JP2002271555A - Multifunction system and operating method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To download only an application to be used by a user or related data from a file server connected over a network. SOLUTION: A file server 300 stores a system program for a multifunction device 100. An equipment managing server 320 performs the management of each of equipment connected by a LAN network, user management and the management of data, such as charging information or the like. A host computer 330 reads information provided from a web server 501 via the Internet 500 or outputs image data to the multifunction device 100 or a printer 400. By downloading only the application to be used by the user or related data from the file server 300 connected over the network to the multifunction system, memory capacity required for the system can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function system including a multi-function device connected to a network and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to an application or multi-function device from a file server connected to a network. The present invention relates to a control technique for transferring data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital copying machine having a function of reading an original to be copied (copying), storing the image data in a storage device such as a hard disk, and outputting the image data to another printer via a network is known. Are known.
These digital copiers are equipped with a plurality of functions such as a print function for inputting print data from an external computer and printing out the data, and a facsimile reception function from a public line, and are called multifunction devices. Also,
Compared to a single-function copier or FAX machine, it is space-saving and highly functional, and has a high expandability in the future.

[0003]

However, such a multi-function system has high expandability, but it is necessary to store in advance the applications and data unnecessary in the conventional configuration in the device. Yes,
As the specifications or functions increased, the memory capacity to be mounted increased. Also, a large-capacity memory device such as a hard disk must be provided to store a large amount of data.

[0004] Also, because of the multi-functionality, complicated installation procedures are required at the time of installation, which requires a long installation time, requires a large amount of data such as installation procedure manuals, or downloads a large amount of data even in an online manual. I had to remember it.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to download only an application used by a user and related data from a file server connected to a network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-function system and an operation method thereof.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a file server for storing a system program operating on a multi-function device, and the system program are provided. In a multifunction system comprising a management server having a database of storage locations of files, the installation procedure data necessary for installing the multifunction device is automatically downloaded, and when the installation is completed, the installation procedure data is automatically downloaded. Characterized in that it is provided with a means for erasing information.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In the invention described in (1), the installation procedure data is automatically deleted, and at the same time, a machine number and a list of achievable functions are registered in a search server on a network.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the first invention.
The download of the installation procedure data is automatically performed after connection to a network.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first invention.
In the invention described in the above, the file server stores the program file transmitted from the host computer in a recording device, and the host computer transmits storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server to a search server. It is characterized by notifying.

The invention described in claim 5 is the same as the invention in claim 4.
Wherein the search server stores program file storage location information notified from the host computer, and responds to a program file storage location inquiry requested by the multifunction device. It is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method for operating a multi-function system, a system program operating on a multi-function device is stored in a file server, and a storage location of a file of the system program is managed. It is characterized in that the installation procedure data required when installing the multifunction device is automatically downloaded, and the installation procedure data is automatically deleted when the installation is completed.

The invention described in claim 7 is the same as the invention in claim 6.
In the invention described in (1), the installation procedure data is automatically deleted, and at the same time, a machine number and a list of achievable functions are registered in a search server on a network.

The invention described in claim 8 is the same as the claim 6.
The download of the installation procedure data is automatically performed after connection to a network.

According to the present invention, with such a configuration, only the application used by the user and related data are downloaded from the file server connected to the network to the multifunction system, thereby reducing the memory capacity required for the system. This makes it possible to reduce costs.

In addition, when the installation procedure manual for installing a multifunction device is connected to a network,
The file server automatically downloads the data and displays it as an online manual or operation buttons on the operation unit of the device. At the end of installation, the data in the online manual is automatically deleted, so that unnecessary programs are used during normal operation. Can be used without resident.

At the end of the installation, the machine number of the multifunction device and the available function list can be automatically registered and managed in a search server on the network.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a multifunction device according to the present invention is connected to a server, a computer, and the like via a network. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a multifunction device, which mainly has functions such as image input / output And the image data is processed.

In the multifunction device 100, an operation unit 190 for the user to operate, a scanner unit 191 for inputting an image in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 190, the host computer 330, and the user computer 340, A print unit 192 for printing image data from the unit 191 and printing data from the computers 330 and 340, a device controller 193, a memory 194, and a hard disk 195.

The device controller 193 operates the operation unit 1
The scanner unit 191, the print unit 192, and the memory 19 based on instructions from the computer 90 and the computers 330 and 340.
4 or hard disk 195 or computer 33
The image data input / output is controlled between 0 and 340. For example, image data read from the scanner unit 191 is stored in the memory 194 or the hard disk 195, or output to the personal computer 330 or 340. Alternatively, control such as printing by the print unit 192 and data processing such as image processing are performed.

