JP4447725B2 - Multi-function device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a management technique for a program used by a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter also referred to as MFP) connected to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 13 shows a conventional MFP system connected to a network. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 203 denotes a local area network (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), to which an MFP 201, a host computer 202, and the like are connected. Although omitted in FIG. 13, many input / output devices such as a scanner, a printer, and a fax are usually connected to the LAN 203.
[0003]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a conventional MFP 201. In FIG. 14, 301 is a CPU, 302 is a ROM, 303 is a RAM, 304 is a hard disk (HD), 305 is a video input I / F unit, 306 is a video output I / F unit, 307 is an image processing unit, and 308 is a scanner. 309, a printer, 310 a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as UI), 311 a fax board, 312 a public line (hereinafter referred to as PSTN), 313 a network interface card (hereinafter referred to as NIC), 314 compression / decompression 315 is a PC I / F unit, and 316 is a PC cable.
[0004]
FIG. 15 shows the structure of control software of the MFP 201.
Reference numeral 401 denotes an application program of the MFP 201, which is a block in which an application program group for performing processing such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing is located. Reference numeral 402 denotes an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API), which performs application and job control interface processing. A job control program 403 is a block in which a program group for controlling jobs such as copy, fax, scan, and print is located.
[0005]
A device driver interface 404 performs job control and device driver interface processing. A device driver program 405 is a block in which a program group for controlling each device in the device group 413 is located.
[0006]
In the device driver program 405, the scanner driver 406 is the scanner 413, the printer driver 407 is the printer 309, the image processing driver 408 is the image processing unit 307, the fax driver 409 is the fax board 311, and the UI driver 410 is the UI 310. The PC I / F driver 411 controls the PC I / F 315, and the NIC driver 412 controls the NIC 313.
[0007]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a copy process executed by the MFP 201. When a copy operation is performed using the UI 310 (step S501), the document placed on the feeder is scanned and optically read by the scanner 308 and converted into electronic image data (step S502). .
[0008]
The image data is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronism with the data transfer speed from the scanner 308 via the image processing unit 307 and the video input I / F unit 305, and the video output I / F unit 306 is output from the RAM 303. The image data is sent to the printer 303 via the image processing unit 307 in synchronization with the print speed and printed (step S503).
[0009]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating network scan processing executed by the MFP 201.
[0010]
When a scan command is received from an external personal computer (PC: not shown) via the PC cable 316 (step S601), the document placed on the feeder is scanned and optically read by the scanner 308. Then, it is converted into electronic image data (step S602).
[0011]
Then, the image data is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronization with the data transfer rate from the scanner 308 via the image processing unit 307 and the video input I / F unit 305 (step S603). Next, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S604) and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S605). When all the documents placed on the feeder are read by the scanner 308 (step S606), image data for reading is taken out from the hard disk 304, and scanned by the PC I / F unit 315 via the PC cable 316. The process is transmitted to the external PC that has requested the process (step S607), and the process ends.
[0012]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing network print processing executed by the MFP 201.
[0013]
When print processing is requested from an external PC (step S701) and PDL (Page Description Language) data is received from the network 203 via the NIC 313, the data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S702). When all the received data is stored in the hard disk 304, the CPU 301 expands the PDL data into the RAM 303 (step S704), compresses it by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S705), and stores it in the hard disk 304 (step S704). S706).
[0014]
When all the PDL data is compressed and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S707), the compressed data is read from the hard disk 304, decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S708), and written to the RAM 303 (step S709). Then, via the video output I / F 306 and the image processing unit 307, output is performed to the printer 309 in synchronization with the speed of the printer 309 to execute printing (step S710).
[0015]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a fax memory transmission process executed by the MFP 201.
[0016]
When a fax memory transmission process is instructed by the UI 310 (step S801), the document placed on the feeder is scanned and optically read by the scanner 308 and converted into electronic image data ( Step S802).
[0017]
The image data is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from the scanner 308 via the image processing unit 307 and the video input I / F unit 305 (step S803). Next, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S804) and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S805). When all the documents placed on the feeder are read by the scanner 308 (step S806), the image data for reading is taken out from the hard disk 304 and sent to the PSTN 312 by the fax board 311 (step S807). End memory transmission of.
[0018]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the Fax memory reception process executed by the MFP 201.
