JP2001274945A - Image processor, server device, data processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly convenient image processor where a server device can perform unified management of latest image processing information in a present image processor and the user of respective data processors using the image processors can recognize the state of the present image processor by obtaining management information. SOLUTION: The image processor 108 which can communicate with the server device 106 connected to a network is provided with an output image control means 804 controlling output to an image output means 803 with respect to image information obtained from an image reading means 802 and a transmission means 804 transmitting peculiar image processing information which fluctuates with the performance of output control by the output image control means as management information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which an image processing device, a data processing device, and a server device are connected to a network to perform image processing, and in particular, the server device and the image processing device communicate with each other. The present invention relates to an image processing device, a server device, a data processing method, and a storage medium capable of managing image processing output characteristics.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image processing system for inputting / outputting image information, a so-called multifunction digital copying machine (MFP client) has been known.

This is composed of a scanner for reading an original image recorded on paper or the like, and a printer for outputting an image read by the scanner or an image sent from a host computer to a medium such as paper. In addition, a device controller that controls the operation of these scanners and printers, or performs various image processing, an operation unit that provides the user with operation of equipment, and temporarily or permanently stores image data and processing programs. It is composed of a memory and a hard disk for storing.

In such a multi-function digital copying machine, it is possible not only to copy an original image but also to copy the original image by performing various image processing.

For example, various processes such as a negative / positive reversal process for reversing the black and white of a document, a trimming process for copying only a part of the document, and a reduced layout process for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on one output sheet. It is possible to do.

In addition to the copying of a document, image data read by a scanner is transferred to a host computer via a LAN (local area network), or a document (including an edited document) created on a host computer by a word processor or the like. ) Can be printed out, or a function of transmitting a document image to a remote facsimile apparatus through a telephone line using a facsimile transmission apparatus has been realized.

[0007]

However, in the prior art, the local copying operation in the MFP client, that is, the usage status of the MFP client alone, the adjustment of the scanner and the printer constituting the MFP client, and the individual Since it is not possible to manage input / output characteristic information in an integrated manner, for example, it is not possible to change the billing system according to the copy volume, predict the regular maintenance time, and connect to the network by each host computer. Users use the MFP client or printer,
It is not possible to refer to the state of the output device or the adjustment value,
It is not possible to check in advance whether the output information can be output according to the output characteristics intended by the user, and the output characteristics must be changed based on the output results. There was a problem that it could not be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling output of image information obtained from an image reading unit to an image output unit. By transmitting unique image processing information that fluctuates with the execution of the output control to the server device as management information, the server device can centrally manage the latest image processing information in the current image processing device; The image processing apparatus acquires management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the image processing apparatus, stores the acquired management information, and requests acquisition of the stored management information. Notifying any one of the data processing apparatuses, the user of each data processing apparatus using the image processing apparatus obtains management information of the current state of the image processing apparatus by acquiring the management information. It is to provide an image processing apparatus and a server apparatus and a data processing method and storage medium highly convenient that can be.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus (corresponding to the multi-function machine shown in FIG. 1) capable of communicating with a server connected to a network. Output image control means (device controller 80 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling output of image information obtained from the reading means to the image output means.
And transmission means (corresponding to the device controller 804 shown in FIG. 1) for transmitting the unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of output control by the output image control means to the server device as management information. It has.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, the unique image processing information includes the number of times of image output by the image output means,
It includes adjustment information for adjusting an image output characteristic of the image output means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a predetermined operation is performed on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means by the image reading means to generate adjustment information. An adjusting information generating unit (corresponding to the device controller 804 shown in FIG. 1); and a storing unit for storing the adjusting information generated by the adjusting information generating unit. The transmitting unit includes management information from the server device. And transmitting the adjustment information stored in the storage means based on the acquisition request.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the adjustment information generating means performs a predetermined operation on image data read by the image reading means from the image output characteristic discrimination image output by the image output means, and performs adjustment. It generates information.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means is configured to receive a management information acquisition request from the server device.
And transmitting image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determining image output by the image output means by the image reading means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a correction means (FIG. 1) for acquiring adjustment information managed by the server device and correcting and controlling an image output characteristic with respect to the image output means.
(Equivalent to the device controller 804 shown in FIG. 1).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus (corresponding to the multi-function machine 108 shown in FIG. 1) for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading an original image from an image output means. Is a server device (corresponding to the device management server 106 shown in FIG. 1) that can communicate with the data processing device through a network, and the unique image processing that varies with the execution of image processing output by the image processing device. Acquisition means for acquiring management information based on the information (corresponding to the controller of the device management server 106 shown in FIG. 1); storage means for storing the management information acquired by the acquisition means (database 201 shown in FIG. 1); A notifying unit (not shown in FIG. 1) for notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage unit. Corresponds to the controller of the device management server 106) and those having a.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus (corresponding to the multi-function machine 108 shown in FIG. 1) for outputting image data output from image reading means for reading a document image from image output means and a plurality of image processing apparatuses. Is a server device (corresponding to the device management server 106 shown in FIG. 1) that can communicate with the data processing device through a network, and issues an image output characteristic information acquisition request to the image processing device. The device management server 10 shown in FIG.
6) and acquires image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request by the issuing unit. Acquisition means (corresponding to the controller of the device management server 106 shown in FIG. 1), and adjustment information generation means (FIG. 1) for performing a predetermined operation to generate adjustment information based on the image data acquired by the acquisition means. Device management server 106 shown in FIG.
), Storage means (database 201 shown in FIG. 1) for storing the adjustment information generated by the adjustment information generation means as management information, and a request for acquiring the management information stored in the storage means. And a notification unit (corresponding to the controller of the device management server 106 shown in FIG. 1) for notifying any of the data processing apparatuses.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method in an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server connected to a network, wherein a method for transmitting image information obtained from an image reading means to an image output means is provided. Output image control process for performing output control (steps (1) to (1) shown in FIG. 2)
4)) and a transmission step (step (15) shown in FIG. 2) of transmitting, to the server device, unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of output control by the output image control step as management information. Things.

