JP2002229878A - Remote copy system and multifunction system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a mechanism that allows a user to use a system without being conscious of a combination of devices on a network. SOLUTION: When trying to control a device that cannot be controlled when controlling a device connected to a network such as an image input device or an image output device, the control destination is automatically controlled. A switching unit, a device to be switched by the switching unit, a device selection unit for selecting based on information registered in advance by the device information registration unit, a device information notification unit for notifying the device information selected by the device selection unit, and a device information notification. There is provided a control device priority assigning means for registering the device information notified by the means in the device registration means and assigning a priority to a control destination based on the registered information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction system composed of input devices and output devices connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are a number of methods for configuring a multifunction device system (hereinafter abbreviated as an MFP system) by connecting input devices such as a scanner and a digital camera and output devices such as a printer and a fax with each other via a network. Has been realized. In this type of system, a file server that temporarily stores data on a network and a client host that instructs data reading from an input device and data transmission to an output device (this may also serve as the file server) are provided. Required.

[0003]

In order to connect such a system more easily and more effectively,
A method of automatically acquiring device-specific information from a device connected to the network can be considered. The device-specific information is information such that the device is a printer, has a sorter, and the paper size is A4 only.
When trying to construct a system that obtains the device-specific information and freely combines them, the range in which the information is collected becomes a problem. In other words, devices on the network include devices that are not suitable for being combined as multifunction image input / output devices, such as distant PCs, workstations, and printers. Inappropriate is a P that is not used as a multifunction system.
Acquisition of device information, including C and EWS, leads to an excessive amount of information, and a complicated aspect that, when operating as a system including devices in distant locations, images are output to ridiculous locations. The point that comes.

On the other hand, when a multi-function system is configured within a certain range, a plurality of multi-function systems are configured as a whole, and each multi-function system operates in an isolated system, which causes a problem. Become. For example,
This multi-function system is composed of equipment on one floor, and when it is desired to output from a multi-function system composed of equipment on another floor, for example, a telephone line such as facsimile transmission and reception between systems. It is conceivable to use the device via a LAN without using the device.

[0005] In addition, by combining an image input device and an image output device connected on a network and distributing data input from a certain image input device to a plurality of image outputs, productivity can be increased. Such a method is called a cascade copy. For example, when an image read by a scanner is output from a network printer connected to a network, doubling the speed can be obtained by distributing the output to two printers. At this time, if one of the two devices becomes incapable of outputting, it is necessary to switch to another device as a substitute device.

When there is no driver for controlling devices on the proxy server, for example, when a new device is added to the system in a multi-function system or when a device is controlled across systems, There is a problem that a desired output cannot be obtained for an input.

At that time, means for informing information for controlling the equipment is required. Also, if there is a mechanism for automatically switching to a controllable device and a mechanism for knowing the result of the switch, the system can function smoothly.

[0008]

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, a means for pre-registering a device which can be a component of the multi-function system is provided so that the device can be located within a range desired by the user, for example, within one floor. Only devices can be made into a single system. As a result, it is only necessary to automatically collect information of only the registered devices, and it is not necessary to output the information from an unintended remote printer.

Also, means for automatically switching to a device other than the output destination desired by the user among certain devices on the network with a priority order based on a certain event, and a means for controlling the devices. By providing the means, the system can function smoothly when an unintended accident or the like occurs in a device on the network.

For example, when the device B is controlled from the device A, a problem occurs due to the cause C, so that the device D is automatically selected as a substitute device, and information is shown to the user via the user interface. The current event is registered in the device information registration means at the same time as being shown to the user. Register the optimal control route when the same event occurs from the next time. In this case, if the control device D assigned by the system does not match the device desired by the user, the user has means for selecting the desired device from the devices searched by the system via the interface, The information selected by the user is returned to the management server by the user interface. For example, when the user selects the device E instead of the device D. The information is returned to the management server and registered. Then, the data is used for assigning the priority of the device automatically selected by the device.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the system configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technology for connecting devices. In this embodiment, it is assumed that Ethernet (registered trademark) using the TCP / IP protocol is used.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner for optically reading an original or the like printed on paper or the like, having a network interface.
1 is connected to each device. The read image data is a RGB color scanner.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a network scanner 102;
Network printer (2095, 2902, 290
3) Configuration information when configuring a virtual MFP (multifunction device) by combining the network Fax 2904 (hereinafter referred to as a transfer path profile)
Is a management server that stores a transfer path profile at the request of an input device and an output device. The management server is usually realized by installing server software on a personal computer or a workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface, and is connected to each device via the network 101.

