Multifunctional all-in-one and system and script control method thereof

[0015] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 The multifunction machine and system according to the embodiment will be described. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0016] figure 1 It is a configuration diagram of the system according to the embodiment. The system 1 includes: a server device 2 that provides contents of a script including a window object that manipulates the display elements of the window on the screen; a multifunction device 4 that passes through a network 3 constructed by the Internet or a LAN (local area netword) Connected to the server device 2 to perform various functions provided by the server device 2 including website browsing, printing, copying, scanning, and sending and receiving faxes; and an operation panel provided on the multifunction machine 4 for user operations 5. A window refers to a graphical user interface that displays information, and has a rectangular area. The window object is an object representing the window of the browser on the client side. Script refers to executing program.

[0017] If the URL is accessed from the multifunction machine 4 through the browser displayed on the operation panel 5, the server device 2 returns to the multifunction machine 4 a command to display a web page on the screen of the operation panel 5, such as tags described in html text Text, and a script embedded in the command text and having a code described by a script language, JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0018] figure 2 An example of a list of multiple objects including window objects is shown. In this figure, the relationship between a plurality of objects is shown, and the script is described by the code (source code) having the relationship as a data structure. The code of the script has the main window object 30 that is the earliest reference when accessing the web page. The code is described using a plurality of sub-object groups 31 that exist below the window object 30 at the top of each tree structure in terms of data structure. The server device 2 generates a window to be displayed on the screen of the operation panel 5 on the side of the multifunction device 4 using a script for operating the window object 30. When the multifunction machine 4 executes the script, the server device 2 acquires information about the window displayed on the screen of the operation panel 5, draws and operates the window.

[0019] The server device 2 stores in advance the code of the unique object 32 defined by the user for executing one or more functions of the multifunction machine 4. The server device 2 registers the added object 32 in the list of object references in the lower level of the window object 30 according to a request from the browser on the multifunction machine 4 side, and adds the execution function of the added object 32 as the original window object 30 One of the functions. The multifunction machine 4 receives and interprets the scripts of the window object 30, the object group 31, and the additional object 32, so as to enable the scanning through the properties and methods defined by the window object 30, the object group 31, and the additional object 32 Instrument and other actions. By accessing a known URL on the MFP 4 in advance, the MFP 4 can be executed from the other side, including, for example, the execution of printing, the setting of scanning parameters, and the transition to the function screen outside the browser. A specific action of one or two or more functions among multiple functions.

[0020] in figure 1 Here, the server device 2 is a computer device that operates as a Web server, and has: a transmitting and receiving unit 11 that sends and receives data in a predetermined order with the network 3; and a storage unit 12 for content data, which is described by Command texts such as characters, labels, forms, etc., images or moving images that form a page together with these characters, and script codes that describe the processing content embedded in the command texts. The storage unit 12 stores the added object 32 or the script code of the added object 32 in advance according to the request of the multifunction device 4. In addition, the server device 2 has a Web server module 13 that interprets and executes the script code, and executes a script engine function that incorporates the code of the added object into the code of the original window object. The Web server module 13 performs communication management based on a communication protocol as a server that requests a reply to file data. The Web server module 13 is in a state where the program is downloaded to the memory and executed by the processor.

[0021] In addition, the multifunction machine 4 includes: a function execution unit 14 that executes various functions including browsing the contents of the server device 2; the above-mentioned operation panel 5 receives an operation input to the function execution unit 14 and has a screen 5a that displays a window The external storage device 16 has a storage unit 15 for the URL of the server device 2 designated by the operation panel 5. The multifunction machine 4 is also equipped with: a browser 17, which creates a page in the window by accessing the URL of the storage unit 15 and interprets the content, and outputs operation instructions to the function execution unit 14 by inputting operation instructions to the page; an additional unit 18 , An additional object 32 is added to the original window object 30, and the additional object 32 has characteristics or methods associated with any one or more of multiple functions through the browser 17. The multifunction machine 4 is provided with: a function control unit 19 (control unit), which interprets the script of the window object to which the execution function of the added object 32 is registered, and causes the function execution unit 14 to perform a specific action; The controller 23 in charge of the overall control of the multifunction machine 4; and the transmission and reception unit 29, which transmits and receives data to and from the server device 2 via the network 3.

