JP2004056258A - Remote control system, image processing device, remote control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system capable of centrally performing remote control and remote control of an image processing apparatus, such as power ON / OFF control, sleep control, or management of unauthorized use and confidential leakage via a network.
When a user wants to turn off a stopped MFP having an ID number “# 03” on a power management window screen displayed on a PC 112, the user presses an OFF button 304a of a stopped power setting 304. Select and press the execute button 305. Accordingly, the MFP that has received the power-off instruction via the network turns off the power according to the instruction from the device controller 204.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote control system that controls a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, an image processing apparatus, a remote control method, a program, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called multifunction digital copying machine has been known as an image processing apparatus for inputting and outputting images (see FIG. 2). The multifunction digital copier is a scanner that reads a document image recorded on paper or the like, a printer that outputs a read image or an image sent from a host computer to a medium such as paper, and the operation of these scanners and printers. And a device controller for controlling various devices or performing various types of image processing, an operation unit for providing a user with operation of the apparatus, a memory for temporarily or permanently storing image data and a processing program, a hard disk, and the like.
[0003]
In the multifunction digital copying machine having the above-described configuration, it is possible not only to copy a document image but also to copy the document image by performing various image processing. For example, various processes such as a negative / positive reversal process for reversing the black and white of a document, a trimming process for copying only a part of a document, and a reduced layout process for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on one output sheet are performed. Can be.
[0004]
In addition to copying a document, image data read by a scanner can be transferred to a host computer via a LAN (network), or conversely, a document created by a word processor on the host computer can be printed out by a printer. . In addition, it generally has a facsimile transmission function of transmitting a document image to a remote facsimile machine.
[0005]
In such an apparatus, power ON / OFF management is generally performed by artificial ON / OFF control using a hard switch or a soft switch, or by a countdown type automatic shutdown control using a timer setting.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above conventional example, although the print job is managed via the LAN, the control and management of the apparatus itself are not performed via the LAN. That is, despite the fact that the power supply is on the LAN, the power supply is turned off / on in a timely manner by setting a timer, or is managed and controlled by a charging card or the like. In addition, power supply ON / OFF control of multifunction digital copying machines via LAN, sleep control, and management of unauthorized use or leakage of confidential information have not been performed. Furthermore, when a plurality of such devices are connected, they have not been centrally managed and controlled in one place.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention provides a remote control system and an image processing apparatus capable of centrally performing remote control of an image processing apparatus, such as power ON / OFF control, sleep control, or management of unauthorized use and confidential leakage via a network. , A remote control method, a program, and a storage medium.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a remote control system according to the present invention is a remote control system for managing a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, wherein any one of the devices connected to the network is used as a terminal, Screen display means for displaying a management screen for managing the plurality of image processing devices on a display screen, screen setting means for performing settings relating to the image processing apparatus on the displayed management screen, Device changing means for changing the setting of the designated image processing apparatus via the network according to the setting on the management screen.
[0009]
The remote control method according to the present invention is a remote control method for managing a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network, wherein any of the devices connected to the network is a terminal, and the plurality of image processing apparatuses are displayed on a display screen of the terminal. Displaying a management screen for managing the image processing apparatus, setting the image processing apparatus on the displayed management screen, and setting the image processing apparatus via the network according to the setting on the management screen. Changing the setting of the designated image processing apparatus.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a remote control system, an image processing apparatus, a remote control method, a program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system using a network according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. Reference numeral 102 denotes a support center for hardware and software. Reference numeral 103 denotes a hardware or software sales company. A web server 104 is connected to the Internet and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 105 denotes an electronic money server that performs settlement processing and the like between the financial institution 106 and a client who is a consumer. Reference numeral 107 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 101.
[0012]
A firewall 108 connects the Internet 101, which is an external communication network, to the inside of the LAN, and performs security management and the like. Reference numeral 109 denotes a device management server that performs management of devices such as a file server 110, a mail server 111, a personal computer (PC) 112, and a printer 113 connected to a LAN (network), user management, and data management such as billing information. . Reference numeral 110 denotes a file server for performing data management and the like, and outputs data to the multifunction digital copier 200 and the printer 113 as needed.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction digital copying machine 200. The multi-function digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as an MFP) 200 outputs a scanned image from a document image recorded on paper or the like to a scanner 202 or a read image or an image sent via the LAN 121 to a medium such as paper. Printer 203, a scanner, a device controller 204 for controlling the operation of the printer or performing various image processing, an operation unit 201 for providing the user with operation of the apparatus, and temporarily or permanently storing image data and processing programs. , And a hard disk 206 and the like. At present, when the Internet has become widespread, the MFP 200 is not limited to a specific network (LAN), but is widely connected to the whole world via a firewall 108. That is, the MFP 200 can be managed and controlled from all over the world, not limited to a specific network.
