JP2019068121A - Information processing device, image processing device, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To shorten a time from the input of a job by a user to the output of an output object based on the job.SOLUTION: An image processing device is in either a power saving state or normal state, and includes an acquisition unit for acquiring image processing information and a transmission unit for transmitting the image processing information acquired by the acquisition unit to an information processing device if the image processing device is in the power saving state. If the image processing information is prescribed information, the image processing device shifts from the power saving state to the normal state by the information processing device. The image processing device further includes a processing execution unit for executing image processing based on the image processing information when the image processing device becomes the normal state by the information processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an image processing device, and an image processing program.

  Conventionally, there is an image processing system including an image processing apparatus and a proxy server. For example, according to Patent Document 1, when the image processing apparatus receives the setting information when the image processing apparatus is in the power saving state, for example, the image processing apparatus transmits the setting information to the proxy server. The proxy server stores the setting information, and when the power saving state of the image processing apparatus is released, the proxy server transmits the setting information to the image processing apparatus.

JP 2012-131187 A

  However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when the user inputs a job to the image processing apparatus in the power saving state, there is a problem that the time until the output material based on the job is output increases.

  The present disclosure has been conceived in view of the actual situation, and its object is to reduce the time from when a user inputs a job to when an output based on the job is output, An image processing apparatus and an image processing program are provided.

  According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus comprising: image control processing; and image processing including at least one of processing related to the image control processing; One of the first state executed by the processing device and the second state in which the image processing device does not execute the image processing and the image processing information on the image processing is transmitted to the information processing device. When the image processing apparatus is in the second state, the receiving unit for receiving the image processing information, and when the image processing information is the predetermined information, the image processing apparatus in the second state is brought into the first state, and There is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: a processing execution unit that causes an image processing apparatus that is in a state to execute image processing based on the image processing information.

  Preferably, when the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the process execution unit causes the image processing apparatus that is in the first state to execute the image processing due to a factor other than setting the process execution unit to the first state. Run.

Preferably, the predetermined information includes information on settings of the image forming process.
Preferably, the predetermined information includes information on setting of the user authentication process.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes information related to a process of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a setting accepting unit for accepting setting of the content of the predetermined information.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus includes an image control process and an image process including at least one of processes associated with the image control process. One of the first state executed by the image processing device and the second state in which the image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the information processing device without the image processing device executing the image processing. The image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring image processing information, and a transmission unit for transmitting image processing information acquired by the acquisition unit to the information processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is in the second state. When the information is predetermined information, the image processing apparatus is changed from the second state to the first state by the information processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus is the image processing information when the image processing apparatus is in the first state by the information processing apparatus. To Further comprising a processing execution unit for executing image processing brute, the image processing apparatus is provided.

  Preferably, when the image processing apparatus is in the first state due to a factor other than the information processing apparatus setting the image processing apparatus to the first state when the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the processing execution unit Execute the process

Preferably, the predetermined information includes information on settings of the image forming process.
Preferably, the predetermined information includes information on setting of the user authentication process.

  Preferably, the predetermined information includes information related to a process of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a setting accepting unit for accepting setting of the content of the predetermined information.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus executes image processing including at least one of image control processing and processing related to the image control processing. An image processing apparatus in any one of a first state in which the image processing apparatus performs the image processing and a second state in which the image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the information processing apparatus; An acquisition procedure for acquiring the image processing information, a transmission procedure for transmitting the image processing information to the information processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is in the second state, and an information processing apparatus when the image processing information is the predetermined information In order to execute a state change procedure from the second state to the first state, and an execution procedure to execute image processing based on image processing information when the image processing apparatus becomes the first state by the state change procedure The image processing program is provided.

  According to the present disclosure, the time from when a user inputs a job to when an output based on the job is output is reduced.

