JP2005094358A - Image processor, user information acquisition method, and user information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor whereby one image processor can use user information stored in another image processor, and to provide a user information acquisition method and a user information providing method. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor 1b wherein a first program 24 carries out prescribed processing by using acquired user information includes an acquisition destination selection means 39 capable of selecting at least an image processor 1a as an acquisition destination for acquiring the user information. The first program 24 acquires the user information through a second program 24 of the image processor 1a selected as an acquisition destination for acquiring the user information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a user information acquisition method, and a user information provision method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing using user information, a user information acquisition method and a user information provision method in the image processing apparatus. .

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses in which the functions of apparatuses such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in a single housing have been known. In such an image processing apparatus, a display unit, a printing unit, an imaging unit, and the like are provided in one casing, and four types of software corresponding to a printer, a copy, a facsimile, and a scanner are provided, and the software is switched. It operates as a printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example of the image processing apparatus as described above.

Such an image processing apparatus is used by being connected to a network system composed of one or more clients, servers, other image processing apparatuses, or the like. Therefore, image processing apparatuses often preset destination data such as e-mail addresses and facsimile numbers used for copying, scanners, facsimiles, and the like as user information.
JP 2002-84383 A

  Conventionally, setting of user information for an image processing apparatus is often performed for each image processing apparatus. That is, in the conventional image processing apparatus, only user information set in advance can be used. For this reason, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the functions of the printer, copy, facsimile, and scanner cannot be used for some reason such as failure, the user information set in the image processing apparatus cannot be used. was there.

  For example, when performing facsimile using user information set only for one image processing apparatus, if the facsimile function of the image processing apparatus fails, it is not possible to send a fax from the one image processing apparatus. Since there is no corresponding user information, it was not possible to send a fax from another image processing apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image processing apparatus, a user information acquisition method, and a user information provision method that allow user information held by another image processing apparatus to be used by one image processing apparatus. The purpose is to provide.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus in which one or more first programs perform predetermined processing using acquired user information, as an acquisition destination from which the user information is acquired. User information is provided via a second program of another image processing apparatus selected as an acquisition destination from which the first program obtains the user information, having acquisition destination selection means capable of selecting at least another image processing apparatus It is characterized by acquiring.

  In addition, the present invention is an image processing apparatus that holds user information, and one or more first programs issue user information acquisition requests from other image processing apparatuses that perform predetermined processing using the user information. A first program that receives and transmits the user information acquisition request, or a user program that can be used by an operator, and a second program that provides the selected user information to the other image processing apparatus. To do.

  The present invention is also a user information acquisition method for an image processing apparatus in which one or more first programs perform predetermined processing using the acquired user information, and other acquisition destinations for acquiring the user information The step of selecting an image processing device, and the step of acquiring the user information via the second program of another image processing device selected as an acquisition destination from which the first program acquires the user information. It is characterized by.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user information providing method for an image processing apparatus that retains user information from one or more other image processing apparatuses in which one or more first programs perform predetermined processing using the user information. Receiving a user information acquisition request; selecting a user information available to the first program or operator that provided the user information acquisition request; and providing the selected user information to the other image processing apparatus. And a step of performing.

  In the present invention, user information can be provided to one image processing apparatus from another image processing apparatus selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired, so that user information held by another image processing apparatus is stored in one image. Can be used in processing equipment.

  According to the present invention, user information held by another image processing apparatus can be used by one image processing apparatus.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus is described as an example, but any information processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing using user information may be used. Moreover, although user information is described as an example, any information used for performing predetermined processing may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is configured to include a software group 2, a multifunction machine starting unit 3, and hardware resources 4.

  The multi-function apparatus starting unit 3 is executed when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered on, reads the programs of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 from a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD), and transfers each read program to a memory area to start up. To do. The hardware resource 4 includes a plotter 11, a scanner 12, and other hardware resources 13 such as a facsimile. The software group 2 includes an application layer 5 and a platform 6 that are activated on an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) such as UNIX (registered trademark).

  The application layer 5 includes a printer application 21, a copy application 22, a fax application 23, a scanner application 24, and a net file application 25 as programs for performing unique processing relating to image formation such as a printer, copy, fax, and scanner. Including. The network file application 25 is an application for a network file, and manages data communication with network devices (including other image processing devices) connected to the image processing device 1 via the network.

  The platform 6 interprets a processing request from the application layer 5 and generates a hardware resource 4 acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources 4 to control the control service layer 9 It includes an SRM (system resource manager) 40 that arbitrates acquisition requests, and a handler layer 10 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to acquisition requests from the SRM 40.

  The control service layer 9 is configured to include one or more service modules such as NCS31, DCS32, OCS33, FCS34, ECS35, MCS36, UCS37, CCS38, and SCS39. The platform 6 is configured to have an API 43 that receives a processing request from the application layer 5 using a predefined function. The OS executes the software of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in parallel as processes.

  A process of an NCS (network control service) 31 performs mediation when distributing data received from the network side by each protocol to each application, or mediating when data from each application is transmitted to the network side. For example, the NCS 31 controls data communication with a network device connected to the image processing apparatus via a network.

  A process of DCS (Delivery Control Service) 32 performs control such as delivery of document data stored in the image processing apparatus 1. The process of the OCS (operation panel control service) 33 controls the operation panel described later.

  The process of FCS (fax control service) 34 is to send and receive faxes from the application layer 5 using the PSTN or ISDN network, register or quote various fax data managed in the backup memory, read faxes, receive faxes. Provides an API for printing and the like.

  The process of the ECS (engine control service) 35 controls engine units such as the plotter 11, the scanner 12, and the hardware resource 13. The process of the MCS (memory control service) 36 performs control such as acquisition or release of memory, use of the HDD, compression and decompression of image data, and the like. The UCS (User Information Control Service) 37 process manages user information.

  A process of CCS (security control service) 38 provides a security service to the program of the application layer 5. The process of the SCS (system control service) 39 performs processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt application control.

  The process of the SRM 40 controls the system and manages the hardware resources 4 together with the SCS 39. For example, the process of the SRM 40 arbitrates in accordance with an acquisition request from an upper layer that uses the hardware resources 4 such as the plotter 11 and the scanner 12 and controls the execution of the hardware resources 4.

  Specifically, the process of the SRM 40 determines whether or not the hardware resource 4 requested to be acquired is usable (whether it is not used due to another acquisition request). 4 is notified to the upper layer that 4 is available. The process of the SRM 40 performs scheduling for using the hardware resource 4 in response to an acquisition request from an upper layer, and the requested contents (paper transport and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) Implemented directly.

