JP2000155658A - Peripheral control device, management device, environment setting method for peripheral control device, environment setting method for management device, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To automate various setting burdens on a network environment for each peripheral device constituting a system resource, reduce a user's operation burden, and ensure that a wrong setting is performed. The goal is to build a network environment that can be easily prevented. Each time a power supply is turned on, a host computer (30) in which a printer 1500 centrally manages resource management information.
It is characterized by acquiring resource management information to be set from 00 through the LAN 21 and setting and controlling the operating environment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral control device, a management device, and a peripheral control device for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined input / output processing while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to an environment setting method, an environment setting method for a management device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, network settings of peripheral devices connected to a network and various initial settings of peripheral devices are performed by an operator or an administrator from an operation unit provided in the devices by an operator or an administrator. Of the network management MIB (Management Information) provided in the network device from the host computer by directly inputting the initial setting of the network device.
nBase), a virtual database called SNMP
(Simple Network Management
(Protocol) using a network management protocol.

[0003] Regarding the network setting, a BOOTP (BOOT Prot) designed for a diskless computer or the like that has not yet been set to read an address definition on the network or an operating system for starting up the computer.
ocol) and DHCP (Dynamic HostCo)
For example, there is a technology such as the N.Nigration Protocol, and some peripheral devices use this technology.

[0004]

However, the prior art has various problems.

First, when all of the initial setting information of the peripheral device is input from an operation unit provided in the device, some models have a large number of setting items. Mistakes may occur.

Second, SNMP is sent from the host computer.
When setting a peripheral device by operating the MIB by using the device, it is necessary to set each setting item of the peripheral device, which is inefficient when setting a plurality of peripheral devices. There was a problem.

Thirdly, there is charging information as information to be set in a peripheral device. However, when the same charging information is set for a plurality of peripheral devices, it must be set for each peripheral device, which is wasteful. was there.

Fourth, a human-powered device such as an image scanner or a digital camera having a network interface,
When a multifunction system is configured by connecting output devices such as a printer device and a facsimile device to each other, in order to specify a destination on an operation panel or the like of the device,
It is necessary to increase the number of operation buttons and increase the amount of information displayed on the operation panel, which raises the problem of increasing the cost of the apparatus. In addition, there is a problem that management is complicated because setting is performed in each peripheral device.

Fifth, conventional BOOTP or DHCP
The technology described above is one-way information transmission in which a BOOTP server and a DHCP server notify network address resolution and fixed information to peripheral devices.

In addition, the above technique returns the same information to the requesting device every time the peripheral device is turned on.

On the other hand, a printing apparatus, a multifunction apparatus, and the like have an operation unit in the apparatus, and setting information of the apparatus can be changed from the operation unit. Therefore, if the setting information managed by the management server is input and changed from the operation unit provided in the peripheral device, the setting information is read from the BOOTP server or the DHCP server and reset when the power is turned on next time. However, there has been a problem that the contents changed from the operation unit of the apparatus are not reflected.

Sixth, SNMP is sent from the host computer.
When the peripheral device is set by operating the MIB using the device, there is a problem that the setting cannot be performed when the power of the peripheral device is turned off.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Each time the power is turned on, resource management information to be set is acquired from a management device that centrally manages the resource management information. By setting and controlling the operating environment and notifying the changed resource management information to the management device as needed and automatically updating the managed resource management information, various peripheral devices constituting the system resources can be variously controlled in the network environment. A peripheral control device, a management device, and a peripheral control device capable of freely constructing a network environment capable of automating a setting load, reducing a user's operation load, and reliably preventing a situation in which an incorrect setting is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an environment setting method, an environment setting method for a management device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined input / output processing while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21 shown in FIG. 3). A search means (FIG. 3) for searching for a peripheral control device (a printer control unit 1501 shown in FIG. 2) for controlling the device and for managing a plurality of peripheral devices via the predetermined communication medium when the power is turned on. ROM1 shown in
3, executing a control program stored in the external memory 14 to perform search processing) and setting means (FIG. 3) for setting an operation environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched by the search means. And a setting means for executing setting processing by executing a control program stored in the ROM 13 and the external memory 14 shown in FIG.
4, RAM 19).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a changing means for changing the resource management information (a setting input from an operation panel 1512 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 13 or the external memory 14 shown in FIG. 3). And a transfer unit for transferring the updated resource management information changed by the change unit to the management device (by executing a control program stored in the ROM 13 and the external memory 14 shown in FIG. 3). Transfer processing).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. is there.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read via the communication medium.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer unit for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and image information read via the communication medium. (Not shown, but a composite processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device (host) for communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21) to manage each peripheral device. Computer 3000), and a creation unit (C) for creating resource management information to be set for each peripheral device.
The PU 1 executes a control program stored in the external memory 11, the ROM 3, etc., and performs a creation process as a profile); a storage unit (external memory 11) for storing the resource management information created by the creation unit; Sending means for reading resource management information stored in the storage means based on an acquisition request for the resource management information from a device and sending the resource management information to a peripheral device that has requested the resource management information
(1) executes a control program stored in the ROM 3 and executes a transmission process); and an updating means (for updating resource management information stored in the storage means based on updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device). The CPU 1 has the external memory 11,
The update process is executed by executing a control program stored in the ROM 3 or the like).

