JP5104632B2 - Conference image processing system and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conference image processing system that includes an image processing device such as a digital copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a digital multi-function peripheral, and that is used for creating materials for various conferences, and an image processing device that is preferably used in the system .

  In an image processing system used for various conferences, a digital multifunction machine as an image processing apparatus installed in a conference room is often used when conference materials are printed, transmitted, or stored.

  In such a case, it is conceivable that the conference is held on a different floor or a different office. When a presentation is made using printed materials at a meeting, printed materials distributed to attendees must be printed in time for the start of the meeting. Further, when the conference material is a large-capacity file, the conference file needs to be stored in a server that can be shared on the network, and each attendee needs to take out the conference material from the server.

  In Patent Document 1, by using a sensor to recognize meeting attendees and grasping the actual number of attendees, the burden of distributing meeting materials can be reduced without creating unnecessary meeting materials. A meeting material distribution support system that can be reduced is provided.

Specifically, information on a unique identifier assigned to a predetermined device, recognized by a proximity detection device connected on the same network, is received, and the identifier is based on the received identifier information. If the owner of the device to which the device The print instruction is issued.
JP 2004-038886 A

  However, the operation mode of the digital multi-function peripheral is set to be displayed on the operation panel unit assuming a normal business flow, and does not assume an operation flow corresponding to a conference.

  For this reason, if the meeting organizer needs to prepare the required number of copies of printed materials before the meeting starts, it can be prepared by performing unfamiliar operations such as booklet mode and stapling / punching, which are application modes that are not used in normal business operations. It was not efficient.

  Also, during the meeting, when the contents of the whiteboard (for example, ideas) are distributed to each attendee, or when the minutes are distributed to each attendee by e-mail after the meeting, the attendee In addition, there is a problem that the destination of the manager and the related boss must be searched from the destination list held in the digital multi-function peripheral and set for transmission each time.

  In addition, if a large file needs to be distributed to attendees during a meeting, the materials must be stored on a server that can be shared on the network, but the attendees' access rights to the server are investigated during the meeting. There is a problem that it is difficult to do so and it is necessary to consider a method of distribution to attendees who do not have access rights, and it is impossible to share materials immediately.

  Furthermore, when a digital multifunction device shared over a network receives a printer job from an office other than the conference room, it starts a printing operation, and the conference attendees cannot use it preferentially. It was.

  Note that the system described in Patent Document 1 described above does not provide a measure for solving these problems.

  The present invention relates to a conference image processing system that can reduce the burden of operations of conference attendees using image processing devices that are arranged at a plurality of conference locations and are used for the same conference, and an image processing device that is preferably used in the system. It is an issue to provide.