It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of an image processing system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of an MFP. FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of an MFP. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the proxy server. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of a proxy server. It is a flowchart of an image processing system. It is a flowchart of a proxy process. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the image processing system of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[Configuration of image processing system]
First, an image processing system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment. The image processing system 100 includes N (N is an integer of 1 or more) PC (personal computer) 201 to 20N, an MFP 300, a proxy server 400, and a network 20. The network 20 includes various networks such as the Internet and a mobile terminal communication network in order to mutually connect N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) PC's 201 to 20N, the MFP 300, and the proxy server 400.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing system is described as including N PCs, but at least one of the N PCs may be another device. The other devices include, for example, devices such as smartphones and tablets. Also, a PC may be referred to as a terminal. Further, in the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus will be described as the MFP 300. The MFP 300 is an apparatus having a function (print function) of forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet.

[Appearance of image processing apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the MFP 300 according to the embodiment of the image processing apparatus.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 300 includes an operation panel 15. Operation panel 15 includes, for example, a touch panel and operation buttons, and receives an operation instruction and input of characters / numbers to MFP 300.

  MFP 300 further includes a scanner unit 13 (see FIG. 3) and a printer unit 14. The scanner unit 13 photoelectrically reads an original to obtain image data. The printer unit 14 forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 13 and the image data transmitted from the external device.

  The MFP 300 further includes a paper feed unit 18 for storing the recording medium supplied to the printer unit 14, and a tray 19 for discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed by the printer unit 14.

  In MFP 300, scanner unit 13 and printer unit 14 constitute an image processing unit that executes an image processing operation. MFP 300 further includes control box 10 that accommodates hardware (for example, a control circuit board) for controlling scanner unit 13 and printer unit 14.

[Block Diagram]
FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of MFP 300. Referring to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 300 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a static random access memory (SRAM) 101, an operation panel control unit 110, an image input control unit 120, and an image output control unit 130. And a storage device 200. The main CPU 100 is an example of a main processor.

  The storage device 200 stores programs and data in a non-volatile manner. Main CPU 100 is configured to generally control the operation of MFP 300 by executing a program stored in storage device 200. The SRAM 101 functions as a working area of the main CPU 100.

  Operation panel control unit 110 controls operation panel 15 in accordance with an instruction from main CPU 100. Further, operation panel control unit 110 outputs an input to operation panel 15 to main CPU 100.

  The image input control unit 120 controls the scanner unit 13 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 100. Further, the image input control unit 120 outputs the image of the document generated by the scanner unit 13 to the main CPU 100.

  The image output control unit 130 controls the printer unit 14 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 100. Furthermore, the image output control unit 130 detects an error that has occurred in the printer unit 14, and outputs the occurrence of the error to the main CPU 100. When an error occurs in the printer unit 14, the main CPU 100 instructs the operation panel 15 to display the error.

  MFP 300 further includes a sub CPU 140, an SRAM 141, and a communication unit 150. The sub CPU 140 is an example of a sub processor. The SRAM 141 functions as a work area of the sub CPU 140.

  The sub CPU 140 is configured to execute various processes including a proxy response by executing a program stored in the storage device 200.

  Communication unit 150 transmits and receives information to and from an apparatus other than MFP 300 (for example, PC 20 and proxy server 400) via network 20.

  MFP 300 further includes a power supply unit 180 that supplies power to each element of MFP 300. The operating state of MFP 300 includes a normal state (first state) in which power is supplied to main CPU 100 and a power saving state (second state) in which power to main CPU is stopped and power is supplied to sub CPU 140. Including. The normal state is a state in which the MFP 300 executes (performs) the process based on the information input by the user, for example, by the MFP 300 itself. The power saving state is a state in which the power consumption of the MFP 300 is saved compared to the normal state in which the image processing is not performed.

  In the normal state, main CPU 100 controls MFP 300 in accordance with the image processing information input to operation panel 15 and the image processing information received by communication unit 150. Here, the image processing information is information on image processing. The MFP 300 or the proxy server 400 executes image processing based on the image processing information. The image processing of the present embodiment includes at least one of image control processing and processing related to the image control processing. The image control process includes a setting process of an image forming process for forming an input image on a sheet, an image reading process of reading image data, and the like. In the image reading process, the read image data is stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the SRAM 101). The setting process of the image forming process includes, for example, a process of changing the setting of "single-sided printing" as a default to "double-sided printing".