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. is there.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read via the communication medium.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer unit for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and image information read via the communication medium. (Not shown, but a composite processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an environment setting of a peripheral control device for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined input / output processing while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21). Method, when the power is turned on,
A search step of searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via the predetermined communication medium (step (10 in FIG. 5)
2)) and a setting step of setting an operation environment based on the resource management information obtained from the management device searched in the search step (steps (108) to (110) in FIG. 5).
And a registration step (step (107) in FIG. 5) of registering, in a memory resource, acquisition source information for identifying the management apparatus that has acquired the resource management information.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a change step for changing the resource management information (step (20) in FIG. 6)
1), (202)) and a transfer step (step (203) in FIG. 6) of transferring the updated resource management information changed in the change step to the management device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. is there.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read via the communication medium.

[0030] In a seventeenth aspect according to the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer unit for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and image information read via the communication medium. (Not shown, but a composite processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined).

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an environment for a management device which manages each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21). A setting method, wherein a creating step (step (401) shown in FIG. 8 and a step (501) shown in FIG. 9) for creating resource management information to be set for each peripheral device, and the resource management created by the creating step A storing step of storing information in a memory resource (step (402) shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 9)
(502)), and a sending step of reading resource management information stored in the memory resource from each peripheral device based on an acquisition request for the resource management information and sending the resource management information to the requesting peripheral device (step in FIG. 10). (601) to (6)
03)), and an updating step of updating the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device (step (801) in FIG. 12,
(802)).

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. is there.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device is a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read via the communication medium.

In a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and image information read via the communication medium. (Not shown, but a composite processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined).

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined input / output process while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21). A search step (step (102) in FIG. 5) for searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via the predetermined communication medium when the power is turned on. A setting step (steps (108) to (110) in FIG. 5) for setting an operating environment based on the resource management information obtained from the searched management apparatus; and an acquisition for identifying the management apparatus that has obtained the resource management information. A computer-readable program having a registration step (step (107) in FIG. 5) for registering the original information in the memory resource is stored in a storage medium. That.

A twenty-fourth invention according to the present invention provides a method for changing the resource management information (step (20) in FIG. 6).
1), (202)) and a transfer step (step (203) in FIG. 6) for transferring the updated resource management information changed in the change step to the management device. Is stored in.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the resource management information, a computer-readable program including network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information is stored in a storage medium. It was done.

A twenty-sixth invention according to the present invention is directed to a computer in which said peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from said data processing device via said communication medium. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device has a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read through the communication medium, and a computer-readable program. It is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the peripheral device, the peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and an image information read through the communication medium. A computer readable program stored in a storage medium as a compound image processing apparatus (not shown, but a compound processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined) having a scanner unit that outputs is there.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a management device for managing a peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium (LAN 21). Creating a resource management information to be set in each peripheral device (step (401) shown in FIG. 8 and step (501) in FIG. 9) on a storage medium storing a computer-readable program to be executed by the computer. A storage step of storing the resource management information created in the creation step in a memory resource (step (402) shown in FIG. 8 and step (502) in FIG. 9), and an acquisition request for the resource management information from each peripheral device. Sending out the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the information and sending the resource management information to the requesting peripheral device (steps (601) to (601) in FIG. 10)
(603)) and an updating step of updating the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device (step (80 in FIG. 12).
1) and (802)) stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the resource management information, a computer-readable program including network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information is stored in a storage medium. It was done.

