JP2001117834A - System and method for setting network communication environment, and computer-readable recording medium recorded with network communication environment setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network communication environment setting system which can easily set the communication environment of a client connected to a network. SOLUTION: The network communication environment setting system 10 is equipped with a client information acquisition part 12 which acquires client information, a printer retrieval part 14 which retrieves a printer that a client can use, a printer selection part 16 which selects a specific printer, a printer information acquisition part 18 which acquires printer information, a port monitor structuring part 22 which structures a port monitor according to the client information and printer information, a port structuring part 22 which structures a port by using the port monitor structured by the port monitor structuring part 22, and a driver installation part 24 which installs the driver of the printer in relation to the port structured by the port structuring part 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a network communication environment setting system for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network, a network communication environment setting method, and a computer-readable record for recording a network communication environment setting program. It is about media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, devices such as printers and faxes have been connected to clients via a network.
A network system that enables communication between a client and a device via the network has been widely constructed. In order for a client to use a device in the network system, it is necessary to install a device driver on the client. However, the installation work of the driver is generally complicated, and it is not easy to select a driver corresponding to a device.

As a technique for facilitating selection of a driver corresponding to the above device, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-34
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 0168 discloses a technique for selecting a driver to be installed using a model ID obtained from a device (printer) through a bidirectional interface. A technology for supplying software from a device (printer) side is disclosed.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. That is,
When installing a driver corresponding to a device on a client, it is necessary to first construct a port for connecting the device and the client, and install a driver corresponding to the device in association with the port.
Further, in order to construct the port, it is necessary to construct a port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the device. Here, in the above-described conventional technology, it is easy to select a driver corresponding to a device, but complicated work is required for constructing a port monitor and constructing a port. In addition, the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the port are diversifying the types of communication protocols used in the network,
Or, it becomes more complicated as the number of devices communicating with the client via the network increases.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above problems, facilitates a series of driver installation procedures including the construction of a port monitor and the construction of a port, and facilitates setting of a communication environment of a client connected to a network. An object of the present invention is to provide a network communication environment setting system, a network communication environment setting method, and a computer-readable recording medium that records a network communication environment setting program.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, a network communication environment setting system according to the present invention is a network communication environment setting system for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network. Information obtaining means for obtaining client information regarding the device, device information obtaining means for obtaining device information regarding a specific device connected to the network, the client information and the device information obtaining means obtained by the client information obtaining means Port monitor construction means for constructing a port monitor based on the device information obtained by
Port construction means for constructing a port using a port monitor constructed by the port monitor construction means, and driver installation means for installing a driver corresponding to the specific device in association with the port constructed by the port construction means It is characterized by having.

A port monitor is constructed based on client information and device information, and a port is constructed using the port monitor.
Port construction work becomes easy.

Further, in the network communication environment setting system according to the present invention, a device which can be used by the client is searched for among devices connected to the network based on the client information acquired by the client information acquiring means. The device may further include a device search unit, and a device selection unit that selects the specific device from the devices searched by the device search unit.

When a user does not know in advance a device connected to a network by searching for a device connected to the network and selecting a specific device to install a driver from among the searched devices. Thus, the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the port can be performed.

[0010] In the network communication environment setting system according to the present invention, the port monitor constructing means may include: if there is no port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the specific device, If a new port monitor is installed and a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists, and there is no need to update, an existing port monitor is selected and a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists. If it is necessary to update the port monitor, the existing port monitor may be updated.

If a port monitor does not exist, a new port monitor is installed. If a port monitor already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port monitor is selected, and a port monitor already exists and needs to be updated. If there is, the existing port monitor is updated, so that the port monitor can be efficiently constructed.

Further, in the network communication environment setting system according to the present invention, when there is no port connecting the client and the specific device, the port construction means creates a new port, and And the port connecting the specific device is existing, and, if there is no need to update, select an existing port, the existing port connecting the client and the specific device, and, If it is necessary to update, an existing port may be updated.