  Further, the process related to the image control process includes, for example, a setting process of the user authentication process. The setting process of the user authentication process includes, for example, a process of increasing the number of users who succeed in user authentication with respect to use of the MFP 300, that is, a process of increasing a user account (increasing the users who can use the MFP 300). Further, the image processing information may be image data itself.

  In the normal state, main CPU 100 may control MFP 300 in accordance with the result of execution of a given program by main CPU 100. When the predetermined power saving state transition condition is satisfied while the MFP 300 is in the normal state, the main CPU 100 executes processing for causing the MFP 300 to transition to the power saving state. The power saving state transition conditions include, for example, a condition that the operation panel 15 is not operated for a predetermined time or more, and a condition that an operation for shifting to the power saving state is performed by the user. Further, the process includes “instruction of activation to sub CPU 140” and “stop of supply of power to main CPU 100”.

  Further, when the predetermined normal state transition condition is satisfied while the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, processing for causing the MFP 300 to transition to the normal state is executed. Here, the normal state transition condition is, for example, a condition that a user inputs a job to MFP 300 by operating operation panel 15, and a user operates a user PC among N PC 201 to 20N. Thus, the conditions for inputting a job to MFP 300 are included. Further, the processing includes “instruction of activation to main CPU 100” and “stop of supply of power to sub CPU 140”. Further, as a factor that causes the MFP 300 to shift from the power saving state to the normal state, there is also a factor that the activation signal described later is transmitted from the proxy server 400 to the MFP 300 instead of the establishment of the normal state shift condition. Thus, as a factor (condition) for the MFP 300 to shift from the normal state to the power saving state, a condition that the normal state transition condition is satisfied and a condition different from the normal state transition condition (that is, from the proxy server 400 to the MFP 300) On the other hand, there are factors that satisfy the condition that the start signal is transmitted.

  In the power saving state, the sub CPU 140 performs proxy response (proxy processing). In other words, the power saving state is a state in which the MFP 300 does not execute image processing based on the input image processing information, and the sub CPU 140 transmits the image processing information to the proxy server 400.

[Hardware configuration of proxy server 400]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the proxy server 400. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, proxy server 400 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101 that executes a program, a read only memory (ROM) 102 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, and a RAM (volatile memory that stores data). A random access memory (RAM) 103, a flash memory 104, a communication interface (IF) 108, and the like are provided.

  The flash memory 104 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The flash memory 104 stores an operating system and various programs executed by the CPU 101, various contents, and data. The flash memory 104 also stores various data such as data generated by the proxy server 400 and data acquired from an external device of the proxy server 400 in a volatile manner.

  Each component is connected to each other by a data bus. The processing in the proxy server 400 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 101. Such software may be stored in advance in the flash memory 104. Also, software may be stored in a memory card or other storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is temporarily stored in the flash memory 104 after being read from the recording medium by an IC card reader / writer or other reader or downloaded via a communication IF. The software is read from the flash memory 104 by the CPU 101 and is further stored in the flash memory 104 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 101 executes the program.

  The recording medium is not limited to DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital). It may be a medium for fixedly carrying a program, such as a semiconductor memory such as a Versatile Disc), an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a flash ROM. . Also, the recording medium is a non-transitory medium in which the program and the like can be read by a computer.

  The program referred to here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program of source program format, a program subjected to compression processing, an encrypted program and the like.

  Further, the image processing program used in MFP 300 and the recording medium storing the program have the same configuration as the recording medium storing the program of proxy server 400 and the program of proxy server 400.

[Example of Functional Configuration of Proxy Server 400]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the proxy server 400. As shown in FIG. The function of the proxy server 400 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user outputs the image processing information to the MFP 300 using the user PC of the N PCs 201 to 20N, the communication unit 150 acquires (receives) the image processing information. As described above, the communication unit 150 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires image processing information.

