Image processing device, image processing system and program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus that executes processes based on instruction data, configured to increase flexibility of a series of processes to be executed according to the instruction data.SOLUTION: An MFP 1 is configured to: receive instruction data based on registered access information; input content data of a storage target based on an input method included in the instruction data when the received instruction data is input-type instruction data; and store resource data associated with identification information included in the instruction data. The MFP 1 reads, when the received instruction data is output-type instruction data, resource data corresponding to the identification information included in the instruction data, and outputs the content data of the read resource data based on an output method included in the instruction data. The MFP 1 receives, when the received instruction data includes instruction data information, next instruction data based on the instruction data information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for performing a series of processes including input-related processes and output-related processes in accordance with instruction data in an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A known technology is an image processing system including an image processing device and a server, as disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, in which the image processing device accesses the server, analyzes instruction data sent from the server, and performs a series of processes including input-related processing and output-related processing in accordance with the instruction data. The image processing device can perform the series of processes, such as "download printing," which downloads a document from storage and prints the document, and "scan upload," which scans a document and uploads the resulting image data to storage. The instruction data can include instructions to perform download printing or scan upload. For example, if the instruction data includes an instruction to perform scan upload, the image processing device performs scan upload in accordance with the instruction data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-032891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the instruction data executes a series of processes including input-related processes and output-related processes, such as "download print" and "scan upload," so the input and output processes are fixed as a set. This makes it difficult to customize the processes, and the flexibility of the series of processes executed according to the instruction data is low. For example, it is not possible to execute a process such as scanning a document using the scan function, uploading the scanned image data to storage, and printing based on that image data.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for increasing the degree of freedom in a series of processes to be executed in accordance with instruction data in an image processing device that performs processing based on instruction data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image processing device made to solve the above-mentioned problems is an image processing device comprising a communications interface and a controller, wherein the image processing device is capable of registering access information indicating a transmission source of instruction data, the instruction data being data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data can include input processing information indicating an input as type information indicating a type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information includes an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data can include output processing information indicating an output as the type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information includes an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data can further include reception instruction information instructing reception of next instruction data, the reception instruction information is associated with access information indicating a transmission source of the next instruction data, and the controller receives the instruction data via the communications interface based on the registered access information. and when the instruction data including the input processing information is received, the controller executes an input process to input content data to be saved using the input method included in the received instruction data, and save resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the input content data with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and the content data to be saved can include image data. Furthermore, when the controller receives the instruction data including the output processing information, the controller reads out the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and executes an output process to output the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received instruction data, and when the content data to be output is image data, the controller can output an image indicated in the image data. Furthermore, when the controller receives the instruction data including the reception instruction information, the controller executes an output process to read out the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and save resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and when the content data to be output is image data, the controller executes an output process to read out the resource data corresponding to ...and executing a continuing process to receive the next instruction data from a sender of the next instruction data via the communication interface based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information.

[0007] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, instruction data can include input processing information or output processing information, and reception instruction information can include an instruction to continue from one instruction data and receive the next instruction data. Furthermore, by passing resource data, which is content data associated with resource identification information, from input processing to output processing using the resource identification information, the processing described in the instruction data can be prepared separately as either input processing only or output processing only. As a result, it becomes possible to customize the combination of input-related processing and output-related processing for a series of processing based on the instruction data, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the series of processing that can be executed by the instruction data.

[0008] An image processing system including the image processing device, a control method for realizing the functions of the image processing device, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, in an image processing device that performs processing based on instruction data, a technology is realized that increases the degree of freedom in a series of processes that are executed in accordance with the instruction data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image processing system of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an additional function process. [Figure 3] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for a scan instruction, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scan process. [Figure 4]1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of input instruction data, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the procedure of resource input processing. [Figure 5] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for a print instruction, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the procedure of a print process. [Figure 6] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for an output system, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the procedure for resource output processing. [Figure 7] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for a conversion instruction, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the procedure of a conversion process. [Figure 8] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for an aggregation instruction, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for an aggregation instruction. [Figure 9] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data of an input system for inputting layout information, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of layout information. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for aggregation processing. [Figure 11] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for a replacement instruction, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data before replacement, and FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data after replacement. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a replacement process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a first additional function. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a second additional function. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a third additional function. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of layout information including reserved words. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a fourth additional function. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of instruction data for a deletion instruction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An image processing system according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the image processing system 100 according to this embodiment is a system including a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") 1 and a server 3, which are connectable to each other via a network 200. The MFP 1 can further be connected to a storage 4 via the network 300. The MFP 1 is an example of an image processing device.

[0012] 1, the MFP 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The MFP 1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and a scanner 16, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. The CPU 11 may be an example of the controller.

[0013] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs read from the memory 12 and based on user operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 12 stores various programs and information, including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an external function program 22. The external function program 22 is an example of a program. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. A buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory.

[0014] An example of memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into MFP 1, but may also be a storage medium that is readable and writable by CPU 11. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal carrying a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0015] The external function program 22 is a program that acquires instruction data from an external device such as the server 3 and realizes a function by processing based on the acquired instruction data. Function URLs 221, 222 for each additional function can be registered in the external function program 22, and are registered in advance by the designer of the image processing system 100 or the like. The function URLs 221, 222 are information that includes access information that indicates the sender of instruction data that starts the execution of each additional function. Details of the external function program 22 will be described later.

[0016] The user IF 13 is, for example, a touch panel, and includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for accepting operations by the user. Note that the user IF 13 may be a combination of a display and buttons, keys, etc.

[0017] The communication IF 14 includes a configuration connectable to the network 200 and the network 300, and includes hardware for communicating with the server 3 via the network 200 and hardware for communicating with the storage 4 via the network 300. The communication IF 14 is compatible with a communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or USB. The MFP 1 may be equipped with a plurality of communication IFs 14 that are compatible with a plurality of communication standards. The network 200 or the network 300 may be a local network connected to the MFP 1, or may be the Internet. The network 200 and the network 300 may also be the same network.

[0018] The print engine 15 includes a component that prints an image based on image data on a print medium such as a sheet. The image formation method of the print engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The scanner 16 includes a component that reads an image of a set document and generates image data. The scanner 16 may also include a document feeder.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the server 3 stores one or more pieces of instruction data 31, 32, 33, etc., and has a function of transmitting designated instruction data based on a transmission instruction from the MFP 1, etc. The server 3 is an example of a source of instruction data. Each piece of instruction data stored in the server 3 is information that can be analyzed by the external function program 22 of the MFP 1, and is, for example, an XML file prepared by a designer or the like of the image processing system 100. Details of the instruction data will be described later. The designer or the like of the image processing system 100 may be, for example, a system administrator of the company that has introduced the MFP 1, a seller of the image processing system 100 including the MFP 1, or a designer or service person of the manufacturer or sales dealer of the MFP 1.

[0020] The storage 4 stores one or more pieces of content data, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The storage 4 has a function of passing content data to the MFP 1 based on a request from the MFP 1. The content data is, for example, various image data and documents for printing, and instruction data that specifies print parameters and print layout. The instruction data stored in the storage 4, like the instruction data stored in the server 3, is information that can be analyzed by the external function program 22 of the MFP 1, and is, for example, an XML file prepared by the designer of the image processing system 100. The storage 4 may be part of the same device as the server 3.

[0021] 2, a procedure for additional function processing executed by the external function program 22 of the MFP1 based on an instruction from a user who uses the image processing system 100 will be described. The additional function processing is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP1 when an instruction to execute an additional function registered in the MFP1 is received, for example, via the user IF 13.

[0022] Note that the following processing basically refers to processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program. That is, in the following description, processing such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" refer to processing by the CPU 11. Processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using an OS API. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the OS API." Furthermore, processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms. For example, it may be described as "performed by CPU 11." Furthermore, processing by the CPU 11 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by program A."

[0023] Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of CPU 11 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "CPU acquiring data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0024] Furthermore, the process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0025] A designer or the like of image processing system 100 including MFP1 and server 3 can design a system in which MFP1 executes a series of processes combining various processes by storing multiple pieces of instruction data in server 3 and accessing server 3 from MFP1. The instruction data can include an instruction to acquire the next piece of instruction data. For each series of processes to be executed by MFP1, the designer or the like stores information indicating the source of the instruction data that MFP1 initially acquires as function URLs 221, 222, etc., in MFP1 in association with the name of the series of processes. Function URLs 221, 222 are an example of access information registered in MFP1, and are access information indicating the source of the initial instruction data corresponding to each additional function.

[0026] The MFP 1 may receive the instruction to register a function URL directly via the user IF 13, or via a personal computer or the like connectable to the MFP 1. The personal computer or the like can register various additional functions to the MFP 1 using, for example, an embedded web server provided in the MFP 1 or an application program dedicated to registering function URLs. When registering an additional function, the MFP 1 stores the name of the additional function in association with the function URL indicating the first instruction data for that additional function.

[0027] In the additional function processing, CPU 11 displays a list of the names of additional functions registered in MFP 1 on user IF 13 (S101) and accepts a user selection (S102). CPU 11, for example, displays a list of the names of additional functions associated with each function URL and accepts a selection of an additional function. The user of image processing system 100 can select an additional function to be executed by MFP 1 and instruct the execution of that process. If it is determined that a user selection has not been accepted (S102: NO), CPU 11 waits until a selection is accepted.

