JP6965667B2 - Information processing equipment, image processing equipment, and image processing programs - Google Patents

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 device and a proxy server. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the image processing device is in a power saving state, for example, and the image processing device receives the setting information, the image processing device 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 device is released, the proxy server transmits the setting information to the image processing device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-131187

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

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is an information processing device that reduces the time from when a job is input by a user to when an output based on the job is output. It is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device capable of communicating with an image processing device, wherein the image processing device performs an image processing including at least one of an image control process and a process related to the image control process. It is either a first state executed by the processing device or a second state in which the image processing device does not execute the image processing and transmits image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing device. When the image processing device is in the second state, the receiving unit that receives the image processing information, and when the image processing information is predetermined information, the image processing device in the second state is set to the first state, and the first state is set. An information processing apparatus is provided that includes a processing execution unit that causes the image processing apparatus in the state to execute image processing based on the image processing information.

Preferably, when the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the processing execution unit performs a process for causing the image processing apparatus that is in the first state due to a factor other than the processing execution unit to be in the first state to execute the image processing. To execute.

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

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

Preferably, a setting reception unit for receiving the setting of the content of the predetermined information is further provided.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing device capable of communicating with an information processing device, wherein the image processing device performs image processing including at least one of an image control process and a process related to the image control process. It is either a first state executed by the image processing device or a second state in which the image processing device does not execute the image processing and transmits image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing device. The image processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires image processing information and a transmission unit that transmits the image processing information acquired by the acquisition unit to the information processing device when the image processing device is in the second state. When the information is predetermined information, the image processing device changes from the second state to the first state by the information processing device, and the image processing device changes the image processing information when the image processing device changes to the first state by the information processing device. An image processing apparatus is provided that further includes a processing execution unit that executes image processing based on the above.

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

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

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

Preferably, a setting reception unit for receiving the setting of the content of the predetermined information is further provided.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus executes image processing including at least one of the image control processing and the processing related to the image control processing. The image processing device is in one of the first state of performing the image processing and the second state of transmitting the image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing device without the image processing device executing the image processing. , The acquisition procedure for acquiring the image processing information, the transmission procedure for transmitting the image processing information to the information processing device when the image processing device is in the second state, and the information processing device when the image processing information is predetermined information. To execute a state change procedure from the second state to the first state and an execution procedure for executing image processing based on the image processing information when the image processing device is changed to the first state by the state change procedure. An image processing program is provided.

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

It is a figure which shows the functional structure example of the image processing system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the appearance of the MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP schematically. It is a figure which showed the hardware configuration of the surrogate server. It is a figure which shows the functional configuration example of the proxy server. It is a flowchart of an image processing system. It is a flowchart of proxy processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the image processing system of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, these explanations will not be repeated.

[Image processing system configuration]
First, the image processing system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image processing system 100 of the present embodiment. The image processing system 100 includes N PCs (personal computers) 201 to 20N (N is an integer of 1 or more), 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 connect N PCs 2011 to 20N (N is an integer of 1 or more), the MFP 300, and the proxy server 400 to each other.

In the present embodiment, the image processing system will be described as including N PCs, but at least one of the N PCs may be another device. Other devices include, for example, devices such as smartphones and tablets. Further, the 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 a device having a function (printing function) of forming an image on a recording medium such as paper.

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

With reference to FIG. 2, the MFP 300 includes an operation panel 15. The operation panel 15 includes, for example, a touch panel and operation buttons, and receives operation instructions and character / number inputs to the MFP 300.

The MFP 300 further includes a scanner unit 13 (see FIG. 3) and a printer unit 14. The scanner unit 13 optically reads the document 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 an 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 the MFP 300, the scanner unit 13 and the printer unit 14 form an image processing unit that executes an image processing operation. The MFP 300 further includes a control box 10 that houses hardware (for example, a control circuit board) for controlling the scanner unit 13 and the printer unit 14.

[Block Diagram]
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 300.

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

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

The operation panel control unit 110 controls the operation panel 15 in response to an instruction from the main CPU 100. Further, the operation panel control unit 110 outputs the input to the operation panel 15 to the main CPU 100.

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

The image output control unit 130 controls the printer unit 14 in response to an instruction from the main CPU 100. Further, 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.

The 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. 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.

The communication unit 150 transmits / receives information to / from a device other than the MFP 300 (for example, PC 20, proxy server 400) via the network 20.