If the port does not exist, a new port is created. If the port already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port is selected. If the port already exists and the port needs to be updated, the existing port is selected. By updating the port, the port can be efficiently constructed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a network communication environment setting method according to the present invention is a network communication environment setting method for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network. The client information acquisition step of acquiring, the device information acquisition step of acquiring device information relating to a specific device connected to the network, and the client information acquired in the client information acquisition step and the device information acquired in the device information acquisition step A port monitor construction step of constructing a port monitor based on the device information; a port construction step of constructing a port using the port monitor constructed in the port monitor construction step; and a port construction step of the port construction step. In association with bets it is characterized in that a driver installation process for installing a driver corresponding to the particular device.

A port monitor is constructed based on the client information and the device information, and a port is constructed using the port monitor.
Port construction work becomes easy.

Further, in the network communication environment setting method according to the present invention, a device which can be used by the client is searched for among devices connected to the network based on the client information acquired in the client information acquiring step. Device search process,
A device selecting step of selecting the specific device from the devices searched in the device searching step.

Searching for devices connected to the network and selecting a specific device on which to install a driver from the searched devices may prevent the user from knowing the devices connected to the network in advance. Thus, the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the port can be performed.

Further, in the network communication environment setting method according to the present invention, the port monitor constructing step may include the step of newly establishing a port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the specific device. Install a port monitor, and a port monitor that supports the communication protocol already exists, and
If there is no need to update, an existing port monitor is selected, and if a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists, and if it is necessary to update, the existing port monitor is updated. It may be.

If a port monitor does not exist, a new port monitor is installed. If a port monitor already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port monitor is selected, and a port monitor already exists and needs to be updated. If there is, the existing port monitor is updated, so that the port monitor can be efficiently constructed.

Further, in the network communication environment setting method according to the present invention, in the port construction step, when there is no port connecting the client and the specific device, a new port is created, and the client And the port connecting the specific device is existing, and, if there is no need to update, select an existing port, the existing port connecting the client and the specific device, and, If it is necessary to update, an existing port may be updated.

If a port does not exist, a new port is created. If a port already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port is selected. If a port already exists and an update is needed, an existing port is created. By updating the port, the port can be efficiently constructed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing a network communication environment setting program according to the present invention, comprising a network communication environment setting program for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network. A computer-readable recording medium on which the client information acquisition process for acquiring client information about the client; device information acquisition process for acquiring device information about a specific device connected to the network; A port monitor construction process for constructing a port monitor based on the client information acquired by the acquisition process and the device information acquired by the device information acquisition process; and a port monitor construction process. A program for causing a computer to execute a port construction process of constructing a port using a port monitor and a driver installation process of installing a driver corresponding to the specific device in association with the port constructed by the port construction process. It is characterized by doing.

A port monitor is constructed based on the client information and the device information, and a port is constructed using the port monitor.
Port construction work becomes easy.

[0024] In the recording medium storing the network communication environment setting program of the present invention, the client can be used among the devices connected to the network based on the client information obtained by the client information obtaining process. A program for causing a computer to further execute a device search process for searching for a specific device and a device selection process for selecting the specific device from the devices searched by the device search process. Good.

Searching for devices connected to the network and selecting a specific device on which to install a driver from the searched devices may prevent the user from knowing the devices connected to the network in advance. Also, it is possible to construct a port monitor and a port. In a recording medium recording the network communication environment setting program of the present invention, the port monitor constructing process includes the client and the specific device. If there is no port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between and, install a new port monitor, if a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists, and if there is no need to update, Select an existing port monitor, and select a port corresponding to the communication protocol. If a port monitor already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port monitor may be updated.

If a port monitor does not exist, a new port monitor is installed. If a port monitor already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port monitor is selected, and a port monitor already exists and needs to be updated. If there is, the existing port monitor is updated, so that the port monitor can be efficiently constructed.

