JP2000322215A - Network printer and method for managing printer setting parameter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily return to original setting by referring to setting update history information by investigating whether a set parameter is illegally changed or not and returning a wrongly changed set parameter to be its original. SOLUTION: The setting update managing part 104 of a network printer 120 requests a setting storing part 105 to update setting of the printer in accordance with contents indicated by data concerning the changing request of a set parameter received from a protocol controlling part 102. In addition, at the time of updating setting of the printer in accordance with the contents indicated by data concerning the changing request of the set parameter received from the part 102, the contents of setting update is reported to a history storing part 106 to investigate whether a set parameter is illegally changed or not and a wrongly changed set parameter is returned to be its original. Thus, it is possible to easily return to original setting by referring to set update history information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network printer technology, and particularly to a network printer technology, in which, even if a setting is erroneously changed, the setting can be easily returned to the original setting by referring to the setting update history information. The present invention relates to a network printer and a printer setting parameter management method capable of determining whether the setting of a printer or a printer NIC has been updated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a printing apparatus is connected to a plurality of computers via a network, and data is sent directly from these computers and shared by the computers. As described above, in the network printing system apparatus in which each computer shares the printing apparatus on the network, the function of confirming the state of the printing apparatus and the print history is realized by including the communication software in each computer. Is done. Conventionally, this type of network printing system apparatus is disclosed as a "network interface apparatus and a printer apparatus" in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-36471, and waits for a print request from a plurality of computers existing on a network. A system in which information is notified to a workstation is employed. However, in this type of network printing system, a printer receives a print request from one computer based on one protocol and performs print processing. In this case, the printer is based on another protocol from the printer. No print information was sent to the computer,
There is a problem that the status of the printer device cannot be grasped in each of these computers. Further, when print information executed based on one protocol is recorded and managed by the computer that has requested the print processing, only the transmitted print information is recorded and managed in each computer. In the case of performing each printing, the printing histories are dispersed, and there is a problem that not all the printing histories executed by the printer device are recorded. As a conventional technique for solving such a problem, for example, there is a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-222321 (first conventional technique). That is, JP
A first prior art described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 0-222321 allows transmission of information from a printer to a computer that does not request print processing or a computer based on another protocol. A network printing system device capable of grasping the status of a printer and recording and managing a print history, comprising a network interface device and a printer device connected to a plurality of computers via a network. A response data analysis unit for analyzing and selecting response data from the printer device and a specific response data analyzed and selected by the response data analysis unit according to the list registration information. It is constituted moistened communication protocol control section for transmitting to each computer Te. Therefore, while printing is performed based on print information from one computer, response data from the printer device is analyzed and selected by the response data analysis unit, transmitted to the other computer by the communication protocol control unit, A notification address in which the data analysis unit includes a transfer information list unit capable of registering a list of response data to be transmitted to each computer, and a communication protocol control unit capable of registering an address for transmitting response data in accordance with each protocol. The configuration includes a list section. Therefore, the response data is registered by the transfer information list section and the notification address list section, and the network interface apparatus includes a reception data analysis section for determining the reception data from the communication protocol control section and transmitting the data to each computer and the printer apparatus. The response data analysis unit includes a transfer information conversion unit that replaces the analyzed and selected response data with another data and transfers the replacement data to each computer. Therefore, the transfer information conversion unit replaces the response data obtained from the printer device with another data, and the replacement data is transferred to each computer. This allows each computer to check the absence of paper, the printing status, and the like, and also allows the printing history to be recorded in the printer device, and allows the computer and the printer device to communicate with each other using different communication protocols. Is possible, it is possible to centrally manage the status of the printer device that is printed using a plurality of protocols in each computer, response data is registered by the transfer information list section and the notification address list section, and specific information is registered. Is transmitted to only a limited number of computers, and each computer can centrally manage each printer device on the network.

