JP3377157B2 - Image input / output system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input / output system, and more particularly, to an image input / output device such as a digital multi-function peripheral, a scanner or a printer and a remote operating device such as a workstation or a personal computer via a network. An image input / output system in a distributed network distributed environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In addition to a copy function that is connected to a network to which workstations and personal computers are connected and prints and copies the data of documents created by workstations, a facsimile function, a printer function, and A digital multi-function peripheral having a scanner function is used.

In this type of digital multi-function peripheral, when printing the data of an original created by a workstation, the operator first operates the operation unit of the digital multi-function peripheral to set the operation mode to the print mode. , Set various conditions. After that, the operator inputs a print request at a predetermined workstation or the like and transfers the data to be printed to the digital multi-function peripheral. The digital multi-function peripheral prints the transferred data. When the printing of the transferred data is completed, the operator takes out the printed matter and then releases the operation mode of the digital multi-function peripheral from the print mode.

As a second conventional technique, a data processing system for automatically distributing an electronic document in accordance with an instruction stored in a functional area of the document has been disclosed (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-282221). .

[0005]

However, in the image input / output system according to the first prior art described above, since the main body of the digital multi-function peripheral cannot be visually recognized from the client side, the following problems occur. There was a point.

First, the model of the device, for example, whether the designated device is an A-type multifunction device, a B-type multifunction device or a C-type printer, the capability of the device, the set value, and the state of the device are determined. You may not know.

Secondly, when printing data of a document created by a workstation or the like by a digital multifunction machine connected to a network, the workstation or the like is composed of a plurality of digital multifunction machines previously connected to the network. For example, it is necessary to know the size and amount of paper in the paper tray, the sorter status and functions, and so on.

Thirdly, the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral connected to the network is different from the case of using it as a stand-alone type. It is also necessary to confirm whether the digital multi-function peripheral is in use.

Therefore, each time an operator such as a workstation prints an original or the like, he or she goes to the digital multi-function peripheral to check the condition such as the paper size of the paper feed tray and whether or not it is in use. ， It was necessary to set the operation mode to the print mode. And
After setting this print mode, it was necessary to return to a work station or the like, make a print request at the work station or the like, and then go to the digital multifunction machine again to collect the printed matter. In other words, the operator has to make many round trips between the workstation and the digital multi-function peripheral, which is a problem such as wasting time.

When an operator such as a workstation station prints a document or the like, it is necessary to go to the digital multifunctional machine and set the operation mode to the blind mode each time. Therefore, depending on the state of the digital multifunctional machine. Was unable to use the digital multi-function peripheral set to the closest position. In such a case, there are problems that a digital multi-function peripheral set far from the workstation used by the operator must be used and the operator's burden increases.

Further, in the second conventional technique, the document itself must have additional information.
There was a problem that the amount of data of the document increased correspondingly and the processing speed was affected.

[0012]

[0013] This invention was made in view of the above, by executing the image input and output processing in the document units, image input-output system capable of obtaining various kinds of documents in one operation instructions The purpose is to provide.

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

Was to achieve the above object, there is provided a means for solving]
Therefore, the image input / output system according to claim 1 is an image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which one or a plurality of image input / output devices and a remote operation device are connected by a network. A feeder section for setting a document, a scanner section for reading the original document, an image processing section for processing an image read by the scanner section, a plotter section for writing an image processed by the image processing section,
The remote operation device is composed of a plurality of parts such as a paper feed tray part for setting the paper feed written by the plotter part, a paper discharge bin part for distributing and arranging the paper feed written by the plotter part, For each unit of output document, input multiple images stored in the storage means.
Optionally to select the image input condition from the output condition includes a condition selection means Ru <br/>, and an operation instructing means for instructing operations of said image input apparatus by the conditions selected by the condition selection means The image input / output device executes an operation based on an operation instruction from the operation instruction means.

That is, the remote operation device is an output document (for example, a sort document in the case of an output paper set or a paper set in page order, and a stack document in the case of a paper set of the same page). Multiple image input / output stored in storage means such as printing paper, output bin, writing resolution, etc.
The input / output condition is arbitrarily selected from the conditions, the operation of the image input / output device is instructed according to the selected condition, and the image input / output device executes the operation based on the operation instruction.

The image input / output system according to a second aspect is an image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which a plurality of image input / output devices and remote operating devices are connected by a network, wherein the image input / output device is a document. , A scanner unit for reading the document, an image processing unit for processing the image read by the scanner unit, a plotter unit for writing the image processed by the image processing unit, and a writing unit for the plotter unit The remote operation device is composed of a plurality of parts such as a paper feed tray part for setting the papers to be set, a paper output bin part for distributing and arranging the papers written by the plotter part, and Desired image from among the plurality of image input / output devices Comprising a device selection unit for Ru to select the output device, and an operation instruction means for instructing the operation of the image input-output device selected by the device selecting unit, the operation
The selected image input / output device executes an operation based on an operation instruction from the instruction means.

[0021] That is, to select the desired image output device from a plurality of image input and output devices remote operating device for each unit of the output document, and instructs an operation of the selected image output device, an instruction operation The selected image input / output device executes an operation based on the above.

An image input / output system according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which one or a plurality of image input / output devices and remote operating devices are connected by a network.
The image input / output device includes a feeder unit for setting a document, a scanner unit for reading the document, an image processing unit for processing an image read by the scanner unit, and an image processed by the image processing unit. The remote operation is composed of a plurality of parts such as a plotter unit, a paper feed tray unit for setting the paper feed written by the plotter unit, and a paper ejection bin unit for distributing and arranging the paper feed written by the plotter unit. When a failure occurs in the image input / output device, the device causes a plurality of failures stored in the storage means for each output document unit.
And failure avoidance selecting means failure workaround Ru optionally is selected from among workarounds, and an operation instructing means for instructing operations of said image input apparatus based on failure workaround selected by the failure avoidance selecting means The selected image input / output device executes an operation based on an operation instruction from the operation instruction means.

