JP2000200226A - State notification device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To nofity a user distant from a device of the state of the device. SOLUTION: When a document image read by a scanner 102 is printed on a printer 2095 to obtain its copy, the user sets to the scanner 102 an electronic mail address to which a notice of the state of a copy job is given. The scanner 102 sends an electronic mail wherein the state is recorded to the set address if an error occurs during a read of the document or printing on the printer 2095.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a status notifying apparatus for notifying a user of a status of an image input / output device connected to a network, for example, a local area network or a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printer on a network is used, a print job is issued from a personal computer (PC) client on the network to the printer. This was done for the print job issuer.

[0003]

A start instruction is given on the spot as in the case of a small number of copy jobs, and there is no paper immediately.
You can know the error and the end of the jam on the spot. However, in the case of a large number of copy jobs, a considerable time is required from the start of copying to the completion thereof, and the user often leaves the place once the operation starts. In such a case, when the copying is completed, the user may go to the apparatus and find out that the paper has run out or a jam has occurred and stopped during the work.

[0004] Further, when an image is transmitted to a server on a network or when a facsimile transmission is similarly performed, an error occurs even if an error such as a reading error or an incorrect destination telephone number occurs. May be away from equipment.

[0005] In such a case, the error may be left for a considerable time after its occurrence, and it is not possible to promptly take measures such as eliminating the cause of the error or retrying.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and has as its object to provide a state notification device capable of notifying a desired destination of the state of a desired device, and a control method thereof.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a status notifying device for notifying a user of a status of an input device or an output device connected to a network, a destination input unit for inputting a desired destination, and receiving the status information from the input device or the output device. Transmitting means for transmitting to the destination input by the destination input means.

Preferably, the output device is a printer that outputs an image, and the transmitting unit transmits status information of printing by the printer to the destination.

Preferably, the output device is a facsimile for transmitting image data, and the transmitting means transmits state information of transmission by the facsimile to the destination.

Preferably, the destination input means inputs an e-mail address as a destination, and the transmission means transmits status information to the e-mail address.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual schematic diagram of a configuration of a network system to which an image input / output device is connected in the embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a network 101 is a network using a known technique for connecting devices, and in this embodiment, it is assumed that Ethernet using TCP / IP protocol is used.

A network scanner 102 is an image scanner for optically reading an original or the like printed on paper or the like, has a network interface, and is connected to each device via a network 101. The read image data is a RGB color scanner.

Network printers 2095 and 290
Reference numeral 22903 includes a network interface that has a network interface, receives print data and image data sent via the network interface, and actually prints on media such as paper using a known printing technique such as electrophotography. It is a printer. Network printers 2095, 2902, and 2903 are also connected to each device via the network 101. Here, the printer 2095 is a black and white digital multifunction peripheral, the printer 290.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a color laser printer, and printer 2903 denotes a monochrome laser beam printer.

A facsimile apparatus 2904 has a network interface and transmits / receives image data via a public line 2905. Facsimile machine 290
14 transmits image data read by the scanner 102 on the network 101, outputs received image data from the printers 2095, 2902, 2903, and outputs image data to be filed by the PC 103, which is a network management server, to the public. It is also an interface for inputting and outputting on the line 2095. The network 10
1 is also connected to a client PC 104 other than the management server.

In this embodiment, the image data transmitted from the network scanner 102 can be immediately printed by the network printers 2095, 2902, and 2903.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network scanner 102. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner engine using a known optical reading technology;
2 is a CPU that controls the operation of the entire scanner; 203 is a RAM that temporarily stores image data read by the scanner engine 201 and stores working storage information;
A ROM 211 stores a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 202. Further, 205 is the network 1
01 is a network interface for connecting to the network.

Reference numerals 206 to 207 and 209 to 210 denote ROs.
This is a software module realized by the CPU 201 executing the program stored in M211. The device profile supply unit 206 transmits device information of the network scanner 102 to the management server 103. The transfer path profile acquisition unit 207 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server and stores information in the RAM 203. The job status notification unit 209 transmits, to the predetermined e-mail address, a notification of error information or job end information generated when an image is being read by the scanner or when the read image data is being transmitted. I do. The remote operation management unit 210 enables various settings to the scanner directly from the PC client 103 connected to the network, and enables the PC 103 to perform exactly the same operability as the operation panel 208. The system is realized by having a homepage of www (world wide web) in the remote management unit 210. That is, settable parameters and the like are described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and stored in a memory. When making some settings for the scanner, the user reads out the data described in HTML, displays the data on a so-called web browser that interprets and displays the data, and makes necessary input. To the scanner. As a result, the user can make desired settings. The digital multifunction peripheral 2095 is also equipped with a network scanner having a similar configuration. The device profile and the transfer path profile will be described later.