[0018] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the unique image processing information includes adjustment information for adjusting the number of times of image output by the image output means and image output characteristics by the image output means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a predetermined operation is performed on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means by the image reading means to generate adjustment information. An adjustment information generation step (step (30) shown in FIG. 5); and a storage step (step (31) shown in FIG. 5) of storing the adjustment information generated in the adjustment information generation step in a storage unit. The transmission step (step (32) shown in FIG. 5) transmits the adjustment information stored in the storage unit based on a management information acquisition request from the server device.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, in the adjustment information generating step, the adjustment is performed by performing a predetermined operation on image data read by the image reading means from the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means. It generates information.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step, the image reading means reads the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means based on an image output characteristic acquisition request from the server device. The image data obtained by reading is transmitted.

A fourteenth invention according to the present invention has a correction step (not shown) of obtaining adjustment information managed by the server device and correcting and controlling image output characteristics for the image output means. .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading an original image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses can communicate via a network. Acquiring a management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the image processing apparatus (FIG. 2).
(Before the step (16) shown in FIG. 1 and not shown)
And a storage step of storing the management information acquired in the acquisition step in a storage unit (step (1) shown in FIG. 2).
6)) and a notifying step of notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage means (a step after step (16) shown in FIG. 2 and not shown). Have

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading a document image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses can communicate via a network. A data processing method in a server device, comprising: an issuance step of issuing an image output characteristic information acquisition request to the image processing apparatus (step (23) shown in FIG. 5); An acquisition step (not shown) for acquiring image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means in response to the acquisition request by the image reading means; Adjustment information generating step (not shown) of performing predetermined calculation based on image data to generate adjustment information
And a storage step of storing the adjustment information generated in the adjustment information generation step in storage means as management information (FIG. 5).
(33)), and a notification step (step (16) shown in FIG. 2) of notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage means. No).