That is, when a failure occurs in the image input / output device, the remote operation device "processes by another image input / output device" for each output document unit,
It is suitable as a storage means such as "Wait until failure recovery" and "Discard".
The selected image input / output device is caused to be arbitrarily selected from the stored plurality of obstacle avoidance measures , and the operation of the image input / output device is instructed based on the selected obstacle avoidance measure, and based on the operation instruction. Is the one that performs the action.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image input / output system according to the present invention will be described below in the order of [First Embodiment], [Second Embodiment], and [Third Embodiment] with reference to the drawings. Will be described in detail.

[First Embodiment] (System Environment) In the image input / output system according to the first embodiment, the image input / output device is an image (image) input / output server of a personal computer or a workstation which is a client. One-to-one, or network) connection, client / server
It is built as a system. Details of the connection form between the client and the server will be described later.

(Distributed Processing System Environment) First, the configuration of the image input / output system according to the first embodiment will be described. As a basic configuration, the image input / output system in the distributed processing environment according to the first embodiment includes a network, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS), and an image input / output device.
It consists of a broker.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image input / output system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 101 is an MFP (Mu) as an image input / output device.
1 is a multi function peripheral, 102 is an operation panel for operating the MFP 101, 103 is a scanner as an image input device, 104 is a printer as an image output device, and 1
Reference numeral 05 denotes a personal computer or a workstation (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) as a remote operation device.
, 106 is a broker, and 107 is a network.

More specifically, the MFP 101 is, more specifically, a digital multi-function peripheral integrally provided with a scanner function and a printer function in addition to a copy function. The operation panel 102 is an operation unit of the MFP 101 for realizing a user interface. The printer 103 is for printing out an image, such as a laser printer.

The broker 105 is the network 1
07 connected to the MFP 101, the scanner 103,
The PC 10 serving as a client maintains and manages the function information of the image input / output device such as the printer 104.
5 is middleware that establishes a connection between an image input / output device such as the MFP 101, the scanner 103, and the printer 104, which is a server. The broker 106 is the CPU 10
8, a ROM 109, a RAM 110, a communication control unit 111, a function information database 112, etc.,
Generally, it is built on a workstation or personal computer.

Here, the CPU 108 is the broker 106.
The ROM 109 stores various control programs of the CPU 108, and the RAM 110 stores data and functions as a work area of the CPU 108.
Further, the communication control unit 111 selects a serviceable component based on the function information stored in the function information database 112 when a service request is made from each component connected to the network 107. Then, it controls the connection of the lines between the components.

Further, the network 107 is an information transmission line for transmitting information, and the MFP is connected to this information transmission line.
By connecting the image input / output devices of the input / output devices such as 101, the scanner 103, and the printer 104, the user has an input device such as a pointing device and a keyboard of the PC 105 at hand, the operation panel 102, or the scanner 103, the printer. Another input / output device can be remotely operated from an input device included in 104 or the like.

(Structure of Image Input Device) FIG. 2 is an external view showing the device structure of the MFP 101 as an image input / output device. 2, the MFP 101 includes an operation panel 102, a scanner unit 201, a plotter unit 202, a feeder unit 203, a paper feed tray unit 204, and a paper discharge bin unit 20.
It consists of 5 parts. A plurality of discharge bins 205 (a plurality of stages) are provided, and a display unit and a lock mechanism for each discharge bin are provided. As described above, the MFP 101 includes the scanner unit 201, the plotter unit 202, and the feeder unit 20.
3. It has a physical device such as a paper feed tray unit 204 and a paper discharge bin unit 205, and physical resources such as an external storage device, a memory, a font, and an operation panel 102 for a user interface. Further, a gate array for image processing (for example, character / photo mode) is one of the components included in the image input device.

(Hardware Configuration) FIG. 3 shows the MFP 1.
It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of 01. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU that controls the entire apparatus of the MFP 101, and under the control of the CPU 301, a ROM
302, RAM 303, NVRAM 304, operation panel 102 and panel control unit 305, scan / print engine 306 and engine control unit 307, storage device 308 and disk control 309, communication control unit 310,
The modem 311 is connected.

The ROM 302 stores program codes, fonts, and various other static information. The RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage location. The NVRAM 304 stores non-volatile information. The panel control unit 305
It controls the operation panel 102. The scan / print engine 306 serves as an image data input / output unit for reading a paper document and printing on paper, and the engine control unit 307 controls the scan / print engine 306. The storage device 308 is a large-capacity storage device used when storing a large amount of image data, and is, for example, an optical disk or a hard disk. The disk control unit 309 controls the storage device 308.

The communication control unit 310 is connected to a network such as Ethernet (for example, LAN (local area network)) and enables communication with external equipment. The modem 311 is a public line (for example, WAN (Wide Area Network).
ork)) to enable communication with an external device.

(Software Configuration) Next, the software of the image input / output system will be described. Figure 4
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing software of the image input / output system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, 400 is an OA device, and in the OA device 400, 401 is hardware, 402 is various drivers, and 40
3 is a real-time OS. The various drivers 402 are
This is to provide an interface for controlling the hardware 401. The real-time OS 403 treats the interface as a task unit, realizes scheduling and exclusive control of those tasks, and executes an API such as a system call or an application API.
Is provided as. Using this API, various manager groups realize an interface with the user.

As various managers, there are a database manager 404, a service manager 405, a job manager 406, a device manager 407, an operation manager 408 and the like.

Of these, the database manager 404
Is a process for managing / accessing / saving the resource 409 of the OA device 400. Resource 40 here
As shown in FIG. 4, 9 includes fonts, external characters, forms, read images, facsimile reception data, usage history data, billing data, and the like.

