JP6508175B2 - INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing apparatus.

  In an information processing system in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus and a personal computer are connected to a communication network such as a LAN, data communication is performed between the information processing apparatuses. In the information processing system, it is also possible to change information stored in the image forming apparatus from a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-067116, A

  When data communication is performed between information processing apparatuses via a communication network, communication conditions such as data format and communication protocol need to be matched between the information processing apparatuses. Therefore, depending on the type and model of the information processing apparatus and the version of the program installed in the information processing apparatus, the communication conditions may not match between the information processing apparatuses, and data communication may not be performed via the communication network. . In this case, in order to enable data communication between information processing apparatuses using a communication network, an external device is connected to the information processing apparatus, a program is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the program is updated, etc. It is necessary to take measures. Therefore, the method of determining the communication conditions between the information processing apparatuses is not convenient, and the burden on the user is also large.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus capable of improving the convenience of data communication in a communication network and reducing the burden on the user.

  An information processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus that perform data communication via a communication network. The first information processing apparatus includes a first receiving unit and a first arithmetic processing unit. The first receiving unit receives an XML-format command file from the second information processing apparatus. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command that causes the first information processing apparatus to execute a specific process of at least one process set in advance. The first arithmetic processing unit executes the specific processing corresponding to a command name included in the command file received by the first receiving unit.

  An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit and an arithmetic processing unit. The receiving unit receives an XML format command file from an external device. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command that causes a specific process of at least one of the predetermined processes to be performed. The arithmetic processing unit executes the specific process corresponding to a command name included in the command file received by the receiving unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system and an information processing apparatus capable of improving the convenience of data communication in a communication network and reducing the burden on the user.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a command file transmitted from the personal computer shown in FIG. 1 to the image processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is an example of a response file transmitted from the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the personal computer. FIG. 4 is a view showing programs and data stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of the additional data file transmitted from the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to the personal computer. FIG. 6 is an example of the processing item list stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a function pointer conversion table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a response data table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an example of a memory address conversion table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of the additional data table stored in the storage unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an example of the process item list after the update. FIG. 12 is an example of the function pointer conversion table after the update. FIG. 13 is an example of the updated response data table. FIG. 14 is an example of the memory address conversion table after update. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing programs and data stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an example of a command file format stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is an example of a command data table stored in the storage unit of the personal computer shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an example of the command data table after update. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of data communication processing using an XML format file in the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of processing item addition processing in the data communication processing shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of response file creation processing in the data communication processing shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is only an example embodying the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Information processing system]
FIG. 1 is a network diagram showing an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes an image processing device 2, personal computers 3 to 5, a server 6 and the like. The devices 2 to 6 and so on are mutually communicably connected by a communication network 7 such as a LAN or a WAN conforming to the communication standard defined in the standard IEEE802. In the following, data communication between devices in the information processing system 1 will be described by taking data communication in the form of an XML file between the image processing device 2 and the personal computer 3 as an example.

  The image processing device 2 is an example of a first information processing device and an information processing device of the present invention. The personal computer 3 is an example of the second information processing apparatus and the external device of the present invention.

  In the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 2 creates a response to a command transmitted from the personal computer 3 and transmits this response to the personal computer 3. Specifically, a command file in XML format is transmitted from the personal computer 3 to the image processing apparatus 2. On the other hand, when receiving the command file, the image processing apparatus 2 creates a response file in the XML format, and transmits this response file to the personal computer 3.

  Here, FIG. 2 is an example of a command file, and FIG. 3 is an example of a response file.

  The command file shown in FIG. 2 is a command file to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 and is created by the user in the personal computer 3. The command file includes a command name corresponding to a command to be executed by the image processing apparatus 2. Here, the command is an instruction to cause the image processing apparatus 2 to execute a specific process of at least one process set in advance. The at least one predetermined process is a process that can be executed by a command from the personal computer 3 in the image processing apparatus 2 and is a process that can be responded by a response file. Also, the command file is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 2 by the user's operation on the personal computer 3.

  In the command file, the content of the command is defined by a parent element Ep1 surrounded by a virtual line between the start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and the end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE>. The parent element Ep1 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. Further, when transmitting a plurality of commands to the image processing apparatus 2 in one command file, a plurality of parent elements Ep1 are described. In the example shown in FIG. 2, “A4 color print number acquisition”, “A4 monochrome print number acquisition”, “IPv4 address setting”, “IPv4 address acquisition”, “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition” The eight commands “acquisition of remaining amount of yellow toner” and “acquisition of remaining amount of black toner” are described as a parent element Ep1.