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

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

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

In the normal state, the main CPU 100 may control the MFP 300 according to the result of execution of a given program by the main CPU 100. When the predetermined power saving state transition condition is satisfied when the MFP 300 is in the normal state, the main CPU 100 executes a process for shifting the MFP 300 to the power saving state. The power saving state transition condition includes, for example, a condition that the operation panel 15 is not operated for a certain period of time or longer, and a condition that an operation for shifting to the power saving state is executed by the user. Further, the process includes "instruction to start the sub CPU 140" and "stopping the supply of electric power to the main CPU 100".

Further, when the predetermined normal state transition condition is satisfied when the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, a process for shifting the MFP 300 to the normal state is executed. Here, the normal state transition conditions are, for example, a condition that the user inputs a job to the MFP 300 by operating the operation panel 15, and the user operates the user PC among the N PCs 201 to 20N. This includes the condition that a job is input to the MFP 300. In addition, the process includes "instructing the main CPU 100 to start" and "stopping the supply of electric power to the sub CPU 140". Further, as a factor of shifting the MFP 300 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 satisfying the normal state transition condition. As described above, as a factor (condition) for the MFP 300 to shift from the normal state to the power saving state, a factor 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 is a factor that the condition that the start signal is transmitted) is satisfied.

In the power saving state, the sub CPU 140 performs a proxy response (proxy processing). That is, 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.

[400 hardware configuration of proxy server]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the proxy server 400. With reference to FIG. 4, the proxy server 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that executes a program, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 that stores data non-volatilely, and a RAM (RAM) that stores data volatilely. It includes a Random Access Memory) 103, a flash memory 104, a communication IF (Interface) 108, and the like.

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

The components are 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 pre-stored in the flash memory 104. In addition, the 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 program product that can be downloaded 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 reading device or downloaded via a communication IF. The software is read from the flash memory 104 by the CPU 101 and 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), and hard disk, but also magnetic tape, cassette tape, and optical disc (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital). A medium 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 semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM may be used. .. Further, the recording medium is a non-temporary medium in which the program or the like can be read by a computer.

The program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also a source program format program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

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

[Functional configuration example of proxy server 400]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the proxy server 400. The function of the proxy server 400 will be described with reference to FIG. When the user uses the user PC among the N PCs 201 to 20N and outputs the image processing information to the MFP 300, the communication unit 150 acquires (receives) the image processing information. In this way, the communication unit 150 also functions as an acquisition unit for acquiring image processing information.

When the user uses the scanner unit 13 to input image processing information (for example, image data) to the MFP 300, the image input control unit 120 acquires (receives) the image processing information. In this way, the image input control unit 120 also functions as an acquisition unit for acquiring 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. Further, when the image processing information is input to the MFP 300 by the user and the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, the communication unit 150 transmits the image processing information to the proxy server 400. In this way, the communication unit 150 functions as a transmission unit that "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, a RAM 103 (see FIG. 4). Further, the received image processing information is also transmitted to the determination unit 404. The determination unit 404 determines whether or not the image processing information is predetermined information described later. The determination result by the determination unit 404 is transmitted to the processing execution unit 406. The processing execution unit 406 executes processing according to the determination result. When the result is that the image processing information is the predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 transmits the activation signal and the image processing information stored in the storage unit 408 to the MFP 300. The MFP 300 activates the main CPU 100 by receiving the activation signal to control the power saving state to the normal state. Further, the main CPU 100 of the MFP 300 in the normal state executes image processing based on the image processing information transmitted from the processing execution unit 406.

As described above, when the image processing information is the predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 puts the MFP 300 in the power saving state into the normal state, and performs image processing based on the image processing information on the MFP 300 in the normal state. Let it run. The main CPU 100 also functions as a "processing execution unit that executes image processing based on image processing information when the MFP 300 is brought into a normal state by the proxy server 400".