In the computer-readable recording medium recording the network communication environment setting program according to the present invention, the port construction processing may be performed if a port connecting the client and the specific device does not exist. Create a new port, if there is a port connecting the client and the specific device, and if there is no need to update, select an existing port, the client and the specific device If a port to be connected already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port may be updated.

If the port does not exist, a new port is created. If the port already exists and there is no need to update, an existing port is selected. If the port already exists and the port needs to be updated, the existing port is selected. By updating the port, the port can be efficiently constructed.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A network communication environment setting system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a client for setting a communication environment by the network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment and a network to which the client is connected will be described.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a client for setting a communication environment by the network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment and a network to which the clients are connected. A network server 102, a client 104, and a plurality of printers 106 (identified by printers A to C in FIG. 1) are connected to the network 100. In addition, the client 104, for example,
Network 10 through a physical port 108 such as a THERNET (registered trademark of Fuji Xerox) connection port
0 is physically connected.

In the client 104, the communication environment 110 set by the network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment includes a logical port 112.
(Identified by logical ports AC in FIG. 1), driver 114 (identified by drivers AC in FIG. 1),
The logical printer 116 (identified by the logical printers A to C in FIG. 1), the logical port 112 and the driver 11
4 and the connection relationship between the logical printer 116. here,
The logical printer 116 is a virtual printer formed on the client 104 (in many cases, displayed on the display by an icon). The user issues an output instruction to the logical printer 116 to Can be output to the printer 106.
The driver 114 is software for driving the actual printer 106 based on an output instruction received for the logical printer 116. Also, logical port 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes a software port formed on the client 104 for connecting the logical printer 116 and the actual printer 106.

Each of the logical port 112, the driver 114, and the logical printer 116 is formed in association with the actual printer 106. That is, a logical port A, a driver A, and a logical printer A are formed in the client 104 in association with the actual printer A connected to the network 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the logical port B is associated with the actual printer B. , A driver B and a logical printer B are formed and associated with the actual printer C,
A logical port C, a driver C, and a logical printer C are formed. Therefore, the user can output to the actual printer A connected to the network 100 by giving an output instruction to the logical printer A of the client 104, and can give the output instruction to the logical printer B Can be output to the printer B, and by giving an output instruction to the logical printer C, output can be performed to the actual printer C.

Next, the physical configuration of the client 104 will be described. FIG. 2 is a physical configuration diagram of the client 104. The client 104 is physically a computer terminal. Client 104
As shown in FIG. 2, a CPU 118 that controls the entire client 104, a program or the like stored in a floppy disk 120, or a floppy disk drive 122 or a floppy disk drive 122 that stores data or the like in the floppy disk 120.
A hard disk drive 124 for storing programs and the like read from the floppy disk 120 via a USB, a mouse 126 and a keyboard 127 for inputting output instructions and the like to the above-described logical printer 116, a display 128 for displaying a user interface screen and the like, arithmetic processing and the like. Main memory 12 constituting a working memory for performing
8 and a physical port 108 for physically connecting the client 104 and the network 100.

Next, the configuration of the network communication environment setting system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG.
1 is a configuration diagram of a network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a client information acquisition unit 12, a printer search unit 14 (device search unit), a printer selection unit 16 (device selection unit), and a printer information acquisition unit. 18 (device information acquisition means), a port monitor construction unit 20, a port construction unit 22, and a driver installation unit 24. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

The client information obtaining section 12 obtains client information on the client 104. The client information is, specifically, the client 10
4 shows the type of operating system, version of operating system, available communication protocol, type of port monitor, version of port monitor, and the like. Here, the port monitor is a logical port 1
12, which is prepared corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client 104 and the printer 106.

