JP2000025307A - Method and system for sharing parameters of image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for sharing the parameters of image processor in which the parameters, e.g. I/O conditions, can be set easily and can be shared among a plurality of apparatus connected with a network. SOLUTION: An image processor, e.g. a composite unit 1-1, 1-2, acquires a parameter set file registered in a parameter set file server 2 through a network 10 and caches it in the composite unit 1-1, 1-2. The cached parameter set file is updated under specified conditions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for sharing parameters of an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus capable of sharing parameters between a plurality of apparatuses connected to a network and setting parameters easily. The present invention relates to an apparatus parameter sharing method and system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In image processing apparatuses such as copiers, facsimile machines, printers, scanners, etc., it is necessary to set image input / output conditions (scan conditions, print conditions, transmission conditions, etc.) before executing a job. The input / output conditions must be set for each execution of a job (excluding jobs that are executed continuously), and must be set for each time even if the same input / output conditions are used each time. Despite the use of the same input / output conditions, setting each time is a complicated operation, and an erroneous operation may cause an incorrect setting.

For this reason, a copier or the like uses a technique called a job memory in which a user's standard operation is registered, and the registered standard operation is called, so that the same setting can be easily repeated. I have. Also, the registered job memory can be used only by the device that has registered it, and cannot be used by other devices. A technology has been developed that allows the same input / output conditions to be easily and repeatedly set.

On the other hand, in a scanner device, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
JP-A-284448 discloses a network scanner device in which a scan condition file is registered in a scanner device in advance, and a scan condition file can be selected from its operation unit or a host connected via a network to execute a scan. And JP-A-9-204.
No. 515, a scan condition file is transmitted from the client terminal to the scanner in advance, a list of these is displayed on the operation panel of the scanner that has received the external scan condition file, and scanning is performed under the conditions selected from the display. A network scanner device capable of transferring an image obtained by the above to an original client terminal is described.

[0005]

However, in a copying machine or the like using the above-described job memory card, a card is always required for performing an operation, and all devices (such as a copying machine)
It is also costly to install a card reader on the
There was a problem that it was difficult to duplicate the registered contents of the card, and it was difficult to share it with many people.

In the network scanner described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-284448, scan conditions can be registered only by a host, and a scan condition file registered in another device cannot be used. As a result, when devices are connected to a plurality of networks, it is inconvenient to perform a registration operation for each device.

Further, the network scanner described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-204515 requires time and effort to send the scanning conditions from the client terminal in advance, the image data destination cannot be freely changed, and the client terminal operates. This technique cannot be used unless the scanning is performed, that is, the technique mainly uses the client terminal as an operation. When a plurality of scanners share scanning conditions, a problem occurs.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a parameter sharing method for an image processing apparatus, which facilitates setting of parameters such as input / output conditions and allows parameters to be shared by a plurality of apparatuses connected to a network. The purpose is to provide a system.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image processing system having a server connected to a network and at least one image processing apparatus, the server comprises: At least one parameter serving as an operation condition of the image processing apparatus is stored in advance, and the image processing apparatus acquires a part or all of the parameters registered in the server from the server, stores and holds the parameter, and sets and stores the parameter in advance. Update part of the stored parameters by re-acquiring some or all of the stored parameters based on the conditions, and refer to a desired parameter among the stored parameters when executing a job. Executing the job.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the updating is performed based on a user's instruction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the updating is performed at a predetermined interval and when the user has not selected the desired parameter. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the updating is performed at a predetermined interval and when the reference by executing a job is not performed. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when a parameter stored in the server is changed, the server notifies the image processing apparatus that the change has occurred. And the updating is performed based on the notification.

[0014] In the invention of claim 6, at least one
One image processing apparatus, a server storing at least one parameter serving as an operating condition of the image processing apparatus, and a network connecting at least the image processing apparatus and the server. Parameter acquisition means for acquiring a part or all of the parameters stored in the server, parameter storage means for storing and holding the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition means, and the parameters based on preset conditions. An acquisition control unit that operates an acquisition unit to update a parameter stored and held in the parameter storage unit, and executes a job by referring to a parameter desired by a user from the parameters stored and held in the parameter storage unit Job execution means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the acquisition control means operates the parameter acquisition means based on a user's instruction.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition control means controls the parameter acquisition means at a predetermined interval and when the user has not selected the desired parameter. It is characterized by operating.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition control means controls the parameter acquisition means at a predetermined interval and when the reference by job execution is not performed. It is characterized by operating.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the parameter stored in the server is changed, the server informs the image processing apparatus that the parameter has been changed. The acquisition control means operates the parameter acquisition means based on the notification of the parameter change by the notification means.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a method and a system for sharing parameters of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parameter sharing system of the image processing apparatus. In FIG. 1, a multifunction peripheral 1 (1-1 and 1-2), a parameter setting file server 2, a file server 3, and client terminals 4-1 and 4-2 are connected to a network 10. This system can be constructed by using an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral 1 (other than a copier, a printer, a facsimile, etc.), and one or more parameter setting file servers 2 and 3 respectively. The file server 3 may be configured in the same device), and in order to share parameters, it is necessary to connect the MFP 1 or a plurality of other image processing devices.

