Information processing system, image forming apparatus and its control method, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem in which conventionally, a technique is known which installs a management client in the LAN in the office and setting the management client itself as a proxy when a device and a management server communicate with each other; however, the device side needs to set the proxy in response to a setting request from the management client.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes an image forming apparatus that has an output function to output operation information to a management server, and an information processing apparatus that is operable as a proxy of the output function. The image forming apparatus hosts a predetermined web service, and receives a request for setting the proxy of the output function through the predetermined web service. The information processing apparatus requests proxy settings for using the information processing apparatus as the proxy from, of apparatuses on a network, the image forming apparatus that provides the predetermined web service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a remote monitoring system that performs maintenance of devices (for example, image forming apparatuses) installed in an office or the like via a network. By using such a remote monitoring system, for example, it is possible to detect via the network that a device has failed or that a consumable needs to be replenished, and to quickly respond.

[0003] Now, when there are a plurality of devices to be managed in an office, as the system administrator of that office, it is easier to manage by aggregating the communication paths when the devices communicate with the management server for remote monitoring. For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is known a technique of installing a management client in the office LAN and setting the management client itself as a proxy when a device communicates with a management server. According to this, when a device performs remote monitoring communication, it always passes through the management client.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above Patent Document 1, although it is described that the management client sets a proxy for the image forming apparatus, how to set the proxy in the image forming apparatus is not described.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art described above.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows an information processing device to set up a proxy for a predetermined Web service provided by an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, An information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, and an information processing device capable of operating as a proxy for the output function, The image forming apparatus is A means for hosting a specified web service, The proxy of the output function via the predetermined Web service of A means for receiving requests for settings, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, When the operation information transmission event occurs, a transmission means transmits the operation information to the management server via the proxy based on the proxy settings stored in the storage means, A registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, It has, The aforementioned information processing device is A proxy for using the information processing device as a proxy for the image forming apparatus that provides the predetermined Web service among the devices on the network. of It is characterized by requiring settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an information processing device can set up a proxy for a predetermined Web service provided by an image forming apparatus.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system that manages each image forming apparatus, including a management client, a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a management server according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A functional block diagram illustrating the software module of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Block diagram (A) showing the hardware configuration of the management client according to Embodiment 1, and functional block diagram (B) explaining the software configuration of the management client according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Conceptual diagram (A) of a table for managing Web services provided by the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 to devices on the LAN, and conceptual diagram (B) of a table for managing functions provided by the remote monitoring interface via Web services. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the startup process of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram showing how a management client according to Embodiment 1 sets up a proxy dedicated to remote monitoring services on an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the process of setting a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 (S709 in Figure 7). [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the process when the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 communicates (sends operational information to the management server) using a remote monitoring service. [Figure 10] Conceptual diagram of a table for a management client to manage network devices according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11]Flowchart for explaining the process when the management client according to Embodiment 2 rediscovers the image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] Functional block diagram for explaining the software modules of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] Flowchart for explaining the proxy setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 3 for the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104. [Figure 14] (A) Diagram showing an example of the setting screen for the remote monitoring service of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, and (B) diagram showing an example of the device management screen of the management client according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] Conceptual diagram when the management client distributes proxy settings dedicated to the remote monitoring service to the image forming apparatus on the LAN.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram of the configuration of an information processing system that manages each image forming apparatus, including a management client, a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a management server according to each embodiment of the present invention. In the information processing system according to the embodiment, the management client 101 and one or more network devices, which are image forming apparatuses 102 to 104, are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 105. The management server 108 is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 107, and the LAN 105 and WAN 107 are connected via a firewall 106. Unless otherwise specified, image forming apparatuses 102, 103, and 104 are assumed to have the same configuration.

[0015] The management client 101 corresponds to the information processing device in the embodiment. The management client 101 can operate as a proxy for the image forming apparatus connected to the LAN 105 when the image forming apparatus transmits operational information to the management server 108, by pre-configuring the proxy settings described later.

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the image forming apparatus 102 is implemented as a so-called MFP (Multifunction Printer) that integrates multiple functions, such as scanning and printing functions. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 102 will be described as an example, assuming that the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 have a similar configuration.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 102 includes a controller unit (control unit) 200 for controlling the entire apparatus, an operation unit 206, a scanner 212, and a printer 214. The operation unit 206 includes a numeric keypad and various hard keys for receiving input from the user, such as instructions for job execution, and also includes a display panel that displays to the user device information, job progress information, or a setting screen for functions that the image forming apparatus 102 can perform. The scanner 212 is an image input device that optically reads an image on a set document. The printer 214 is an image output device that prints an image onto a recording medium such as paper based on image data.