  The handler layer 10 includes an FCUH (fax control unit handler) 41 for managing an FCU (fax control unit), which will be described later, and an IMH (image memory handler) 42 for allocating memory to the process and managing the memory allocated to the process. Including. The SRM 40 and the FCUH 41 make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 using an engine I / F 44 that transmits a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function.

  With the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 can centrally process processes that are commonly required for each application by the platform 6. Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 1 includes a controller 60, an operation panel 80, an FCU 81, and an engine unit 82. 2 includes a CPU 61, a system memory 62, an NB (North Bridge) 63, an SB (South Bridge) 64, an ASIC 66, a local memory 67, an HDD 68, a network interface card (NIC) 69, and the like. , An I / F 70 for USB, an I / F 71 for IEEE 1394, and an I / F 72 for Centronics.

  The operation panel 80 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60. Further, the FCU 81 and the engine unit 82 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 via the PCI bus 83. In the controller 60, the local memory 67, the HDD 68, and the like are connected to the ASIC 66, and the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63 of the CPU chip set. The controller 60 corresponds to the case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed by connecting the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 via the NB 63.

  The ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 65. As described above, in order to control the execution of one or more processes forming the application layer 5 and the platform 6 of FIG. 1, the performance is degraded by connecting the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 via the AGP 65 instead of the low-speed PCI bus. Is preventing.

  The CPU 61 performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 1. The CPU 61 starts and executes NCS31, DCS32, OCS33, FCS34, ECS35, MCS36, UCS37, CCS38, and SCS39 as processes on the OS, as well as the printer application 21, copy application 22, and fax application that form the application layer 5. 23, the scanner application 24 and the net file application 25 are activated and executed.

  The NB 63 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 61, system memory 62, SB 64, ASIC 66, NIC 69, USB I / F 70, IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and Centronics I / F 72. The SB 64, NIC 69, USB I / F 70, IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and Centronics I / F 72 are connected to the NB 63 via the PCI bus 73. The SB 64 is a bridge for connecting the PCI bus 73 to the ROM, peripheral devices, and the like.

  The system memory 62 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like. The local memory 67 is a memory used as an image buffer and a code buffer for copying. The ASIC 66 is an IC for use in image processing having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 68 is an example of a storage (auxiliary storage device) that stores image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, and the like.

  The NIC 69 is an interface that connects the image processing apparatus 1 to a network. The USB I / F 70, the IEEE 1394 I / F 71, and the Centronics I / F 72 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards. The operation panel 80 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from an operator and performs display for the operator. The FCU 81 has a memory. The memory of the FCU 81 is used for temporarily storing facsimile data received when the image processing apparatus 1 is powered off, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example showing two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 3, the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN (local area network) or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. The image processing apparatus 1b is preliminarily set with user information 101b as user information of its own device.

  Hereinafter, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a will be described. As described above, examples in which the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a include a case where only the scanner function or the fax function of the image processing apparatus 1a has failed or the image processing apparatus. A case where another person occupies 1a can be considered.

  First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 as an example of a module that uses user information receives user information of the own device from the UCS 37 as an example of a module that manages user information. A process for acquiring and displaying the address book screen will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a user information acquisition request, addition request, change request, and deletion request. In FIG. 4, configurations that are not necessary for description are omitted. The UCS 37 included in the image processing apparatus 1b centrally manages the user information 101b. The user information 101b managed by the UCS 37 includes data items such as a name, a mail address, and a FAX number. The UCS 37 provides the user information 101b to the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39 in response to an acquisition request from the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39. The UCS 37 adds, changes, or deletes the user information 101b in response to an addition request, a change request, or a deletion request from the SCS 39.

  The fax application 23 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the user information 101b, acquires the user information 104 necessary for the fax function from the user information 101b, and displays the address book screen 110 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 104. To do. Address book screen 110 displays destinations (for example, FAX numbers) to which fax data can be transmitted.

  The scanner application 24 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the user information 101b, acquires the user information 105 necessary for the scanner function among the user information, and displays the address book screen 120 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105. . The address book screen 120 displays destinations (e.g., mail addresses) to which the scanner data can be transmitted.

  The system initial setting function 103 of the SCS 39 requests the UCS 37 to acquire, add, change, and delete user information 101b, and acquire, add, change, and delete necessary user information in the user information 101b. The soft keyboard function 102 of the SCS 39 displays a soft keyboard on the operation panel 80 and controls the soft keyboard.

  Here, the address book screen 120 displayed on the operation panel 80 by the scanner application 24 will be further described. FIG. 5 is an image diagram of an example of an address book screen displayed on the operation panel by the scanner application. For example, when a hard key for activating the scanner application 24 provided in the housing of the image processing apparatus 1 is pressed, the scanner application 24 acquires the user information 105 from the UCS 37 as described above, and the user information 105 is acquired. The address book screen 121 is displayed on the operation panel 80 by using it.

  The address book screen 121 of FIG. 5 includes twelve entries having e-mail addresses belonging to the heading “common”. When the operator operates the operation panel 80 to select the entry “0001 Ota” from the address book screen 121, the scanner application 24 displays the address book screen 122 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105. The address book screen 122 in FIG. 5 includes a mail address “ohta@ricoh.jp” associated with the entry “0001 Ota”.

  The headers and entries included in the address book screens 121 and 122 are managed as follows by the UCS 37 as header information and entry information that are part of the user information 101b.

  FIG. 6 is an exemplary data structure diagram showing the relationship between the heading information and the entry information. The heading information is configured to include a heading ID, a heading name, belonging entry information, and the like. The affiliation entry information is configured to include an array of entry IDs. The heading ID is an identifier that identifies the heading. The heading name is a display name such as “common” or “a” displayed as a heading. The array of entry IDs is an array of entry IDs of entries belonging to the heading.

  On the other hand, the entry information is configured to include an entry ID, name, display name, entry type, user code information, mail information, FAX information, affiliation information, authentication information, group information, header information, and the like.