An operation panel 208 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network printer 2093. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a printer engine using a known printing technique such as electrophotography or ink jet, and 302 denotes a CP for controlling the entire operation.
Reference numerals U and 303 denote a RAM for temporarily storing image data to be printed on the printer engine 301 and storage of work storage information, and a reference numeral 311 denotes a ROM in which a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 302 is written. Reference numeral 305 denotes a network interface for connecting to the network 101.

306 to 307 and 309 to 310 are RO
This is a software module realized by the CPU 301 executing the program stored in the M311. The device profile supply unit 306 transmits the device information of the network printer 2903 to the management server 103. The transfer path profile acquisition unit 307 acquires a transfer path profile from the management server and stores information in the RAM 303. The job status notification unit 309 transmits error information generated during printing by the printer and notification of job end information to a predetermined mail address using electronic mail. The remote operation management unit 310
This allows the PC client 103 connected on the network to make settings for this printer.
The same operability as that of the PC 08 can be performed by the PC 103. The method is realized by having a homepage of www in the remote management unit 310. Also, a network printer 209 connected to the same network
5, 2902, the basic configuration is a network printer 29.
Same as 03.

An operation panel 308 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an LED and a plurality of operation buttons to provide a user interface.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 103. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire operation; 402, work storage information and CPU 40;
RAM for storing a program for controlling the operation of 1;
04 is a device profile database for storing device profiles of devices connected to the network, 405 is a transfer path profile database for storing transfer path profiles generated from the device profiles, and 406 is for connecting to the network 101. A network I / F 407 acquires a device profile from a device connected to the network, and stores a device profile in a device profile database 404. A device profile acquisition unit 408 acquires a transfer path profile from a transfer path profile database 405 according to a request from the device. A transfer path profile supply unit 409 for reading and supplying the read data to the device via the network. A transfer path profile generation unit that writes the transfer-path profile database 405 to generate the file.

Note that the management server 103 has a function as a so-called post office for devices on the network 101 to send and receive electronic mail. That is, when sending and receiving e-mail via a public telephone line,
An e-mail transmitted from a device on the network 101 is stored, for example, in a predetermined folder for a certain period of time, and when a predetermined time is reached, the e-mail is transmitted to an e-mail server or a file server connected via a public line. I do. Alternatively, the received e-mail stored in the e-mail server for the device on the network 101 is received, and the e-mail server stores the e-mail for each destination. Each device requests the management server 103 to send an e-mail, or
The received mail stored in the management server 103 is received. This function is the same even when the public line is not used. However, there is no need to dial the telephone number of the e-mail server. Of course, the management server itself may have a function as an e-mail server. Further, when an e-mail is received, a function may be provided for notifying the terminal to which the destination is logged in that the e-mail has been received.

Next, the device profile will be described.

The device profile is data indicating the performance and characteristics of each device necessary for configuring a virtual MFP (multifunctional peripheral device), and is composed of the following text data. This is Network Scanner 1
02 is an example of a device profile in the second embodiment.

Device-Type: Indicates the type of device. In the case of a scanner, it is an input device, and indicates a scanner.

Device-Id: Indicates the model name of the device.

Device-address: Indicates the network address of the device.

Resolution: Indicates the resolution supported by the device.

Media-size: Indicates the paper size supported by the device.

Input-fee: Indicates billing information when a device is used.

Document-format: Indicates an image format supported by the device.

Input-command: Describes a command for causing the scanner to execute reading from another device.

A similar profile is held for the printer. However, in a printer, Device-Type is an output device, and Input-command is a command for executing printing from another device.

This device profile is generated in each device, sent to the management server 103, and integrated as a device profile database 404.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a device profile in each peripheral device. First, a device profile is created from the current device configuration (step S501). Next, the management server 1
The device transmits a request to acquire its own device profile to the device 03 (step S502). If there is a response (step S503-YES), that is, if the device profile of the own device stored in the device profile database is sent, it is compared with the profile created in step S501 (step S50).
5). As a result, it is determined whether both match, that is, whether there is a change in the device configuration (step S506), and if so, the device profile created in step S501 is transmitted to the management server to update the database 404.

On the other hand, if there is no response in step S503, the device profile created in step S501 is broadcast to the network (step S5).
04).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure when the management server 103 constructs a device profile database. First, a device profile transfer request is issued to a device of interest on the network (step S701), and a device profile transfer command in which a device profile is recorded is awaited (step S702).
When the device profile transfer command is received, it is recorded in the device profile database 404 (step S703). Finally, all devices on the network,
Alternatively, it is determined whether profiles have been created for all devices registered in advance (step S704).
If not completed, the device of interest is moved to the next registration device (step S705), and the above-described processing is repeated.