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server device connected to a network, wherein the image processing apparatus controls output of image information obtained from image reading means to image output means. Control process (Fig. 2
(1) to (14)), and a transmission step of transmitting unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of output control by the output image control step to the server device as management information (shown in FIG. 2). A program for executing step (15)) is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the unique image processing information includes adjustment information for adjusting the number of times of image output by the image output means and image output characteristics by the image output means.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined operation is performed on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means by the image reading means to generate adjustment information. An adjustment information generation step (step (30) shown in FIG. 5); and a storage step (step (31) shown in FIG. 5) of storing the adjustment information generated in the adjustment information generation step in a storage unit. The transmission step (step (32) shown in FIG. 5) transmits the adjustment information stored in the storage unit based on a management information acquisition request from the server device.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the adjustment information generating step, the adjustment is performed by performing a predetermined operation on the image data read by the image reading means from the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means. It generates information.

[0029] In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the transmission step, the image reading means reads the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means based on an image output characteristic acquisition request from the server device. The image data obtained by reading is transmitted.

A twenty-second invention according to the present invention has a correction step (not shown) of acquiring adjustment information managed by the server device and correcting and controlling image output characteristics for the image output device. .

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading a document image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses can communicate via a network. An acquisition step of acquiring management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with the execution of image processing output by the image processing apparatus (step (16) shown in FIG. 2; No) and a storage step of storing the management information acquired in the acquisition step in a storage unit (FIG. 2).
And a notifying step of notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage means (a step after step (16) shown in FIG. 2 and not shown). ) Is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading an original image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses can communicate via a network. Issuing an image output characteristic information acquisition request to the image processing apparatus (step (2) shown in FIG. 5).
3)) and an acquisition step of acquiring image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request in the issuing step. (Not shown), an adjustment information generating step (not shown) of performing a predetermined calculation based on the image data obtained in the obtaining step to generate adjustment information, and the adjustment information generating step generated by the adjustment information generating step. Storage step of storing adjustment information as management information in storage means (step (33) shown in FIG. 5)
And a notifying step of notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage means (a step after step (16) shown in FIG. 2 and not shown). Is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an image processing system to which a server device, a data processing device, and an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. It is.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. A web server 102 is connected to the Internet 101 and provides Internet users with specific services such as character information and image information.

Reference numeral 103 denotes an electronic money server which performs a settlement process between a financial institution and a consumer client, and records information that each user has settled with electronic money or an IC card so far. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, financial institutions such as banks are connected to the Internet 101 via the electronic money server 103.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a service provider which performs connection processing between the individual user and the Internet 101.
Each user's terminal is connected to the communication network 101 via the service provider 104. Further, the service provider 104 stores various information of an individual user performing a connection process.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a firewall, which connects the inside of the LAN network shown below to an external communication network (the Internet 101 in FIG. 1), and performs security management and the like.

In FIG. 1, the web server 10
2. Electronic money server 103, service provider 10
4 and the firewall 105 are described only one each, but a plurality of servers, providers, firewalls and the like are actually connected on the communication network 101.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a device management server that manages devices 107 to 110, which will be described later, connected by a LAN and a network, performs user management, and manages data such as billing information.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a database. The device management server 106 communicates with the device controller 804 of the multi-function machine 108 and obtains user-set input / output control information and the scanner 8 as an input / output device.
02 image input characteristics (including γ correction value etc.), printer 8
03 is separately stored and managed for each user and for each device ID.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a file server which manages advertisement data and the like. The advertisement server 107 periodically reads advertisement data from a web server connected to the communication network 101 and performs printing when the multi-function machine 108 and the printer 109 perform printing as necessary. The advertisement to be printed is selected from the advertisement data stored in the file server 107 and output.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a multi-function machine, which mainly has functions such as image input / output.

In this multi-function machine 108, reference numeral 801 denotes an operation unit for the user to operate;
02, an image scanner (scanner);
And input an image according to an instruction from the personal computer 110.