The service manager 405 is a process for executing management / execution / completion notification / monitoring status of various services. The various services mentioned here are a printer service 410 regarding font expansion and raster size, a scanning service 411 regarding reading, and the like.
A FAX service 412 related to FAX transmission / FAX reception / destination designation, and an AI service 413 related to OCR, area extraction, and the like.

The job manager 406 is a process for executing a state management / completion notice when a single job designated by the user is executed by a plurality of services and devices as a unit.

The device manager 407 is a process for executing management for using various physical devices, access, status monitoring, attribute management, etc. The various physical devices are the printing device 414 (for example, resolution, coordinates, colors). ，
Scanning device 415 (eg resolution, coordinates, colors),
Paper feeder 416 (for example, a paper feed tray, a paper output bin,
Sorter / double-sided, and media device 417 (for example, floppy disk (FD) / magneto-optical disk (M
O)) and the like.

The operation manager 408 is the OA
It is a process that has the operation panel information 418 of the device 400 and interactively communicates the display contents and operation contents of the operation panel 102 to the user side. As a result, the user can perform information acquisition / execution instruction / status acquisition and completion notification acquisition for various managers 404 to 408.

(Connection form) Further, the server and the client, that is, the OA device (MFP) 400 and the user (P)
C) The connection form with 419 includes (1) one-to-one connection (2) multiple clients / one server (multi-client / single server) (3) multiple clients / multiple servers [multi-client / multi-server 3) is considered, and there are three types of external view information: (1) bit map data (2) vector data (3) object data. The object data is set for each component such as a tray.

(Data Structure) Next, the data structure of the information on the parts mounted on the image input / output device will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the component information installed in the image input / output device. In FIG. 5, 501 is the "number of parts", 502 is the "part ID",
503 is "parts type", 504 is "number of attributes",
505 is the “attribute ID”, 506 is the “number of attribute values”, 5
07 is an "attribute value", 508 is an "operation number", 509 is an "operation ID", and 510 is an "attribute value setting command string"
, And 511 are the "operation execution command sequence".

Of these, the "number of parts" 501 is data indicating the number of parts mounted on the image input / output device. The “component ID” 502 is data indicating an identifier for each component, and for example, there are identifiers for a feeder, a scan engine, a paper feed tray, a plotter engine, a paper discharge bin, an image processing device, and the like. "Parts Type" 50
Data 3 indicates the type of each component. For example, if the part is a paper feed tray,
The different types are shown depending on the number of stacked sheets such as a 250-sheet tray.

The "attribute number" 504 is data indicating the number of modes held by the part. "Attribute ID" 50
5 is data indicating an identifier for each attribute of the part. “Number of attribute values” 506 is data indicating the number of values that the attribute can have. “Attribute value” 507 is data indicating a value for the attribute. The “number of operations” 508 is data indicating the number of operations that the component can execute. The “operation ID” 509 is data indicating the type of operation.

Also, "attribute value setting command sequence" 510
Is data indicating a command string to be sent to the image input / output device when setting the attribute value. The image I / O device interprets this command string and sets the mode. The “operation execution command string” 511 is data indicating a command string for executing the selected operation. The image input / output device interprets this command sequence and executes the operation.

The external view data is "part ID" 5
02 and "parts type" 503 are held in the form of raster data or graphic commands.

(Raster data structure of external view of parts) FIG. 6
[Fig. 4] is an explanatory diagram showing a raster data structure of a component appearance diagram, showing an array of pointers to raster data having "TYPE" as an element. From "TYPE = 0" to "TY
“Raster_ptr” data up to PE = n ”has“ X size ”that indicates the display size of the external view.
Data, "Y size" data, and "raster data" are held.

(Device Selection Procedure) Next, the device selection procedure will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a device selection algorithm in a multi-client / single-server connection form. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, print processing capability data, that is, capabilities such as “printable size” and “printable resolution” are set in the MFP 101, and the feasible value of each capability is declared as an enumerated type. , MFP10 equivalent to a single server
1 printable size is A4, B5, B6, A6, B
6, A7, the printable resolution is 400 dpi, and the first client (client 1-PC1) is "A
I want to print at 4,600 dpi. , The second client (client 2-PC2) is "A4,400 dpi
I want to print with. "The third client (client 3-PC3) wants to print at A3, 400 dpi."
Shows the sequence when there is a request.

According to this sequence, the "processing capacity acquisition request", that is, the client 1 (PC1) first requests the server (MFP) side for a reply as to whether or not the desired A4 size can be processed (step S70).
1). Next, processing capacity = OK, that is, the server (M
A response indicating that the processing capability is available is returned from the FP) side, and the client 1 (PC1) recognizes that the processing capability is OK (step S702). Next, the "resolution processing capability acquisition request", that is, the client 1 (PC
In 1), an inquiry is made as to whether processing can be performed at a resolution of 600 dpi (step S703). On the other hand, “processing capacity = reply of NG”, that is, since the processing capacity of the server is 400 dpi, the server side replies that there is no processing capacity (step S704). Thereby, the client 1 recognizes that the server cannot respond to the request of the client 1.

Next, the client 2 inquires of the server side about the processable size in the same manner as the client 1 (step S705), and obtains a response indicating that the process is possible (step S706). After that, it inquires about the resolution (step S707). In response to this inquiry, since the resolution of the server is 400 dpi, it is answered that the request for resolution can be met (step S708). Based on this, the client 2 sends a "device reservation request" to the server side (step S7).
09). In response to the reservation request, the server side replies that the reservation has been accepted (reservation OK) (step S).
710). By making a reservation in the server in this way, it becomes possible to use the service of the server, in other words, the online state.

Since the client 3 wants to print the A3 size, the client 3 transmits to the server whether or not it has the A3 processing capacity, that is, a processing capacity acquisition request of size = A3 (step S711). On the other hand, since the processing capacity size of the server is A4, there is no processing capacity, that is,
Reply that "processing capacity = NG" (step S71)
2). Thereby, the client 3 recognizes that the server cannot meet the request of the client 3.