On the other hand, conventionally, as a printing system connected to a network, processing history information (hereinafter, referred to as a log) of a printer device is used to recover data when a system failure occurs or to check the usage status of the system.
Is stored in a storage device. The log includes information such as a user name, a used protocol, a data capacity, a status, a print start / end time, a used printer description language, and the like.
The identification information is stored in the storage device. The log is managed by an administrator of the printer connected to the network, and is also used to charge a user. This type of printing system is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-21489.
No. 6 discloses a recording method and a recording apparatus. The method and apparatus include a processor and a memory coupled to the interactive network board, respectively.
The printer status data is stored in the memory, and the start and end of the print job index are added to the printer data by the processor and transmitted to the printer, and the printer status request is transmitted to and received from the printer at a first predetermined interval representing, for example, every minute. Further, based on the processor status data received by the processor and the start and end of the job index, printer status statistics are calculated at a second predetermined interval representing, for example, every day, and the calculation result is stored in the memory. And logs status information of the printer using an interactive network board coupled between the printer and the LAN. Also, as a print system of this type, when deleting logs stored in the storage device, the power of the storage device is turned off and all logs are deleted. In some cases, the log is updated, and in some cases, the administrator periodically deletes all logs so as not to exceed the maximum storage capacity. However, in a conventional print system, when a log stored in the storage unit is referred to from a workstation, all the stored logs are received and displayed on a display unit. If it is desired to refer to only the logs that have been created, there is a problem in that it takes time to find the corresponding logs one by one. Also, when deleting logs stored in the storage unit, the power of the storage device is turned off to delete all logs, and when the storage capacity exceeds the maximum storage capacity, logs are automatically updated like a ring buffer. However, when there is a log to be kept, the log cannot be selectively left. As a prior art for solving such a problem, there is, for example, one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-274547 (second prior art). That is, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-27447
In the second related art described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, a log of a printer device is stored in a database in a storage unit and stored, and a corresponding log stored in the storage unit is searched based on search information indicating a search condition. A print system which aims to provide a print system capable of easily and efficiently managing and managing logs by acquiring and deleting logs, and a network constructed by a plurality of workstations. Search for processing history information stored in the storage means in a print system comprising a printer connected to the printer and recording and outputting based on print information from a workstation, and storage means for storing processing history information of the printer. Input means for inputting search information representing conditions, and storing based on the search information input by the input means. A search means for searching for the corresponding processing history information stored in the means, and an output means for outputting the processing history information searched by the searching means, and a search representing search conditions of the processing history information stored in the storage means The information is input by the input means, the corresponding processing history information stored in the storage means is searched by the searching means based on the input search information, and the searched processing history information is output by the output means. For this reason, it is possible to selectively output only the necessary processing history information based on the search information based on the search information and to remove the unnecessary processing history information from the processing history information stored in the storage unit. Discloses the effect that it is not necessary to find each piece of necessary information from the processing history information, and the necessary information can be obtained immediately, and the operation management of the processing history information can be performed easily and efficiently. Have been. Further, the input means, the search means, and the output means are provided in the printer device, and the input means, the search means, and the output means are provided in the printer device, so that the processing history information accumulated in the storage means via the printer device is obtained. It is disclosed that the required processing history information can be obtained by the printer device alone, and that the printing system can have a simple configuration. Also,
The workstation has first transmission means for transmitting the search information to the input means so as to obtain the desired processing history information accumulated in the accumulation means from the output means, and the output means comprises:
The corresponding processing history information is configured to be output to the workstation, and search information for acquiring the desired processing history information is transmitted from the workstation to the input means by the first transmission means, and the search is performed based on the search information. Since the processed processing history information is output to the workstation by the output means, the required processing history information at each workstation is selectively output from the storage means, thereby improving the convenience of use of each workstation. It is disclosed that the amount of information using the communication line can be reduced, and the operation management of the processing history information can be performed easily and efficiently. The storage device further includes a deletion unit that deletes the processing history information stored in the storage unit from the storage unit. The search unit searches the storage unit for processing history information that matches the search information input by the input unit. Is configured to delete the processing history information retrieved by the retrieval means, and processing history information that matches the retrieval information input by the input means among the processing history information stored in the storage means is retrieved by the retrieval means. However, since all the processing history information is conventionally collectively deleted because the deletion unit deletes the processing history information, the necessary information can be selectively left in the storage unit based on the search information. It is disclosed that unnecessary information can be easily deleted, and the operation management of the processing history information can be easily and efficiently performed. The information processing apparatus further includes a deletion unit that deletes the processing history information stored in the storage unit from the storage unit. The search unit searches the storage unit for processing history information that does not match the search information input by the input unit. Is configured to delete the processing history information searched by the searching means, and processing history information that does not match the search information input by the input means among the processing history information stored in the storage means is searched by the searching means. Since the deletion unit deletes the unnecessary processing history information from the storage unit, if the search condition of the necessary processing history information to be left in the storage unit is small, by inputting the search condition, the search information of the unnecessary processing history information is not input one by one. It is disclosed that unnecessary processing history information can be deleted, and unnecessary processing history information can be deleted more easily.

