JP2008029034A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method can construct a system according to each application and a network environment and improve usability.
When an image processing apparatus is a digital multi-function peripheral equipped with a facsimile application, a printer application, or the like in addition to a copy application, or when there is a malfunction in a network environment, a large-capacity storage device according to each application or network environment The image data and bibliographic information stored in the device are selectively transmitted to an external device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention has a large-capacity storage device capable of storing a large number of image data, and stores the large-capacity storage device in which the image data generated as a result of execution of an application relating to image data processing is stored. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that transfers image data stored in a storage device to an external device connected to a network, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that can build a system according to each application and network environment and can improve usability. .

  Conventionally, with the improvement of image processing technology and the miniaturization of various devices, digital multifunction peripherals having a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like have been developed and are on the market. Also, such digital multi-function peripherals are often connected to a network under various network environments such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and are shared by a plurality of computers.

  In addition, in recent years, a large-capacity hard disk is installed in the main body, and a copy server function is provided that stores image data copied or printed on the hard disk and enables reprinting at a predetermined timing. Digital copiers are also being developed.

  In addition, all image data copied and printed can be transmitted and stored in a server computer connected via a network without being conscious of the user, and images previously printed via this server computer can be referred to / searched later. Digital multifunction peripherals that provide document management functions that enable printing and reprinting have also been developed.

  However, a digital multi-function peripheral having a copy server function has a problem that image data stored in a hard disk can only be used for reprinting and cannot be used for other purposes.

  In addition, in a digital multi-function peripheral that provides a document management function, a broadband network environment is required to transmit all images, and image data is stored in a format with a small capacity on the assumption that all image data is stored. Therefore, there is a problem that the quality of the image deteriorates during reprinting.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of building a system according to each application and network environment and improving usability. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 has hardware resources used in image forming processing such as a display unit, a printing unit, a storage unit, and an imaging unit. An image forming apparatus that provides a user service for image forming processing such as a printer, a copy, or a facsimile, and can include a plurality of applications that perform image forming processing specific to each user service such as the printer, copying, and facsimile. And a platform that intervenes between the application and the hardware resource, and performs management and execution control of the hardware resource that is commonly performed in the plurality of mountable applications when providing the user service. In an image forming apparatus comprising: The platform includes a network control service that controls network communication with an external device, and an HTTP analysis module that analyzes the content of HTTP command data input from the external device via the network. To do.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a network control service for controlling network communication with an external device and an HTTP analysis module for analyzing the contents of HTTP command data input from the external device via the network are provided on the platform. Since it is provided, the HTTP server can be used commonly for each application.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the platform further includes an XML syntax analysis module that performs a syntax analysis of the XML syntax on the data analyzed by the HTTP analysis module. It is characterized by that.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the XML parsing module for parsing the XML syntax of the data analyzed by the HTTP parsing module is provided on the platform, the XML parsing is performed commonly for each application. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the platform further includes a command dispatcher module that selects a corresponding application based on an analysis result by the XML parsing module. It is characterized by.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the command dispatcher module for selecting the corresponding application based on the analysis result by the XML parsing module is provided on the platform, the application can be selected smoothly.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the HTTP command data is a transfer request including an HTTP request in which XML data is embedded in a body part.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the HTTP command data is a transfer request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data is embedded in the body part, the transfer request can be made by an HTTP request described in the XML language. it can.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the HTTP command data is embedded in the body part with XML data describing in XML language that the image data is to be printed by the printing unit. The print request is composed of an HTTP request.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the HTTP command data is a print request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data is to be printed by the printing unit is embedded in the body part. A print request can be made with the HTTP request described in (1).

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the platform further includes a fax control service module for controlling fax communication, and the HTTP command data is received by the fax control service module. It is a FAX transmission request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that data is FAX-transmitted is embedded in a body part.

  According to the invention of claim 6, a fax control service module for controlling fax communication is provided on the platform, and the request from the external device is an XML which describes in XML language that the fax control service module transmits image data by FAX. Since it is a FAX transmission request composed of an HTTP request in which data is embedded in the body part, a FAX transmission request can be made with an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second aspect, the memory control module receives XML data describing in XML language that the image data stored in the storage unit and the bibliographic information are to be deleted. The image data and bibliographic information are erased from the storage unit when an erasure request including an HTTP request embedded in a body part is received.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the memory control module issues an erasure request comprising an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data and bibliographic information stored in the storage unit are to be erased is embedded in the body part. Since the image data and the bibliographic information are erased from the storage unit when accepted, a data erasure request can be made by an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  According to the invention of claim 1, a network control service for controlling network communication with an external device and an HTTP analysis module for analyzing the contents of HTTP command data input from the external device via the network are provided as a platform. The HTTP server can be used in common for each application.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the XML parsing module for parsing the XML syntax for the data analyzed by the HTTP parsing module is provided on the platform, the XML parsing can be performed commonly for each application. Can be done.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the command dispatcher module for selecting the corresponding application based on the analysis result by the XML parsing module is provided on the platform, the application can be selected smoothly. .