Reference numerals 2095, 2902, and 2903 each include a network interface, receive print data and image data transmitted through the network interface, and actually convert the print data and image data to media such as paper using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. This is a network printer that performs printing. Network printers 2095, 2902,
2903 is also connected to each device via the network 101. Here, reference numeral 2095 denotes a black and white digital multifunction peripheral, 2902 denotes a color laser printer, and 2903 denotes a black and white laser beam printer.

Reference numeral 2904 denotes a fax which has a network interface and transmits and receives image data via a public line 2905. The image data read by the scanner 102 on the network 101 is transmitted, and the received image data is transmitted to the printers 2095, 2902, and 2903.
It is also an interface for inputting and outputting image data to be output from the PC 103 and filed by the PC 103 on the public line 2905.

In this embodiment, image data transmitted from the network scanner is transmitted to the network printer (2).
095, 2902, 2903), it is assumed that printing can be performed immediately.
It does not refer to conversion to PDL).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network scanner 102. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technology;
Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire operation; 203, a RAM for temporarily storing image data read by the scanner engine 201 and storage of work storage information; 203, a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202; R
OM. Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101, and reference numeral 206 denotes device information of the network scanner 102 on the management server 1.
03, a device profile supply unit 207 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server,
Transfer path profile acquisition unit 2 for storing information in 203
An operation panel 08 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface. Digital MFP 2
095 is also equipped with a network scanner having a similar configuration.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network printer 2903. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink jet, and 302 denotes a CP for controlling the entire operation.
U and 303 are RAMs for temporarily storing image data to be printed on the printer engine 301 and storing work storage information, and 303 is a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 302 is written. Reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101; 306, a device profile supply unit for transmitting device information of the network printer 2903 to the management server 103; 307, a transfer path profile from the management server; A transfer path profile acquisition unit 308 to store the image data is an operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface. The network printers 2095 and 2902 connected on the same network also have the same basic configuration as the network printer 2903.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view for explaining the configuration of a digital full-color copying machine constituting the multifunction system of FIG.

The digital full-color copying machine has a digital color image reader section 40 at the top and a digital color image printer section 41 at the bottom. In the reader unit 40, the original 400 is placed on an original plate 401 made of glass or the like, and copying is started from the operation unit 402. Exposure lamp 403
The reflected light image from the original 400 obtained by exposing and scanning the original is reflected by the reflecting mirror 404 and then the lens 421
And converges on a full-color sensor (line CCD in this embodiment) 405 to obtain a color-separated image signal. The color-separated image signal is converted into a digital camera electric signal by the image processing unit 407 via the amplifier circuit 406, subjected to image processing including editing, and sent to the printer unit 41.

In the printer section 41, an image signal from the reader section 40 is converted into a laser light signal by a laser output section 408, reflected by a polygon mirror 409, and projected on the surface of a photosensitive drum 410. At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 410 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, uniformly charged by the charger 411, and a light image is emitted for each separation color to form a latent image.

Next, a predetermined developing unit 421 is operated to develop the latent image and form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 410. Further, the toner image is transferred from a recording material cassette 412 to a recording material supplied to a position facing the photosensitive drum 410 via a transfer system and a transfer device 413. Transfer drum 4
The toner image on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto the recording material as the rotating member 13 is rotated. As described above, the desired number is transferred to the recording material to form a full-color image.

In the case of forming a full-color image, when the transfer of the four color toner images is completed, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 413 and discharged to a tray 415 via a fixing device 414.
When performing double-sided printing, the recording material is guided to a path 417 by a flipper 416, the recording material is reversed by a reversing roller 419, and the recording material is conveyed to a tray 420 for double-sided printing. The recording material conveyed to the double-sided printing tray is again conveyed between the transfer drum 413 and the photosensitive drum 411 by the conveyance roller, and an image is formed on the back surface. Also, Network I /
It has an F422 and can be connected to 101 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image processing unit 407. In the figure, 501 is a shading correction circuit, and 502 is an input masking circuit. 503 is RG
B editing circuit, 504 is a color space compression circuit, 505 is the light amount−
It is a density conversion (hereinafter, LOG conversion) table. 506 is an output masking circuit, 507 is a CMYK editing circuit, 50
Reference numeral 8 denotes a density correction table. 509 is a scaling circuit, 51
0 is a spatial filter circuit, 511 is a black character processing circuit, 51
Reference numeral 2 denotes an area generation circuit. The image read by the CCD 405 and converted into digital image signals R, G, and B by the amplifying device 406 is corrected by the shading correction circuit 501 for the inclination of the light distribution of the lamp light source 403 and the variation of the sensor. Thereafter, the input masking circuit 502 converts the signal into three signals representing a standard color space, and inputs the RGB signal to an RGB editing circuit 503 to perform some editing processing such as color conversion, image synthesis with an external crisis, and generation of a character processing signal. . Next, the color space compression circuit 504 compresses the color space so that the color of the document does not collapse and falls within the color reproduction range of the printer unit. Further L
Image signal RGB represented by light amount in OG conversion table
Is converted into three color signals of density signals C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) of the corresponding developer (for example, toner). The output masking circuit 506 at the next stage outputs a signal of one color for forming an image among CMYBk converted in accordance with the spectral characteristics of the toner in a frame-sequential manner. After adding functions such as painting and coloring in the CMYK editing circuit 507,
Density correction circuit 508, scaling circuit 509, spatial filter 5
The image signal that has passed through 10 is output to the laser drive circuit.