[0004]

However, the prior art has the following problems. The first problem is that many PCs (personal computers) and WSs (workstations) connected to the same network
In such a case, the setting of the network printer or the printer NIC is suddenly changed, and printing from the network becomes abnormal or cannot be performed. The second problem is that in order to recover from a situation where printing from the network becomes abnormal or printing cannot be performed, the settings must be returned to their original values. It is very time-consuming to recover because it is not clear what the value was, or because you do not know what setting was changed. The third problem is that, although a method of preventing a user from changing the password by using a password or the like for setting a network printer or a printer NIC to prevent the above-mentioned trouble is considered, the password is known. There are many inconveniences such as being unable to change settings when no one is present.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to easily return to the original setting by referring to the setting update history information even if the setting is erroneously changed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network printer and a printer setting parameter management method capable of determining from which terminal the setting of the network printer or the printer NIC has been updated.

[0006]

According to the gist of the present invention, even if the setting is changed by mistake, the setting can be easily returned to the original setting by referring to the setting update history information. A network printer that can determine whether the settings have been updated from a non-volatile storage device, a non-volatile storage unit that can store the data even when the power is turned off, a printer that can be directly connected to the network, or a printer that can be directly connected to the network When updating the setting parameters of various setting parameters of the printer NIC which is a connection device of the present invention, when changing the setting parameters, the update request information requests the parameter to be changed, the contents of the change, and the setting change as update history information. Means for storing a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal that has been lost in said non-volatile storage means; Means for investigating whether resides in the network printer, characterized in that it comprises means to undo the setting parameter has been changed erroneously. The gist of the invention described in claim 2 is that a network interface processing unit that controls transmission and reception of physical data with a computer via a network transmission path, and a protocol that controls a protocol of data transmission and reception on a network. A control unit, a print data control unit that controls transfer of print data to a print processing unit that executes a print process,
A setting storage unit for executing a control for storing the contents of the requested setting update of the printer NIC in a predetermined area of the first non-volatile storage unit, and a setting parameter change request received from the protocol control unit. A request is made to the setting storage unit to update the setting of the printer NIC in accordance with the contents indicated by the data, and the printer NIC is requested in response to the contents indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol control unit. A setting update management unit that outputs the contents of the setting update when updating the setting of the printer N, and the printer N notified from the setting update management unit.
2. The network processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a history storage unit that executes a control for storing contents of the update of the setting of the IC in a predetermined area of the second nonvolatile storage unit in a notification order. Exists in the described network printer. The gist of the invention according to claim 3 is that the protocol control unit determines which computer on the network has transmitted the data by analyzing the data received from the network interface processing unit, 3. The network printer according to claim 2, wherein if the data sent from the network is print data, the print data is passed to the print data control unit. The gist of the invention described in claim 4 is that the protocol control unit includes:
By analyzing the data received from the network interface processing unit to determine from which computer on the network the data has been transmitted, and when the data transmitted from the network is a request to change the setting parameter, 3. The network printer according to claim 2, wherein data relating to the change of the setting parameter is passed to the setting update management unit. The gist of the invention described in claim 5 is that the setting update management unit receives the data passed from the protocol control unit and checks whether the request is a setting change request or a print request of an update history, If the data passed from the protocol control unit is not a print request of the update history, analyze which parameter is changed to what value, identify the parameter target to be changed, and then, after specifying the parameter target, change the contents of the current parameter from the setting storage unit. Reads and checks whether the content of the current parameter is equal to the value of the setting change request. If the current parameter setting value is equal to the value of the received setting change request, the process ends because the setting change request is meaningless. If the set value of the current parameter is not equal to the value of the request for the setting change, it is determined which terminal on the network has requested the setting change. In order to inquire the protocol control unit, the terminal identifier is read out, and each of the terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before the update, and the parameter after the update, which are data necessary for creating the setting update history, is prepared. Each of the prepared terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before update, and the parameter after update is passed to the history storage unit to create a setting update history, and the creation of the setting update history by the history storage unit is completed. After that, the requested setting value is passed to the setting storage unit to change the setting value,
When the data passed from the protocol control unit is a print request for an update history, a request is made to check whether or not there is an update history in the history storage unit. 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the data is transferred to the print data control unit, and the setting storage unit checks whether all update history data has been read. The network printer described in the section. The gist of the invention described in claim 6 is that, even if the setting is changed by mistake, the setting can be easily returned to the original setting by referring to the setting update history information, and the setting of the network printer or the printer NIC can be performed from any terminal. Is a printer setting parameter management method capable of judging whether or not the printer has been updated, the setting updating of various setting parameters of a printer which can be directly connected to a network or a printer NIC which is a connection device for directly connecting the printer to the network. The setting parameter is changed, and when changing the setting parameter, the parameter to be changed, the content of the change, and the terminal requesting the setting change are specified as update history information. Terminal identifier for