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the HTTP command data is a transfer request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data is embedded in the body part, the transfer request can be made by an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the HTTP command data is a print request comprising an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data is to be printed by the printing unit is embedded in the body part. A print request can be made with an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  According to the invention of claim 6, a fax control service module for controlling fax communication is provided on the platform, and the HTTP command data is XML data describing that the image data is faxed by the fax control service module in the XML language. Is a FAX transmission request made up of an HTTP request embedded in the body part, it is possible to make a FAX transmission request with an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the memory control module deletes an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data and bibliographic information stored in the storage unit are to be deleted is embedded in the body part. Since the image data and the bibliographic information are erased from the storage unit when the image data is received, it is possible to make a data erase request with an HTTP request described in the XML language.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The first embodiment shown below shows a case where the present invention is applied to a conventional digital multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a FAX function, a printer function, and a scanner function, and the second embodiment includes each function. A case where the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral that integrates common processing will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital multifunction device 1 controls a scanner unit 2 that reads an image, a plotter unit 3 that prints an image, a FAX controller 4 that controls transmission / reception of FAX, and each unit of the digital multifunction device 1. System controller 5, large-capacity storage device 6 functioning as image data storage for storing image data and bibliographic information of the image data, and network interface (network I / F) for connection to a network 9 such as a LAN 7 and an operation panel unit 8.

  The scanner unit 2 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read document image to the plotter unit 3 and the mass storage device 6.

  The plotter unit 3 prints an image corresponding to the image data output from the scanner unit 2 and the image data received via the FAX controller 4 or the network I / F 7 on a recording sheet. In addition to the electrophotographic method, the plotter unit 3 can employ various printing methods such as an inkjet method, a sublimation type thermal transfer method, a silver salt photography method, a direct thermal recording method, and a melt type thermal transfer method. Since the specific configuration is well known, detailed description is omitted.

  The FAX controller 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the public line, transfers the decompressed image data to the system control unit 5, and compresses and compresses the image data transferred from the system control unit 5. The compressed image data is transmitted through a public line.

  The large-capacity storage device 6 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores image data transferred from the system control unit 5 and bibliographic information of the image data, and also via the system control unit 5. The stored image data and bibliographic information of the image data are retrieved based on the transferred keyword such as ID, and the retrieved image data and bibliographic information of the image data are read out and transferred to the system control unit 5.

  The network I / F 7 communicates with a personal computer (PC), which is an external device connected to the network 9, and accepts browsing requests and print requests for image data stored in the mass storage device 6. The network I / F 7 corresponds to FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol) protocols, and exhibits an FTP client function and an HTTP server function under the control of the system control unit 5.

  The operation panel unit 8 is an operation unit for receiving an instruction from a user, and is configured by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal panel. The operation panel 8 is used to display the status of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, input various information, select image data and a printer, set printing conditions, and the like.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the system control unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the system control unit 5 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the system control unit 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that centrally controls each unit. The CPU 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 that is a read-only memory storing BIOS and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 that stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area of the CPU 11. 14 is connected. The bus 14 also includes an interface (I / I) that controls communication between the HDD 15 storing the control program, the CD-ROM drive 16 that reads a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM 17, and the scanner unit 2, the plotter unit 3, and the like. F) 18, a flash memory 19 which is a nonvolatile memory, an image memory 20, and a data processing unit 21 are connected.

  The flash memory 19 is a non-volatile memory that stores a management file (index file) of data necessary for providing the database function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and various setting information. This is a storage unit for temporarily storing image data transferred via / F18.

  The setting information stored in the flash memory 19 includes setting information related to the transfer of image data stored in the mass storage device 6 and bibliographic information of the image data. Specifically, "Do not transfer", which is a setting for transferring neither image data nor bibliographic information, "Transfer only bibliography", which is a setting for transferring only bibliographic information, or transfer both image data and bibliographic information. The setting “Transfer both bibliography and image” is stored in the flash memory 19 as setting information.

  The data processing unit 21 is a part that performs image processing such as rotation processing, scaling processing, and resolution conversion on the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 20, and a reduced image accompanied by resolution conversion. This is the part to be created. The data processing unit 21 performs image processing based on information set in the operation panel unit 8, and transfers the processed image data to the plotter unit 3, FAX controller 4, and network I / F 7 via the I / F 18. To do.

  A predetermined control program is stored in the CD-ROM 17 shown in FIG. 2, and the CPU 11 reads the control program stored in the CD-ROM 17 with the CD-ROM drive 16 and installs it in the HDD 15. As a result, the system control unit 5 is in a state in which various processes as described later can be performed.