[0018] The operation unit 206 is connected to the operation unit interface (I / F) 205 included in the controller unit 200. The scanner 212 and printer 214 are connected to the scanner processing unit 211 and printer processing unit 213, respectively, included in the controller unit 200. With this configuration, the operation unit 206, scanner 212, and printer 214 are each controlled and operated by the controller unit 200. If necessary, an external storage device 216, such as a USB memory media, can be connected to the image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the external storage device 216 is connected via the external storage I / F 215 and operates according to the control from the controller unit 200.

[0019] The controller unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that comprehensively controls each block of the controller unit 200. The CPU 201 is connected via a system bus 217 to RAM 202, ROM 203, hard disk drive (HDD) 204, operation interface 205, network interface 207, image processing unit 209, device interface 210, and external storage interface 215. RAM 202 is a general-purpose RAM and is memory that provides a workspace for the CPU 201. RAM 202 is also used as memory for temporarily storing parameters and settings, and as image memory for storing image data in predetermined units such as pages. ROM 203 is a general-purpose ROM, for example, storing the system boot program as a boot ROM. The HDD 204 stores system programs, history data, tables, etc. The functions of the image forming apparatus 102 are realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading programs stored in ROM 203 or HDD 204 into RAM 202 and executing them. The control unit interface 205 is an interface for inputting and outputting information to and from the control unit 206. The control unit interface 205 outputs display data to the control unit 206 based on instructions from the CPU 201, and also transmits information entered by the user on the control unit 206 to the CPU 201.

[0020] The network interface 207 is connected to the LAN 105, which can be either wired or wireless, enabling the input and output of information between the image forming apparatus 102 and devices on the LAN 105. The network interface 207 has a configuration that is compatible with the LAN 105, and may, for example, have a configuration that supports near-field communication with a wireless range of several tens of centimeters. In that case, communication takes place between the network interface 207 and a portable wireless terminal.

[0021] The image processing unit 209 performs general-purpose image processing. For example, it performs processing such as scaling, rotation, and transformation on image data acquired from an external source via the LAN 105. The image processing unit 209 also performs processing to convert PDL codes received via the LAN 105 into bitmap images. Furthermore, when printing with the printer 214 via the printer processing unit 213, the image processing unit 209 performs processing to convert the image data stored in RAM 202, which is compressed and encoded, into a format that can be processed by the printer processing unit 213. The device interface 210 is connected to the scanner 212 and printer 214 via the scanner processing unit 211 and printer processing unit 213, and transmits synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data, setting values, adjustment values, etc. The device interface 210 also transmits status information from the scanner 212 and printer 214 to the CPU 201. This status information includes, for example, error information such as jams that occurred in the scanner 212 or printer 214.

[0022] The scanner processing unit 211 performs various processing on the scanned data read and input by the scanner 212, including correction, processing, image area separation, scaling, and binarization, which are compatible with the scanning functions. The scanner 212 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a pressure plate reader (not shown), and can read documents placed on a document glass table, as well as perform double-sided scanning of multiple documents. The scanner 212 is also equipped with sensors that open and close the feeder cover (not shown), open and close the document cover (not shown), detect the presence or absence of a document, and detect the size of the document. Detection signals from these sensors and status information of the scanner 212 are transmitted to the CPU 201 via the scanner processing unit 211 and the device I / F 210, and the CPU 201 recognizes the status of the scanner 212, such as the occurrence of an error or the clearing of an error.

[0023] The printer processing unit 213 performs print-related processing on the image data to be printed, including output correction, resolution conversion, and adjustment of the print position of the image, in accordance with the output characteristics of the printer 214. The printer 214 includes one or more paper cassettes (not shown) for storing printing paper, one or more toner trays (not shown) for storing toner, and a paper feed unit (not shown) capable of sequentially feeding recording media such as paper from the paper cassettes one sheet at a time. Furthermore, it includes a marking unit (not shown) for printing on the fed paper with toner, and a fixing unit (not shown) for fixing the toner printed by the marking unit using heat and pressure. Sensors are provided in the printer 214 to detect the open / closed status of each paper cassette, the remaining amount of paper, the open / closed status of the toner tray, the open / closed status of the cover of the paper feed unit (not shown), the presence or absence of toner, and the position of the recording media such as paper being fed. Detection signals from the sensor and status information from the printer 214 are transmitted to the CPU 201 via the printer processing unit 213 and the device I / F 210, and the CPU 201 recognizes the status of the printer 214, such as the occurrence of an error or the clearing of an error.

[0024] The external memory interface 215, when the external storage device 216 is connected, reads data stored in the external storage device 216 and writes data to the external storage device 216 in response to instructions from the CPU 201.

[0025] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software modules of the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1. The functions of each module in Figure 3 are realized by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 executing programs loaded into the RAM 202.

[0026] The UI processing unit 301 performs processing related to the operation unit I / F 205 and the operation unit 206. The UI processing unit 301 notifies other modules of operations performed by the user on the operation unit 206 as needed, and displays a screen on the operation unit 206 based on instructions from other modules. The UI processing unit 301 also edits drawing data for display on the operation unit 206.