  Note that “A4 color printed sheet number acquisition” and “A4 monochrome printed sheet number acquisition” are commands for acquiring the number of sheets printed in color and monochrome on an A4 size sheet in the image processing apparatus 2. The “IPv4 address setting” is a command for setting the IPv4 address in the image processing apparatus 2 to an address (“192.188. 1.90” in the example of FIG. 2). “IPv4 address acquisition” is a command for the image processing apparatus 2 to acquire an IPv4 address. The “Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “Magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “Yellow toner remaining amount acquisition” and “Black toner remaining amount acquisition” are the remaining amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow and black toner in the image processing apparatus 2 respectively. It is a command to get the amount.

  The command file includes a plurality of child elements Ec1 as a layer below the parent element Ep1. The child element Ec1 specifies, for example, a command name, a tag name, a memory address name, a function name, and a setting content.

  The command name corresponds to the process item name to be executed by the image processing apparatus 2. The command name is described in the child element Ec1 defined by the start tag <Comment> and the end tag </ Comment>. For example, the command name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 4 is "A4 color printed sheet number acquisition".

  The tag name is the name of the parent element Ep1. The tag name is described in the child element Ec1 defined by the start tag <tag_name> and the end tag </ tag_name>. For example, the tag name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 2 is "A4_COLOR_COUNTER".

  The memory address name is associated with a physical memory address which is a storage area of response data in a storage unit 28 (see FIG. 1) of the image processing apparatus 2 described later. The memory address name is described in the child element Ec1 defined by the start tag <memory_address> and the end tag </ memory_address>. For example, the memory address name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by virtual lines in FIG. 2 is "MA_A4_COLOR_COUNTER". The response data indicates the result of execution of a specific process by the application program 282 based on the command file. Also, response data is described in a response file. The physical memory address indicates the storage location of the storage area in the storage unit 28 of the image processing apparatus 2 described later, and is required for access to the response data.

  The function name is associated with an application program 282 described later which executes a command in the image processing apparatus 2 and designates the application program 282 which executes a command specified by the command file. The function name is described in the child element Ec1 defined by the start tag <function_name> and the end tag </ function_name>. For example, the function name of the child element Ec1 surrounded by virtual lines in FIG. 2 is “get_counter”.

  On the other hand, the response file shown in FIG. 3 is a response file indicating the result of execution of the specific processing item designated by the command file in the XML format. The response file is created in the image processing apparatus 2 when a command file is received as described later.

  In the response file, the content of the response is defined by the parent element Ep2 surrounded by a virtual line between the start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and the end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE>. The parent element Ep2 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. Further, when transmitting a plurality of responses to the personal computer 3 in one response file, a plurality of parent elements Ep2 are described. In the example shown in FIG. 3, eight responses to the eight commands shown in FIG. 2 are described as a parent element Ep2.

  The response file includes a plurality of child elements Ec2 as a layer below the parent element Ep2. The child element Ec2 specifies, for example, a response name and response content.

  The response name corresponds to the processing item name executed in the image processing apparatus 2. The response name is described in the child element Ec2 defined by the start tag <Comment> and the end tag </ Comment>. For example, the response name of the child element Ec2 surrounded by a virtual line in FIG. 4 is "A4 color printed sheet number acquisition".

  The response content is the result of executing the command specified by the command file in the image processing apparatus 2 and is acquired from the response data table 286 described later. However, regarding the response to the command such as the address setting, the content of the response is, for example, “OK”, “NG” or the like. The content of the response is described in a child element Ec2 defined by the start tag <tag name> and the end tag </ tag name>. Then, in the response file of FIG. 3, the contents of the response to “A4 color print count” and “A4 monochrome print count” are “156 (sheets)” and “298 (sheets)”. The contents of the response to the “IPv4 address” are “OK” and “192.188.1.90”. The response contents for “Cyan toner remaining amount”, “Magenta toner remaining amount”, “Yellow toner remaining amount” and “Black toner remaining amount” are “48 (%)”, “86 (%)”, “57 (%) %) And "35 (%)". In the response file of FIG. 3, the unit of the numerical value indicating the content of the response is omitted.

