JP2014052960A - Image processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An image display time when a CSS sprite image is used is shortened.
An image forming apparatus capable of providing a Web page of an operation screen to a Web browser, the storage unit storing a plurality of images to be displayed on the Web page, and a plurality of images based on a predetermined condition Determination means for determining a predetermined number of images, generation means for generating a single image by combining the predetermined number of images, and distribution means for distributing one image to the Web browser.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a program.

  A Web browser operating on a PC (Personal Computer) generally acquires image data from a server. The Web browser uses an http request when acquiring image data. Also, a technique called CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) sprite that collects image data collectively is known. As a result, the number of times the image is loaded can be reduced, and the image display of the Web page can be accelerated.

  However, in CSS sprites, all the images used on the Web page are included in the CSS sprite image, so the size of the CSS sprite image itself becomes large. There is a technique for reducing the display area of a rectangular image of a CSS sprite image and increasing the communication speed of the CSS sprite image as the image size increases (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, the conventional technique has a problem in that it takes time until the image is displayed without changing all the images displayed on the Web page into the CSS sprite image.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image processing apparatus and a program that can shorten the display time of an image when a CSS sprite image is used.

  An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of providing a Web page of an operation screen to a Web browser, and stores a plurality of images to be displayed on the Web page; Based on a condition, a determination unit that determines a predetermined number of images from the plurality of images, a generation unit that generates a single image by combining the predetermined number of images, and the one image to the Web browser Distribution means for distributing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the display time of the image in the case of using a CSS sprite image can be shortened.

The figure which shows an example of the image processing system in an Example. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image processing apparatus in an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a CSS sprite image. The figure which shows an example of an HTML file. The figure which shows the example of an image displayed on a web page. The figure which shows an example of CSS sprite image information 1. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the CSS sprite image at the time of not attaching a finisher. The figure which shows an example of the CSS sprite image with a finisher mounted. The figure which shows an example of function restriction information. The figure which shows an example of CSS sprite image information 2. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the image information with respect to each pattern. The figure which shows an example of the CSS sprite image information 3. FIG. The figure which shows an example of total information. The flowchart which shows an example of the production | generation process of a CSS sprite image. The sequence diagram which shows an example of the display process of a CSS sprite image.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Although an example of an image processing apparatus will be described using a multifunction peripheral (MFP), any apparatus having a Web server function may be used.

[Example]
<System>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system 1 in the embodiment. In an image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus (for example, MFP) 10 and an information processing apparatus (PC: Personal Computer) 20 are connected via a network. The number of image processing apparatuses and information processing apparatuses connected to the network is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 20 includes a web browser, and transmits an http request for requesting a web page to the image processing apparatus 10 using the web browser. When the information processing apparatus 20 acquires a Web page, the information processing apparatus 20 displays the Web page on a display unit using a Web browser.

  The image processing apparatus 10 has a function as a Web server, and accepts an http request from the Web browser of the information processing apparatus 20. The image processing apparatus 10 distributes an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file and an image file necessary for the Web page specified by the received request to the image processing apparatus 10. The image file is, for example, a CSS sprite image. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatus 10 will be mainly described.

<Hardware>
Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) 111, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 112, a flash memory (flash ROM) 110, and an IC card interface unit 130. And a controller board 100 in which the HDD 103 and the like are connected to the ASIC 101, an operation panel 150, a fax control unit (FCU) 160, a USB 170, an IEEE1394 180, and hardware 190 (for example, a printer).

  The operation panel 150 is directly connected to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 101, and the FCU 160, USB 170, IEEE1394 180, and hardware 190 are connected to the ASIC 101 via a PCI bus.

  The IC card interface unit 130 is an interface for inserting the IC card 140 and exchanging data with the IC card 140. The IC card 140 can also be used as an installation storage medium. In this case, the developed external application is stored in the IC card 140.

  The CPU 102 implements each function by processing a program loaded in the SDRAM 111 or the like. The HDD 103 stores a program and various data used by the program. Various setting information and the like are stored in the SDRAM 111 and the SRAM 112.

  The operation panel 150 is hardware including input means such as buttons for accepting input from a user, display means such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The operation panel 150 displays a web page by a web browser function.

<Function>
Next, a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 20 is connected to the image processing apparatus 10 via a network, is equipped with a Web browser 250, and requests the Web server 310 to display an operation screen.