[0027] The network processing unit 302 performs communication processing with devices on LAN 105 via the network interface 207. When the network processing unit 302 receives control commands and data from devices on LAN 105, it notifies other modules of this information. The network processing unit 302 also sends control commands and data to devices on LAN 105 based on instructions from other modules. It also plays a role in providing the Web service described later.

[0028] The job control unit 303 controls other modules and comprehensively controls the execution of each job generated by the image forming apparatus 102, such as copying, printing, and faxing. When a job is submitted from the UI processing unit 301 or the network processing unit 302, the job control unit 303 determines the type of job and instructs the appropriate input processing unit to execute the process of generating image data for printing. For example, if a copy job is submitted, it instructs the scan input processing unit 306 to execute the job, and if a PDL job is submitted, it instructs the PDL input processing unit 307 to execute the job. These input processing units 306 and 307 generate image data for each page and notify the job control unit 303 that they have saved it to the storage unit 305. Upon receiving this notification, the job control unit 303 instructs the output processing unit 308 to execute the process of printing to the recording medium based on the image data. By repeating this series of controls for the number of pages in the job, the image is printed.

[0029] The image processing unit 304 performs processing related to the image processing unit 209 shown in Figure 1. The image processing unit 304 performs software-based image processing and hardware-based image processing using the image processing unit 209, based on instructions from the input processing units 306, 307 and the output processing unit 308. It also performs image segmentation and handwriting detection as described in Embodiment 2 later.

[0030] The memory unit 305 reads data from the RAM 202 and HDD 204, and writes data to them. The memory unit 305 also saves various types of data based on instructions from other modules.

[0031] The scan input processing unit 306 controls the scanner processing unit 211 and the scanner 212 based on instructions from the job control unit 303 to perform the scanning process of the document placed on the scanner 212. The scan input processing unit 306 controls the scanner processing unit 211 to perform image processing on the image data obtained from scanning the document. The scan input processing unit 306 also acquires status information of the scanner processing unit 211 and the scanner 212 and notifies the job control unit 303. Furthermore, if the scan input processing unit 306 receives an instruction from the job control unit 303 to interrupt the processing described later, it can interrupt the document scanning process and the image generation process.

[0032] The PDL input processing unit 307, upon instruction from the job control unit 303, analyzes the PDL data received via the network processing unit 302 and processes it to convert each page into bitmap image data. The resulting bitmap image data is then stored in the storage area by the storage unit 305. Furthermore, the PDL input processing unit 307 can interrupt the PDL analysis process and image generation process if it receives an interruption instruction from the job control unit 303, as described later.

[0033] The output processing unit 308 controls the image processing unit 304, printer processing unit 213, and printer 214 based on instructions from the job control unit 303, applying appropriate image processing to the image data generated by each input processing unit and printing it to the recording medium. The output processing unit 308 also acquires status information of the printer processing unit 213 and printer 214 and notifies the job control unit 303.

[0034] The remote monitoring service processing unit 309 monitors the operation information of the scanner 212 and printer 214 via the scan input processing unit 306 and output processing unit 308, and instructs the network processing unit 302 to send operation information to the management server 108 as needed. It may also send operation information based on instructions from the UI processing unit 301 or the remote monitoring interface 310. The remote monitoring interface 310 receives and processes instructions related to remote monitoring from the management client 101 via the network processing unit 302. Then, according to the content of the instructions, it issues instructions to save data to the storage unit 305 or to send information to the remote monitoring service processing unit 309.

[0035] Figure 4(A) is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management client 101 according to Embodiment 1.

[0036] The communication interface 401 is a network interface for communicating with external systems and devices. The storage device 402 stores the OS (Operating System) and various data. Various data is collected, for example, from internal programs and operational information, as well as from external systems and devices. The CPU 403 loads the program from the storage device 402 into memory 404 and executes it. That is, memory 404 is used as working memory for the CPU 403. The input interface 405 is connected to a keyboard, pointing device, etc., and accepts user input. The output interface 406 is connected to an output device such as a display device and outputs the results of program execution, etc.

[0037] Figure 4(B) is a functional block diagram illustrating the software configuration of the management client 101 according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] The device management unit 410 acquires and modifies proxy settings information for the image forming apparatuses 102-104. The device management unit 410 also performs processes such as starting and stopping the remote monitoring functions of the image forming apparatuses 102-104. The proxy server 411 relays data communication between the image forming apparatuses 102-104 and the management server 108. In addition to this proxy server 411, other proxy servers may be provided in the communication path between the image forming apparatuses 102-104 and the management server 108.

[0039] Figure 5(A) is a conceptual diagram of a table for managing Web services provided by the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 to devices on the LAN 105. In reality, equivalent information is stored in the storage unit 305 (Figure 3). During the startup process of the image forming apparatus 102, which will be described later, each processing unit that wants to provide a Web service adds the service to this table, and then the network processing unit 302 provides the Web service to devices on the LAN 105.

