting the converted scanned document to a multifunction device selected through a network.

When a user selects a remote key through the user interface 210-1 and receives information from a plurality of multifunction apparatuses, the information processing units 210-81 process the information of the multifunction apparatuses into displayable information. The information processed may include the state information of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing the scanned document described above, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document.

The processed information is displayed on the display 210-3 and stored in the storage 210-4. The user selects one or more multifunction apparatuses to print or store the scanned document through the user interface 210-1 by referring to the multifunction apparatus information displayed on the display unit 210-3.

In this case, when the scanned document is printed by another multifunction apparatus, the control unit 210-8 may display option information for printing through the user interface 210-1, that is, a paper size supported by the multifunction apparatus, and a page description language supported by the multifunction apparatus. ), And control the data processor 210-7 to generate new data by receiving a desired option selection signal such as a printing duplex function, a staple, and a punch.

When storing the scanned document in another multifunction device, the control unit 210-8 receives a storage location information selection signal capable of storing a document in the selected multifunction device through the user interface 210-1, and scans the document into the storage location of the selected multifunction device. Control to be sent and stored.

The header generating unit 210-82 generates and adds a header indicating printing or storing in the scanned document to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device. When printing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer, the header generation unit 210-82 generates the selected option information as a header and controls the data processing unit 210-7 to generate new data. When the scanned document is stored in the selected multifunction device, the header generator 210-82 generates the selected storage location information as a header and controls the data processor 210-7 to generate new data.

The monitoring unit 210-83 transmits a document to be printed or stored to the selected multifunction device, and then monitors the printing or storing status of the scanned document of the selected multifunction device. The monitoring unit 210-83 may receive a processing status signal from the multifunction apparatus in which scan documents are periodically or aperiodically transmitted through the network interface 210-2 to enable the corresponding situation. For example, the monitoring unit 210-83 receives a document reception failure signal from the selected multifunction device to provide a basis for retransmitting the document.

 The authentication processing units 210-84 operate when storing the scanned document in the selected multifunction device. When a storage location for storing the scanned document is selected, the authentication processing unit 210-84 requests a password input for storage approval. When a password is input through the user interface 210-1, the authentication processing unit 210-84 compares the input password with a preset password and agrees to store the scanned document in a storage location when the password is matched. If the passwords do not match, the authentication processing unit 210-84 may output an error message and request re-entry of the password.

Next, a method of transmitting a document to the selected multifunction device will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In order to print a document from another multifunction printer or to store it in another multifunction device, the user selects a remote key through the user interface 210-1 (step 400). The local multifunction printer 210 has a remote key or menu added for printing a document on another multifunction device or storing the document in another multifunction device.

When the remote key is selected, the controller 210-8 receives a plurality of multifunction apparatus information existing on the network 200 through the network interface 210-2 and displays it on the display 210-3 (step 410). ). The network interface 210-2 transmits an information request signal to a plurality of multifunction apparatuses present on the network 200 under the control of the controller 210-8, and transmits the corresponding information, that is, the scanned document, from the plurality of multifunction apparatuses. A list of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing, status information on whether the multifunction apparatus is available, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document are received. The information processing unit 210-81 processes the information of the multifunction devices into displayable information and outputs the information to the display unit 210-3.

The multifunction apparatus for printing and storing a document is selected through the user interface 210-1 with reference to the displayed multifunction apparatus information (S420).

When the multifunction machine selection is completed, the user inputs whether to print the document on the selected multifunction device or store the document in the selected multifunction device according to a user command input through the user interface 210-1.

When printing a document in the selected multifunction apparatus (step 430), an option for printing a document is selected (step 440). Through the user interface 210-1, option information for printing, that is, a paper size supported by the multifunction printer, a page description language (PDL) supported by the multifunction printer, a duplex printing function, a staple, and a punch can be selected.

When the document is stored in the selected multifunction apparatus (step 450), an authentication process for storing the document is performed (step 460). 5 shows an authentication processing method for storing a document.

When the document is stored in the selected multifunction device, the user searches for and selects a storage location to store the document from the multifunction device information selected by the display unit 210-3 through the user interface 210-1 (step 460-1).

When the storage location selection is completed, the authentication processing unit 210-84 requests a password for approval of storing the document at the storage location, and the user inputs the password through the user interface 210-1 (step 460-2). .

If the password entered through the user interface 210-1 and the stored password match, the document is stored in the selected storage location and the document scan is started (step 460-3).