Based on the client information obtained by the client information obtaining unit 12, the printer searching unit 14
6 (devices) to search for a printer 106 that can be used by the client 104. More specifically, among the printers 106 connected to the network 100, a search is made for a printer 106 that can communicate using the same communication protocol as the communication protocol that can be used in the client 104. If a plurality of communication protocols can be used in the client 104, a printer 106 capable of communicating with the same communication protocol is searched for all available communication protocols, or a priority is assigned to the communication protocols. The printer 106 that can communicate with the same communication protocol with respect to one or more communication protocols having a higher priority is searched.

The printer selection unit 16 includes the printer search unit 1
Out of the printers 106 searched by the printer 4, the specific printer 1 to install the driver 114 or the like
Select 06. In a default state (a state without a user's instruction), the printer selection unit 16
4. All the printers 106 searched in step 4 are selected, and when there is a user's input instruction, one or more specified printers 106 are selected.

The printer information obtaining means 18 obtains printer information (device information) relating to a specific printer 106 selected by the printer selection unit 16 among the printers 106 connected to the network 100. Specifically, the printer information includes information on the entire printer 106, information on document properties of the printer 106, information on device options of the printer 106, and the like. Information relating to the entire printer 106 includes a usable communication protocol, an IP address, a model of the printer 106, a driver type, and the like. Here, the driver type is information on whether the multifunction peripheral requires only a printer driver, only a fax driver, or both. The information on the document properties of the printer 106 includes the paper size, the type of paper feed tray, the type of the discharge tray, whether to perform double-sided printing or single-sided printing, information on Nup, and the number of multiple document properties when they are set. . Information on the device options of the printer 106 includes the configuration of a paper feed tray, the presence of a manual feed tray, the presence of a duplex unit, the presence of an offset catch tray, the presence of a side tray, the presence of a mailbox or a sorter, the presence of a hard disk, and the presence of specific characters. The presence of a font card, the presence of a staple finisher, etc.

The port monitor construction unit 20 is a port monitor which is software for constructing the logical port 112 based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition unit 12 and the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit. To build. More specifically, the port monitor construction unit 20 communicates between the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 (a communication protocol that can be used for both).
If there is no port monitor corresponding to the specified printer 106, a new port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 is installed. The client 10
If a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the printer 4 and the selected specific printer 106 already exists and does not need to be updated, the existing port monitor is selected. Here, the case where there is no need to update is, for example, when the existing port monitor has only a single version, the existing port monitor has a plurality of versions, but the existing port monitor is the latest version. For example. On the other hand, if a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port monitor is updated (such as version upgrade). )I do. Here, the case where the update is necessary is, for example, a case where the existing port monitor has a plurality of versions and the existing port monitor is not the latest version.

The port construction unit 22 is constructed (installed, selected or updated) by the port monitor construction unit 20.
The logical port 112 is constructed using the port monitor thus set. More specifically, when there is no logical port 112 connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106, the port construction unit 22
A new logical port 112 for connecting the printer and the specific printer 106 is created. Client 1
If there is an existing logical port 112 for connecting the printer 04 and the specific printer 106, and there is no need to update, the existing logical port 112 is selected. Here, the case where there is no need to update is, for example, the case where the port monitor for constructing the existing logical port 112 has not been updated. On the other hand, a logical port 112 for connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106 already exists, and
If there is a need to update, the existing logical port 112
Update. Here, the case where the update is necessary is, for example, a case where the port monitor for constructing the existing logical port 112 has been updated. In this case, the logical port 112 is constructed again using the updated port monitor.

The driver installation unit 24 associates the specific printer 1 with the logical port 112 constructed (created, selected or updated) by the port construction unit 22.
The driver 114 corresponding to 06 is installed. At this time, the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 18, in particular, information on a driver type and document properties, etc., is used as appropriate. In addition, the driver installation unit 24 creates a logical printer 116 in association with the logical port 112 and the installed driver 114 as an incidental procedure for driver installation. Here, especially when the driver type is both printer and fax, when a plurality of document properties are set, the logical printer 116 corresponding to each driver type and the logical printer 116 corresponding to each document property Alternatively, a logical printer 116 corresponding to a combination of each driver type and each document property is created. In addition, the driver installation unit 24 sets device options in the printer 106.