A thirty-first invention according to the present invention is directed to a computer wherein said peripheral device is a printer device (printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3) for processing print information received from said data processing device via said communication medium. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

A thirty-second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that said peripheral device is a scanner device (scanner 4000 shown in FIG. 3) for outputting image information read through said communication medium, and stores a computer-readable program. It is stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the peripheral device, the peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and image information read via the communication medium. A computer readable program stored in a storage medium as a compound image processing apparatus (not shown, but a compound processing apparatus in which the scanner 4000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 3 are combined) having a scanner unit that outputs is there.

[0047]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing the configuration of this embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition,
The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing method may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, for example, a case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In the figure, reference numeral 1500 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro commands, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores the information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper.
Reference numeral 1512 denotes an operation panel on which switches for scanning, an LED display, and the like are arranged. Reference numeral 1501 denotes a printer control unit, which controls the entire LBP main body 1500 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1501 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to a laser driver 1502.

The laser driver 1502 is the semiconductor laser 1
A circuit for driving the laser beam 503 switches on / off a laser beam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 according to an input video signal. Laser light 15
Numeral 04 is swung right and left by a rotary polygon mirror 1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506.

Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506, and then transferred to a recording sheet.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1508 mounted on the LBP main body 1500, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1509 and transport rollers 1510 and 1511. And supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506.
The LBP body 1500 has at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which a peripheral control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. In addition, if the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. It goes without saying that the invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3. CP
The CPU 1 controls the devices connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1 as shown in flowcharts shown in FIGS.
The font ROM of the OM3 stores font data and the like used in the above document processing.
The OM stores various data (for example, programs of various page description languages, data for rasterizing fonts, and the like) used when performing the document processing and the like.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM that can be extended by an option RAM or the like, and functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. 5 is a keyboard controller (KBC),
It controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC).
The display of the CRT display (CRT) 10 is controlled.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a disk controller (DKC) for accessing an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, and the like, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). Control.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a network interface controller (NIC) which is connected to the printer 1500 via a predetermined communication medium, for example, a LAN 21 such as Ethernet, and executes communication control processing with the printer 1500. The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) the outline font in the display information RAM area set on the RAM 2, and performs WYSIW processing on the CRT 10.
YG is possible.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10, and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1500, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU).
M or the external memory 1
4 to control overall access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program and the like stored in the printer 4 and output to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a printing unit interface 16. An image signal as information is output.

The program RO in the ROM 13 is
M stores a control program and the like that can be executed by the CPU 12 as shown in flowcharts shown in FIGS. Further, the font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data (including outline font data) used for generating the output information, and the like.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the OM 13 stores information used on the host computer 3000.

The CPU 12 can perform communication processing with the host computer 3000 via the NIC 18.
The information and the like in the printer 1500 are transferred to the host computer 30.
00 is configured to be notified.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which functions mainly as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The access to the external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card is controlled by a disk controller (DKC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data (including font data downloaded from the host computer 3000), an emulation program (including an emulation program downloaded from the host computer 3000), and form data (including the host computer 3000). Etc.) are stored.

Reference numeral 1512 denotes the aforementioned operation panel.
Switches and LED indicators for operation are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different language systems are provided. It may be configured to be connectable. Further, an NVRM (not shown) may be provided, and printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1512 may be stored for each user and each group.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network system including the host computer 3000 and the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 2. For example, a network interface controller (NIC) 8 and a NIC 18 for connecting the printer 1500 to a network. This corresponds to the case where a network is configured when the device is mounted.

The NIC 8 and the NIC 18 are connected to the LAN 21
For example, an Ethernet interface 10Base2 having a coaxial connector or a 10Base having an RJ45
-T or the like via a LAN interface.

A plurality of host computers such as the host computer 3000 are also connected to the LAN 21.
Under the control of the network operating system, these host computers can communicate with a NIC 4000 and a scanner 4000 having a configuration similar to a laser beam printer.