A printer 803 prints data from the personal computer 110 or the file server 107. Reference numeral 804 denotes a device controller, which includes the operation unit 801 and the personal computer 11.
0, the scanner 802 and the printer 8
03, for controlling input / output of image data between the memory 805 and the hard disk 806 or the personal computer 110. For example, the image data read from the scanner 802 is stored in the memory 805 or the hard disk 806 as necessary. , Transfer to PC 110,
Alternatively, control such as printing by the printer 803 is performed.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a printer, which is a personal computer 110.
Data including text information and image information from the file server 107 can be printed together with other print data on a recording medium.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a personal computer connected as a terminal device, which can browse information provided from the web server 102 via the Internet 101 and store the information in a memory inside the personal computer. Machine (MFP client) 108
Or to the printer 109. A scanner 112 is connected to the LAN and functions as a network scanner according to an instruction from the personal computer 110 or the like.

The configuration below the firewall 105 may be under an individual user connected to the Internet 101 via the service provider 104.

In the image processing system configured as described above, the device management server 106 can refer to the history of the MFP client 108 used as a local copying machine for an arbitrary period by using the device ID code. It is configured to change the charging system according to the volume and to predict the regular maintenance time. Further, the status of the output device and the adjustment values can be managed by the device management server 106.
Further, the user connected to the network by each personal computer 110 refers to user information registered in advance in the device management server 106 by inputting a user ID when using the MFP client 108 or the printer 109. In addition, the configuration is such that the state of the output device and the adjustment value can be referred to.

More specifically, when output control of image information obtained from the scanner 802 to the printer 803 is performed, unique image processing information which fluctuates with the execution of the output control is used as device management information. Since the information is transmitted to the server 106, the device management server 106 can centrally manage the latest image processing information in the current image processing apparatus.

The unique image processing information is stored in the printer 8
Since the image information includes the number of image outputs performed by the image output unit 03 and the adjustment information for adjusting the image output characteristics of the image output unit, the device management server 106 centrally manages the image output characteristics that fluctuate due to the output control to the image output unit. It becomes possible.

Further, a predetermined operation is performed on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the printer 803 by the image reading means to generate adjustment information, and the generated adjustment information is stored in the memory 805. Alternatively, the information may be stored on the hard disk 806, and may be stored in the memory
5 or the hard disk 806, so that the device management server 106 can centrally manage the adjustment information for correcting the image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment due to the output control to the printer 803. Becomes

Also, since a predetermined operation is performed on the image data read by the scanner 802 from the image output characteristic discrimination image output by the printer 803, adjustment information is generated.
The device management server 106 can centrally manage the color gradation correction information for correcting the image output characteristics that fluctuate in environment due to the output control to the printer 803.

Further, based on an image output characteristic acquisition request from the device management server 106, image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the printer 803 by the scanner 802 is transmitted. Thus, it is possible to analyze the image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment due to the output control to the printer 803.

Further, since the adjustment information managed by the device management server 106 is obtained and the image output characteristics for the printer 803 are corrected and controlled, the image output characteristics of the own device are controlled in accordance with the adjustment information centrally managed by the device management server 106. Can be corrected.

In the device management server 106 configured as described above, the scanner 80 for reading the original image
An image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from the printer 2 from the printer 803 and a plurality of data processing apparatuses, which are communicable via a network;
Any of acquiring management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the client 108, storing the acquired management information, and requesting to acquire the stored management information , The user of each data processing apparatus using the image processing apparatus can acquire the management information and recognize the current state of the MFP client 108.

Further, in the device management server 106 configured as described above, an image output characteristic information acquisition request is issued to the MFP client 108, and is output by the printer 803 in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request. The scanner 802 obtains image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image obtained by the scanner 802, and performs a predetermined calculation based on the obtained image data to generate adjustment information,
The generated adjustment information is stored as management information, and is notified to any of the data processing devices that request the acquisition of the stored management information.
The color gradation correction information can be generated by analyzing the image data acquired from the MFP client 108, and the user of each personal computer 110 using the MFP client 108
8 can be obtained and recognized.

Referring now to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the MFP client 108 capable of managing the output state of the output device and outputting the YMCK color image by the device management server 106 and the printer 1
The flow of the process of managing the adjustment value with the value 09 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (16) indicate each step.