The multifunction machine 1 includes a copier, a scanner, a printer,
A multifunction machine such as a facsimile machine, a parameter setting file in which parameters as image input / output conditions of the image processing apparatus such as the multifunction machine 1 are registered in the parameter setting file server 2, and image data and the like are registered in the file server 3. File is saved.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 (1-
Scan conditions (when operating as a scanner), copying conditions (when operating as a copier), transmission conditions (when operating as a facsimile),
Parameter setting file server 2 including printing conditions (when operating as a printer) and the like as parameter setting files
Must be registered in advance. The parameter setting file can be registered in the parameter setting file server 2 as well as the multifunction device 1 and the client terminal 4.
(4-1, 4-2) can also be performed. The registered parameter setting file can be deleted or edited at any time from these devices.

In addition, when registering, deleting, and editing a parameter setting file from the multifunction device 1, the user interface is used. However, when registering, deleting, and editing from the parameter setting file server 2 or the client terminal 4, Various types of software can be used, such as software that displays and edits parameters in a list or table format, or software that simulates the user interface of the multifunction peripheral 1.

When a job is executed by the multifunction device 1, by obtaining a desired parameter setting file from the parameter setting file server 2, parameter setting (scan condition setting, etc.) can be replaced by key operation.
The image read by executing the job with the acquired parameters is transmitted to the file server 3, and the file server 3 stores the image.

Here, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the multifunction device 1. The MFP 1 includes a CPU 22 and a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, a system control unit 25, an image reading unit 26, an image processing unit 27, an image forming unit 28, an operation display unit 29, a transmission / reception unit 30, a network interface (Net I / F). 31 are connected to each other via a system bus 21.

The system control unit 25 stores control software. Based on the control software, C
The PU 22 operates each unit. The RAM 23 is a work memory area for temporarily storing control software, image data, and the like, and the storage unit 24 stores image data, destination information,
This is a memory area for storing a replica of a parameter setting file to be described later. The image reading unit 26 reads an image from a document or the like and outputs it as image data, the image processing unit 27 edits / processes the image data (code decoding, enlargement / reduction, compression / expansion, etc.), and the image formation unit 28 Is printed on recording paper or the like. The operation display unit 29 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a touch panel for the user to input instructions and information, and a display device such as an LED and an LCD for displaying various information. The transmission / reception unit 30 is connected to the telephone line 11 and transmits and receives facsimile data via the telephone line 11, and the Net I / F 31 is connected to the network 1
0, and transmits and receives image data and parameter setting files via the network 10.

The multifunction device 1 acquires a parameter setting file from the parameter setting file server 2 via the network 10 and the Net I / F 31, and caches the acquired parameter setting file (replica) in the storage unit 24. It operates by referring to this parameter setting file. This parameter setting file is obtained and cached by performing automatic polling at a constant interval, for example.

Although not described here, another image processing apparatus (a scanner, a copier, a facsimile, a printer, or a multifunction machine having only a part thereof) applicable to the present invention.
Is almost the same as that of the image reading unit 26, the image processing unit 27, the image forming unit 28, and the transmitting and receiving unit 30 except for unnecessary ones.

By the way, the MFP 1 caches the parameter setting file acquired from the parameter setting file server 2 in the storage unit 24. This is to execute the job at high speed and reduce the load on the network. Is going. If you do not want to cache,
A parameter setting file must be obtained each time the job is executed. When the parameter setting file is obtained, if the user correctly stores the file name of the parameter setting file, the parameter setting file can be obtained immediately. However, if the user does not store the file name, FIG. As shown, the parameter setting file list 51 is displayed on the touch panel 50 (part of the operation display unit 29).
Is displayed, and a desired parameter setting file is acquired with reference to the list 51.