[0040] Figure 5(A) shows the Remote UI service and Remote Monitoring service as examples, but other services can also be registered. Web services are provided in accordance with general HTTP (including HTTPS) and can be used by accessing a URL that includes the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102. The Service Name column 501 represents the name of the registered Web service. The Service Status column 502 represents the enabled / disabled status of the registered Web service. The service status can be changed at any time by the processing unit that added the Web service. The Service Path column 503 is a string that a device on LAN 105 appends to the URL to specify the Web service it wants to use. For example, to use the Remote UI service, you would specify "http: / / {IP address of the image forming apparatus}", and to use the Remote Monitoring service, you would specify "http: / / {IP address of the image forming apparatus} / remote_monitor". Note that some services may have a function path table for each function they provide, as shown in Figure 5(B). In that case, it is necessary to specify the function path after the service path. The service notification destination 504 is the function address of a program on the image forming apparatus 102, which is the notification destination when the network processing unit 302 requests processing from the service's registration source when an access to the service occurs.

[0041] Figure 5(B) is a conceptual diagram of a table for managing the functions provided by the remote monitoring interface 310 via a web service. In reality, the equivalent information is stored in the storage unit 305 and used in the proxy configuration process specifically for the remote monitoring service, which will be described later.

[0042] The function column 510 represents the functions that the remote monitoring interface 310 provides as a web service. The function path column 511 is a string that devices on LAN 105 append to the URL to specify the remote monitoring service function they want to use. For example, to use the proxy setting function, you would specify "http: / / {IP address of the image forming device} / remote_monitor / setting_proxy", and to use the activation function, you would specify "http: / / {IP address of the image forming device} / remote_monitor / activate". The method column 512 represents the HTTP methods supported by that function. Even if the URL is correct, the function will not work if an unsupported HTTP method is used.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1. The process shown in this flowchart is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0044] First, in S601, CPU201 initializes various settings. Next, in S602, CPU201 adds the remote monitoring service to the Web service management table shown in Figure 5(A). Other Web services are also added at this time, but their explanation is omitted as they are not related to the present invention. Next, in S603, CPU201 generates various threads. This allows each processing unit shown in Figure 3 to operate in parallel. As a result, from this point onward, the user can use the functions provided by the processing unit that has completed preparation in order. Therefore, the startup of the image forming apparatus 102 is completed here, but only the preparation of the network processing unit 302, which is particularly relevant, will be explained within the framework of the startup flowchart.

[0045] When the thread for the network processing unit 302 is created in S604, the process proceeds to S605, where the CPU 201 functions as the network processing unit 302 and determines whether an IP address has been obtained. If it is determined that an IP address has been obtained, the process proceeds to S606, where the network processing unit 302 begins providing web services. On the other hand, if it is determined that an IP address could not be obtained, the process returns to S604. In this way, among the functions provided by the image forming apparatus 102, those related to the network cannot be used until an IP address is obtained.

[0046] As a result of the processes described above, the Web service can be provided as soon as the image forming apparatus 102 is started up and ready.

[0047] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing how the management client 101 according to Embodiment 1 sets up a proxy dedicated to remote monitoring services on the image forming apparatus 102. Communication between each device in this sequence diagram is performed in accordance with HTTP (including HTTPS).

[0048] First, the management client 101 on S701 searches for image forming machines on LAN 105. In the example in Figure 7, only image forming machine 102 is shown, but in reality, image forming machines 103 and 104 are also found at this time. The found image forming machines are added to the device management table shown in Figure 10, which will be described later.

[0049] Next, in S702, the management client 101 requests a Web service address list from the found image forming apparatus 102. In response, in S703, the image forming apparatus 102 generates a Web service address list based on the Web service management table shown in Figure 5(A). This Web service address list is a list of combinations of the name of each service registered in the Web service management table and its access URL (for the remote monitoring service, this would be "http: / / {IP address of the image forming apparatus} / remote_monitor"). Then, in S704, the image forming apparatus 102 returns the Web service address list to the management client 101.

[0050] As a result, in S705, the management client 101 checks whether the remote monitoring service exists in the Web service address list received from the image forming apparatus 102. This allows the management client 101 to determine whether the image forming apparatus 102 supports the remote monitoring service. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 102 supports the remote monitoring service, in S706 the management client 101 performs client authentication on the image forming apparatus 102. This client authentication may be performed by any means depending on the embodiment.

[0051] Next, in S707, the image forming apparatus 102 returns the client authentication result to the management client 101. If authentication fails at this stage, the following steps are skipped. If authentication is successful, in S708, the management client 101 accesses "http: / / {IP address of the image forming apparatus} / remote_monitor / setting_proxy" to use the proxy setting function of the remote monitoring service. At this time, the HTTP method is specified as PUT, and the information to be set as a proxy, such as the IP address and hostname of the management client 101 itself, is added as parameters. The method of specifying these parameters can be any method depending on the embodiment. For example, this can be done by using it as a URL query or as part of the HTTP request body. Also, if the HTTP method is specified as DELETE and no parameters are added, it becomes a request to delete the dedicated proxy settings for the remote monitoring service.