In such a multi-function device, not only copying a document image but also copying a document image by performing various image processings. For example, various processes such as a negative / positive reversal process for reversing the black and white of a document, a trimming process for copying only a part of the document, and a reduced layout process for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on one output sheet are performed. Is possible.

In addition to the copying of an original, the scanner 191
Image data read by LAN10 (network)
Via the computer 330 or 340 to the computer 330 or 340.
It is also possible to print out at 92. In addition, a fax transmission / reception function is provided so that a document image can be transmitted to and received from a remote fax machine. This is a function that can be realized by a hard disk function in the device controller 193 or a configuration such as driver software and control software.

Reference numeral 300 denotes a file server, which stores system programs (applications, job control programs, device driver programs, device firmware, and the like) for the multifunction device 100 described later.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a search server, which stores information on storage locations of program files stored in the file server 300. Also, in the search server 310, function items and device names that can be realized by the multifunction devices 100 and 410 connected to the LAN 10 are registered.

Reference numeral 320 denotes a device management server that manages each device connected via the LAN network, manages users, and manages data such as billing information. 330
Is a host computer connected as a terminal device, and can browse information provided from the web server 501 via the Internet 500 described later and output image data to the multifunction device 100 or the print 400. This computer is mainly used for administrators who manage the entire network,
A system program can be registered in the file server.

Reference numeral 340 denotes a user computer similarly connected as a terminal device, which can print out a file created using the multi-function device 100 or input image data using the scanner unit 191. This computer is generally used mainly for users, and usually several to several tens of computers are connected to a network, so that a multi-function device 100 can be used by a plurality of people.

Reference numeral 400 denotes a printer, which can print image data from the computers 330 and 340 and the file server 300 on a recording medium. 410
Has the same function as the multifunction device 100 and
The multifunction device (2) is connected to the AN10.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. A web server 501 is connected to the Internet and provides a specific service to Internet users. Reference numeral 502 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between a personal user terminal and the Internet 500. A firewall 503 connects the inside of the illustrated LAN network (LAN 10) and the external communication network (Internet), and performs security management and the like.

The configuration below the firewall 503 may be for an individual user connected to the Internet 500 via the service provider 502.

The operation of transferring the system program between the file server and the multifunction device will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration when a program operable on a multifunction device according to the present invention is registered in a file server connected to the network.

The multi-function device is connected to a local area network (LAN 10) via a LAN interface such as 10BaseT having RJ45. A plurality of servers such as a host computer 330 and a plurality of servers such as a file service for managing access to files stored in a recording device such as a hard disk are also connected to the LAN 10, and can communicate with the multifunction device 100. I have.

When the host computer 330 creates a program file operable on the multifunction device 100, the host computer 330 transfers the created program file to the file server 300 via the LAN 10. The program file created by the host computer 330 is preferably HTML. Complies with Internet application languages such as Java.

In the file server 300, the program file transmitted from the host computer 330 is stored in a recording device. Further, the host computer 33
0 notifies the search server 310 of the storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server 300. Preferably, the UR used in the HTTP protocol
According to the format of L, for example, the address “www.pipit.canon.co.jp” of the file server 300 and the file server 300
The path indicating the storage location of the program file inside the storage device is stored in the search server 310 as “pmfp / japan /” and the program file name “index.html”.

At the same time, the path indicating the storage location also serves as the identifier of the multifunction device on which the program file can operate, and the search server 310 efficiently stores the program file storage destination information notified from the host computer 330. , Multifunction device 100
It operates to respond to the inquiry about the storage location of the program file requested from the above.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in a case where the multifunction device according to the present invention searches for a program file stored in a recording device of a file server connected to a network.

When the multi-function device 100 is powered on or initialized, the multi-function device 1
When the storage location of the program file operable on the H.00 is unknown, a packet inquiring about the storage location of the program file is transmitted on the local area network (LAN) 10. This packet includes the device identifier of the transmission source, and is transmitted as an unspecified destination by a broadcast or multicast method.