Next, a procedure for selecting a device in a multi-client / multi-server connection mode will be described. When a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers are connected via a network, for example, the first server (server 1-MFI) has a printable size A.
4, B5, A5, B6, A6, B6, A7, printable resolution is 400 dpi, second server (server 2-MF
In P2), (b) printable size is A3, A4, B5
A5, B6, A6. B6. A7, printable resolution is 4
00 dpi, the third server (server 3-MFP3)
(C) Printable size is A4, B5, A5, B6, A
6 and A7, the printable resolution is 600 dpi, and on the client side, the first client (client 1) is A4,400 dpi, the second client (client 2) is A4,400 dpi, and third.
The client (client 3) is A3,400d
In pi, when printing is desired, the processing is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a device selection algorithm in a multi-client / multi-server connection form. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, the server 1, the server 2, and the server 3 notify the broker 106 of the above processing capabilities (a) to (c) (steps S801 to S803), and the broker 106 causes the server 1 to The processing capacity information notified from the server 3 is saved. On the other hand, on the client side, the broker 106 inquires about a server having a processing capacity of A4,400 dpl (step S80).
4). The broker 106 responds to this acquisition request with the server 1
And 2 reply that the request can be met (step S
805). In response to this reply, the client 1 issues a device reservation request to the server 1 (step S806),
The server 1 returns a usage permission to the client 1 (step S807), and the client 1 and the server 1 are brought into an online state.

(Data structure of external view information) Multifunction machine [MF
In P), the external view information of the device is saved in some format such as (1) raster data (2) graphics command (3) logical device information at the time of initialization, and there is a change in the device configuration. For example, when the number of paper feed trays increases, the external view information is rewritten.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of external view information (raster data) transmitted from the server side to the client side, and FIG. 10 is an external view information (raster data) transmitted from the server side to the client side. Graphics command)
11 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of FIG. 11, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of external view information (logical device information) transmitted from the server side to the client side.

Of these, the raster data has a data structure as shown in FIG. 9, and it is possible to have the data of the upper surface, the right side surface, the left side surface, etc. in addition to the front and back sides as the viewpoint parameter. Graphics command is Figure 1
The data structure is as shown in 0, and in the case of a two-dimensional command system, it has data such as front, back, and top. Further, in the case of logical device information, it has a data structure as shown in FIG.

In these figures, "ID" is M
The FP device ID indicates a print engine, a front cover, a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, an ADF, and the like. "TYPE" indicates the type of each part of the apparatus. For example, in the case of a paper feed tray, 500 sheet trays, 2
It means a 50-sheet tray, a reversing tray, or the like. "POSI
"TION" is the first stage of the paper feed tray, paper discharge tray, etc.
Indicates the position of the step. Then, the above "ID" and "TY
Each PE "holds the external view data of the device in the form of raster data or graphics command.

(Procedure for exchanging external view information) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for exchanging external view information transmitted from the server side to the client side. The rewriting of the external view information is executed by the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, in this procedure, first, the next attachable logical device list is acquired (step S120).
1). Next, I which is the attachable logical device list data
It is checked whether D is 0 (step S12).
02). Here, the attachable logical device list data is defined as a print engine ID1 and a paper feed tray ID2, as shown in FIG. 12B. Therefore, if the ID is not 0, it is confirmed whether the external view data structure matches the logical device information format (step S1203).

If it is determined that they match, the above-mentioned "TYPE" is acquired (step S1204).
And acquisition of "POSITION" (step S120
5) is performed, logical device information data is created (step S1206), and the process returns to step S1201 to obtain the next attachable logical device list.

If it is determined in step S1203 that the external view data structure and the logical device information format do not match, it is checked whether the external view data structure is a graphic command (step S120).
7) If it is a graphic command, the external view data structure is added to the graphic command (step S12).
08), and then returns to step 1501. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1207 that the external view data structure is not the graphic command, the raster data of the device is written in the external view information (step S1209), and then the process returns to step S1201. These processes are repeated, and when the ID is determined to be 0 in step S1202, this process ends (step S1210).

(Procedure for Displaying External View in the Case of Raster Data) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by raster data regarding the display of an external view executed between the client and the server. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the external view of the server to be used is displayed on the display device on the client side, since the display screen on the client side is 400 dots vertically and 600 dots horizontally, first, the external view from the client side to the server side. In the case of transmitting the information request (step S1301), the command CMD
= 01 and dot information (X = 600, Y = 400) are transmitted. In response to this, the server side acquires the external view raster data (step S1302), and enlarges or reduces the X / Y size according to the display size on the client side (step S1303). Then, it is returned to the client side as external view data (step S130).
4). On the client side, it is displayed on the display screen (or written in the display memory) based on the received external view data (step S1305).

(Procedure View Display Procedure in the Case of Graphics Command) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the graphics command relating to the appearance view display executed between the client and the server.
In the flowchart of FIG. 14, when the external view of the server to be used is displayed on the display device on the client side, the display screen on the client side is 400 dots vertically as described above.
Since it is 600 dots, first, the client side sends an external view information request to the server side (step S14).
01). In this case, the command CMD = 02 and dot information (X = 600 · Y = 400) are transmitted.

In response to this, the server side obtains the appearance drawing graphics data (step S1402), and sends the appearance drawing graphics data to the client side in response to the request from the client (step S1403). At the same time, the server interprets the graphics command,
It is expanded to raster data (step S1404). Similarly, the client side interprets the graphics command and develops it into raster data (step S140).
5). The external view information expanded into the raster data is displayed on the display screen of the client (or written in the display memory) (step S1406).

(Procedure Drawing Display Procedure in the Case of Logical Device Information) FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing by the logical device information regarding the display of the external drawing executed between the client and the server. In the flow chart of FIG. 15, when the external view of the server to be used is displayed on the display device on the client side, the display screen on the client side is 400 dots vertically and 600 dots horizontally as described above. The external view information request is transmitted to the user (step S1501). In this case, command CMD = 03 and dot information (X = 600, Y = 4
00) is transmitted.