Next, the operation of the network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment will be described.
A network communication environment setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network communication environment setting system 10.

In order to set the network communication environment of the client 104 using the network communication environment setting system 10, first, as shown in FIG. 4, an operation start instruction is given to the network communication environment setting system 10 (S10). ). More specifically, client 104
On the user interface screen 201 as shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the display 128 of FIG.

When an operation start instruction is given to the network communication environment setting system 10, the client information acquiring section 12 acquires client information on the client 104 (S12). The specific client information acquired by the client information acquisition unit 12 is as described above.

Thereafter, the printer search unit 14 searches the printers 106 connected to the network 100 for a printer 106 that can be used by the client 104 based on the client information. More specifically, among the printers 106 connected to the network 100, the printer 1 that can communicate with the same communication protocol as the communication protocol usable in the client 104
06 is searched (S14). If a plurality of communication protocols are available in the client 104, a printer 106 that can communicate with the same communication protocol is searched for all available communication protocols, or a priority is assigned to the communication protocols. Printer 106 capable of communicating with one or a plurality of communication protocols having a high priority using the same communication protocol.
Is searched. The search result is displayed on the display 128 as a user interface screen 202 as shown in FIG. The user interface screen 202 includes a search result display area 202a for displaying a list of the names and IP addresses of all the searched printers 106. The search result display area 202a has a search result corresponding to each of the searched printers 106. Check box 202
b is provided. In addition, the user interface screen 202 includes an “install” for giving an instruction to proceed with subsequent processing (eg, installation of the driver 114).
A button 202c is provided.

Printer 106 by printer search unit 14
Is completed, the printer selection unit 16 selects a specific printer 106 on which the driver 114 is to be installed from the printers 106 searched by the printer search unit 14 (S16). More specifically, the user checks the check box 202b of the user interface screen 202 shown in FIG. 6 using the mouse 126, and clicks the “install” button 202c to select the printer 106 corresponding to the check box 202b. (In FIG. 6, the printer A is selected). Here, the selected printer 106
May be one or plural. Also,
In the default state, all the printers 106 searched by the printer search unit 14 are selected. Also,
When the "Install" button 202c is clicked,
The user interface screen 203 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display 128. The name of the selected printer 106, the name of the driver 114 of the printer 106, and the like are displayed on the user interface screen 203, and the progress of a series of driver installation processing is indicated by the indicator 203a.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the printer information acquiring unit 18 acquires printer information relating to a specific printer 106 selected by the printer selecting unit 16 among the printers 106 connected to the network 100. (S18). The printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 18 is as described above.

Subsequently, the port monitor construction unit 20
Based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition unit 12 and the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 18, the logical port 1
A port monitor which is software for constructing the port monitor 12 is constructed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for constructing a port monitor. In constructing the port monitor, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the existence of the existing port monitor and the version of the existing port monitor are checked (S201). As a result of the check, the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 are selected.
If there is no port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the client 104 and the selected printer 106, a new port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 is installed. (S202). Also, the client 104
And a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the printer and the selected specific printer 106,
If there is no need to update, the existing port monitor is selected (S203). Here, the case where there is no need to update is, for example, when the existing port monitor has only a single version, the existing port monitor has a plurality of versions, but the existing port monitor is the latest version. For example. On the other hand, if a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol used between the client 104 and the selected specific printer 106 already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port monitor is updated (such as version upgrade). ) Is performed (S2
04). Here, when the update is necessary, for example,
The existing port monitor has a plurality of versions, and the existing port monitor is not the latest version.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the port construction unit 22 constructs the logical port 112 using the port monitor constructed (installed, selected or updated) by the port monitor construction unit 20 (S22). . FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for constructing a logical port 112. In constructing the logical port 112, first,
As shown in FIG. 9, the presence or absence of the logical port 112 connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106 is checked (S221). Logical port 11 for connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106
If the second printer 2 does not exist, a new logical port 112 for connecting the client 104 to the specific printer 106 is created (S222). On the other hand, if the logical port 112 connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106 already exists and there is no need to update,
The existing logical port 112 is selected (S22
3). Here, the case where there is no need to update is, for example, the case where the port monitor for constructing the existing logical port 112 has been updated. On the other hand, a logical port 112 for connecting the client 104 and the specific printer 106
If an existing logical port 112 exists and needs to be updated, the existing logical port 112 is updated (S224). here,
The case where the update is necessary means that the existing logical port 11
2 has been updated, for example. In this case, the logical port 112 is constructed again using the updated port monitor.