[0052] Thus, in S709, the image forming apparatus 102 saves the received proxy information as proxy information dedicated to the remote monitoring service, or deletes the saved proxy information dedicated to the remote monitoring service if DELETE is specified. Details of this process will be described later. Then, in S710, the image forming apparatus 102 returns to the management client 101 that the proxy settings have been completed.

[0053] This process allows the management client 101 to set up a dedicated proxy for remote monitoring services on the image forming apparatus discovered on the LAN 105.

[0054] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting a proxy dedicated to the remote monitoring service in the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 (S709 in Figure 7). The process shown in this flowchart is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0055] First, at S801, CPU201 functions as network processing unit 302 and receives a proxy configuration request specifically for the remote monitoring service from management client 101, which is sent at S708. Next, at S802, CPU201 functions as network processing unit 302, extracts the service path from the accessed URL, and searches the Web service management table (Figure 5(A)). If there is a Web service registered here that matches the service path of the remote monitoring service, the process proceeds to S803; otherwise, it proceeds to S809. At S803, CPU201 functions as network processing unit 302 and requests processing from the notification destination of the service whose service path matched. In this case, since it is a proxy configuration request for the remote monitoring service, the processing is requested from the remote monitoring I / F 310.

[0056] In S804, CPU201 functions as remote monitoring I / F310, extracts the function path from the accessed URL, and searches the remote monitoring service function path table shown in Figure 5(B). If the function path matches the proxy setting, it proceeds to S805; if it matches another function, it proceeds to S807; and if it does not match any, it proceeds to S808. In S805, CPU201 functions as remote monitoring I / F310 and determines whether the parameters, including the HTTP method, received from management client 101 are correct. If they are correct, it proceeds to S806; otherwise, it proceeds to S808. In S806, remote monitoring I / F310 saves the received proxy information to the proxy information area dedicated to the remote monitoring service using storage unit 305 and proceeds to S808. Also, if the HTTP method is DELETE, it deletes the saved proxy information dedicated to the remote monitoring service and proceeds to S808. On the other hand, the remote monitoring interface 310 in S807 performs processing corresponding to the function searched in 804, but we will omit the explanation of that here.

[0057] In S808, the remote monitoring interface 310 requests the network processing unit 302 to return the processing result to the management client 101. This causes the CPU in S809 to... 201 It functions as a network processing unit 302 and returns the processing results to the management client 101.

[0058] Through the processes described above, the management client 101 can configure a proxy for communication with the image forming apparatus 102 using the remote monitoring service. It can also delete registered proxies for the remote monitoring service.

[0059] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1 communicates (sends operational information to the management server 108) using a remote monitoring service. The process shown in this flowchart is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 loading a program stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0060] First, in S901, it is determined whether an event that triggers the transmission of operational information occurs within the image forming apparatus 102. If an event occurs, the process proceeds to S902; otherwise, it waits in S901. This operational information transmission event occurs, for example, when the self-monitoring function of the image forming apparatus 102 detects a malfunction in the scanner 212 or printer 214, or when the scheduled transmission time has arrived. In S902, the CPU 201 functions as the remote monitoring service processing unit 309 and receives the operational information transmission event. Next, in S903, the CPU 201 functions as the remote monitoring service processing unit 309 and generates operational data to be sent to the management server 108 based on the received operational information transmission event.

[0061] Next, the process proceeds to S904, where the CPU 201 functions as the remote monitoring service processing unit 309. It reads the proxy information area dedicated to the remote monitoring service via the storage unit 305 and determines whether a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service is set up. If a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service is set up, the process proceeds to S905; otherwise, it proceeds to S907. In S905, the CPU 201 functions as the remote monitoring service processing unit 309 and requests the network processing unit 302 to send operational data. At this time, the dedicated proxy information for the remote monitoring service is specified as a parameter. Then, the process proceeds to S906, where the CPU 201 functions as the network processing unit 302, sends the operational data via the proxy specified in the parameter, and terminates this process.

[0062] Meanwhile, in S907, CPU201 functions as the remote monitoring service processing unit 309 and requests the network processing unit 302 to send operational data. At this time, no proxy information is specified in the parameters. Then, proceeding to S908, CPU201 functions as the network processing unit 302, reads the general-purpose proxy information area via the storage unit 305, and determines whether a general-purpose proxy is set or not. If a general-purpose proxy is set, proceed to S909; otherwise, proceed to S910. In S909, CPU201 functions as the network processing unit 302, sends the operational data via the general-purpose proxy, and terminates this process. Meanwhile, in S910, CPU201 functions as the network processing unit 302, sends the operational data without going through a proxy, and terminates this process.