The search server 310 connected to the network receives the packet sent from the multifunction device 100, and stores the source device identifier included in the packet and the search server 310 described in FIG. The storage location of the program file requested by the multifunction device 100 is inquired based on the program file storage location information, and the result is notified to the multifunction device 100 via the LAN 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the multifunction device 100 uses DeviceType: = pmf as the device identifier.
p, Country: = Packets containing Japan are sent to LAN10
Sent to the search server 310 and the device identifier pmfp
Search for program files matching Japan and Japan,
If matching data exists, address (URL) data indicating the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the multi-function device 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in a case where a program operable on a multifunction device according to the present invention is acquired from a file server connected to a network and executed.

A program file operable on the multi-function device 100 is stored in the recording device of the file server 300, and the procedure described in FIG. 3 or the operation panel (not shown) previously connected to the multi-function device 100 is used. The information of the storage location of the program file is acquired by an operation such as shown in FIG. 1, and a bucket for requesting the acquisition of the program file is sent to the file server 300 based on the information of the storage location of the program file.

In this embodiment, “http:
//www.pipit.canon.co.jp/pmfp/Japan/index.html ”describes the address of the file server 300 and the storage location of the program file in the storage device. The storage device transmits a program file (index.html in the example) according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100.

In the multifunction device 100, the program file transferred from the file server 300 is translated and executed by a CPU in the multifunction device 100 and a program file interpreter stored in a ROM or the like.

Preferably, the program file obtained from the file server 300 is described in accordance with the HTML format shown in FIG. 5, and in the example shown in FIG. 5, the obtained program file (Index.himl) is displayed on the operation unit. Is a program for controlling a menu to be operated, and “Account”, “Job” is displayed on the operation unit of the multifunction device 100.
Control “, Service Maintenance” is displayed.

A program file can be associated (linked) with another program file. For example, if a subprogram is described in a program file according to storage destination information, the subprogram becomes unnecessary. At this point, control is realized such that a program is acquired according to the storage destination information.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the multifunction device including the scanner unit and the printer unit.
One document feeder 101 feeds a document one by one sequentially from the last page onto the platen glass 102, and discharges the document on the platen glass 102 after the reading operation of the document is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 104 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is reflected by mirrors 105, 106, and 10.
7 and a lens 108 to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 109.

The image of the document scanned in this manner is a CC image.
Read by D109. The image data output from the CCD 109 is transferred to the printer unit 192 after being subjected to predetermined processing. The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 192 drives the laser light emitting unit 201, and causes the laser light emitting unit 201 to emit laser light corresponding to the image data output from the scanner unit 191. The laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 202 and the photosensitive drum 20
A latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the surface 2.

In the portion of the latent image on the photosensitive drum 202,
The developer is attached by the developing device 203. Then, at the timing synchronized with the start of the laser beam irradiation, the cassette 2
The recording paper is fed from one of the cassette 04 and the cassette 205, transported to the transfer unit 206, and the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper carrying the developer is conveyed by the fixing unit 207, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208, and the sorter 220 stores the discharged recording paper in each pin and sorts the recording paper.

When no sorting is set, the sorter 220 stores recording paper at the uppermost pin. When double-sided recording is set, the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided to the re-feed conveyance path by the flapper 209. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is fed to the transfer unit 206 at the above-described timing.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the multi-function device, particularly showing the configuration of the device controller. In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a CPU, and 702 denotes a ROM in which a program is stored. 194 is a memory, and 195 is a hard disk (HD).

Reference numeral 703 denotes a video input I / F board;
Reference numeral 04 denotes a video output I / F board, which is an image processing unit 70.
5 is connected. The image processing unit 705 is connected to the scanner unit 191 and the printer unit 192, processes image data input from the scanner 191 and inputs the processed image data to the internal bus via the video input I / F board 703. The data input from the internal bus to the image processing unit 705 via the video output I / F board 704 is processed as necessary and output to the printer unit 192.
An operation unit 190 is operated by a user.

Reference numeral 706 denotes a FAX board for transmitting or receiving an image via a public line 707.
708 is a network interface card (NI
In C), communication control with the controllers 330 and 340 and the file server 300 connected via the network (LAN 10) is performed. An image compression / expansion circuit 709 performs image compression and expansion to reduce the amount of data when stored in the memory 194 or the hard disk 195. These function boards are connected to each other via an internal bus, and CPU 701 controls transfer or reception of image data and control of each function board. In addition to the flow of a system program for performing overall control on the internal bus, image data is also transferred on the same bus in a time-division manner.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control software structure of the multi-function device, showing a portion controlled by the CPU in FIG. Reference numeral 801 denotes an application program of the multifunction device 100.
A block in which a group of application programs such as copy, facsimile, scan, and print are located.