  When the Web browser 250 shown in FIG. 3 displays a Web page, the Web browser 250 requests acquisition of an image using an http request. The web browser 250 displays a web page using an HTML file or an image file acquired in response to the request.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a Web server 310, a copy application (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) 321, a FAX application 322, a scanner application 323, a ROM 331, a nonvolatile RAM 332, and a RAM 333.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a system management unit 341, a memory management unit 342, an engine management unit 343, a user management unit 344, a transmission management unit 345, an operation panel 350, a plotter option 361, a scanner option 362, and a FAX board 363. Prepare.

  The option is an external device that can be attached to (or removed from) the image processing apparatus 10. In the embodiment, “finisher” that performs sorting, punching, and stapling after printing and “FAX communication board” that performs FAX communication through a telephone line are given as examples of options.

  The Web server (Web service providing means) 310 operates as a Web server (http server) for each device connected to the Internet, and displays an application operation screen on the Web browser 250 operating on the information processing apparatus 20. .

  The Web server 210 includes a request reception / distribution unit 311, an HTML generation unit 312, a determination unit 313, an image generation unit 314, and a totalization unit 315.

  The request reception / distribution unit 311 receives a request from the Web browser 250 and acquires a necessary HTML file or image file from the RAM 333 according to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

  The request reception / distribution unit 311 distributes an HTML file or an image file to the Web browser 250 as a response to the request.

  The HTML generation unit 312 generates an HTML file to be provided to the web browser 250. The HTML file will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The determination unit 313 determines a predetermined number of images from among a plurality of images that are display targets of the Web page stored in the ROM 331 based on a predetermined condition. For example, the determination unit 313 determines which images are included in the CSS sprite image generated by the image generation unit 314. The predetermined condition will be described later with some examples.

  The determination unit 313 performs redetermination of a predetermined number of images when an option is installed. When the determination unit 313 performs redetermination, the determination unit 313 notifies the image generation unit 314 to that effect.

  The image generation unit 314 collects a predetermined number of images determined by the determination unit 313 and generates one image. For example, the image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image by combining a predetermined number of images determined by the determination unit 313.

  When the re-determination is performed by the determination unit 313, the image generation unit 314 generates one image from a predetermined number of images after the re-determination.

  The counting unit 315 counts the number of times of provision to the Web browser 250 for each Web page. The counting means 315 may total for each user. The aggregation unit 315 notifies the determination unit 313 of the number of times of aggregation.

  The copy application 321 is an application installed in the image processing apparatus 10 and executes a job having a function of the application.

  The FAX application 322 is an application installed in the image processing apparatus 10 and executes a job having a function of the application.

  The scanner application 323 is an application installed in the image processing apparatus 10 and executes a job for a function of the application.

  The ROM 331 holds data that is not changed by the user. The ROM 331 stores, for example, original data (image data) that is a base of the CSS sprite image, each CSS sprite image information, and the like. That is, the ROM 331 stores a plurality of images to be displayed on the Web page.

  The nonvolatile RAM 332 is changed by the user and stores data even when the power is turned off. The nonvolatile RAM 332 stores, for example, function restriction information and total information described later.

  The RAM 333 stores data that is changed by the user and does not need to be stored when the power is turned off. The RAM 333 stores, for example, generated CSS sprite images and HTML files. The RAM 333 is also used to temporarily hold values during device operation.

  The system management unit 341 manages the state of the entire system. The memory management unit 342 performs memory management and creation of scanned file data.

  The engine management unit 343 controls document reading and printing. The engine management unit 343 includes a detection unit 371. The detecting unit 371 detects that an optional external device is mounted. When detecting the option mounting, the detection unit 371 notifies the determination unit 313 that the option is mounted. The detecting means 371 also detects a change in the option that is attached.

  A user management unit 344 manages user authentication and scanner transmission destinations. The user management unit 344 also functions as a user management unit that specifies a user who uses the image processing apparatus 10 by user authentication or the like.

  The transmission management unit 345 manages FAX transmission and scan transmission. The transmission management unit 345 includes a detection unit 372. The detection unit 372 detects the installation of the optional FAX communication board 363. When detecting the mounting of the FAX communication board 363, the detecting unit 372 notifies the determining unit 313 that the option is mounted.