[0014]
In MFP 200 having the above configuration, the user operates from operation unit 201, and scanner 202 inputs an image according to instructions from operation unit 201 and personal computer 112. The printer 113 prints data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110.
[0015]
The device controller 204 controls input and output of image data with the scanner 202, the printer 203, the memory 205, the hard disk 206, or the personal computer 112 according to instructions from the operation unit 201 and the personal computer 112. For example, control is performed such that image data captured from the scanner 202 is stored in the memory 205 or the hard disk 206 as needed, output to the personal computer 112, or printed by the printer 203.
[0016]
The printer 113 prints image data from the personal computer 112 or the file server 110 on recording paper. The personal computer 112 is connected to the LAN 121 as a terminal device, browses information provided from the web server 104 via the Internet 101, and outputs image data to the MFP 200 and the printer 113. The configuration is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the LAN 121 is connected inside the firewall 108, and a configuration may be such that a personal user's PC connected to the Internet 101 via the service provider 107 is connected inside the firewall.
[0017]
In such an environment, when the MFP 200 is remotely controlled via a network, a method using a dedicated line or a telephone line is mentioned as a remote control method. In the present embodiment, a case using the Internet is shown. As described above, the MFP 200 exists on the LAN 121 and has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. The MFP 200 is regarded as a Web server, and the MFP 200 executes a script language or the like, so that the device management server 109 and the personal computer 112 can access using a Web browsing tool. Here, the script language includes Java (registered trademark) Script (registered trademark) of Sun Microsystems. Further, examples of the Web browsing tool include Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation and Netscape Navigator of Netscape Corporation.
[0018]
By using such a Web browsing tool, remote control of the device is possible without depending on the platform. For example, it can be operated from Windows (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation, MacOS (registered trademark) of Apple Corporation, Unix (registered trademark), or the like. That is, by making the platform independent, not only the specific device management server 109 but also all the computers (terminals) on the LAN 121 can control the setting and release of the MFP 20 on the browsing screen described later. It is.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a remote control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server. This processing program is stored in the hard disk 206 in the MFP 200, and is read and executed by the device controller 204. First, it waits for a window screen browsing request from a terminal such as the PC 112 connected to the LAN 121 (step S1), and when there is a browsing request, transmits a window screen file to the requesting terminal (step S2). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change request on the window screen (for example, ON / OFF of the power setting in FIG. 4) from the terminal (step S3). If there is no change request, the process returns to step S1.
[0020]
On the other hand, if there is a change request, a process corresponding to the change request is executed (step S4). For example, the power of the MFP specified in FIG. 4 is turned ON / OFF. Then, the window screen file is changed, and the changed window screen file is transmitted to the terminal (step S5). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a view showing a window screen for power management. The window screen for power management is described in a language such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). From this screen, a plurality of MFPs connected to the LAN 121 can be managed. Each MFP is managed by an ID number 301 and an installation location 302. In addition to the ID number 301 and the installation location 302, the window screen manages the operating status 303 and the power setting 304 for each device.
[0022]
Specifically, the window screen is displayed as follows. That is, the MFP with the ID number “# 01” is installed in Building A 2F and is in use. The MFP with ID number “# 02” is installed in Building A, 3F, and is in use. The MFP with the ID number “# 03” is installed in Building B 2F, and is turned on but stopped. The MFP with the ID number “# 04” is installed in Building C 1F and the power is off. The actual change of the device management is executed by setting ON / OFF in the power setting 304 and pressing an execution button 305. By turning ON / OFF the power setting of the ID number “ALL”, the device management of all the MFPs (# 01 to # 04) can be made the same.
[0023]
When the user wants to turn off the stopped MFP having the ID number “# 03”, the user selects the OFF button 304 a of the stopped power setting 304 and presses the execution button 305. Accordingly, the MFP that has received the power-off instruction via the network turns off the power according to the instruction from the device controller 204. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a window screen for power management when the OFF button 304a of the power setting 304 is selected during stop.
[0024]
When the user wants to turn on the power of the MFP with the ID number “# 04” that is turned off, the user selects the ON button 304 b of the power setting 304 and presses the execution button 305. The MFP that has received the power-on instruction via the network turns on the power according to the instruction from the device controller 204. FIG. 6 shows a window screen for power management when the ON button 304b of the power setting 304 is selected when the power is turned off.