  When image processing information (for example, image data) is input to MFP 300 using the scanner unit 13 by the user, the image input control unit 120 acquires (receives) the image processing information. As described above, the image input control unit 120 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires image processing information.

  When the MFP 300 is in the normal state, this image processing information is temporarily stored in the SRAM 101. The MFP 300 controls the main CPU 100 to execute image processing based on the stored image processing information. When the image processing information is input from the user to MFP 300, communication unit 150 transmits the image processing information to proxy server 400 when MFP 300 is in the power saving state. As described above, the communication unit 150 functions as a “transmits image processing information to the proxy server 400 when the MFP 300 is in the power saving state”.

  The receiving unit 402 of the proxy server 400 receives the image processing information transmitted to the proxy server 400. The received image processing information is stored in the storage unit 408. The storage unit 408 is, for example, the RAM 103 (see FIG. 4). The received image processing information is also transmitted to the determination unit 404. The determination unit 404 determines whether the image processing information is predetermined information described later. The determination result by the determination unit 404 is transmitted to the process execution unit 406. The process execution unit 406 executes a process according to the determination result. If it is determined that the image processing information is the predetermined information, processing execution unit 406 transmits the activation signal and the image processing information stored in storage unit 408 to MFP 300. The MFP 300 activates the main CPU 100 by receiving the activation signal, thereby controlling the power saving state to the normal state. Further, main CPU 100 of MFP 300 in the normal state executes image processing based on the image processing information transmitted from processing execution unit 406.

  As described above, when the image processing information is predetermined information, the process execution unit 406 sets the MFP 300 in the power saving state to the normal state, and performs image processing based on the image processing information on the MFP 300 in the normal state. Run it. The main CPU 100 also functions as a “process execution unit that executes image processing based on image processing information when the MFP 300 is in the normal state by the proxy server 400”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the specific process for causing the MFP 300 which has become the normal state to perform the image processing by the establishment of the normal state transition condition is executed. In this specific process, for example, the proxy server 400 stores image processing information, and the MFP 300 executes a process based on the image processing information when the MFP 300 is in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition. It may be Further, in this specific process, for example, the proxy server 400 transmits image processing information to the MFP 300, and the MFP 300 stores the image processing information, and the MFP 300 enters the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition. The MFP 300 may execute processing based on the stored image processing information.

[About the control flow of this embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control flow of the present embodiment. The control flow of the present embodiment will be described using FIG. In the present embodiment, the plurality of PCs 201 to 20N (see FIG. 1) include a user PC and an administrator PC. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the apparatus that transmits and receives information includes a user PC, an administrator PC, an MFP 300, and a proxy server 400. The manager PC is, for example, a PC used by a manager who manages the image processing system 100. Further, the user PC is a PC used by a general user. The administrator PC and the user PC may be the same PC.

  First, in S102, the administrator PC inputs image processing information by the administrator. The input image processing information is transmitted to MFP 300 via network 20. In step S104, the MFP 300 receives the transmitted image processing information. In step S106, the MFP 300 determines whether the MFP 300 is in the power saving state. Here, if it is determined that power is being supplied to main CPU 100, it is determined that main CPU 100 is in the normal state, for example. If power is not supplied to main CPU 100 and power is supplied to sub CPU 140, it is determined that sub CPU 140 is in a power saving state.

  Note that, as a modification, a determination unit that is different from either of the main CPU 100 and the sub CPU 140 may be included. The determination unit determines that the main CPU 100 is in the normal state when it determines that power is supplied to the main CPU 100, and determines that it is in the power saving state when it determines that power is supplied to the sub CPU 140. You may do so.

  If it is determined NO in S106, the process proceeds to S110. In step S110, the processing execution unit 406 of the MFP 300 executes image processing based on the image processing information received in step S104. On the other hand, when it is judged as YES in S106, it progresses to S108. In S108, the image processing information received in S104 is transferred (sent) to the proxy server 400. In S110, the proxy server 400 executes proxy processing (proxy processing of the MFP 300) described with reference to FIG. 7 on the transferred image processing information.