As described above, a device profile is created.

The transfer bus profile is stored in the management server 103.
Is data generated by The management server 103
When creating a transfer path profile for a device, a network address or the like is read from the device profile of the device, and if the device is a scanner, for example, a path for transferring the read image data is created. For example, if the output destination is a printer, a path for transmitting data to a target printer is described. This is performed for each output device, and a transfer path profile for outputting image data read by the scanner is created. The transfer path profile created in this way is stored in the transfer path profile database 405 and transmitted to each peripheral device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102. LCD
The display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD and displays an operation screen of the system.
When the displayed key is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the controller CPU. A start key 3002 is used to start a reading operation of a document image. At the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs of green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. A stop key 3003 functions to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID of a user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

FIG. 11 shows a display screen of the operation unit when one copy of the letter size is made. Here, all functions that can be realized by a combination of devices currently on the network are displayed.

A main screen 3100 includes an image quality selection button 3105 for selecting a character mode and a photograph mode, a selected image quality display area 3104, and copy parameter display for displaying the status of the apparatus, copy magnification, paper size, and number of copies. Section 3101, scaling setting buttons 3106, 3107, paper selection button 310
8, sorter setting button 3110, double-sided copy setting button 3112, density print indicator and density setting button 310
9, the numeric keypad 3114.

FIG. 12 shows the scanner 102 used for remote copy (copy processing using a network scanner and a network printer) of 50 A4 size originals.
Of the operation panel 208 of FIG. Here, the printer 2095 is selected by the output destination selection key 3200, and remote copy (mode selection key 3120) through the network is set. 50 copies,
The e-mail address for status notification is the notification destination selection key 3
200, “cl” is selected from the notification destinations registered in advance.
ient103@canon.com ". These setting items can also be set from the management server 103 or the PC client 311 via the remote operation management unit 210.

<Remote Copy Operation> Next, the scanner 2
The operation of printing the image read in 905 by the printer 2095 and copying 50 copies will be described.

When a document is set on the scanner and the start key 3002 is pressed, document reading starts. The reading of the document image is performed only once since it is stored in the RAM 203, and after one set has been read, the document image is transmitted to the printer 2095 on the network. When the document is read, the user takes the document home and waits for the end of the copy job in front of the PC 103. The scanner 102 that has received the print end information from the printer 2095 uses the job status notification unit 209 to send an address “client103 @ canon.
com ”is sent to the e-mail having the contents shown in FIG. 7. The contents recorded in the e-mail shown in FIG.
annerXXX@canon.com ", image transfer destination" PrinterXXX ", 18 pages of original image, 50 copies, copy size A4
It has become. FIG. 7 shows an e-mail when the copy job is completed, and indicates that the subject is “job022304 complete”, that is, the copy job 022304 has been completed.

On the other hand, if an error occurs during the execution of the copy job, an e-mail message as shown in FIG. 8 is sent to "client103@canon.com". The contents are that the sender “ScannerXXX@canon.com”, the printer jam occurred during the execution of job No. “job022304”, the time when the error occurred, and the user name “clie
nt103 ”, image transfer destination“ PrinterXXX ”, number of original images 1
Eight pages, 50 copies, and copy size A4.

Similarly, e-mail notification of communication error information or the like that occurs when a document jam on the scanner side, no printer paper, no printer toner, or an incorrect image transfer destination designation is performed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the scanner at the time of remote copying. First, a document image is read by a scanner and image data is stored (step S1401). Next, it is determined whether the reading was successful (step S1402). If the reading was not successful, the process branches in step S1407, and a mail indicating that the reading failed is transmitted to the specified destination. If the reading is successful, a data transfer path to the printer is obtained (step S1403). This may be obtained in advance and used. Then, the image data is transmitted to the printer via the transfer path (step S1404), and waits for a response from the printer (steps S1405, S1406). If there is a response, the received status information is placed on an e-mail and transmitted to a preset destination (step S1407).

As described above, by transmitting the progress of processing to a predetermined destination by e-mail, even if the user is working away from an input / output device such as a scanner or a printer, the processing can be performed. You can know the state of. In this embodiment, the destination of the mail is a terminal having a user. However, in general, an electronic mail can be read from any terminal as long as the user can log in to a mailbox provided for each user. Therefore, even if the usage difference is using the client PC 104, there is no need to change the mail address, and even if the physical location of the user or the terminal to be used is changed, the once set address is kept used. be able to.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which a plurality of jobs are simultaneously set for a certain document set.