[0025]
As described above, in the first embodiment, by controlling ON / OFF of the power supply via the network, particularly on the Web, even if the administrator is at a remote place, the power supply of the image processing apparatus which is unnecessarily started can be controlled. It can be turned off, and as a result, the amount of power to be consumed extra can be suppressed. In addition, by interposing a network, remote operation can be performed and centralized management can be performed at one place, which contributes to labor saving and labor saving.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, an MFP that performs digital processing has been described. However, even an apparatus that performs analog processing is similarly applicable as long as a device controller having a network interface (NIC) is mounted. .
[0027]
[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case of the power OFF / ON control is described. However, in the second embodiment, the power is not completely turned OFF / ON, but is consumed more than in a normal power ON standby state. It is also possible to set and cancel the sleep state in which the amount of power is suppressed. Note that the configuration of the remote control system is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0028]
FIG. 7 is a view showing a window screen for sleep management in the second embodiment. In the case of the stopped ID number “# 03” that is not used in the power-on state, the sleep setting is executed by selecting the setting button 601 a of the sleep setting 601 and pressing the execution button 603. Then, the MFP that has received the sleep setting instruction via the network shifts to the sleep state according to the instruction of the device controller 204.
[0029]
Conversely, when the MFP in the sleep state is forcibly brought into the activation state, for example, in the case of the ID number “# 01” in the sleep state, the user selects the release button 601 b of the sleep setting 601 and presses the execution button 603. Sleep release is performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sleep management window screen when the release button 601b of the sleep setting 601 is selected. The MFP that has received the sleep release instruction via the network releases the sleep state according to the instruction from the device controller 204.
[0030]
In the power OFF / ON control, once the power is turned off, if the MFP 200 is a color machine or a high-speed machine, it takes time until the MFP 200 is restarted. Therefore, the sleep setting / cancellation control of the present embodiment is effective. is there.
[0031]
As described above, by controlling the sleep setting via the network, particularly, on the WEB, even if the administrator is at a remote place, the unnecessary activated image processing apparatus can be shifted to the sleep mode. As a result, Extra power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, by interposing a network, remote operation can be performed and centralized management can be performed at one place, which contributes to labor saving and labor saving.
[0032]
In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an MFP that performs digital processing is described. However, even an apparatus that performs analog processing includes a device controller having a network interface (NIC). As long as they are applicable.
[0033]
[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the case where the power OFF / ON setting and the sleep setting are forcibly executed has been described. However, it is also possible to manage these in a timely manner. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a window screen for setting a timer according to the third embodiment. For example, in the case of the ID number “# 01”, specify the time zone “08-18” for turning on the power in the time zone 801, select the ON button 802 a in the timer setting 802, and press the execution button 808. Set by. Here, when all the devices are managed in the same time zone, the timer setting button 802e of the ID number "ALL" may be selected and executed. Further, when the timer setting 802 is released only for a specific device, for example, when the ID number is “# 01”, the OFF button 802f of the timer setting 802 may be selected and executed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a window screen when the OFF button 802f of the timer setting 802 is selected.
[0034]
As described above, by controlling the timer setting via the network, particularly on the Web, even if the administrator is at a remote place, the unnecessary turning on / off of the image processing apparatus and the transition to the sleep mode can be performed. This can be set in a timed manner, and as a result, the amount of extra power consumed can be suppressed. In addition, by interposing a network, remote control can be performed and centralized management can be performed at one place, which contributes to labor saving and labor saving.
[0035]
In the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, an MFP that performs digital processing has been described. However, even an apparatus that performs analog processing may be a device having a network interface (NIC). The same applies as long as the controller is installed.
[0036]
[Fourth embodiment]
In the first, second, and third embodiments, the case where the power OFF / ON setting and the sleep setting including the timer setting are performed is described. However, instead of or together with the control of the power consumption, the MFP is controlled. It is also possible to perform security leakage management of data in the hard disk 206.
[0037]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an access management window screen according to the fourth embodiment. For example, in the case of the ID number “# 01”, since the operation status 1001 is in use, the release button 1003 is selected in the access right prohibition setting 1002 to enable access. In the case of the ID number “# 03”, since the operation status 1001 is stopped, the setting button 1004 is selected in the access right prohibition setting 1002 to disable the access.
[0038]
Further, the access prohibition setting can be managed in a timely manner. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an access management window screen for managing access prohibition settings in a timely manner. For example, in the case of the ID number “# 01”, the time zone 1101 is set, the setting button 1103 is selected in the access prohibition setting 1002, and the access right is prohibited in the set time zone. On the other hand, when canceling the access prohibition, the cancel button 1104 is selected and set.