[0019]
When reception from the external fax is started by the fax board 311 via the PSTN 312 (step S901), the received data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S902). When all the received data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S903), the received data is read from the hard disk 304, decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S904), and written to the RAM 303 (step S905). Then, the video is output to the printer 309 via the video output I / F 306 and the image processing unit 307 in synchronization with the speed of the printer 309 to execute printing (step S906).
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as functions increase, the data amount of system programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs increases. For this reason, there is a problem that the program data cannot be stored in the ROM and a hard disk is required, which increases the cost.
[0021]
Also, even when upgrading the system program, conventionally, a service person has to replace the ROM on the controller board in the multi-function device or download the system program to the hard disk. Was hard.
[0022]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the problem is that even if the amount of program increases with the increase in functionality, the cost can be suppressed as much as possible and the program can be easily managed. There is in doing so.
[0023]
[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a multi-function device, a multi-function device, Run on the multifunction device Menu that allows the user to select each of multiple functions A menu for obtaining a program operable on the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu. The , Display means for displaying and sending the packet including the identifier of the multi-function device to the network to display the menu on the display means Operable with the multifunction device Queries the storage location information indicating the storage location of the program Question Matching means and front Question After inquiries by means of matching, Above Storage location information ,in front Receiving via the network Receiving Displayed on the display means and the display means Let the user select each of a plurality of functions to be executed by the multi-function device Display the menu Make for Menus that can be operated on the multifunction device A program corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device Contains storage location information indicating the storage location of the program The menu operable on the multi-function device Program before Receipt A first acquisition unit that acquires from the storage location indicated by the storage location information received by the communication unit, and each function selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device The storage location information indicating the storage location of the program is acquired by the first acquisition means. The menu According to the program menu Corresponding to the second acquisition means acquired from the program and the respective functions selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device The program was acquired by the first acquisition means The menu In accordance with a program, third acquisition means for acquiring from the storage location indicated by the storage location information acquired by the second acquisition means; Execution means for executing the program acquired by the first acquisition means and the third acquisition means; It is characterized by providing.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output system to which a program management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a print function, a scanner function, a fax function, and the like. Also called multi-function device The configuration is almost the same as that of FIG. Reference numeral 202 denotes a local area network (LAN).
[0030]
A file server 204 includes a personal computer (PC) and a workstation (WS), and includes a CPU 204a, a ROM 204b, a RAM 204c, and a hard disk 204d. The file server 204 stores system programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs used in the MFP 201 in a file format in a storage device such as the hard disk 204d and manages access to the files. .
[0031]
The functions of the file server 204 are realized by the CPU 204a executing a program stored in the ROM 204b or the hard disk 204d. At this time, the CPU 204a uses the RAM 204c as a work area or the like.
[0032]
A search server 205 includes a personal computer (PC) and a workstation (WS), and includes a CPU 205a, a ROM 205b, a RAM 205c, and a hard disk 205d. The search server 205 stores the storage location information of the system program file stored in the file server 204 in the ROM 205b or the hard disk 205d. When the MFP 201 or the like inquires about a system program file that can be used by the MFP 201 or the like, the storage location information of the system program file is searched and returned to the inquiring MFP 201 or the like.
[0033]
The functions of the search server 205 are realized by the CPU 205a executing a program stored in the ROM 205b or the hard disk 205d. At this time, the CPU 205a uses the RAM 205c as a work area or the like.
[0034]
The MFP 201, the host computer 202, the file server 204, and the search server 205 are connected to the LAN 203 via a LAN interface such as a 10Base-T cable having an RJ-45 modular jack. In FIG. 1, only one MFP 201 is shown, but the present invention can be applied even when a plurality of MFPs are connected. One or a plurality of client computers, a network printer, a network scanner, and a network fax may be connected.
[0035]
In this input / output system, the MFP 201, client computer, and the like store basic programs for input / output control and the like, programs such as application programs other than the interpreter described later, job control programs, and device driver programs. Instead, these programs are stored in the file server 204 collectively.
[0036]
Then, the host computer 202 creates a program to be stored in the file server 204, and the search server 205 stores information on the storage location of the program operating on the MFP 201, client computer, etc. in response to a request from the MFP 201, client computer, etc. And notifies the MFP 201, the client computer, and the like. Then, the MFP 201, the client computer, and the like access the file server 204 based on the notified position information, and acquire a program used by the MFP 201, the client computer.