  By the way, in an information processing system in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as an image processing apparatus and a personal computer are connected via a communication network, when data communication is performed between the information processing apparatuses via the communication network, data format and communication protocol Communication conditions such as the above need to be matched between the information processing apparatuses. Therefore, depending on the type and model of the information processing apparatus and the version of the program installed in the information processing apparatus, the communication conditions may not match between the information processing apparatuses, and data communication may not be performed via the communication network. . In this case, in order to enable data communication between the information processing apparatuses in the communication network, an external device is connected to the information processing apparatus, a program is installed in the information processing apparatus, and the program is updated. It is necessary to take in the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the method of determining the communication conditions between the information processing apparatuses is not convenient, and the burden on the user is also large. On the other hand, in the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, data communication between the image processing apparatus 2 and the personal computer 3 can be performed without taking a special means. Therefore, in the information processing system 1, the convenience of data communication in the communication network 7 can be improved, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

<Image processing device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 2 is a multifunction peripheral having an image forming function and an image reading function. The present invention can also be applied to image processing apparatuses such as printers, scanners, and facsimiles. The image processing apparatus 2 includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, an image forming unit 23, an image reading unit 24, a communication interface 25, and a control unit 26.

  The operation unit 21 is a hard key, a touch panel or the like, and inputs various information to the image processing apparatus 2.

  The display unit 22 is a known image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays various types of information such as errors, out of paper, and out of toner.

  The image forming unit 23 forms an image on a sheet using a printing material such as toner. The image forming unit 23 forms an image according to, for example, an electrophotographic method, and includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit, and the like. The image forming method of the image forming unit 23 may be an image forming method other than an electrophotographic method such as an inkjet recording method.

  The image reading unit 24 reads image data from a document. The image reading unit 24 includes, for example, a document table, a light source, a mirror, a lens, a CCD, and the like.

  The communication interface 25 enables data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 7. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 25 enables reception of at least a command file transmitted from the personal computer 3 and transmission of a response file and an additional data file described later to the personal computer 3. The communication interface 25 is an example of the first receiver, the receiver, and the first transmitter of the present invention.

  The control unit 26 generally controls the image processing apparatus 2. The control unit 26 includes a CPU 27 and a storage unit 28.

  The CPU 27 executes various programs installed in the image processing apparatus 2. The control unit 26 may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or DSP. The CPU 27 is an example of a first arithmetic processing unit and an arithmetic processing unit of the present invention. Further, as described later, the CPU 27 functions as a file creating unit, a transmission instructing unit, a table updating unit, a data creating unit, and a file creating unit according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 28 stores various programs, various data, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 28 includes a structure conversion program 281, at least one application program 282, a file creation program 283, a process item list 284, a function pointer conversion table 285, a response data table 286 and a memory address conversion table 287. . The storage unit 28 is an example of a first storage unit of the present invention.

  The structure conversion program 281 is a program for converting a command file in XML format into a set of data structures that can be processed by the application program 282. By providing the structure conversion program 281, the control unit 26 can recognize an XML format command file, and can execute an application program 282 corresponding to a command included in the command file.

  The application program 282 includes a function pointer and a program part. The function pointer is a part in which the name of the application program 282 is described. That is, the function pointer is also a program name for specifying the application program 282 which executes the processing instructed by the command file. The program part is a part in which a procedure to be executed by the CPU 27 is described. The application program 282 causes the CPU 27 to execute the specific process corresponding to the command included in the command file. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 28 includes a plurality of application programs 282. The application program 282 causes the CPU 27 to execute, for example, a procedure for acquiring the number of A4 color printed sheets, a procedure for acquiring A4 monochrome printed sheets, a procedure for setting an IPv4 address, and a procedure for acquiring an IPv4 address. The application program 282 is an example of a first application program of the present invention.

  The file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to create a response file indicating the result of execution of the specific process based on the command file as a response file in XML format. When the CPU 27 creates a response file, the CPU 27 instructs the personal computer 3 to transmit the response file via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a transmission instruction unit and a response generation unit of the present invention.

  Further, when a new process item is added to the process item list 284, the file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to execute the process of creating additional data corresponding to the new process item. The additional data is data for enabling creation of a response file including a response corresponding to a new processing item in the image processing apparatus 2 (an example of first additional data of the present invention), and new processing in the personal computer 3 It includes data (an example of second additional data of the present invention) for enabling creation of a command file including commands corresponding to items. Then, the file creation program 283 causes the CPU 27 to execute a process of creating an additional data file in which data corresponding to the second additional data in the additional data is described in a child element Ec3 (see FIG. 5). That is, the CPU 27 functions as a data creation unit and a file creation unit of the present invention.