[0028] If it is determined that the user's selection and execution instruction have been accepted (S102: YES), the CPU 11 reads out the function URL corresponding to the selected additional function, accesses the server 3 based on the function URL, and acquires instruction data indicated by the function URL from the server 3 (S103). The CPU 11 receives a predetermined XML file, which is the instruction data, from the server 3. S103 is an example of a receiving process. The process of accessing the server 3 using the function URL registered in the memory 12 is also a process of requesting the server 3 to transmit the instruction data. The CPU 11 then analyzes the acquired instruction data and executes the process instructed by the instruction data (S111).

[0029] An example of instruction data acquired in S103 and a procedure of processing executed by CPU 11 in S111 will be described below. The MFP 1 of this embodiment can execute, as functions that can be executed based on instruction data, input-related processing that is processing for acquiring content data, output-related processing that is processing for outputting content data, and processing-related processing that is processing content data.

[0030] First, the input system processing and the output system processing will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. The first and last lines of the instruction data shown in (A) of each figure are type tags, which are information indicating the type of processing. The type tag is an example of type information. The MFP 1 of this embodiment uses, for example, the following as the type tag: <scan> 、 <input> 、 <print> 、 <output>、 <process>It is possible to respond to. <scan>and <input> is a type tag indicating input processing, and is an example of input processing information. <print>and <output>is a type tag indicating output processing, and is an example of output processing information. <process>is a type tag indicating a processing-related process, and is an example of processing information. Processing-related processes will be described later. Note that the tag names such as type tags corresponding to the external function program 22 are not limited to those exemplified in this specification. Tag names appropriately designed by the designer of the image processing system 100 or the like may be used.

[0031] The MFP 1 of this embodiment can save and read intermediate content data as resource data during various processes. Input instruction data includes information specifying an input method for acquiring the content data and specification of identification information to be assigned to identify the resource data to be saved. When performing processing based on the input instruction data, the MFP 1 acquires the content data based on the specified input method, associates the acquired content data with the specified identification information, and stores the content data in memory 12 as resource data.

[0032] The output instruction data includes information specifying the output method of the content data and specification of identification information that identifies the resource data to be read. When the MFP 1 performs processing based on the output instruction data, it reads the resource data associated with the specified identification information from memory 12 and outputs the content data included in the resource data based on the specified output method. Note that hereinafter, there is no distinction between resource data and content data included in the resource data, and the two may simply be referred to as resource data.

[0033] Next, the instruction data in each figure will be specifically described. The instruction data 51 shown in FIG. 3(A) is <scan>The instruction data 51 is instruction data including a tag, and is an example of input-system instruction data that instructs the MFP 1 to execute a scan. The instruction data 51 includes a type tag 511 that specifies scanning, setting information 512 that specifies various scan settings, resource data identification information 513, and instruction data information 514 that indicates the next instruction data. The type tag 511 that specifies scanning is an example of information that specifies an input method, and is an example of scan instruction information. The identification information 513 is an example of resource identification information for identifying the resource data to be saved. The instruction data information 514 is an example of reception instruction information. In this embodiment, the name of the resource data is used as the identification information 513, etc.

[0034] The CPU 11 receives the instruction data acquired in step S103 of the additional function processing. <scan>If the instruction data includes a tag, for example, the instruction data 51, the scan process shown in FIG. 3B is executed in S111. In the scan process, the CPU 11 creates resource data for storage in association with the identification information 513 (S201). Specifically, the CPU 11 creates a file with the identification information 513 as the file name, and opens the created file. Note that, hereinafter, the resource data in file format will also be referred to as a resource data file.

[0035] The CPU 11 acquires scan settings based on the setting information 512 (S202), and causes the scanner 16 to read an image of a document using the acquired scan settings to acquire one page of content data (S203). In this case, the content data is specifically one page of image data. The image data may be in a format such as JPEG or bitmap format. The CPU 11 writes the acquired content data to the file created in S201 (S204). S203 and S204 are an example of input processing. The data to be saved in this case is the image data acquired by scanning. The CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a next document (S205). If it is determined that there is a document (S205: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S203 and performs further scanning. If it is determined that there is no document (S205: NO), the CPU 11 closes the file and ends the scan process.

[0036] The instruction data 52 shown in FIG. <input> The instruction data 52 includes a tag and is an example of input-system instruction data that causes the MFP 1 to input content data. The instruction data 52 includes a type tag 521 that specifies the input, path information 522 that indicates the storage source of the data to be input, resource data identification information 523, and instruction data information 524 that indicates the next instruction data. In the instruction data 52 of FIG. 4(A), the path information 522 indicates that a server named "www.server-d.com" is the storage destination of the data to be input, and that the data to be input is a file with the file name "maker_logo.jpg." The instruction data 52 is an example of instruction data that instructs the MFP 1 to input content data by downloading. The type tag 521 is an example of information that specifies the input method and is an example of download instruction information that indicates downloading. The path information 522 is an example of input source information that indicates the input source. The identification information 523 is an example of resource identification information for identifying the resource data to be saved. The instruction data information 524 is an example of reception instruction information.

[0037] The CPU 11 receives the instruction data acquired in step S103 of the additional function processing. <input> If the instruction data includes a tag, for example, the instruction data 52, in S111, the resource input process shown in FIG. 4B is executed. In the resource input process, the CPU 11 creates resource data to be saved in association with the identification information 523 (S211). As in S201, the CPU 11 creates and opens a file. Then, the CPU 11 acquires a path for the content data to be input based on the path information 522 (S212), and inputs the content data using the acquired path (S213). The CPU 11 downloads the specified content data from the storage 4, for example.

[0038] The CPU 11 writes the acquired content data into the resource data file created in S211 (S214), and ends the resource input process. S213 and S214 are an example of input process. Note that the object to be saved in the resource input process is not limited to image data. For example, the path information can also specify instruction data or text data used in processing instruction data, which will be described later. In the resource input process, even if the data to be input is instruction data, the CPU 11 does not analyze or execute the instruction data. Note that <input> The path information of the instruction data including the tag can be, for example, an FTP server, a CIFS server, or an HTTP server. Alternatively, the path information may include a designation of a USB memory attached to the MFP1 or a network storage connected to the MFP1. In this case, the MFP1 reads the content data from the designated USB memory or network storage.

[0039] The instruction data 53 shown in FIG. 5(A) is <print>The instruction data 53 is instruction data including a tag, and is an example of output-related instruction data that causes the MFP 1 to execute printing. The instruction data 53 includes a type tag 531 that specifies printing, setting information 532 that specifies various print settings, resource data identification information 533, and instruction data information 534 that indicates the next instruction data. The type tag 531 that specifies printing is an example of information that specifies an output method. The identification information 533 is an example of resource identification information for identifying the resource data to be read. The instruction data information 534 is an example of reception instruction information.

[0040] The CPU 11 receives the instruction data acquired in step S103 of the additional function processing. <print>If the instruction data includes a tag, for example, instruction data 53, the printing process shown in Fig. 5B is executed in S111. In the printing process, CPU 11 identifies a resource data file stored in association with identification information 533 based on instruction data 53, opens the identified resource data file, and reads the resource data (S221). Furthermore, CPU 11 acquires print settings based on setting information 532 (S222).

[0041] The CPU 11 analyzes the resource data read in S221 and determines whether the resource data is print data (S223). If it is determined that the resource data is not print data (S223: NO), the CPU 11 converts the resource data into print data (S224). Specifically, if the resource data is data in a print job format created by a printer driver or the like, the CPU 11 determines that the resource data is not print data in S223. If the resource data is data in the print job format, the CPU 11 rasterizes the resource data in S224 and converts it into print data, which is image data in a raster format. On the other hand, if the resource data is data obtained by rasterizing data in the print job format, the CPU 11 determines that the resource data is print data in S223.

[0042] After S224, or if it is determined that the data is for printing (S223: YES), the CPU 11 instructs the print engine 15 to print (S225) and ends the print process. S225 is an example of output processing. Print data is an example of image data to be output. Note that in S223, the CPU 11 may determine that the resource data is for printing if it is image data in a raster format such as bitmap or JPEG, and may determine that it is not for printing if it is image data including data in a format other than a raster format such as PDF or PS. The CPU 11 may also have an external device such as a conversion server perform the conversion in S224.

[0043] The instruction data 54 shown in FIG. <output>The instruction data 54 is instruction data including a tag, and is an example of output-related instruction data that causes the MFP 1 to output data. The instruction data 54 includes a type tag 541 that specifies the output, resource data identification information 542, and setting information 543 that specifies information on the output destination and the output protocol. The setting information 543 is an example of information that specifies an output method. The identification information 542 is an example of resource identification information for identifying the resource data to be read.

[0044] The CPU 11 receives the instruction data acquired in step S103 of the additional function processing. <output>If the instruction data includes a tag, for example, the instruction data 54, in S111, the resource output process shown in Fig. 6(B) is executed. In the resource output process, the CPU 11 identifies the resource data stored in association with the identification information 542 based on the instruction data 54 (S231).