A step of storing in a non-volatile storage means capable of storing even if power is cut off, a step of checking whether or not the setting parameter has been incorrectly changed, and a step of restoring the setting parameter which has been incorrectly changed. Printer setting parameter management method. The gist of the present invention is a network interface processing step of controlling transmission and reception of physical data to and from a computer via a network transmission path, and a protocol of controlling a protocol of data transmission and reception on a network. A control step; a print data control step of controlling transfer of print data to a print processing unit which executes a print process; and a predetermined update of the setting of the printer NIC in the first nonvolatile storage step. A setting storing step of executing control to be stored in an area of the printer NIC; and a setting storing step of updating the setting of the printer NIC in accordance with the content indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol controlling step. Request to change the setting parameter received from the protocol control step A setting update management step of outputting the contents of the setting update when updating the settings of the printer NIC according to the contents indicated by the data; and a notification of the contents of the setting update of the printer NIC notified from the setting update management step. 7. The printer setting parameter management method according to claim 6, further comprising a network processing step including a history storage step of executing control for sequentially storing the data in a predetermined area of the second nonvolatile storage step. . The gist of the invention according to claim 8 is that the protocol control step determines which computer on the network has transmitted the data by analyzing the data received from the network interface processing step, 8. The printer setting parameter management method according to claim 7, wherein if the data sent from the network is print data, the print data is passed to the print data control step. The gist of the invention described in claim 9 is that the protocol control step determines which computer on the network has transmitted the data by analyzing the data received from the network interface processing step. ,
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when the data transmitted from the network is a request for changing the setting parameter, data relating to the change of the setting parameter is passed to the setting update management step. It is in the printer setting parameter management method. The gist of the invention according to claim 10 is that the setting update management step receives the data passed from the protocol control step and checks whether the request is a setting change request or a print request of an update history. If the data passed from the protocol control step is not a print request for an update history, it analyzes which parameter is to be changed to what value, specifies the parameter target to be changed, and stores the contents of the current parameter in the setting storage. Reads from the process, checks whether the current parameter content and the value requested to change the setting are equal, and if the current parameter setting value is equal to the value requested to change the setting, treats the setting change request as meaningless If the current parameter setting value is not equal to the value requested to change the setting, any terminal on the network requests the setting change In order to inquire the protocol control process whether or not the terminal identifier is read, the terminal identifier which is data necessary for creating the setting update history, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before update, and each of the parameter after update And prepares a setting update history by passing the prepared terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before update, and the parameter after update to the history storage step, and updates the setting by the history storage step. After completion of the history creation work, passing the requested setting value to the setting storage step to change the setting value; and, on the other hand, when the data passed from the protocol control step is a print request of the update history, A request is made to check whether or not there is an update history in the history storage process. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a step of converting the data into data and passing the converted data to the print data control step, and checking with the history management step whether all the update history data has been read. The present invention resides in the printer setting parameter management method described above.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The features of the embodiment described below are as follows.
This is a case in which the setting of various setting parameters of a printer that can be directly connected to a network (hereinafter, referred to as a network printer) or a connection device for directly connecting the printer to a network (hereinafter, referred to as a printer NIC) is updated. When changing a setting parameter, as update history information, the parameter to be changed, the content of the change,
In addition, by storing the terminal identifier requesting the change in a medium (for example, a non-volatile memory) that can be stored even when the power is turned off, it is possible to investigate whether the setting parameter has been illegally changed, and to erroneously change the setting parameter. The setting parameter can be returned to the original. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a network printer 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 100 is a network processing device, 101 is a network interface processing unit, 1
02 is a protocol control unit, 103 is a print data control unit,
104 is a setting update management unit, 105 is a setting storage unit, 106
Denotes a history storage unit, 107 denotes a first nonvolatile memory, 108 denotes a second nonvolatile memory, 110 denotes a print processing unit, 112 denotes a network transmission path, and 120 denotes a network printer. Referring to FIG. 1, a network printer 120 according to the present embodiment includes a network processing device 100 and a print processing unit 110. The network processing device 100 is connected to a network interface processing unit 101 connected to the network transmission path 112, a protocol control unit 102 connected to the network interface processing unit 101, and to the protocol control unit 102 and the print processing unit 110. Print data control unit 10
3. Protocol control unit 102 and print data control unit 103
, The setting update management section 104 connected to the setting storage section 105 and the history storage section 106, the setting storage section 105 connected to the setting update management section 104, and the history storage section 106 connected to the setting update management section 104. , A first nonvolatile memory 107 connected to the setting storage unit 105, and a second nonvolatile memory 108 connected to the history storage unit 106.