The host computer 3000 manages access to files stored in the external memory 11 such as a hard disk. More specifically, NIC8 and N
The IC 18 can use a plurality of network software at the same time in order to efficiently communicate with various host computers.
Software such as Novell's trademark and UNIX (AT &T's trademark) can be used.

Various network protocols used in the software can be used (supported) at the same time. For example, TCP / IP
And IPX / SPX can be used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an Ethernet frame (packet) transmitted from the printer 1500 shown in FIG. 2 onto the LAN 21. In this embodiment, the printer 3000 searches for a management server when the power is turned on. It corresponds to an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame transmitted to the LAN 21 at times.

Next, the printer 150 according to the present embodiment is described.
0 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (101) to (110) indicate each step.

First, in step (101), a hardware check at power-on and an initialization process for each control unit are performed. In step (102), the host computer (management server) 30 that manages the peripheral device in the external memory 14 or the NVRAM of the printer 3000.
It is determined whether the network address of “00” is registered. If it is determined that the network address is not registered, in step (103), a packet shown in FIG. Broadcast on the LAN 21.

Next, at step (104), NI
Through C18, it is determined whether there is a response from the management server. Meanwhile, in step (105), it is also determined whether the response from the management server has timed out.
If it is determined that a time-out has occurred, step (1)
At 06), the idle state is set.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (104) that there has been a response from the management server, in step (107), the management server that has responded is registered in the external memory 14 or NVRAM. (10
In step 8), the address of the network board is set based on the response, and the process proceeds to step (109).

Thus, from the next power-on, it is determined in step (102) that there is a registered management server, and in step (109), an inquiry is made to the registered management server. In step (109), each profile (Profile) required for setting the printer 3000 is obtained from the management server. Next, in step (110), each of the obtained Profi
If le is updated, each setting of the printer 1500 is performed based on each Profile.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the processing when the number is changed from 12. Note that (2
01) to (203) indicate each step.

First, in step (201), it is determined whether or not the setting relating to the network has been changed from the operation panel 1512 of the printer. If it is determined that the setting has been changed, a profile of the setting information relating to the network is created in step (202). I do.

FIG. 17 shows a profile relating to TCP / IP, which is an example of the network setting.

Next, in step (203), the Profile is transferred to the management host computer registered in the external memory 14 or NVRAM by the NIC 18, L.
The data is transmitted via the AN 21 and the processing is terminated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the peripheral control device according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the process when the number is changed from 12. Note that (30
1) to (303) show each step.

First, in step (301), it is determined whether or not the settings related to the initial settings of the printer have been changed from the operation panel 1512 of the printer. If it is determined that the settings have been changed, then in step (302), the initial settings of the printer are changed. Create a profile of setting information related to

FIG. 18 shows a profile relating to common items, which is an example of the initial settings of the printer.

Next, in step (303), the Profile created in the management host computer registered and registered in the external memory 14 or NVRAM is stored in the NIC.
18. The data is sent out via the LAN 21, and the process ends.

Next, the processing procedure on the host computer 3000 side in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (401) and (402) indicate each step.

First, in step (401), FIG.
Graphical user interface (GUI) shown in 3
Is displayed on the CRT 10 and information such as the MAC address is input. Based on the input printer information, a database as shown in FIG.
Is created on a hard disk or the like, which is the external memory 11 of FIG.

Next, in step (402), FIG.
Graphical user interface (GUI) shown in 5
Is displayed on the CRT 10 to input the setting information of the network of the printer, each profile of the network section is created based on the input data, and is stored in a predetermined location of the database created in step (401). Then, the processing ends.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the network profile created in step (402), for example, a profile for TCP setting.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (501) and (502) indicate each step.

First, in step (501), FIG.
Graphical user interface (GUI) shown in 3
Is displayed on the CRT 10 and information such as a MAC address is input. Based on the input printer information, a database as shown in FIG. 14 is stored in a hard disk or the like which is the external memory 11 of the management host computer 3000. create.

Next, in step (502), FIG.
Graphical user interface (GUI) shown in 6
Is displayed on the CRT 10 to input initial setting values of the printer, etc., and based on the input data, each profile of the printer initial setting unit is created.
01) is stored in a predetermined location of the database created, and the process is terminated.