  Further, in the state after the image processing by MFP 300 in S110 is performed or in the state after the proxy processing of proxy server 400 is performed, if a job is input from the user terminal in S120, this is the case. Job information on the job is transmitted to MFP 300. The MFP 300 executes the job based on the job information.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow of proxy processing. In S202, the receiving unit 402 of the proxy server 400 receives the image processing information and stores the received image processing information in the storage unit 408. Next, in step S204, the determination unit 404 determines whether the image processing information is information related to setting of the image forming process (printing process).

  Here, the setting of the image forming process (the default setting of the image forming process) means that “the original setting of“ single-sided printing ”is set to“ double-sided printing ”” and “originally, double-sided printing”. Changing "Printing" was set to "One-sided printing" and "Changing" Black-and-white printing "was originally set to" Color printing "," From the front, "Color," It includes changing “printing” is set to “monochrome printing” and the like.

  Next, when the determination unit 404 determines that the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image forming process (printing process) (YES in S204), the process proceeds to S210. In S210, by transmitting a start signal to the proxy server 400, the state of the MFP 300 is controlled from the power saving state to the normal state. The start signal is a signal for controlling the state of the MFP 300 from the power saving state to the normal state. Further, image processing is performed on MFP 300 controlled to the normal state. Here, the MFP 300 is made to execute “setting of image forming process” that is determined as YES in S204. For example, in the case where "setting of image forming process" determined as YES in S204 is "to change the original setting of" single-sided printing "to" double-sided printing "", in S210, The setting of MFP 300 in the normal state is changed (set) from “one-sided printing” to “two-sided printing”. When the process of S210 ends, the proxy process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is judged as NO by S204, it progresses to S206. In S206, the determination unit 404 determines whether the image processing information is information related to user authentication setting. Here, user authentication setting refers to setting of user authentication performed when the user uses MFP 300. The user authentication setting includes, for example, adding a user whose user authentication is successful, that is, adding a user account (adding a user who can use MFP 300) with respect to use of MFP 300. The user authentication setting also includes, for example, reducing the number of users who can successfully authenticate the user, that is, reducing the user account (reducing the number of users who can use MFP 300). Also, the user authentication setting includes, for example, changing a user account originally set for use of MFP 300.

  If it is determined YES in S206, the process proceeds to S210. If the “user authentication setting” determined as YES in S206 is, for example, “add a user account”, the user account is added to the MFP 300 in the normal state in S210. If NO in S206, the process proceeds to S208.

  In S208, the determination unit 404 determines whether the image processing information is image data to be stored and this image data is image data equal to or larger than a threshold (that is, image data having a large capacity) in advance. Be done. If it is determined YES in S208, the process proceeds to S210. In S210, the image data is stored in the MFP 300 in the normal state. If NO in S208, the proxy process is ended.

  In addition, if the image processing information is information related to the setting of image reading, that is, if it is determined NO in all of S204, S206, and S208, the proxy process is performed without executing the process of S210. End. Here, “setting for image reading (default setting for image reading)” means “changing that originally was set to“ single-sided reading ”to“ double-sided reading ””, “originally,“ double-sided reading ” It includes changing “read” being set to “single-sided read” and the like. The processing based on the image processing information (processing for changing the setting for image reading) is executed by the MFP 300 when the MFP 300 is in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition.

  Further, even when the image processing information is image data having a predetermined threshold value or less, it is determined as NO in all of S204, S206, and S208. In this case, when the MFP 300 is in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition, the MFP 300 stores the image data.

  As described above, the predetermined information includes “information on image forming processing” and “information on processing having a processing time from start to end of the MFP 300 which is equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold value”. Here, the “information on the image forming process” includes “information on the setting of the image forming process (see S204)” and “information on the setting of the user authentication (see S206)”. In addition, “information regarding processing in which the processing time from the start to the end of the MFP 300 is equal to or longer than a predetermined threshold value” means “image data larger than the threshold (image data to be stored)” or "Information indicating that this image data is to be stored."