  In place of the CD-ROM 17, various types of media such as various optical disks such as DVD, various magneto-optical disks, and various magnetic disks such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk can be used. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from the network 9 such as the Internet via the network I / F 7 and installed in the HDD 15. Note that the program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), in which case the OS may execute a part of various processes described later, or a word processor software It may be included as a part of a group of program files constituting predetermined application software or OS.

  Next, the contents of various processes executed by the CPU 11 provided in the system control unit 5 of the digital multifunction device 1 based on the control program will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the main part of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when an image is accumulated by each application.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the system control unit 5 is based on the control program, the accumulated image control unit 31, the image processing control unit 32, the setting readout unit 33, the XML generator 34, the FTP protocol control unit 35, the network I / F. Each function of the control unit 36, the HTTP protocol control unit 37, the XML syntax analyzer 38, the command analysis unit 39, the engine control unit 40, the FAX control unit 41, and the like is exhibited.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when image data accumulation is requested to the accumulated image control unit 31 from each of the applications a to d such as copy and printer, the accumulated image control unit 31 stores the bibliographic information in the mass storage device 6. At the same time, the image data is stored, and at the same time, the image processing control unit 32 is notified that the image data has been stored (step S1). Here, the function of the bibliographic information storage means is executed.

  The image processing control unit 32 reads out the current setting information for the application that has accumulated the image data from the flash memory 19 via the setting reading unit 33 (step S2).

  If the setting information stored in the flash memory 19 is “do not transfer” (Y in step S3), the process is terminated, and the setting information stored in the flash memory 19 is “not transferred”. If not (N in Step S3), the bibliographic information of the image data is read from the mass storage device 6 (Step S4), and XML data representing the bibliographic information of the read image data is generated by the XML generator 34 (Step S5). ).

  Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of generated XML data, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the meaning of XML tags. The XML data shown in FIG. 5 represents bibliographic information of image data accumulated by the copy application. The image data was accumulated on December 12, 1999, the number of pages of the image data was 3, and it can be read from this bibliographic information that 10 copies were created at the time of accumulation. Further, by referring to “thumbnailURL”, a thumbnail image of image data can be acquired, and by referring to “pageURI”, image data of page data can be acquired.

  The XML data (bibliographic information of the image data) generated by the XML generator 34 is transferred by the FTP protocol control unit 35 to the personal computer PC functioning as an FTP server (step S6). In this case, an FTP PUT command is used. If the setting information stored in the flash memory 19 is “Transfer bibliography only” (Y in step S7), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the setting information stored in the flash memory 19 is “Transfer both bibliography and image” (N in step S7), the image data is read from the mass storage device 6 by the accumulated image control unit 31. (Step S8), the read image data is transferred to the FTP server by the FTP protocol control unit 35 (Step S9). Therefore, in steps S2 to S9, the function of the transfer content selection means is executed.

  Here, the image data and bibliographic information stored in the large-capacity storage device 6 are transferred to the network 9 in accordance with each application or network environment that exhibits the copy function, FAX function, printer function, scanner function, etc. Since it can be selectively transferred to a personal computer PC which is an external device connected to the PC, it is possible to construct a system according to each application and network environment, and to improve usability.

  For example, when the application places importance on the image quality at the time of reprinting, only the bibliographic information is transferred without transferring the image data, and when the application exhibits the image browsing function on the personal computer PC, Both data and bibliographic information can be set to be transferred.

  Next, when the setting information stored in the flash memory 19 is “Transfer bibliography only”, it is necessary to transfer image data as necessary, and therefore image data transfer processing in such a case will be described. To do. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of image data transfer processing.

  When an HTTP request to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is generated via the network 9, the network I / F control unit 36 receives the HTTP request, and the received HTTP request is analyzed by the HTTP protocol control unit 37 (step S11).

  Next, the syntax analysis of the XML data embedded in the body part is performed by the XML syntax analyzer 38 that exhibits the XML analysis function, and syntax tree data representing the XML data is generated (step S12). Thereafter, the command analysis unit 39 analyzes the syntax tree data and extracts commands (step S13).

  If the extracted command is “image acquisition” (Y in step S14), the designated image data is read from the mass storage device 6 by the stored image control unit 31 (step S15), and the read image data is read out. Is transmitted as an HTTP response on the network 9 by the HTTP protocol control unit 37 (step S16). Here, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of XML data of an image acquisition command. The XML data embedded in the body part shown in FIG. 8 expresses that page 1 of the image data “ID10” is acquired.

  On the other hand, when the extracted command is “image printing” (N in step S14 and Y in step S17), printing of the specified image data is performed by controlling the plotter unit 3 with the engine control unit 40. This is performed (step S18). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of XML data of the image print command. The XML data embedded in the body part shown in FIG. 9 expresses that two copies of the image data “ID10” and “ID20” are printed and the upper portion is stapled. Although not particularly illustrated, operations such as FAX transmission of designated image data and deletion of stored image data can be realized.