The above-mentioned subject is achieved by the following means.
(1) A plurality of image processing apparatuses that are arranged at a plurality of meeting places and are connected to each other via a network and having a normal operation mode and a conference operation mode, and provided in each of the image processing apparatuses, An operation mode switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode and a conference operation mode, a specifying unit that specifies an image processing device used for the same conference among the plurality of image processing devices at the time of the conference, and the specified And a control unit that causes each of the image processing devices to switch from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching unit.
(2) Each of the image processing apparatuses includes layout information indicating a correspondence relationship between a schedule server that manages meeting schedule information including meeting place information for a meeting, and the meeting place and the image processing apparatus disposed at the meeting place. An owned layout server is connected via a network, and the specifying unit specifies an image processing device based on meeting schedule information acquired from the schedule server and layout information acquired from the layout server. 2. The conference image processing system according to item 1.
(3) Each image processing apparatus includes a conference mode key for instructing switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching unit, and the specifying unit and the control unit press the conference mode key. And the specifying means specifies an image processing apparatus used for the same conference based on the pressing of the conference mode key, and the control means specifies the specified master image processing device. 3. For conferences according to the preceding item 1 or 2, wherein a mode switching is executed by sending a switching signal from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode to a slave image processing device other than the master image processing device. Image processing system.
(4) Each said image processing apparatus is provided with a display means, In the said operation mode for meetings, the function for meetings in any one of the preceding clauses 1-3 by which a function required for a meeting is preferentially displayed on the said display means Image processing system.
(5) The conference image processing system according to item 4 above, wherein a transmission destination of a member related to a conference attendee is displayed on the display means.
(6) Each of the image processing apparatuses includes a storage unit, and a storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is formed in the storage unit, and the storage dedicated to the conference operation mode of any one of the image processing apparatuses is stored. 6. The conference image processing system according to any one of 1 to 5 above, wherein the data stored in the area is transferred to another image processing apparatus used in the same conference.
(7) In the conference operation mode, when the image processing apparatus receives a job other than a meeting attendee, the image processing apparatus delays output of the job until the end of the meeting. Image processing system for meetings.
(8) An image processing apparatus which is arranged at a conference place and is connected to an image processing apparatus arranged at another conference place via a network, and switches between a normal operation mode and a conference operation mode. When switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching means, the specifying means for specifying another image processing apparatus used in the same conference together with the own apparatus at the time of the conference, And a control means for outputting a switching signal for causing the identified other image processing apparatus to switch from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode. apparatus.
(9) A schedule server that manages meeting schedule information including meeting place information for a meeting, and a layout server that holds layout information indicating a correspondence relationship between the meeting place and the image processing device arranged at the meeting place, 9. The information processing apparatus according to item 8, wherein the specifying unit is connected via a network and specifies the other image processing apparatus based on the meeting schedule information acquired from the schedule server and the layout information acquired from the layout server. Image processing device.
(10) A conference mode key for instructing switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching unit is provided, and the specifying unit is configured to make the same conference based on pressing of the conference mode key. 10. The image processing device according to 8 or 9 above, which specifies another image processing device to be used.
(11) The image processing apparatus according to any one of Items 8 to 10, further comprising a display unit, wherein in the conference operation mode, functions necessary for the conference are preferentially displayed on the display unit.
(12) The image processing apparatus according to (11), wherein a transmission destination of a member related to a conference attendee is displayed on the display unit.
(13) A storage unit is provided, and a storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is formed in the storage unit, and data stored in the storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is specified by the specifying unit. 13. The image processing device according to any one of items 8 to 12, wherein the image processing device is transferred to another image processing device.
(14) The image processing apparatus according to any one of items 8 to 13, wherein in a conference operation mode, when a job other than a conference attendant is received, the output of the job is delayed until the conference ends.

  According to the invention described in (1), the image processing device used for the same conference is identified from among the plurality of image processing devices respectively disposed at the plurality of conference locations, and the identified Since each image processing apparatus is caused to switch from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching means, the mode of each image processing apparatus is automatically changed from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode. Therefore, the meeting attendee can immediately use the image processing apparatus as it is for copying or the like, and the operation burden is greatly reduced.

  According to the invention described in (2), the image processing apparatus used for the same conference is specified based on the conference schedule information acquired from the schedule server and the layout information acquired from the layout server.

  According to the invention described in the above item (3), for example, a slave image processing device used for the same conference triggered by the conference organizer pressing the conference mode key of the master image processing device at the conference host location. And a switching signal from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode is transmitted to each slave image processing device, and the mode of each slave image processing device can be switched to the conference operation mode.

  According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (4), when the mode is changed to the conference operation mode, functions necessary for the conference are preferentially displayed on the display means. Can be used.

  According to the invention described in item (5) above, since the transmission destinations of the members related to the conference attendees are displayed on the display means, it is possible to quickly transmit data necessary for the conference.

  According to the invention described in (6) above, when data is stored in the storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode in the storage means of any of the image processing apparatuses, the other image used for the same conference is used. Since the data is transferred to the processing device, the data can be shared smoothly by meeting attendees at different locations.

  According to the invention described in item (7) above, in the conference operation mode, when the image processing apparatus receives a job other than the meeting attendee, the image processing apparatus delays the output of the job until the end of the meeting. , The meeting progress is maintained smoothly without being interrupted.

  According to the invention described in (8) above, when switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode, the mode of the other image processing apparatus used for the same conference is automatically changed from the normal operation mode to the conference mode. Accordingly, the meeting attendee can immediately use the image processing apparatus for copying or the like as it is, and the operation burden is greatly reduced.

  According to the invention described in (9) above, another image processing device used for the same conference is specified based on the conference schedule information acquired from the schedule server and the layout information acquired from the layout server. .

  According to the invention described in the preceding paragraph (10), for example, another image processing device used for the same conference is specified by using, as a trigger, the conference organizer pressing the conference mode key at the conference host location, A switching signal from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode is transmitted to each image processing device, and the mode of each image processing device can be switched to the conference operation mode.