A user sets a document to be output on a document table of a scanner 802 capable of reading an RGB color image. The user gives output control information such as the paper type and size of output paper, the number of output sheets, color processing, and a scaling ratio to the operation unit 801, and then outputs the control information to the printer 803. An output start command is given from the operation unit 801 (1).

Upon receiving the output start command, the device controller 804 issues a read start command to the scanner 802 (2), and issues an output standby command to the printer 803 capable of outputting a YMCK color image. Is issued (3).

When the scanner 802 receives the reading start command, it starts reading the original on the original platen (4), and the read RGB color image data is transmitted to the device controller 804 (5). The device controller 804 converts the received RGB color image data into a color space of a YMCK color image that can be output by the printer 803 (6), performs image processing based on the output control information (7), A print start control command and image data are transmitted (8).

When the printer 803 receives the print start control command and the YMCK color image data (9), it selects a paper size based on the control command and starts printing (10).

The device controller 804 synchronizes the reading of the scanner 802 with the print output of the printer 803, and keeps the scanner 802 on the platen of the scanner 802 until the predetermined number of output control commands is reached. A control signal for reading the set document is transmitted, and a control signal for printing the transmitted image signal is transmitted to the printer 803.

Then, the device controller 804
When the end of reading of a predetermined number of sheets is detected from the reading end command transmitted from the scanner 802 (1).
1) A read stop command is issued to the scanner 802 (12).

Thereafter, an image signal is transmitted to the printer 803, and a print end command is issued to the printer 803 when output of a predetermined number of sheets is completed (13).

When the printer 803 finishes outputting a predetermined number of sheets (14), the device controller 804
Transmits to the device management server 106 the device ID code indicating the MFP client 108 itself and the output control information given to the operation unit 801 by the user (1).
5).

In response, the device management server 106
Upon receiving the device ID code and the output control information transmitted from the MFP client 108, the device management server 10
The reception time and the output control information are added and stored in the database 201 connected to the device 6 using the key based on the device ID code (16), and the process is terminated. At the time of accumulation, it is optional to add and manage a user ID.

[Second Embodiment] Next, the flow of processing of the server / client at the time of output adjustment in the MFP client 108 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a density gradation sampling chart output from the printer 803 shown in FIG. 1, and is printed in accordance with the print data for sampling stored in the hard disk 806 or the like in advance. The density gradation sampling chart is set and read by the scanner 802 shown in FIG. 1 as described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a corrected density table created by the device controller 804 shown in FIG. 1. The vertical axis shows the ideal density and the horizontal axis shows the sampling density.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Incidentally, (21) to (33) indicate each step.

As described above, the MFP client 108
Printer 803 that can output a YMCK color image in
In order to always maintain a constant density gradation characteristic, it is necessary to correct the density gradation characteristic.

Therefore, first, in order to perform output adjustment,
The user operates the operation unit 801 to input, for example, YMCK shown in FIG.
A command for outputting data for density gradation sampling at every several steps of each color is given (21).

In response to this, the device controller 804
Then, when a command for outputting data for density gradation sampling is received (22), image data for density gradation sampling and an output start command are transmitted to the printer 803 (23).

Receiving this, the printer 803 receives the image data for density gradation sampling and the output start command (24), and prints the image data for density gradation sampling (25).

The user sets the output image data for density gradation sampling on the scanner 802.

Then, the user issues a command to start reading image data for density gradation sampling from the operation unit 801 to the scanner 802 (26).

The device controller 804 sends a command to start reading image data for density gradation sampling received from the operation unit 801 to the scanner 802.
(27), the scanner 802 starts reading image data for density gradation sampling (28).

The image data for density gradation sampling read by the scanner 802 is transmitted to the device controller 804 (29). The device controller 804, as shown in FIG. The output correction value for each density for sampling is calculated from the read value of (30), and the output correction value obtained by complementarily calculating the output correction value for each density other than sampling is stored in the memory 805 (31). ).