  Here, FIG. 5 is an example of the additional data file. The additional data file shown in FIG. 5 adds “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition” and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” as processing items to the processing item list 284 If it is

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the additional data file, the additional data related to the processing item added to the processing item list 284 is surrounded by a virtual line between the start tag <XML_TAG_DEFINE> and the end tag </ XML_TAG_DEFINE> It is defined by the parent element Ep3. The parent element Ep3 uses <XML_TAG> as a start tag and </ XML_TAG> as an end tag. When four process items are added to the process item list 284, four parent elements Ep3 are described in the additional data file corresponding to these additional process items.

  The additional data file includes, as the content of the parent element Ep3, five child elements Ec3 specifying the description that the process item has been added to the process item list 284, the command name, the tag name, the memory address name and the function name. The tag name, the memory address name and the function name are specific examples of the second additional data of the present invention.

  The fact that the process item has been added to the process item list 284 is described as “add process item” in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <Comment> and the end tag </ Comment>.

  The command name is described in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <command_name> and the end tag </ command_name>. For example, when the additional processing item is “Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, the child element Ec3 in which the comment name is described becomes “<command_name> cyan toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”. Similarly, a child element Ec3 describing a comment name when the processing items added to the processing item list 284 are “magenta toner residual amount acquisition”, “yellow toner residual amount acquisition” and “black toner residual amount acquisition” , “<Command_name> magenta toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”, “<command_name> yellow toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”, and “<command_name> black toner remaining amount acquisition </ command_name>”.

  The tag name is described in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <tag_name> and the end tag </ tag_name>. For example, when the additional processing item is “Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, the child element Ec3 in which the tag name is described becomes “<tag_name>” CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ”</ tag_name>. Similarly, a child element Ec3 describing a tag name when the additional processing items are “magenta toner residual amount acquisition”, “yellow toner residual amount acquisition” and “black toner residual amount acquisition” is “<tag_name>” MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING "</ tag_name>", <tag_name> "YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING" </ tag_name> and "<tag_name>" BLACK_TONER_REMAINING "</ tag_name>".

  The memory address name is described in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <memory_address> and the end tag </ memory_address>. For example, when the additional processing item is “Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, the child element Ec3 in which the memory address name is described becomes “<memory_address>” MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING ”</ memory_address>. Similarly, a child element Ec3 describing a memory address name when the additional processing items are “magenta toner residual amount acquisition”, “yellow toner residual amount acquisition” and “black toner residual amount acquisition” is “<memory_address> It becomes “MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING” </ memory_address>, “<memory_address>” “MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING” </ memory_address> ”and“ <memory_address> ”“ MA_BLACK_TONER_REMAINING ”</ memory_address>.

  The function name is described in the child element Ec3 defined by the start tag <function_name> and the end tag </ function_name>. The child element Ec3 in which the function name is described becomes, for example, "<function_name>" get_remaining "</ function_name>" for any of the four additional processing items.

  The file creation program 283 adds the function pointer by adding the application program 282, deletes the function item by deleting the processing item or the application program 282, and deletes the physical memory address by rewriting the application program 282 in addition to the addition of the processing item. The CPU 27 may execute processing of generating an additional data file when there is a change or the like.

  The process item list 284 shown in FIG. 6 is a list of processes in which the image processing apparatus 2 can respond to the command specified by the command file from the personal computer 3 using the response file. Further, process items can be added or deleted from the process item list 284 by setting operation by the user or the like. In this case, the process item list 284 is updated according to the content of the setting operation.

  The function pointer conversion table 285 shown in FIG. 7 is a table in which a function name described as a child element Ec1 (see FIG. 2) of the command file is associated with a function pointer. The function pointer conversion table 285 is used when the CPU 27 executes the application program 282 based on a command included in the command file. That is, the CPU 27 converts the function name into the function pointer using the function pointer conversion table 285, thereby designating an application program 282 which executes processing corresponding to a command included in the command file in the image processing apparatus 2.

  Note that, in the function pointer conversion table 285 shown in FIG. 7, the function name ““ get_counter ”is associated with“ & get_counter ”which is a function pointer of the application program 282 that executes the processing“ acquisition of the number of printed sheets ”. There is. In addition, each of the function names ““ set_address ”” and ““ get_address ”” executes processing “& set_address” which is a function pointer of the application program 282 that executes processing “address setting” and processing “address acquisition” It is associated with "& get_address" which is a function pointer of the application program 282.

  In the response data table 286 shown in FIG. 8, response data is associated with a physical memory address. The response data need not be stored as a table, and may be stored in a place where the storage area can be identified by the physical memory address.