In this embodiment, a case where only the network processing device 100 is used is called a printer NIC. In the following, description will be made focusing on the embodiment of the network printer 120.

The network printer 120 receives a print request (print command) from an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) or WS (work station) connected to a network (not shown) and receives a print request (print command). It has a function to perform printing using.

Network interface processing unit 10
1 has a function of controlling transmission and reception of physical data with another computer (for example, PC or WS) via the network transmission line 112.

The protocol control unit 102 has a function of controlling a protocol for transmitting and receiving data on a network. In the present embodiment, the protocol control unit 102
To establish a connection with each computer on the network to achieve reliable communication. The protocol control unit 102 analyzes the data received from the network interface processing unit 101 to determine which computer (PC or WS) on the network.
To determine if data has been sent from, and as a result,
If the data sent from the network is print data, it has a function of passing the print data to the print data control unit 103.

The print data control unit 103 includes a print processing unit 1
10 has a function of controlling the transfer of print data to the printer 10. At this time, the print processing unit 110 executes a print process based on the data passed from the print data control unit 103.

On the other hand, the protocol control unit 102 analyzes the data received from the network interface processing unit 101 to determine which computer (PC or WS) on the network has transmitted the data. When the data transmitted from the printer is a request to change various setting parameters of the network printer 120, the data is transmitted to the setting update management unit 10
Pass to 4.

A setting update management unit 104 for requesting the setting storage unit 105 to update the setting of the printer NIC in accordance with the contents indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol control unit 102; When the setting of the printer NIC is updated in accordance with the content indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol control unit 102, the setting update content is also notified to the history storage unit 106.

The setting storage unit 105 includes a setting update management unit 10
4 has a function of executing control for storing the contents of the setting update of the printer NIC requested in the predetermined area of the first nonvolatile memory 107. At this time, the setting update management unit 104
Notifies the history storage unit 106 of the contents of the setting update when executing the requested setting update of the printer NIC.

In the history storage unit 106, the setting update management unit 1
A function of executing control for storing the contents of the setting update of the printer NIC notified from the printer 04 in a predetermined area of the second nonvolatile memory 108 in the order of notification.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a printer setting parameter management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the operation of the setting update management unit 104 (setting update procedure).