[Effect of this embodiment]
(1) FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the image processing system 100 of the present embodiment. The effects of the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a timing chart for describing one embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as “comparison target embodiment”).

  As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that image processing information is input from the administrator PC at timing t1. In this comparison target embodiment, regardless of whether the image processing information is the predetermined information, image processing based on the image processing information is not performed by the MFP 300 in the power saving state (the processing of S210 is not performed). Then, for example, when the job is input from the user PC, that is, when the normal state transition condition is satisfied, the image processing based on the image processing information input at timing t1 is executed. Here, the job includes an image forming process (printing process) and the like. At timing t3 when the image processing ends, the job input at timing t2 is executed. For example, when information on settings relating to image formation is input as image processing information at timing t1, processing for reflecting the settings is executed after job input is performed, and then jobs are executed at timing t3. It will be done. As described above, in the comparison target embodiment, the time from when the job is input (timing t2) to when the job is completed (timing t4) is long.

  FIG. 8B is a timing chart for explaining the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, it is assumed that image processing information is input from the administrator PC at timing t11. In the present embodiment, when the image processing information is the predetermined information, if the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, the proxy server 400 (immediately) puts the MFP 300 in the normal state and for the MFP 300 in the normal state. Image processing based on the image processing information. The MFP 300 executes image processing at timing t11. For example, when information (predetermined information) on settings relating to image formation is input as image processing information, image processing for reflecting the settings (new settings) is started at timing t11. Thereafter, at timing t12, it is assumed that the image processing for reflecting the setting is completed. After that, it is assumed that the job input is executed by the user at timing t13 (see also S120 in FIG. 6). This job is executed by the MFP 300 on which the new setting of the timing t11 to t12 is reflected.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, in the present embodiment, the image processing based on the image processing information which is the predetermined information is performed in advance. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A and the like, in the present embodiment, the execution time of the job input from the user can be shortened by the time T required for the image processing. As described above, in the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the execution time of the job input by the user can be shorter than that of the image processing system as the comparison target embodiment.

  (2) Further, the predetermined information includes information on the setting of the image forming process. Therefore, when the image processing information related to the setting of the image forming process is input from the administrator PC, under the control of proxy server 400, MFP 300 sets the image forming process in advance (before execution of the input job). (See S204 and S210 in FIG. 7). Therefore, in the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the execution time of the job input by the user can be shorter than that of the image processing system as the comparison target embodiment.

  (3) Further, the predetermined information includes information on the setting of the user authentication process. Therefore, when image processing information related to setting of user authentication processing is input from the administrator PC, MFP 300 can execute setting of user authentication processing in advance under control of proxy server 400 (FIG. 7). See S206 and S210). Therefore, in the image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the execution time of the job input by the user can be shorter than that of the image processing system as the comparison target embodiment.

  (4) Further, the predetermined information includes information related to processing of storing data (image data) equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in the storage area. In other words, the predetermined information is data (image data) equal to or more than a predetermined threshold. Therefore, when data (image data) equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is input as image processing information from the user PC, MFP 300 may store the image data in advance under control of proxy server 400. it can.

  (5) Further, when the input image processing information is not the predetermined information (when it is determined NO in any of S204, S206, and S208 in FIG. 7), the normal state transition condition is satisfied and MFP 300 is in the normal state. When it becomes, the MFP 300 executes processing based on the image processing information.