FIG. 18 shows the step (50) shown in FIG.
The profile of the printer common initial setting which is an example of the printer initial setting profile created in 2) is shown.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (601) to (603) indicate each step.

First, in step (601), it is determined whether or not the transmitted packet (management server search packet) has been output in step (103) in FIG. 5 described above. )
In step (1), the packet shown in FIG. 4 is created based on the address resolution information necessary for communication and the address information of the host computer from the network profile of the database based on the MAC address of the printer.

Next, in step (603), the created packet is sent to the printer that has made the request, and the process is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (701) to (704) indicate each step.

First, in step (701), it is determined in step (109) shown in FIG. 5 whether a profile request has been issued from the printer.
If it is determined that the profile has been requested from the printer, it is determined in step (702) whether the requested profile has been updated from the profile previously sent to the printer, and if it has been determined that the profile has not been updated. Notifies that the profile has not been updated in step (703), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (702) that the profile has been updated, the profile requested by the printer is sent to the printer in step (704), and the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (801) and (802) indicate each step.

First, in step (801), in step (203) shown in FIG. 6 or step (303) shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not data updated in each profile has been sent from the printer. If it is determined that the updated profile has been sent, the process stores the profile in the profile of the database of the corresponding printer in step (802), and ends the process.

In the above-described embodiment, as an embodiment of the profile, an example of a part of the profile of the printer network and a part of the profile of the printer initial setting has been described, but other network peripheral devices shown in FIG. Needless to say, the setting described above and the accounting information shown in FIG. 20 are stored as a profile in a database on the host computer, and a peripheral device such as a printer can obtain the setting information and set the peripheral device.

The data is stored in the format shown in FIG. 17 on the host computer which manages the peripheral device, but it may be in the format shown in FIG. Further, the database is assumed to be a tree structure as shown in FIG.
2 may be used as long as each setting item and its value are uniquely determined. Further, data may be stored in a format shown in FIG.

According to the above embodiment, the peripheral device and the host computer connected to the network
The apparatus has means for generating setting information of various peripheral devices on a host computer which manages the peripheral devices, a means for storing the setting information, and a means for copying the setting information. Since the apparatus includes means for bidirectionally communicating with the peripheral device, the peripheral device can be centrally managed by the host computer.

The peripheral device and the host computer connected to the network have means for notifying the host computer of various settings of the peripheral device.
Since there is provided a means for updating the setting information stored on the host computer based on the information, the setting information changed from the operation unit provided in the peripheral device is transmitted to the host computer managing the peripheral device. This can be reflected in the stored setting information.

Further, a means for searching for a host computer which is a peripheral device and a host computer connected to the network and which manages information necessary for setting when the peripheral device is turned on, and storing the host computer in the host computer Means for the host computer notifying the network setting of the peripheral device based on the received setting information, means for the peripheral device to perform network setting based on the information notified by the means, and Since the peripheral device has means for manually setting information necessary for setting from the host computer based on the notified information, the setting of the peripheral device can be performed even when the power of the peripheral device is turned on at an arbitrary time. .

Therefore, the peripheral devices can be centrally managed by the host computer that manages the peripheral devices, and can be easily managed. further,
When the peripheral device is turned on, it searches for a host computer that manages information necessary for setting, acquires various setting information of the peripheral device from the host computer that manages the peripheral device, and based on the setting information. Since the setting of the peripheral device can be executed, the peripheral device can be used only by connecting to the network and turning on the power.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a printing system to which the peripheral control device and the management device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the peripheral control device and the management device according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIGS. 5 to 12 in this embodiment are executed by a program installed from the outside.
It may be performed by a host computer. In that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case in which a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0120]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a peripheral control device for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined input / output process while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. Search means for searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via a storage device, setting means for setting an operating environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched by the search means, and the management device Holding means for holding the obtained resource management information, it is possible to automatically set the optimal operation environment based on the resource management information that is centrally managed when the power is turned on, greatly reducing the burden of the environment setting by the operator. be able to.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a change unit for changing the resource management information and a transfer unit for transferring the updated resource management information changed by the change unit to the management device. In the case where the resource management information is changed in step (1), the changed updated resource management information is notified to the management apparatus. Therefore, after the notification, the updated resource management information is always obtained and the operating environment is set. Therefore, it is possible to freely respond to resource changes of peripheral devices.

