JP2001243075A - Program management device, program management method, program management system, and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the cost as much as possible and to easily manage a program even if the amount of programs increases with the increase in the number of functions. SOLUTION: Various programs used in a multi-function peripheral on a network are stored in a file server on the network in advance, and the multi-function peripheral downloads a program stored in the file server and relates to various functions. Execute the process. Further, the storage location information of the program stored in the file server is stored in a search server on the network, and the multifunction peripheral queries the search server for the storage location if the storage location of the desired program is unknown.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as M) connected to a network.
(Also referred to as FP).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 13 shows a conventional MFP system connected to a network. In FIG.
Reference numeral 203 denotes a local area network (hereinafter, referred to as a LAN).
The host computer 202 and the like are connected. In addition,
Although omitted in FIG. 13, a large number of input / output devices such as a scanner, a printer, and a fax are usually connected to the LAN 203.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional MFP 201. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, 301 is C
PU, 302 is ROM, 303 is RAM, 304 is a hard disk (HD), 305 is a video input I / F unit,
306 is a video output I / F unit, 307 is an image processing unit, 3
08 is a scanner, 309 is a printer, 310 is a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as UI), 311 is Fax
The board 312 is a public line (hereinafter, PSTN),
313 is a network interface card (hereinafter, N
314 is a compression / expansion unit, 315 is a PC
An I / F unit 316 is a PC cable.

FIG. 15 shows the structure of control software for the MFP 201. An application program 401 of the MFP 201 is a block in which a group of application programs that perform processes such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing are located. Reference numeral 402 denotes an application program interface (hereinafter, referred to as an API), which performs interface processing between an application and job control. A job control program 403 is a block in which a program group for controlling jobs such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing is located.

A device driver interface 404 performs job control and device driver interface processing. A device driver program 405 is a block in which a program group that controls each device in the device group 413 is located.

The scanner driver 406 in the device driver program 405, the scanner 413, the printer driver 407, the printer 309, the image processing driver 408, the image processing unit 307, and the fax driver 409
Indicates the Fax board 311 and the UI driver 410 indicates the UI
310 and the PC I / F driver 411
315, and the NIC driver 412 controls the NIC 313, respectively.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a copy process executed by the MFP 201. When a copy operation is performed by the UI 310 (step S501),
The document placed on the feeder is scanned and optically read by the scanner 308 and converted into electronic image data (step S502).

The image data is sent to the image processing unit 30.
7. Scanner 30 via video input I / F unit 305
8 is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from the RAM 8 and the video output I / F
The data is sent to the printer 303 via the unit 306 and the image processing unit 307 in synchronization with the print speed and printed (step S503).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a network scan process executed by the MFP 201.

When a scan command is received from an external personal computer (PC: not shown) via the PC cable 316 (step S601), the scanner 308 is received.
As a result, the original placed on the feeder is scanned and optically read and converted into electronic image data (step S602).

The image data is sent to the image processor 30.
7. Scanner 30 via video input I / F unit 305
8 is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from step S8 (step S603). Next, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S60).
4) and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S
605). When all the originals placed on the feeder are read by the scanner 308 (step S606),
The image data to be read is taken out from the hard disk 304 and transmitted by the PC I / F unit 315 to the external PC that has requested the scan processing via the PC cable 316 (step S607), and the process ends.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a network print process executed by the MFP 201.

A print process is requested from an external PC (step S701), and the NIC is transmitted from the network 203 to the NIC.
313 via PDL (Ppage Description)
Receiving the data (ionLanguage), the data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S7).
02). When all the received data is stored in the hard disk 304, the CPU 301
03 (step S704), and is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S70).
5) and store it in the hard disk 304 (step S7)
06).

When all the PDL data has been compressed and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S707), the compressed data is read from the hard disk 304 and decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S708).
The data is written to the AM 303 (step S709). And
Via a video output I / F 306 and an image processing unit 307,
The data is output to the printer 309 in synchronization with the speed of the printer 309 to execute printing (step S710).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a fax memory transmission process executed by the MFP 201.

When a fax memory transmission process is instructed by the UI 310 (step S 801), the scanner 308.
Thus, the original placed on the feeder is scanned, optically read, and converted into electronic image data (step S802).