On the other hand, the black character processing circuit 511 detects the boldness, edge, and color of the image from the RGB image signal, and determines the output masking 506, the coefficient of the spatial filter 510, and the number of lines for laser driving according to the result. Switch.
The area signal generation circuit 512 generates an area signal in accordance with designation by a digitizer or a marker.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the image processing unit and the image server. The image processing unit 407 described above is connected to the image server 6 via the I / F 617.
16 is connected, and temporarily stores image information of a document read and image-processed by the CCD sensor 405.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the monochrome digital image processing apparatus. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a platen glass on which a document is placed at a predetermined position. Reference numeral 702 denotes a document illumination lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes a document placed on a platen glass. 703, 70
Reference numerals 4 and 705 denote operation mirrors, which are accommodated in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide the reflected light from the document to the CCD unit 706 while reciprocating.
Is an imaging lens 707 for imaging reflected light from the original,
It comprises a CCD driver 709 for driving an image sensor 708 composed of a color CCD. The image signal output from the image sensor 708 is converted into, for example, 8-bit digital data for each of R, G, and B,
It is input to a controller unit 739 that performs image processing and sequence control of the apparatus.

Reference numeral 710 denotes a photosensitive drum;
Is discharged by the pre-exposure lamp in preparation for image formation.
Reference numeral 713 denotes a laser unit B serving as a first exposure unit, which is configured by, for example, a semiconductor laser or the like, and exposes the photosensitive drum 710 based on image data of a color other than black among image data processed by the controller unit 739. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed. Reference numeral 715 denotes a replaceable first developing device, which can be easily set at a predetermined position in the printer by a user. The first developing device 715 is filled with a developer other than black. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first developing device 715 is filled with a developer (toner) that emits, for example, a red developing color. Reference numeral 716 denotes a second charger, which uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 710 after development by the first developer 715 is performed. 7
Reference numeral 17 denotes a laser unit serving as a second exposure unit, which is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor laser or the like.
The photosensitive drum 710 is exposed on the basis of the black image data among the image data processed in step (1) to form an electrostatic latent image.
718 is a second developing unit, which is a black developer (toner)
Is housed.

A pre-transfer charger 719 applies a high voltage before transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 710 to paper. Reference numerals 720, 722, and 724 denote paper supply units, and transfer paper is fed into the apparatus by driving the respective paper supply rollers 721, 723, and 725, and the registration rollers 72
The sheet is temporarily stopped at the arrangement position of No. 6, and is fed again after a timing for writing with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 710 is set. A transfer charger 727 separates the transfer paper having undergone the transfer operation from the photosensitive drum 710. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 710 without being transferred is transferred to the cleaner 7
11 to be collected. 729 is a transport belt,
The transfer sheet after the transfer process is conveyed to the fixing device 730, where the toner on the transfer sheet is fixed by, for example, heat. Reference numeral 731 denotes a flapper, which controls the conveyance path of the transfer sheet having undergone the fixing process in one of the arrangement directions of the sheet discharge tray 732 or the intermediate tray 737. Reference numerals 733 to 736 denote feeding rollers, which feed the transfer sheet, for which the fixing process has been completed, to the intermediate tray 737 in an inverted manner when performing multiple recording, or in a non-inverted manner when performing double-sided printing. Reference numeral 738 denotes a re-feed roller, which conveys the transfer sheet placed on the intermediate tray 737 again to the position where the registration roller 726 is disposed. The controller unit 739 includes a microcomputer, an image processing unit, and the like, which will be described later, and controls the above-described image forming operation in accordance with an instruction from the operation panel 741. Also,
Reference numeral 742 denotes an image server, and a controller unit 739
, And temporarily stores the image information of the document read by the CCD unit 706 and image-processed by the controller unit 739.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed block configuration of the controller unit 739. In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU that controls the controller unit 739 in an integrated manner.
The control means (control program) stored in 3 are sequentially read and executed. The address bus and the data bus of the CPU 801 are connected to each load described later via the bus driver circuit and the address decoder circuit of the CPU 802.
Reference numeral 804 denotes a RAM serving as a main storage device used as storage of input data, a work storage area, and the like. Reference numeral 743 denotes an image processing unit, and a CCD unit 706
The image signal output from is input and subjected to image processing to be described later.
7 and a control signal for the laser unit B814.
The laser light output from the laser unit A 817 and the laser unit B 814 is applied to the photosensitive drum 71 as described above.
It is detected by the beam detection sensor A 813 and the beam detection sensor B 814 at the same time as irradiating 0 and exposing. The CPU 801 generates a synchronization signal when each laser beam exposes the photosensitive drum 710 based on the detection result. Also, the CPU 801 controls the operation panel 7 via an I / O controller 805 that controls the load of the apparatus.
The image processing unit 806 according to the setting contents set in 41,
And an I / F 302 that controls an interface with the image server 742. For example, when the copy mode is set to perform the trimming process by the operation panel 102, predetermined image data is read from the image server 742 via the I / F 302, and the image processing unit 1
After performing the trimming process at 07, laser unit B
714 and the laser unit A717. The sequence control of the apparatus is performed by the CPU 801.
By controlling the motors 807, the clutch 808, the solenoids 809, the paper detection sensors 810, the remaining toner detection sensor A 811, the remaining toner detection sensor B 812, the high pressure control unit 815, and the like via the I / O controller 805. Will be