[0045] Based on the setting information 543, the CPU 11 acquires information about the output destination and output parameters (S232), and transmits the resource data using the specified protocol (S233). S233 is an example of output processing. In this case, the data to be output is not limited to image data. Once all the resource data has been transmitted, the CPU 11 terminates the resource output processing. In the setting information 543, for example, the file name of the file to be output can be specified as the output destination. If a file name is specified, the CPU 11 outputs the file with the specified file name in S233.

[0046] In addition, <output>The instruction data including the tag can specify a data destination as the data output destination. For example, an FTP server, a CIFS server, an HTTP server, an email server, or a SharePoint server can be specified as the data destination. When data transmission is specified, an appropriate protocol according to the specified destination can be specified as an output parameter. A USB memory attached to the MFP1 or a network storage connected to the MFP1 can also be specified as the data output destination. In this case, the MFP1 writes the content data to the specified USB memory or network storage.

[0047] Returning to the description of the additional function processing in FIG. 2, after executing various processes in S111 based on the instruction data acquired in S103, CPU 11 determines whether the instruction data to be executed includes instruction data information indicating the next instruction data (S121). For example, if the instruction data acquired in S103 is instruction data 51 (FIG. 3(A)), instruction data 52 (FIG. 4(A)), or instruction data 53 (FIG. 5(A)), the instruction data includes instruction data information 514, 524, and 534. If the instruction data acquired in S103 is instruction data 54 (FIG. 6(A)), instruction data information is not included.

[0048] If it is determined that the instruction data information is included (S121: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S103 and acquires the next instruction data from the server 3 based on the instruction data information. S103 in this case is an example of a continuation process. Then, the CPU 11 continues to execute various processes based on the acquired next instruction data. On the other hand, if it is determined that the instruction data to be executed does not include instruction data information (S121: NO), the CPU 11 deletes all resource data created in the additional function process (S122) and ends the additional function process. S122 is an example of a first deletion process.

[0049] By combining input instruction data and output instruction data, the MFP1 of this embodiment can design an additional function that outputs, for example, one piece of input data to multiple output destinations. For example, an additional function can be registered in which information indicating instruction data 53 is set as the next instruction data in instruction data information 514 of instruction data 51, and information indicating instruction data 54 is set as the next instruction data in instruction data information 534 of instruction data 53. By executing the additional function combined in this way, for example, printing and uploading are performed using one piece of scan data obtained by scanning as resource data.

[0050] The MFP1 of this embodiment also supports processing instruction data for processing resource data. For example, as described above, when printing and uploading are performed based on a single scanned image, the scanned image may be in a format that is not suitable for uploading. The MFP1 of this embodiment accepts, as processing instruction data, an instruction to convert the data format of a resource data file. By combining processing instruction data, it is possible to design a series of additional functions that process content data acquired using input instruction data and output the processed content data.

[0051] Next, the processing of the processing system will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. The processing instruction data has the following as a type tag: <process>The processing instruction data includes a tag. In addition to a type tag, processing instruction data includes information indicating the processing method. The MFP1 of this embodiment supports conversion, aggregation, and replacement as processing methods. Conversion is a processing method that generates content data in which the format of the original content data is changed. Aggregation is a processing method that aggregates multiple content data to generate one content data. Replacement is a processing method that generates content data in which content data containing reserved words that are preset in the MFP1 is replaced with the corresponding text.

[0052] The processing instruction data includes a specification of first identification information that identifies the resource data to be read, information that specifies a processing method for the content data, and a specification of second identification information that identifies the resource data to be saved. When performing processing based on the processing instruction data, the MFP1 reads the resource data associated with the first identification information from memory 12, processes the content data included in the resource data using the specified processing method, and stores the content data, in which the second identification information is associated with the processed content data, in memory 12 as resource data.

[0053] 7A is an example of processing-related instruction data in which the processing method is conversion. Instruction data 55 includes type tag 551 indicating the processing, method information 552 indicating the processing method, identification information 553 indicating resource data before processing, identification information 554 indicating the resource data after processing, format information 555 indicating the file format of the resource data after processing, and instruction data information 556 indicating the next instruction data. Method information 552 is an example of conversion instruction information. Identification information 553 is an example of first resource identification information, and identification information 554 is an example of second resource identification information. Note that the content data of the resource data before processing is data acquired by MFP1 by input-related instruction data executed before instruction data 55, and is stored as a file.

[0054] If the instruction data acquired in S103 of the additional function processing is processing-related instruction data instructing a conversion, such as instruction data 55, in S111, the CPU 11 executes the conversion processing shown in Fig. 7(B). In the conversion processing, the CPU 11 creates resource data to be saved in association with the identification information 554 (S241). Specifically, the CPU 11 creates a file with the identification information 554 as its file name and opens the created file. The CPU 11 identifies the resource data file before processing that is saved in association with the identification information 553, opens the identified file, and reads the resource data (S242).

[0055] CPU 11 converts the content data of the resource data read in S242 into the format indicated by format information 555 (S243), writes the converted content data to the resource data file created in S241 (S244), and ends the conversion process. Specifically, CPU 11 converts the format of the read resource data to create temporary data, and writes the temporary data to the resource data file for storage. For example, by executing the conversion process based on instruction data 55, MFP 1 converts the content data of the resource data before processing into a PDF format file, and stores the file with identification information 554. CPU 11 may also delete the resource data file before processing.

[0056] 8A and 8B show examples of instruction data 56 and 57, which are processing-related instruction data and whose processing method is aggregation. In the aggregation instruction data, the pre-processing resource data can be multiple pieces of image data to be aggregated or layout information specifying the layout for arranging the multiple pieces of image data. The layout information includes information indicating the multiple pieces of image data to be aggregated and layout information for each piece of image data (including page, coordinates, size, angle, and transparency). In either case, the pre-processing resource data specified in the aggregation instruction data is data acquired by MFP 1 and stored in memory 12 based on input-related instruction data executed before the execution of the aggregation instruction data.

[0057] When the resource data before processing is a plurality of image data to be aggregated, in processing according to the aggregation instruction data, the MFP 1 aggregates the data in a predetermined manner, such as a 2-in-1 layout or simple overlay synthesis. On the other hand, when the resource data before processing is layout information, in processing according to the aggregation instruction data, the MFP 1 aggregates the data in accordance with the description of the layout information.

[0058] 8A is an example in which multiple image data to be aggregated are specified as resource data before processing. The instruction data 56 in FIG. 8A includes a type tag 561 indicating processing, method information 562 indicating the processing method, identification information 563 indicating the resource data before processing, identification information 564 indicating the resource data after processing, format information 565 indicating the file format of the resource data after processing, and instruction data information 566 indicating the next instruction data. The method information 562 is an example of aggregation instruction information. The identification information 563 is an example of first resource identification information, and the identification information 564 is an example of second resource identification information.

[0059] If the instruction data acquired in S103 of the additional function processing is instruction data 56 instructing aggregation, in S111 the CPU 11 generates one piece of content data by aggregating the multiple pieces of content data that have been read out in a predetermined manner and stores the content data as resource data. In this case, it can be said that the method information 562 is a layout instruction.

[0060] The instruction data 57 in FIG. 8(B) is an example in which layout information instructing the layout of aggregation is specified as resource data before processing. The instruction data 57 in FIG. 8(B) includes a type tag 571 indicating processing, method information 572 indicating the processing method, and identification information 573 indicating the resource data before processing. The identification information 573 is identification information indicating layout information stored in memory 12 as resource data by a resource input process executed in advance. The instruction data 57 further includes identification information 574 indicating the resource data after processing, format information 575 indicating the file format of the resource data after processing, and instruction data information 576 indicating the next instruction data. The method information 572 is an example of aggregation instruction information. The identification information 573 is an example of first resource identification information, and the identification information 574 is an example of second resource identification information.

[0061] 9A, and is stored in memory 12. By executing this input instruction data 52L, MFP 1 acquires the layout information from server 3, associates it with the same identification information as identification information 573, and stores it as resource data.

[0062] An example of layout information is shown in Fig. 9(B). Layout information 58 shown in Fig. 9(B) is instruction data including layout instructions. Layout information 58 is an example of a layout for one page, and includes page information 581 indicating the size and orientation of the page, and multiple pieces of resource information 582 and 583 indicating identification information and placement of resource data to be laid out on the page. Resource information 582 and 583 are examples of resource identification information for identifying resource data to be laid out. Note that layout information 58 may further include instructions to place fixed text or images in predetermined positions, in addition to resource data information.

[0063] If the instruction data acquired in S103 of the additional function processing is processing-related instruction data instructing aggregation, such as instruction data 56 or instruction data 57, then in S111, the CPU 11 executes the aggregation processing shown in Fig. 10. In the aggregation processing, the CPU 11 creates and opens a resource data file for storage in association with identification information 564 or identification information 574 (S251). The CPU 11 identifies the pre-processing resource data file stored in association with identification information 563 or identification information 573, opens the identified file, and reads the resource data (S252). The CPU 11 determines the type of the read resource data (S253).