  For example, when the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image reading process (when it is information other than the predetermined information), the MFP 300 performs the image processing when the normal state transition condition is satisfied and the normal state is established. Perform information-based processing. Normally, image reading processing is not performed by remote control from a PC or the like, but the user moves to the MFP 300, sets the document to be read in the MFP 300 by the user, and operates the read button. The document is read by the MFP 300 by the feeder. As described above, generally, when processing other than the image forming processing is to be performed by MFP 300, the user performs predetermined processing (for example, processing in which the user sets a document to be read in MFP 300 and operates the read button) Need to run. Further, when the predetermined processing is started (for example, when the MFP 300 detects a document set) when the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, the normal state transition condition is satisfied, and thus the normal state is established. The update of the reading setting may be performed as long as the user sets the document in the MFP 300 and the reading process in which the MFP 300 reads the set document is completed. For example, the user starts the predetermined process. Even when the MFP 300 is in the normal state and the reading setting update process is performed in the normal state, the user does not feel that the reading process takes a long time. Further, when the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image reading process, the power consumption of the MFP 300 can be reduced because the MFP 300 is not controlled to the normal state by the start signal.

  Further, for example, when the image processing information is image data equal to or less than the threshold (when it is information other than the predetermined information), the MFP 300 performs the image processing when the normal state transition condition is satisfied and the normal state is established. Perform information-based processing. When image data larger than the threshold is stored, the time required for the storage becomes long. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the image data is transmitted from the MFP 300 in the power saving state to the proxy server 400, the proxy server 400 further changes the MFP 300 in the power saving state to the MFP 300 in the normal state. Store image data. As described above, since the storage process of the image data, which requires a large amount of time, is performed before the job is input from the user, the execution time of the job input from the user can be shortened. On the other hand, when the image data is equal to or less than the threshold value, it does not take much time to store the image data. Therefore, even if storage processing of image data is executed at the time of job execution of the user, the user does not feel that it takes much time to execute the job. Further, when the image processing information is image data equal to or less than the threshold value, since the MFP 300 is not controlled to the normal state by the start signal, the power consumption of the MFP 300 can be reduced.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although the main embodiment in this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible. Hereinafter, modified examples of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  (1) As a modification, at least one of the user and the administrator may set (change) the content of the predetermined information. For example, when the predetermined information includes the information on the setting of the user authentication, the information on the setting of the user authentication may be excluded from the predetermined information. As described above, when the information related to the setting of the user authentication is excluded from the predetermined information, for example, the process of S206 in FIG. 7 is omitted. Further, when the predetermined information does not include the information on the image formation setting, the information on the image formation setting may be included in the predetermined information.

  For example, the contents of predetermined information may be set by inputting setting change information from a predetermined PC. Further, by inputting setting change information into MFP 300, the content of the predetermined information may be set. Further, by inputting setting change information into the proxy server 400, the content of the predetermined information may be set.

  When the setting change information is input, the receiving unit 402 in FIG. 5 receives the setting change information. That is, the receiving unit 402 functions as a setting receiving unit that receives the setting of the content of the predetermined information. For example, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 5, the setting change information is input to the determination unit 404. When the setting change information is input, the predetermined information used in the determination process of the determining unit 404 is changed to the content based on the setting change information.

  According to such a configuration, since the administrator and the user can change the setting of the predetermined information, the convenience of the image processing system can be improved.

  (2) Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined information is information regarding the setting of the image forming process, information regarding the setting of the user authentication process, and information regarding the process of storing data of a predetermined threshold or more in the storage area. It was explained as including everything. However, the predetermined information includes at least one of the information on the setting of the image forming process, the information on the setting of the user authentication process, and the information on the process of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in the storage area. You may

  (3) Further, in the present embodiment, the power saving state is illustrated as the second state. However, the second state may be another state as long as the image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the proxy server 400 without the MFP 300 executing the image processing.

