JP3740289B2 - Image input device, information processing apparatus, image input method and information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention enables a management server and various information processing apparatuses for managing a system to be connected to each other via a network, and realizes a multifunction function by a combination of the management server and various information processing apparatuses, a communication method thereof, And a communication method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, many multi-function system configurations have been realized by connecting input devices such as scanners and digital cameras and output devices such as printers and facsimile machines to each other via a network. In this type of system, generally a file server that temporarily stores data on a network and a client host that instructs to read data from an input device and send data to an output device (this also serves as the file server) Is also required).
[0003]
For example, in the case of realizing a function (copying function) for printing input information from a printer by a combination of a scanner as an input device and a printer as an output device, the conventional method is as follows.
[0004]
In the first method, the user goes to a location where the scanner is located, sets a document to be copied, goes to a location where the client host is located, and reads the document from the scanner. Thereafter, the copying function was realized by designating output to the printer.
[0005]
The second method is a method for realizing a copy function by designating a destination of data read on the operation panel of the scanner and directly printing with the printer as the destination.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the first method described above, in order to realize the copying function, it is necessary for the user to bother to move to a location where the client host is located, and specify scan execution and print execution, which is troublesome and inconvenient. There was a problem that there was.
[0007]
On the other hand, in the second method, since the method of specifying the destination by the scanner is complicated, a load is given to the user, and the display screen of the operation panel becomes large in order to realize a more complicated specification method, Since many operation buttons are required, there is a problem that the cost of the scanner increases.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems, and includes, for example, the following configuration as one means for achieving such an object.
[0009]
  That is, the present inventionFor image output devices that output image data and information processing devices that store system configuration informationnetworkThroughCommunication possible imageInput deviceBecause
  Acquisition means for acquiring transfer path information including information for specifying the image output device and information for specifying the image input device from the information processing apparatus;
  The transfer path acquired by the acquisition meansStorage means for storing a plurality of information;
  A plurality of stored in the storage meansForwarding pathAny of the informationAccording to user's specificationA selection means to select;
  Transfer means for transferring data input in the image input device to the image output device based on the transfer path information selected by the selection means;,
It is characterized by having.
[0010]
  The present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via an image input device for inputting image data and an image output device for outputting image data via a network.
  The image input deviceIdentifyInformation and image output deviceIdentifyinformationFrom each deviceAcquisition means for acquiring;
  Acquired by the acquisition means,The image input deviceIdentifyInformation and said image output deviceIdentifyinformationTransfer path includingGenerating means for generating information;
  Generated by the generating means from the image input device or the image output deviceForwarding pathReceiving means for receiving a request for information;
  Generated by the generating means in response to the requestForwarding pathInformation input deviceOrTransmitting means for transmitting to the image output device;
Have
  The transmission means includesForwarding pathThe image input device or the image output device that has requested informationTransfer path information including information identifying the request to the device that made the requestIt is characterized by transmitting.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an invention according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration according to the present invention.
[0019]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network using a known technology for connecting devices. In this embodiment, the use of Ethernet using the TCP / IP protocol is assumed.
[0020]
Reference numeral 102 denotes a network scanner which is an information supply device (information input device) for optically reading information printed on paper such as a document. The network scanner 102 includes a network interface and is connected to each device via the network 101.
[0021]
Reference numeral 103 denotes a management server that stores configuration information (hereinafter referred to as “transfer path profile”) for configuring a multi-function system by the combination of the network scanner 102 and the network printer 104, and from the information supply device and the information output device. A transfer path profile is provided upon request.
[0022]
The management server 103 is usually realized by installing server software on a personal computer or workstation. The management server 103 includes a network interface and is connected to each device via the network 101.