[0064] If it is determined that the type of the identified resource data is image data (S253: Image Data), the CPU 11 aggregates the resource data identified in S252 using a predetermined method and creates aggregated temporary data (S254). The MFP 1 aggregates the data using a predetermined method, such as a 2-in-1 layout or simple overlay synthesis.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of the read resource data is layout information such as that shown in FIG. 8C (S253: layout information), CPU 11 analyzes the layout information (S256). CPU 11 identifies the resource data file before processing, for example, based on resource information 582 and 583 in layout information 58, opens the identified file, and reads out the plurality of image data that are the resource data (S257). Furthermore, CPU 11 generates image data in which the images indicated by the plurality of image data that have been read out are arranged as temporary data after aggregation, based on the designation in layout information 58 (S258). After S254 or S258, CPU 11 writes the temporary data after aggregation into the resource data file created in S251 (S259), and ends the aggregation process.

[0066] In addition, instead of preparing the layout information as resource data input from the server 3 or the like using input instruction data, the layout information may be written, for example, in the aggregation instruction data, or may be instruction data pre-stored in the memory 12 of the MFP 1.

[0067] The instruction data 56, 57 for instructing aggregation specify the file format of the processed resource data as format information 565, 575. If the specified format information is PDF format, the CPU 11 creates a resource data file in PDF format at S251 of the aggregation process. The PDF format file includes, for each page, multiple pieces of image data and layout information that indicates the layout of the images represented by each piece of image data.

[0068] When aggregating multiple image data and outputting the aggregated image data in PDF format, the MFP 1 can simply rewrite the placement information indicating the layout without performing image processing such as rasterizing the image data or modifying the rasterized image data. In the example of instruction data 57, the MFP 1 can generate a resource data file with a layout according to the instructions by combining multiple image data and placement information rewritten based on layout information 58 in a format specified by the PDF format. The PDF format is an example of a specific image format. Generating a PDF format file as content data to be output enables aggregation with simple processing, making it a convenient additional function.

[0069] The resource data before processing specified in the processing instruction data instructing aggregation may be a combination of layout information and image data to be aggregated. In this case, the MFP 1 reads the image data to be aggregated from the specified resource data file and aggregates it according to the description of the layout information.

[0070] Instruction data 59 shown in Figure 11(A) is an example of processing-related instruction data, and is instruction data in which the processing method is substitution. Substitution is a process of generating text data in which reserved words included in text data are replaced with corresponding text. The pre-processing resource data specified by the replacement instruction data includes text data containing reserved words, such as pre-substitution profile 60 shown in Figure 11(B), and the post-processing resource data includes post-substitution text data, such as post-substitution profile 61 shown in Figure 11(C). The pre-processing resource data specified by the replacement instruction data is data acquired by MFP1 and stored in memory 12 based on input-related instruction data executed before the execution of the replacement instruction data.

[0071] 11(A) includes type tag 591 indicating processing, method information 592 indicating the processing method, identification information 593 indicating the resource data before processing, identification information 594 indicating the resource data after processing, format information 595 indicating the file format of the resource data after processing, and instruction data information 596 indicating the next instruction data. Method information 592 is an example of replacement instruction information. Identification information 593 is an example of first resource identification information, and identification information 594 is an example of second resource identification information.

[0072] The unprocessed resource data associated with identification information 593 is, for example, unreplaced profile 60 shown in FIG. 11(B), which is text data containing reserved words expressed as character strings surrounded by "%%". When the unprocessed resource data is a file containing text data containing reserved words and processing is executed based on instruction data whose processing method is replacement, MFP1 generates text data in which the reserved words contained in the text data are replaced with corresponding text in accordance with a predetermined definition, and writes the generated text data to the processed resource data file. Reserved words are an example of reserved information.

[0073] Reserved words are registered in advance in the MFP 1, and the MFP 1 can obtain corresponding information from, for example, the OS 21. Reserved words include, for example, the user name of the user currently logged in to the MFP 1, the current date and time when this process is being executed, the serial number of the MFP 1, and the IP address of the MFP 1. Some reserved words may also be replaced with setting information related to processes already executed by the MFP 1. Reserved words related to processes include, for example, color or monochrome, scanning resolution, and the number of pages of the original for scanning, and color or monochrome, print resolution, and the number of pages printed for printing. When the MFP 1 receives an instruction to replace resource data containing reserved words related to processes, it replaces each reserved word based on the setting information used in the process already executed by the currently executing additional function or the most recent process.

[0074] If the instruction data acquired in S103 of the additional function processing is processing-related instruction data instructing a replacement, such as instruction data 59, then in S111, the CPU 11 executes the replacement processing shown in FIG. 12. In the replacement processing, the CPU 11 creates a resource data file for storage in association with identification information 594 and opens the created file (S261). The CPU 11 identifies the pre-processing resource data file stored in association with identification information 593, opens the identified file, and reads the resource data (S262). The pre-processing resource data includes text data containing reserved words, such as pre-replacement profile 60 shown in FIG. 11(B). The CPU 11 extracts reserved words to be replaced from the pre-replacement text data (S263) and acquires replacement text corresponding to each reserved word, for example, based on information from the OS 21 (S264).

[0075] CPU 11 replaces the reserved words in the pre-replacement text data with replacement text, creates temporary post-replacement data (S265), writes the temporary data to a resource data file for storage (S266), and terminates the replacement process. If the pre-replacement text data is pre-replacement profile 60 shown in Figure 11(B), CPU 11 creates, for example, post-replacement profile 61 shown in Figure 11(C) as post-replacement text data.

[0076] Next, four examples of first to fourth additional functions that can be executed by the MFP 1 by combining various pieces of instruction data will be described with reference to sequence diagrams.

[0077] First, the first additional function will be described. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the first additional function. The first additional function is an additional function that combines scanning, conversion, and two types of output. To execute the first additional function, the user places a document on the MFP1 (A01), selects a function URL indicating the first additional function (A02), and instructs execution (A03, S102 in Fig. 2).

[0078] The MFP1 requests instruction data from the server 3 based on the specified function URL (A11). For the first additional function, the instruction data corresponding to the function URL is input-type instruction data that instructs the execution of a scan, such as instruction data 51 shown in FIG. 3(A). The server 3 transmits instruction data 51 based on the request from the MFP1 (A12, S103 in FIG. 2). The MFP1 executes scanning based on the received instruction data 51 (A13, FIG. 3(B)), and saves the scanned results as a resource data file (A14).

[0079] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 based on the instruction data 51 (A21). Information indicating the instruction data 55 shown in FIG. 7(A) is set in instruction data information 514 of the instruction data 51. The server 3 transmits the instruction data 55 based on the request from the MFP 1 (A22, S103 in FIG. 2). The MFP 1 executes conversion processing based on the received instruction data 55 (A23, FIG. 7(B)) and saves the converted resource data file (A24). The identification information 553 of the instruction data 55 is the same as the identification information 513 of the instruction data 51, and the MFP 1 converts the resource data file saved in A14 into a PDF format file.

[0080] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 based on the instruction data 55 (A31). Information indicating the instruction data 53 shown in FIG. 5A is set in instruction data information 556 of the instruction data 55. The server 3 transmits the instruction data 53 based on the request from the MFP 1 (A32, S103 in FIG. 2). The MFP 1 executes printing processing based on the received instruction data 53 (A33, FIG. 5B). The identification information 533 of the instruction data 53 is the same as the identification information 554 of the instruction data 55, and the MFP 1 prints the image based on the converted resource data file saved in A24.

[0081] The MFP1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 based on the instruction data 53 (A41). Information indicating the instruction data 54 shown in FIG. 6(A) is set in instruction data information 534 of the instruction data 53. The server 3 transmits the instruction data 54 based on the request from the MFP1 (A42, S103 in FIG. 2). The MFP1 executes resource output processing based on the received instruction data (A43, FIG. 6(B)). The identification information 542 of the instruction data 54 is the same as the identification information 554 of the instruction data 55, and the MFP1 transmits the image data of the converted resource data file saved in A24.

[0082] The instruction data 54 does not include instruction data information. The MFP 1 deletes all resource data files created by the first additional function (A44, S122 in FIG. 2) and ends the processing of the first additional function. In A44, the MFP 1 deletes, for example, the resource data file associated with the identification information 513 and saved in A14, and the resource data file associated with the identification information 554 and saved in A24.

[0083] In the first additional function, either type tag 531 that specifies printing of instruction data 53 or type tag 541 that specifies output of instruction data 54 is an example of first output instruction information, and the other is an example of second output instruction information. In the first additional function, the execution order of printing and data transmission may be reversed, and instruction data information 556 and instruction data information 534 may be reversed. Furthermore, if MFP 1 can print scanned data as is, identification information 533 of instruction data 53 may be the same as identification information 513 of instruction data 51, that is, the resource data used for the printing process may be scanned data. Similarly to the first additional function, MFP 1 of this embodiment can also be designed with an additional function that transmits the read results to two or more locations instead of printing, or an additional function that performs both printing and transmission to two or more locations.

[0084] Next, the second additional function will be described. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for the second additional function. Below, the explanation will be simplified for procedures similar to those for the first additional function. The second additional function is an additional function that combines scanning, aggregation, and printing. To execute the second additional function, the user places a document on the MFP1 (B01), selects a function URL indicating the second additional function (B02), and instructs execution (B03, S102 in Fig. 2).