When the construction of the logical port 112 is completed, FIG.
As shown in (2), the driver 114 corresponding to the specific printer 106 is installed by the driver installation unit 24 in association with the logical port 112 constructed (created, selected or updated) by the port construction unit 22 (S24). At this time, the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 18, in particular, information on a driver type and document properties, etc., is used as appropriate. As a supplementary procedure for driver installation, a logical printer 116 is created in association with the logical port 112 and the installed driver 114, device options for the printer 106 are set, and a series of driver installation procedures ends. . Here, especially when the driver type is both printer and fax, when a plurality of document properties are set, the logical printer 116 corresponding to each driver type and the logical printer 116 corresponding to each document property Alternatively, a logical printer 116 corresponding to a combination of each driver type and each document property is created.

When a plurality of printers 106 are selected by the printer selection unit 16, the above-described steps S18 to S24
Is repeated.

When the driver installation procedure is completed, a user interface screen 204 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display 128. The user interface screen 204 displays the content of the completed processing. Also, the user interface screen 204
Is provided with a check box 204a for instructing the use of the printer monitor function. By checking the check box 204a with the mouse 126,
The logical printer 116 is registered in another application. Further, a default printer selection field 204b is provided on the user interface screen 204 so that the printer 106 to be used normally can be selected. Further, a “print instruction setting” button 204c is provided on the user interface screen 204. By clicking the “print instruction setting” button 204c with the mouse 126, a print instruction screen (not shown) can be called. ,
The user can set print instructions, perform test printing, and the like.
The registration of the logical printer 116 in another application, the selection of the printer 106 to be used normally, and the setting of the print instruction become effective when the operation of the network communication environment setting system 10 ends.

Next, the operation and effect of the network communication environment setting system according to the present embodiment will be described. The network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment constructs a port monitor by the port monitor construction unit 20 based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition unit 12 and the printer information acquired by the printer information acquisition unit 14, Using the port monitor, the port construction unit 22 uses the logical port 112.
By constructing an extremely complicated port monitor,
In addition, the user does not need to perform the operation of constructing the logical port 112. As a result, a series of driver installation procedures including the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the logical port 112 are facilitated, that is, the communication environment of the client 104 connected to the network 100 can be easily set.

Further, the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment searches the printer 106 connected to the network 100 by the printer search unit 14, and the driver 11 from among the searched printers 106.
By selecting a specific printer 106 on which the printer 4 is to be installed, the printer 1 connected to the network 100 is selected.
Even if the user does not know 06 in advance, the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the logical port 102 can be performed. As a result, even when the user does not have information on the connection status of the printer 106 to the network 100, the communication environment of the client 104 connected to the network 100 can be easily set.

In the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment, when a port monitor does not exist, a new port monitor is installed by the port monitor constructing unit 20, and the port monitor already exists and needs to be updated. If there is no port monitor, the existing port monitor is selected, and if the port monitor already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port monitor is updated, so that the port monitor can be constructed efficiently. .