  The user code information is configured to include a user code and usage restrictions. The mail information is configured to include a mail address. The FAX information is configured to include a FAX number. The affiliation information is configured to include a company name, a department name, and the like. The authentication information is configured to include a password and the like. The group information is configured to include a group ID and the like. The heading information is configured to include a heading ID and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heading information and the entry information are associated with each other by an entry ID array included in the belonging entry information of the heading information. The entry information is information of a minimum unit for distinguishing entries. That is, an entry can be displayed if there is entry information. Further, the entry belonging to the heading can be determined from the array of entry IDs included in the belonging entry information. Furthermore, the mail address of the selected entry can be determined from the mail information included in the entry information. Therefore, the scanner application 24 can display the address book screens 121 and 122 on the operation panel 80 using the user information 105 acquired from the UCS 37.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which the scanner application acquires user information of its own device from the UCS and displays the address book screen. In step S1, a soft key for starting the scanner application 24 provided on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a scanner screen transition button) is pressed, and the key ID of the scanner screen transition button is pressed from the operation panel 80. Is sent to the SCS 39.

  In step S 2, the SCS 39 transmits a scanner migration notification to the scanner application 24 according to the key ID received from the operation panel 80. In step S3, the scanner application 24 checks whether the scanner can be executed. In step S4, the scanner application 24 determines whether or not the shift to the scanner is OK according to the confirmed execution possibility. If the migration is OK (YES in S4), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S8.

  On the other hand, if the migration is NG (NO in S4), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S5 and transmits a migration impossibility notification to the SCS 39. Proceeding to step S6, the SCS 39 sounds a buzzer for rejection in response to the received notification of migration failure. Then, the SCS 39 proceeds to step S7 and ends the process.

  In step S8, the scanner application 24 transmits a migratable response to the SCS 39. In step S9, the SCS 39 transmits a scanner migration permission to the scanner application 24 in accordance with the received migratable response. In step S 10, the scanner application 24 creates data for displaying a “please wait screen” on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received scanner migration permission. In step S11, the scanner application 24 transmits the data created in step S10 to the operation panel 80 and requests display of a “please wait screen”. In step S 12, the operation panel 80 displays a “Please wait screen” on the operation panel 80.

  In step S 13, the scanner application 24 transmits a header information acquisition request to the UCS 37. In step S14, the UCS 37 transmits the header information to the scanner application 24 in response to the received header information acquisition request. In step S15, the scanner application 24 transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the header information acquired in step S14. The scanner application 24 makes an entry information acquisition request in accordance with the array of entry IDs included in the belonging entry information of the header information acquired in step S14.

  In step S16, the UCS 37 transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 in response to the received entry information acquisition request. Proceeding to step S17, the scanner application 24 determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired according to the heading information acquired at step S14, in other words, entry information to be acquired. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S17), the scanner application 24 returns to step S15 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S17), the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S18, and uses the received heading information and entry information to display the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. Create data to be displayed on the screen. In step S 19, the scanner application 24 sends the data created in step S 18 to the operation panel 80 and requests display of the address book screen 121. In step S20, the operation panel 80 displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80. Further, the scanner application 24 proceeds to step S21, transmits a migration response to the SCS 39, and ends the process.

  Next, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 acquires user information from the UCS 37 of another machine and displays the address book screen 121 on the operation panel 80 will be described. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an example showing details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. In FIG. 8, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted.

  In FIG. 8, the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected via a network 100 such as a LAN or the Internet. In the image processing apparatus 1a, user information 101a is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1a. In the image processing apparatus 1b, user information 101b is set in advance as user information of the image processing apparatus 1b. The scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b can transmit and receive user information by being an FTP server / client.

  For example, when the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b temporarily acquires and uses the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a, the scanner application 24 requests the user information 101a from the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. Then, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires the user information 101a of the own apparatus via the UCS 37, and transmits the user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Note that the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmit and receive user information via the network 100 with the NCS 31 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b.

  FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the image processing apparatus 1a is selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired. The image processing apparatus 1b according to the present invention can select a user information acquisition destination as follows.

  FIG. 9 is an image diagram of an example of an acquisition destination selection screen for selecting an acquisition destination of user information. For example, when the button 124 on the address book screen 121 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed by the operator, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b displays the acquisition destination selection screen 123 on the operation panel 80. The acquisition destination selection screen 123 selects a button 125 for selecting the user information 101b of the own device as an acquisition destination and a distribution server (not shown) compliant with LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) as the acquisition destination. And a button 127 for selecting another image processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 1a as an acquisition destination.

  The operator of the image processing apparatus 1b can proceed to the process of selecting another image processing apparatus as the acquisition destination of the user information by pressing the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80. . Note that a plurality of types of processing for selecting other image processing apparatuses are conceivable and will be described in order.

  The first process for selecting another image processing apparatus is to allow the operator to input the IP address or host name of the other image processing apparatus. For example, when the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 128 for inputting an IP address or host name on the operation panel 80. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of the first embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address or host name as the acquisition destination of the user information by inputting the IP address or host name of the image processing apparatus on the screen 128.

  In the second process of selecting another image processing apparatus, an IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 on the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 selects the IP address of one image processing apparatus from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address. For this purpose is displayed on the operation panel 80. FIG. 11 is an image diagram of a second embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus.

  Note that the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having a mail address can be realized by using, for example, MIB (management information base). By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 129, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  In the third process of selecting another image processing apparatus, an icon list of the image processing apparatuses registered in advance is displayed on the operation panel 80 and selected by the operator. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 130 for selecting one image processing device icon from the image processing device icon list. To display. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of a third embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus.

  The icon list of the image processing apparatus on the screen 130 can be realized by using, for example, the contents described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-92763. By selecting one icon from the image processing apparatus icon list displayed on the screen 130, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the icon as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  In the fourth process of selecting another image processing apparatus, a list of IP addresses of image processing apparatuses registered in advance is displayed on the operation panel 80 and selected by the operator. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 131 for selecting the IP address of one image processing device from the IP address list of the image processing device. It is displayed on the operation panel 80. FIG. 13 is an image diagram of a fourth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 131, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information.

  The fifth process of selecting another image processing apparatus includes detailed information on the image processing apparatus selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus registered in advance and the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Are displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select them. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 132 for selecting the IP address of one image processing device from the IP address list of the image processing device. It is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 14 is an image diagram of a fifth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 132 displays the IP address list of the image processing apparatus registered in advance and the image processing apparatus having the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Including detailed information. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting an image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition source.

  The operator selects one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 132 with reference to the detailed information, and the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address is used as the acquisition destination of the user information. You can choose. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 132 of FIG. 14, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  The sixth process of selecting another image processing apparatus is a list of IP addresses of image processing apparatuses that cannot be used due to a failure at that time, and an image process selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Detailed information of the apparatus is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 is a screen for selecting the IP address of one image processing apparatus from the IP address list of the image processing apparatuses that cannot be used. 133 is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 15 is an image diagram of a sixth embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 133 displays the IP address list of the image processing apparatus that cannot be used and the detailed information of the image processing apparatus having the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Including. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting the image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition source, such as the reason why the image processing apparatus cannot be used.