[0022] The function execution unit 14 performs operations such as executing instructions for printing, setting scan parameters, transitioning to function screens other than the browsed screen display, sending and receiving faxes, and the like. The function execution unit 14 has: a scanning processing unit 24 that controls the four-column line sensor and a reduction optical system not shown, optically reads the document surface, and generates image data; the image processing unit 25, designates from the scanning processing unit The image data of 24 or the expansion or correction of the data to be printed included in the print job, and the printing conditions such as arbitrary magnification and the number of pages per side. The function execution unit 14 has: a conveying system that has a feedback conveying path for double-sided printing that draws out and conveys the paper placed in the paper feed cassette; and a printing processing unit 26 that forms and conveys the paper on the surface of the conveyed paper. The three-color toner image is fixed. Furthermore, the function execution unit 14 also has a facsimile processing unit 27 that uses the public line 28 to send and receive home-standard image data.

[0023] In addition, the operation panel 5 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation panel 5 has: a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display; a driver circuit arranged on the back side of the display to display the browser; and an input unit arranged on the screen 5a to detect the touched The contact location on the panel surface. The operation panel 5 obtains a website on the Internet and a plurality of web pages contained in the website through direct touch input. The operation panel 5 accepts the reading setting of the original document on the glass table for scanning, the printing setting, and the input of the fax number. For example, the operation panel 5 adjusts the reading magnification, the brightness and the sharpness of the reading image quality. The operation panel 5 designates color or monochrome, A4 (ISO [International Organization for Standardization: International Organization for Standardization] A4), etc., as the conditions for the original to be printed. The operation panel 5 specifies color or monochrome, A3 or A4, double-sided or single-sided, left-right opening, 1in1, 2in1 or 4in1, and the number of copies as the conditions of the paper to be printed.

[0024] The external storage device 16 is a hard disk drive or a silicon disk drive having a large-capacity storage area, and has a storage area constituting the storage unit 15 in the storage area. The external storage device 16 stores various application programs such as an operating system, a device driver, communication control, browsing, and script interpretation and execution.

[0025] Browser 17 has figure 2 The script code of the window object 30 and the object group 31 shown includes various characteristics and various methods to explain and execute functions. The browser 17 has a function of analyzing the attributes for the function execution unit 14 and the method for the function execution unit 14 included in the script code of the addition object 32 and causing the function execution unit 14 to operate. The browser 17 continuously operates two or more functions among the multiple functions of the function execution unit 14 by returning the characteristics of the attribute value of the attribute of the window and calling the operation function of the window. When executing multiple functions in a specific action, the browser 17 transfers the execution parameters of the functions among multiple characteristics or multiple methods. Specifically, the browser 17 has a function of communicating with the server device 2 using http (hypertext transfer protocol), a function of interpreting code of markup language and displaying a screen through the code, and a function of interpreting and executing script codes. User interface functions such as the script engine function, the operation of the multifunction machine 4 and the setting input of the function execution unit 14 and the like.

[0026] The attaching unit 18 sends a request to attach an object to the server device 2 based on the user's operation on the operation panel 5. The adding unit 18 issues a request for the server device 2 to add the unique addition object 32 held by the server device 2 to the window object 30. The adding unit 18 requests the server device 2 to register the added object 32 in the list of window objects 30.

[0027] In addition, after the addition object 32 is added to the list of window objects 30 on the browser 17, figure 1 The function control unit 19 causes the browser to interpret and execute the code of the script described in the window object 30 delivered from the server device 2. Through the execution of the script, the function control unit 19 causes the function execution unit 14 to execute a specific action through the controller 23 of the multifunction machine 4. The functions of the browser 17, the additional unit 18, and the function control unit 19 utilize a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a ROM (read only memory) 21, and a RAM (random access memory). ) 22 to execute. The controller 23 controls each operation in the function execution unit 14 by the CPU 20 executing the control program and the application program of the ROM 21. The transmission and reception unit 29 is a communication interface unit, and transmits and receives commands to and from the transmission and reception unit 11 on the server device 2 side.