  The bibliographic information is transferred at the same time as the image data is stored in the mass storage device 6, and the image data is transferred when a transfer request is received from the personal computer PC which is an external device. In a low environment, image data can be transferred only when there is a transfer request from a personal computer PC which is an external device, so that the load on the network can be reduced.

  Also, in an environment where the network performance is low, when it is determined that the network traffic is low due to the network monitoring function that monitors the network traffic by transferring image data during nighttime when there are few users at night By transferring the image data to the network, the load on the network can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the case of transferring data using FTP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data transfer can also be performed using e-mail or the like.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral that can be used as a printer, a copy, and a facsimile device has been shown. Recently, software (applications) corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile device, and the like have been described. ) Is considered as an image forming apparatus in which the common parts are bundled. Specifically, image forming apparatuses according to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2000-204235 and 2000-204257 are described. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine having a platform in which common parts of each application are bundled will be described.

  First, the configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MFP 100 includes a plotter 101, a hard disk device (HDD) 102, a network interface 103, and the like, and a software group 110 includes a platform 120 and an application 140.

  The platform 120 is formed by a general-purpose OS 121, a common system service 130, and an application service 129. The general-purpose OS 121 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes the software of the platform 120 and the application 140 in parallel as processes. By using open source UNIX (registered trademark), the safety of the program can be secured, the network can be supported, and the source code can be easily obtained. Furthermore, OS and TCP / IP royalties are unnecessary, and outsourcing is easy.

  The common system service 130 provides a basic common service to the application 140, and includes an SRM (System Resource Manager) 123 having an SCS (System Control Service) 122, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 124, and an MCS. (Memory Control Service) 125, OCS (Operation Panel Control Service) 126, FCS (FAX Control Service) 127, and NCS (Network Control Service) 128.

  The SRM 123, together with the SCS 122, controls the system and manages resources, such as an engine such as a plotter 101 and a scanner, a memory, an HDD 102, a host I / O (Centro I / F, network interface 103, IEEE 1394 I / F, RS232CI / F) and the like, and arbitration is performed in accordance with a request from a higher layer using hardware resources such as F).

  Specifically, the SRM 123 determines whether or not the requested hardware resource is available (whether it is not used by another request). Tell the upper layer that it is available. Also, hardware resource usage scheduling may be performed in response to a request from an upper layer, and the requested contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) may be directly executed. .

  The SCS 122 includes (1) application management, (2) operation unit control, (3) system screen display (job list screen, counter display screen, etc.), (4) LED display, (5) resource management, and (6) interrupt application. Take control. Specifically, in (1) application management, processing for registering an application and notifying other applications of the information is performed. For the registered application, the engine state is notified according to the system setting or the request setting from the application. For registered applications, an inquiry about whether or not to change the state of the system, such as an inquiry about power mode transition and an interrupt mode, is made.

  In (2) operation unit control, exclusive control of the operation unit usage right of the application is performed. Then, the key information from the operation unit driver (OCS) is exclusively notified to the application having the right to use the operation unit. This key information performs mask control for temporarily stopping notification according to system state transition such as during application switching.

  In (3) system screen display, a warning screen corresponding to the engine state is displayed according to the content of a request from an application having an operation unit usage right. Some of them turn on / off warning display according to the state of the application such as a user restriction screen. In a state other than the engine state, display control of a job list screen for displaying job reservation / execution status, a counter screen for displaying total counters, and a screen indicating that CSS is being reported is performed. With respect to these system screen displays, drawing is performed as a system screen that covers the application screen without requesting the application to release the operation unit usage right.

  In (4) LED display, display control of system LEDs such as warning LEDs and application keys is performed. The application-specific LED is directly controlled by the application using a display driver.

  In (5) resource management, a service for exclusive control of engine resources (scanners, staples, etc.) that must be exclusive when an application (ECS) executes a job is provided. (6) In interrupt application control, Control and service to make certain applications have priority operation.

  The ECS 124 controls the plotter 101, the HDD 102, the network interface 103, and the like, and performs image reading and printing operations, status notification, jam recovery, and the like.

  Specifically, a series of copy / scan / print operations are realized by sequentially issuing print requests to the SRM 123 in accordance with the job mode designation received from the application 140. The job to be handled by the ECS 124 is assumed that a scanner (SCANNER) is designated as the image input device or a plotter (PLOTTER) is designated as the image output device.

  For example, “SCANNER → PLOTTER” is specified for the copy operation, “SCANNER → MEMORY” is specified for file storage, and “SCANNER → FAX_IN” is specified for facsimile transmission. In addition, “MEMORY → PLOTTER” is specified in the case of printing stored files or printing from the printer application 111, and “FAX_OUT → PLOTTER” is specified in the case of facsimile reception.