Reference numeral 802 denotes an application program interface (hereinafter referred to as API), which is an interface for controlling an application and a job. Reference numeral 803 denotes a block in which a program for controlling jobs such as copy, facsimile, scan, and print under job control is located.
Is a device driver interface, a job control and device driver interface (hereinafter DDI)
It is.

Reference numeral 805 denotes a device driver program in which a group of programs for controlling a device is located.
06 is a device group controlled by the device driver program.

In FIG. 8, the scanner driver is a scanner, the printer driver is a printer, the image processing driver is image processing, the FAX driver is a FAX board, the UI driver is a UI (operation unit), and the N / W driver is an N / W card. Are respectively controlled. These system programs can realize various functions by being downloaded by the multifunction device 100 as needed by the file server.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the copy processing of the multifunction device. already,
The description will be made assuming that the system program required for the copy function has been downloaded to the multifunction device.

When a copy operation is performed by the operation unit 190 (S901), the original is scanned and converted into digital data by the scanner unit 191 (S902), and the memory 19 is processed via the image processing 705 and the video input I / F 703.
4 is stored. The image data stored in the memory 194 is printed by the printing unit 192 via the video output I / F 704 and the image processing 705 in synchronization with the printing speed (S903). Normally, in order to perform a copying operation or a facsimile operation of a plurality of copies or to transfer image data to a network, the image is compressed / expanded, and writing / reading of a hard disk 195 as a large capacity memory is performed.

Next, FAX transmission and reception will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a scan process at the time of memory transmission in the FAX transmission process. When a fax transmission operation is performed from the operation unit 190 (S1001), the scanner unit 191 starts a document scanning operation (S1001). S1002) It is converted into digital data. The image data is stored in the memory 194 via the image processing 705 and the video input I / F 703 (S1003). The data stored in the memory 194 is subjected to image compression by the compression / expansion circuit 709 (S1).
004) and stored in the hard disk 195 (S1).
005).

When all the originals are stored in the hard disk 195 by the scanner unit 191 (S1006), the original scanning operation ends. FAX transmission of the image data stored in the hard disk 195 is performed via the FAX board 706 and the public line 707 (S1007).
At the time of facsimile transmission, the memory 194 is temporarily stored in the hard disk 195 depending on the transmission speed of data to be transmitted.
In some cases, it is sent after being placed in the server.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the FAX receiving process. The FAX reception data is input via the public line 707 and the FAX board 706 (S
1101). Thereafter, data is taken into the hard disk 195 (S1102), and it is checked whether all data has been stored in the hard disk (S1).
103). The data stored in the hard disk 195 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 709 (S1104), and the expanded data is written to the memory 194 (S1105). Thereafter, the video output I / F 7
04, conversion processing of the received data and the recording resolution is performed in the image processing 705, and the printout is performed by the printer unit 192 (S1106).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the file contents of the file server according to the present invention. This configuration is managed by the search server 310. Reference numeral 1201 denotes a shared file having a group of files that can be shared and used on a network. 12
05 and 1209 are files that can be shared and used within a specific group, respectively. It is managed by. Reference numerals 1203 and 1217 denote unique file groups that can be used by individuals, respectively. Is managed by

The shared file, the group file, and the personal file group are each composed of an application program file group, a device driver program file group, and a database file group.

Since the files are managed in such a configuration, the ID No. at the time of login is set. Is entered, the login ID No. is entered. The user can access a shared file, a group file, and a personal file group determined in advance.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of starting the multifunction system of the present invention. When the power of the multi-function device 100 is turned on, the multi-function device 100 waits for a login (S130).
1). This is similar to the operation unit 190 shown in FIG.
D No. , And the 10 key on the right
D No. Is input and the system is input with the START key.

When the login ID is input, a packet for inquiring of the storage location of the program file is sent from the multifunction device 100 to the LAN 10. The search server 310 receives this packet, and receives the ID No.
Is confirmed, and the entered ID No. The file group to which the file belongs and the personal file group are confirmed, the storage destination of the function file usable by this ID is collated, and the result is notified to the multi-function device 100 (S1302).

The multi-function device 100, based on the storage location information of the file,
Sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file. The file server 300 sends out the program file from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100.

The multi-function device 100 translates and executes the program file output from the file server 300 by the program interpreter in the multi-function device 100 (S1303).
In this case, the login ID No. A list of functions that can be specified by is displayed on the operation unit 190 as shown in FIG. Here, an input standby state is set for the operation unit 190 (S1).
304).