At this time, the device controller 80
4 stores the obtained output correction table in the device management server 1
In step 06, the data is transmitted together with the device ID code (32). Then, the device management server 106 uses the key based on the received device ID code to output the output correction table (management information).
And the reception time are stored in the database 201 connected to the device management server 106 (33), added to the already-created management database of the MFP client 108, and the processing is terminated.

[Third Embodiment] Next, the flow of processing of the device management server when the output of the printer 109 is adjusted will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a density gradation sampling chart output from the printer 109 shown in FIG. 1, according to sampling print data stored in advance in a memory or the like of the device management server 106. Printed. The density gradation sampling chart is set and read by the scanner 112 shown in FIG. 1 as described later.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (41) to (49) indicate each step.

In the printer 109 capable of outputting a YMCK color image, it is necessary to correct the density gradation characteristics in order to always maintain a constant density gradation characteristics due to environmental changes, deterioration of output materials, and the like.

In order to perform this output adjustment, the server administrator sends, for example, the information shown in FIG.
The data for density gradation sampling in several steps of each color of YMCK and a command for starting to output the data for density gradation sampling are transmitted to the printer 109 (41).

When the printer 109 receives the density gradation sampling data and the output start command (42), it prints out the device ID code of the printer 109 and the density gradation sampling data (43). The server administrator sends the output device ID code and the image data for density gradation sampling shown in FIG.
Set to 2.

Then, the server administrator operates the scanner 112
, A command to start reading image data for density gradation sampling is issued from the device management server 106 (44).

When the scanner 112 receives a command to start reading image data for density gradation sampling (45), it starts reading the device ID code and the image data for density gradation sampling set on the document table. (46). The read device ID code and image data for density gradation sampling are transmitted to the device management server 106 via the network (47). As shown in FIG. 4, the device management server 106 calculates an output correction value for each density for sampling from the received RGB reading values for each density for sampling (48), and outputs an output correction for each density other than the sampling. By complementing the value, the obtained output correction table and the time at which the image data for sampling were received are indicated by the device ID.
With the key based on the code, the data is accumulated on the database 201 connected to the device management server 106 (49), added to the already created management database of the MFP client 108, and the processing is terminated.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the second embodiment, the output correction is performed in the MFP client 108. However, similarly to the third embodiment, the output correction table is controlled from the device management server 106. No problem.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the output device ID code and the image data for density gradation sampling are set in the scanner 112.
The output correction table may be set in the scanner 802 and controlled by the device management server 106.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus and the data processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs which can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus and the data processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0101]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the output of the image information obtained from the image reading unit to the image output unit is controlled, the execution of the output control is performed. Is transmitted to the server device as management information, which fluctuates with the above, so that the server device can centrally manage the latest image processing information in the current image processing device.

Also, since the unique image processing information includes the number of times of image output by the image output means and adjustment information for adjusting the image output characteristics by the image output means, the unique image processing information accompanies the output control to the image output means. The server device can centrally manage the image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment.

Further, a predetermined operation is performed on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic discrimination image output by the image output means by the image reading means to generate adjustment information. Since the adjustment information stored in the storage unit is transmitted based on the management information acquisition request from the server device,
The server device can centrally manage the adjustment information for correcting the image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment due to the output control to the image output unit.

Further, since the image data read by the image reading means is subjected to a predetermined operation to generate adjustment information from the image output characteristic discrimination image output by the image output means, the output control to the image output means is accompanied. It is possible for the server device to centrally manage the color gradation correction information for correcting the image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment.

Further, based on the image output characteristic acquisition request from the server device, the image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output device is transmitted by the image reading device. Thus, it becomes possible to analyze image output characteristics that fluctuate in the environment due to output control to the image output means.

Further, since the adjustment information managed by the server device is acquired and the image output characteristic for the image output means is corrected and controlled, the image output characteristic of the own device is corrected in accordance with the adjustment information centrally managed by the server device. It is possible to do.