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 103. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire operation;
RAM for storing a program for controlling the operation of 1;
04 is a device profile database storing device profiles of devices connected to the network, 905 is a transfer path profile database storing transfer path profiles generated from the device profiles, and 906 is a device for connecting to the network 101. A network I / F 910 is a device registration unit in which an IP address of a device on a network configured as a multifunction system is registered.
Is a device profile acquisition unit that acquires a device profile of a device connected to the network and registered in the device registration unit, and stores the device profile in the device profile database 404.
A transfer path profile supply unit that reads a transfer path profile from the transfer path profile database 905 and supplies the read transfer path profile to the device via the network. A transfer path profile database 909 generates a transfer path profile from device information written in the device profile database 902, This is a transfer path profile generation unit that writes data to the 905. Further, the device profile storage unit in the management server manages the use frequency of the device for each model and function. Utilizing the frequency of use for each model and function owned by the management server, the information is used as priority order assignment information when devices are automatically selected. In addition, as information for assigning a priority, a relative position between devices (not shown) is obtained from coordinate data described in a device profile, so that a priority can be assigned based on a distance from a device to be controlled. It is.

Next, the device profile will be described. The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device necessary to configure the virtual MFP, and is composed of text data as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.

In FIG. 10, Device-Type: indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an input device and indicates a scanner. Device-Id: indicates a device model name, and in this case, indicates that ScannerXXX is a device model name. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, 1
72.16.10.2 is the network address of the device.

Resolution: a resolution supported by the device, in this case, 400 dpi, 600 dpi, 1
Indicates that a resolution of 200 dpi is supported.
Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports A4, A5, and B4 paper sizes.

Input-fee: indicates the charge when the device is used. In this case, when a 16-bit image of A4 size is captured, a charge of 8 yen is required. Document-format is an image format supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that the device supports JPEG and GIF type image output and LIPS4 type PDL output. Input-comman
d: describes a command for causing the scanner to execute reading from another device. “A4 / REQA4 ・ SCA
N "," R "
It indicates that a command “EQA4-SCAN” should be transmitted to the network scanner.Status: indicates the status of the device, and if “SCAN-OK”,
It indicates that scanning is currently possible, and "Jam" indicates that a paper jam has occurred in the scanner.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 2903. In FIG. 11, Device-Type: indicates the type of device, and in this case, is an output device and indicates a laser beam printer. Device-Id: indicates a device model name, and in this case, indicates that LBP-XXX is a device model name. Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, 172.1
6.10.3 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that resolutions of 300 dpi and 600 dpi are supported. Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device, and in this case, indicates that the device supports Letter, Letter R, and Legal paper sizes. "Cassette" indicates the paper cassette stage equipped and the paper size. Here, you can see that the upper row contains Letter R and the lower row contains Legal size. Output-speed: indicates a print speed, which indicates that the speed is 6 sheets / minute of Letter paper. Output-fee: indicates a charge when the device is used, and indicates that a charge of 10 yen is required when a monochrome image is output in a Letter size in this case. Do
cument-format: is an image format supported by the device, and indicates that input by LIPS4, N201, and ESC / P is supported. Option; indicates Option device information connected to the printer. In this case,
Indicates that nothing is connected. Status: indicates the status of the printer, and if "Print-OK", indicates that the printer is in a printable state and is waiting for a print job.
"Busy" indicates that printing is currently being performed, and "Jam" indicates that a paper jam has occurred.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 2095.