[0063] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, when the image forming apparatus 102 communicates using a remote monitoring service, it can switch the proxy to which it communicates according to the settings.

[0064] Furthermore, Embodiment 1 is not limited to remote monitoring functionality. For example, if you want to route data read by an image forming apparatus to an external cloud service via a dedicated proxy, you can do so by providing a dedicated proxy information area for each function and a web service for proxy settings, similar to Embodiment 1, and configuring the proxy from a management client.

[0065] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described. Embodiment 2 describes a case where the management client 101 searches for the image forming apparatus on LAN 105 using S701, but the image forming apparatus is not found for reasons such as the power to the image forming apparatus being turned off, and then the image forming apparatus is connected to LAN 105. Note that the system configuration and the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus and management client 101 in Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above, so their description will be omitted.

[0066] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram of a table used by the management client 101 according to Embodiment 2 to manage network devices. In reality, equivalent information is stored in the storage device 402.

[0067] The device ID column 1001 is the ID assigned when an image forming apparatus found during the search is added to the device management table. The serial number column 1002 is the serial number assigned when the image forming apparatus is manufactured. The IP address column 1003 is the IP address assigned to identify the device within LAN 105.

[0068] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process when the management client 101 according to Embodiment 2 searches for the image forming apparatus again. The process shown in this flowchart is realized, for example, by the CPU 403 of the management client 101 loading the program stored in the storage device 402 into memory 404 and executing it.

[0069] In S1101, the CPU 403 starts timing using the re-search timer. Next, in S1102, the CPU 403 searches for image forming machines on LAN 105. If an image forming machine is found, the process proceeds to S1103, and if the timing of the re-search timer exceeds a predetermined time, the search ends and the process proceeds to S1106. In S1103, the CPU 403 determines whether the found image forming machine is registered in the device management table (Figure 10) based on its serial number. If it is determined to be registered, the process returns to S1102 to search for the next image forming machine. If it is not registered, the process proceeds to S1104. In S1104, the CPU 403 adds the information of the image forming machine to the device management table (Figure 10) and proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the CPU 403 performs the configuration process for a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service for that image forming machine, as shown in Figure 7. After that, the process returns to S1102 to search for the next image forming machine. Also, in S1106, CPU403 sets a timer for the next re-search at an arbitrary interval and terminates this process.

[0070] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, the management client 101 can configure a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service for a newly discovered image forming apparatus, regardless of when the image forming apparatus is connected to the LAN 105.

[0071] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will now be described. In Embodiment 3, the management client 101 is not located on the LAN 105, and one of the multiple image forming machines (referred to here as image forming machine 102) operates as a proxy server, similar to the management client 101. The system configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming machine in Embodiment 3 are the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above, so their description will be omitted.

[0072] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating the software modules of the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 3. Each module in Figure 12 is realized by the CPU 201 executing a program. In Figure 12, parts common to both Figure 3 and Embodiment 1 described above are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] The device management unit 1201 acquires and modifies proxy settings information for other image forming machines 103 and 104. The device management unit 1201 also performs processes such as starting and stopping the remote monitoring service functions of image forming machines 103 and 104. Furthermore, the device management table shown in Figure 10 is stored in the HDD 204 of image forming machine 102.

[0074] The proxy server 1202 relays data communication between the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 and the management server 108. In addition to this proxy server 1202, other proxy servers may be provided in the communication path between the image forming apparatuses 103 and 104 and the management server 108.

[0075] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the proxy setting process performed by the image forming apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 3 for image forming apparatuses 103 and 104. This flowchart is implemented, for example, by the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 loading a program stored in the ROM 203 or HDD 204 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0076] This process begins in S1301 when the image forming apparatus 102 is connected to LAN 105. Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the timer for searching starts timing. Then, in S1303, the CPU 201 functions as the device management unit 1201 and searches for other image forming apparatuses on LAN 105. If another image forming apparatus is found, the process proceeds to S1304, and when the timer reaches a predetermined time and the search ends, the process proceeds to S1307. In S1304, the CPU 201 functions as the device management unit 1201 and retrieves the proxy settings for the remote monitoring service of the found image forming apparatus and determines if they are already configured. If it is determined that they are already configured, it means that one of the other image forming apparatuses is already operating as a proxy, and the proxy will be set for the image forming apparatus 102 when the search for that image forming apparatus is repeated, so this process ends.

[0077] On the other hand, if not configured, the process proceeds to S1305. In S1305, the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 102 functions as the device management unit 1201 and adds the discovered image forming apparatus to the device management table. Then, proceeding to S1306, the CPU 201 performs the remote monitoring service dedicated proxy setting process shown in Figure 7 for the discovered image forming apparatus. After that, the process returns to S1303 to search for the next image forming apparatus.

[0078] In S1307, CPU201 functions as device management unit 1201 and sets the next re-search timer at arbitrary intervals. At the same time, the IP address of image forming apparatus 102 is written to a proxy information area dedicated to the remote monitoring service within image forming apparatus 102, so that it is determined to be configured when searched for by other image forming apparatuses.