In the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment, the port construction unit 22
If the logical port 112 does not exist, a new logical port 112 is created. If the logical port 112 already exists and there is no need to update, the existing logical port 112 is selected, and the logical port 112 is already updated. When it is necessary to update the existing logical port 112, it is possible to efficiently construct the logical port 112.

The network communication environment setting system 10 according to the present embodiment may be configured as a physically independent device.
4 may be a system deployed on the hard disk drive 124. Also, not all components need to be deployed on the hard disk drive 124 of the client 104, and some or all of the components may be the network server 102 or
It may be deployed on other clients.

The floppy disk 1 shown in FIG.
20 (computer-readable recording medium), and may be developed on a hard disk drive 124 via a floppy disk drive 122. In this case, the above-described client information acquisition unit 12, printer search unit 14, printer selection unit 16, printer information acquisition unit 18, port monitor construction unit 20, port construction unit 22, and driver installation unit 24 are provided on the floppy disk 120. A network communication environment setting program for causing the client 104 (computer) to execute the processing to be performed is recorded.

Further, in the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the above-described embodiment, various user interface screens (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 10) require an instruction from the user. The screen may not be displayed. In this case, for example, when the client 104 is started, the operation is automatically started to obtain client information, perform printer search, and
Client 1 among the printers 106 connected to
04 with no driver installed on printer 1
It is conceivable that a series of driver installation processing is performed only when there is 06. The registration of the logical printer 116 in another application, the selection of the printer 106 to be used normally, and the setting of the print instruction may be automatically set to default values.

In the network communication environment setting system 10 according to the above embodiment, the communication environment between the client 104 connected to the network and the printer 106 is set. The communication environment between the MFP 104 and a facsimile, a scanner, or the like may be set.

[0061]

According to the network communication environment setting system, method and storage medium of the present invention, a port monitor is constructed based on client information and device information, and the port monitor is constructed using the port monitor. And port construction work becomes easy. As a result, a series of driver installation procedures including the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the port are facilitated, that is, the communication environment of the client connected to the network can be easily set.

Further, in the network communication environment setting system, method and storage medium of the present invention, a device connected to the network is searched, and a specific device to install a driver is selected from the searched devices. Thus, even if the user does not know in advance the devices connected to the network, the construction of the port monitor and the construction of the ports can be performed. As a result, even if the user does not have information on the connection status of the device to the network, it is possible to easily set the communication environment of the client connected to the network.

In the network communication environment setting system, method, and storage medium of the present invention, a new port monitor is installed when no port monitor exists, and when a port monitor already exists and no update is necessary, By selecting an existing port monitor and updating the existing port monitor when the existing port monitor needs to be updated, the port monitor can be efficiently constructed.

In the network communication environment setting system, method and storage medium of the present invention, a new port is created if no port exists, and an existing port is created if the port does not need to be updated. Is selected, and when the port already exists and needs to be updated, the existing port is updated, whereby the port can be efficiently constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a client for setting a communication environment by a network communication environment setting system and a network to which the client is connected.

FIG. 2 is a physical configuration diagram of a client.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a network communication environment setting system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the network communication environment setting system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a user interface screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a user interface screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user interface screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for constructing a port monitor.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a port construction procedure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a user interface screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network communication environment setting system, 12 ... Client information acquisition part, 14 ... Printer search part, 16 ... Printer selection part, 18 ... Printer information acquisition part, 20 ... Port monitor construction part, 22 ... Port construction part, 24 ... Driver Installation section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B021 AA01 AA02 EE04 QQ00 5B076 AA01 5B089 GA11 GA21 HA06 JA35 JB07 KA04 KB04 KB09 LB14 MC01