In FIG. 12, Device-Type: indicates the type of the device. In this case, the device is an output device and indicates a laser beam printer. Device-I
d: indicates the model name of the device, in this case, GPXXX
Is the model name of the device. Device-add
ress: indicates the network address of the device,
In this case, it indicates that 172.16.10.2 is the network address of the device. Resolution: is the resolution supported by the device, in this case 300dp
i, indicates that the resolution of 600 dpi is supported. Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device, where the device is Letter, Letter R, Legal,
Indicates that Legal R and Statement paper sizes are supported. "Cassette" indicates the paper cassette stage equipped and the paper size. Here, Le
tter R, Legal 2nd, Legal 3rd, Letter 4th, Stat 5th
It can be seen that the size of Legal R is stored in the ement, 6th tier. Output-speed: indicates the print speed, where
It indicates that the speed is 32 sheets / minute for Letter paper. Output-fee: indicates the charge when using the device. In this case, if a monochrome image is output in Letter size, a charge of 10 yen will be charged for Document-f.
ormat: is an image format supported by the device, and indicates that input by LIPS4, N201, and ESC / P is supported. Option; indicates Option device information to be connected to the printer. In this case, it indicates that a sorter having a stapling function of 20 bins and a duplex unit for performing duplex printing are provided. Status: indicates the status of the printer, "Print-OK"
If it is, the printer is ready to output and is waiting for a print job, "Busy" indicates that the printer is currently printing, and "Jam" indicates that a paper jam has occurred. .

The device profile of the device is obtained by the device profile obtaining unit of the management server 103.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103.

The device profile acquisition section is started when the management server 102 is started, and operates until the system ends. The flowchart of FIG. 13 shows one acquisition cycle. In 1301, a device profile acquisition command is issued to the first device registered in the device registration unit 1310 on the network. 130
In 2, wait for whether the device profile information has arrived. At 1303, the transferred device profile is stored in the database 1304. 13
At 04, it is confirmed whether or not the device profiles of all the registered devices have been acquired. When the acquisition is completed by the determination in 1304, the acquisition cycle is ended (1306). If not finished, 1305
In, the next registered device address is set, and the profile of the set device is obtained. This cycle,
This is performed for all registered devices, and the acquisition cycle ends.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of a device profile acquisition command.

"REQ" indicates a transfer request, and "DEVICE-PROFILE" indicates a device profile, indicating that it is a request for a device profile. This device profile acquisition command is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet in TCP / IP.

In step 1302, a comparison is made as to whether or not a device profile transfer instruction has arrived.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of the device profile transfer command. "SEND" on the first line is transfer, "DEVICE-PROFI"
“LE” indicates a device profile, and indicates that the transfer is a device profile.

The following lines are terminated by the line "device" as in FIG.

When the device profile is transferred, the device profile acquisition unit stores the device profile in the device profile database 1 at 1303.
Recording is performed at 304, and the process returns to 1302 to wait for the next device profile transfer command.

Next, a mechanism for transferring a device profile from the device will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device profile supply unit on the device side. The device profile supply unit is 206 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 306 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903.

The device profile supply unit is called when the device is started, and continues processing until the device is turned off.

Referring to FIG. 15, at 1501, the device transfers the device profile to the management server 1503 only once at the time of startup. If the management server 103 has been activated, the device profile transfer command is received at 1302 in FIG. If the management server 103 is not running at this time, the device profile transfer command is not reflected in the device profile database 904 of the management server 103.

At 1502, it is checked whether a device profile transfer request command has arrived. If not, the process returns to 1502 to form a permanent loop.
The device profile transfer request command is sent to the management server 103
In step 1503, a device profile transfer command is issued to the management server 103 in the same manner as 1501. This processing is a means for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 904 when the management server 103 is booted up after the device is running, and the device profile acquisition unit 907 of the management server 103 shown in FIG. By issuing a device profile transfer request command at 1301 at the time of startup, it is assured that the management server 103 has always acquired the device profiles of all the devices connected to the network. On the other hand, if the profile of the device is changed, a check is made in 1505. For example, if the Status: of the printer is changed from Print-OK to Jam, the device profile transfer instruction updated to the management server 103 in 1503 Issue

In the management server 103, the transfer path profile generator 909 generates a transfer path profile based on the device information written in the device profile database 904, and stores the generated transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 905.