  A list of IP addresses of unusable image processing apparatuses can be realized by using, for example, MIB. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 133, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 133 of FIG. 15, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  The seventh process of selecting another image processing device includes a list of IP addresses of image processing devices that meet a predetermined condition, and detailed information of the image processing device selected from the IP address list of the image processing device at that time. Is displayed on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to select it. For example, when the button 127 of the acquisition destination selection screen 123 displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the scanner application 24 causes the IP address of one image processing apparatus to be selected from a list of IP addresses of the image processing apparatus that match a predetermined condition. A screen 134 for displaying is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 16 is an image diagram of a seventh embodiment of a screen for selecting another image processing apparatus. The screen 134 displays an image of the IP address “111.11.11.11.111” selected from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus having an address book of address version 2 or higher and the IP address list of the image processing apparatus at that time. Detailed information of the processing device. The detailed information includes various types of information that are useful when selecting the image processing apparatus as a user information acquisition destination, such as an address version of the image processing apparatus.

  The IP address list of the image processing apparatus filtered by a predetermined condition such as an address version can be realized by using ping. By selecting one IP address from the IP address list of the image processing apparatus displayed on the screen 134, the operator can select the image processing apparatus corresponding to the IP address as the acquisition destination of the user information. In addition, although the example which displayed the IP address list | wrist of the image processing apparatus was represented on the screen 134 of FIG. 16, the icon list | wrist of an image processing apparatus may be sufficient.

  Here, the process of pre-registering the icon or IP address of the image processing apparatus in the third process and the fourth process of selecting another image processing apparatus will be described. First, a process in which the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 as an example of a module that uses external device information pre-registers the external device information in the UCS 37 as an example of a module that manages external device information will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an external device information acquisition request, addition request, change request, and deletion request. In FIG. 17, configurations that are not necessary for the description are omitted. The UCS 37 included in the image processing apparatus 1b centrally manages the external device information 170. The external device information 170 managed by the UCS 37 includes information regarding external devices such as an IP address, authentication information, location information, and host name.

  The UCS 37 provides the external device information 170 to the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39 in response to an acquisition request from the fax application 23, the scanner application 24, or the SCS 39. The UCS 37 adds, changes, or deletes the external device information 170 in response to an addition request, a change request, or a deletion request from the SCS 39.

  The fax application 23 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the external device information 170, acquires external device information 171 necessary for selecting or using the external device from the external device information 170, and uses the external device information 171. An acquisition destination selection screen 130 as shown in FIG. 12 or an acquisition destination selection screen 131 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation panel 80. The scanner application 24 requests the UCS 37 to acquire the external device information 170, acquires external device information 172 necessary for selecting or using the external device from the external device information 170, and uses the external device information 172. An acquisition destination selection screen 130 as shown in FIG. 12 or an acquisition destination selection screen 131 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  The system initial setting function 103 of the SCS 39 makes an acquisition request, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request for the external device information 170 to the UCS 37, and external device information necessary for selecting or using an external device from the external device information 170. Acquire, add, change, and delete. The soft keyboard function 102 of the SCS 39 displays a soft keyboard on the operation panel 80 and controls the soft keyboard.

  Further, details of the acquisition processing, addition processing, change processing, and deletion processing of the external device information 170 performed by the SCS 39 will be described. The acquisition request for the external device information 170 performed by the fax application 23 and the scanner application 24 is the same as the acquisition processing for the external device information 170 performed by the SCS 39.

  FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring external device information from the UCS and displaying an external device information list screen on the operation panel. In step S31, the add / change / delete button of the external device information displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, and this is notified to the SCS 39.

  In step S 32, the SCS 39 transmits an external device ID list acquisition request to the UCS 37. In step S33, the UCS 37 reads the array of external device IDs in the external device information 170 in response to the received external device ID list acquisition request, and transmits the array of external device IDs to the SCS 39 as external device ID information. In step S34, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S35, the UCS 37 transmits the external device information to the SCS 39 in response to the received external device information acquisition request.

  Proceeding to step S36, the SCS 39 determines whether there is still external device information to be acquired according to the external device ID information acquired at step S33, in other words, external device information to be acquired. If it is determined that there is still external device information to be acquired (YES in S36), SCS 39 returns to step S34 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more external device information to be acquired (NO in S36), the SCS 39 proceeds to step S37 and creates data for displaying the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80. In step S 38, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S 37 to the operation panel 80 and displays an external device information list screen on the operation panel 80.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for adding external device information. In step S41, the external device information new registration button displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, and the SCS 39 is notified of this. Although not shown, the SCS 39 creates data for causing the operation panel 80 to display a new registration screen for external device information after step S41, and transmits the data to the operation panel 80 for new registration. The screen is displayed.

  In step S42, the operator inputs the external device information on the new registration screen displayed on the operation panel 80. When the input of the external device information is completed, the operator presses a registration button for external device information displayed on the operation panel 80. When the registration button of the external device information displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the operation panel 80 proceeds to step S43, and transmits the external device information input on the new registration screen to the SCS 39.

  In step S44, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information addition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device information. The UCS 37 adds external device information corresponding to the external device information addition request to the external device information 170 registered in advance. Then, the UCS 37 proceeds to step S45, notifies the SCS 39 of the result of adding the external device information corresponding to the external device information addition request to the external device information 170 registered in advance, and ends the processing.

  FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for changing external device information. In step S51, the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information from the external device information list screen displayed on the operation panel 80. The operation panel 80 notifies the SCS 39 of external device ID information corresponding to the pressed button. In step S52, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information acquisition request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S53, the UCS 37 transmits external device information to the SCS 39 in response to the received external device information acquisition request.

  In step S54, the SCS 39 creates data for displaying the external device information edit screen on the operation panel 80. In step S55, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S54 to the operation panel 80 and displays an external device information editing screen on the operation panel 80. In step S56, the operator changes the external device information on the external device information edit screen displayed on the operation panel 80. When the external device information has been changed, the operator presses the external device information change button displayed on the operation panel 80. When the external device information change button displayed on the operation panel 80 is pressed, the operation panel 80 proceeds to step S57, and transmits the changed external device information to the SCS 39.