[0023]
An information output device 104 includes a network interface, receives print data and image data sent via the network interface, and actually prints on a medium such as paper using a known print technology such as electrophotographic technology. A network printer. The network printer 104 is also connected to each device via the network 101.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image data transmitted from the network scanner 102 can be printed immediately by the network printer 104, and the data is transferred to a page description language (hereinafter referred to as “PDL”). There is no mention of conversion.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network scanner 102 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technique, and 202 denotes a CPU that controls the entire operation of the network scanner 102 in accordance with a control procedure stored in the ROM 204 or loaded into the RAM 203.
[0026]
A RAM 203 temporarily stores image data read mainly by the scanner engine 201 and stores work storage information, and a ROM 204 stores a control procedure for controlling the operation of the CPU 202. . Reference numeral 205 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101.
[0027]
206 is a device profile supply unit that transmits device information of the network scanner 102 to the management server 103, 207 is a transfer path profile acquisition unit that acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores it in the RAM 203, and 208 is to provide a user interface. In addition, an operation panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an LED and a plurality of operation buttons.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network printer 104 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine that uses a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink jet, and 302 denotes, for example, control of the entire operation of the network printer 109 according to a control procedure stored in the ROM 304 or loaded into the RAM 303. CPU.
[0029]
Reference numeral 303 denotes a RAM that temporarily stores image data to be printed on the printer engine 301 and stores work storage information. Reference numeral 303 denotes a ROM that stores a control procedure for controlling the operation of the CPU 302. . Reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101.
[0030]
A device profile supply unit 306 transmits device information unique to the network printer 104 to the management server 103. A transfer path profile acquisition unit 307 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server 103 and stores the transfer path profile in the RAM 303. 308 indicates a user interface. In order to provide, it is an operation panel composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal or LED and a plurality of operation buttons.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the management server 103 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, for example, 401 is a CPU that controls the overall operation of the management server 103 in accordance with a control procedure loaded in the RAM 402, and 402 is a RAM that stores work information, a control procedure for controlling the operation of the CPU 401, and the like. .
[0032]
404 is a device profile database for storing device profiles of devices connected to the network, 405 is a transfer bus profile database for storing transfer bus profiles generated from the device profiles, and 406 is for connecting to the network 101. Network I / F.
[0033]
A device profile acquisition unit 407 acquires a device profile from a device connected to the network and stores it in the device profile database 404. 408 transfers from the transfer path profile database 405 in accordance with a request from another device connected to the network 101. A transfer path profile supply unit that reads a path profile and supplies the path profile to a requesting apparatus via the network 101.
[0034]
A transfer path profile generation unit 409 generates a transfer path profile from device information written in the device profile database 402 and writes the transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 405.
[0035]
Next, the device profile described above in the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0036]
The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics unique to each device necessary for configuring the multi-function system. For example, the device profile includes text data shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of a device profile in the network scanner 102 according to the present embodiment.
[0037]
In FIG. 5, Device-Type: indicates the type of device. In this case, it is an information supply device (input device) and indicates a scanner. Device-Id: indicates the model name of the device, and in this case, ScannerXXX is the model name of the device.
[0038]
Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, 172.16.10.2 is the network address of the device.
[0039]
Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that each resolution of 400 DPI, 600 DPI, and 1200 DPI is supported.
[0040]
Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In this case, the device indicates that the device supports paper sizes of A4, A5, and B4.
[0041]
Input-fee: indicates a charge when a device is used. In this case, when an A4 size 16-bit image is captured, a charge of 8 yen is charged.
[0042]
Document-format: is an image format supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that the device supports output of JPEG and GIF type images and output by LIPS4 type PDL.
[0043]
Input-commnad: describes a command that causes the scanner to read from another device. “A4 / REQ A4-SCAN” indicates that a command “REQ A4-SCAN” may be transmitted to the network scanner in order to read in A4 size.
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a device profile in the network printer 104 according to the present embodiment.
[0045]
In FIG. 6, Device-Type: indicates the type of device. In this case, it is an information output device and indicates a laser beam printer.
[0046]
Device-address: indicates the network address of the device. In this case, 172.16.10.3 indicates that the network address of the device.