According to the third aspect, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. Depending on the needs of the various users,
The optimal operating environment can be automatically set based on the network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information obtained from the management device, and the operation burden to be set on peripheral devices according to the current network environment Can be remarkably reduced.

According to the fourth aspect, since the peripheral device is a printer device for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, an operating environment for the printer device functioning as a network printer is provided. The setting load can be greatly reduced, and even if the resource environment fluctuates due to the connection of the optional device to the printer device, it is possible to respond freely.

According to the fifth aspect, since the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium, the burden of setting the operating environment on the scanner device functioning as a network scanner is greatly reduced. In addition to being able to reduce the number of times, it is possible to freely cope with a change in the resource environment due to the connection of the optional device to the scanner device.

[0125] According to the sixth aspect, the peripheral device processes the print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and outputs the image information read via the communication medium. And a scanner unit that functions as a network printer, so that the operating environment setting burden on the printer unit that functions as a network printer or the scanner unit that functions as a network scanner can be significantly reduced, and the printer unit or the scanner Even if the resource environment fluctuates due to the connection of the optional device to the section, it can respond freely.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management device for managing each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing a predetermined input / output process via a predetermined communication medium. Creation means for creating resource management information to be set in the
A storage unit for storing the resource management information created by the creation unit, and reading the resource management information stored in the storage unit based on an acquisition request for the resource management information from each peripheral device, and reading the resource management information to the request source peripheral device Since there are sending means for sending, and updating means for updating the resource management information stored in the storage means based on the updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device, a plurality of peripheral devices having different functions can communicate. In a network environment configured for
Resource management information to be set for each peripheral device can be centrally managed,
Resource management information to be set for each peripheral device required at power-on can be transmitted to the requesting peripheral device in a timely manner, thereby greatly reducing the operation burden of the operator on setting up connection to the network. In addition to this, it is possible to freely respond to changes in the system configuration.

According to the eighth aspect, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. Depending on the needs of the various users,
The optimal operating environment can be automatically set based on the network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information obtained from the management device, and the operation burden to be set on peripheral devices according to the current network environment Can be remarkably reduced.

According to the ninth aspect, since the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, resource management for the printer device functioning as a network printer is performed. The information can be centrally managed, greatly reducing the operation environment setting operation burden on the user who should be set for each printer, and responding freely to changes in the resource environment due to the connection of optional devices to the printer. can do.

According to the tenth aspect, the peripheral device includes:
Since the scanner device outputs image information read via the communication medium, resource management information for the scanner device functioning as a network scanner is centrally managed, and an operation environment setting operation burden by a user to be set for each scanner device Can be greatly reduced,
Even if the resource environment fluctuates due to the connection of the optional device to the scanner device, it is possible to respond freely.

[0130] According to the eleventh aspect, the peripheral device includes:
A composite image processing apparatus including a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. The resource management information for the printer unit functioning as a printer and the resource management information for the scanner unit functioning as a network scanner can be centrally managed, greatly reducing the operation environment setting operation burden on the user who should set the scanner unit and the printer unit. In addition to this, it is possible to freely cope with a change in the resource environment due to the connection of the optional device to the scanner unit and the printer unit.

According to the twelfth and twenty-third aspects, an environment setting method for a peripheral control device for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined input / output process while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium is provided. Or a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined input / output processing while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, and A search step of searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via the predetermined communication medium, and a setting for setting an operating environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched in the search step. And a registration step of registering, in a memory resource, acquisition source information for identifying a management device that has acquired the resource management information, Can automatically set the optimal operating environment based on the resource management information can be greatly reduced configuration burden of the operator.

According to the thirteenth and twenty-fourth aspects, there are provided a change step of changing the resource management information and a transfer step of transferring the updated resource management information changed by the change step to the management device. When the resource management information is changed on the peripheral device side, the changed updated resource management information is notified to the management device. Therefore, after the notification, the updated resource management information is always obtained and the operating environment is updated. Is set, it is possible to freely cope with resource changes of peripheral devices.

According to the fourteenth and twenty-fifth aspects, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. The optimal operating environment can be automatically set based on the network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information obtained from the management device according to various user needs. Therefore, the operation load to be set in the peripheral device can be remarkably reduced.