  The memory address conversion table 287 shown in FIG. 9 is a table in which a memory address name described as a child element Ec1 (see FIG. 2) of the command file is associated with a physical memory address. The memory address conversion table 287 is used when the CPU 27 executes the application program 282 based on a command included in the command file. That is, the CPU 27 accesses the response data corresponding to the command when the application program 282 is executed by converting the memory address name described in the command file into a physical memory address by the memory address conversion table 287.

  Here, when a new processing item is added to the processing item list 284, the CPU 27 updates the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286 and the memory address conversion table 287. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a table updating unit of the present invention.

  At the time of updating each of the tables 275 to 287, the CPU 27 assigns a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address to data of a new process item added to the process item list 284. Further, the CPU 27 executes processing of creating an additional data file in XML format when there is an addition of the processing item list 284, and instructs to transmit this additional data file to the personal computer 3. That is, the CPU 27 functions as a transmission instruction unit of the present invention.

  The function name and function pointer use the function name and function pointer of the application program 282 when the application program 282 that executes processing corresponding to the new processing item added to the processing item list 284 is installed. When the application program 282 for executing the process corresponding to the new process item is not installed, the CPU 27 assigns a function name and a function pointer when the new application program 282 is installed. The tag name is newly assigned by the CPU 27 to the process item added to the process item list 284. The memory address name is newly assigned by the CPU 27 in association with the physical memory address of the storage area where the processing result corresponding to the new processing item is stored.

  In addition, when “cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “yellow toner remaining amount acquisition” and “black toner remaining amount acquisition” are added as new processing items, these new processing items For each, a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address as shown, for example, in the additional data table of FIG. 10 are assigned. The function pointer and the physical memory address are additional data for enabling creation of a command file including a command corresponding to the new processing item added to the processing item list 284. The specific example of the first additional data of the present invention It is.

  For example, "& get_remaining", "" get_remaining "," "CYAN_TONER_REMAINING" "," "MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING" for the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name and physical memory address given to "Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition". And & MA_CYAN_TONER_REMAINING.

  For example, "& get_remaining", "" get_remaining "," "MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING" "," "MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING" for the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name and physical memory address given to "Magenta toner remaining amount acquisition" And "& MA_MAGENTA_TONER_REMAINING".

  For example, "& get_remaining", "" get_remaining "," "YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING" "," "MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING" for the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name and physical memory address given to "Yellow toner remaining amount acquisition". And & MA_YELLOW_TONER_REMAINING.

  For example, "& get_remaining", "" get_remaining "," "BLACK_TONER_REMAINING" "," "MA_BLACK_TONER_REMAINING" for the function pointer, function name, tag name, memory address name, and physical memory address assigned to "black toner remaining amount acquisition". And & MA_BLACK_TONER_REMAINING.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the processing item list 284 includes “Cyan Toner Remaining Acquisition”, “Magenta Toner Remaining Acquisition”, “Yellow Toner Remaining Acquisition” and “Black Toner Remaining Acquisition” as processing items. When the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286, and the memory address conversion table 287 are added, they are as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the function pointer conversion table 285 is added with the function name and the function pointer (see FIG. 10) assigned corresponding to the new processing item added to the processing item list 284.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the physical memory address and response data (see FIG. 10) assigned corresponding to the new processing item added to the processing item list 284 are added to the response data table 286.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the memory address conversion table 287, a memory address name and a physical memory address (see FIG. 10) assigned corresponding to the new process item added to the process item list 284 are added. Ru.

  Tables 285 to 287 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are examples when a new processing item is added to the processing item list 284. When there is a deletion of a processing item from the processing item list 284, each table is shown. Data corresponding to the processing item deleted from the tables 285 to 287 is deleted. In addition, when the application program 282 is rewritten, the function pointer or physical memory address may be changed. Also in this case, the tables 285-287 are updated. In this way, processing for the command contained in the command file is performed without changing the function name or the memory address name by updating the respective tables 285 to 287 when the function pointer or the physical memory address is changed. Can do

<Personal computer>
The personal computer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus that causes devices connected to the communication network 7 to execute predetermined processing. Specifically, for example, the personal computer 3 transmits image data to the image processing apparatus 2 connected to the communication network 7 to form an image, accesses the server 6, and stores the data stored in the server 6 Process to update The personal computer 3 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a communication interface 33, and a control unit 34.

  The operation unit 31 is, for example, a keyboard, and performs various settings and instructions on the personal computer 3.