The setting update management unit 104 first receives the data passed from the protocol control unit 102 and checks whether the request is a setting change request or an update history print request (step S201). If the data passed from the protocol control unit 102 is not a print request of the update history (No in step S201), it analyzes which parameter is to be changed to what value (step S202). Next, when the parameter object to be changed is known, the contents of the current parameter are read (read) from the setting storage unit 105 (step S203). Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the content of the current parameter is equal to the value requested to change the setting (that is, whether the change request is valid) (step S).
204). At this time, if the current set value of the parameter is equal to the value of the received setting change request (No in step S204), the process ends assuming that the setting change request is meaningless (No in step S204 → end). If the current parameter setting value is not equal to the setting change request received value (Yes in step S204), the terminal identifier is used to inquire the protocol control unit 102 which terminal on the network has requested the setting change. Is read (step S205). At this stage, the terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before the update, and the parameter after the update, which are the data necessary for creating the setting update history, can be prepared. Subsequently, the prepared terminal identifier, the updated parameter, the value of the parameter before the update, and the parameter after the update are passed to the history storage unit 106, and a setting update history is created accordingly (step S300). . After completing the setting update history creation work by the history storage unit 106, the requested setting values (terminal identifier, update parameter, parameter value before update, and parameter after update) are passed to the setting storage unit 105 to change the setting value. (Step S206).

On the other hand, when the data passed from the protocol control unit 102 is a print request for an update history (step S
201, a request is made to check whether the history storage unit 106 has an update history (step S207).
If there is an update history (Yes in step S207), the update history data is read (read) (step S20).
8) Then, the data is converted into print data and passed to the print data control unit 103 (step S209). It is confirmed in the history storage unit 106 whether all the update history data has been read (step S210), and when the reading has been completed (Yes in step S210), the process ends. If the reading is not completed (No in step S210), step S207
, Step S208, step S209, and step S2
10 is executed (step S2).
07 → Step S208 → Step S209 → Step S210 → Step S207 → ...). If it is not the update history (No in step S207), the process ends.

A process of creating a setting update history in the history storage unit 106 (step S30) will be described below with reference to FIGS.
0) and the operation performed when the setting update management unit 104 inquires whether there is an update history. FIG. 3 shows the storage state (initial state) of the setting update history in the second nonvolatile memory 108 when the printer setting parameter management method shown in FIG. 2 is executed, and FIG. 4 shows the second nonvolatile state when the printer setting parameter management method shown in FIG. 2 is executed. FIG. 5 shows a storage state of the setting update history in the memory 108 (a state in which one history is written), and FIG. 5 shows a storage state of the setting update history in the second nonvolatile memory 108 when the printer setting parameter management method of FIG. ).

First, a process of creating a setting update history will be described. The history storage unit 106 stores the second nonvolatile memory 10
8 is controlled. Second nonvolatile memory 1
Numeral 08 stores Null indicating that the area for storing the terminal identifier is not stored, as shown in FIG. 3, in the initialized state. In this initialized state, the setting update management unit 104 sends “aaa” as a terminal identifier and “Ia” as a parameter.
P ”,“ 11.22.33.44 ”as a value before update,
When “11.22.33.45” is passed as the updated value, the history storage unit 106 stores the second nonvolatile memory 108
From the top of the storage area of the terminal identifier of
The terminal identifier “aaa”, the parameter “IP”, the value before update “11.2.33.34”, and the value after update “11.
22.33.45 "are stored. FIG. 4 shows the stored state (a state in which one history is written).

FIG. 5 shows a state in which history information is stored in all areas of the second nonvolatile memory 108 as a result of repeatedly executing such a history registration (a state in which the history is full). In the state of FIG. 5, the setting update management unit 1
When a history update request is received from the server 04, the history storage unit 106
Performs the following processing to delete the oldest history information. First, the second history information from the top is moved to the top (step S301). Similarly, the n-th history information is moved to the [n-1] -th (step S302).
Then, the last history information is moved to the [last-1] th (step S303). Finally, the setting update management unit 104
Is stored in the final history storage area.