  In step S58, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information change request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device information. The UCS 37 changes the external device information 170 in response to the external device information change request. Then, the UCS 37 proceeds to step S59, notifies the SCS 39 of the result of changing the external device information 170 in response to the external device information change request, and ends the processing.

  FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for deleting external device information. In step S61, the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information from the external device information list screen displayed on the operation panel 80. Subsequently, the operator presses a delete button displayed on the operation panel 80. The operation panel 80 notifies the SCS 39 of external device ID information corresponding to the pressed button. In step S 62, the SCS 39 transmits an external device information deletion request to the UCS 37 according to the received external device ID information. In step S63, the UCS 37 notifies the SCS 39 of the result of deleting the external device information corresponding to the external device information deletion request from the previously registered external device information 170.

  In step S64, the SCS 39 creates data for displaying the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80. In step S65, the SCS 39 transmits the data created in step S64 to the operation panel 80, displays the external device information list screen on the operation panel 80, and ends the process.

  The transition of the screen displayed on the operation panel 80 when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information will be described. FIG. 22 is a transition diagram (1/2) of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. FIG. 23 is a transition diagram (2/2) illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when external device information is acquired, added, changed, or deleted.

  When the operator presses a system initial setting button 221 included in the initial setting / counter / inquiry information screen 220, the SCS 39 displays the system initial setting screen 222 on the operation panel 80. Further, when the operator presses the add / change / delete external device information button 223 included in the system initial setting screen 222, the SCS 39 displays the acquisition destination selection screen 224 on the operation panel 80. The acquisition destination selection screen 224 corresponds to an external device information list screen.

  When the operator presses a new registration button 225 included in the acquisition destination selection screen 224, the SCS 39 displays the new registration screen 226 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses the authentication button 227 included in the new registration screen 226, the SCS 39 displays the authentication information input screen 230 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses the position information button 228 included in the new registration screen 226, the SCS 39 displays the position information input screen 231 on the operation panel 80. When the operator presses a button representing one piece of external device information included in the acquisition destination selection screen 224, the SCS 39 displays an external device information editing screen (not shown) on the operation panel.

  Next, a process of acquiring detailed information of another image processing apparatus in the seventh process of selecting another image processing apparatus will be described. First, the fax application 23 or the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b as an example of a module that uses external device information receives an image from the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a as an example of a module that manages detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a. Processing for acquiring detailed information of the processing device 1a will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring detailed information of the image processing apparatus. In step S71, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b requests client registration to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S72, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the result of step S71.

  If the client registration is successful, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S73, and performs a process for querying the number of user information that can be registered to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S74, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the number of user information that can be registered.

  In step S75, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs a process for inquiring the current registration number of user information to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S76, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the current registration number of user information.

  By repeating the same processing as steps S73 to S76, other data items of detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a can be acquired. The process shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24 is performed as part of the negotiation performed when the image processing apparatuses 1a and 1b are connected, for example. By using the detailed information acquired by the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24, the image processing apparatus 1b displays a detailed information list screen 250 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is an image diagram of an example of a detailed information list screen. In the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24, since the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs client registration in the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a, the data structure of detailed information can also be acquired. Therefore, the detailed information list screen of FIG. 25 can include the data structure of the detailed information of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In addition, when the image processing apparatus 1a that provides user information provides user information to another image processing apparatus 1b, the user information provided according to the security level of the other image processing apparatus 1b may be limited. it can.

  FIG. 26 is an image diagram of an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. When the operator inputs the IP address or host name of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the user information acquisition destination to the screen 260 and presses the connection button 261, the scanner application 24 performs connection processing. When the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 262 for inputting login information on the operation panel if login processing is necessary. If the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a fails, the scanner application 24 causes the operation panel 80 to display a screen 265 indicating that the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed.

  When the operator inputs the user name and password as login information on the screen 262 and presses the login button 263, the scanner application 24 performs login processing. If the login is successful, the scanner application 24 is provided with user information in a range corresponding to the security level of the own device. If the login fails, the scanner application 24 displays a screen 266 indicating that the login to the image processing apparatus 1a has failed on the operation panel. When the user information is provided, the scanner application 24 displays the address book screen 264 on the operation panel 80 using the user information. As described above, the image processing apparatus 1a can limit the user information provided to the image processing apparatus 1b according to the operator who has logged in.

  FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. In steps S81 and S82, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a connection request to the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the network module 270 of the own apparatus.

  In steps S83 and S84, the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a connection request response to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1b. If the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful (YES in S85), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S96 described later. On the other hand, if the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed (NO in S85), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S86, and whether the cause of the connection failure with the image processing apparatus 1a is an authentication error. Determine whether or not.

  If it is determined that the cause of the failure in connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is not an authentication error (NO in S86), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S95 to indicate that the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a has failed. A display screen 265 is displayed on the operation panel 80, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cause of the failure in connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is an authentication error (YES in S86), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S87, and a screen 262 for inputting login information is displayed. Is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  When the operator inputs login information on the screen 262 and presses the login button 263, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b performs steps S88 to S90. In steps S88 to S90, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b makes a connection request with authentication information to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a via its own network module 270 and the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In steps S91 to S93, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits a connection request response to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1a and the network module 270 of the image processing apparatus 1b. . When the connection with the image processing apparatus 1a is successful, the connection request response includes a ticket.

  If the authentication is successful (YES in S94), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S96 described later. On the other hand, if the authentication has failed (NO in S94), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S95, displays a screen 266 indicating that the login has failed on the operation panel 80, and ends the process.

  In step S96, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a user information acquisition request with a ticket to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S97 and 98, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a acquires user information corresponding to the user information acquisition request with a ticket from the UCS 37. In step S99, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and the process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram of another example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. In the following sequence diagrams, the network module 270 is omitted. In steps S101 and S102, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a user information acquisition request with authentication information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a.

  In step S102, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an authentication request to the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S103, the CCS 38 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the result of the authentication request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. When the authentication fails (NO in S104), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an error code to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S105, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays screens 265, 266 and the like on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received error code.

  If the authentication is successful (YES in S104), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S106, and transmits a user information acquisition request with a ticket to the UCS 37 of its own device. In step S107, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits user information corresponding to the user information acquisition request with the ticket to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S108, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the acquired user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and the process ends. In the process shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 28, a ticket is not transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1b.

  Next, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b acquires user information from the image processing apparatus 1a selected as an acquisition destination from which user information is acquired will be described. The processing for acquiring user information from other image processing apparatuses can be considered in a plurality of types depending on the difference between the data items of user information acquired at one time and the number of user information acquired at one time, and will be described in order.