On the other hand, when it is a determination result that the image processing information is not the predetermined information, a specific process for causing the MFP 300, which has been in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition, to execute the image processing is executed. In this specific process, for example, the proxy server 400 stores the image processing information, and when the MFP 300 is in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition, the MFP 300 executes the process based on the image processing information. May be. Further, in this specific processing, for example, when the proxy server 400 transmits the image processing information to the MFP 300, 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 the process 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 this embodiment will be described with reference to 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 device for transmitting and receiving information includes a user PC, an administrator PC, an MFP 300, and a proxy server 400. The administrator PC is, for example, a PC used by an administrator 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 image processing information is input to the administrator PC by the administrator. This input image processing information is transmitted to the MFP 300 via the network 20. In S104, the MFP 300 receives the transmitted image processing information. In S106, the MFP 300 determines whether or not the MFP 300 is in a power saving state. Here, in the determination of whether or not the power is saved, for example, if the main CPU 100 is supplied with power, it is determined that the main CPU 100 is in the normal state. Further, if the power is not supplied to the main CPU 100 and the power is supplied to the sub CPU 140, it is determined that the sub CPU 140 is in the power saving state.

As a modification, a determination unit different from that of the main CPU 100 and the sub CPU 140 may be provided. When the determination unit determines that power is being supplied to the main CPU 100, it determines that it is in a normal state, and when it determines that power is being supplied to the sub CPU 140, it determines that it is in a power saving state. You may do so.

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

Further, when a job is input from the user terminal in S120 in the state after the image processing by the MFP 300 is executed in S110 or the state after the proxy processing of the proxy server 400 is executed, this is the case. Job information about the job is transmitted to the MFP 300. The MFP 300 executes a job based on this 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 S204, the determination unit 404 determines whether or not the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image forming process (printing process).

Here, the setting of the image formation process (default setting of the image formation process) is "to change the originally set" single-sided printing "to" double-sided printing "" and "originally," double-sided printing ". "Changing" printing "to" single-sided printing "", "changing originally" monochrome printing "to" color printing "", and "originally" color printing " Includes "changing" printing "to" monochrome printing ".

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 determination unit 404 proceeds to S210. In S210, the state of the MFP 300 is controlled from the power saving state to the normal state by transmitting a start signal to the proxy server 400. This start signal is a signal for controlling the state of the MFP 300 from the power saving state to the normal state. Further, the image processing is executed on the MFP 300 controlled to this normal state. Here, the MFP 300 is made to execute the "setting of the image forming process" determined to be YES in S204. For example, if the "setting of image formation processing" determined to be YES in S204 is "to change from originally set" single-sided printing "to" double-sided printing "", in S210, Change (set) the setting of the MFP 300 in the normal state from "single-sided printing" to "double-sided printing". When the processing of S210 is completed, the proxy processing is completed.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in S204, the process proceeds to S206. In S206, the determination unit 404 determines whether or not the image processing information is information related to the user authentication setting. Here, the user authentication setting refers to the user authentication setting executed when the user uses the MFP 300. The user authentication setting includes, for example, adding a user who succeeds in user authentication for using the MFP 300, that is, adding a user account (adding a user who can use the MFP 300). In addition, the user authentication setting includes, for example, reducing the number of users who succeed in user authentication for the use of the MFP 300, that is, reducing the number of user accounts (reducing the number of users who can use the MFP 300). The user authentication setting also includes, for example, changing the originally set user account for the use of the MFP 300.

If YES is determined in S206, the process proceeds to S210. When the "user authentication setting" determined to be YES in S206 is, for example, "to add a user account", in S210, the MFP 300 in the normal state is made to add the user account. If NO is determined in S206, the process proceeds to S208.

In S208, the determination unit 404 determines whether or not the image processing information is the image data to be stored and the image data is image data equal to or greater than the threshold value (that is, image data having a large capacity) in advance. Will be done. If YES is determined in S208, the process proceeds to S210. In S210, the image data is stored in the MFP 300 in the normal state. Further, when it is determined as NO in S208, the proxy processing is terminated.

Further, when the image processing information is information related to the image reading setting, that is, when it is determined to be NO in all of S204, S206, and S208, the proxy processing is performed without executing the processing of S210. To finish. Here, "image reading setting (default setting for image reading)" means "changing from originally setting" single-sided reading "to" double-sided reading "" and "originally," double-sided reading ". Includes "changing" read "to" single-sided read ". The processing based on this image processing information (processing for changing the image reading setting) 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 equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, 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 the image forming process" and "information on the process 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". Here, the "information regarding the image forming process" includes "information regarding the setting of the image forming process (see S204)" and "information regarding the setting of the user authentication (see S206)". Further, "information about 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" is defined as "image data larger than the threshold value (image data to be stored)" or "image data to be stored". "Information indicating that this image data is stored" is included.