[0037]
Note that the hardware configuration of the MFP 201 is almost the same as that of FIG. 14 used in the description of the conventional example, and therefore, the characteristic points of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG. However, in the present invention, the hard disk 304 is not necessary.
[0038]
The CPU 301 controls program acquisition processing based on the program stored in the ROM 302. As can be inferred from the above description, the ROM 302 is preset with only a basic program that communicates with the outside of the apparatus, a program interpreter, and the like, and realizes a copy function, a print function, a fax function, and the like. System programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs are acquired from the file server 204, expanded in the RAM 303, and executed by the CPU 301.
[0039]
Therefore, even in this apparatus that realizes multiple functions, the memory capacity of the ROM 302 is small, and the hard disk 304 is not necessary. In addition, when upgrading system programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs for realizing the copy function, print function, fax function, and the like of the MFP 201, the version only needs to be upgraded on the file server 204. This eliminates the need for version upgrade operations such as ROM exchange for individual MFPs 201, so that management of these programs is facilitated.
[0040]
The PC I / F unit 315 is an interface unit such as Bicentronics, and receives image data to be printed from a personal computer (not shown) directly connected to the apparatus 201 via the PC cable 316, The status is notified to the personal computer.
[0041]
The compression / decompression unit 314 supports formats such as JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group) and MMR (modified modified READ). A NIC (network interface card) 313 functions as an interface unit with a network such as 10base, and the CPU 301 receives print data from a computer (not shown) on the LAN 203 via the NIC 313, and the status of the apparatus 201 is changed to the above computer. Or notify.
[0042]
The fax board 311 includes a modem and a line processing circuit, and transmits and receives image data compressed in a predetermined format via a public line (PSTN) 312. The user interface unit (UI) 310 includes a liquid crystal controller, displays a UI screen (dialog box) as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 on a liquid crystal touch panel (not shown), and inputs display button operation signals. To do.
[0043]
The image processing unit 307 receives image data input from the scanner 308 or the outside of the apparatus, performs predetermined image processing, and then outputs the image data to the video input I / F unit 305. The video input I / F unit 305 converts the timing and stores the image data in the RAM 303. The image data stored in the RAM 303 is converted in timing by the video output I / F unit 306, subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 307, and then sent to the printer 309.
[0044]
Next, registration (storage) of a program (program file), search for a storage location, acquisition, and execution will be sequentially described.
[0045]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a system program registration method and shows an example of registration of a copy application program.
[0046]
First, when creating a copy application program file operable on the MFP 201, the host computer 202 transfers the created copy application program file to the file server 204 via the LAN 203. The program file created by the host computer 202 is preferably created by an Internet application language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or Java.
[0047]
The file server 204 stores the copy application program file transmitted from the host computer 202 in a recording device. Further, the host computer 202 notifies the search server 205 of the storage location information of the copy application program file transferred to the file server 204.
[0048]
This storage destination information preferably conforms to the format of URL (Uniform Resource Locator) used in HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). For example, the address of the file server 204 is “www.copy-appli.xxx.co.jp”. The path indicating the storage location of the copy application program file in the storage device of the file server 204 is “pmfp / japan /”, and the program file name is “index.html” and is stored in the search server 205. To do.
[0049]
Further, the path “pmpf / japan /” indicating the storage location also serves as an identifier of the MFP 201 or the like in which the stored program file can operate, and the search server 205 stores program file storage location information notified from the host computer 202. By efficiently storing MFP 20 1 It is possible to promptly respond to inquiries about program file storage destinations requested by the.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of searching for a program file.
[0051]
If the storage location of the program file operable on the MFP 201 or the like is unknown when the MFP 201 or the like is powered on or initialized, a packet for inquiring the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the LAN 203. . This packet includes a device identifier of the transmission source, and is transmitted as a destination unspecified packet by a broadcast method, a multicast method, or the like.
[0052]
When the search server 205 receives the inquiry packet sent from the MFP 201 or the like, the search server 205 is based on the transmission source device identifier included in the packet and the storage location information of the program file stored in the search server 205. The referrer MFP 201 The storage location information including the device identification is retrieved, and the retrieval result is notified to the inquiring MFP 201 or the like via the LAN 203.