  The display unit 32 is a known image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays a screen used in various applications, input information, and the like.

  The communication interface 33 enables data communication with other devices connected via the communication network 7. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 33 enables transmission of at least a command file to the image processing apparatus 2 and reception of a response file and an additional data file transmitted from the image processing apparatus 2. The communication interface 33 is an example of a second transmission unit and a second reception unit of the present invention.

  The control unit 34 centrally controls the personal computer 3. The control unit 34 includes a CPU 35 and a storage unit 36.

  The CPU 35 executes various programs installed in the personal computer 3. The CPU 35 is an example of a second arithmetic processing unit of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the storage unit 36 stores various programs, various data, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 36 includes a structure conversion program 361, a plurality of application programs 362, a command file format 363, and a command data table 364. The storage unit 36 is an example of a second storage unit of the present invention.

  The structure conversion program 361 is a program for converting a response file in XML format and an additional data file into a collection of data structures that can be processed by the application program 362. By providing the structure conversion program 361, the control unit 34 can recognize the response file and the additional data file made of XML data, and execute the application program 362 based on these files.

  When receiving the response file or the additional data file, the plurality of application programs 362 cause the CPU 35 to execute processing according to the type of file. For example, when the application program 362 receives a response file, the application program 362 causes the CPU 35 to execute processing for causing the display unit 32 to display a content described in the response file or a message indicating that the response file has been received. Further, the application program 362 causes the CPU 35 to execute a process of updating the command data table 364 based on the additional data file. That is, when the CPU 35 receives the additional data file, the CPU 35 executes a process of updating the command data table 364 based on the additional data file and the application program 362. The application program 362 is an example of a second application program of the present invention.

  The command file format 363 is used when the user creates a command file. The command file format 363 is a text data file. The command file format 363 is created by the user, for example. Also, the command file format 363 may be stored in the storage unit 36 by the installer at the time of installation of software such as the structure conversion program 361 and the application program 362. By preparing such a command file format 363, the convenience when the user creates a command file is improved.

  Here, FIG. 16 is an example of the command file format 363. The command file format 363 shown in FIG. 16 includes a parent element Ep11 corresponding to a command for acquiring data from the response data table 286 of the image processing apparatus 2 and a parent element corresponding to a command for changing data in the response data table 286. The formats of two types of parent elements of Ep12 are described.

  The parent element Ep11 has a plurality of child elements Ec11 for specifying the item name of the command data table 364. Here, the item names are “command name”, “tag name”, “memory address name” and “function name” in the command data table 364 of FIG.

  On the other hand, the parent element Ep12 has a child element Ec12 instructing change of data, in addition to a plurality of child elements Ec11 specifying an item name in the command data table 364. The child element Ec12 instructing change of data is described as "change data content". For example, in the case of changing the IPv4 address, the description “change data content” may be rewritten to the IP address v4 after the change such as “192.188. 1.90”.

  The command data table 364 shown in FIG. 17 associates command data described in the parent element Ep11 defined by the start tag <XML_TAG> and the end tag </ XML_TAG> of the command file for each command. . The command data includes a command name, a tag name, a memory address name and a function name. The command data table 364 is stored in the storage unit 36 as a file of text format or the like, and can be displayed on the display unit 32 by a predetermined operation on the operation unit 31 by the user. Therefore, the user can display and use the command data table 364 on the display unit 32 when creating a command file. For example, a command file can be easily created by copying the target item name of the command data table 364 and pasting it into the content portion of the child elements Ec11 and Ec12 of the command file format 363.

  The command data table 364 is updated when an additional data file is received from the image processing apparatus 2 as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the additional data file is newly acquired in the processing item list 284 (see FIGS. 6 and 11) as “Cyan toner remaining amount acquisition”, “Magenta toner remaining amount acquisition”, “Yellow In the case where it is a content indicating that “Toner remaining amount acquisition” and “Black toner remaining amount acquisition” have been added, the command data and command name in the command data table 364 are used as command data associated with each of these new processing items. Name, memory address name and function name are added.

  Next, the procedure of data communication of an XML format file between the image processing apparatus 2 and the personal computer 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The processes shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 are repeatedly performed at regular intervals.