  Although the definition of the job varies depending on the application, here, the processing operation for one set of image groups handled by the user is defined as one job. For example, in the case of a copy ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) mode, an operation for reading one set of documents placed on the document table is one job, and in the pressure plate mode, a reading operation until the final document is determined is one job. . In the case of the copy application 112, the operation of copying a bundle of documents is one job, and in the case of the fax application 113, one document transmission operation or one document reception operation is one job. In this case, the printing operation for one document is one job.

  The MCS 125 performs memory control. Specifically, the MCS 125 acquires and releases an image memory, uses a hard disk device (HDD), compresses and decompresses image data, and the like.

  When storing image data in the HDD, the MCS 125 stores bibliographic information related to each image data in the HDD in association with the image data. In addition, when an erasure request including an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data and bibliographic information stored in the HDD are to be erased is received, the image data and the bibliographic information are stored in the HDD. Erase from

  Here, as functions necessary for managing information necessary as image data files stored in the hard disk device, (1) file access (generation / deletion / open / close) function (including exclusive processing), ( 2) Various file attribute management (physical) such as file name / ID management (file / user) / password management / accumulation time management / number of pages / data format (compression method, etc.) / Access restriction / creation application / print condition management (Management of image data in page units), (3) Join / insert / cut-off function in file units and page units, (4) File sort functions (accumulation time order / user ID order, etc.), (5) All File information notification (for display / search), (6) Recovery function (file / page discard of damaged file), (7) File Le of the delete function, and the like.

  Further, functions for holding and accessing image data to a memory such as a RAM include (1) a function for acquiring file and page / band attribute information from the application 140, and (2) an image data area from the application 140. There are secure, release, read, and write functions.

  The OCS 126 is a module for controlling an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control, and provides a process for notifying the main body control of an operator's key operation event and a library function for each application to construct a GUI. Processing, processing for managing the constructed GUI information for each application, display reflection processing on the operation panel, and the like are performed.

  The OCS 126 includes (1) a library providing function for GUI construction, (2) an operation unit hardware resource management function, (3) a VRAM drawing / LCD display function (hardware display, display application switching, display language switching, Window dark color display, message / icon blink display, message connection display), (4) hard key input detection function, (5) touch panel key input detection function, (6) LED output function, (7) buzzer output function, etc. .

  The FCS 127 performs facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN network from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, and fusion transmission / reception. API is provided.

  Specifically, the FCS 127 includes (1) a transmission function for transmitting a document requested to be transmitted from the application layer to a facsimile receiver using the PSTN / ISDN network, and (2) a facsimile reception received from the PSTN / ISDN network. Receiving function for transferring and printing screens and various reports to each application layer, (3) Phonebook quoting / registration function for quoting and registering facsimile management items such as phonebook and group information stored in the fax board (4) Fax log notification function for notifying the application that needs the transmission / reception result history information stored in the BKM installed on the fax board, (5) When the status of the fax board changes, the FCS Has an event notification function that notifies registered applications of events that have changed

  The NCS 128 is a module group for providing a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. The NCS 128 distributes data received by each protocol from the network side to each application, and distributes data from the application. Mediates when sending to the network side. Specifically, it has server daemons such as ftpd, httpd, lpd, snmpd, telnetd, and smtpd, and client functions of the same protocol.

  The application service 129 is one of the common services that form the platform 120. Unlike the ECS 124, MCS 125, OCS 126, FCS 127, NCS 128, SRM 123, and SCS 122 that form the common system service 130, the application service 129 stands on the application 140 side. It provides services.

  In other words, the application service 129 is interposed between the application 140 and the common system service 130 and plays a role of bridging between the two.

  Specifically, the application service 129 includes an application job generation module 129a that collectively performs functions of job generation and data communication that the copy application 112, the fax application 113, the scanner application 114, and the like should perform. For this reason, since the copy application 112, the fax application 113, the scanner application 114, and the like need only mainly target screens and key operations, application development efficiency is improved.

  The application service 129 includes a command dispatcher module 129b, an XML syntax analysis module 129c, an HTTP analysis module 129d, and a data transfer module 129e. Each of these modules is a module that intervenes between the common system service 130 and the application 140 and has a role of acting as a bridge between the two.

  The HTTP analysis module 129d is a module that analyzes the content of HTTP data received via the network interface 103, and the XML syntax analysis module 129c performs a syntax analysis of the XML syntax on the data analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 129d. It is a module.

  The command dispatcher module 129b is a module that selects a corresponding application based on the analysis result by the XML syntax analysis module 129c.

  The data transfer module 129e is a module for transferring data stored in the HDD 102 or memory to a computer having a specified network address via the network interface 103 in cooperation with the MCS 125 and the NCS 128, and transfers data according to FTP or the like. .