[0053]
In the example of FIG. 3, the MFP 201 transmits a packet including “pmfp” as the Device Type and “Japan” as the Country as a device identifier. The search server 205 searches for storage location information including device identifiers “pmfp” and “Japan” from storage location information stored in advance, and if the storage location information exists, stores the program file. The address (URL) data indicating the destination is transmitted to the inquiring MFP 201 or the like.
[0054]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for acquiring and executing a program file. The program file storage location information is acquired by the procedure described with reference to FIG. 3 or the operation of the user interface (UI) 310 (see FIG. 14) of the MFP 201, and a program file acquisition request is obtained based on the storage location information. A packet for performing is sent to the file server 204.
[0055]
In the example of FIG. 4, by describing “http://www.copy-appli.xxxx.co.jp./pmfp/japan/index.html” in the acquisition request packet, the address of the file server 204, The storage location in the storage device of the file server 204 is indicated.
[0056]
The file server 204 reads a program file (index.html in the example of FIG. 4) corresponding to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201 or the like from the storage device, and transmits it to the MFP 201 or the like that is the acquisition request source.
[0057]
The MFP 201 and the like translate the program file received from the file server 204 by the CPU 301 based on the program file interpreter stored in the ROM 302 or the like and execute it.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 5, the program file (Index.html) acquired from the file server 204 is described according to the HTML format. In the example of FIG. 5, the content of the program file is a program for controlling a menu displayed on the operation panel. Based on this program, the operation panel of the MFP 201 has “Account”, “Menu” as menu items. “Job Control” and “Service Maintenance” are displayed.
[0059]
The program file can be associated (linked) with other program files. For example, by storing the storage location information of the link destination program file in the program file, the subprogram is acquired based on the storage location information of the link destination when the subprogram becomes necessary. Can do.
[0060]
For example, when “Job Control” is selected from the displayed menu items and the display area is touched, the storage location information “http://www.copy-appli.co.jp/pmfp” described as the link destination is displayed. Based on /jobcontrol/jobctl.html, a file with the file name “jobctl.html” can be acquired. In this case, the MFP 201 or the like automatically creates a file acquisition request packet including storage location information and transmits it to the file server 204 by performing the above touch operation. To do. F When the file server 204 receives the file acquisition request packet, the file server 204 automatically acquires the program file related to the acquisition request from the request source. MFP To 201 or the like.
[0061]
Therefore, it is not necessary for the user himself to perform operations such as inputting storage location information. When a plurality of link destinations are described for one menu, the file names of the plurality of link destinations are automatically displayed, and the file names are touched. Even in this case, the MFP 201 or the like automatically creates and transmits a file acquisition request packet including storage location information in response to the touch operation, so that the user himself performs operations such as inputting storage location information and the like. There is no need.
[0062]
FIG. 6 shows the types of files stored in the file server 204. This file type information and each ID No. Etc. are managed by the search server 205.
[0063]
Reference numeral 1501 denotes a shared file group, which is configured by a file group that can be shared and used in the network (LAN 203). It is managed by. 1502 and 1503 are file groups that can be shared and used within a specific group, respectively. It is managed by. Reference numerals 1503 and 1504 are unique file groups that can be used by individuals. Is managed by.
[0064]
The shared file group, the group file group, and the personal file group are respectively composed of an application program file group, a device driver program file group, and a database file group.
[0065]
In this way, each file has an ID No. for login. Since the files are managed by the appropriate ID No. Is input for the first time, it becomes possible to access the shared file group, the group file group, and the personal file group, and it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by a malicious third party.
[0066]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a file acquisition process executed when the MFP 201 is activated.
[0067]
When the MFP 201 is turned on, it enters a waiting state for login (step S1401). That is, as in the UI 310 shown in FIG. And the ID No. Is input and the START key is touched, so that the MFP 201 can be used.
[0068]
ID No. for login Is input from the MFP 201 to the LAN 203 asking for a storage location of a program file that can be used by the MFP 201. When the search server 205 receives this packet, the ID No. Confirm the entered ID No. Confirm the group file group and personal file group to which the ID No. In step S1402, the storage location information of the function file that can be used in the above is collated, and the result is notified to the inquiring MFP 201.