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

As shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the image processing information is input from the administrator PC at the timing t1. In this comparison target embodiment, regardless of whether or not the image processing information is predetermined information, the power-saving MFP 300 is not allowed to perform image processing based on this image processing information (the processing of S210 is not executed). Then, for example, when a job is input from the user PC, that is, when the normal state transition condition is satisfied, image processing based on the image processing information input at the timing t1 is executed. Here, the job includes an image forming process (printing process) and the like. At the timing t3 when the image processing is completed, the job input at the timing t2 is executed. At timing t1, for example, when information about a setting related to image formation is input as image processing information, a process that reflects this setting is executed after the job input is executed, and then a job is executed at timing t3. 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) becomes long.

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

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

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

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

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

(5) If the input image processing information is not the predetermined information (when any of S204, S206, and S208 in FIG. 7 is determined to be NO), the MFP 300 is in the normal state due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition. When becomes, the MFP 300 will execute the process based on the image processing information.

For example, when the image processing information is information related to the setting of image reading processing (information other than the predetermined information), the MFP 300 performs image processing when the normal state is reached due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition. Perform information-based processing. Normally, the image reading process is not performed by remote control from a PC or the like, but the user moves to the MFP 300, the user sets the document to be read in the MFP 300, and operates the read button to perform ADF (auto document). The feeder) loads the manuscript into the MFP 300. As described above, in general, when the MFP 300 is to execute a process other than the image forming process, the user sets a predetermined process (for example, a process in which the user sets the document to be read in the MFP 300 and operates the read button). Need to be done. Further, when the MFP 300 is in the power saving state, when the predetermined process is started (for example, when the document in which the MFP 300 is set is detected), the normal state transition condition is satisfied, so that the normal state is set. The update of the scanning setting may be executed from the time when the user sets the document in the MFP 300 to the time when the scanning process for scanning the set document by the MFP 300 is completed. For example, the user has started a predetermined process. Sometimes, even if the MFP 300 is in the normal state and the reading setting update process is executed 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 processing, 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 value (information other than the predetermined information), the MFP 300 performs image processing when the normal state is reached due to the establishment of the normal state transition condition. Perform information-based processing. When image data larger than the threshold value is stored, the time required for the storage becomes long. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the image data is transmitted from the power-saving MFP 300 to the proxy server 400, the proxy server 400 sets the power-saving MFP 300 as a normal state, and further to the MFP 300. Store image data. In this way, since the storage process of the image data, which requires a large amount of time, is executed before the job is input by the user, the execution time of the job input by 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 the image data storage process is executed when the user executes the job, the user does not feel that the execution of the job takes a long time. Further, when the image processing information is image data equal to or less than the threshold value, 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.

[Modification example]
Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications 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 be able to set (change) the content of the predetermined information. For example, when the predetermined information includes information related to the user authentication setting, the information related to the user authentication setting may be excluded from the predetermined information. When the information related to the user authentication setting is excluded from the predetermined information in this way, for example, the process of S206 in FIG. 7 is omitted. Further, when the predetermined information does not include the information regarding the image formation setting, the predetermined information may include the information regarding the image formation setting.

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

When this setting change information is input, the receiving unit 402 of 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 shown by the broken line 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 determination unit 404 is changed to the content based on the setting change information.

According to such a configuration, the administrator, the user, and the like can change the settings of predetermined information, so that the convenience of the image processing system can be improved.

(2) Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined information includes information related to the setting of the image forming process, information related to the setting of the user authentication process, and information related to the process of storing data having a predetermined threshold value or more in the storage area. Explained as including everything. However, the predetermined information includes at least one information of 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 value or more in the storage area. You may try to do it.

(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 MFP 300 does not execute the image processing and the image processing information related to the image processing is transmitted to the proxy server 400.

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 before the input is executed (the load due to the second job is applied). (Because it is applied), it means a state in which the first job cannot be executed. When the MFP 300 is in the load state, the MFP 300 is controlled from the load state (second state) to the normal state by completing all the second jobs. As described above, even if the second state is set to the load state, the same effect as that of the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the second state may be an error state. Here, the error state is, for example, a state in which the MFP 300 cannot exert its original function due to a predetermined factor. Predetermined factors include, for example, out of paper, out of toner, out of ink, and the like. Further, the original function includes an image forming function, an image reading function, and the like. When the MFP 300 is in an error state, the user executes an error canceling operation to control the state from the error state (second state) to the normal state. Here, when the error state is based on the paper out, the error clearing operation means the operation of replenishing the paper to the MFP 300. When the error state is based on running out of ink, the error canceling operation means an operation of replenishing ink to the MFP 300. When the error state is based on running out of toner, the error canceling operation means an operation of replenishing toner to the MFP 300. As described above, even if the second state is set to the load state, the same effect as that of the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained. Further, the MFP 300 may be provided with a state control unit that controls one of a plurality of states including a first state (normal state) and a second state (power saving state, etc.).