<Step S11>
As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 determines whether a process item has been added to the process item list 284 by a setting operation by a user or the like (step S11). When there is an addition of the process item to the process item list 284 (step S11: Yes), the CPU 27 shifts the process to step S12. On the other hand, when there is no process item added to the process item list 284 (step S11: No), the CPU 27 shifts the process to step S14.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 performs processing item addition processing. The process item addition process is executed, for example, as steps S121 to S129 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 27 assigns a function pointer, a function name, a tag name, a memory address name, and a physical memory address in association with the additional processing item (steps S121 to SS125). That is, the CPU 27 generates data described in the contents of the elements of the command file or response file for the additional processing item, and creates additional data (see FIG. 10) in which those data are associated with the additional processing item. . If there are a plurality of additional process items, additional data is created for each of the plurality of additional process items.

  Next, the CPU 27 updates the function pointer conversion table 285, the response data table 286, and the memory address conversion table 287 (steps S126 to S128). That is, the CPU 27 updates data necessary for execution of commands included in the command file and creation of a response file.

  Subsequently, the CPU 27 creates an additional data file (see FIG. 5) based on the additional data created in steps S121 to SS125 (step S129). When the process of step S129 is completed, the CPU 27 ends the process item addition process, and shifts the process to step S13 of FIG.

<Step S13>
In step S 13, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 transmits the additional data file to the personal computer 3 via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7.

<Steps S21 to S24>
On the other hand, when the CPU 35 of the personal computer 3 receives the additional data file via the communication interface 33 (step S21), the CPU 35 updates the command data table 364 (step S22). That is, the CPU 35 adds command data corresponding to the additional processing item based on the additional data file (see FIG. 5). This makes it possible to create a command file corresponding to the additional process item.

  In addition, when a command file is created by the user and an instruction to transmit this command file is issued to the image processing apparatus 2 (step S23: Yes), the CPU 35 generates an image via the communication interface 33 and the communication network 7. The command file is transmitted to the processing device 2 (step S24).

<Steps S14 and S15>
On the other hand, when the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 receives a command file via the communication interface 25 (step S14), the CPU 27 executes a response file creation process (step S15). Here, the response file creation process is executed, for example, as steps S151 to S156 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 27 refers to the function pointer conversion table 285, and converts the function name included in the command file into a function pointer (step S151). Further, the CPU 27 refers to the memory address conversion table 287, and converts the memory address name included in the command file into a physical memory address (step S152).

  Next, the CPU 27 accesses the storage area of the physical memory address (step S153), and executes the application program 282 corresponding to the function pointer converted by the function pointer conversion table (step S154). Thus, the CPU 27 acquires response data corresponding to the command specified by the command file from the response data table 286. Then, the CPU 27 creates a response to the command based on the acquired response data (step S155).

  When the creation of responses to all the commands included in the command file is completed (step S156: Yes), the CPU 27 ends the response file creation process, and shifts the process to step S16 of FIG.

<Steps S16 and S25>
In step S16, the CPU 27 of the image processing apparatus 2 transmits the response file to the personal computer 3 via the communication interface 25 and the communication network 7. On the other hand, the personal computer 3 receives the response file from the image processing apparatus 2 via the communication interface 33 (step S25).

  As described above, in the information processing system 1, the image processing apparatus 2 receives, from the personal computer 3, an XML format command file including a command name corresponding to a command, and executes a specific process corresponding to the command. Here, since XML is a text file that can be marked up, it can be used generically. Also, text files are highly compatible and can use data in a wide range of environments. That is, the file in XML format can be created as a highly versatile and compatible text file. Further, the text file can be received, displayed and created without installing a special program in an information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 2 or the personal computer 3. Then, in the information processing system 1, since the data received by the image processing apparatus 2 is in the XML format, data communication regarding the command can be appropriately performed between the image processing apparatus 2 and an external device such as the personal computer 3. Thereby, the convenience in data communication can be improved without imposing an excessive burden on the user.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 2 executes a specific process corresponding to the command name included in the command file when the command file is received, and an XML format response file including a response indicating the result of executing the specific process. Send On the other hand, the personal computer 3 receives the response file from the image processing device 2. Further, the personal computer 3 transmits data of the XML format to the image processing apparatus 2. Similar to the image processing apparatus 2, the personal computer 3 in this case does not impose an excessive burden on the user when transmitting and receiving data with the image processing apparatus 2, and the convenience in data communication can also be improved.

  Furthermore, since the information processing system 1 performs data communication of files in XML format between the image processing apparatus 2 and an external device such as the personal computer 3, the user is not forced to place an excessive burden on the user. The convenience in communication can also be improved.