[0085] The MFP1 requests instruction data from the server 3 based on the specified function URL (B11) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (B12). For the second additional function, the instruction data corresponding to the function URL is input instruction data that instructs the execution of a scan, similar to instruction data 51 shown in Figure 3(A). The MFP1 executes the scan process based on the received instruction data (B13) and saves the read result as a resource data file (B14).

[0086] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (B21) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (B22). The instruction data received at B22 is input-related instruction data, similar to the instruction data 52 shown in FIG. 4(A). The MFP 1 executes resource input processing based on the received instruction data (B23) and saves the downloaded image data as a resource data file (B24). At B24, the MFP 1 saves image data showing, for example, a logo.

[0087] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (B31) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (B32). The instruction data received at B32 is input-system instruction data. The MFP 1 executes resource input processing based on the received instruction data (B33) and saves the downloaded layout information as a resource data file (B34). The layout information saved at B34 specifies the resource data file saved at B14 and the resource data file saved at B24 as the resource data before processing.

[0088] The MFP 1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (B41) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (B42). The instruction data received at B42 is, for example, processing instruction data that instructs aggregation using layout information, similar to instruction data 57 shown in FIG. 8(B). The MFP 1 executes aggregation processing based on the layout information saved at B34 (B43) and saves the aggregated resource data file (B44). At B44, the MFP 1 saves, for example, a file containing image data combined with the logo acquired at B23 at a predetermined position in the scan result at B13.

[0089] The MFP1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (B51) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (B52). The instruction data received in B52 is, for example, output-related instruction data instructing printing, similar to the instruction data 53 shown in FIG. 5(A). The MFP1 executes printing based on the resource data file saved in B44 (B53). The instruction data received in B52 does not include instruction data information. The MFP1 deletes all resource data files created by the second additional function (B54, S122 in FIG. 2) and ends processing of the second additional function. In B54, the MFP1 deletes all resource data files saved in, for example, B14, B24, B34, and B44.

[0090] In the second additional function, the MFP 1 saves layout information 58 and each resource data file corresponding to resource information 582, 583 of layout information 58, based on input instruction data received before the aggregation instruction data. The pair of instruction data 51 received at B12 and instruction data 52 received at B22 for saving each resource data file is an example of a pair of first input instruction data and second input instruction data, and the pair of type tag 511 of instruction data 51 and type tag 521 of instruction data 52 is an example of a pair of first input instruction information and second input instruction information. The input instruction data for saving layout information 58 is an example of third input instruction data. Note that the execution order of these three input instruction data may be any order.

[0091] After saving each resource data file in accordance with the instruction data from the three input systems, the MFP 1 receives instruction data instructing an aggregation process and aggregates the image data included in the resource data file based on layout information 58. As the aggregation process, the MFP 1 generates a resource data file in which multiple pieces of image data are arranged according to the layout instructed in layout information 58, and stores the resource data file in association with identification information specified in the aggregation instruction data. Each resource data file saved in B14 and B24 is an example of a set of first resource data and second resource data. Layout information 58 is an example of layout content data, and a resource data file in which identification information is associated with layout information 58 and saved is an example of layout resource data. By preparing layout instructions as layout information 58 and receiving layout information 58 in accordance with instruction data from the input systems, there is no need to prepare layout information 58 in the MFP 1 in advance, and a common layout can be applied to multiple MFPs, etc.

[0092] In addition, the second additional function can be configured to output content data in which image data contained in two resource data files is arranged according to layout information 58 by changing the instruction data received by B52 to instruction data for an output system other than printing.

[0093] Next, the third additional function will be described. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the third additional function. The third additional function is an additional function that combines input, substitution, and aggregation. When executing the third additional function, the user selects a function URL indicating the third additional function (C01) and instructs execution (C02, S102 in Fig. 2).

[0094] The MFP1 requests instruction data from the server 3 based on the specified function URL (C11) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (C12). For the third additional function, the instruction data corresponding to the function URL is input-related instruction data. The MFP1 executes resource input processing based on the received instruction data (C13) and saves it as a resource data file (C14). In C14, the MFP1 saves, for example, image data showing a predetermined form.

[0095] The MFP 1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (C21) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (C22). The instruction data received in C22 is input-system instruction data. The MFP 1 executes download as resource input processing based on the received instruction data (C23) and saves it as a resource data file (C24). The resource data file saved in C24 is, for example, layout information 62 including resource information 621 and 622, as shown in FIG. 16. The resource information 621 is information indicating the resource data file saved in C14, and the resource information 622 is information indicating a text box including a reserved word. The reserved word included in the resource information 622 is, for example, information indicating the login user name of the user currently logged in. The layout information 62 is an example of layout content data, and the resource information 622 is an example of text content data.

[0096] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (C31) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (C32). The instruction data received in C32 is processing instruction data that indicates a substitution. Based on the received instruction data, the MFP 1 substitutes the reserved words in the layout information saved in C24 with text (C33) and saves the layout information after the substitution (C34).

[0097] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (C41) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (C42). The instruction data received in C42 is processing instruction data that indicates aggregation. Based on the received instruction data, the MFP 1 aggregates the replaced text boxes included in the layout information saved in C34 and the image data saved in C14, and saves the aggregated resource data file (C44).

[0098] The MFP1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (C51) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (C52). The instruction data received in C52 is output-system instruction data that instructs printing. The MFP1 executes printing based on the resource data file saved in C44 based on the received instruction data (C53). The instruction data received in C52 does not include instruction data information. The MFP1 deletes all resource data files created by the third additional function (C54, S122 in FIG. 2) and ends processing of the third additional function. In C54, the MFP1 deletes all resource data files saved in, for example, C14, C24, C34, and C44.

[0099] In the third additional function, the MFP1 uses layout information 62 incorporating reserved words to perform replacement and aggregation, thereby printing an image in which the login user name is combined with downloaded image data. In the third additional function, the input instruction data received at C12 is an example of first input instruction data, the input instruction data received at C22 is an example of second input instruction data, the replacement instruction data received at C32 and the aggregation instruction data received at C42 are examples of processing instruction data, and the print instruction data received at C52 is an example of output instruction data. Note that the output of the processed resource data is not limited to printing, but may also be transmission, or both printing and transmission.

[0100] Next, the fourth additional function will be described. Fig. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the fourth additional function. The fourth additional function is an additional function that combines two types of output: scanning, converting, and replacing. To execute the fourth additional function, the user places a document on the MFP1 (D01), selects a function URL indicating the fourth additional function (D02), and instructs execution (D03, S102 in Fig. 2).

[0101] The MFP1 requests instruction data from the server 3 based on the specified function URL (D11) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D12). In the fourth additional function, the instruction data corresponding to the function URL is input instruction data that instructs the execution of a scan. The MFP1 executes the scan process based on the received instruction data (D13) and saves the scan results as a resource data file (D14).

[0102] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (D21) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D22). The instruction data received at D22 is processing instruction data that instructs conversion. The MFP 1 executes the conversion process based on the received instruction data (D23) and saves the converted resource data file (D24). At D24, the MFP 1 saves the resource data file in, for example, PDF format.

[0103] The MFP 1 requests the next instruction data from the server 3 (D31) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D32). The instruction data received in D32 is instruction data for the output system that instructs transmission. The MFP 1 executes resource output processing and transmits the resource data file saved in D24 to the specified destination (D33).

[0104] The MFP 1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (D41) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D42). The instruction data received at D42 is input-system instruction data that instructs a download. The MFP 1 executes a download as a resource input process based on the received instruction data (D43) and saves it as a resource data file (D44). The content data downloaded at D43 is, for example, the pre-replacement profile 60 shown in FIG. 11(B). The pre-replacement profile 60 includes, for example, reserved words corresponding to information indicating the user or device that performed the scan, and information indicating the scan settings.

[0105] The MFP 1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (D51) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D52). The instruction data received in D52 is processing instruction data that instructs replacement. The MFP 1 replaces the reserved words included in the pre-replacement profile 60 based on the received instruction data (D53) and saves the resource data after replacement (D54). The resource data saved in D54 is, for example, the post-replacement profile 61 shown in FIG. 11(C). The post-replacement profile 61 includes, as text, information related to the scan executed by the MFP 1 in D13. Note that the instruction data that instructs replacement includes, for example, format information that instructs output in PDF format.

[0106] The MFP1 requests the server 3 for the next instruction data (D61) and receives the instruction data from the server 3 (D62). The instruction data received at D62 is output-system instruction data instructing transmission. The MFP1 transmits the replaced profile 61 in PDF format to the specified destination (D63). The instruction data received at D62 does not include instruction data information. The MFP1 deletes all resource data files created by the fourth additional function (D64, S122 in FIG. 2) and ends processing of the fourth additional function. At D64, the MFP1 deletes all resource data files saved at D14, D24, D44, and D54, for example.

[0107] In the fourth additional function, the MFP1 performs scanning and outputs the results, and further creates and outputs a profile that collects information about the scan. In the fourth additional function, the scanning instruction data received at D12 is an example of first input instruction data, the conversion instruction data received at D22 is an example of first processing instruction data, and the transmission instruction data received at D32 is an example of first output instruction data. Furthermore, the download instruction data received at D42 is an example of second input instruction data, the replacement instruction data received at D52 is an example of second processing instruction data, and the transmission instruction data received at D62 is an example of second output instruction data. Furthermore, the pre-replacement profile 60 downloaded at D43 is an example of profile content data, and the resource data file saved at D44 is an example of profile resource data.