The image data is sent to the image processing unit 30.
7. Scanner 30 via video input I / F unit 305
8 is stored in the RAM 303 in synchronization with the data transfer speed from step S803 (step S803). Next, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S80).
4) and stored in the hard disk 304 (step S
805). When all the originals placed on the feeder are read by the scanner 308 (step S806),
The image data to be read is taken out from the hard disk 304 and is sent to the PSTN 312 by the fax board 311.
(Step S807), and the fax memory transmission ends.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a fax memory reception process executed by the MFP 201.

The fax board 3 via the PSTN 312
When the reception from the external fax is started by 11 (step S901), the received data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S902). When all the received data is stored in the hard disk 304 (step S90)
3), read the received data from the hard disk 304,
Decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 314 (step S90)
4), and writes it into the RAM 303 (step S905).
Then, via the video output I / F 306 and the image processing unit 307, the printer 30 is synchronized with the speed of the printer 309.
9 to execute printing (step S90).
6).

[0020]

However, as the number of functions increases, the data amount of system programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs increases. For this reason,
There is a problem that the program data cannot be stored in the ROM and a hard disk is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

Also, in the case of upgrading the system program, conventionally, a service engineer has been required to use a R on the controller board in the multifunction device.
It is necessary to exchange the OM or download the system program to the hard disk, and the management of the program is difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to minimize the cost as much as possible even if the amount of programs is increased due to the increase in the number of functions, and to easily execute the program. Is to be able to manage

[0023]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program management device according to the present invention comprises: a storage device on a network for storing at least a program used in a multifunction peripheral on the network; Fetching means for fetching the program stored in a storage device into the multifunction peripheral.

The present invention is also a program management method for managing at least a program used by a multi-function peripheral connected to a network, wherein at least a program used by the multi-function peripheral is stored in a storage device on the network. The multifunction peripheral stores the program in advance and performs various processes by fetching the program stored in the storage device.

The present invention also relates to a program management system for managing at least a program used by a multi-function peripheral connected to a network, wherein the network stores at least a program used by the multi-function peripheral on the network. The storage device includes an upper storage device, and a loading unit that loads the program stored in the storage device into the multifunction peripheral.

Further, the present invention provides a computer readable medium applicable to a program management apparatus for preliminarily storing and managing a program used by at least a multi-function peripheral connected to a network in a storage device on the network. In addition, the multifunction peripheral has a content of performing the various processes by fetching the program stored in the storage device.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output system to which a program management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a print function, a scanner function, a fax function, and the like, and the configuration thereof is almost the same as that of FIG. 202 is a host computer,
203 is a local area network (LAN).

Reference numeral 204 denotes a file server, which is a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS).
CPU 204a, ROM 204b, R
It has an AM 204c and a hard disk 204d.
The file server 204 stores system programs such as application programs, job control programs, and device driver programs used by the MFP 201 and the like in a storage device such as the hard disk 204d in a file format, and manages access to the files. .

The functions of these file servers 204 are
This is realized by the CPU 204a executing a program stored in the OM 204b or the hard disk 204d. At this time, the CPU 204a
Is used as a work area or the like.

A search server 205 is constituted by a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS), and includes a CPU 205a, a ROM 205b, and a RAM.
205c and a hard disk 205d. The search server 205 stores the storage location information of the system program file stored in the file server 204 in the ROM.
205b or the hard disk 205d. When the MFP 201 or the like inquires about a system program file usable by the MFP 201 or the like, the storage location information of the system program file is searched and returned to the inquiring MFP 201 or the like.

The function of these search servers 205 is a ROM
This is realized by the CPU 205a executing a program stored in the hard disk 205b or the hard disk 205d. At this time, the CPU 205a uses the RAM 205c as a work area or the like.

The MFP 201, the host computer 202, the file server 204, and the search server 205
10Base-T with RJ-45 modular jack
LAN 20 via a LAN interface such as a cable
3 is connected. Also, FIG.
Although only one is shown in the figure, the present invention can be applied even when a plurality of MFPs are connected. Also, one or more client computers, a network printer, a network scanner, and a network fax may be connected.