  According to the invention described in the previous item (11), when the mode is changed to the conference operation mode, functions necessary for the conference are preferentially displayed on the display means. Can be used.

  According to the invention described in item (12) above, since the transmission destinations of the members related to the conference attendees are displayed on the display means, it is possible to quickly transmit data necessary for the conference.

  According to the invention described in item (13) above, when data is stored in the storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode in the storage means, the data is transferred to another image processing apparatus used for the same conference. Therefore, sharing of data among meeting attendees at different locations can be performed smoothly.

  According to the invention described in item (14) above, in the conference operation mode, when a job other than the conference attendee is received, the image processing apparatus delays the output of the job until the conference ends. Is maintained smoothly without being interrupted.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conference image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the conference image processing system includes a plurality of image processing devices 21 and 22, a schedule server 23, a layout server 24, and a personal computer (referred to as a PC) 30 used by conference attendees. The image processing apparatuses 21 and 22, the schedule server 23, the layout server 24, and the PC 30 are connected via a network 25 such as a LAN.

  In this embodiment, for example, MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) that are multifunction digital image forming apparatuses are used as the image processing apparatuses 21 and 22. Hereinafter, the image processing apparatuses 21 and 22 are also referred to as MFPs 21 and 22.

  In this embodiment, one MFP 21 is arranged in the conference room on the conference sponsor side (master site), and the other MFP 22 is installed in the conference room on the conference participation side (slave site).

  The schedule server 23 manages schedule information including information on a meeting location, a meeting name, a meeting start time, and the like. In this embodiment, the schedule server 23 also serves as an authentication server for managing user authentication information. .

  The layout server 24 manages layout information indicating the correspondence between the IP addresses of the image processing apparatuses 21 and 22 and the conference place where each image processing apparatus is arranged.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 21 (22).

  In FIG. 2, an MFP 21 (22) has, for example, a control unit 7 having a CPU, a ROM 8 storing an operation program of the CPU of the control unit 7, and a work area when the CPU of the control unit 7 operates according to the operation program. A work memory 9 such as a RAM is provided. In addition, an image input unit 1 as a scanner unit that optically reads a document image or the like and converts it into image data, an image output unit 2 as a printer unit that prints image data on a predetermined sheet, and a LAN or telephone A communication unit 10 that communicates with the outside through a line, and an image memory unit that temporarily stores image data input from the image input unit 1 or image data transmitted from the outside via the communication unit 10 3, an operation panel 4 having an operation unit for performing various operation inputs and a display unit for displaying various setting information, a compression / decryption unit 5 for compressing and decoding image data, and an e-mail (E- mail) (mail receiving / receiving application) 6 and a file exchange unit for performing various file conversions such as image data file format and e-mail file format. 2, and an external interface unit 11 for connection to an external device.

  Actually, the work memory 9 and the image memory unit 3 share the same volatile memory. The CPU of the control unit 7 operates in accordance with an operation program stored in the ROM 8 based on an operation signal given in response to a user instruction on the operation panel unit 4. The execution procedure of the software program in the MFP 21 will be described later.

  The image input unit 1 includes an image sensor such as a CCD, a slider control unit, various image processing control units, and the like, and optically reads an original image and converts it into an electrical signal.

  The image output unit 2 includes an engine unit composed of a mechanism such as a laser or an ink jet, an engine control unit that controls the engine unit, various image processing control units, and the like, and outputs image data composed of electrical signals on a sheet. And print.

  The image memory unit 3 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores image data input from the image input unit 1 and external image data received through the communication unit 10 and the external interface unit 11. The compression / decoding unit 5 compresses the image data and then stores the code data.

  The image memory 3 is formed with a storage area (conference box) dedicated to the conference operation mode shared by the meeting attendees, and the data stored in the conference operation mode dedicated box of any MFP. Is transferred to another image processing apparatus used in the same conference.

  The operation panel unit 4 is a user interface unit in which an operation unit is configured by a numeric keypad and a start key, and a display unit is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like. Note that the display unit may be configured by a touch panel so that a mode can be selected and an input operation can be performed, an operation procedure can be displayed, and a preview image can be displayed.

  The compression / decoding unit 5 compresses input image data as necessary, or expands code data.

  The control unit 7 includes a CPU and peripheral circuits that control the whole of the units 1 to 12 and is connected to the units 1 to 12 via a system path 13.