[0047]
Resolution: is a resolution supported by the device. In this case, it indicates that a resolution of 300 DPI or 600 DPI is supported.
[0048]
Media-size: indicates the paper size supported by the device. In this case, the device indicates that the device supports A3, A4, A5, and B4 paper sizes.
[0049]
Output-fee: indicates a charge when the device is used. In this case, when an A4 size monochrome image is output, a charge of 10 yen is charged.
[0050]
Documment-format: is an image format supported by the device, and indicates that input by LIPS4, -N201, ESC / P is supported.
[0051]
The device profile of the device is acquired by the device profile acquisition unit of the management server 103.
[0052]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103 shown in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment. The device profile acquisition unit 407 is activated when the management server 102 is activated, and operates until the system is terminated.
[0053]
First, in step 701, a device profile acquisition command is issued to a device connected to the network only once at the time of activation. The structure of the device profile acquisition command in this embodiment is shown in FIG.
[0054]
In FIG. 8, “REQ” indicates a transfer request, and “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, which indicates a device profile request. This device profile acquisition command is broadcast to the network in the form of a UDP packet in TCP / IP.
[0055]
When the process of step 701 in FIG. 7 is completed, the process proceeds to step 702 where the device profile acquisition unit 407 compares whether or not a device profile transfer command has arrived. If the device profile transfer command does not arrive, monitoring is continued in step 702.
[0056]
When the device profile acquisition unit 407 confirms the transfer of the device profile while monitoring the transfer of the device profile in step 702, the process proceeds to step 703, records and registers the device profile in the device profile database 407, and returns to step 702. Wait for the next device profile transfer command.
[0057]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the above-described device profile transfer command. The device profile transfer command will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0058]
In FIG. 9, “SEND” on the first line indicates a transfer command, “DEVICE-PROFILE” indicates a device profile, and these two indicate that this command is a device profile transfer. Show.
[0059]
The second and subsequent lines indicate the contents of the device profile, similar to the device profile in the network scanner 102 shown in FIG. 5, and are terminated by a line “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0060]
Next, device profile transfer control when a device profile is transferred from the side of a network connection device (for example, the network scanner 102 or the network printer 104) other than the server in this embodiment will be described.
[0061]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile supply unit in the network connection device (communication device). In the case of the network scanner 102, the device profile supply unit is 206 in FIG. 2, and in the case of the network printer 104, it is 206 in FIG. The device profile supply unit is called (started) at the same time when the device is activated, and continues the process shown in FIG. 10 until the device is powered off.
[0062]
When the device is activated, the device profile supply unit in the network connection device (communication device) shifts to the processing of FIG. 10, and transfers the device profile to the management server 103 only once at the time of activation in step 901.
[0063]
If the management server 103 is activated, the management server 103 receives the device profile transfer command in step 702 shown in FIG. 7 and reflects it in the device profile database 404. If the management server 103 is not activated at this time, the device profile transfer command is not reflected in the device profile database 404 of the management server 103.
[0064]
In subsequent step 902, it is monitored that a device profile transfer request command is sent from the management server 103. If a device profile transfer request command has not been sent from the management server 103, the monitoring process in step 902 is continued.
[0065]
In step 902, if a device profile transfer request command is sent from the management server 103, the process proceeds to step 903, and a device profile transfer command is issued to the management server 103 as in step 901. This process is a means for reflecting the device information in the device profile database 404 when the management server 103 is started after the device is activated, and the device profile acquisition unit 407 of the management server 103 performs the processing shown in FIG. By issuing a device profile transfer request command at the time of activation in step 701, it is ensured that the management server 103 always obtains device profiles of all devices connected to the network.
[0066]
The management server 103 generates a transfer path profile using the transfer path profile generation unit 409 based on the device information registered in the device profile database 404 and stores the transfer path profile in the transfer path profile database 405.
[0067]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the transfer path profile generated in step 903. The transfer path profile of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0068]
In FIG. 11, the description: line of the first line indicates a character string displayed on the device panel when a transfer path is selected. The transfer path example shown in FIG. 11 indicates “COPY scannerXXX to LBP-XXX”.