  First, the process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus includes a process of acquiring all data items constituting the user information at one time and a part of data items constituting the user information (for example, the address book in FIG. 5). Data items necessary for displaying the screen 121) are acquired first, and the remaining data items constituting the user information as necessary (for example, mail addresses necessary for displaying the address book screen 122 in FIG. 5) It is distinguished from the process of acquiring.

  Further, the process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus may be the following process depending on the number of pieces of user information acquired at one time. The first process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire the total number of user information at a time. The first process for acquiring the total number of user information at a time has the advantage that only one network access is required because the total number of user information is acquired at a time.

  FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a first process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. Note that steps S111 to S120 in FIG. 29 are the same as steps S1 to S10 in FIG.

  In steps S121 and S122, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b inquires the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a about the data structure of the user information via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S123 and S124, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b of the data structure of user information via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus. In step S125, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b sets a data list to be described later from the acquired data structure.

  In Steps S126 and 127, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an all-user information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. In steps S128 and S129, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the total number of user information items to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  In step S130, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses a screen display OCS for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. Create data. In step S131, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S130, and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  The second process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus acquires user information for each headline. The second process of acquiring user information for each headline has an advantage that user information can be divided and transmitted and received because user information is acquired for each headline.

  FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a second process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 30, application migration processing and data structure setting processing corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S141 and S142, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a header information entry acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The header information entry acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the header information entry acquisition request function.

  FIG. 31A shows an example of parameters and return values of a header information entry acquisition request. FIG. 31B shows a specific example of the parameter of the header information entry acquisition request. In step S143, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the header ID from the header information entry acquisition request, and transmits the array of entry IDs belonging to the header ID to the scanner application 24 of the own device.

  In step S144, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. The entry information acquisition request in step S144 includes an entry ID. In step S145, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S146, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S143. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S146), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S144 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S146), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S147, and the entry information for each headline is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. To the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S 148, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b creates screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 using at least a part of the received user information. To do. In step S 149, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1 b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S 148 and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80.

  The third process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire user information for each page displayed on the address book screen. The third process of acquiring user information for each page has the advantage that the user information is acquired for each page, and therefore it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. .

  FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a third process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 32, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S151 and 152, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a specified page entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The specified page entry information acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a designated page entry information acquisition request function.

  FIG. 33A shows an example of parameters and return values of a specified page entry information acquisition request. FIG. 33B shows a specific example of parameters of the specified page entry information acquisition request. In step S153, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads out the heading ID, filter, number of acquisitions, and acquisition start position corresponding to the specified page from the specified page entry information acquisition request, and the heading ID, filter, acquisition number, acquisition start position. The array of entry IDs corresponding to the ID is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the own device.

  In step S154, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to its own UCS 37. The entry information acquisition request in step S154 includes an entry ID. In step S155, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application 24 of its own device in accordance with the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S156, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S153. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S156), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to Step S154 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S156), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S157, and the entry information for each designated page is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. Information is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S158, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S159, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the OCS data for screen display created in step S158, and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  The fourth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is to acquire user information for each designated number. The designated number may be input by the operator from the operation panel 80, or may be set in advance. Since the fourth process of acquiring user information for each specified number of items acquires user information for each specified number of items, there is an advantage that it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a fourth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. Note that in the sequence diagram of FIG. 34, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In steps S161 and 162, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a specified number entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The specified number of entries information acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the designated number entry information acquisition request function.

  FIG. 35A shows an example of parameters and return values of the specified number of entries information acquisition request. FIG. 35B shows a specific example of parameters of the specified number of entries information acquisition request. In step S163, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the acquisition number and the acquisition start position from the specified number of entry information acquisition request, and stores the array of entry IDs according to the acquisition number and the acquisition start position in the scanner application 24 of its own device. Send.

  In step S164, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. Note that the entry information acquisition request in step S164 includes an entry ID. In step S165, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S166, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S163. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S166), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S164 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S166), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S167, and the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b sends the entry information for each designated number to the user. Information is transmitted to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S168, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S169, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S168 and displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  A fifth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is acquired for each searched user information. Since the fifth process to be acquired for each searched user information is acquired for each searched user information, it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 36 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a fifth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 36, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  In step S171, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b creates search screen OCS data for displaying the search screen on the operation panel 80. The search screen is used to allow the operator to specify the search conditions and the number of pieces of user information to be searched. In step S172, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the search screen OCS data created in step S171 and displays the search screen on the operation panel 80.

  The operator inputs a search condition and the number of pieces of user information acquired as search results on the search screen displayed on the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b, and then presses the search key. In step S173, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the SCS 39 of its own device that the search key has been pressed. In step S174, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search request to its scanner application 24. Note that the search request in step S174 includes the search conditions specified using the search screen and the number of pieces of user information acquired as search results.

  In steps S175 and 176, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits a search entry acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The search entry acquisition request is realized by a function as shown in FIG. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a search entry acquisition request function. FIG. 37A shows an example of parameters and return values of a search entry acquisition request. FIG. 37B shows a specific example of the parameter of the search entry acquisition request. In step S177, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a reads the search condition and the number of user information acquired as a search result from the search entry acquisition request, and the entry ID corresponding to the search condition and the number of user information acquired as the search result. Is sent to the scanner application 24 of its own device.

  In step S178, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device. The entry information acquisition request in step S178 includes an entry ID. In step S179, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S180, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a determines whether there is still entry information to be acquired, that is, entry information to be acquired, according to the array of entry IDs acquired in step S177. If it is determined that there is still entry information to be acquired (YES in S180), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a returns to step S178 and continues the processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no more entry information to be acquired (NO in S180), the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a proceeds to step S181 and the searched entry information is sent to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b as user information. To the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  In step S182, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S183, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the screen display OCS data created in step S182 to display the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG.

  A sixth process of acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus is acquired for each selected user information. Since the sixth process to be acquired for each selected user information is acquired for each selected user information, it is possible to shorten the time until the address book screen is displayed without unnecessary transmission / reception of user information. There is.

  FIG. 38 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a sixth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 38, the application migration process and the data structure setting process corresponding to steps S111 to S125 of FIG. 29 are omitted.

  The operator operates the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b to select user information. In step S191, the operation panel 80 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the user's own SCS 39 of the selected user information. In step S192, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b notifies the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus of user information selection.