  The control unit 7 switches between a normal operation mode that is a mode for normal use other than a conference and a conference operation mode that is a mode for a conference, or other conference modes that are used for the same conference. It has functions such as specifying an image processing device, or sending a switching signal from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode to execute the switching for the other specified image processing devices, The schedule information indicating the location of the different meetings and the date and time of the conference is acquired from the server, and the layout information indicating the installation location of the MFP 21 (22) is acquired from the layout server.

  The communication unit 10 is connected to a network (FIG. 1) 25 via a communication means using a telephone line using a modem or NCU (Network Control Unit) or a LAN control unit (not shown), and is connected to other external devices. Data can be exchanged between them.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel unit 4 in the normal operation mode.

  In FIG. 3, 100 is a copy start key for instructing to start copying, 101 is a reset key for returning to the standard mode, 102 is a guidance (help) key to be pressed when using the guidance function, and 103 is a numerical value such as a set number of sheets. 10 is a numeric keypad, 104 is a clear key for clearing numerical values, and 105 is a stop key for stopping copying during continuous copying.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a liquid crystal display unit that displays the setting of each mode and the status of the printer, and includes a touch panel. 107 is an interrupt key for interrupting and taking an emergency copy during continuous copying or when used as a fax or printer, 108 is a personal identification key that can manage the number of copies by individual or department, and 110 is an MFP 21. This is a function key used when changing the function used in (22). 111 is a program registration (Job Memory) key that can set the setting conditions of each mode, and 112 is a conference mode key that is pressed when switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the operation mode of the master MFP 21 and the slave MFP 22 respectively arranged at the master base and the slave base is changed to the conference operation mode in conjunction with each other.

  In FIG. 4, a screen (normal operation screen) as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 106 of the operation panel unit 4 in the normal operation mode of the MFP 21 in step S1.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not a request for changing to the conference operation mode has been made by pressing (touching) the conference mode key 112. If no change request is made (NO in step S2), the process returns to step S1.

  When the meeting organizer (login person) presses the meeting mode key 112 on the display screen during the meeting, it is determined that a request for changing to the meeting operation mode has been made (YES in step S2), and the user ID and password The authentication data input screen is displayed, and the process waits for the authentication data to be input in step S3.

  When authentication data is input (YES in step S3), the input authentication data is transmitted to the schedule server 23, and an authentication result is returned from the schedule server 23.

  When the notification that the authentication result is OK is received from the schedule server 23, the MFP 21 requests the schedule server 23 to acquire the schedule information, and the schedule server 23 returns the schedule information.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the schedule information stored in the schedule server 23 includes, for example, a meeting name (in this case, regular A, a report meeting, and a progress meeting are illustrated), date and time, attendees, connection destination meeting room It is information about.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a list of related persons for each attendee and an e-mail destination of each person are stored. In this related list, for example, Mr. A knows that Mr. B and Mr. C are related persons. Also, Mr. A's e-mail address is “123 @ km.jp”.

  In step S4, based on the returned schedule information, the conference attended by the login person is displayed on the screen P6 of the display unit 106 of the operation panel 4 as shown in FIG. On this screen P6, “regular meeting”, “report meeting”, and “progress meeting” are displayed and can be selected.

  In step S5, when the logged-in person selects a meeting to attend from the display screen P6, the MFP 21 requests the layout server 24 to acquire layout information, and the layout server 24 returns the layout information to the MFP 21.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the layout server 24 stores the conference room and the IP address of the MFP arranged in each conference room in association with each other. For example, there is Mikawa 1 as a conference room, and it can be seen that the IP address of the MFP arranged in this Mikawa 1 is “150.10.1.1.1”.

  In step S6, the layout information is received, the MFP 22 at the slave base used for the same conference together with the MFP 21 is specified, and a conference setting change notification that is a signal for switching to the conference operation mode is transmitted from the MFP 21 to the MFP 22. . In step S7, the own device mode is changed to the conference operation mode. In step S8, the mode of the MFP 22 that has received the conference setting change notification is also changed to the conference operation mode. That is, the master MFP 21 and the slave MFP 22 are uniformly changed to the conference operation mode.

  As described above, the MFP 21 and the MFP 22 are automatically changed to the conference operation mode triggered by the pressing of the conference mode key 112, so that the meeting attendee can use the MFP 21 as it is, and the operation load is reduced. It is greatly reduced.

  The trigger for switching to the conference room operation mode may be triggered by, for example, the set meeting time being reached, in addition to pressing the key 112 of the operation panel unit 4 by the conference organizer.