(4) In the present embodiment, when the proxy server 400 determines that the image processing information is predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 stores the activation signal and the storage unit 408 for the MFP 300. It was explained that the image processing information was transmitted. However, for example, when the proxy server 400 determines that the image processing information is predetermined information, the processing execution unit 406 may transmit an 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 to synchronize based on the image processing information. The synchronization based on the image processing information means, for example, when the image processing information is information related to the setting of the image forming processing, the synchronization with the proxy server 400 for this setting.

When the proxy server 400 receives the request signal, the proxy server 400 transmits the image processing information to the 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 effect as that of the image processing system according to the present embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, it should be considered that each embodiment disclosed this time is an example in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims. In addition, the inventions described in the embodiments and the modifications are intended to be implemented, either alone or in combination, wherever possible.

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

Claims (13)

An information processing device that can communicate with an image processing device.
In the image processing apparatus, the first state in which the image processing apparatus executes an image processing including at least one of the image control processing and the processing related to the image control processing, and the image processing apparatus can execute the image processing. Instead, it becomes one of the second states of transmitting the image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing apparatus.
When the image processing device is in the second state, the receiving unit that receives the image processing information and the receiving unit
When the image processing information is predetermined information, the image processing device in the second state is set to the first state, and the image processing device in the first state is charged with the image based on the image processing information. It is equipped with a processing execution unit that executes processing.
When the image processing information is specific information different from the predetermined information, the processing execution unit causes the image processing apparatus to be in the first state due to a factor other than the first state of the processing execution unit. An information processing device that executes processing for executing the image processing. The predetermined information includes information regarding the setting of the image forming process.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific information includes information regarding settings for image reading processing. Wherein the predetermined information includes information regarding settings of the image forming processing, serial mounting of the information processing apparatus to claim 1. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to the setting of the user authentication process. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to a process of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area. The setting of the content of the predetermined information further includes a setting acceptance unit that accepts information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. An image processing device that can communicate with an information processing device.
In the image processing apparatus, the first state in which the image processing apparatus executes an image processing including at least one of the image control processing and the processing related to the image control processing, and the image processing apparatus can execute the image processing. Instead, it becomes one of the second states of transmitting the image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing apparatus.
An acquisition unit that acquires the image processing information,
When the image processing device is in the second state, the image processing device includes a transmission unit that transmits the image processing information acquired by the acquisition unit to the information processing device.
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 device further includes a processing execution unit that executes the image processing based on the image processing information when the image processing device is brought into the first state by the information processing device .
When the image processing information is specific information different from the predetermined information, the processing execution unit causes the image processing device to perform the above-mentioned by a factor other than the information processing device setting the image processing device in the first state. An image processing device that executes the image processing when the first state is reached. The predetermined information includes information regarding the setting of the image forming process.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the specific information includes information regarding settings for image reading processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined information includes information regarding setting of image forming processing. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to the setting of the user authentication process. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the predetermined information includes information related to a process of storing data of a predetermined threshold value or more in a storage area. The setting of the content of the predetermined information further includes a setting acceptance unit that accepts an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to claim 11. An image processing device capable of communicating with an information processing device, the first state in which the image processing device executes an image processing including at least one of an image control process and a process related to the image control process, and the image processing. To the image processing device which is in any of the second states of transmitting the image processing information related to the image processing to the information processing device without executing the image processing device.
The acquisition procedure for acquiring the image processing information and
When the image processing device is in the second state, a transmission procedure for transmitting the image processing information to the information processing device and a transmission procedure.
When the image processing information is predetermined information, a state change procedure for changing from the second state to the first state by the information processing device, and
A first execution procedure to perform when the image processing apparatus becomes the first state, the image processing based on the image processing information by the state change procedure,
When the image processing information is not the predetermined information, the image processing is performed when the image processing device is in the first state due to a factor other than the information processing device setting the image processing device in the first state. An image processing program for executing the second execution procedure and the execution procedure.

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