  The operation panel 350 is an operation panel attached to the image processing apparatus 10. The operation panel 350 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying a screen, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a buzzer for indicating a state, several buttons (referred to as hard keys) for input from the user, Is provided.

  The plotter option 361 is an option related to printing. The plotter option 361 is, for example, “finisher” for performing sorting, punching, and stapling after printing.

  The scanner option 362 is an option related to reading. The scanner option 362 is, for example, an “automatic document feeder” that automatically feeds a plurality of documents. The FAX communication board 363 is an option for performing FAX communication through a telephone line.

  The plotter option 361, the scanner option 362, and the FAX communication board 363 of the image processing apparatus 10 correspond to the hardware 190 in FIG. 2, and the operation panel 350 corresponds to the operation panel 150. The ROM 331 corresponds to the HDD 103 and the flash memory 110, for example.

  The nonvolatile RAM 332 corresponds to, for example, the SRAM 112, and the RAM 333 corresponds to, for example, the SDRAM 111. Other units, applications, and units can be realized by the CPU 102 or the ASIC 101, for example.

<Display example using CSS sprite image>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CSS sprite image. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation unit 314 acquires images of six MFPs from the ROM 331 and combines these images to generate one image (CSS sprite image).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an HTML file. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the HTML generation unit 312 defines the style sheet (CSS) definition to display a specified area of the CSS sprite image “mfp.jpg” for the class names img1 to img6. ing.

  For example, img5 is defined to display 131 pixels from the 402th pixel in the width direction of “mfp.jpg”. When class names img1 to img6 are specified in the body part of the HTML file, a part of the CSS sprite image “mfp.jpg” is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the Web page. In the example shown in FIG. 6, “img5” is displayed below the character string “Finisher cover is open”. At this time, since there is only one “mfp.jpg”, once the information processing apparatus 10 loads “mfp.jpg”, it is not necessary to load the image file again.

<Generation of CSS sprite image according to conditions>
Next, generation of a sprite image according to conditions will be described. First, an example in which a sprite image is generated based on conditions regarding options will be described.

(Condition 1)
Condition 1 is a condition related to the option configuration. For example, the determination unit 313 changes the content of the image included in the CSS sprite image depending on whether or not a predetermined option is installed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the CSS sprite image information 1. The CSS sprite image information 1 illustrated in FIG. 7 is stored in the ROM 331, for example. The CSS sprite image information 1 includes, for example, information for generating a CSS sprite image and information for displaying each image from the CSS sprite image.

The CSS sprite image information 1 shown in FIG. 7 includes the following information.
(1) Original image: file name of original image constituting CSS sprite image (2) CSS sprite image generation condition: optional composition condition that requires CSS sprite image for each original image (3) CSS sprite image file name (4) Start x-coordinate, start y-coordinate, width, height on CSS sprite image Regarding (2), for example, the generation condition of the image “a0.jpg” is “no finisher”. This indicates that it is necessary to generate a CSS sprite image including the image “a0.jpg” when “no finisher” is set. On the other hand, when “Finisher is present”, the CSS sprite image including the image “a0.jpg” is not generated.

  The determination unit 313 determines a predetermined number of images including images that can be displayed on the Web page when the option is attached. That is, the determination unit 313 determines an original image that satisfies the condition (2) among the information shown in FIG. 7 from the optional configuration (here, with or without finisher) detected by each detection unit.

  The image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image according to the information (3) and (4) among the information shown in FIG. 7 based on the original image determined by the determination unit 313.

  For example, when the optional configuration is “no finisher”, the determination unit 313 determines the images “a0.jpg” and “a1.jpg” as images to be included in the CSS sprite image. The file name of the CSS sprite image including the images “a0.jpg” and “a1.jpg” are both “mfp1.jpg”.

  Therefore, the image generation unit 314 combines the CSS sprite images for the images “a0.jpg” and “a1.jpg” according to the coordinates, width, and height of (4) to generate the image file “mfp1.jpg”.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CSS sprite image when the finisher is not installed. As shown in FIG. 8, when the finisher is not attached, an image in which the images “a0.jpg” and “a1.jpg” shown in FIG. 7 are combined is generated.