In response to this, the server acquires external view logical device information (step S1502), and adds "ID", "TYPE", "POSTIO" to the external view logical device information.
If "N" is present (step S1503), "ID", "TYPE", and "POSITION" are sent to the client side (step S1504). Also, the display data is extracted and transmitted (step S1505). On the client side, "ID", "TYPE", "POSITI"
“ON” is stored (step S1506), and the external view data transmitted from the server side is displayed on the display screen of the client (or written in the display memory) (step S1507).

In these three patterns, the client side only needs to follow the communication protocol, and does not need to have any unique information on the server (MFP) side.

(Operation Procedure on Client Side) Table 1 shows the operation procedure after the external view of the image input / output device is displayed on the display screen on the client side.

[0070]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, when the remote control is started, the external view shown in the display example 1 of FIG. 16 is displayed. 16 is an external view 1601 of the server used.
And a remote control end button 1602 for ending the remote control are displayed. Next, when the operator clicks the feeder unit 1603 in the external view 1601 of the server with a pointing device (not shown),
The selection screen of the sheet feeding operation attribute (single-sided / double-sided) shown in the display example 2 of FIG. 17 is displayed.

In the display example 2 of FIG. 17, the attribute ID display unit 1
701, an operation instruction button 1702, an attribute ID move button 1703, an attribute value setting button 1704, and an attribute value setting end button 1705 are displayed. The attribute ID display unit 1701 displays the attribute ID of the currently selected attribute. In the display example 2, as described above,
Since the feeder section 1603 is clicked in the display example 1, the attribute ID display is "paper feeding operation attribute".

The operation instruction button 1702 is a button for switching to an operation instruction screen such as a paper feed operation or a paper discharge operation. The attribute ID move button 1703 is
If multiple attribute IDs exist, the attribute ID before and after that
This is a button to move to. The attribute value setting button 1704 is a button for setting an attribute value, and in the case of the paper feed operation attribute, the attribute value is set by selecting “single side” or “double side”. The attribute value setting end button 1705 is a button for ending the setting of the attribute value, and by clicking this button, the display is switched to the external view of the display example 1.

In Display Example 2, when the operator clicks on the "single-sided" portion of the attribute value setting button 1704 with a pointing device (not shown), an attribute value setting command string for "single-sided" is stored. Next, when the operation instruction button 1702 is clicked, the operation instruction screen is displayed. In the case of the paper feed operation attribute, a paper feed operation instruction screen is displayed. Further, in the case of the paper ejection operation attribute, a paper ejection operation instruction screen is displayed. Next, when a paper feed button is clicked on a paper feed operation instruction screen (not shown), the stored attribute value setting command string is sent to the server side, and subsequently, the operation execution command string is sent to the server side.

After sending the operation execution command string, the display returns to the selection screen of the display example 2 and the attribute value setting end button 1705 is clicked to display the external view of the display example 1 again. By clicking the scanner unit 1603 in the external view 1601 of the server of the display example 1 with a pointing device (not shown), the same procedure is repeated thereafter.

18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure on the client side. In the flowchart of FIG. 18, when remote control is started, first,
A list of component information is acquired (step S1801).
Next, after initializing the MFP transmission command file (step S1802), an external view screen is displayed (step S1803). At this time, the entire parts list is displayed according to the parts list structure.

Next, if the button is pushed down (step S1804) and it is pushed down, it is judged whether or not the pushed button is the remote control end button (step S1805). Here, if the button is the remote control end button, the process ends (step S1806).

On the other hand, if the button is not the remote control end button, the input of the parts section button is waited for (step S1807). If the parts section button is input, the attribute value setting screen (display example 2) is displayed. Display (step S18)
08). If the button is pressed while the attribute value setting screen is displayed (step S1809) and the button is pressed, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is the attribute value button ( Step S18
10).

If the pressed button is the attribute value button in step S1810, the attribute value setting command string is written in the MFP transmission file (step S1811). Then, the process returns to step S1809.

On the other hand, in step S1810 described above,
If the pressed button is not an attribute value button,
In step S1901 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is the operation instruction button (step S1901).

If it is determined in step S1901 that the pressed button is not the operation instruction button, it is determined whether the button is an end button (step S190).
2) If the end button, step S in FIG.
Return to 1803. On the other hand, if the button is not the end button, the process returns to step S1809 in FIG.

In step S1901, if the pressed button is the operation instruction button,
Switch the display screen to the operation instruction screen (step S19
03). After that, the button is pushed down (step S1904), and if the button is pushed down, it is judged whether or not the button is an operation execution instruction button (step S1905). Here, if the button is the operation execution instruction button, the MFP transmission file is sent to the server side (step S1906). After that, the operation execution command string is sent to the server side (step S190
7) and returns to step S1904.

On the other hand, in step S1905,
If the pressed button is not the operation execution instruction button, then the same processing as the attribute display routine is performed.

(Effects of First Embodiment) As described above, according to the image input / output system according to the first embodiment, the mode setting and the operation can be performed from the PC 105, which is a remote device, to the component unit of the MFP 101 or the like. You can give instructions for execution.

[Second Embodiment] (Structure of Second Embodiment) The basic structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate common structures. Is omitted.

(Processing Procedure for Searching / Selecting Parts) FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of component search / selection according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, a first server (server 1-MFP1), a second server (server 2-MFP2), a third server (server 3-).
The MFP 13) transfers each component information to the broker 106 at the time of network registration, and the broker links the server identifier (server ID) with the transferred component information and stores it in the function information database 112 in the broker. (Steps S2001 to S20)
03). The client (PC) is the part ID you want to retrieve
To the broker 106 (step S20)
04).