In the present input / output system, basic programs for input / output control and other programs other than an interpreter, a job control program, a device driver program, and other programs are stored in the MFP 201 and the client computer. However, these programs are stored in the file server 204 collectively.

Then, the host computer 202 creates a program to be stored in the file server 204,
In response to a request from the MFP 201, a client computer, or the like, the search server 205 searches for storage location information of a program that operates on the MFP 201, the client computer, or the like, and notifies the MFP 201, the client computer, or the like of the information. Then, the MFP 201, the client computer, and the like access the file server 204 based on the notified location information, and
201, obtain a program to be used by a client computer.

Since the hardware configuration of the MFP 201 is almost the same as that of FIG. 14 used in the description of the conventional example, the features of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
However, in the present invention, the hard disk 304 is unnecessary.

The CPU 301 controls the program acquisition processing based on the program stored in the ROM 302. As can be inferred from the above description, the ROM 302 is preset with only a basic program for performing communication with the outside of the apparatus, a program interpreter, and the like, and realizes a copy function, a print function, a fax function, and the like. For example, a system program such as an application program, a job control program, and a device driver program are acquired from the file server 204, expanded in the RAM 303, and executed by the CPU 301.

Therefore, even in the present apparatus for realizing multi-functions, the memory capacity of the ROM 302 is small, and the hard disk 304 is not required. Further, an application program, a job control program, and the like for realizing a copy function, a print function, a fax function, and the like of the MFP 201.
When upgrading a system program such as a device driver program, the file server 204
It is only necessary to upgrade on the above, individual MFP2
Since it is not necessary to perform a version-up operation such as ROM exchange for 01, management of these programs becomes easy.

The PC I / F unit 315 is an interface unit such as Vicentronics and the like.
16 receives image data to be printed from a personal computer (not shown) directly connected to the apparatus 201, and notifies the personal computer of the state of the apparatus 201.

The compression / decompression unit 314 is a JBIG (Joi)
nt Bi-level Image Experts
Group), MMR (modified modi)
supported formats such as “feed READ”. NIC (network interface)
card) 313 functions as an interface with a network such as 10 base.
It receives print data from a computer (not shown) on the LAN 203 via the IC 313, and notifies the computer of the status of the apparatus 201.

The Fax board 311 includes a modem and a line processing circuit, and transmits image data compressed in a predetermined format via a public line (PSTN) 312,
Or receive. User interface (UI)
A liquid crystal controller 310 displays a UI screen (dialog box) as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 on a liquid crystal touch panel (not shown) or inputs an operation signal of a display button.

The image processing unit 307 receives image data input from the scanner 308 or from the outside of the apparatus, performs predetermined image processing, and outputs the processed image data to the video input I / F unit 305. The video input I / F unit 305 converts the timing and causes the RAM 303 to store the image data. RAM
The timing of the image data stored in the image processing unit 303 is converted by a video output I / F unit 306, and the image processing unit 30
After the image processing is performed in step 7, the image is sent to the printer 309.

Next, a program (program file)
(Storage), storage location search, acquisition, and execution will be sequentially described.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of registering a system program, and shows an example of registration of a copy application program.

First, the host computer 202 executes the MF
When a copy application program file operable on P201 is created, the created copy application program file is transferred to the file server 204 via the LAN 203. The program file created by the host computer 202 is
HTML (HyperText Markup Lan)
gage), Java, or the like, and is preferably created in an Intenet application language.

The file server 204 stores the copy application program file transmitted from the host computer 202 in a recording device. Further, the host computer 202 notifies the search server 205 of the storage location information of the copy application program file transferred to the file server 204.

The storage destination information is based on HTTP (Hyper
URL (Uniform Resource) used in Text Transfer Protocol (Text Transfer Protocol)
Locator) format. For example, the address of the file server 204 is “www.co.
py-appli. xxxxxx. co. jp ", the path indicating the storage location of the copy application program file in the storage device of the file server 204 is" pmfp / japan / ", and the program file name is" index. html ”
It is stored in the search server 205.

Also, a path "pmpf / j" indicating the storage location
“apan /” also serves as an identifier of the MFP 201 or the like on which the stored program file can operate, and the search server 205 efficiently stores the program file storage destination information notified from the host computer 202, thereby enabling It is possible to quickly respond to an inquiry about a program file storage destination requested from the function device 200 or the like.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program file search method.