According to the fifteenth and twenty-sixth aspects, since the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium,
The operating environment setting load on the printer functioning as a network printer can be greatly reduced, and the resource environment can be freely changed even if the resource environment changes due to the connection of the optional device to the printer.

According to the sixteenth and twenty-seventh aspects, since the peripheral device is a scanner device for outputting image information read via the communication medium, the operating environment setting burden on the scanner device functioning as a network scanner is provided. Can be greatly reduced, and even if the resource environment fluctuates due to the connection of the optional device to the scanner device, it is possible to freely cope with it.

According to the seventeenth and twenty-eighth aspects, the peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and an image read via the communication medium. Since the composite image processing apparatus is provided with a scanner unit that outputs information, it is possible to greatly reduce an operation environment setting burden on a printer unit that functions as a network printer or on a scanner unit that functions as a network scanner. Even if the resource environment fluctuates due to the connection of the optional device to the unit or the scanner unit, it is possible to respond freely.

According to the eighteenth and twenty-ninth aspects, an environment setting method for a management device that manages each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium. Or a storage storing a computer-readable program for controlling a management device that manages each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium A medium for creating resource management information to be set in each peripheral device; a storage step of saving the resource management information created in the creating step in a memory resource; Transmitting the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the acquisition request to the peripheral device, and transmitting the resource management information to the requesting peripheral device; and updating the resource management information transferred from each peripheral device. Because it has an update step of updating the resource management information stored in the memory resources based on,
In a network environment in which a plurality of peripheral devices having different functions are communicable, resource management information to be set for each peripheral device can be centrally managed, and resource management to be set for each peripheral device required at power-on The information can be sent to the requesting peripheral device in a timely manner, and the burden on the operator, such as the setting of connection to the network, can be significantly reduced. it can.

According to the nineteenth and thirtieth aspects, the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. The optimal operating environment can be automatically set based on the network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information obtained from the management device according to various user needs. Therefore, the operation load to be set in the peripheral device can be remarkably reduced.

According to the twentieth and thirty-first inventions, the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium.
The resource management information for the printer functioning as a network printer can be centrally managed to greatly reduce the operation environment setting operation burden on the user who should be set for each printer. Even if the resource environment fluctuates, it can respond freely.

According to the twenty-first and thirty-second inventions, since the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium, resource management information for the scanner device functioning as a network scanner is stored. Centralized management can greatly reduce the operation environment setting operation burden on the user who should be set for each printer, and can flexibly cope with changes in the resource environment due to the connection of optional devices to the scanner. Can be.

According to the twenty-second and thirty-third inventions, the peripheral device includes a printer unit for processing print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and an image read via the communication medium. Since the composite image processing apparatus includes a scanner unit that outputs information, the resource management information for the printer unit that functions as a network printer and the resource management information for the scanner unit that functions as a network scanner are centrally managed. It is possible to greatly reduce the operation environment setting operation burden on the user to be set in the copy unit, and it is possible to freely cope with a change in the resource environment due to the connection of the optional device to the scanner unit and the printer unit.

Therefore, the various setting loads on the network environment for the peripheral devices constituting the conventional system resources are automated, the operation load on the user is reduced, and the situation in which an incorrect setting is made is reliably prevented. This has the effect that a network environment capable of being constructed can be freely constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which a peripheral control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system including a host computer and a printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an Ethernet frame (packet) transmitted from the printer illustrated in FIG. 2 onto a LAN.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the peripheral control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the peripheral control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the peripheral control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a network device setting screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a data page managed in the external memory illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a profile creation screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a profile creation screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition file of a TCP / IP profile of the network illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a definition file of a common item profile for initial setting of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

19 is a diagram showing an example of a definition file of an external input device profile of the printer shown in FIG.