  For example, the second state may be a load state (busy state). The load state means that when the user inputs a job (first job), another job (second job) input prior to the input is being executed (the load by the second job is State in which the first job can not be executed. When the MFP 300 is in the load state, the MFP 300 controls the load state (second state) to the normal state by completing all the second jobs. As described above, even when the second state is a load state, the same effect as the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Also, the second state may be an error state. Here, the error state is, for example, a state in which the MFP 300 can not exhibit its original function due to a predetermined factor. The predetermined factors include, for example, out of paper, out of toner, and out of ink. The original functions include an image forming function, an image reading function, and the like. When the MFP 300 is in the error state, the user performs an error release operation to control the error state (second state) to the normal state. Here, when the error state is a state based on the out-of-paper state, the error release operation is an operation of supplying the sheet to the MFP 300. Further, when the error state is a state based on ink shortage, the error release operation is an operation of supplying the ink to the MFP 300. When the error state is a state based on toner depletion, the error release operation is an operation of supplying toner to MFP 300. As described above, even when the second state is a load state, the same effect as the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the MFP 300 may include a state control unit that controls any one of a plurality of states including the first state (normal state) and the second state (power saving state or the like).

  (4) In the present embodiment, when the proxy server 400 determines that the image processing information is the predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 stores the activation signal for the MFP 300 in the storage unit 408. It has been described that the image processing information is transmitted. However, for example, when the proxy server 400 determines that the image processing information is the predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 may transmit the activation signal to the MFP 300. In this case, the MFP 300 changes from the power saving state to the normal state by receiving the activation signal. The MFP 300 in the normal state transmits a request signal to the proxy server 400. Here, the request signal is a signal for requesting the proxy server 400 for synchronization based on the image processing information. The synchronization based on the image processing information means, for example, synchronization with the proxy server 400 regarding this setting when the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image forming process.

  When proxy server 400 receives the request signal, proxy server 400 transmits the image processing information to MFP 300. When the MFP 300 receives the image processing information, the MFP 300 executes a process based on the image processing information. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be implemented as much as possible, alone or in combination.

  10 control box, 13 scanner units, 14 printer units, 15 operation panels, 18 paper feed units, 19 trays, 20 networks.

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus performs a first state in which the image processing apparatus executes image processing including at least one of image control processing and processing related to the image control processing, and causes the image processing apparatus to execute the image processing. In one of the second states in which image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the information processing apparatus without
A receiver configured to receive the image processing information when the image processing apparatus is in the second state;
When the image processing information is predetermined information, the image processing apparatus in the second state is set to the first state, and the image processing apparatus in the first state is the image based on the image processing information. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a process execution unit configured to execute a process.   When the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the process execution unit causes the image processing apparatus to perform the image processing in the first state due to a factor other than causing the process execution unit to be in the first state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which executes a process for executing the process.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to setting of an image forming process.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to setting of user authentication processing.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to processing of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a setting reception unit configured to receive setting of the content of the predetermined information. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus,
The image processing apparatus performs a first state in which the image processing apparatus executes image processing including at least one of image control processing and processing related to the image control processing, and causes the image processing apparatus to execute the image processing. In one of the second states in which image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the information processing apparatus without
An acquisition unit that acquires the image processing information;
And a transmitter configured to transmit the image processing information acquired by the acquisition unit to the information processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is in the second state.
When the image processing information is predetermined information, the image processing device changes from the second state to the first state by the information processing device.
The image processing apparatus further includes a processing execution unit configured to execute the image processing based on the image processing information when the image processing apparatus is brought into the first state by the information processing apparatus.   When the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the image processing apparatus determines that the image processing apparatus is in the first state due to a factor other than causing the image processing apparatus to set the image processing apparatus in the first state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image processing is performed when it has become.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined information includes information on settings of an image forming process.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the predetermined information includes information on setting of user authentication processing.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to processing of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising a setting reception unit configured to receive setting of the content of the predetermined information. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus, the first state in which the image processing apparatus executes image processing including at least one of image control processing and processing related to the image control processing, and the image processing An image processing apparatus in any one of the second state in which image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the information processing apparatus without the image processing apparatus executing the process;
An acquisition procedure for acquiring the image processing information;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the image processing information to the information processing apparatus when the image processing apparatus is in the second state;
A state change procedure for changing from the second state to the first state by the information processing apparatus when the image processing information is predetermined information;
An image processing program for executing an execution procedure for executing the image processing based on image processing information when the image processing apparatus is brought into the first state by the state change procedure.