In such a case, prior to execution of the job, first, a list of file names is obtained from the parameter setting file server 2, and then the main body of the parameter setting file is obtained. If you do, at least twice the parameter setting file server 2
Access to the network, which increases the network load.

When the parameter setting file is cached, access to the parameter setting file server 2 is basically unnecessary, but actually, the parameter setting file registered in the parameter setting file server 2 is The contents may be changed due to addition, deletion, editing, or the like, which causes inconsistency between the cached parameter setting file and the parameter setting file registered in the parameter setting file server 2. . For this reason, it is necessary to periodically access the parameter setting file server 2 and update the cached parameter setting file to the latest one.

However, when the cached parameter setting file is updated at regular intervals, the cache content may not be updated when the user operates the touch panel 50 to select the parameter setting file or during execution of a job. If this is done, inconsistency of the parameter setting file inside the multifunction device 1 will occur.

For this reason, the cached parameter setting file is basically updated at regular intervals or by performing automatic polling upon receiving update information from the parameter setting file server 2. The automatic polling is prohibited according to the state of the above, and the user updates the cache contents at an arbitrary timing.

Updating of the cache contents performed by the user at an arbitrary timing is performed, for example, when the user himself / herself registers a new parameter setting file in the parameter setting file 2 or when the user who has registered has notified the user. ,
The new parameter setting file is listed 51 (FIG. 3).
This is performed when it is not indicated in (see). The update of the cache content is performed by pressing the update button 52, and the MFP 1 accesses the parameter setting file server 2 to update the cache content by pressing the update button 52.

When the cache contents are updated, for example, when the number of files increases, the list 51 displayed on the touch panel 50 is changed to a list 51 'shown in FIG. Also, even if there is no change in the list 51,
The contents of the parameter setting file registered in the parameter setting file server 2 may be changed.

The updating of the cache contents by the user takes some time, but the user does not feel uncomfortable because the cache contents are updated by his / her own operation. There is no problem from the point of view.

Next, a case where the automatic polling of the MFP 1 is prohibited will be described. Failures due to automatic polling may occur when the user displays the list 51 or the like on the touch panel 50 and selects (caches) a parameter setting file, or when a job is performed using the cached parameter setting file. Is executed. In the former case, the cache contents are updated during the selection of the parameter setting file, so that a parameter different from the parameter desired by the user is selected. In the latter case, inconvenience occurs in job execution. Therefore, in both cases, automatic polling is prohibited.

The process of prohibiting automatic polling will now be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the automatic polling prohibition process during selection of the parameter setting file, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the automatic polling prohibition canceling process, and FIG. 7 shows the flow of the automatic polling prohibition process during job execution. It is a flowchart.

The MFP 1 operates (step 101), and the user operates the operation display unit 29 to issue an "Entry" instruction on the parameter setting file list display screen (the screen displaying the list 51 in FIG. 3). (YES in step 102), the data (parameter setting file)
During automatic polling (YE in step 103)
S), "Please wait" is displayed on the touch panel 50 (step 104), and the end of polling is waited for (NO in step 105). If the polling is completed (YES in step 105) or if polling is not in progress in step 103 (NO in step 103), the system control unit 2
5 prohibits automatic polling (step 106), the operation display unit 29 displays a list of parameter setting files on the touch panel 50 (step 107), and ends the automatic polling prohibition processing (step 108).

Next, in a state where the automatic polling by displaying the list of parameter setting files is prohibited (step 201), the user operates the operation display unit 29 to issue an "Exit" instruction on the parameter setting file list display screen. (YES in step 202), the system control unit 25 releases the setting of prohibition of automatic polling (step 203), and the operation display unit 29 exits (erases or closes) the parameter setting file list displayed on the touch panel 50. (Step 204), the automatic polling prohibition release processing ends (step 205).

In the automatic polling prohibition process during job execution, the MFP 1 operates (step 301), and a timer (not shown) for counting a predetermined time for polling at a predetermined interval times out. (YES in step 302), if there is a job being executed with reference to the parameter setting file cached in the storage unit 24 (YES in step 303), the system control unit 2
5 prohibits the automatic polling (step 304), waits for all the corresponding jobs to end (NO in step 305), and ends all the relevant jobs (step 3).
05 (YES), the prohibition of the automatic polling is released (step 306).