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a copy function;
FAX function 1502, SCAN function 1503, 15
04 indicates an optional function. Function button 150
When any one of the buttons 1 to 1504 is pressed, the function button and the scanner unit 191, the printer unit 192, and the image processing 70 connected to the multifunction device 100 are pressed from the multifunction device 100.
5. Device I such as FAX board 706 and operation unit 190
D and a packet for inquiring the storage location of a program file corresponding to the ID of an accessory such as a feeder connected to the scanner unit 191 or a finisher connected to the printer unit 192 to the LAN 10 (S1).
305).

The search server 310 receives the packet, collates the storage destination of the file usable in the multi-function device 100, and notifies the multi-function device 100 of the result (S1306). The multifunction device 100 sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file to the file server 300 based on the storage location information of the file.

The file server 300 sends out a program file from the storage device according to the contents of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 translates the program file output from the file server 300 by the program interpreter inside the multifunction device 100 and executes the translated file (S1307).
In this case, the function selected by the function button is
Displayed as 0.

When the copy function is selected, an operation screen relating to copy magnification, recording paper size, various image processing and editing processing is displayed, and when the FAX function is selected, the FAX address display, A screen for selecting the transmission mode is displayed.

Next, a case in which data of an online manual required when installing a multifunction device is downloaded from a file server will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the case where the data of the online manual is downloaded when the multi-function device is connected to the network, and is automatically deleted after installation.

When the multifunction device 100 is connected to the network LAN 10 and the power of the device is turned on, the multifunction device 100 enters a network connection state (S1601), and then waits for a login (S1602).

This corresponds to the operation of the operation unit 190 shown in FIG. , And the ID No. from the right 10 key. Is input to the system with the START key. When the login ID is input, a packet for inquiring of the storage location of the program file is sent from the multifunction device 100 to the LAN 10. This packet is received by the search server 310, and the ID
No. Is confirmed, and the entered ID No. The file group to which the file belongs and the personal file group are checked, the storage destination of the function file usable by this ID is collated, and the result is notified to the multi-function device 100.

The multi-function device 100, based on the storage location information of the file,
Sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file. The file server 300 sends out the program file from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100.

The multifunction device 100 translates and executes the program file sent from the file server 300 by the program adapter inside the multifunction device 100 (S1603). In this case, the login ID No. Is displayed on the operation unit 190 as shown in FIG. Here, the input unit 190 enters an input standby state (S1).
604).

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a copy function;
FAX function 1502, SCAN function 1503, 15
04 indicates an optional function. Function button 150
When any one of the buttons 1 to 1504 is pressed, the function button and the scanner unit 191, the printer unit 192, and the image processing 70 connected to the multifunction device 100 are pressed from the multifunction device 100.
5. Device I such as FAX board 706 and operation unit 190
D and accessories ID such as a feeder connected to the scanner unit 191 and a finisher connected to the printer unit 192. Is transmitted to the LAN 10 to inquire about the storage location of the program file corresponding to.

The search server 310 receives the packet, collates the storage destination of the file usable in the multi-function device 100, and notifies the multi-function device 100 of the result (S1605). The multifunction device 100 sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file to the file server 300 based on the storage location information of the file.

The file server 300 sends out the program file from the storage device in accordance with the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100. The multifunction device 100 translates and executes the program file output from the file server 300 by a program interpreter inside the multifunction device 100. In this case, the function selected by the function button is displayed on the operation unit 190.

When the copy function is selected, an operation screen relating to the copy magnification, recording paper size, various image processing and editing processing is displayed, and when the FAX function is selected, the FAX address display or the FAX address display is performed. A screen for selecting the transmission mode is displayed.

The above is the basic operation related to the file search and acquisition of the operation unit tab file. Thereafter, in order to download the online manual for installation, the search server 310 receives the packet, checks the storage location of the online manual data file that can be used by the multifunction device 100, and notifies the multifunction device 100 of the result. I do.

The multi-function device 100, based on the storage location information of the file,
Sends a packet for requesting the acquisition of online manual data. The file server 300 sends online manual data from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 100 (S1606).

Thereafter, according to the online manual displayed on the operation unit 190, the multifunction device 10
Perform initial setting of 0 and confirmation of function. When all the installation procedures are completed (S1607), the multifunction device 100 automatically deletes unnecessary online manual files (S1608). At the same time, in order to notify the device on the network that the device has been installed, a device number of the device, a feasible function list, a duplex copy unit, and a finisher device for registering output paper are attached to the search server 310. Is registered (S160).
9).