As an example of setting a plurality of jobs, first, remote copy is set in FIG. 12 as in the previous embodiment. Here, the printer 2095 is selected by the output destination selection key 3200, and remote copy (mode selection key 3120) through the network is set. The number of copies is set to 50, and the notification e-mail address is set to be sent to "client103@canon.com" from the notification destinations registered in advance by the notification destination selection key 3200.

Next, by pressing the universal processing setting key 3202, a screen for setting the second job appears. FIG. 13 shows display contents when facsimile (FAX) is selected with the mode selection key 3200 on the second job selection screen. Here, the image data read by the scanner 102 is converted from the device profile information to C
The PU 2002 is set to perform remote FAX transmission through the FAX 2904 on the network 101 automatically selected. The destination telephone number for fax transmission is numeric keypad 3.
When the setting is made at 114, for example, “03-XXXX-XXXX” appears on the destination display section 3203. In addition, the address “client103@canon.com” selected by the notification destination selection key 3200 is displayed as the e-mail address for status notification.

When a document is set and the start key 3002 is pressed, document reading starts. Reading of the original image is R
Since it is stored in the AM 203, it is performed only once, and after one set has been read, it is transmitted over the network to the printer 2095. Similarly, to perform FAX transmission, Ne
The read original image data is transferred to the twork FAX 2904 via the network.

When the remote copy is completed, the print completion information is received from the printer 2095, and the scanner 102 sends the copy job shown in FIG. Notify the end contents.

The contents described in the mail of FIG. 7 include the sender “ScannerXXX@canon.com” and the job number “job02230”.
4 ”, the end time, the user name“ client103 ”used, the image transfer destination“ PrinterXXX ”, the number of original images is 18 pages, the number of copies is 50, and the copy size is A4.

Similarly, when the fax transmission ends, the network facsimile 2904 sends end information to the scanner 102, and the job status notification unit 209 sends “client103@canon.com” to the “client103@canon.com” using e-mail. Of the end of the FAX transmission job shown in FIG.
The content is “ScannerXXX@canon.com”, job No.
“Job022305” completed successfully, end time, user name used, “client103”, image transfer destination “03-XXXX-X”
XX "," FAX XXX "is used as a public line communication device, the number of original images is 18 pages, and the mode is G3 super fine.

Of course, if there is an error, subj
In the ecu column, what kind of error occurred is recorded and sent as an e-mail.

As described above, even when a setting for processing a plurality of jobs is made, the status of each process can be transmitted by mail. Also, the destination of the mail can be set for each job. In that case,
In this example, the status of the copy job and the status of the facsimile job are transmitted to the respectively set destinations.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A desired destination can be notified of the state of a desired device. For this reason, even if the user is away from the device being used, the user can know the status of the device and can quickly respond even if a failure occurs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a network system to which an image input / output device is connected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the network scanner 102.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network printer 2093.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server 103.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for creating a device profile in each peripheral device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure when the management server 103 constructs a device profile database.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of an electronic mail for notifying the completion of a remote copy job.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the content of an electronic mail for notifying that an error has occurred in a remote copy job.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of an e-mail for notifying the completion of a remote facsimile job.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an appearance of an operation panel 208 in the network scanner 102.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing display contents of an operation panel.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing display contents of an operation panel for remote copy.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing display contents of an operation panel for facsimile transmission.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a processing procedure by a scanner at the time of remote copying.

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Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A status notifying device for notifying a user of a status of an input device or an output device connected to a network, a destination input means for inputting a desired destination, and a status from the input device or the output device. A status notifying device, comprising: transmitting means for receiving information and transmitting the information to a destination input by the destination inputting means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output device is a printer that outputs an image, and the transmitting unit transmits status information of printing by the printer to the destination.
2. The state notification device according to claim 1. 3. The status notification device according to claim 1, wherein the output device is a facsimile that transmits image data, and the transmission unit transmits status information of transmission by the facsimile to the destination. . 4. The status notification device according to claim 1, wherein the destination input unit inputs an e-mail address as a destination, and the transmission unit transmits status information to the e-mail address. . 5. A method for controlling a status notification device for notifying a user of a status of an input device or an output device connected to a network, comprising: a destination input step of inputting a desired destination; and the input device or the output device. And a transmitting step of receiving the status information from the destination and transmitting the status information to the destination input in the destination inputting step. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output device is a printer that outputs an image, and the transmission unit transmits status information of printing by the printer to the destination.
3. The control method of the state notification device according to 1. 7. The status notification device according to claim 5, wherein the output device is a facsimile for transmitting image data, and the transmission unit transmits status information of transmission by the facsimile to the destination. Control method. 8. The status notification device according to claim 5, wherein the destination input step inputs an e-mail address as a destination, and the transmission step transmits state information to the e-mail address. Control method.