On the other hand, when the timer expires (YES in step 302), if there is no job being executed with reference to the parameter setting file cached in the storage unit 24 (NO in step 303), NetI /
The parameter setting file is acquired from the parameter setting file server 2 via F31, and the parameter setting file cached in the storage unit 24 is updated (step 307).

Release of prohibition of automatic polling (step 30)
6) Or, when the cache is updated (step 307), the timer (not shown) is reset (step 308), and the process ends (step 309).

When the automatic polling is prohibited in step 306, step 3 is performed as shown by the broken line in the figure.
It is also possible to reset the timer at step 309 after updating the cache at 07.

In this embodiment, the case where the MFP 1 (1-1, 1-2) is connected to the network 10 has been described, but the copying machine, the printer, the facsimile,
Note that any of the scanners can be connected to the network 10 to share parameters, and that a plurality of parameter setting file servers 2 and file servers 3 can be set.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image processing apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral acquires a parameter setting file registered in a parameter setting file server via a network and caches the parameter setting file in the multifunction peripheral. Since the cached parameter setting file is configured to be updated under predetermined conditions, the parameters can be shared by a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to the network, and the operation of the user and the execution of the job are affected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in network load and an increase in job execution time.

Further, even when the network is down, it is possible to execute a job that does not require data transfer such as copying over the network.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parameter sharing system of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the multifunction peripheral 1.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a display example of a touch panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel after a cache is updated by a user.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of an automatic polling prohibition process during selection of a parameter setting file.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of automatic polling prohibition release processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of an automatic polling prohibition process during job execution.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1-1, 1-2 MFP 2 Parameter setting file server 3 File server 4, 4-1, 4-2 Client terminal 10 Network 11 Telephone line 21 System bus 22 CPU 23 RAM 24 Storage unit 25 System control unit 26 Image reading unit 27 Image processing unit 28 Image forming unit 29 Operation display unit 30 Transmission / reception unit 31 Net I / F 50 Touch panel 51, 51 ′ Parameter setting file list 52 Update button 53 Explanation button for parameter setting file

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 107 G06F 15/62 K (72) Inventor Yasuko Iida 134 Kobecho, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Yokohama Business Park East Tower 13F Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 HH05 HJ06 HJ10 HN04 HN05 HN15 HQ05 HQ19 2C087 AA03 AA09 AA11 AB01 AB06 AB08 BA01 BA03 BB03 BB20 CA08 BD46 BD51 CA05 5B089 AA16 AA22 AB01 AC03 AE06 AF05 CC18 DD04 5C062 AA13 AF00 BA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system comprising a server connected to a network and at least one image processing device, wherein the server stores at least one parameter serving as an operation condition of the image processing device in advance, and The processing device acquires a part or all of the parameters registered in the server from the server, stores and retains the parameters, and also re-extracts part or all of the registered parameters based on a preset condition. A parameter sharing method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: updating the acquired and stored parameters and executing a job by referring to a desired parameter among the stored parameters when executing the job. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the updating is performed based on a user's instruction. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the updating is performed at a predetermined interval and when the user does not select the desired parameter. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the updating is performed at a predetermined interval and when the reference by executing a job is not performed.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. When the parameter stored in the server is changed, the server notifies the image processing apparatus that the change has occurred, and the update is performed based on the notification. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter is shared. 6. An image processing apparatus comprising: at least one image processing apparatus; a server storing at least one parameter serving as an operation condition of the image processing apparatus; and a network connecting at least the image processing apparatus and the server; A parameter acquisition unit for the image processing apparatus to acquire a part or all of the parameters stored in the server from the server; a parameter storage unit for storing and holding the parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit; An acquisition control unit that operates the parameter acquisition unit based on the conditions that have been set and updates the parameters stored and held in the parameter storage unit, and refers to a parameter desired by the user from the parameters stored and held in the parameter storage unit Job execution means for executing a job And a parameter sharing system for the image processing apparatus. 7. The parameter sharing system according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition control unit operates the parameter acquisition unit based on a user's instruction. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition control unit operates the parameter acquisition unit at a predetermined interval and when the user has not selected the desired parameter. Equipment parameter sharing system. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquisition control unit operates the parameter acquisition unit at a predetermined interval and when the reference by job execution is not performed. Equipment parameter sharing system. 10. The server, further comprising, when a parameter stored in the server is changed, a notification unit that notifies the image processing apparatus that a change has occurred in the parameter, and the acquisition control unit includes: 7. The parameter sharing system for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the parameter acquisition unit is operated based on the notification of the parameter change by the notification unit.