FIG. 16 shows the structure of the transfer path profile. In FIG. 16, the line of Description: indicates a character string to be displayed on the panel of the device when a transfer path is selected. In this transfer path, "scannerXXX to LBP-X" is used.
XX ". The line“ input-device: ”indicates the type of the input device, and the line“ output-device: ”indicates the type of the output device. The line“ input-address: ”indicates the input. Indicates the network address of the device, ou
The line tput-address: indicates the network address of the output device. The Document-format: line indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path. The -default: line indicates the number of copies to be used by default. Resolution: indicates the resolution used in this transfer path. Input-command: is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command to read the input device.

The management server usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies a transfer path profile to each device in response to a request from an input device and an output device.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile supply unit in the management server 103. The transfer path profile supply unit is the management server 1
The operation starts with the activation of 03. In step 1701, the transfer path profile database 905 is activated at the time of startup.
Are notified to all the devices connected to the network by the transfer path profile transfer command. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

At 1702, it is checked whether or not the transfer path profile database 905 has been changed. If there has been a change, at 1703, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all the devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.

At 1704, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has been received from each device. If it has arrived, in 1705, all the transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 905 are notified to the requesting device by a transfer path profile transfer command.

FIG. 18 shows the structure of the transfer path profile request command. "REQ" is transfer request, "TRANSMISSION-PATH"
"-PROFILE" indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the request is for a transfer path profile.

FIG. 19 shows the structure of a transfer path profile transfer command. "SEND" on the first line is transfer, "TRASNMISSION-PA"
"TH-PROFILE" indicates a transfer path profile, and indicates that the transfer is a transfer path profile transfer. The following lines indicate the contents of the transfer path profile as in FIG. End with the line "#PROFILE".

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition section in the input device and the output device. The transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 in FIG. 2 for the network scanner 102 and 307 in FIG. 3 for the network printer 2903.

In 2001, the device issues a transfer path profile request command to the management server 103 in order to acquire a transfer path profile. By this command, the transfer path profile supply unit 4 in the management server 103
It is determined Yes in the flowchart 1704 of 08, and the transfer path profile is transferred in 1705. If the transfer path profile is transferred by the transfer path profile transfer command in 2002, 2
At 003, the RAM (network scanner 102
203 for network printer, 30 for network printer 2903
3) is stored. As described above, each device acquires the transfer path profile from the management server 103, and
3, 303.

FIG. 21 illustrates an environment composed of a plurality of multifunction systems. The multifunction system that has been put together indicates that the management server owns information on the devices that make up the multifunction system.

Thus, in the case of automatic selection as a substitute device in the event of a failure of the output destination printer during remote copy, the range of devices to be selected is limited within the system.

Therefore, each of the illustrated systems A, B, and C
The management server 103 holds individual device information (device profile). Normally, the range of collecting information of the devices constituting the multifunction is limited to the devices in the system. When it is desired to control the devices of other systems managed by the server, for example, the network scanner of the system B is read by the network scanner of the system A. When it is desired to output data by a printer, information can be exchanged between devices between management servers. When an attempt is made to output to another multifunction system from a device, a device profile transfer request is issued to the management server, and an output destination is determined based on the profile information.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a case in which devices are automatically switched. In the case of performing cascade copy in which one copy job is distributed to two printers and output is performed,
First, information notifying that the user has entered the copy operation is transmitted to the management server. In this case, the status of the printer to which the copy job is to be delivered is checked. In this case, since the printer B cannot be output for some reason, the management server returns information to that effect to the server. Is found and the printer C is selected, and at the same time, the selected information is displayed on the operation unit of the scanner to show the user.

<Overview of Operation Unit> FIG. 23 showing the structure of the operation unit.
Is the operation panel 2 of the network scanner 102
It is a figure which shows the external appearance of 08. LCD display (2301)
Has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays an operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, informs the controller CPU of the position information. A start key (2302) is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there is a two-color LED of an edge and red, and the color indicates whether the start key can be used. A stop key (2303) functions to stop the operation in operation. I
A D key (2304) is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key (2305) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

<Operation Screen> FIG. 24 shows an operation section screen. Here, all functions that can be realized by a combination of devices currently on the network are displayed. For example, all functions on the network 101 are as follows. Mono color copy: Scanner 102, 2095 → Printer 2095, 2902, 2903, 2904 Color copy: Scanner 102 → Printer 2902 Fax transmission: Scanner 2904, 102, 2095 → Transmission 2904 Fax reception: Reception 2904 → Printer 2904, 2902, 290 3, 2095 Bookbinding: Up to 20 staples 2095 Double-sided printing available: Double-sided unit 2095 Paper size: Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, Statement FIG. 25 shows that the above functions can be performed.
However, since this operation screen is for the scanner 102, there is no function display for performing fax reception. The main screen (2500) displays a copy mode key (252) that is currently selected and performs remote copy on the network.
0), a fax transmission mode key (2521), a scanner mode key (2522) for transmitting a read image to a client on a network, an image quality selection button (2505) for selecting a monochrome mode or a color mode, and a selected image quality. View Image Quali
ty display area (2504), apparatus status, copy magnification, paper size, copy parameter display section (2501) for displaying the number of copies, enlargement / reduction setting button (25
06, 2507), a paper selection button (2508), a sorter setting button (2510), a duplex copy setting button (25
12), a density indicator and a density setting button (25
09) and a numeric keypad (2514).