[0069]
The input-device: line in the second line indicates the type of input device. The output-device: line in the third line indicates the type of output device. The 4th line of input-address: indicates the network address of the input device, and the 5th line of output-address: indicates the network address of the output device.
[0070]
The sixth line, Document-format :, indicates the format of the document used in this transfer path. The seventh line, Copy-default :, indicates the number of copies used by default. Resolution: on the eighth line indicates the resolution used in this transfer path.
[0071]
Input-command: on and after the ninth line is information written in the device profile of the input device, and describes a command to be read by the input device.
[0072]
The management server 103 usually has one or more transfer path profiles, and supplies the transfer path profile to each device according to the request of the input device and the output device.
[0073]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103. Hereinafter, the operation of the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0074]
The transfer path profile supply unit 408 starts operating when the management server 103 is activated. First, in step 1101, all transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to all devices connected to the network by a transfer path profile transfer command at startup. Notification is performed by broadcast notification.
[0075]
In step 1102, it is checked whether the transfer path profile database 405 has been changed. If there is no change in the transfer path profile database 405, the process proceeds to step 1104.
[0076]
On the other hand, if there is a change in the transfer path profile database 405 in step 1102, the process proceeds to step 1103. Then, the changed transfer path profile is notified to all devices connected to the network. Notification is performed by broadcast notification. Then, the process proceeds to Step 1104.
[0077]
In step 1104, it is checked whether a transfer path profile transfer request command has arrived from each device. If the transfer path profile transfer request command has not arrived, the process returns to step 1102 and the above processing is continued.
[0078]
On the other hand, if the transfer path profile transfer request command has been received, the process proceeds to step 1105. Then, all transfer path profiles stored in the transfer path profile database 405 are notified to the requested device by a transfer path profile transfer command.
[0079]
The structure of the transfer path profile transfer request command described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile request command in this embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the structure of a transfer path profile transfer command.
[0080]
“REQ” in FIG. 13 indicates a transfer request, and “TRANSMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile. In FIG. 13, the request indicates a transfer path profile as a whole.
[0081]
In the transfer path profile transfer command shown in FIG. 14, “SEND” in the first line indicates transfer, and “TRANMISSION-PATH-PROFILE” indicates a transfer path profile. It shows that the transfer command is a transfer path profile as a whole.
[0082]
The following lines indicate the contents of the transfer path profile in the same manner as the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 11, and are terminated by the line “END_OF_PROFILE”.
[0083]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transfer path profile acquisition unit in the input device and the output device in the present embodiment. The transfer path profile acquisition unit is 207 shown in FIG. 2 in the case of the network scanner 102, and 307 shown in FIG. 3 in the case of the network printer 104.
[0084]
When the transfer path profile acquisition unit of each device attempts to acquire the transfer path profile, the process proceeds to the processing of FIG. 15. In step 1401, the network connection device acquires the transfer path profile. Issue a transfer path profile request command.
[0085]
Upon receiving this command, the transfer path profile supply unit 408 in the management server 103 has received a transfer path profile transfer request command from each device in the process of step 1104 in FIG. 12, and in step 1105 the transfer path profile is transferred. Done. Therefore, in subsequent step 1402, it is monitored whether the management server 103 that has received the transfer path profile transfer command has transferred the transfer path profile. If it hasn't arrived yet, wait for it to arrive.
[0086]
If a transfer path profile transfer request command arrives from each device in the process of step 1402, the process proceeds to step 1403. Then, it is stored in the RAM (203 for the network scanner 102, 303 for the network printer 104).
[0087]
Through the above processing, each device can acquire the transfer path profile from the management server 103 and store it in the RAMs 203 and 303.
[0088]
Next, a process for actually printing in the present embodiment in which the above processes are performed will be described. In this embodiment, the user stands in front of the network scanner 102, sets a document, and then operates the panel to perform printing.