[0069]
Based on the notified storage location information, the MFP 201 transmits a program file acquisition request to the file server 204. The file server 204 reads out the program file from the storage device and sends it back according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201. Then, the MFP 201 translates and executes the program file returned from the file server 204 by a program interpreter inside the apparatus (step S1403). In this case, the login ID No. A list of functions that can be used is displayed on the UI 310 in the form of buttons such as “COPY”, “Fax”, “SCAN”, and “OPTION” shown in FIG.
[0070]
When any function button is touched or an operation request is made from an external interface such as the communication line PSTN 312, LAN 203, PC interface 316, etc. (step S1404), the MFP 201 displays the function of the touched function button, Alternatively, a device ID such as a scanner 308, a printer 309, an image processing unit 307, a fax board 311, or a UI 310 necessary for realizing a function related to an operation request from the outside, a feeder connected to the scanner 308, or a printer 303 is connected. A packet for inquiring the storage destination information of the program file corresponding to the ID of the accessory such as the finisher is sent to the LAN 203 (step S1405).
[0071]
When the search server 205 receives the packet, the search server 205 can use the function of the function button related to the touch or the function related to the operation request from the outside. The storage location information is collated, and the collation result is returned to the inquiring MFP 201 (step S1406).
[0072]
The MFP 201 sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file to the file server 204 based on the returned file storage location information. The file server 204 reads the program file from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201, and transmits it to the MFP 201 that has made the acquisition request.
[0073]
The MFP 2011 translates and executes the program file received from the file server 204 by a program interpreter inside the apparatus (step S1407). At this time, the details of the function related to the touched function button or the function related to the operation request from the outside are displayed on the UI 301 as shown in FIGS.
[0074]
FIG. 10 shows a case where the copy function is requested. FIG. 11 shows a case where the fax function is requested. Note that an “Address Book” button on the U1301 in FIG. 11 is a button for viewing the Fax address book. It is possible to check the address of the database of the shared file that can be used in the group, the database of the file shared by the group, and the address registered in the database of the personal registration file.
[0075]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing during standby when there is no button operation or an operation request from the external interface.
[0076]
This standby process corresponds to step S1404 in FIG. That is, in the first embodiment, as shown in step S1404 in FIG. After displaying the list of functions that can be used in, the function button function or the external operation request was kept waiting, but in this embodiment, if there is no operation request or the like for a predetermined time or longer, it has already been acquired. The program is erased.
[0077]
That is, when the process of step S1403 in FIG. 7 is completed, in the present embodiment, the button operation of the UI 310 and an operation request from an external interface such as the communication line PSTN 312, LAN 203, and PC I / F 315 are waited (step S2001, S2002, S2003). When there is an operation request from the U1310 button operation or an external interface such as the communication line PSTN 312, LAN 203, PC I / F 315, etc., file acquisition processing in steps S 1405 to S 1407 in FIG. 7 is performed.
[0078]
If there is no button operation of the UI 310 or an operation request from the external interface for a predetermined time or longer (step S2003), the file acquired from the file server 204 and stored in the RAM 303 is deleted, and the process returns to the login waiting state when the power is turned on. (Step S2004). In this case, the standby state is set as shown in FIG.
[0079]
As described above, when there is no acquisition request for a predetermined time or more in the waiting state for acquiring the program file related to the detailed function, the already acquired program file is erased from the RAM 303 and returned to the waiting for login state so that other users can quickly The MFP 201 can be used.
[0080]
However, if there is no acquisition request for a predetermined time in the program file acquisition wait state related to the detailed function, the program file that has already been acquired is not erased from the RAM 303, and returns to the login wait state and the next login is made. In this case, it is possible to promptly start the process instructed by the next user by immediately displaying the function list.
[0081]
For example, an application program related to a copy function, a job control program, a printer driver, and the like downloaded from the file server 204 to the RAM 303 of the MFP 201 are automatically read from the RAM 303 when a series of copy processing ends based on these programs. Will be erased.