When the storage location of a program file operable on the MFP 201 or the like is not known when the MFP 201 or the like is powered on or initialized, a packet for inquiring the storage location of the program file is transmitted to the LAN 2.
03. This packet includes a device identifier of a transmission source, and is transmitted as a packet having an unspecified destination by a broadcast method, a multicast method, or the like.

Upon receiving the inquiry packet transmitted from the MFP 201 or the like, the search server 205 determines the source device identifier contained in the packet and the storage location of the program file stored in the search server 205. Based on the information, a search is made for storage destination information including the device identification of the multifunction device 201 or the like as the query source, and the search result is transmitted via the LAN 203 to the MF of the query source.
Notify P201 etc.

In the example of FIG. 3, the MFP 201 uses “pmf” as the Device Type as the device identifier.
p ”and a packet including“ Japan ”as the Country is transmitted to the LAN 203. The search server 2
05 retrieves storage location information including the device identifiers “pmfp” and “Japan” from the storage location information stored in advance, and if the storage location information exists, the storage location of the program file is determined. The transmitted address (URL) data is transmitted to the inquiring MFP 201 or the like.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of obtaining and executing a program file. The storage location information of the program file is acquired by the procedure described with reference to FIG. 3 or the operation of the user interface (UI) 310 (see FIG. 14) of the MFP 201, and a program file acquisition request is obtained based on the storage location information. Is transmitted to the file server 204.

In the example of FIG. 4, “h” is included in the acquisition request packet.
http: // www. copy-appli. xxxx
x. co. jp. / Pmfp / japan / inde
x. html "indicates the address of the file server 204 and the storage location of the file server 204 in the storage device.

The file server 204 reads a program file (index.html in the example of FIG. 4) corresponding to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201 or the like from the storage device, and reads the program file from the MFP 20 as the acquisition request source.
Send to 1 etc.

The MFP 201 and the like have the file server # 20
4 is translated and executed by the CPU 301 based on a program file interpreter stored in the ROM 302 or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, the file server 20
4 (Index.ht)
ml) is described in accordance with the HTML format. In the example of FIG. 5, the content of the program file is a program that controls a menu displayed on the operation panel. Based on this program, the operation panel of the MFP 201 displays “Account” as a menu item.
t "," Job Control "," Service
Maintainance "is displayed.

A program file can be associated with (linked to) another program file. For example, by storing the storage location information of the linked program file in the program file, the subprogram can be obtained based on the linked storage location information when the subprogram becomes necessary. Can be.

For example, when "Job Control" is selected from the displayed menu items and the display area is touched, storage destination information "http: //www.copy-appli.c" described as a link destination is displayed.
o. jp / pmfp / jobcontrol / jobc
tl. html ”, the file name“ jobct ”
l. html ". In this case, the MFP 201 or the like automatically creates a file acquisition request packet including storage destination information and transmits the packet to the file server 204 by performing the above touch operation. Then, upon receiving the file acquisition request packet, the file server 204 automatically transmits the program file related to the acquisition request to the requesting multi-function device 201 or the like.

Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to perform an operation such as inputting storage destination information or the like. When a plurality of link destinations are described for one menu, the file names of the plurality of link destinations are automatically displayed, so that the file names are touched. Even in this case, the MFP 201 or the like automatically creates and transmits a file acquisition request packet including the storage destination information in response to the touch operation, so that the user himself performs operations such as inputting the storage destination information and the like. No need.

FIG. 6 shows the types of files stored in the file server 204. The type information of this file and each ID No. Are managed by the search server 205.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a shared file group, which is composed of a group of files that can be shared and used on the network (LAN 203).
It is managed by. Reference numerals 1502 and 1503 denote file groups that can be shared and used within a specific group. It is managed by. 1
Reference numerals 503 and 1504 denote unique file groups that can be used by individuals, respectively. Is managed by

The shared file group, group file group, and personal file group are respectively composed of an application program file group, a device driver program file group, and a database file group.