  In step S193, 194, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a via the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a. The entry information acquisition request includes an entry ID corresponding to the selected user information. In step S195, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits the entry information to the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus according to the entry ID included in the received entry information acquisition request.

  In step S196, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information as user information to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b. In step S197, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b uses the at least part of the received user information to create screen display OCS data for displaying the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. To do. In step S198, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1b transmits the OCS data for screen display created in step S197 to the SCS39. The SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1b displays the address book screen 121 as shown in FIG. 5 on the operation panel 80 in accordance with the received screen display OCS data.

  The first to sixth processes for acquiring user information from other image processing apparatuses include a process for acquiring all data items constituting user information at once and a part of data items constituting user information. A further distinction is made between the process of acquiring and acquiring the remaining data items constituting the user information as required.

  Note that the image processing apparatus 1b of the present invention can also automatically select an optimum process among the first to sixth processes for obtaining user information from the other image processing apparatuses as described above. For example, the optimum process among the first to sixth processes is selected according to the number of registered user information. Further, when the registered user information is small, a process for acquiring all data items constituting the user information at a time is selected as an optimal process. Furthermore, when there is a lot of registered user information, the process that obtains some data items that make up the user information first, and obtains the remaining data items that make up the user information as needed is the optimal process Selected as.

  Next, a device for effectively using user information acquired from another image processing apparatus will be described. For example, when there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, a data list for matching the data structure is set.

  FIG. 39 is an image diagram of an example of a screen for matching data structures. The screen of FIG. 39 shows the image of the acquisition destination when the image processing apparatus 1a of the acquisition destination can hold three “mail addresses” and the image processing apparatus 1b can hold one “mail address”. Priorities are set for the three “mail addresses” of the processing apparatus 1a. When there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, a screen for associating the data item of the user information 101a and the data item of the user information 101b is also prepared. ing.

  FIG. 40 is an image diagram of an example of a screen for matching the number of entries. In the screen 400 of FIG. 40, when 300 entries are held in the image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition destination and the number of entries that can be displayed by the image processing apparatus 1b is 200, the entries to be acquired are set as necessary. Filtering.

  When a button 401 for shifting to a filtering setting screen on the screen 400 is pressed by the operator, a filtering setting screen 410 is displayed on the operation panel 80. When the operator inputs a filtering condition on the filtering setting screen 410 and presses an OK button 411, an address book screen 420 corresponding to the filtering result is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  Note that when the operator presses the button 402 for displaying the address book screen 420 without shifting to the filtering setting screen on the screen 400, 300 images held by the image processing apparatus 1a as the acquisition destination are displayed. Among the entries, 200 entries are selected in ascending order of registration numbers, and an address book screen 420 corresponding to the entries is displayed on the operation panel 80.

  When there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, the acquisition destination image processing apparatus 1a determines the user information based on a preset data list. The data structure may be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 1b after being matched with the data structure of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  Furthermore, when there is a difference in data structure between the user information 101a of the image processing apparatus 1a and the user information 101b of the image processing apparatus 1b, the image processing apparatus 1b uses the data list received from the image processing apparatus 1a to store user information data The structure may be matched with the data structure of the image processing apparatus 1b.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an example of a process for setting a data list. In step S201, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the member of the first item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S202, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is a member. If there is a member (YES in S202), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S203, and determines whether there is the same member in the own apparatus.

  If it is determined that there is the same member in the own apparatus (YES in S204), the image processing apparatus 1b checks the number of data of the member. In step S206, if it is determined that the number of member data is different between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b (YES in S206), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the image processing apparatus 1b displays a screen as shown in FIG. 39 on the operation panel 80 to allow the operator to set the priority order of data to be acquired, and then proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the number of member data is not different between the image processing apparatus 1a and the image processing apparatus 1b (NO in S206), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the image processing apparatus 1b adds the results of steps S202 to S207 to the data list, and proceeds to step S209.

  If there is no member (NO in S202), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S209. If it is determined that there is no same member in the own machine (NO in S204), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the member of the next item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S210, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is a member. If there is a member (YES in S210), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S203 and continues the process. On the other hand, if there is no member (NO in S210), the image processing apparatus 1b ends the process.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart of another example of processing for setting a data list. In step S211, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the first item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a. In step S212, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is an item. If there is an item (YES in S212), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S213, and checks whether there is the same item in its own device. Proceeding to step S214, a data list for one item is created based on the result of checking whether or not there is the same item in the own device, and then proceeding to step S215.

  In step S215, the image processing apparatus 1b extracts the next item from the data structure acquired from the image processing apparatus 1a, and proceeds to step S216. In step S216, the image processing apparatus 1b determines whether there is an item. If there is an item (YES in S216), the image processing apparatus 1b proceeds to step S213 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if there is no item (NO in S216), the image processing apparatus 1b ends the process.

  Next, a process in which the image processing apparatus 1b acquires user information from the image processing apparatus 1a when the state of the power mode of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination for acquiring user information is power cut. explain.

  FIG. 43 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in the HDD of the image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is power cut. In step S221, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a whose power mode state is power cut. In step S222, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of its own device.

  In step S223, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a requests the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a to return to the silent mode for returning the power mode to the silent mode. If the power mode is silent, the HDD 86 can be accessed. In step S224, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a changes the state of the power mode from power cut to silent. In step S225, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies the UCS 37 of the own apparatus that the power mode state has been restored from the power cut to the silent state. In step S266, the SCS 39 of the image processing apparatus 1a notifies its own UCS 37 that the HDD 68 is ready.

  In step S227, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a accesses the HDD 68 to acquire entry information. In Step S228 and Step S229, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  As described above, the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 43 is performed when the power mode of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination from which the user information is acquired is the power cut. It is possible to acquire the user information by returning the power mode to the minimum necessary range for acquiring the user information.

  FIG. 44 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing for acquiring user information stored in an SD (Secure Digital) card of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is power cut. In step S231, the scanner 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a whose power mode is “power cut”. In step S232, the scanner application 24 of the image processing apparatus 1a makes an entry information acquisition request to the UCS 37 of the own apparatus.

  In step S233, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a accesses the SD card and acquires entry information. Even if the power mode is silent, access to the SD card is possible, so the power mode is not restored from the silent mode. Proceeding to step S234 and step S235, the UCS 37 of the image processing apparatus 1a transmits entry information to the scanner application of the image processing apparatus 1b via the scanner application 24 of the own apparatus.