When the paper selection button (2508) is depressed, FIG.
The screen shown in (a) appears. Here, the display is performed based on the Cassette information of the image output device on the network. The paper sizes stored in the cassettes of all the image output devices are displayed, and the paper size can be selected. here
This indicates that five types of paper, Letter, Letter R, Legal, Legal R, and Statement, are contained in the cassette of the image output device on the network. However, printer 2
Since the printer cannot be used when 095 is operating, the two types of paper sizes Legal R and Statement stored only in this printer are displayed in gray characters and cannot be pressed. If the job in progress by the printer 2095 is completed and the printer 2095 becomes operable, Le
The paper display of gal R and Statement returns to the same display as other paper displays, and it becomes selectable. As in the case of the operation, even when the paper cannot be printed because the paper is exhausted, the paper cannot be selected. When a color copy is selected, a color printer 2902 is used.
The selection keys other than Letter and Legal set in are switched to a display that cannot be pressed.

Since the sorter is connected only to the printer 2095, and the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the sorter setting button (2510) are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job is completed, it can be pressed. When the sorter setting button (2510) is pressed at that time, a screen shown in FIG. 2551 appears. As for the bookbinding optional device connected to the image output device on the network 101, the sorter of the printer 2095 has the maximum function, and as shown in the Option information shown in FIG.
Staples can be selected.

Similarly, the duplex unit is also used in the printer 20.
Since the printer 2095 is currently operating in another job, the characters of the double-sided copy setting button (2512) are grayed out and cannot be pressed. When the job ends, you can press it,
Pressing the two-sided copy setting button (2512) causes FIG.
Appears, and the duplex copy mode can be selected.

In the control route screen shown in FIG. 27, when an image read from a scanner connected to the network is output from the remote printer B, the remote printer B cannot output the image for some reason. 13 is a screen showing that the operation has been performed. Output route 2
701 is represented by a solid line. This screen is a screen displayed when the automatic selection of the output device is performed, and A (2701), B (2702), and C (2
703) By pressing each icon, the screen shifts to the status screen of the device shown in the following figure, and the status of the device can be confirmed.

In the status screen shown in FIG. 28B, the status of the printer B is displayed in FIG. In the case of FIG. 28, it is impossible to control the device B at present, and the cause of the jam is indicated by a message 2801. A button 2802 for switching to the status screen of the device C automatically selected as the output destination this time
Is prepared, and the information of the device C can be known as shown in the status screen of FIG. 29C. Here, the indicated information indicates that it is possible to control whether or not output is possible, and information 2 indicating that the function of the device is monochrome printing, stapling possible, and duplex printing is possible.
901 is shown.

When the device C matches the device desired by the user, the user presses the close button 2902 to return to the control route screen again. Then, it can be output by selecting the 0K button 2706.

If the function indicated on the C status screen does not match the device desired by the user,
By pressing a “device selection screen” button 2705, a screen is provided to allow the user to move to the device selection screen and select another device. FIG. 30 shows a group number 3001 of the multifunction system to which the device belongs in the device selection screen. Also, the names (C to G) 3002 of the devices belonging thereto are shown, and the status 3003 of each device can be known by selecting on the screen. Also, if you can not find the desired device in the group,
A group selection screen shown in FIG. 31 is provided, in which information on devices in other groups can be checked by pressing the “other group” button 3004. In the group selection screen shown in FIG. 31, information 3101 indicating which department the group belongs to can be known. This information is shown in the column labeled Group Properties 3102. In the case of FIG. 31, the group 3 is selected in the group selection field 3103, and the group 3 is an ABC office, an ABC business department,
It turns out that it is on floor 3 in the ABC section.

Next, the process of actually performing printing will be described. The user stands in front of the network scanner 102,
After setting the original, try to print by operating the panel. First, a function to be performed is selected on the operation panel 2300. By pressing a scan execution button 3002, a copy function using the selected transfer path profile is executed. For example, when copying one copy in black and white, the printer uses 2095, 2902, 2903, 290
4 can be performed. Here, a transfer path profile is selected in a predetermined procedure. Since the selection is monochrome copying, priority is assigned in the order of the fastest printer → the next fastest printer, the next fastest printer → the color printer. Here, the transfer path profile of the next highest-speed printer 2903 is selected because the highest-speed printer 2095 is currently operating in another job.