[0028] image 3 The sequence of the method of performing the function of the multifunction machine 4 in the system 1 is shown. The above-mentioned symbols indicate the same elements as these. The vertical rectangle represents the program processing, which represents the processing of continuously sending and receiving more than one information after the initial information is sent.

[0029] The system according to the present embodiment configured as described above is a system composed of a server device 2 and a multifunction machine 4 having a browser 17 that displays a web page. image 3 The basic actions are shown. First, in action A1, the browser 17 of the multifunction device 4 accesses the URL of the Web server module 13 to obtain a web page. In action A2, the server device 2 transmits a script of a window object of JavaScript (registered trademark) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an object of a script language) to the multifunction machine 4. The browser 17 initializes the original window object 30 (action A3), and adds a new additional object 32 to the window object 30 (action A4). In action A3, for example, the browser 17 performs a reset action, adds the code of the script of the added object 32 to the code of the original script, and then reads the added code again. In action A4, the browser 17 can perform a unique function of adding an object 32 after the window object 30 of the script language is initialized.

[0030] In action A5, the browser 17 executes the method of the window object to which the function is added. In action A6, the browser 17 sends an action request to the function execution unit 4. In action A7, the multifunction device 4 performs a function. The method may include, for example, the setting of the printing conditions of the printing processing section 26, the setting of printing instructions and copying conditions, the setting of the scanning parameters or the scanning instruction of the scanning processing section 24, and the browser displaying the screen 5a of the operation panel 5. 17 settings or instructions, instructions for transitioning to function screens other than website display, and instructions for sending and receiving faxes, etc.

[0031] The content of the method can also include one or more consecutive combinations of these functions. The multifunction machine 4 can perform a specific action, which is to continuously execute the image data generated by the scan processing unit 24 and store the image data in the server device 2. It can be performed continuously: the image data is generated and then the image data is sent by fax, or the image data is generated and then the image data is printed, or the image data is generated and then the image data is faxed and the image data is printed at the same time.

[0032] The above is the description of the flow of performing the functions of the multifunction machine 4. Below, reference Figure 4 with Figure 5 The specific actions are explained. Here, the attachment object 32 attached by the server device 2 is temporarily referred to as _OBJECT_.

[0033] As the first example, Figure 4 The sequence when performing scanning of the multifunction machine 4 based on a web page is shown. Figure 4 Shows the sequence of actions to upload files after performing the scan. The above-mentioned symbols indicate the same elements as these. For example, suppose the following actions are performed: when the multifunction machine 4 is uploading a file, the multifunction machine 4 scans a paper document after setting scan parameters, and uploads the generated electronic file to the server device 2. .

[0034] First, the multifunction machine 4 accesses the URL of the server device 2 to obtain a web page (action B1). The server device 2 transmits the script of the window object 30 of JavaScript (registered trademark) to the multifunction machine 4 (action B2). The browser 17 initializes the window object 30 in action B3, and then sets scan parameters in action B4. Next, the browser 17 attaches _OBJECT_ with a method (for example, scan()) that can perform scanning to the window object 30 (action B5). In action B6, it occurs that, for example, a scan key is pressed on the operation panel 5 and it is desired to upload a file to a web page. In action B7, at the timing when this happens, the browser 17 executes _OBJECT_.scan() based on the script language. In ACT B7, the browser 17 assigns parameters (arguments) for scan() to the parameters for scanning settings. For example, in the case of JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) object notation) format, the browser 17 is set to scan ({format: "Slimpdf", colorMode: "Monochrome"});.

[0035] If _OBJECT_.scan() is executed in this action B7, a scan request is made from the browser 17 to the function execution unit 14 of the multifunction machine 4 in action B8. Perform scanning according to the above settings. In action B8, the browser 17 notifies the controller 23, the controller 23 drives the device driver of the scanning processing unit 24 to perform scanning, and the scanned electronic file data is stored in the function execution unit 14 or the external storage device 16. In Act B9, the function execution unit 14 notifies the browser 17 of the scanning end notification. In act B10, the browser 17 sends the scan result generated after performing the scan, that is, the electronic file to the Web server module 13 using the POST method or the like.