The broker 106 is the function information database 1
From the component information in 12, the server ID of the device having the component corresponding to the component ID to be searched and the component information of the device are returned to the client (step S200).
5). The client side examines the returned component information and determines the server to use based on the examination result. After determining the server, remote control of the determined server is performed according to the sequence of the first embodiment.

(Effects of Second Embodiment) As described above, according to the image input / output system of the second embodiment, the plurality of MFPs 101 connected to the network 107 are connected.
Which device to use from among the above can be determined from the PC 105, which is a remote operation device, in consideration of the component characteristics of the MFP 101 and the like.

[Third Embodiment] (Structure of Third Embodiment) The basic structure of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate common structures. Is omitted.

(Software Configuration) Next, the software of the image input / output system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing software of the image input / output system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 2100 is an OA device, and
In 100, 2101 is hardware, 21
02 is various drivers, 2103 is real time O
It is S. The various drivers 2102 are hardware 21
This is to provide an interface for controlling 01. The real-time OS 2103 captures an interface as a task unit, realizes scheduling and exclusive control of those tasks, and provides it as an API such as a system call or an application API. Using this API, various manager groups realize an interface with the user.

There are a database manager 2104, a service manager 2105, a job manager 2106, a device manager 2107, an operation manager 2108, etc. as various managers.

Of these, the database manager 120
Reference numeral 4 is a process for managing / accessing / saving the resource 2109 of the OA device 2100. Here, as the resource 2109, as shown in FIG. 21, there are fonts, external characters, forms, read images, fax reception data use history data, billing data, and the like.

The service manager 2105 is a process for executing management / execution / completion notification / monitoring status of various services. The various services mentioned here are
For example, a printer service 2110 relating to font expansion and raster size, for example, a scanning service 2111, relating to reading, and, for example, FAX.
The FAX service 2112 is related to transmission, FAX reception, and designation of a destination.

The job manager 2106 is a process which, when one job designated by the user is executed by a plurality of services and devices, executes state management and completion notification as one unit thereof.

The device manager 2107 is used for management, access, status monitoring, and management for using various physical devices.
In the process of performing attribute management, various physical devices are the printing device 2114 (for example, resolution, coordinates,
Color), a scanning device 2115 (for example, resolution / coordinates / color), and a paper feeding device 2116 (for example, a paper feed tray, a paper discharge bin, a sorter, both sides).

The operation manager 2108
This is a process that has the operation panel information 2108 of the A device 2100 and interactively communicates the display contents and operation contents of the operation panel 102 to the user side. As a result, on the user side, various managers 2104 to 2108
It is possible to perform information acquisition, execution instruction, status acquisition, and completion notification acquisition for.

The various software parts 2120 are
Based on the management of the job manager 2106, it operates as a function that acts as an agent. Here, the agent means that the various software components serve as an intermediary for realizing the user's request by the service manager 2105 and the device manager 2107 of the OA device. That is, the agent satisfies the user's request by activating the appropriate service manager 2105 and device manager 2107.

(Configuration of Software Component) Next, the configuration of the software component (agent) 2120 will be described. The software component 2120 includes (1) output document (2) batch (3) page delivery.

(1) Of the output document software parts 2120, the output document is a software part having a role of managing a bundle of papers output to the same discharge bin by a series of printing processes as one job. Is.

(2) Of the batch software parts 2120, the batch is a software part having a role of generating an output document according to a user's request. Thus, the user can create several batches and execute the batches to obtain the original document in various forms as an output document by one instruction.

(3) Page delivery Among the software components 2120, page delivery is a software component that receives a page to be printed and has a role of delivering it to an output document. Therefore, since this software component manages the output document to be delivered by the list structure and the like, it knows all the above output documents.

(Data Structure) Next, each data structure of the software component 2120 will be described. (1) Output document The output document has the data structure of “printing device ID”, “paper feed tray ID”, “paper ejection bin ID”, “print mode”, “number of printed papers”, and “current state”. Composed. Here, the "printing device ID" is data indicating the type of printing device. The “paper feed tray ID” is data indicating the type of paper feed tray. The "paper discharge bin ID" is data indicating the type of paper discharge bin. The “print mode” is, for example, data indicating a print mode such as combined / double-sided / normal. “Number of printed sheets” is data indicating the result of counting the number of printed sheets. "Current status" means, for example, "idling",
This is data indicating the current state of the device, such as “processing” and “jam is occurring”.

(2) Batches The types of batches include “OHP batch”, “clean copy batch”, “aggregate batch”, “double-sided batch”, “normal batch”, etc. , “Output destination”, “correspondence when jam occurs”, and “transfer output when jam occurs”. Here, the “output copy number” is data indicating the number of output documents. The “output destination” is data indicating the content regarding the output destination that satisfies the conditions of each batch. “Response when a jam occurs” is data regarding what to do when a jam occurs. When a jam occurs, the data is related to, for example, waiting until the jam is cleared or requesting another image input / output device to perform print processing.

Depending on the type of batch, "the OHP batch is printed on the OHP sheet.", "The clean copy batch is printed by a high-resolution image input / output device.", "The aggregate batch is printed in 2in1". . "," Double-sided batch is printed on both sides. "

(3) Page Delivery The page delivery has a data structure of "output document list ID". "Output document list I
"D" is data relating to delivery of the received page to the "output document" which is a software component managed by the output document list.

(Processing Procedure for Batch Generation) Next, the processing procedure in the software component will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for batch generation. It should be noted that it is assumed that the batch is created by a setting screen that is interactive with the user, or that the factory that creates the batch as a program is a software component. However, this generation method has nothing to do with the essence of the third embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment,
The batch need only be present by some means.

In the flowchart of FIG. 22, it is judged whether or not a batch is to be generated (step S2201), and if the batch is not to be generated, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when generating a batch, first, the type of batch is set (step S2202). As the type of batch, there are "OHP", "clean copy", "combination", "double-sided", etc. as described above, and the desired batch type is set from these. Next, the number of output copies is set (step S220).
3). That is, the number of copies to be output is set, and the output document parts are generated by the set number of copies.