[0089]
FIG. 16 is a view showing the appearance of the operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102. In FIG. 16, 1501 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters, 1502 is a cross key for selecting each function, and 1503 is an execution button for executing a scan.
[0090]
The user can select a transfer path profile by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1502.
[0091]
FIG. 17 shows the display content of the liquid crystal panel 1501 when the right key of the cross panel 1502 is pressed once. The character string on the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown in Description: of FIG. 11, indicating that the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 11 is selected.
[0092]
If a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the network scanner 102, another transfer path profile can be selected by further pressing the right key of the cross panel 1502.
[0093]
When a scan execution button 1503 is pressed here, a copy function using this transfer path profile is executed. According to the transfer path profile of FIG. 11, the network scanner 102 selects 172.16.10.2 written in output-address: as an output device, reads a document with a resolution of 600 DPI written in Resolution: Send print data in LIPS4 format written in -format :. Copy is performed only once as described in Copy-default :.
[0094]
The print data is transferred to the network printer 104 via the network 101. At this time, the network printer 104 only performs print processing of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.
[0095]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, complicated configuration information for realizing a function of copying (copying) data from a network scanner to a network printer is provided as a transfer path profile in the management server. The network scanner allows the user to select the transfer path profile to be used, making the copy function possible, giving the user convenience and eliminating the need for an operation panel that allows the scanner to specify complex operations. Cost reduction is possible.
[0096]
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the method of selecting the transfer path profile on the operation panel of the network scanner 102 and transferring the print data to the network printer 104 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example. Conversely, an example in which a transfer path profile is selected from the operation panel of the network printer 104 and the network scanner 102 is requested to transmit print data may be used. .
[0097]
An embodiment of the second invention according to the present invention in which a transfer path profile is selected from the operation panel of the network printer 104 and the network scanner 102 is requested to transmit print data will be described below.
[0098]
In the second exemplary embodiment, the network printer 104 uses the same procedure as that for the network scanner 102 described in the first exemplary embodiment to acquire the transfer path profile from the management server 103. Make an acquisition.
[0099]
Also in the second embodiment, since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above.
[0100]
In the second embodiment, the user sets an original on the network scanner 102 and then stands in front of the network printer 104 to operate the panel to read the original from the network scanner 102 and to the network printer 104. In response to this transfer, it is printed out.
[0101]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation panel 308 in the network printer 104. In FIG. 18, 1701 is a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying 12-digit characters, 1702 is a cross key for selecting each function, and 1703 is an execution button for executing printing. The user selects a transfer path profile by pressing the right key of the cross panel 1702.
[0102]
FIG. 17 shows the display content of the liquid crystal panel 1701 when the right key of the cross panel 1702 is pressed once. The character string of the liquid crystal panel displays the character string shown in Description: shown in FIG. 11 as in the first embodiment, and the transfer path profile shown in FIG. It shows that.
[0103]
If a plurality of transfer path profiles are registered in the network printer 104, another transfer path profile can be selected by further pressing the right key of the cross panel 1702.
[0104]
When a print execution button 1703 is pressed here, a copy function using this transfer path profile is executed. As in the first embodiment described above, the transfer path profile shown in FIG. 14 is used. According to this, the network printer 104 uses 172.16.10.2 written in input-address: as an input device. By selecting and sending a read command written in Input-command: to the input device, a read request is made.
[0105]
When the network scanner 102 receives the reading command, the network scanner 102 reads a document with a paper size designated as a reply, and transmits data to the network printer 104. At this time, the network scanner 104 only performs the transmission process of the transferred print data regardless of the transfer path profile.
[0106]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, data is transferred from a network scanner to a network printer, and complicated configuration information for realizing copying is provided to the management server as a transfer path profile, so that the network printer Allows you to select the transfer path profile to be used, and the copy function is possible, giving the user convenience and eliminating the need for an operation panel that allows the printer to specify complex operations, thus reducing costs. .