[0036] A general MFP prohibits such actions due to security issues, but the multifunction device 4 allows execution from the server device 2 having a specific URL. The additional object 32 is attached with a unique method, and by executing the additional object 32 on a web page, a request for the function is sent from the browser 17 to the hardware constituting the function execution unit 14 of the multifunction machine 4. Through this series of actions, the functions of the multifunction device 4 can be executed based on the web page.

[0037] As a second example, Figure 5 An example of exiting the browser 17 and transitioning to the function page (copy screen or fax screen, etc.) of the multifunction machine 4 is shown. Figure 5 Shows the sequence of actions to transition to the FAX screen. The above-mentioned symbols indicate the same elements as these. Assume the following actions: for example, fill in characters in the application form on a web page, and send the data through the fax processing unit 27.

[0038] First, the browser 17 accesses the URL of the server device 2 to obtain a web page (action C1). The server device 2 transmits the script of the window object 30 of JavaScript (registered trademark) to the multifunction device 4 (action C2). The browser 17 initializes the window object 30 (action C3). After initialization, the browser 17 attaches to the window object 30 _OBJECT_ with a method (for example, moveToFAXPanel()) that can transition to the fax screen (action C4).

[0039] Then, in action C5, the browser 17 inputs necessary items in the web page. Then, in action C6, when the fax is ready to be sent, the browser 17 executes _OBJECT_.moveToFAXPanel(). The function is executed based on the web page. If the argument is in the form of JSON, the browser 17 sets it in the form of moveToFAXPanel ({address: "0120-XXXX-XXXX", userName: "user", fileName: "document.pdf"}), for example. In action C7, the method or characteristic is used to transfer the arguments, and the operation panel 5 displays the fax screen on the window. The screen 5a transitions from the normal screen to the fax screen. When sending a fax, the necessary parameters are transferred using the argument, so that the user who transitions to the fax screen can send the fax without extra operations.

[0040] Summarizing the above content, the browser 17 adds a unique addition object 32 with the characteristics and methods that can perform the functions of the multifunction machine 4 on the window object 30 of the script language sent from the server device 2 as the access target, and through By executing the characteristics and methods defined by the addition object 32, it is possible to perform specific functions or actions of the multifunction device 4 such as execution of printing, setting of scanning parameters, and transition to a function screen other than the browser 17. Since on existing hardware machines, various functions can be performed only by executing the defined characteristics and methods, application developers can easily install the application. The developer of the application program of the server device 2 does not need to spend time learning a unique script format, and does not need to send and receive complicated information to perform a predetermined function. The multifunction device 4 uses the function of the added object 32 defined in advance, and therefore, it is possible to maintain security and utilize various functions. If the multifunction machine 4 allows execution from any URL, the security is reduced. However, since the multifunction machine 4 restricts the web page to a specific URL, it can be used without any problem in terms of safety. Provide a built-in browser.

[0041] In the above-mentioned embodiment, since the operation of the multifunction machine 4 can be controlled from the server device 2 to a certain extent, the system 1 can also restrict in advance the URL of the website to which the object 32 is added, and only add to trusted websites. Add the function of object 32. For example, you can consider using hostnames for restriction or using a consistent whitelist in front of you for restriction. By adopting such a configuration, the functions of the multifunction machine 4 can be executed without a complicated program.

[0042] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the multifunction machine 4 may also connect a multifunction finisher to the output side of the printing processing section 26, and the function execution section 14 may execute binding, folding, and sorting according to instructions from the operation panel 5. ) And other functions. The operation panel 5 can also specify conditions for multi-function finisher processing such as binding to the upper left on the paper surface or punching a hole in the center of the blank of the paper.

[0043] In the above embodiment, other languages ​​may also be used for the markup language. In the foregoing embodiment, the script code is embedded in the html text as an example, but the html text may not be used, and the URL where the script code is stored can be directly specified. It is also possible to make the browser 17 execute the script after accessing the URL. For an implementation product that is implemented only by performing such a deformation, the advantages of the multifunction machine and system involved in the implementation are not impaired in any way.

[0044] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are taken as an example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications fall within the scope and spirit of the invention, and fall within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.