Next, the output destination is set (step S2).
204). There are two possible output destinations, "local" and "remote". "Local" means that the page creation device (usually a scanner) and the page printing device (usually a printer) are in the same device, that is, they are connected by a local image bus or the like. On the other hand, "remote" means that a page creating device and a page printing device are separate devices and are connected in some form, that is, a page (usually, via a network).
(Including image data). Therefore, in the case of "remote", output destination information such as the output destination IP address is required.

Next, a method for dealing with the occurrence of a jam is set (step S2205), and when the countermeasure for dealing with the jam is "request print processing to another image input / output device." It is set whether to use the input / output device (step S2206). Specifically, the image input / output device of the output destination is set by registering the IP address and the like.

Next, the batch is registered (step S
2207). Since multiple batches can be created, they are usually managed by a list structure. Further, when managing, a batch ID or a user ID can be added for reuse. By registering the above batch, set the input document (usually set the manuscript in ADF (Auto Document Feeder) etc.) and start (RUN) the above batch to obtain the review output document. it can.

(Processing Procedure for Starting Page Delivery) Next, a processing procedure for starting page delivery will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for starting page delivery. In the flowchart of FIG. 23, first, when an assignment request from a batch is received (step S2301) and there is an assignment request, that is, when an output document list is present as an argument, the output document list is registered (step S2301). S2302).

Then, the arrival of the page is awaited, and it is determined whether or not the page has arrived (step S2303).
When the image input / output device is a copying machine, pages are sent from a scanner, and when the image input / output device is a printer, pages are sent from an interpreter that interprets and rasterizes a page description language. Here, the page has some print data (for example, raster data).

When the page is received in step S2303, an output document is acquired next (step S2304). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an output document (step S2305), and if there is no output document, the process returns to step S2303. On the other hand, if there is an output document, the received page is notified to the output document (step S2
306), and then returns to step S2304.

When the job end signal is received in step S2303, the process returns to step S2301. For example, in the case of a copying machine, the end of the job may be judged when the sheets set in the ADF run out, and in the case of a printer, the end of the job (EO
F) The determination may be made based on reception or reception data timeout.

(Processing procedure related to batch startup) Next,
The processing procedure related to batch startup will be described. Figure 24
6 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for batch activation. In the flowchart of FIG. 24, with respect to batch activation (RUN), first, a batch list is acquired (step S2401). Then, it is judged whether or not there is a new batch, that is, the next batch (step S2
402), if there is a next batch, that batch is acquired (step S2403).

Next, what kind of batch is available is acquired (step S2404).
As the type of batch, as described above, there are "OHP batch", "clean copy batch", "aggregated batch", "double-sided batch", "normal batch", and the like. Software components related to the "output document" are generated by the number of output copies (step S2405).

Next, it is determined whether or not the type of batch acquired in step S2404 is "OHP batch" (step S2406). If the acquired batch type is "OHP batch", then the OHP
Search for a paper tray that contains sheets (step S2
407), the device ID of the retrieved image input / output device is set as the "output destination" attribute of the batch. Further, the number of the paper feed tray containing the OHP sheet is acquired (step S24
08), and proceeds to step S2412.

If the acquired batch type is not "OHP" in step S2406, it is determined whether the batch is a "clean copy batch" (step S2).
2409). Here, if it is a “clean copy batch”, 1
The plotter engine of 200 dpi or more is searched (step S2410), and the device I of the searched image input / output device is searched.
After setting D to the "output destination" attribute of the batch, step S24
Move to 12.

For other batches as well, similar to the above-mentioned “OHP batch” and “clean copy batch”, an image input / output device satisfying the conditions is searched and the device ID is set as the “output destination” attribute of the batch (step S2411). ), And then, the process proceeds to step S2412. Note that, in the flowchart of FIG. 24, the detailed processing steps for other batches have the same processing procedure, and therefore their contents are omitted.

In step S2412, the device ID of the searched image input / output device is acquired, and the device ID is acquired.
Is set to the "print ID" of the output document (step S2412). Next, bin numbers are set in the order of document generation (step S2413). Here, the sorting function can be realized by sequentially assigning the bin numbers in the set of the device IDs of the same image input / output device.

Next, the paper feed tray is set (step S2414). For the paper feed tray, select the tray number based on the information given from the scanner, that is, the document size information detected by the automatic document size detection, or the fixed size information if it is set to the fixed size. Set the paper tray with. Then, the process returns to step S2402.

If there is no next batch in step S2414, all output documents are activated (step S2420) and the process ends. After that, the processing for output documents is started.

(Processing Procedure for Output Document) Next, the processing procedure for the output document will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for an output document. In the flowchart of FIG. 25, regarding the output document, first, it waits for a page (step S2501), and if there is a page, the batch related to the page transfers the output to another image input / output device when a jam occurs. It is determined whether or not the data is "Yes" (step S2502).

In step S2502, if the data is output for transfer to another image input / output device, the page is saved (step S25).
03). On the other hand, if the data does not indicate transfer, the page is not saved. Here, in the case of the same machine, there is a sheet that has already been printed out, so it is not necessary to save the page. Also, when performing transfer output to another image input / output device, the sheet already output in the jammed image input / output device becomes unnecessary and the saved page is sent to the other image input / output device from the beginning. By doing so, the previous page is output from the other image input / output device.

Next, a print instruction is issued (step S
2504). That is, printing is executed by sending the paper feed tray number, the paper discharge bin number, and the page to be printed to the plotter engine.

Thereafter, when the printing is not completed (step S2505) and the printing is normally completed, the number of printed sheets is incremented (step S2).
506), and then returns to step S2501.