Next, the operation of the history storage unit 106 when the setting update management unit 104 inquires whether there is an update history will be described. In the history storage unit 106, as shown in FIG. 3, the terminal identifier of the head history storage area of the second nonvolatile memory 108 is Nu, as shown in FIG.
11 is determined. The first terminal identifier is Null
If so, the setting update management unit 104 is replied that there is no history information. If the terminal identifier is not null, the history information stored at the head is notified to the setting update management unit 104. In response to this, the setting update management unit 104 requests the next history information. Therefore, it is checked whether the second terminal identifier is Null, and if the terminal identifier is Null, the setting update management unit 104 has no history information. Answer. Terminal identifier is Nu
If it is not 11, the history information stored second is notified to the setting update management unit 104. Such processing is performed until an area whose terminal identifier is Null is found or until the terminal history reaches the last history storage area of the nonvolatile memory.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. First, the first effect is that the setting update history information is saved in the network printer 120 and the printer NIC, so that even if the setting is erroneously changed, the original setting can be easily restored by referring to the setting update history information. It is possible to do that. The second effect is that the network printer 120
Also, it is possible to determine whether or not the setting of the printer NIC has been updated, which is useful for investigating whether or not the setting has been changed due to fraud or failure.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be set to numbers, positions, shapes, and the like suitable for carrying out the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0027]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained. The first effect is that the setting update history information is stored in the network printer or the printer NIC, so that even if the setting is changed by mistake, the original setting can be easily restored by referring to the setting update history information. Is possible. The second effect is that it is possible to determine from which terminal the setting of the network printer or the printer NIC has been updated, and it is also useful to investigate whether the setting has been changed due to fraud or failure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a network printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a printer setting parameter management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a setting update history state (initial state) of a second nonvolatile memory when the printer setting parameter management method of FIG. 2 is executed.

FIG. 4 shows a setting update history state (a state in which one history is written) of the second nonvolatile memory when the printer setting parameter management method of FIG. 2 is executed.

5 illustrates a setting update history state (a state in which the history is full) of the second nonvolatile memory when the printer setting parameter management method in FIG. 2 is executed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 network processing device 101 network interface processing unit 102 protocol control unit 103 print data control unit 104 setting update management unit 105 setting storage unit 106 history storage unit 107 first nonvolatile memory 108 second nonvolatile Memory 110: print processing unit 112: network transmission line 120: network printer