According to the transfer path profile shown in FIG.
The network scanner 102 selects 172.16.10.3 written in output-address: as an output device,
The original is read at the resolution of 600 dpi written in Resolution :, and the print data is transmitted in the LIPS4 format written in Document-format :. The number of times of copying is one time written in -default :.

The print data is transferred to the network printer 2903 via the network 101. At this time,
The network printer 2903 only performs the printing process of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.

[0079]

According to the present invention as described above,
In a multi-function system in which a plurality of image input devices and image output devices are connected on a network, in the event of a system failure, for example, a driver software that allows the user to output from a desired output device but controls the output device on the host side If the output is not possible due to the lack of the device, the system can be operated smoothly without the user being aware that the information is output from the output device replacing the device and the user recognizes the information. Further, by incorporating an environment setting that is useful for the user, a more productive and convenient system can be constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network scanner 102;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network printer 2903.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a configuration of a digital full-color copying machine forming a multifunction system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal structure of an image processing unit 407.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit and an image server.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a monochrome digital image processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed block configuration of a controller unit 739.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server 103.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a device profile in a network printer 2903.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 2095.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of a device profile acquisition command and a transfer command.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a device profile supply unit on the device side.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server 103;

FIG. 18 shows the structure of a transfer path profile request command.

FIG. 19 shows the structure of a transfer path profile transfer instruction.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an environment configured by a plurality of multifunction systems.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a case in which devices are automatically switched.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an appearance of an operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102.

FIG. 24: Operation unit screen 1

FIG. 25: Operation unit screen 2

26A is a paper selection sub-screen, FIG. 26B is a sorter setting sub-screen, and FIG.

FIG. 27: Control route display screen

FIG. 28: B status screen

FIG. 29: C status screen

FIG. 30: Device selection screen

FIG. 31: Group selection screen

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Network 102 Network Scanner 103 Management Server

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AQ06 HJ08 HL01 HM07 HN19 HN20 HN27 HP02 HP06 HP08 HQ03 HQ17 HR09 5B021 AA19 BB10 EE02 5B089 GA13 GA14 GA16 JA35 JB14 KA13 KB04 5C062AA42 AC05 AC51 AF14 BA00

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A device registration means, which is a multifunction system combining an image input device and an image output device connected to a network and is positioned as a component of the multifunction system from devices on the network, the device registration Image input device registered in the device, device information obtaining device for obtaining device-specific information from the image output device, device information storage device for storing the information obtained by the device information obtaining device, in the device information storage device A function determining means for determining a function that can be configured by a combination of an input image device and an output image device from information, wherein the image input device and the image output device are connected to a network. When controlling the equipment, When trying to control, means for switching the control target to automatically controllable equipment, equipment for switching by the switching means, device selection means for performing selection based on the information registered in advance by the device information registration means. A device information notifying unit that notifies the device information selected by the device selecting unit, the device information notified by the device information notifying unit is registered in the device registration unit, and a priority is given to a control destination based on the registered information. A multifunction system comprising: a control device priority assigning means for assigning. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit is based on TCP / IP in a remote copy system that outputs an image scanned by a network scanner from another printer on the network, such as when the local printer is busy. A remote copy system characterized by registering with an IP address. 3. A protocol for performing communication between devices constituting the multifunction system is TCP / I.
3. The remote copy system according to claim 2, further comprising means capable of supporting any communication means other than P. 4. The multi-function system according to claim 1, further comprising means for allowing a user to recognize the information notified by said device information notifying means via a user interface. 5. When automatically switching the control destination,
2. The multifunction system according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching based on priorities assigned to the devices in advance. 6. The multifunction system according to claim 5, wherein the priorities assigned to the devices by the device priority assigning means are determined based on a physical distance between the devices. 7. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein a case where control is performed without a network, such as a local copy performing a normal copy operation, is set as a highest priority control destination. 8. When automatically switching the control destination to an optimum control destination, the priority order of output image devices to be controlled is assigned based on the frequency of use of the devices constituting the multi-function function. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein 9. A multi-function system comprising means for communicating with another multi-function in order to control a device not registered in the device registration means. 10. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein said device information means displays on a user interface of a device constituting said multi-function. 11. A multi-function component, which is one of a plurality of printers when performing a multi-function copy or a multi-function print, in which a job is output from a plurality of printers at the time of copying or printing by a scanner or a printer. And means for passing a job to another output device when one device cannot output.
The described multi-function system. 12. The multifunction system according to claim 1, further comprising means for manually selecting a device in addition to automatically selecting an output destination in said multifunction system. 13. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein the priority assignment by said control device priority assignment means is performed by a management server.