On the other hand, in step S2505,
When printing is not completed normally, for example, when a jam has occurred, the jam is notified to the batch (step S2507). When the batch receives the jam occurrence message, the output document printing device I
Rewrite D to the transfer output destination when a batch jam occurs.
Further, the output document sequentially sends the stored pages to page delivery. Then, step S250
Return to 1.

(Effects of the Third Embodiment) As described above, according to the image input / output system of the third embodiment, the image input / output processing is executed for each document, so that one original document is used for OHP. The document printed on the OHP sheet and the document printed collectively for the distribution material can be obtained by one operation.

Since the output destination of the document can also be designated, the delivery destination of the official document and the delivery destination of the carbon copy (cc) can be designated in one operation, and the document for clear copy can be printed on plain paper. However, a carbon copy document can be instructed to be printed on recycled paper.

Further, even when a trouble such as a jam occurs, it is possible to avoid the trouble on a document-by-document basis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the output sheets, which are the constituent elements of the document, from being separately output to another device. be able to.

[0131]

[0132]

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the image output system of the present invention (claim 1), the remote operation device, for each unit of the output document, to select the image input and output conditions are selected The operation of the image input / output device is instructed according to the specified conditions, and based on the operation instruction,
Since the image input / output device executes an operation, an operation having different image input / output conditions can be obtained from one original document by one operation.

[0134] Further, in the image output system of the present invention (claim 2), to select the desired image output device from a plurality of image input and output devices remote operating device for each unit of the output document , The operation of the selected image input / output device is instructed, and the selected image input / output device executes the operation based on the operation instruction, so that the output destination of the document can also be specified,
Multiple notification destinations can be specified for each document in a single operation, and operation instructions can be issued according to different image output conditions for each notification destination.

Further, in the image input / output system of the present invention (claim 3 ), when the remote operation device has a failure in the image input / output device, a failure avoidance measure is selected for each output document unit, The output of the image input / output device is instructed based on the selected failure avoidance measure, and the selected image input / output device executes the operation based on the operation instruction, so that each output that is a constituent element of the document is output. It is possible to prevent the sheets and the like from being processed separately in another image input / output device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input / output system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a device configuration of an MFP.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an MFP.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing software of the image input / output system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of component information mounted on the image input / output device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a raster data structure of a component appearance diagram.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a device selection procedure in a multi-client / single-server connection form.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a device selection procedure in a multi-client / multi-server connection form.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of external view information (raster data) transmitted from the server side to the client side.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of appearance drawing information (graphics command) transmitted from the server side to the client side.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of external view information (logical device information) transmitted from the server side to the client side.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting and receiving external view information transmitted from the server side to the client side.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by raster data regarding display of an external view executed between a client and a server.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by a graphics command relating to display of an external view executed between a client and a server.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by logical device information regarding display of an external view executed between a client and a server.

FIG. 16 is a display example 1 of an external view.

FIG. 17 is a display example 2 of an external view.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure on the client side.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart (No. 2) showing the processing procedure on the client side.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for component search / selection.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram showing software of the image input / output system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to batch generation.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure regarding page delivery start.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to batch activation.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to an output document.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 MFP 102 Operation panel 103 scanner 104 printer 105 PC 106 Broker 107 network 108 CPU 109 ROM 110 RAM 111 Communication control unit 112 Function Information Database 201 Scanner section 202 Plotter part 203 feeder section 204 Paper feed tray section 205 Output bin section 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 NVRAM 305 Panel control unit 306 Scan / Print Engine 307 Engine control unit 308 storage device 309 Disk control unit 310 Communication control unit 311 modem

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which one or a plurality of image input / output devices and a remote operation device are connected by a network, wherein the image input / output device is a feeder unit for setting a document, A scanner unit that executes reading, an image processing unit that processes an image read by the scanner unit, a plotter unit that writes an image processed by the image processing unit, and a paper feed tray that sets a paper feed that is written by the plotter unit Unit, a plurality of parts such as a paper discharge bin unit for distributing and arranging the paper feed written by the plotter unit, and the remote operation device stores a plurality of units stored in a storage unit for each output document unit. Image input / output conditions
It includes a condition selection means Ru is arbitrarily selected image input conditions and an operation instructing means for instructing operations of said image input device by the selected condition by the condition selection means from among the operation by the operation instructing means An image input / output system, wherein the image input / output device executes an operation based on the instruction of 1. 2. An image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which a plurality of image input / output devices and a remote operation device are connected by a network, wherein the image input / output device is a feeder unit for setting a document and reading the document. A scanner unit for executing, an image processing unit for processing an image read by the scanner unit, a plotter unit for writing an image processed by the image processing unit, a paper feed tray unit for setting a paper feed written by the plotter unit, The remote operation device includes a plurality of parts such as a paper discharge bin part for distributing and arranging the paper feed written by the plotter part, and the remote operation device selects from among the plurality of image input / output devices for each output document unit. the desired device selection means Ru to select the image output device, the instrumentation And an operation instruction means for instructing the operation of the image input-output device selected by the selecting means, based on the operation instruction by the operation instruction means, wherein the selected image output device to perform an action Image input / output system. 3. An image input / output system in a network distributed environment in which one or a plurality of image input / output devices and a remote operation device are connected by a network, wherein the image input / output device is a feeder unit for setting a document, A scanner unit that executes reading, an image processing unit that processes an image read by the scanner unit, a plotter unit that writes an image processed by the image processing unit, and a paper feed tray that sets a paper feed that is written by the plotter unit Section, a plurality of parts such as a discharge bin section for distributing and arranging the paper feed written by the plotter section, and the remote operation device outputs an output document when a failure occurs in the image input / output device. for each unit, the serial
And failure avoidance selecting means Ru arbitrarily to select the fault workaround from a plurality of failure workarounds stored in憶means, of the image input device based on the failure workaround selected by the failure avoidance selecting means An image input / output system comprising: an operation instructing means for instructing an operation, wherein the selected image input / output device executes an operation based on an operation instruction by the operation instructing means.