[0107]
[Third embodiment]
In the above-described first embodiment, the input / output device requests the management server 103 to transfer all transfer path profiles, but a plurality of input / output devices are connected to the network 101. In some cases, there may be a transfer path profile that does not use a certain device, and it is useless to store the information in the RAM of the device.
[0108]
Therefore, it is conceivable that the transfer path profile transfer request is expanded and the command is expanded so that only transfer path profiles related to the own machine are transferred. A description will now be given of a third embodiment of the present invention in which the command is extended so that only the transfer path profile related to the own machine is transferred.
[0109]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a command sentence obtained by extending the transfer path profile transfer request command in the third embodiment according to the present invention. In the example of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the transfer path profile transfer request command is an extension of the transfer path profile transfer request command of FIG. 13 described above, and “MATCH Input-address = 172.16”. 10.2 "indicates that a request for a transfer path profile conforming to 172.16.10.2 is made as an input device address.
[0110]
The third embodiment is the same as the above-described embodiment except that such an extended statement is used.
[0111]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a large number of transfer path profiles are registered in the management server, each device receives only transfer path profiles relevant to itself. In addition to reducing the load on the network, it is possible to save the RAM of the device that stores the transfer path profile, thereby reducing the cost.
[0112]
[Fourth Embodiment]
According to the first to third embodiments described above, it is assumed that all transfer path profiles are stored in the management server. However, in order to enable printing even when the management server is not activated. In addition, the transfer path profile may be registered in the nonvolatile memory of each device. Furthermore, each device may have a function equivalent to that of the management server.
[0113]
[Another embodiment]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), or a device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, etc.) including a single device. You may apply to.
[0114]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.
[0115]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0116]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0117]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0118]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0119]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of information related to functions that can be realized by a combination of device information related to each device on the network and device information related to the image forming apparatus is stored, and any of the stored information is stored. Based on the selected information, the functions that can be realized by the combination are displayed so that they can be specified by the user. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an operation panel that gives convenience to the user and allows the image forming apparatus to specify complicated operations. Cost reduction is possible.
[0121]
  In addition, according to the present invention, in an image input device that inputs image data and an image output device that outputs image data and an information processing apparatus that can communicate via a network, the device information and the image output device of the image input device Device information is generated, information indicating a function including a combination of device information of the image input device and device information of the image output device is generated, and a request for the generated information is received from the image input device or the image output device. The information generated in response to the request is transmitted to the image input device and the image output device, and further, the information indicating the function related to the image input device or the image output device that has requested the generated information is transmitted. As a result, it is possible to reduce costs because it does not require an operation panel that gives convenience to the user and allows the image forming apparatus to perform complicated operation designation.
[0124]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic diagram illustrating a system configuration of an embodiment of an invention according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network scanner shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the network printer shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a device profile in the network scanner in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device profile in the network printer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile acquisition unit of the management server in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of a device profile acquisition command used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of a device profile transfer instruction in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device profile supply unit in the network connection communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of a transfer path profile used in this embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a transfer path profile supply unit in the management server according to the embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a structure of a transfer path profile request command used in this embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a structure of a transfer path profile transfer instruction used in the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a transfer path profile acquisition unit in a network scanner and a network printer.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation panel in the network scanner according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the display content of the liquid crystal panel when the right key of the cross panel is pressed once in the embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an external appearance of an operation panel in the network printer in the embodiment of the second invention according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an instruction sentence obtained by extending a transfer path profile transfer request instruction in the embodiment of the third invention according to the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
101 network
102 Network scanner
103 Management server
104 Network printer
201 Scanner engine
202, 302, 401 CPU
203, 303, 402 RAM
204, 304 ROM
205, 305, 406 Network I / F
206, 306 Device profile supply unit
207, 307, 407 Transfer path profile acquisition unit
208 Operation panel
301 Printer engine
308 Operation panel
404 Device profile database
405 Transfer path profile database