  FIG. 8 shows a display screen of the operation panel unit 4 when the mode is changed to the conference operation mode, and is a conference copy operation screen.

  In the display screen P8 shown in FIG. 8, “conference copy mode” is displayed, and “enlarged copy”, “reduced copy”, “double-sided copy”, “punch” are frequently used during a conference. "Staple" and "Combine (2 in 1)" are displayed, and each function can be selected by pressing the corresponding key. When any key is selected and the “Start” key is pressed, copying is started.

  Further, “copy”, “scan”, and “box” keys are displayed at the right end of the screen. When the “scan” key is pressed, the screen shifts to the screen P9 in FIG. 9, and when the “box” key is pressed, FIG. The screen transitions to screen P10.

  On the screen P9 shown in FIG. 9, “Scanning mode for conference” is displayed, and “Scan to Email” function frequently used at the conference (image data of the scanned document is sent by e-mail) In addition, the group destinations of the boss and colleagues related to the logged-in person in the department are displayed based on the logged-in person information.

  In addition, since the added material is transmitted by e-mail or the like during the conference, the transmission destinations of attendees at the master site or the slave site may be displayed. Attendees at the master base and slave base are acquired by the schedule server 23. Minutes or whiteboard prints may be transmitted as a transmission application.

  When the “scan” key is pressed in the slave MFP 22, information may be acquired from the master MFP 21 and the same screen as when the “scan” key is pressed in the master MFP 21 may be displayed. By acquiring the conference schedule information from the schedule server 23, the transmission destinations of attendees at the master base or slave base may be displayed.

  On the screen P10 shown in FIG. 10, “conference box mode” is displayed.

  If a large file needs to be distributed to meeting attendees during a meeting, the document is stored in a meeting box (shared box), and the documents are obtained by accessing the MFPs 21 and 22 from the master site and the slave site, respectively. To do.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a document is stored in the conference shared box when the conference operation mode is entered.

  In FIG. 11, the processing procedure up to step S7 and step S8 is the same as the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  In step S10, the master MFP 21 determines whether there is a document in the conference box. If no document is stored in the conference box (NO in step S10), the conference operation mode is maintained as it is in step S11. Is done. If a document is stored in the conference box (YES in step S10), the MFP 21 transfers the document to the MFP 22 together with the information on the attendees of the conference.

  Next, in step S12, it is checked whether there is a personal box for the attendees on the master site side. If necessary, the information on the attendees of the conference may be requested to the schedule server 23 again. If there is a personal box (YES in step S12), after storing the document in the personal box in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14. If there is an attendee who does not have a personal box (NO in step S12), the process directly proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the document in the conference box is deleted at the conference end time.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the slave MFP 22 to which the document has been transferred searches for a personal box of the meeting attendee on the slave base side. It should be noted that the conference attendee information may be requested to the schedule server 23 again if necessary for the search. If there is a personal box (YES in step S15), the document is stored in the personal box in step S16. If there is an attendee who does not have a personal box (NO in step S15), the document is stored in the conference box in step S17.

  Thereafter, in step S18, the document in the conference box is deleted at the conference end time.

  As described above, when data such as a document is stored in a box dedicated to the conference operation mode, the data is transferred to another MFP used for the same conference, so that the conference attendees at different locations can transfer the data. Data can be shared smoothly.

  If the document is stored in the conference box of the slave MFP 22 when the conference operation mode is entered, the document is transferred to the master MFP 21 and the master MFP 21 has been transferred in the same manner as described above. Store the document in the meeting box.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the MFP 21 receives a print job from the PC 30 such as a conference attendant after shifting to the conference operation mode.

  In FIG. 12, the processing procedure up to step S7 is the same as the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  When a print job request is received from the PC 30 after shifting to the conference operation mode, the MFP 21 determines in step S21 whether the request is a print request from a meeting attendee. If necessary, the information on the attendees of the conference may be requested to the schedule server 23 again.

  If it is a print request from a meeting attendee (YES in step S21), printing is executed in step S22. If it is not a print request from a conference attendant (NO in step S21), the print request is spooled until the conference end time in step S23, and the print request is executed at the conference end time in step S24.