In the above-described embodiment, registration of a system program via a file server on a network,
Although the case of search and acquisition has been described, registration, search, and acquisition of a system program may be performed using an up server on the Internet.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the system program (including the driver software) for controlling the entire system is downloaded has been described. However, the OCR, color conversion, gradation correction, etc. used in the multi-function device are described. It is also possible to download the image processing program described above.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the machine number of the multifunction device is registered in the search server 310 on the network has been described. However, the same effect can be obtained by registering the machine number in the device management server 320.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, only the application used by the user and related data are downloaded from the file server connected to the network to the multi-function system, so that the required memory capacity of the system is obtained. It is possible to reduce.

By registering and sharing an application or driver software in a common file server, software resources can be used effectively, and work such as version upgrade can be performed on only one server. It is possible to always provide the latest software if it does.

Further, by automatically downloading the data of the online manual from the file server at the time of installation, the time for the installation work can be reduced as compared with the related art. Also, by automatically deleting the data in the online manual of the installation procedure after the installation work is completed, there is no need to store files or data unnecessary for actual operation in the device, making effective use of the installed memory. It became possible to do.

Further, when the data of the online manual is deleted, the machine number of the multifunction device, the available function list and the accessory name are automatically registered in the search server, so that the data can be deleted from other devices connected to the network. Can also be used effectively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a multifunction peripheral, a server, a computer, and the like according to the present invention are connected via a network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration when a program operable on a multifunction device is registered in a file server connected to the network.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration in a case where a multifunction device searches for a program file stored in a recording device of a file server connected to a network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network configuration in a case where a program operable on a multifunction device is acquired from a file server connected to a network and executed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a description example of an HTML format of a program file acquired from a file server.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view including a scanner unit and a printer unit of the multifunction device.

FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram showing a hardware configuration inside the multifunction device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control software structure of the multifunction device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a copy process of the multifunction device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a scan process in the FAX transmission process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a FAX reception process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing file contents of a file server.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of starting the multifunction device.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing function buttons of an operation unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a case where data of an online manual is downloaded and automatically deleted after installation.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Multifunction device 101 Document feeding device 102 Platen glass 103 Lamp 104 Scanner unit 105, 106, 107 Mirror 108 Lens 109 CCD image sensor 190 Operation unit 191 Scanner unit 192 Printing unit 193 Device controller 194 Memory 195 Hard disk 201 Laser emission unit 202 Photosensitive drum 203 developing device 204, 205 cassette 206 transfer unit 207 fixing unit 208 discharge roller 209 flapper 220 sorter 221 laser driver 320 device management server 330 host computer 340 user computer 300 file server 310 search server 400 print 500 internet 501 web server 502 service Provider 503 Firewall 701 CPU 702 ROM 703 Video input I / F board 704 Video output I / F board 705 Image processing unit 706 FAX board 707 Public line 708 Network interface card (NI
C) 709 image compression / expansion circuit

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 HN15 HQ12 HR07 5B021 BB02 BB10 EE01 5B089 HA06 HA10 HB05 JA33 JA34 JB02 KA11 KB04 KC27 LB14 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AB42 AC42

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A multifunction device comprising: a file server that stores a system program that operates on a multifunction device; and a management server that has a database of storage locations of files of the system program.
A multifunction system comprising: a system for automatically downloading installation procedure data required when installing the multifunction device, and automatically deleting the installation procedure data when the installation is completed. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the installation procedure data is automatically deleted, and at the same time, a machine number and a list of achievable functions are registered in a search server on a network. 3. The download of the installation procedure data,
2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the operation is performed automatically after connection to a network. 4. The file server stores a program file transmitted from a host computer in a recording device, and the host computer notifies a search server of storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server. 2. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The search server according to claim 1, wherein said search server stores program file storage location information notified from said host computer, and responds to an inquiry about a program file storage location requested by said multifunction device. 5. The multifunction system according to 4. 6. A method of operating a multi-function system for storing a system program operating on a multi-function device in a file server and managing a storage location of a file of the system program. A method of operating a multi-function system, characterized by automatically downloading procedure data and automatically deleting the installation procedure data when the installation is completed. 7. The multi-function system according to claim 6, wherein the installation procedure data is automatically deleted, and at the same time, a machine number and a list of feasible functions are registered in a search server on a network. How it works. 8. Downloading of the installation procedure data is performed by:
The method according to claim 6, wherein the method is automatically performed after connection to a network.