408 Transfer path profile supply unit
409 Transfer path profile generation unit
1501 LCD panel
1502 Four-way controller
1503 Read execution button
1701 LCD panel
1702 Four-way controller
1703 Print execution button

Claims (8)

An image input device capable of communicating via a network with an image output device that outputs image data and an information processing device that stores system configuration information ,
Acquisition means for acquiring transfer path information including information for specifying the image output device and information for specifying the image input device from the information processing apparatus;
Storage means for storing a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the acquisition means;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the plurality of transfer path information stored in the storage means according to a user's designation ;
Transmission means for transmitting data input in the image input device to the image output device based on the transfer path information selected by the selection means ;
An image input device comprising: The image input device according to claim 1 , wherein the transfer path information includes information indicating a path for transferring data from the image input device to the image output device . A display means for displaying the plurality of transfer path information so as to be designated by a user;
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects transfer path information designated by a user from the plurality of transfer path information displayed on the display unit. An information processing apparatus that can communicate with an image input device that inputs image data and an image output device that outputs image data via a network,
Obtaining means for obtaining information identifying the information and the image output device to identify the image input device from the respective devices,
Generating means for generating a transfer path information the acquired by the acquiring means includes information identifying the information and the image output apparatus for specifying the image input device,
Receiving means for receiving a request for the transfer path information generated by the generating means from the image input device or the image output device;
Transmitting means for transmitting the transfer path information generated by the generating means in response to the request to the image input device or the image output device;
Have
The transmission means transmits the transfer path information including information for specifying the image input device or the image output device that has requested the transfer path information to the device that has made the request. apparatus. An image input method in an image input device capable of communicating via a network with an image output device that outputs image data and an information processing device that stores system configuration information,
An acquisition step of acquiring transfer path information including information specifying the image output device and information specifying the image input device from the information processing apparatus;
A storage step of storing a plurality of transfer path information acquired by the acquisition step;
A selection step of selecting any one of the plurality of transfer path information stored in the storage step according to a user's designation;
Based on the transfer path information selected by the selection step, a transmission step of transmitting data input in the image input device to the image output device;
An image input method comprising: An information processing method in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image input device that inputs image data and an image output device that outputs image data via a network,
Information for specifying the image input device and information for specifying the image output device are used for each device. Acquisition process to acquire from the vessel;
A generation step of generating transfer path information including information specifying the image input device and information specifying the image output device acquired by the acquisition step;
A receiving step of receiving a request for the transfer path information generated in the generating step from the image input device or the image output device;
A transmission step of transmitting the transfer path information generated by the generation step in response to the request to the image input device or the image output device;
Have
The transmission step transmits the transfer path information including information specifying the image input device or the image output device that has requested the transfer path information to the device that has made the request. Method. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an image input device that can communicate via a network with an image output device that outputs image data and an information processing device that stores configuration information of the network system. ,
The program is
An acquisition procedure for acquiring transfer path information including information for specifying the image output device and information for specifying the image input device from the information processing apparatus;
A storage procedure for storing a plurality of the transfer path information acquired by the acquisition procedure;
A selection procedure for selecting any one of the plurality of transfer path information stored by the storage procedure according to a user's designation;
A transfer procedure for transferring data input in the image input device to the image output device based on the transfer path information selected by the selection procedure;
Is executed by the image input device. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for controlling an image input device that inputs image data and an image output device that outputs image data and an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the network via a network,
The program is
An acquisition procedure for acquiring information for specifying the image input device and information for specifying the image output device from each device;
A generation procedure for generating transfer path information including information for specifying the image input device and information for specifying the image output device acquired by the acquisition procedure;
A receiving procedure for receiving a request for the transfer path information generated in the generating procedure from the image input device or the image output device;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the transfer path information generated by the generation procedure in response to the request to the image input device or the image output device;
Is executed by the information processing apparatus,
The transmission procedure includes transmitting the transfer path information including information for specifying the image input device or the image output device that has requested the transfer path information to the requesting device. Possible storage medium.

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