  As a result, as the CSS sprite image file “mfp1.jpg”, an image shown in the CSS sprite image when the finisher is not installed shown in FIG. 8 is generated. The CSS sprite image shown in FIG. 8 includes fewer images than the image shown in the CSS sprite image shown in FIG. This is because an image required when the finisher is present is not included in the CSS sprite image. This reduces the file capacity and shortens the image file loading time. The CSS sprite image generation timing is, for example, when the apparatus is activated or periodically.

  In addition, the option configuration may be changed after the image processing apparatus 10 is activated. At this time, the Web server 310 temporarily deletes the generated CSS sprite image. Thereafter, the determination unit 313 re-determines an image to be included in the CSS sprite image in accordance with the changed optional configuration detected by the detection unit.

  The image generation unit 314 regenerates a CSS sprite image using the image re-determined by the determination unit 313.

  For example, when the image processing apparatus 10 is activated and changed from “No finisher” to “Finisher present”, the Web server 310 deletes the CSS sprite image “mfp1.jpg” before the change from the RAM 333.

  The image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image “mfp2.jpg” including only an image necessary when “finisher is present” based on the CSS sprite image information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CSS sprite image with the finisher attached. As shown in FIG. 9, when the finisher is installed, an image in which the images “b0.jpg”, “b1.jpg”, “b3.jpg”, and “b4.jpg” shown in FIG. 7 are combined is generated.

  Thereby, even if the option configuration is changed in the middle, the image display time can be shortened according to the changed option configuration.

  Further, assuming that the option configuration is dynamically changed after the image processing apparatus 10 is activated, the image generation unit 314 performs CSS according to each option pattern including the option configuration detected at the apparatus activation. A sprite image may be generated.

  For example, assuming that the finisher changes to “with finisher” on the way even when “no finisher” is set when the apparatus is activated, the determination unit 313 determines that the condition (2) shown in FIG. 7 is “no finisher” or “with finisher”. Both CSS sprite images are determined.

  The image generation unit 314 generates CSS sprite images of “without finisher” and “with finisher” determined by the determination unit 313. That is, the image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image with the file names “mfp1.jpg” and “mfp2.jpg”.

  Thereafter, the CSS sprite image “mfp2.jpg” has already been generated even if the option changes to “with finisher”. Therefore, the display data after the change can be provided to the Web browser side faster than the CSS sprite image is generated when the option configuration is changed, because the CSS sprite image is not regenerated when the option is changed.

  In the above example, the device state that “the cover is open” is displayed on the Web, but in addition to this, it is also useful for image display when displaying a screen for setting the device on the Web. It is.

  For example, there are “copy setting item” and “FAX setting item” as device setting items, and “FAX setting item” can be displayed only when the option “FAX communication board” is installed. In this case, an image displayed only by “FAX setting item” need not be included in the CSS sprite image when there is no “FAX communication board”. Therefore, the determination unit 313 may determine whether the CSS sprite image includes or does not include an “image to be displayed only with FAX setting items” depending on the presence / absence of an optional “FAX communication board”.

(Condition 2)
Condition 2 is a condition related to function restriction for each user. For example, the determination unit 313 changes the content of the image to be included in the CSS sprite image depending on the function restriction of the user who uses the image processing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the function restriction information. The function restriction information illustrated in FIG. 10 is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 332, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the user A can use both a copy / fax / scanner, the user B can use the copy / scanner (FAX cannot be used), and the user C can use only the copy (FAX / scanner is available). Cannot be used).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the CSS sprite image information 2. The CSS sprite image information 2 shown in FIG. 11 indicates which function is used when the CSS sprite image generation condition can be used for each original image. In the CSS sprite image information 2 shown in FIG. 11, the information (3) and (4) shown in FIG. 7 is omitted.

  The determining unit 313 specifies a function that can be used for each user specified by the user management unit 344 based on the function restriction information, and determines a predetermined number of images including images included in the Web page of the specified function. .

  For example, since the user A can use both a copy, a FAX, and a scanner, the determination unit 313 uses the images “c0.jpg”, “c1.jpg”, “f0.jpg”, “f1.jpg”, It is determined to include “s0.jpg” and “s1.jpg”.

  Since the user B can use the copy scanner, the determination unit 313 determines that the images for the user B include “c0.jpg”, “c1.jpg”, “s0.jpg”, and “s1.jpg”. To do. Similarly, the determination unit 313 determines for the user C to include the images “c0.jpg” and “c1.jpg”.