  Specifically, the data transfer module 129e transfers the transfer content including image data and / or bibliographic information stored in the HDD 102 to an external device (computer). At this time, based on the application that generated the image data, either the transfer contents for transferring only the bibliographic information, the transfer contents for transferring both the image data and the bibliographic information, or the transfer contents for transferring neither the image data nor the bibliographic information. select.

  When transfer contents for transferring both image data and bibliographic information are selected, the image data and bibliographic information can be transferred at different timings. For example, bibliographic information can be transferred to an external device when image data is stored in the HDD 102, and the image data can be transferred to the external device at a predetermined time.

  Also, network traffic is monitored, bibliographic information is transferred to an external device when image data is stored in the HDD 102, and image data is monitored when the monitored traffic volume is smaller than a predetermined traffic volume. Can be transferred to an external device.

  Further, bibliographic information can be transferred to an external device when image data is stored in the HDD 102, and the image data can be transferred to the external device in response to a request from the external device. In this case, a transfer request consisting of an HTTP request in which XML data is embedded in the body part is accepted from the external device.

  The application 140 includes a printer application 111 that is a printer application, a copy application 112 that is a copy application, a fax application 113 that is a facsimile application, a scanner application 114 that is a scanner application, and reprinting. A reprint application 115 that is an application for image data, and an image data transfer application 116 that is an application for transferring image data. In addition, a process inspection application, which is a process inspection application, may be provided.

  The reprint application 115 is an application that functions when an HTTP request for reprinting is received via the network interface unit 103 and selected by the command dispatcher module. Specifically, the reprint application 115 stores the designation stored in the HDD 102 or the like. The application job generation module 129 a is instructed to generate a job for reprinting the processed image data on the plotter 101.

  The image data transfer application 116 is an application that functions when an HTTP request for image data transfer is received via the network interface unit 103 and is selected by the command dispatcher module. Specifically, the image data transfer application 116 is stored in the HDD 102 or the like. The data transfer module 129e is instructed to generate a job for reprinting on the plotter 101 that performs data transfer module processing to transfer the designated image data to the requesting computer.

  Each of the applications 111 to 116 can execute an operation by using each process on the platform 120, and therefore the screen display control program is the main component. In particular, since the application service 129 is provided on the platform 120, there is no need to provide job generation and data communication functions.

  Next, the image data transfer operation using the image data transfer application 116 shown in FIG. 10 will be described more specifically. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image data transfer operation using the image data transfer application 116 shown in FIG. However, for convenience of explanation, only the SRM 123, the ECS 124, the MCS 125, and the NCS 128 are illustrated for the common system service 130.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the MFP 100 receives HTTP data from the network interface 103, the HTTP data is analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 129d, and in particular, the description portion of the XML language is analyzed by the XML syntax analysis module 129c.

  Thereafter, the command dispatcher module 129b selects the image data transfer application 116 based on the analysis result, and notifies that the data transfer has been received via the network.

  Upon receiving this notification, the image data transfer application 116 instructs the data transfer module 129e to transfer the designated image data, and the data transfer module 129e operates in cooperation with the MCS 125 and the NCS 128 and stores them in the HDD 102. The corresponding image data is transferred via the network interface 103.

  As described above, when an HTTP request, which is an image data transfer request, is received, the HTTP analysis module 129d, the XML syntax analysis module 129c, the command dispatcher module 129b, and the data transfer module 129e in the application service 129 are used in the HDD 102. The stored image data can be transferred to the requesting computer.

  Next, the image data reprinting operation using the reprinting application 115 shown in FIG. 10 will be described more specifically. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reprint operation of image data using the reprint application 115 shown in FIG. However, for convenience of explanation, only the SRM 123, the ECS 124, the MCS 125, and the NCS 128 are illustrated for the common system service 130 here.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the MFP 100 receives HTTP data from the network interface 103, the HTTP data is analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 129d, and in particular, the description portion of the XML language is analyzed by the XML syntax analysis module 129c.

  Thereafter, the command dispatcher module 129b selects the reprint application 115 based on the analysis result, and notifies that a reprint instruction has been received via the network.

  Upon receiving this notification, the reprint application 115 instructs the application job generation module 129a to generate a reprint job for the designated image data, and the application job generation module 129a cooperates with the ECS 124, the MCS 125, and the NCS 128. In operation, the corresponding image data stored in the HDD 102 is reprinted by the plotter 101.

  As described above, when an HTTP request that is a reprint request for image data is received, the HTTP analysis module 129d, the XML syntax analysis module 129c, the command dispatcher module 129b, and the application job generation module 129a in the application service 129 are used. Image data stored in the HDD 102 can be reprinted by the plotter 101.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the application job generation module 129a, the command dispatcher module 129b, and the XML syntax analysis module 129c are included in the application service 129 interposed between the common system service 130 and the application 140. Since the HTTP analysis module 129d and the data transfer module 129e are provided, even when an image data reprint instruction or an image data transfer request including HTTP data described in the XML language is received via the network, These requirements can be met.