[0079] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, a specific image forming apparatus can be set up and used as a proxy for remote monitoring communication without having to install a management client.

[0080] <Screen configuration common to Embodiments 1-3> Figure 14(A) shows an example of the settings screen for the remote monitoring service of the image forming apparatus 102 according to this embodiment.

[0081] Registration status 1401 indicates whether the remote monitoring service is registered or not. By touching registration status 1401, the user will transition to a registration execution screen (not shown) if it is not registered, or to a deregistration execution screen (not shown) if it is registered. Web service setting 1402 indicates whether or not to provide the Web service for the remote monitoring service. The status of the remote monitoring service in the service status column 502 of Figure 5(A) above will switch according to this setting.

[0082] Figure 14(B) shows an example of the device management screen of the management client 101 according to Embodiment 3.

[0083] The serial number column 1410 is the serial number obtained from the image forming apparatus. The IP address column 1411 is the IP address obtained from the image forming apparatus. The registration status column 1412 is the registration status of the remote monitoring service settings obtained from the image forming apparatus. The proxy setting column 1413 is the setting status of the dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service obtained from the image forming apparatus. The batch proxy setting button 1414 is used to set a proxy for multiple image forming apparatuses on LAN 105 at once. This button is also used to change the settings for image forming apparatuses that have already been configured. It is also possible to wait for unconfigured image forming apparatuses to be automatically configured according to Embodiment 2. The batch registration button 1415 is used to register the remote monitoring service for multiple image forming apparatuses on LAN 105 at once.

[0084] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment in which a proxy setting dedicated to the remote monitoring service is distributed from the management client 101 to the image forming apparatus on the LAN 105.

[0085] Each image forming machine provides a web service, and the management client 101 collects information on whether the image forming machine supports or has enabled the remote monitoring service, and configures a proxy for the target image forming machine using the process shown in Figure 7.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 15, the remote monitoring service is configured for the image forming apparatus 102, and the service status is active. Therefore, a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service is configured from the management client 101 to the image forming apparatus 102. However, although the remote monitoring service is configured for the image forming apparatus 103, the remote monitoring service status is inactive, so a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service is not configured. Similarly, the remote monitoring service is not configured for the image forming apparatus 104, so a dedicated proxy for the remote monitoring service is not configured.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0088] [Item 1] An information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, and an information processing device capable of operating as a proxy for the output function, The image forming apparatus is A means for hosting a specified web service, It has a receiving means that receives requests for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, The aforementioned information processing device is An information processing system characterized by requesting a proxy setting from a device on the network that provides the predetermined Web service, to use the information processing device as a proxy.

[0089] [Item 2] The image forming apparatus further, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, When the operation information transmission event occurs, the transmission means transmits the operation information to the management server via the proxy based on the proxy settings stored in the storage means, The information processing system according to item 1, characterized by having the following features.

[0090] [Item 3] The image forming apparatus further, The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, characterized by having registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service.

[0091] [Item 4] The information processing system according to item 3, characterized in that the request for proxy settings includes the path corresponding to the predetermined Web service and the path for setting the proxy.

[0092] [Item 5] The information processing system according to item 4, characterized in that the request for the proxy settings further includes the IP address of the image forming apparatus.

[0093] [Item 6] The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmission event is generated based on detection by the self-monitoring function of the image forming apparatus.

[0094] [Item 7] The information processing system according to item 2, further characterized in that the storage means stores the requested proxy settings in response to successful authentication of the information processing device.

[0095] [Item 8] The information processing system according to item 2, characterized in that if there are no proxy settings stored in the storage means, the transmission means transmits via a general-purpose proxy if one exists.

[0096] [Item 9] The aforementioned information processing device is A search means for searching for an image forming apparatus connected via a network, The system includes an acquisition means for acquiring information on a Web service provided by an image forming apparatus found through the search by the aforementioned search means. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that when the information of the Web service acquired by the acquisition means includes the predetermined Web service, it transmits a request for proxy settings of the predetermined Web service to the image forming apparatus.

[0097] [Item 10] The information processing system according to item 9, further comprising means for registering the predetermined Web service in bulk to a plurality of image forming apparatuses found by the search means.

[0098] [Item 11] The information processing system according to item 9, further comprising means for sending the proxy setting request to a plurality of image forming apparatuses found by the search means in a batch.

[0099] [Item 12] An information processing system having multiple image forming apparatuses equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, The first image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the aforementioned predetermined Web service, A transmission means for transmitting a request to a second image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses for proxy settings to use the first image forming apparatus as a proxy for the output function, An information processing system characterized by having the following features.