[0039]
The access right can be set from the MFP main body. However, in order to release the access prohibition setting and enable the access, the access prohibition setting 1102 sets the release to “cancel”. validate.
[0040]
In this way, by controlling the setting of the access right via the network, particularly on the Web, it is possible to manage unauthorized use and leakage of confidential information even when the administrator is at a remote place.
[0041]
The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions described in the claims or the functions of the configurations of the embodiments are not limited to those described in the claims. Any configuration that can be achieved is applicable.
[0042]
For example, in the above embodiment, the MFP 200 is regarded as a Web server. However, the Web server may be the device management server 109 or the personal computer 112 connected to the LAN 121. Further, the number of MFPs to be managed is not particularly limited.
[0043]
In the present invention, the program code itself of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments realizes the novel functions of the present invention, and the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. Will be.
[0044]
In the above embodiment, the program codes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are stored in a hard disk which is a storage medium. The storage medium for supplying the program code is not limited to this, and for example, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, or the like can be used.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, remote control of an image processing apparatus, such as ON / OFF control of a power supply, a sleep control, or the management of unauthorized use and confidential leakage via a network, can be centrally performed. In addition, by turning off the power of the image processing apparatus that has been activated unnecessarily, it is possible to suppress the amount of power consumption and suppress leakage of confidential information due to unauthorized use. In addition, remote operation and centralized management can be performed at one place by interposing a network, so that a labor-saving and labor-saving system can be constructed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a remote control system using a network according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction digital copying machine 200.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control processing procedure in MFP 200 as a Web server.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a window screen for power management.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a power management window screen when an OFF button 304a of a power setting 304 is selected during stoppage.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a power management window screen when an ON button 304b of a power setting 304 is selected when the power is turned off.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sleep management window screen according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a sleep management window screen when a cancel button 601b of the sleep setting 601 is selected.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a window screen for setting a timer according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a window screen when an OFF button 802f of a timer setting 802 is selected.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an access management window screen according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an access management window screen for managing access prohibition settings in a timely manner.
[Explanation of symbols]
112 PC 200 MFP
201 Operation unit 204 Device controller 206 Hard disk 301 ID number 304 Power setting 601 Sleep setting 802 Timer setting 1002 Access prohibition setting

Claims (11)

In a remote control system that manages a plurality of image processing devices connected to a network,
Screen display means for displaying any of the devices connected to the network as a terminal and displaying a management screen for managing the plurality of image processing devices on a display screen of the terminal,
On the displayed management screen, screen setting means for performing settings related to the image processing apparatus,
A remote control system comprising: a device changing unit configured to change a setting of the designated image processing apparatus via the network according to a setting on the management screen. One of the devices connected to the network including the image processing device is a server, and the screen display unit displays the management screen on a display screen on the terminal based on a file sent from the server. 2. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The remote control according to claim 2, wherein after the setting of the image processing apparatus is changed, the screen display unit updates the management screen based on the changed file sent from the server. system. The power supply setting of each image processing apparatus is displayed on the management screen, and the screen setting unit sets the power setting of each image processing apparatus to ON or OFF. Remote control system. 2. The management screen according to claim 1, wherein a sleep setting of each image processing apparatus is displayed, and the screen setting unit sets a sleep setting of each image processing apparatus to ON or OFF. Remote control system. 2. The management screen displays an access prohibition setting of each image processing apparatus, and the screen setting unit sets or prohibits an access right of each image processing apparatus. Remote control system. On the management screen, a timer setting and a time zone of each image processing apparatus are displayed, and the screen setting unit sets the timer setting to ON or OFF, and when the timer setting is set to ON, 7. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein the setting of the image processing apparatus is made valid in a designated time zone. An image processing apparatus that is connected to a network together with another image processing apparatus, and any of the devices connected to the network is a terminal, and is set and managed on a management screen displayed on a display screen of the terminal,
Receiving means for receiving settings on the management screen via the network;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a device changing unit configured to change a setting of the device main body in accordance with the received setting on the management screen. In a remote control method for managing a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to a network,
Any of the devices connected to the network as a terminal, on the display screen of the terminal, displaying a management screen for managing the plurality of image processing devices,
Performing a setting related to the image processing apparatus on the displayed management screen;
Changing the specified settings of the image processing apparatus via the network according to the settings on the management screen. A storage medium holding computer-readable program code for implementing the remote control system according to claim 1. A program having a computer-readable program code for realizing the remote control system according to claim 1.

Images