[0108] Note that D33 may be sent after downloading D43 or replacing D53, or after sending D63. Furthermore, the output of the scanned data or the replaced profile 61 may be printed instead of being sent, or both sent and printed. Furthermore, instead of outputting the replaced profile 61 as a file separate from the scanned data, it may be added to the scanned data and sent. For example, an additional function can be designed to embed information about the replaced profile 61 in the profile area of ​​the PDF file after converting the scanned data to PDF format.

[0109] The types of processing by the instruction data may further include a process for deleting a resource data file. For example, the MFP 1 may use a type tag indicating the deletion of a resource data file. <delete>18 is an example of instruction data for a deletion instruction. The instruction data 63 includes a type tag 631 that instructs deletion, and identification information 632 that indicates the resource data to be deleted. The type tag 631 that instructs deletion is an example of deletion information.

[0110] 18, the CPU 11 identifies the resource data file stored in association with the identification information 632 and deletes the identified resource data file in S111. S111 in this case is an example of the second deletion process.

[0111] For example, if the CPU 11 executes a process of saving a new resource data file by associating it with the same identification information as an existing resource data file based on the instruction data, a problem may occur. By being able to delete resource data files individually according to the instruction data, resource data files can be deleted at any time by the user, and an additional function can be designed that changes content data and uses resource data files associated with the same identification information.

[0112] As described above in detail, when the MFP 1 of this embodiment receives an instruction to execute an additional function, it receives instruction data based on access information. The instruction data received by the MFP 1 includes input instruction data and output instruction data, and further includes an instruction to receive the next instruction data based on the instruction data information. Furthermore, since the input instruction data and the output instruction data can specify content data using resource data identification information, the input instruction data and the output instruction data can be prepared separately. Therefore, for a series of processes based on the instruction data, it is possible to customize the combination of input-related processes and output-related processes, thereby increasing the flexibility of the series of processes that can be executed by the instruction data. Furthermore, by being able to realize a variety of series of processes, processes that require customization can be realized without modifying the firmware.

[0113] Furthermore, the MFP1 of this embodiment can prepare processing instruction data and process resource data, enabling a series of processes such as outputting new resource data by performing various processing operations on input resource data. This increases the variety of processes that can be executed using instruction data, enabling high-value-added processing. For example, since aggregation processing can be set as a processing operation, the MFP1 can aggregate multiple content data to create new content data as resource data. Since layout instructions can be used in aggregation processing, additional functions can be designed to create resource data with a desired layout, further increasing flexibility. Furthermore, since layout instructions can be prepared as layout information 58 separate from instruction data and the layout information 58 can be input using input instruction data, the configuration of the aggregation instruction data is simplified.

[0114] Furthermore, after a series of processes for an additional function are completed, the MFP 1 of this embodiment automatically deletes the resource data saved in association with the execution of the series of processes according to the instruction data. This reduces the load on the memory 12 that stores the resource data. The MFP 1 of this embodiment can also delete resource data individually according to instruction data for a deletion instruction. This allows the user to delete resource data at any time. For example, resource data can be deleted immediately when it is no longer needed, without having to wait for the series of processes to be completed.

[0115] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the image processing device is not limited to the MFP1, and can be a printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, or other device that has an image processing function and a communication function via a network.

[0116] In addition, in the embodiment, a system configuration including one server 3 for storing instruction data and one storage 4 for storing content data has been exemplified, but it may include two or more of each. Also, both instruction data and content data may be stored in a single server or the like.

[0117] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been shown in which a user selects an additional function to be executed and issues an execution instruction. However, some additional functions may have an execution timing specified in advance. For example, the MFP 1 may accept a specification of the execution timing when registering the additional function. The execution timing may be, for example, at a predetermined time such as daily or weekly, at predetermined intervals, or when the MFP 1 is powered on. When an additional function with a specified execution timing is registered, the MFP 1 starts processing from S103 of the additional function processing shown in FIG. 2 when the execution timing arrives, and requests instruction data from the server 3 based on the function URL.

[0118] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the MFP 1 stores each resource data in memory 12. However, the storage area is not limited to memory 12, and may be any storage area that can be written to and read from by the MFP 1. For example, a USB memory or network storage attached to the MFP 1 may be used. That is, the MFP 1 may store resource data files in the USB memory or network storage. In this case, the MFP 1 stores, for example, resource data identification information and information indicating the storage location of the resource data file in association with each other.

[0119] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the identification information of the resource data is used as the file name of the resource data file, but a file name including the identification information of the resource data may also be used as the file name of the resource data file. For example, in S201 of the scan process, S211 of the resource input process, S241 of the conversion process, S251 of the aggregation process, and S261 of the replacement process, the MFP1 may create a resource data file with a file name including the identification information of the specified resource data. In this case, in S221 of the print process, S231 of the resource output process, S242 of the conversion process, S252 of the aggregation process, and S262 of the replacement process, the MFP1 identifies a file with a file name including the identification information of the resource data as the resource data file.

[0120] The MFP 1 may also store the relationship between the identification information of the resource data and the file name of the resource data file as correspondence data. For example, in S201 of the scan process, S211 of the resource input process, S241 of the conversion process, S251 of the aggregation process, and S261 of the replacement process, the MFP 1 may store the file name of the created resource data file and the specified identification information as correspondence data. In this case, in S221 of the print process, S231 of the resource output process, S242 of the conversion process, S252 of the aggregation process, and S262 of the replacement process, the MFP 1 refers to the correspondence data to identify the resource data file corresponding to the specified identification information. In this case, when deleting resource data in S122 of the additional function process, the MFP 1 not only deletes the resource data file, but also deletes the correspondence data or information related to the resource data file from the correspondence data.

[0121] In the embodiment, the instruction data for a scan instruction is specified by a different type tag from the instruction data for the input system, but it may be the same type tag as the instruction data for the input system and contain information indicating scanning as the input method.Furthermore, the instruction data for a print instruction is specified by a different type tag from the instruction data for the output system, but it may be the same type tag as the instruction data for the output system and contain information indicating printing as the output method.

[0122] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the identification information of the resource data is fixed information embedded in each piece of instruction data, but it may be identification information such as a sequential number automatically assigned by the MFP 1 at the time of execution. In this case, for example, in processes for creating and saving resource data files, such as S201 of the scan process, S211 of the resource input process, S241 of the conversion process, S251 of the aggregation process, and S261 of the replacement process, the MFP 1 assigns a number to determine a file name for the resource data file and transmits the determined file name to the server 3 as identification information. When transmitting instruction data, the server 3 includes the file name received from the MFP 1 in the instruction data and transmits it.

[0123] The MFP 1 may also accept a user input specifying identification information for resource data. For example, the instruction data stored in the server 3 may include display instruction data instructing a screen display, such as displaying a screen for accepting selection of resource data to be downloaded, and determining identification information for the resource data based on the user's selection. In this case, the instruction data for saving a resource data file may not include identification information for the resource data, and the MFP 1 may display the file name of the resource data file stored in memory 12 and accept the user's selection.

[0124] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the instruction data for a scan instruction or the instruction data for a print instruction includes setting information related to processing, but the scan settings or print settings do not have to be included. If setting information is not included, the MFP 1 may use default settings pre-stored in memory 12. In addition, an example has been shown in which the instruction data for processing includes format information indicating the file format of the resource data after processing, but the format information does not have to be included. If format information is not included, the MFP 1 may save the resource data in the file format of the resource data before processing, or may save the resource data in a default file format pre-stored in memory 12.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, when a process for saving new resource data is executed by associating the same identification information as that of already existing resource data, the MFP 1 may overwrite the resource data. In this case, the MFP 1 may not support a type tag indicating a deletion instruction.

[0126] Furthermore, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or can be executed in parallel, as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing content.