(Embodiment 3)
In the second embodiment, the application service 129 is provided between the common system service 130 and the application 140. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the application service 129 is provided. It can also be applied in the case of not providing. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a case where the application 140 is caused to perform the process of the application service 129 will be described.

  First, the configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction machine according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the MFP 200 includes a plotter 201, a hard disk drive (HDD) 202, a network interface 203, and the like, and a software group 210 includes a platform 220 and an application 240.

  The platform 220 includes a general-purpose OS 221, an SRM (System Resource Manager) 223 having an SCS (System Control Service) 222, an ECS (Engine Control Service) 224, an MCS (Memory Control Service) 225, an OCS (Operation Panel Control Service). ) 226, FCS (FAX Control Service) 227, and NCS (Network Control Service) 228. Since these parts are the same as those shown in FIG. 10, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The application 230 includes a printer application 211 that is a printer application, a copy application 212 that is a copying application, a fax application 213 that is a facsimile application, a scanner application 214 that is a scanner application, and reprinting. And a net file application 215 which is an application for transferring image data. In addition, a process inspection application, which is a process inspection application, may be provided.

  Here, the net file application 115 is an application that receives an HTTP request for reprinting via the network interface unit 103 and selects processing contents by the command dispatcher module. Specifically, the net file application 115 is stored in the HDD 102 or the like. A job for reprinting the designated image data on the plotter 101 is generated, or the designated image data stored in the HDD 102 or the like is transferred to the requesting computer.

  Next, the image data transfer operation using the net file application 215 shown in FIG. 13 will be described more specifically. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image data transfer operation using the net file application 215 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the net file application 215 includes a command dispatcher module 215b, an XML syntax analysis module 215c, an HTTP analysis module 215d, and a data transfer module 215e.

  The HTTP analysis module 215d is a module that analyzes the content of HTTP data received via the network interface 103, and the XML syntax analysis module 215c performs a syntax analysis of the XML syntax on the data analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 215d. It is a module.

  The command dispatcher module 215b is a module that selects a corresponding application based on the analysis result by the XML syntax analysis module 215c.

  The data transfer module 215e is a module for transferring data stored in the HDD 202 or the memory to a computer having a network address designated via the network interface 203 in cooperation with the MCS 225 and the NCS 228. Specifically, data transfer is performed according to FTP or the like.

  When the MFP 200 receives HTTP data from the network interface 203, the HTTP data is analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 215d, and in particular, the description portion of the XML language is analyzed by the XML syntax analysis module 215c.

  Thereafter, the command dispatcher module 215b selects the data transfer module 215e based on the analysis result. The data transfer module 215 e operates in cooperation with the MCS 225 and the NCS 228 to transfer the corresponding image data stored in the HDD 202 via the network interface 203.

  As described above, when the net file application 215 receives an HTTP request, which is an image data transfer request, the HDD 202 uses the HTTP analysis module 215d, the XML syntax analysis module 215c, the command dispatcher module 215b, and the data transfer module 215e. The stored image data can be transferred to the requesting computer.

  Next, the image data reprinting operation using the net file application 215 shown in FIG. 13 will be described more specifically. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the reprinting operation of the image data using the net file application 215 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the net file application 215 includes a reprint job generation module 215a in addition to the command dispatcher module 215b, XML syntax analysis module 215c, HTTP analysis module 215d, and data transfer module 215e.

  The reprint job generation module 215a is a module that operates when the MFP 200 receives HTTP data indicating a reprint instruction and is selected by the command dispatcher module 215b. Specifically, the reprint job generation module 215a retransmits requested print data. Generate a reprint job to print.

  Specifically, when the MFP 200 receives HTTP data from the network interface 203, the HTTP data is analyzed by the HTTP analysis module 215d, and in particular, the description portion of the XML language is analyzed by the XML syntax analysis module 215c.

  Thereafter, when the command dispatcher module 215b selects the reprint job generation module 215a based on the analysis result, the reprint job generation module 215a operates in cooperation with the ECS 224, the MCS 225, and the NCS 228, and the corresponding image stored in the HDD 202. Data is reprinted by the plotter 201.

  As described above, when an HTTP request that is a reprint request for image data is received, an image stored in the HDD 202 using the HTTP analysis module 215d, the XML syntax analysis module 215c, the command dispatcher module 215b, and the application job generation module 215a. Data can be reprinted by the plotter 201.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the net file application 215 that performs reprinting and data transfer is provided as one of the applications 230, and the reprint job generation module 215a, Since the command dispatcher module 215b, the XML parsing module 215c, the HTTP parsing module 215d, and the data transfer module 215e are provided, a reprinting instruction for image data composed of HTTP data described in the XML language and an image data transfer request are sent to the network. Even if it is received via the Internet, it is possible to respond to these requests.