However, if the password entered through the user interface 210-1 and the stored password do not match, the authentication processing unit 210-84 outputs an error message and requests re-entry of the password (step 460-4). . By the password re-entry request of the authentication processing unit 210-84, the user enters the password again through the user interface 210-1 and receives authentication for storing the document.

After selecting an option for printing a document on the selected multifunction device or receiving approval for storing a document in the selected multifunction device, the scanning unit 210-5 starts scanning a document and the data generating unit 210-6 performs the scanning unit 210. Generate a scanned image from the output of -5) (step 470).

The header generator 210-82 adds header information to the scanned image and transmits the header information to the selected multifunction apparatus through the network interface 210-2 (step 480). When printing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer, the header generation unit 210-82 generates the selected option information as a header and controls the data processing unit 210-7 to generate new data. When storing the scan document in the selected multifunction device, the header generation unit 210-82 generates the selected storage location information as a header and controls the data processing unit 210-7 to generate new data.

After transmitting the scanned document to the selected multifunction device, the monitoring unit 210-83 receives the document processing result of the selected multifunction device and displays the result on the display 210-3 (step 490). The monitoring unit 210-83 may receive a processing status signal from the multifunction apparatus in which scan documents are periodically or aperiodically transmitted through the network interface 210-2 to enable the corresponding situation.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, the scanned document can be simply transferred between the multifunction devices without the intervention of a PC to share information among users, and a function not supported by the local multifunction device can be implemented through selected multifunction devices on the network. By doing so, it creates an effect that can increase work efficiency.

Claims (13)

(a) receiving a command to print or store a document on another multifunction machine on the network; (b) displaying information of other multifunction devices present on the network and receiving a multifunction device selection signal for printing or storing the document; (c) receiving an option selection signal for printing the document among the information or performing an authentication process for storing the document; And (d) scanning the document and transmitting the document to the selected multifunction device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (e) receiving a result of printing or storing a scanned document sent to the selected multifunction device. The multifunction apparatus information of claim 1, wherein the multifunction apparatus information is displayed in step (b). And status information of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing the scanned document, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document. The method of claim 3, wherein step (c) of performing an authentication process for storing the document is performed. (c-1) selecting any multifunction device having a storage location among the displayed multifunction devices; (c-2) comparing the encryption preset password inputted for the storage location authentication of the selected multifunction apparatus; And (c-3) if the password matches, granting the storage authentication of the document to the storage location; or if the password does not match, displaying an error message, and transmitting the document to the selected multifunction device. How to. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (d) And generating and adding header information indicating printing or storage to a scanned document to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device. The method of claim 5, wherein the header is Generating the selected option information as a header when printing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer, and generating the selected storage location information as a header when storing the scanned document in the selected multifunction printer. How to send a document. Multiple multifunction devices connected through a network, A user interface for inputting a command for printing or storing a predetermined scan document on the other multifunction device, a command for selecting a desired multifunction device among a plurality of multifunction devices, and predetermined information related thereto; A display unit which displays the command processing process; And According to the input print or save command, control information of other multifunction devices existing on the network to be displayed, control conversion of the scanned document so that the scanned document is printed or stored in the selected multifunction device, and control the network. And a control unit for controlling the transmission of the converted scanned document to the selected multifunction device through the selected multifunction device. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a storage unit for storing information of other multifunction devices received by the control unit. The method of claim 8, wherein the information is And status information of the multifunction apparatus capable of printing or storing the scanned document, option information supported by the multifunction apparatus, and storage location information of the multifunction apparatus capable of storing the document. The method of claim 8, wherein the control unit An information processing unit for processing the information of the multifunction apparatuses transmitted through the network into displayable information; A header generation unit generating and adding a header indicating printing or storing to a scanned document to be transmitted to the selected multifunction device; And And a monitoring unit for monitoring a scan document processing result sent to the selected multifunction device. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the scanned document is printed on the selected multifunction device, Device for transmitting a document to the selected multifunction device, characterized in that for selecting the required option from the information of the processed multifunction device. The method of claim 10, wherein when storing the scanned document in the selected multifunction device, Selecting a storage location to store the scanned document from the multifunction device information, and comparing the input password with a preset password, if the match further comprises an authentication processing unit for approving the storage of the document to the selected multifunction document Device to transmit it. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the header generating unit When the scanned document is printed in the selected multifunction printer, the selected option information is generated as a header, and when the scanned document is stored in the selected multifunction printer, the selected multifunction device is generated as a header. A device for sending documents to.

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