  As described above, when a job other than those attending the meeting is received, the MFP 21 delays the output of the job until the end of the meeting, so that the progress of the meeting is maintained smoothly.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conference image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the image processing apparatus used for the image processing system for meetings of FIG. It is a top view which similarly shows the display screen in the normal operation mode of the operation panel part of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of changing the operation mode of the master image processing apparatus and slave image processing apparatus which are each arrange | positioned at a master base and a slave base into operation mode for a meeting in response. It is a figure which shows the schedule information stored in the schedule server. It is a top view which shows the display screen of the operation panel part when it changes to the operation mode for meetings (copy). It is a top view which shows the display screen of the operation panel part for a meeting organizer to select a meeting. It is a figure which shows the data in which the layout server is stored. It is a top view which shows the display screen of the operation panel part when transfering to the conference operation mode. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a display screen of an operation panel unit when a scan key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a display screen of an operation panel unit when a box key is pressed on the screen of FIG. 8. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when the document is stored in the shared box for meetings when it transfers to the operation mode for meetings. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the MFP 21 receives a print job from a PC 30 such as a conference attendant after shifting to a conference operation mode.

Explanation of symbols

4 Operation Panel 7 Control Unit 21, 22 Image Processing Device (MFP)
23 Schedule server 24 Layout server 25 Network

Claims (14)

A plurality of image processing apparatuses that are arranged at a plurality of meeting places and are connected to each other via a network and having a normal operation mode and a conference operation mode;
An operation mode switching means provided in each of the image processing devices, for switching between a normal operation mode and a conference operation mode;
At the time of a meeting, a specifying means for specifying an image processing apparatus used for the same meeting among the plurality of image processing apparatuses;
Control means for causing each identified image processing apparatus to execute switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching means;
An image processing system for conferences, comprising: Each of the image processing devices has a layout server that stores layout information indicating a correspondence relationship between a schedule server that manages conference schedule information including conference location information for a conference, and the conference locations and the image processing devices arranged at the conference locations. Is connected to the server via a network,
The conference image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies an image processing device based on conference schedule information acquired from the schedule server and layout information acquired from the layout server. Each image processing apparatus includes a conference mode key for instructing switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching unit,
The specifying unit and the control unit are provided in a master image processing apparatus in which the conference mode key is pressed, and the specifying unit is configured to perform image processing used for the same conference based on the pressing of the conference mode key. Identify the device,
The control means sends a switching signal from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode to a slave image processing apparatus other than the identified master image processing apparatus, thereby executing the mode switching. The image processing system for meetings according to claim 1 or 2. Each of the image processing devices includes display means,
The conference image processing system according to claim 1, wherein in the conference operation mode, functions necessary for the conference are preferentially displayed on the display unit.   5. The conference image processing system according to claim 4, wherein transmission destinations of members related to the conference attendee are displayed on the display means. Each of the image processing apparatuses includes a storage unit, and a storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is formed in the storage unit.
6. The data stored in a storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode of any one of the image processing devices is transferred to another image processing device used for the same conference. Image processing system for meetings.   7. In the conference operation mode, when the image processing apparatus receives a job other than the meeting attendee, the image processing apparatus delays the output of the job until the end of the meeting. Image processing system. An image processing device that is disposed at a conference place and connected to each other via an image processing device that is disposed at another conference location,
Operation mode switching means for switching between the normal operation mode and the conference operation mode;
At the time of a meeting, a specifying means for specifying another image processing apparatus used for the same meeting together with the own apparatus;
When the normal operation mode is switched from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching unit, the other specified image processing device is caused to execute the switch from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode. Control means for outputting a switching signal;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A schedule server that manages meeting schedule information including meeting place information for a meeting, and a layout server that holds layout information indicating a correspondence relationship between the meeting place and the image processing apparatus arranged at the meeting place are connected via a network. Connected,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specifying unit specifies another image processing apparatus based on meeting schedule information acquired from the schedule server and layout information acquired from the layout server. A conference mode key for instructing switching from the normal operation mode to the conference operation mode by the operation mode switching means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the specifying unit specifies another image processing apparatus used for the same conference based on pressing of the conference mode key. A display means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the conference operation mode, functions necessary for the conference are preferentially displayed on the display unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a transmission destination of a member related to a meeting attendee is displayed on the display unit. In addition to the storage means, a storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is formed in the storage means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the data stored in the storage area dedicated to the conference operation mode is transferred to another image processing apparatus specified by the specifying unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in a conference operation mode, when a job other than a conference attendant is received, output of the job is delayed until the conference ends.

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