  In the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, since the net file application 215 is one of the applications 230, there is an advantage that the platform 220 need not be updated. However, there arises a drawback that, for example, the HTTP analysis module 215d and the like must be independently possessed by a plurality of applications.

  In the second and third embodiments, the case where a data transfer request and a reprint request are made by an HTTP request from an external device has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this and prints image data. A print request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data described in the XML language is embedded in the body part, a FAX transmission request composed of an HTTP request in which XML data described in the XML language is embedded in the body part, indicating that image data is to be transmitted by FAX The present invention can also be applied to a case where an erasure request including an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that image data and bibliographic information are to be erased is embedded in a body part is made.

(Embodiment 4)
In the second and third embodiments, the HTTP analysis module, the XML syntax analysis module, and the command dispatcher module are provided on either the platform side or the application side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, only the HTTP analysis module can be provided on the platform, and other modules can be provided on the application side.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, this point will be described in consideration of the case where the present invention is implemented in a multifunction machine. Here, it is assumed that the image document operation application is provided as one of a plurality of applications.

  16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a case where the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is mounted as a multifunction machine. As shown in the figure, this multifunction machine 300 is provided with a platform and each application on a controller board 310, and both are connected by an application I / F. The controller board 310 is connected via an engine I / F. It is configured to be connected to the engine control board.

  The platform 320 is provided with a common system service 330 on the general-purpose OS 340, and the common system service 330 provides a service common to the applications already described.

  Here, FIG. 16 shows a case where an HTTP analysis module 380, a WWW library, an XML analysis module, and the like are provided in the common system service 330 as in the second embodiment.

  On the other hand, what is shown in FIG. 17 shows a case where only the HTTP analysis module 380 is provided in the common system service 330 and the XML syntax analysis module 360 is provided on the application side.

  As described above, in order to allow each application to access the HTTP server which is an external device, it is desirable to provide the HTTP analysis module 380 in the common system service 330. However, each HTTP server corresponds to the XML language. Therefore, the XML analysis module 360 can be provided on the application side.

  Although not shown, even if the XML analysis module 360 is provided on the platform 330 side as shown in FIG. 16, the command dispatcher module described above may be provided on either the platform or the application side.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since the HTTP analysis module 380 is provided on the platform 330 side and the XML analysis module 350 is provided on the application side, the platform is configured only by modules that are frequently used. be able to.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of a system control part. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main part of a digital multifunction peripheral. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when an image is accumulate | stored by each application. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the produced | generated XML data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the meaning of the tag of XML. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an image data transfer process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the XML data of an image acquisition command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the XML data of an image print command. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the transfer operation | movement of the image data using the image data transfer application shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing a reprint operation of image data using the reprint application illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to a third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the transfer operation | movement of the image data using the net file application shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the reprint operation of the image data using the net file application shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the case where the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention is mounted as a multifunction machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the case where the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention is mounted as a multifunction machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Scanner part 3 Plotter part 4 FAX controller 5 System control part 6 Mass storage device 7 Network I / F
8 Operation panel 9 Network 17 Storage medium PC External device

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus having hardware resources used in image forming processing such as a display unit, a printing unit, a storage unit, and an imaging unit, and providing a user service for image forming processing such as a printer, copy, or facsimile A plurality of applications that perform image formation processing unique to each user service such as the printer, copy, and facsimile, and are provided between the application and the hardware resources to provide the user service. In the image forming apparatus provided with a platform for performing management and execution control of the hardware resource that is commonly performed in the plurality of mountable applications,
The platform is
A network control service for controlling network communication with external devices;
An HTTP analysis module for analyzing the content of HTTP command data input from the external device via the network;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform further includes an XML syntax analysis module that performs XML syntax analysis of data analyzed by the HTTP analysis module.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the platform further includes a command dispatcher module that selects a corresponding application based on an analysis result by the XML parsing module.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the HTTP command data is a transfer request including an HTTP request in which XML data is embedded in a body part.   3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the HTTP command data is a print request including an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data is to be printed by the printing unit is embedded in a body part. Processing equipment.   The platform further includes a fax control service module for controlling fax communication, and the HTTP command data is embedded in the body part as XML data describing in XML language that the fax control service module transmits image data by FAX. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus is a FAX transmission request including an HTTP request.   When the memory control module receives an erasure request including an HTTP request in which XML data describing in XML language that the image data and bibliographic information stored in the storage unit are to be erased is embedded in the body part, the image data The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein bibliographic information is deleted from the storage unit.

Images