[0100] [Item 13] An image forming apparatus equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the aforementioned predetermined Web service, A transmission means that, in response to the transmission event of the operational information, transmits the operational information to the management server via the proxy configured in the proxy settings, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

[0101] [Item 14] An image forming apparatus equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the aforementioned predetermined Web service, A transmission means that is connected via a network and transmits a request for proxy settings to use the first image forming apparatus having the output function as a proxy for the output function, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

[0102] [Item 15] A control method for an image forming apparatus that includes an output function for outputting operational information to a management server, The process of hosting a specified web service, The process of receiving a request for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A transmission step in which, in response to the transmission event of the operational information, the operational information is transmitted to the management server via the proxy configured in the proxy settings, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0103] [Item 16] A control method for an image forming apparatus that includes an output function for outputting operational information to a management server, The process of hosting a specified web service, The process of receiving a request for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A transmission step that transmits a request for proxy settings to use the first image forming apparatus, which is connected via a network and has the output function, as a proxy for the output function, A control method characterized by having the following features.

[0104] [Item 17] A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the control method described in item 15 or 16.

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 101...Management client, 102, 103, 104...Image forming apparatus, 108...Management server, 201...CPU (image forming apparatus), 301...UI processing unit, 302...Network processing unit, 303...Job processing unit, 305...Storage unit, 309...Remote monitoring service processing unit, 310...Remote monitoring interface, 403...CPU (management client), 410...Device management unit, 411...Proxy server

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus having an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, and an information processing device capable of operating as a proxy for the output function, The image forming apparatus is A means for hosting a specified web service, A receiving means that receives requests for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, When the operation information transmission event occurs, a transmission means transmits the operation information to the management server via the proxy based on the proxy settings stored in the storage means, It has a registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, The aforementioned information processing device is An information processing system characterized by requesting the image forming apparatus, which provides the predetermined Web service among the devices on the network, to configure a proxy for using the information processing device as a proxy.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the request for setting the proxy includes the path corresponding to the predetermined Web service and the path for setting the proxy.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the request for proxy settings further includes the IP address of the image forming apparatus.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission event is generated based on detection by the self-monitoring function of the image forming apparatus.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the storage means stores the requested proxy settings in response to successful authentication of the information processing device.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that if there are no proxy settings stored in the storage means, the transmission means transmits via a general-purpose proxy if one exists.

7. The aforementioned information processing device is A search means for searching for an image forming apparatus connected via a network, The system includes an acquisition means for acquiring information on a Web service provided by an image forming apparatus found through the search by the aforementioned search means. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the information of the Web service acquired by the acquisition means includes the predetermined Web service, it transmits a request to the image forming apparatus for setting a proxy for the predetermined Web service.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, further comprising means for registering the predetermined Web service in a batch to a plurality of image forming apparatuses found by the search means.

9. The information processing system according to claim 7, further comprising means for collectively transmitting a request for the setting of the proxy to a plurality of image forming apparatuses found by the search means.

10. An information processing system having multiple image forming apparatuses equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, The first image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, When the operation information transmission event occurs, means for transmitting the operation information to the management server via the proxy based on the proxy settings stored in the storage means, A registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, A transmission means that transmits a request to the second image forming apparatus of the plurality of image forming apparatuses for setting up a proxy so that the first image forming apparatus can be used as a proxy for the output function, An information processing system characterized by having the following features.

11. An image forming apparatus equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, A transmission means that transmits the operational information to the management server via the proxy configured in the proxy settings in response to the operational information transmission event, A registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

12. An image forming apparatus equipped with an output function that outputs operational information to a management server, A means for hosting a specified web service, A means for receiving requests for proxy settings of the output function via the predetermined Web service, A storage means for storing the proxy settings received by the receiving means, When the operation information transmission event occurs, means for transmitting the operation information to the management server via the proxy based on the proxy settings stored in the storage means, A registration means for registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, A transmission means that is connected via a network and transmits a request to a first image forming apparatus having the output function to set up a proxy so that the image forming apparatus can be used as a proxy for the output function, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

13. A control method for an image forming apparatus that includes an output function for outputting operational information to a management server, The process of hosting a specified web service, The process of receiving a request for setting the proxy of the output function via the predetermined Web service, The receiving process includes a saving process that saves the proxy settings received, A transmission step in which, in response to the transmission event of the operational information, the operational information is transmitted to the management server via the proxy configured in the proxy settings, A registration step of registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, A control method characterized by having the following features.

14. A control method for an image forming apparatus that includes an output function for outputting operational information to a management server, The process of hosting a specified web service, The process of receiving a request for setting the proxy of the output function via the predetermined Web service, The receiving process includes a saving process that saves the proxy settings received, A registration step of registering information including the name of the predetermined Web service, a status indicating whether it is enabled or disabled, and a path for specifying the predetermined Web service, A transmission step that transmits a request to a first image forming apparatus, which is connected via a network and has the output function, to configure a proxy for using the image forming apparatus as a proxy for the output function, A control method characterized by having the following features.

15. A program for causing a computer to perform each step of the control method described in claim 13 or 14.

Images