  The image generation unit 314 collects the images for each user determined by the determination unit 313 and generates a CSS sprite image for each user. Thereby, the image display time can be shortened corresponding to the function restriction for each user.

  In addition, after the image processing apparatus 10 is activated, the function restriction information availability information may be changed. At this time, the Web server 310 temporarily deletes the generated CSS sprite image. Thereafter, the determination unit 313 redetermines an image to be included in the CSS sprite image according to the changed function restriction information.

  The image generation unit 314 regenerates a CSS sprite image using the image re-determined by the determination unit 313.

  Thereby, even if the function restriction setting for the user who uses the image processing apparatus 10 is changed, the image display time can be shortened based on the changed function restriction information.

  Further, the determining unit 313 may determine in advance an image to be included in the CSS sprite image according to each pattern of whether or not the function restriction information can be used. For example, the determining unit 313 determines an image to be included in the CSS sprite image for all patterns indicating whether each function can be used, from the CSS sprite image information 2 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information for each pattern. The information shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 332, for example. The information shown in FIG. 12 is information obtained by organizing the usable / unusable patterns of each function from the CSS sprite image information 2 shown in FIG.

  The determining unit 313 refers to the information shown in FIG. 12 and determines in advance (for example, when the apparatus is activated) an image to be included in the CSS sprite image for each pattern. The image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image using the image of each pattern determined by the determination unit 313.

  As a result, a CSS sprite image corresponding to the function restriction setting is prepared regardless of the function restriction setting for the user. Therefore, even if the user's function restriction setting is changed during activation, the CSS sprite is changed. There is no need to regenerate the image.

(Condition 3)
Condition 3 is a condition relating to the number of times the web page is provided to the web browser. For example, the determination unit 313 changes the content of the image included in the CSS sprite image according to the display count of the Web page. The number of times of provision may be the number of times of display.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the CSS sprite image information 3. The CSS sprite image information 3 shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 331, for example. The CSS sprite image information 3 shown in FIG. 13 indicates which Web page is used for each image. In the CSS sprite image information 3 shown in FIG. 13, the information (3) and (4) shown in FIG. 7 is omitted.

  The totaling unit 315 totals the number of pages displayed or provided on the Web browser 250 for each user. The determination unit 313 determines, for each user, an image to be used on a screen at which the number of display times or the number of provisions exceeds a predetermined value based on the totaled result at a specific timing (when the apparatus is activated or every week). .

  The image generation unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image for each user using the image determined by the determination unit 313.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of total information. The total information illustrated in FIG. 14 is stored in, for example, the nonvolatile RAM 332. The total information illustrated in FIG. 14 indicates the number of times each page is displayed for each user.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, since the frequency of pages 1 and 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value by user A, the determination unit 313 determines that the images “i1.jpg”, “i2.jpg”, “I3.jpg” and “i4.jpg” are determined as images for the CSS sprite image.

  Further, since the frequency of page 1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the determination unit 313 determines the images “i1.jpg”, “i2.jpg”, and “i3.jpg” used in page 1 as CSS sprites. Determine the image for the image.

  In addition, since the frequency of page 3 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the determination unit 313 determines the images “i5.jpg” and “i6.jpg” used on page 3 as CSS sprite image images. To do. The determining unit 313 may determine the frequency based on whether or not the number of times is equal to or more than an appropriate threshold value (for example, 100).

  Note that the counting unit 315 counts the page display count for the entire apparatus when not counting for each user. The determining unit 313 determines an image for the CSS sprite image common to each user from the aggregation result. The image generating unit 314 may generate a CSS sprite image common to each user.

  As a result, for a page whose display frequency or provision frequency is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the image used on the page is included in the CSS sprite image, so the loading of the image is accelerated. In addition, since the CSS sprite image does not include an image that is used only on a page whose display frequency or provision is less than a predetermined value, the capacity of the CSS sprite image can be suppressed.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a CSS sprite image generation process. In step S101 shown in FIG. 15, the Web server 310 determines whether it is the CSS sprite image generation timing. For example, the Web server 310 determines whether or not the apparatus is activated. Further, the Web server 310 may use a predetermined interval such as option change, function restriction information change, or weekly as the generation timing.

  If it is generation timing (step S101-YES), it will progress to step S102, and if it is not generation timing (step S101-NO), it will return to step S101.