20 illustrates an example of a definition file of an external input device profile of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

21 is a diagram illustrating an example of another definition file of the TCP / IP profile of the network illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a database that stores profiles of various peripheral devices.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of another definition file of the TCP / IP profile of the network shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the peripheral control device and the management device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 5 Keyboard controller 6 CRT controller 7 Disk controller 8 Network interface controller (NI
C) 11 external memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 external memory 15 system bus 18 network interface controller (NI
C) 19 RAM 21 Network 1500 Printer 3000 Host computer

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral control device for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined input / output process while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. Search means for searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via the control unit; setting means for setting an operating environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched by the search means; And a holding unit for holding acquisition source information for identifying a management device that has acquired the peripheral control device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: changing means for changing the resource management information; and transferring means for transferring the updated resource management information changed by the changing means to the management device. Peripheral control device. 3. The peripheral control device according to claim 1, wherein the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. 4. The peripheral control device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. 5. The peripheral control device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 6. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 2. The peripheral control device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral control device is a composite image processing device. 7. A management device for managing each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing a predetermined input / output process via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a resource management to be set for each peripheral device is provided. Creation means for creating information; storage means for storing the resource management information created by the creation means; and resource management information stored in the storage means based on an acquisition request for the resource management information from each peripheral device. Sending means for reading and sending to the requesting peripheral device; and updating means for updating the resource management information stored in the storage means based on the updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device. Management device. 8. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. 9. The management device according to claim 7, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. 10. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 11. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the management apparatus is a composite image processing apparatus. 12. A method for setting an environment of a peripheral control device which controls a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined input / output process while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the environment setting method comprises the steps of: A search step of searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via a communication medium, and a setting step of setting an operating environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched in the search step. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, acquisition source information for identifying the management apparatus that has acquired the resource management information, a method of setting the environment of the peripheral control apparatus. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: a change step of changing the resource management information; and a transfer step of transferring the updated resource management information changed by the change step to the management device. Environment setting method of peripheral control device. 14. The resource management information according to claim 12, wherein the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.
The environment setting method of the peripheral control device described in the above. 15. The environment setting method for a peripheral control device according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. 16. The environment setting method according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read through the communication medium. 17. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 13. The environment setting method for a peripheral control device according to claim 12, wherein the environment setting device is a composite image processing device. 18. An environment setting method for a management device for managing each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing a predetermined input / output process via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: Creating a resource management information to be created, storing the resource management information created in the creating step in a memory resource, and storing the resource management information in the memory resource based on an acquisition request for the resource management information from each peripheral device. A sending step of reading the stored resource management information and sending it to the requesting peripheral device; and an updating step of updating the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the updated resource management information transferred from each peripheral device. And an environment setting method for the management device. 19. The environment setting method according to claim 18, wherein the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. 20. The environment setting method according to claim 18, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. 21. The management apparatus environment setting method according to claim 18, wherein said peripheral device is a scanner device for outputting image information read via said communication medium. 22. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 19. The environment setting method for a management apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the environment setting method is a composite image processing apparatus. 23. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined input / output processing while communicating with a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: A search step of searching for a management device that manages a plurality of peripheral devices via the predetermined communication medium; and setting an operation environment based on resource management information obtained from the management device searched in the search step. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, comprising: a setting step; and a registration step of registering, in a memory resource, acquisition source information for identifying a management apparatus that has acquired the resource management information. 24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: a change step of changing the resource management information; and a transfer step of transferring the updated resource management information changed in the change step to the management device. A storage medium that stores a computer-readable program. 25. The resource management information according to claim 23, wherein the resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information.
A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to the above. 26. The computer readable program according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. Storage media. 27. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 28. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the storage medium stores a computer-readable program. 29. Storage storing a computer-readable program for controlling a management device that manages each peripheral device by communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices capable of executing predetermined input / output processing via a predetermined communication medium. A creation step of creating resource management information to be set for each peripheral device; a storage step of saving the resource management information created by the creation step in a memory resource; Sending out the resource management information stored in the memory resource based on the acquisition request to the peripheral device, and sending the resource management information to the requesting peripheral device; A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, the storage medium comprising: 30. A computer-readable program according to claim 29, wherein said resource management information includes network setting information, initial setting information, charging setting information, and external input / output device setting information. Storage medium. 31. The computer readable program according to claim 29, wherein the peripheral device is a printer device that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium. Storage media. 32. The storage medium according to claim 29, wherein the peripheral device is a scanner device that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 33. The peripheral device includes a printer unit that processes print information received from the data processing device via the communication medium, and a scanner unit that outputs image information read via the communication medium. 30. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 29, wherein the storage medium is a composite image processing apparatus.