Further, according to the server device of the present invention,
An image processing device that outputs image data output from an image reading unit that reads an original image from an image output unit, and a plurality of data processing devices that are communicable via a network; Any one of data processing apparatuses that acquires management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of processing output, stores the acquired management information, and requests acquisition of the stored management information. , The user of each data processing apparatus using the image processing apparatus can acquire the management information and recognize the current state of the image processing apparatus.

Further, a server device capable of communicating via a network between an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from image reading means for reading an original image from the image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses, An image output characteristic information acquisition request is issued to the image processing device, and the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit is read by the image reading unit in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request. Acquire image data, generate adjustment information by performing a predetermined operation based on the acquired image data, store the generated adjustment information as management information, and store the stored management information as management information. Since the notification is sent to any of the data processing devices that request acquisition, the image data acquired from the image processing device is analyzed to generate color gradation correction information. Can, a user of the data processing apparatus using the image processing apparatus is able to recognize by acquiring color gradation correction information of the current image processing apparatus.

Accordingly, management information such as image output characteristics, image output status, and image correction information of the image processing devices on the network is centrally managed by the server device, and the user of the data processing device that can access the server device manages the management information. This makes it possible to refer to the management information, and to improve the convenience of the user who has recognized the status of the image processing apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which a server device, a data processing device, and an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a density tone sampling chart output from the printer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a correction density table created by the device controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a density gradation sampling chart output from the printer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image processing device and the data processing device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Internet 102 Web server 103 Electronic money server 104 Service provider 105 Firewall 106 Device management server 107 File server 108 Multi-function machine 109 Printer 110 Personal computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 HN15 HP00 HQ12 HQ17 KK04 KK35 5B021 AA01 AA05 AA19 BB01 BB10 CC06 EE01 5C062 AA13 AA30 AE03 5C077 LL16 MM27 MP08 NP37 PP15 PP33