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A network communication environment setting system for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network, wherein: client information obtaining means for obtaining client information regarding the client; and device information regarding a specific device connected to the network. Device information acquiring means for acquiring a port monitor based on the client information acquired by the client information acquiring means and the device information acquired by the device information acquiring means; and the port monitor A port construction means for constructing a port using the port monitor constructed by the construction means; and a driver corresponding to the specific device installed in association with the port constructed by the port construction means. Network communication environment setting system is characterized in that a driver installation means for. 2. A device search unit for searching for a device that can be used by the client among devices connected to the network, based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition unit, and a search by the device search unit. 2. The network communication environment setting system according to claim 1, further comprising: a device selecting unit that selects the specific device from the selected devices. 3. The port monitor construction means, if there is no port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the specific device, installs a new port monitor, and There is a port monitor that supports
And, if there is no need to update, select an existing port monitor, a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists,
2. The network communication environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein the update of the existing port monitor is performed when the update is necessary. 4. The port construction means, if there is no port connecting the client and the specific device, creates a new port, and the port connecting the client and the specific device is Existing, and if there is no need to update, select an existing port, if the port connecting the client and the specific device already exists, and if there is a need to update, the existing port 2. The network communication environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein the network communication environment setting system updates the network communication environment. 5. A network communication environment setting method for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network, a client information obtaining step of obtaining client information regarding the client, and device information regarding a specific device connected to the network. A port information construction step of constructing a port monitor based on the client information acquired in the client information acquisition step and the device information acquired in the device information acquisition step; and A port construction step of constructing a port using the port monitor constructed in the construction step; and installing a driver corresponding to the specific device in association with the port constructed in the port construction step. Network communication environment setting method is characterized in that a driver installation process. 6. A device search step for searching for a device that can be used by the client among devices connected to the network, based on the client information obtained in the client information obtaining step, and a search in the device search step. 6. The network communication environment setting method according to claim 5, further comprising a device selecting step of selecting the specific device from the selected devices. 7. The port monitor construction step, wherein, if there is no port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the specific device, a new port monitor is installed; There is a port monitor that supports
And, if there is no need to update, select an existing port monitor, a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists,
6. The network communication environment setting method according to claim 5, further comprising updating an existing port monitor when it is necessary to update the port monitor. 8. In the port construction step, when there is no port connecting the client and the specific device, a new port is created, and the port connecting the client and the specific device is created. Existing, and if there is no need to update, select an existing port, if the port connecting the client and the specific device already exists, and if there is a need to update, the existing port 6. The network communication environment setting method according to claim 5, wherein the updating of the network communication environment is performed. 9. A computer-readable recording medium storing a network communication environment setting program for setting a communication environment of a client connected to a network, a client information obtaining process of obtaining client information relating to the client, A device information acquisition process for acquiring device information relating to a specific device connected thereto; and a port monitor based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition process and the device information acquired by the device information acquisition process. A port monitor construction process, a port construction process for constructing a port using the port monitor constructed by the port monitor construction process, and the special feature in association with the port constructed by the port construction process. A computer-readable recording medium a network communication environment setting program is recorded for executing the install the corresponding driver for the device and a driver installation process on the computer. 10. A device search process for searching for a device usable by the client among devices connected to the network based on the client information acquired by the client information acquisition process, and a search by the device search process. A computer-readable recording medium storing a network communication environment setting program according to claim 9, further causing the computer to execute a device selection process of selecting the specific device from the selected devices. 11. The port monitor construction process, if there is no port monitor corresponding to a communication protocol used between the client and the specific device, installs a new port monitor, and There is a port monitor that supports
And, if there is no need to update, select an existing port monitor, a port monitor corresponding to the communication protocol already exists,
10. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 9, wherein an existing port monitor is updated when it needs to be updated. 12. The port construction process, if there is no port connecting the client and the specific device, creates a new port, and sets a port connecting the client and the specific device. Existing, and if there is no need to update, select an existing port, if the port connecting the client and the specific device already exists, and if there is a need to update, the existing port 10. A computer-readable recording medium on which the network communication environment setting program according to claim 9 is updated.