  As described above, the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 44 is for acquiring user information even when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus 1a selected as the acquisition destination for acquiring user information is power cut. If it is possible, the power mode state is not restored from the power cut.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram of one Example of the image processing apparatus by this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of one Example of the image processing apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram of an example showing two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is a figure for demonstrating the acquisition request of a user information, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request. It is an image figure of an example of the address book screen which a scanner application displays on an operation panel. It is a data structure figure of an example showing the relationship between heading information and entry information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which a scanner application acquires user information of its own device from a UCS and displays an address book screen. It is a block diagram of an example showing the details of two image processing apparatuses connected via a network. It is an image figure of an example of the acquisition destination selection screen which selects the acquisition destination of user information. It is an image figure of 1st Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 2nd Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 3rd Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 4th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 5th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 6th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of 7th Example of the screen which selects another image processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the acquisition request of an external device information, an addition request, a change request, and a deletion request. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process of acquiring external device information from UCS and displaying an external device information list screen on an operation panel. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for adding external device information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the process which changes external apparatus information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for deleting external device information. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram (1/2) of an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram (2/2) illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel when acquiring, adding, changing, or deleting external device information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the process which acquires the detailed information of an image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of a detailed information list screen. It is an image figure of an example of the process which restrict | limits the user information to provide according to the security level of another image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for limiting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of another example of a process for restricting user information to be provided in accordance with the security level of another image processing apparatus. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 1st processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 2nd processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a heading information entry acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a third process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a designated page entry information acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 4th processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the designated number entry information acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the 5th processing which acquires user information from other image processing devices. It is explanatory drawing of an example of a search entry acquisition request function. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a sixth process for acquiring user information from another image processing apparatus. It is an image figure of an example of the screen for matching a data structure. It is an image figure of an example of the screen for uniting the number of entries. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which performs the setting of a data list. It is a flowchart of another example of the process which performs the setting of a data list. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in an HDD of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is a power cut. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process for acquiring user information stored in an SD (Secure Digital) card of an image processing apparatus when the power mode state of the image processing apparatus is a power cut.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a, 1b Image processing apparatus 2 Software group 3 Fusion machine starting part 4 Hardware resource 5 Application layer 6 Platform 23 Fax application 24 Scanner application 31 NCS (network control service)
33 OCS (Control Panel Control Service)
37 UCS (User Information Control Service)
38 CCS (Security Control Service)
39 SCS (System Control Service)
60 controller 68 hard disk drive (HDD)
80 Operation panel 81 Fax control unit (FCU)
82 Engine part 100 Network 101a, 101b User information

Claims (26)

An image processing apparatus in which one or more first programs perform predetermined processing using the acquired user information,
An acquisition destination selection means capable of selecting at least another image processing apparatus as an acquisition destination for acquiring the user information;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the first program acquires user information via a second program of another image processing apparatus selected as an acquisition destination from which the user information is acquired.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition source selection unit selects the acquisition source according to an identifier of another image processing apparatus input by an operator.   The acquisition destination selection unit acquires device name list information of the other image processing apparatus that holds the user information from an external management information holding unit that manages information of one or more other image processing apparatuses. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition source is selected according to the other image processing apparatus selected by the operator from the device name list information displayed on the operation panel.   The acquisition destination selection unit acquires information related to the icon of the other image processing apparatus registered in advance, and corresponds to the icon selected by the operator from the icons of the other image processing apparatus displayed on the operation panel. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition destination is selected.   The acquisition destination selection unit acquires device name list information of the other image processing apparatus registered in advance, and stores the device name list information displayed on the operation panel on the other image processing apparatus selected by the operator. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition destination is selected in response.   The acquisition source selecting unit holds the user information from an external management information holding unit that manages information of one or more other image processing devices, and the device name of the other image processing device in failure 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein list information is acquired, and the acquisition destination is selected according to the other image processing apparatus selected by the operator from the device name list information displayed on the operation panel. .   The acquisition destination selection unit acquires device name list information of the other image processing apparatus that holds the user information from an external management information holding unit that manages information of one or more other image processing apparatuses. The device name list information that matches a predetermined condition is selected from the device name list information to update the device name list information, and the other name selected by the operator from the updated device name list information displayed on the operation panel The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition destination is selected according to the image processing apparatus.   Device name list information or icons are displayed on the operation panel, and detailed information of another image processing device selected from the device name list information or another image processing device corresponding to the icon selected by the operator is displayed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the first program first acquires an item to be displayed on the operation panel of the user information, and acquires the remaining items of the user information after being selected by the operator. Processing equipment.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first program acquires all items of user information at a time.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program acquires all user information at a time.   11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the user information is classified in units of headings, and the first program acquires user information in units of headings.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program acquires user information for each page displayed on an operation panel.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program acquires user information in a specified number of cases.   11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program selects and acquires user information that matches a predetermined condition.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program acquires user information selected by an operator.   17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first program selects a method of acquiring the user information according to the number of user information held by the other image processing apparatus. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first program converts a data structure of user information held by the other image processing apparatus into a usable data structure.   11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first program selects a usable number of user information from user information held by the other image processing apparatus.   The first program notifies the other image processing apparatus of a usable data structure, and converts the data structure of user information held by the other image processing apparatus into a usable data structure. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10. An image processing apparatus holding user information,
One or more first programs receive user information acquisition requests from other image processing apparatuses that perform predetermined processing using user information, and can be used by the first program or operator who has transmitted the user information acquisition requests An image processing apparatus comprising: a second program for selecting user information and providing the selected user information to the other image processing apparatus.   The second program converts the data structure of user information according to a data structure that can be used by the other image processing apparatus registered in advance, and then provides the user information to the other image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21.   The second program converts the data structure of user information according to the usable data structure notified from the other image processing apparatus, and then provides the user information to the other image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21.   If the power mode is incapable of acquiring user information when the second program receives a user information acquisition request from the other image processing apparatus, the minimum necessary state for acquiring the user information 24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising power mode return means for returning the power mode. A user information acquisition method of an image processing apparatus in which one or more first programs perform predetermined processing using acquired user information,
A step of selecting another image processing apparatus as an acquisition destination for acquiring the user information;
The first program includes a step of acquiring user information via a second program of another image processing apparatus selected as an acquisition destination from which the user information is acquired. A method for providing user information of an image processing apparatus holding user information,
Receiving at least one first program a user information acquisition request from another image processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing using user information;
Selecting user information available to the first program or operator that provided the user information acquisition request;
Providing the selected user information to the other image processing apparatus.