  In step S102, the determination unit 313 selects and determines an image satisfying a predetermined condition from images to be displayed on the Web page.

  In step S103, the image generating unit 314 generates a CSS sprite image using the image determined by the determining unit 313. The image generation unit 314 may generate a plurality of CSS sprite images when there are a plurality of image groups determined by the determination unit 313.

  As a result, not all images used in the Web page are included in the CSS sprite image, so that it is possible to shorten the image display time when using the CSS sprite image.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a CSS sprite image display process. In FIG. 16, the Web browser 250 requests the Web server 310 of the image processing apparatus 10 to acquire the Web page of the operation screen using an http request. For example, information indicating the URL to be acquired is included in the http request.

  In step S202, the Web server 310 (request reception / distribution means 311) receives an acquisition request for the page specified by the http request. The Web server 310 acquires from the RAM 333 the CSS sprite image file and the HTML file of the image used at the requested Web page URL. The Web server 310 (request reception / distribution means 311) distributes the acquired HTML file and CSS sprite image file to the Web browser 25.

  In step S203, the web browser 250 controls to display a web page using the acquired CSS sprite image file and HTML file.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, the size of the CSS sprite image can be made smaller than before, so that the display time of the image when using the CSS sprite image can be shortened.

  The Web browser has been described using the Web browser 250 of the information processing apparatus 20, but may be a Web browser in the image processing apparatus 10.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Recorded on a readable recording medium.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment and the program executed by each information processing apparatus may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  A program executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units and units. As actual hardware, the CPU reads out the program from the ROM or HDD and executes it, so that one or a plurality of each unit or each means among the above-mentioned each unit or each means is loaded on the RAM, and one or a plurality of each unit or each Means are generated on the RAM.

  The above-described image processing apparatus and program are not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, but can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing system 10 Image processing apparatus 20 Information processing apparatus 101 ASIC
102 CPU
103 HDD
110 Flash memory 111 SDRAM
112 SRAM
150 Operation Panel 310 Web Server 311 Request Accepting / Distributing Unit 312 HTML Generating Unit 313 Determining Unit 314 Image Generating Unit 315 Counting Units 371 and 372 Detection Unit

JP 2010-277501 A

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of providing a web page of an operation screen to a web browser,
Storage means for storing a plurality of images to be displayed on the Web page;
Determining means for determining a predetermined number of images from the plurality of images based on a predetermined condition;
Generating means for collecting the predetermined number of images and generating one image;
Distribution means for distributing the one image to the Web browser;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A detection means for detecting an external device attached to the image processing apparatus;
The determining means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of images including images that can be displayed on the Web page when the external apparatus is attached is determined. The detection means includes
Detects changes in the external device installed,
The determining means includes
Re-determining a predetermined number of images by changing the external device,
The generating means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined number of re-determined images are collected to regenerate one image. The determining means includes
The predetermined number of images is determined in advance according to the pattern of the presence or absence of the external device,
The generating means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the one image that generates the one image is distributed for each pattern. Second storage means for storing function restriction information indicating availability of each function of the image processing apparatus for each user;
User management means for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus, and
The determining means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a function that can be used is specified for each specified user based on the function restriction information, and the predetermined number of images including an image included in a Web page of the specified function is determined. . The determining means includes
When the function restriction information is changed, a predetermined number of images are redetermined based on the changed function restriction information,
The generating means includes
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a predetermined number of re-determined images are collected to regenerate one image. The determining means includes
The predetermined number of images is determined in advance according to a pattern of availability of each function,
The generating means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the one image is generated for each pattern. Further, for each web page, further comprises a counting means for counting the number of times of provision to the web browser,
The determining means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of images including an image included in a Web page in which the provision count is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is determined. A user management means for identifying a user who uses the image processing apparatus;
The counting means includes
For each user, the number of provisions is totaled,
The determining means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein for each identified user, the predetermined number of images including an image included in a Web page in which the provision count is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is determined. A program executed on a computer capable of providing a web page of an operation screen to a web browser,
A determining step of determining a predetermined number of images based on a predetermined condition from a plurality of images to be displayed on the Web page stored in a storage unit;
A generating step of generating a single image by combining the predetermined number of images;
A distribution step of distributing the one image to the web browser;
A program for causing the computer to execute.

Images