[0127] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by hardware such as a single CPU, multiple CPUs, or ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 MFP 3 Server 11 CPU 14 Communication Interface 100 Image Processing System< / delete> < / process> < / output> < / output> < / output> < / print> < / print> < / scan> < / scan> < / process> < / output> < / print> < / scan> < / process> < / output> < / print> < / scan>

Claims

1. a communication interface; A controller; An image processing device comprising: The image processing device includes: access information indicating a sender of instruction data can be registered, the instruction data is data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data can include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information includes an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data can include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information includes an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data can further include reception instruction information instructing reception of next instruction data, and the reception instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data, The controller executes a receiving process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from a source of the instruction data via the communication interface based on the registered access information; When the instruction data including the input processing information is received, content data to be saved is input using the input method included in the received instruction data, and input processing is executed to save resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the input content data with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and the content data to be saved can include image data, The controller further comprises: When the instruction data including the output processing information is received, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, and the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data. When the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data is output. The controller further comprises: When the instruction data including the reception instruction information is received, a continuation process is executed to receive the next instruction data from a sender of the next instruction data via the communication interface based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information indicating the type of processing, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and deletion information indicating deletion, and the instruction data including the deletion information includes resource identification information for identifying resource data to be deleted, The controller further comprises: When the instruction data including the deletion information is received, a second deletion process is executed to delete the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

2. a communication interface; A controller; An image processing device comprising: The image processing device includes: access information indicating a sender of instruction data can be registered, the instruction data is data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data can include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information includes an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data can include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information includes an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data can further include reception instruction information instructing reception of next instruction data, and the reception instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data, The controller executes a receiving process for receiving the instruction data transmitted from a source of the instruction data via the communication interface based on the registered access information; When the instruction data including the input processing information is received, content data to be saved is input using the input method included in the received instruction data, and input processing is executed to save resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the input content data with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and the content data to be saved can include image data, The controller further comprises: When the instruction data including the output processing information is received, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, and the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data. When the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data is output. The controller further comprises: When the instruction data including the reception instruction information is received, a continuation process is executed to receive the next instruction data from a sender of the next instruction data via the communication interface based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and processing information indicating a processing process, and the instruction data including the processing information includes a processing method, first resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and second resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved; The controller further comprises: when the instruction data including the processing information is received, the processing unit reads out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, processes the read resource data in accordance with the processing method included in the received instruction data, and executes a processing process to store new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the processed resource data; 1. An image processing device comprising:

3. In the image processing device according to claim 2, In the instruction data, aggregation instruction information indicating aggregation can be set as the processing method, The controller When the instruction data is received, the processing information is included and the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method, and the processing method is performed by reading out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, generating new content data by aggregating a plurality of content data including the read resource data, and storing the new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the generated new content data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

4. In the image processing device according to claim 3, The controller When the instruction data is received, the processing information is included and the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method, and the processing is performed by reading out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, acquiring a layout instruction in which a layout of the plurality of content data to be aggregated is set, generating new content data in which the plurality of content data including the read resource data is arranged in accordance with the layout set in the acquired layout instruction, and storing the generated new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the new content data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

5. In the image processing device according to claim 4, The instruction data may include download instruction information indicating download as the input method, and the instruction data including the download instruction information as the input method includes input source information indicating an input source, The controller When the instruction data is received, the input processing information of which is included and the download instruction information is set as the input method, the input processing comprises receiving content data from the input source via the communication interface based on the input source information included in the received instruction data, and saving the resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the received content data; the content data received from the input source includes layout content data, which is content data describing the layout instruction; when the layout content data is received, saving the layout resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the received layout content data; the layout content data received from the input source includes resource identification information for identifying resource data to be laid out; The controller further comprises: When the instruction data is received, the processing information is included, the aggregation instruction information is set in the processing method, and the identification information of the layout resource data is set in the first resource identification information, the processing includes reading the layout resource data, further reading the resource data from the read layout resource data that corresponds to the resource identification information included in the layout content data, and further generating new content data in which the plurality of content data including the read resource data are arranged in accordance with the layout of the read layout resource data that is set in the layout instruction described in the layout content data, and storing the generated new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the new content data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

6. In an image processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The controller In the output process, content data in a specific image format can be output as a file format, and the specific image format is a file format including a plurality of content data and arrangement information indicating a layout of the plurality of content data; The controller further comprises: When the instruction data is received, the processing information of which is included and the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method, the processing comprises reading out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, generating new content data in the specific image format including the plurality of content data including the read-out resource data and the arrangement information, which is information obtained by converting information indicating the layout of the plurality of content data into information in a format defined in the specific image format, and storing the new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the generated new content data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

7. In the image processing device according to claim 2, Conversion instruction information indicating conversion as the processing method can be set in the instruction data, The resource data is stored as a file, The controller When the instruction data is received, the instruction data including the processing information and the conversion instruction information being set as the processing method, the processing is performed by reading out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, converting the file format of the read resource data, and saving the new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the converted resource data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

8. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The image processing device has registered therein reservation information for replacing a predetermined text in accordance with a predetermined definition, The instruction data may include replacement instruction information indicating a replacement as the processing method, The controller When the instruction data is received, the instruction data including the processing information and the replacement instruction information being set as the processing method, the processing is performed by reading out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, replacing the predetermined text in the read resource data that corresponds to the reservation information included in the content data, and storing the new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the replaced content data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

9. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The instruction data may include setting scan instruction information indicating scanning as the input method, Furthermore, conversion instruction information indicating conversion as the processing method can be set in the instruction data, Furthermore, first output instruction information or second output instruction information can be set as the output method in the instruction data, The controller In the receiving process, input instruction data is received, which is the instruction data including the input processing information, and when the scan instruction information is set as the input method for the received input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, an original is read as the input process, and the resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received input instruction data is associated with the content data indicating the read result, is saved, and processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing processing information, is received as the continuing process. For the received processing instruction data, if the conversion instruction information is set as the processing method, the first resource identification information is the same as the resource identification information included in the input instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process reads out the resource data saved by the input process using the input instruction data, converts the file format of the read resource data, and saves the new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received processing instruction data with the converted resource data; and receives first output instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the output processing information, as the continuing process. For the received first output instruction data, if the first output instruction information is set as the output method, the resource identification information is the same as the second resource identification information included in the processing instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the output processing is performed by reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data by the output method corresponding to the first output instruction information, and receiving second output instruction data which is the next instruction data including the output processing information as the continuing processing, When the second output instruction information is set as the output method for the received second output instruction data and the resource identification information is the same as the second resource identification information included in the processing instruction data, the output processing comprises reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data by the output method corresponding to the second output instruction information.

1. An image processing device comprising:

10. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The instruction data can set first input instruction information or second input instruction information as the input method, Furthermore, aggregation instruction information indicating aggregation can be set as the processing method in the instruction data, The controller receiving first input instruction data, which is the instruction data including the input processing information, in the receiving process; if the first input instruction information is set as the input method for the received first input instruction data and the receiving instruction information is included, as the input process, inputting content data using the input method corresponding to the first input instruction information, saving the resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information included in the received first input instruction data with the input content data; and receiving second input instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the input processing information, in the continuing process; When the second input instruction information is set as the input method for the received second input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the input processing involves inputting content data using the input method corresponding to the second input instruction information, storing the resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information included in the received second input instruction data with the input content data, and receiving processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing processing information, as the continuing processing. When the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method for the received processing instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process includes reading out first resource data, which is the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the first input instruction data, and second resource data, which is the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the second input instruction data, acquiring layout instructions in which a layout of content data to be aggregated is set, generating new content data in which the read out first resource data and the second resource data are arranged in accordance with the layout set in the acquired layout instructions, storing the generated new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received processing instruction data is associated with the generated new content data, and receiving output instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the output processing information, as the continuing process. When the resource identification information of the received output instruction data is the same as the second resource identification information included in the processing instruction data, the output processing comprises reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received output instruction data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

11. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The instruction data can set download instruction information indicating download or scan instruction information indicating scan as the input method, and the instruction data in which the download instruction information is set as the input method includes input source information indicating an input source, Furthermore, aggregation instruction information indicating aggregation can be set as the processing method in the instruction data, The controller In the receiving process, first input instruction data is received, which is the instruction data including the input processing information; if, for the received first input instruction data, first input instruction information indicating one of the download instruction information and the scan instruction information is set as the input method and the reception instruction information is included, as the input process, content data is input using the input method corresponding to the first input instruction information, and the resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the input content data with the resource identification information included in the received first input instruction data, is saved; and, as the continuing process, second input instruction data is received, which is the next instruction data including the input processing information; When second input instruction information indicating the other of the download instruction information and the scan instruction information is set as the input method for the received second input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the input processing involves inputting content data using the input method corresponding to the second input instruction information, storing the resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the input content data with the resource identification information included in the received second input instruction data, and receiving third input instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the input processing information, as the continuing processing. When the download instruction information is set as the input method for the received third input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the input processing includes receiving layout content data, which is content data describing layout instructions, from the input source indicated in the input source information included in the third input instruction data via the communication interface, saving layout resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received third input instruction data is associated with the received layout content data, the received layout content data including the resource identification information included in the first input instruction data and the resource identification information included in the second input instruction data, and receiving processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing processing information, as the continuing processing. and when the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method for the received processing instruction data, the first resource identification information is the same as the resource identification information included in the third input instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process includes reading, as the layout resource data saved by the input process using the third input instruction data, and further reading, based on the layout content data of the read layout resource data, first resource data which is the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the first input instruction data and second resource data which is the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the second input instruction data, and further generating new content data in which the read first resource data and the second resource data are arranged in accordance with a layout set in the layout instruction described in the layout content data of the read layout resource data, and saving the generated new resource data which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received processing instruction data is associated with the generated new content data, and receiving, as the continuing process, output instruction data which is the next instruction data including the output processing information. When the resource identification information of the received output instruction data is the same as the second resource identification information included in the processing instruction data, the output processing comprises reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received output instruction data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

12. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The instruction data may include download instruction information indicating download as the input method, and the instruction data including the download instruction information as the input method includes input source information indicating an input source, Furthermore, aggregation instruction information indicating aggregation can be set as the processing method in the instruction data, The controller In the receiving process, first input instruction data is received, which is the instruction data including the input processing information; if the download instruction information is set as the input method for the received first input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, content data is received via the communication interface from the input source indicated in the input source information included in the first input instruction data as the input process; resource data is content data obtained by associating the resource identification information included in the received first input instruction data with the received content data; and second input instruction data is received as the next instruction data including the input processing information as the continuing process. When the download instruction information is set as the input method for the received second input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the input processing includes receiving layout content data, which is content data describing layout instructions, from the input source indicated in the input source information included in the second input instruction data via the communication interface, saving layout resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received second input instruction data is associated with the layout content data, the layout content data having the layout of the content data to be aggregated set in the layout content data, and the layout content data received from the input source includes text content data and the resource identification information included in the first input instruction data, and receiving processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing information, as the continuing processing, When the aggregation instruction information is set as the processing method for the received processing instruction data, the first resource identification information is the same as the resource identification information included in the second input instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process includes reading out the layout resource data, which is the resource data saved by the input process using the second input instruction data, further reading out the resource data from the read layout resource data that corresponds to the resource identification information included in the layout content data, and generating new content data by arranging the read resource data and the text content data set in the layout instruction in accordance with the layout set in the layout instruction described in the layout content data, and storing the new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received processing instruction data is associated with the generated new content data, and receiving output instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the output processing information, as the continuing process. When the resource identification information of the received output instruction data is the same as the second resource identification information included in the processing instruction data, the output processing comprises reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received output instruction data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

13. In the image processing device according to claim 2, The instruction data can set scan instruction information indicating scanning or download instruction information indicating downloading as the input method, and the instruction data in which the download instruction information is set as the input method includes input source information indicating an input source, Furthermore, the instruction data may include conversion instruction information indicating conversion or replacement instruction information indicating replacement as the processing method, The image processing device has registered therein reservation information for replacing a predetermined text in accordance with a predetermined definition, The controller In the receiving process, first input instruction data is received, which is the instruction data including the input processing information, and when the scan instruction information is set as the input method for the received first input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, an original is read as the input process, and the resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received first input instruction data is associated with the content data indicating the read result, is saved, and first processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing processing information, is received as the continuing process. When the conversion instruction information is set as the processing method for the received first processing instruction data, the first resource identification information is the same as the resource identification information included in the first input instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process reads out the resource data saved by the input process using the first input instruction data, converts the file format of the read resource data, and saves the new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received first processing instruction data with the converted resource data; and receives first output instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the output processing information, as the continuing process. When the resource identification information of the received first output instruction data is the same as the second resource identification information included in the first process instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the output processing reads out the resource data saved by the process processing using the first process instruction data, and outputs the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received first output instruction data, and receives second input instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the input processing information, as the continuing processing. When the download instruction information is set as the input method for the received second input instruction data and the reception instruction information is included, the input processing includes receiving profile content data, which is content data in which a profile is described, from the input source indicated in the input source information included in the second input instruction data via the communication interface, storing profile resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received second input instruction data is associated with the received profile content data, the received profile content data includes the reservation information corresponding to scan settings as the profile, and receiving second processing instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the processing processing information, as the continuing processing, For the received second processing instruction data, if the replacement instruction information is set as the processing method, the first resource identification information is the same as the resource identification information included in the second input instruction data, and the reception instruction information is included, the processing process involves reading out the profile resource data, which is the resource data saved by the input process using the second input instruction data, replacing the predetermined text, which is the reservation information included in the profile content data, of the read profile resource data, saving the new resource data, which is content data in which the second resource identification information included in the received second processing instruction data is associated with the content data after replacement, and receiving second output instruction data, which is the next instruction data including the output processing information, as the continuing process. When the resource identification information of the received second output instruction data is the same as the second resource identification information included in the second processing instruction data, the output processing comprises reading out the resource data saved by the processing processing using the second processing instruction data, and outputting the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data using the output method included in the received second output instruction data.

1. An image processing device comprising:

14. In an image processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 13, The controller When the instruction data not including the reception instruction information is received, a first deletion process is executed to delete the resource data stored from the start of processing according to the instruction data received in the reception process until the end of processing according to the instruction data not including the reception instruction information.

1. An image processing device comprising:

15. An image processing system including an image processing device and a server, The image processing device includes: access information indicating a sender of instruction data can be registered, the instruction data is data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data can include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information includes an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data can include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information includes an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data can further include reception instruction information instructing reception of next instruction data, and the reception instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data, Furthermore, the image processing device requesting the server to transmit the instruction data based on the registered access information; The server When the image processing device requests transmission of the instruction data, the image processing device transmits the instruction data to the image processing device; The image processing device includes: When the instruction data including the input processing information is received from the server, content data to be saved is input using the input method included in the received instruction data, and resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the input content data, is saved, and the content data to be saved can include image data, Furthermore, the image processing device When the instruction data including the output processing information is received from the server, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data, and when the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data is output, Furthermore, the image processing device When the instruction data including the reception instruction information is received from the server, the next instruction data is received from a sender of the next instruction data based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information indicating the type of processing, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and deletion information indicating deletion, and the instruction data including the deletion information includes resource identification information for identifying resource data to be deleted, Furthermore, the image processing device When the instruction data including the deletion information is received from the server, a second deletion process is executed to delete the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data. An image processing system comprising:

16. An image processing system including an image processing device and a server, The image processing device includes: access information indicating a sender of instruction data can be registered, the instruction data is data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data can include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information includes an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data can include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information includes an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data can further include reception instruction information instructing reception of next instruction data, and the reception instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data, Furthermore, the image processing device requesting the server to transmit the instruction data based on the registered access information; The server When the image processing device requests transmission of the instruction data, the image processing device transmits the instruction data to the image processing device; The image processing device includes: When the instruction data including the input processing information is received from the server, content data to be saved is input using the input method included in the received instruction data, and resource data, which is content data in which the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is associated with the input content data, is saved, and the content data to be saved can include image data, Furthermore, the image processing device When the instruction data including the output processing information is received from the server, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data, and when the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data is output, Furthermore, the image processing device When the instruction data including the reception instruction information is received from the server, the next instruction data is received from a sender of the next instruction data based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and processing information indicating a processing process, and the instruction data including the processing information includes a processing method, first resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and second resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved; Furthermore, the image processing device when the instruction data including the processing information is received, the processing unit reads out the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data, processes the read resource data in accordance with the processing method included in the received instruction data, and executes a processing process to store new resource data, which is content data obtained by associating the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data with the processed resource data; An image processing system comprising:

17. The controller of the image processing device a receiving process is executed via a communication interface of the image processing device to receive instruction data based on access information registered in the image processing device, the access information being information indicating a sender of the instruction data, the instruction data being data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data may include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information including an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data may include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information including an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data may further include receiving instruction information instructing the reception of next instruction data, and the receiving instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data; The controller further comprises: When the received instruction data includes the input processing information, an input process is executed to input content data to be saved using the input method included in the received instruction data, and to save resource data, which is content data associated with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and the content data to be saved can include image data, The controller further comprises: When the received instruction data includes the output processing information, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, and the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data. When the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data can be output. The controller further comprises: If the received instruction data includes the reception instruction information, a continuation process is executed to receive the next instruction data from a sender of the next instruction data via the communication interface based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information indicating the type of processing, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and deletion information indicating deletion, and the instruction data including the deletion information includes resource identification information for identifying resource data to be deleted, The controller further comprises: When the received instruction data includes the deletion information, a second deletion process is executed to delete the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data. A program characterized by:

18. The controller of the image processing device a receiving process is executed via a communication interface of the image processing device to receive instruction data based on access information registered in the image processing device, the access information being information indicating a sender of the instruction data, the instruction data being data instructing the image processing device to execute a process, the instruction data may include input processing information indicating input as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the input processing information including an input method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved, the instruction data may include output processing information indicating output as type information indicating the type of process, the instruction data including the output processing information including an output method and resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and the instruction data may further include receiving instruction information instructing the reception of next instruction data, and the receiving instruction information is associated with access information indicating the sender of the next instruction data; The controller further comprises: When the received instruction data includes the input processing information, an input process is executed to input content data to be saved using the input method included in the received instruction data, and to save resource data, which is content data associated with the resource identification information included in the received instruction data, and the content data to be saved can include image data, The controller further comprises: When the received instruction data includes the output processing information, the resource data corresponding to the resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, and the content data associated with the resource identification information of the read resource data is output using the output method included in the received instruction data. When the content data to be output is the image data, an image shown in the image data can be output. The controller further comprises: If the received instruction data includes the reception instruction information, a continuation process is executed to receive the next instruction data from a sender of the next instruction data via the communication interface based on the access information associated with the reception instruction information; The instruction data may include, as the type information, any one of the input processing information, the output processing information, and processing information indicating a processing process, and the instruction data including the processing information includes a processing method, first resource identification information for identifying resource data to be read, and second resource identification information for identifying resource data to be saved; The controller further comprises: executes a processing process in which, when the processing information is included in the received instruction data, the resource data corresponding to the first resource identification information included in the received instruction data is read, the read resource data is processed in accordance with the processing method included in the received instruction data, and new resource data is stored as content data in which the processed resource data is associated with the second resource identification information included in the received instruction data; A program characterized by:

Images