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A network printer which can easily return to the original setting by referring to setting update history information even if the setting is changed by mistake, and which terminal can determine which terminal has updated the setting. Non-volatile storage means capable of storing data even when the power is turned off, and updating of setting of various setting parameters of a printer which can be directly connected to the network or a printer NIC which is a connection device for directly connecting the printer to the network. When the setting parameters are changed when performing the setting, as update history information,
Means for storing the contents of the change and a terminal identifier for specifying the terminal requesting the setting change in the non-volatile storage means; means for investigating whether or not the setting parameter has been fraudulently changed; A means for restoring the changed setting parameter to its original state. 2. A network interface processing unit for controlling transmission and reception of physical data to and from a computer via a network transmission path, a protocol control unit for controlling a protocol for transmitting and receiving data on a network, and a printing process. A print data control unit for controlling the transfer of print data to the print processing unit to be executed, and a control for storing the contents of the requested setting update of the printer NIC in a predetermined area of the first nonvolatile storage means. A setting storage unit to be executed; and a request to the setting storage unit to update the setting of the printer NIC in accordance with the content indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol control unit. According to the content indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the A setting update management unit that outputs the content of the setting update when updating the setting of the printer NIC, and the second nonvolatile memory that updates the content of the setting update of the printer NIC notified from the setting update management unit in the notification order. 2. The network printer according to claim 1, further comprising a network processing device including a history storage unit that executes control for storing data in a predetermined area of the storage unit. 3. The protocol control unit analyzes data received from the network interface processing unit to determine which computer on the network has transmitted the data, and has transmitted the data from the network. 3. The network printer according to claim 2, wherein if the data is print data, the print data is passed to the print data control unit. 4. The protocol control section analyzes data received from the network interface processing section to determine which computer on the network has transmitted the data, and has transmitted the data from the network. 3. The network printer according to claim 2, wherein when the data is a change request of the setting parameter, the data related to the change of the setting parameter is transferred to the setting update management unit. 5. The setting update management unit receives the data passed from the protocol control unit, checks whether the request is a setting change request or a print request of an update history, and receives the data from the protocol control unit. If the data is not a print request of the update history, it analyzes which parameter to change to what value, identifies the parameter object to be changed, reads the content of the current parameter from the setting storage unit, and reads the content of the current parameter. It is checked whether the setting change request value is equal to the setting change request value. If the current parameter setting value and the setting change request value are equal, the setting change request is regarded as meaningless, and the processing ends. If the value is not equal to the value of the setting change request, the protocol controller is inquired about which terminal on the network has requested the setting change. To match, it reads the terminal identifier, terminal identifier is data required to create the setting update history, update parameters, the value before the update parameters, and providing a respective updated parameter,
The prepared terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before the update, and the parameter after the update are each passed to the history storage unit to create a setting update history, and the creation operation of the setting update history by the history storage unit After the completion, the requested setting value is passed to the setting storage unit to change the setting value. On the other hand, when the data passed from the protocol control unit is a print request of the update history, the update history is stored in the history storage unit. Request to check whether there is any update history, if there is an update history, read the update history data, convert it to print data, pass it to the print data control unit, and read the setting storage whether all update history data has been read The network printer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the network printer is configured to check with the printer. 6. Even if the setting is changed by mistake, the setting can be easily returned to the original setting by referring to the setting update history information, and it is possible to determine which terminal has updated the setting of the network printer or the printer NIC. A method for managing printer setting parameters, wherein the setting of various setting parameters of a printer which can be directly connected to a network or a printer NIC which is a connection device for directly connecting the printer to a network is performed. A step of changing the setting parameter, when changing the setting parameter, as update history information, a parameter to be set, the content of the change, and a terminal identifier for identifying a terminal that has requested the setting change, Storing the data in a non-volatile storage means capable of storing the data even when the setting is interrupted; A printer setting parameter management method, comprising: a step of checking whether a parameter has been changed; and a step of restoring the setting parameter that has been erroneously changed. 7. A network interface processing step for controlling transmission and reception of physical data with a computer via a network transmission path, a protocol control step for controlling a protocol for transmitting and receiving data on a network, and a printing process. A print data control step of controlling the transfer of print data to the print processing unit to be executed; and a control of storing the contents of the requested setting update of the printer NIC in a predetermined area of the first nonvolatile storage step. Requesting the setting storage step to update the setting of the printer NIC according to the content indicated by the data relating to the setting parameter change request received from the protocol control step, The data indicated by the setting parameter change request received from the process indicates A setting update management step of outputting the content of the setting update when the setting of the printer NIC is updated according to the contents, and a content of the setting update of the printer NIC notified from the setting update management step in a second order in the notification order. 7. The printer setting parameter management method according to claim 6, further comprising a network processing step including a history storage step of executing control for storing the data in a predetermined area of the nonvolatile storage step. 8. The protocol control step analyzes data received from the network interface processing step to determine which computer on the network has transmitted the data, and has transmitted the data from the network. 8. The printer setting parameter management method according to claim 7, wherein if the data is print data, the print data is passed to the print data control step. 9. The protocol control step analyzes data received from the network interface processing step to determine which computer on the network has transmitted the data, and has transmitted the data from the network. 8. The printer setting parameter management method according to claim 7, wherein when the data is a request for changing the setting parameter, data relating to the change of the setting parameter is transferred to the setting update management step. 10. The setting update management step includes: receiving data passed from the protocol control step and checking whether the request is a setting change request or a print request of an update history; If the changed data is not a print request of the update history, it analyzes which parameter is changed to what value, identifies the parameter object to be changed, reads the contents of the current parameter from the setting storage step, and reads the current parameter. Check whether the contents of the setting change request are equal to the contents of the setting change request. If the current parameter setting value is equal to the value of the setting change request, the setting change request is regarded as meaningless, and the processing ends. If the setting value of the setting change request is not equal to the value of the setting change request, the terminal determines which terminal on the network has requested the setting change. In order to inquire the protocol control process, the terminal identifier is read, and the terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before update, and the parameter after update, which are data necessary for creating the setting update history, are prepared. The prepared terminal identifier, the update parameter, the value of the parameter before update, and the parameter after update are passed to the history storage step to create a setting update history, and the creation of the setting update history by the history storage step is completed. After that, passing the requested setting value to the setting storage step to change the setting value; and, on the other hand, if the data passed from the protocol control step is a print request for an update history, the data is updated to the history storage step. Request to check whether there is a history, and if there is an update history, read the update history data, convert it to print data, and The printer setting parameter management according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a step of passing the update history data to a print data control step and confirming whether or not all the update history data has been read by the history management step. Method.