  The specific processing that can be executed by the command from the personal computer 3 in the image processing apparatus 2 is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. As another example of the specific process, setting or acquisition of MAC address, acquisition of replacement number of toner bottle, acquisition of empty capacity of waste toner collection bottle, acquisition of failure history, model number or serial number of image processing apparatus 2 Acquisition of

1 information processing system 2 image processing device 23 image forming unit 24 image reading unit 25 communication interface 27 CPU
28 storage unit 282 application program 285 function pointer conversion table 287 memory address conversion table 3 personal computer 33 communication interface 35 CPU
36 storage unit 362 application program 364 command data table 7 communication network

Claims (9)

A first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus that perform data communication via a communication network;
The first information processing apparatus is
A first reception for receiving, from the second information processing apparatus, an XML-format command file including a command name corresponding to a command that causes the first information processing apparatus to execute a specific process of at least one predetermined process Department,
Have a, a first arithmetic processing unit that performs the specific processing corresponding to the command name included in the received command file by said first receiver,
The command file includes an element specifying a function name associated with a first application program for executing the specific process,
The first information processing apparatus is
The first storage unit further includes a function pointer conversion table in which the first application program, and a function name and a function pointer specifying the first application program are associated with each other.
The first operation processing unit converts the function name included in the command file into the function pointer based on the function pointer conversion table, and the first application specified by the function pointer converted from the function name Execute the specific process based on a program,
Information processing system. The command file includes an element specifying a memory address name associated with a physical memory address of response data acquired when the first application program is executed,
The first storage unit further includes a memory address conversion table in which the memory address name and the physical memory address are associated with each other.
The first arithmetic processing unit converts the memory address name included in the command file into the physical memory address based on the memory address conversion table when executing the first application program, and the memory address name Obtaining the response data of the physical memory address converted from
The information processing system according to claim 1 . The first information processing apparatus is
A file creation unit for creating a response file in an XML format including a response indicating the result of execution of the specific process by the first application program based on the command file;
A first transmission unit that transmits the response file to the second information processing apparatus;
A transmission instruction unit that instructs transmission of the response file to the second information processing apparatus via the first transmission unit;
Further comprising
The information processing system according to claim 2 . The first storage unit has a list of process items specifying the at least one process,
The first information processing apparatus further includes a table updating unit for updating the function pointer conversion table and the memory address conversion table in association with the new processing item when a new processing item is added to the list. Prepare,
The information processing system according to claim 3 . The first information processing apparatus corresponds to first additional data for enabling creation of the response file including the response corresponding to the new processing item in the first information processing apparatus, and the new processing item The data processing apparatus further comprises a data creation unit that creates second additional data for enabling the second information processing apparatus to create the command file including the command.
The file creation unit creates an additional data file of an XML format including an element corresponding to the second additional data,
The transmission instruction unit instructs the transmission of the additional data file to the second information processing apparatus via the first transmission unit when the additional data file is generated by the file generation unit.
The table updating unit adds the first additional data and the second additional data to the function pointer conversion table and the memory address conversion table when the second additional data is generated by the data generation unit.
The information processing system according to claim 4 . The second information processing apparatus is
A second receiving unit that receives the additional data file transmitted from the first information processing apparatus;
The second information processing apparatus executes a process of updating the command data table based on the command data table in which the command and the function name described in the element of the command file are associated and the additional data file A second storage unit having a second application program for causing
A second arithmetic processing unit that executes the second application program;
And further
The second arithmetic processing unit updates the command data table based on the additional data file and the second application program when the additional data file is received through the second receiving unit.
The information processing system according to claim 5 . The first information processing apparatus further includes at least one of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A receiving unit that receives, from an external device, an XML-format command file including a command name corresponding to a command that causes a specific process of at least one of the predetermined processes to be executed;
An arithmetic processing unit that executes the specific process corresponding to a command name included in the command file received by the receiving unit;
Equipped with
The command file includes an element specifying a function name associated with an application program for executing the specific process,
It further comprises a storage unit having a function pointer conversion table in which the application program and the function name and a function pointer specifying the application program are associated with each other.
The arithmetic processing unit converts the function name contained in the command file into the function pointer based on the function pointer conversion table, and based on the application program specified by the function pointer converted from the function name. Execute the specific process,
Information processing apparatus. The command file includes an element specifying a memory address name associated with a physical memory address of response data acquired when the application program is executed,
The storage unit further includes a memory address conversion table in which the memory address name is associated with the physical memory address.
The arithmetic processing unit converts the memory address name included in the command file into the physical memory address based on the memory address conversion table when executing the application program, and converts the memory address name from the memory address name . Acquiring the response data of the physical memory address,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 .

Images