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a server device connected to a network, comprising: output image control means for controlling output of image information obtained from an image reading means to an image output means; A transmission unit configured to transmit, as management information, unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of output control by the image control unit to the server device. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the specific image processing information includes adjustment information for adjusting the number of times of image output by the image output unit and an image output characteristic by the image output unit. Processing equipment. 3. An adjustment information generation unit that performs predetermined calculation on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit and is obtained by the image reading unit to generate adjustment information; Storage means for storing the adjustment information generated by the information generation means, wherein the transmission means transmits the adjustment information stored in the storage means based on a management information acquisition request from the server device The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment information generation unit performs a predetermined operation on image data read by the image reading unit from the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit to generate adjustment information. The image processing device according to claim 1. 5. The transmitting means transmits, based on a management information acquisition request from the server device, image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means by the image reading means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that obtains adjustment information managed by the server device and corrects and controls an image output characteristic of the image output unit. 7. A server device capable of communicating, via a network, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from image reading means for reading an original image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses, An acquisition unit that acquires management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the image processing apparatus; a storage unit that stores the management information acquired by the acquisition unit; And a notifying unit for notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the server device. 8. A server device capable of communicating, via a network, an image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from image reading means for reading a document image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses, Issuing means for issuing an image output characteristic information acquisition request to an image processing apparatus; and responding to the image output characteristic information acquisition request by the issuance means, the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means to the image Acquiring means for acquiring image data obtained by reading means; adjustment information generating means for performing a predetermined calculation based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means to generate adjustment information; and generating the adjustment information. Storage means for storing the adjustment information generated by the means as management information; and the management stored in the storage means Server apparatus characterized by comprising: a notifying means for notifying any of the data processing device for acquiring requesting distribution, the. 9. A data processing method in an image processing device capable of communicating with a server device connected to a network, comprising: an output image control step of controlling output of image information obtained from an image reading unit to an image output unit. And a transmission step of transmitting, as management information, unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of output control in the output image control step to the server device. 10. The data according to claim 9, wherein the unique image processing information includes adjustment information for adjusting the number of times of image output by the image output unit and an image output characteristic by the image output unit. Processing method. 11. An adjustment information generating step of performing a predetermined operation on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means and obtaining adjustment information, thereby generating adjustment information; A storage step of storing the adjustment information generated by the information generation step in a storage means, wherein the transmission step is based on a management information acquisition request from the server device, and the adjustment information stored in the storage means 10. The data processing method according to claim 9, wherein 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment information generating step generates adjustment information by performing a predetermined operation on image data read by the image reading unit from an image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit. 10. The data processing method according to claim 9, wherein: 13. The transmitting step transmits image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit based on an image output characteristic acquisition request from the server device. The data processing method according to claim 9, wherein the data processing is performed. 14. The data processing method according to claim 9, further comprising a correction step of obtaining adjustment information managed by said server device and correcting and controlling an image output characteristic for said image output means. 15. A data processing method in a server device in which an image processing device for outputting image data output from an image reading device for reading a document image from an image output device and a plurality of data processing devices can communicate with each other via a network. An acquisition step of acquiring management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the image processing apparatus; and storing the management information acquired in the acquisition step in a storage unit. A data processing method, comprising: a storing step; and a notifying step of notifying any of the data processing devices that request acquisition of the management information stored in the storage unit. 16. A data processing method in a server device in which an image processing device that outputs image data output from an image reading device that reads a document image from an image output device and a plurality of data processing devices can communicate with each other via a network. Issuing an image output characteristic information acquisition request to the image processing apparatus; and determining the image output characteristic output by the image output means in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request in the issuance step. An acquisition step of acquiring image data obtained by reading an image by the image reading unit, and an adjustment information generation step of performing a predetermined operation to generate adjustment information based on the image data acquired in the acquisition step, A storage step of storing the adjustment information generated by the adjustment information generation step in a storage unit as management information; Data processing method characterized by having a notification step of notifying any of the data processing device for acquiring requesting the management information stored in said storage means. 17. An output image control step of controlling an image processing device capable of communicating with a server device connected to a network to output image information obtained from an image reading unit to an image output unit; A transmission step of transmitting, as management information, unique image processing information which fluctuates with execution of output control in the process to the server device, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the program. 18. The storage according to claim 17, wherein the unique image processing information includes adjustment information for adjusting the number of times of image output by the image output unit and an image output characteristic by the image output unit. Medium. 19. An adjustment information generation step of performing a predetermined operation on image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means by the image reading means to generate adjustment information; A storage step of storing the adjustment information generated by the information generation step in a storage means, wherein the transmission step is based on a management information acquisition request from the server device, and the adjustment information stored in the storage means 18. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the storage medium is transmitted. 20. The adjustment information generating step, wherein a predetermined operation is performed on image data read by the image reading means from an image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means to generate adjustment information. Claim 18
The storage medium according to the above. 21. The transmitting step transmits image data obtained by reading the image output characteristic determination image output by the image output unit based on an image output characteristic acquisition request from the server device. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein: 22. The storage medium according to claim 17, further comprising a correction step of obtaining adjustment information managed by said server device and correcting and controlling an image output characteristic for said image output device. 23. An image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from an image reading means for reading a document image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses to a server device capable of communicating via a network, An acquisition step of acquiring management information based on unique image processing information that fluctuates with execution of image processing output by the device; a storage step of storing the management information acquired in the acquisition step in a storage unit; And a notifying step of notifying any of the data processing devices requesting acquisition of the management information stored in the means. 24. An image processing apparatus for outputting image data output from image reading means for reading a document image from an image output means and a plurality of data processing apparatuses to a server device capable of communicating via a network, An issuance step of issuing an image output characteristic information acquisition request to an apparatus; and an image output characteristic determination image output by the image output means in response to the image output characteristic information acquisition request by the issuance step. An acquisition step of acquiring image data obtained by reading, an adjustment information generation step of performing a predetermined calculation based on the image data acquired in the acquisition step to generate adjustment information, and an adjustment information generation step A storage step of storing the generated adjustment information as management information in a storage unit, and before storing the adjustment information in the storage unit Recorded computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the notifying step of notifying any of the data processing device for acquiring request management information.