[0082]
However, by erasing the user after confirming whether or not to erase, for example, a plurality of different document data files are continuously printed with different paper sizes, variable magnifications, densities, etc. without any gaps. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of downloading the program from the file server 204 many times.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a multifunction device, Run on the multifunction device Menu that allows the user to select each of multiple functions A menu for obtaining a program operable on the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu. The , Display means for displaying and sending the packet including the identifier of the multi-function device to the network to display the menu on the display means Operable with the multifunction device Queries the storage location information indicating the storage location of the program Question Matching means and front Question After inquiries by means of matching, Above Storage location information ,in front Receiving via the network Receiving Displayed on the display means and the display means Let the user select each of a plurality of functions to be executed by the multi-function device Display the menu Make for Menus that can be operated on the multifunction device A program corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device Contains storage location information indicating the storage location of the program The menu operable on the multi-function device Program before Receipt A first acquisition unit that acquires from the storage location indicated by the storage location information received by the communication unit, and each function selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device The storage location information indicating the storage location of the program is acquired by the first acquisition means. The menu According to the program menu Corresponding to the second acquisition means acquired from the program and the respective functions selected by the user in the menu Operable with the multifunction device The program was acquired by the first acquisition means The menu In accordance with a program, third acquisition means for acquiring from the storage location indicated by the storage location information acquired by the second acquisition means; Execution means for executing the program acquired by the first acquisition means and the third acquisition means; In order to realize multi-functions with multi-function devices Even if the amount of programs increases with the increase in functionality , Memory capacity And the accompanying increase High cost The It can be suppressed as much as possible.
[0084]
In addition, when upgrading various programs for realizing the copy function, print function, fax function, etc. of the multifunction peripheral, it is only necessary to upgrade it on the file server. Since it is not necessary to perform version-up work such as replacement, management of these programs becomes easy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output system to which a program management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of processing for registering a program file in a file server.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a search processing example of a registered program file.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of acquisition and execution processing of a registered program file.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a description format of an acquired program file.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for managing program file storage location information by a search server;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a file acquisition process executed when the multifunction peripheral is activated.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen when waiting for login.
FIG. 9 is a login ID No. It is a figure which shows UI screen displayed by input.
10 is a diagram showing a UI screen displayed when a copy function is selected on the UI screen of FIG. 9. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed when a Fax function is selected on the UI screen of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing during standby when there is no button operation or operation request from an external interface in the process of acquiring a program.
FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional input / output system.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a conventional multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a software configuration of a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing copy processing by a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing scan processing by a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating network print processing by a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating fax transmission processing by a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating Fax reception processing by a multifunction peripheral.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 ... Multifunction peripheral
202 ... Host computer
203 ... LAN
204: File server
204a ... File server CPU
204b: ROM of the file server
204c: File server RAM
204d: File server hard disk
205 ... Search server
205a ... CPU of search server
205b ... ROM of search server
205c ... Search server RAM
205d: Hard disk of the search server
301 ... CPU of multi-function peripheral
302 ... ROM of multifunction peripheral
303 ... Multifunction peripheral RAM
308 ... Multifunction peripheral scanner
309 ... Multifunction peripheral printer
310 ... Multifunction peripheral user interface (UI)
311 ... Multifunction peripheral FaX board

Claims (3)

A multi-function device,
A menu for causing a user to select each of a plurality of functions to be executed by the multi-function device, and for obtaining a program operable by the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu Display means for displaying the menu of
Inquiry means for inquiring storage destination information indicating a storage destination of a program operable on the multifunction device for causing the display means to display the menu by sending a packet including an identifier of the multifunction device to the network; ,
Receiving means for receiving the storage location information via the network after the inquiry by the inquiry means;
A menu program operable on the multi-function device for displaying the menu for allowing a user to select each of a plurality of functions to be executed on the multi-function device displayed on the display means, wherein the user selects the menu in the menu. The storage received by the receiving means for the menu program operable on the multi-function device including storage location information indicating a storage location of the program operable on the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by First acquisition means for acquiring from the storage location indicated by the destination information;
In accordance with the menu program acquired by the first acquisition unit, the storage location information indicating the storage location of a program that can be operated by the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu. Second acquisition means for acquiring from a program;
A program operable by the multi-function device corresponding to each function selected by the user in the menu is acquired by the second acquisition unit according to the menu program acquired by the first acquisition unit. Third acquisition means for acquiring from the storage location indicated by the storage location information;
Execution means for executing the program acquired by the first acquisition means and the third acquisition means;
A multi-function device comprising: Before Kitoi combined unit, at the start of the multi-function device, or upon initialization state, multi-function device according to claim 1, characterized in that sending the packet as a destination unspecified. 3. The multi-function device according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing unit for erasing an already fetched program when there is no operation request for a predetermined time.

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