As described above, each file is stored in the login I
DNo. Since the file is managed by an appropriate ID No. at login. Is input, it becomes possible for the first time to access the shared file group, the group file group, and the personal file group, and it is possible to prevent malicious use by a third party.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a file acquisition process executed when MFP 201 is started.

When the power of the MFP 201 is turned on, it waits for a login (step S1401). That is, as in the UI 310 shown in FIG. Waiting for the input of ID No. by pressing the right 10 key. Is input and the START key is touched.
Put P201 in a usable state.

ID No. for login Is entered,
A packet from the MFP 201 inquiring about a storage location of a program file that can be used by the MFP 201 is sent to the LAN.
203. Upon receiving this packet, the search server 205 receives the ID No. Confirm IDN and entered IDN
o. Check the group file group and the personal file group to which the ID No. belongs. The storage destination information of the function file usable by the MFP 2 is collated, and the result is compared with the MFP 2 of the inquiry source.
01 (step S1402).

The MFP 201 transmits a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file to the file server 204 based on the notified storage location information. The file server 204 reads a program file from the storage device and returns it according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201. Then, the MFP 201
Translates and executes the program file returned from the file server 204 by the program interpreter in the device (step S1403). In this case, the login ID No. The list of functions available for
“COPY”, “Fax”, “SCA” shown in FIG.
N "," OPTION "in the button format,
10 is displayed.

If any of the function buttons is touched,
Alternatively, when an operation request is made from an external interface such as the communication line PSTN 312, the LAN 203, and the PC interface 316 (step S1404), the MFP 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a scanner 308, a printer 309, an image processing unit 307, and a fax required to realize the function of the touched function button or the function related to an operation request from the outside.
A packet for inquiring storage destination information of a program file corresponding to a device ID of the board 311 or the UI 310 or an ID of an accessory such as a feeder connected to the scanner 308 or a finisher connected to the printer 303 is transmitted to the LAN 203 (step S1405). ).

Upon receiving the packet, the search server 205 can be used by the inquiring MFP 201 and is necessary for realizing the function of the function button related to the touch, the function related to an external operation request, and the like. Then, the storage location information of the new file is collated, and the collation result is returned to the inquiring MFP 201 (step S1406).

The MFP 201 sends a packet for requesting acquisition of a program file to the file server 204 based on the returned storage location information of the file. The file server 204 reads the program file from the storage device according to the content of the acquisition request packet received from the MFP 201, and transmits the program file to the MFP 201 that has issued the acquisition request.

The MFP 2011 is connected to the file server 204
Is translated by a program interpreter in the device and executed (step S1407). At this time, the details of the function related to the touched function button or the function related to the operation request from the outside are displayed on the UI 301 as shown in FIGS.

FIG. 10 shows a case where a copy function is requested. FIG. 11 shows a case where the fax function is requested. Note that “A” on U1301 in FIG.
The “Address Book” button indicates a button for viewing the address book of Fax.
Login ID No. It is possible to check the address of the database of the shared file that can be used in the database, the database of the file shared by the group, and the address registered in the database of the file of the personal registration.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a standby process when there is no operation of a button or an operation request from an external interface.

This standby processing is performed in step S in FIG.
This corresponds to 1404. That is, in the first embodiment, as in step S1404 in FIG. After displaying the list of available functions in, the function button or the operation request from the outside was kept waiting, but in the present embodiment, if there is no operation request or the like for a predetermined time or longer, the function button is already obtained. I try to erase the program.

That is, when the processing of step S1403 in FIG. 7 is completed, in this embodiment, the button operation of the UI 310 and the communication line PSTN 312, LAN 203, PC
The operation waits for an operation request from an external interface such as the I / F 315 (steps S2001, S2002, S2002).
2003). When there is a button operation of U1310 or an operation request from an external interface such as the communication line PSTN 312, LAN 203, PC I / F 315, etc., the file acquisition processing of steps S1405 to S1407 in FIG. 7 is performed.

Button operation of the UI 310 for a predetermined time or more,
Alternatively, if there is no operation request from the external interface (step S2003), the file acquired from the file server 204 and stored in the RAM 303 is deleted, and the process returns to the login waiting state at power-on (step S200).
4). In this case, a standby state is established in the state shown in FIG.

As described above, if there is no acquisition request for a predetermined time or more in the program file waiting state for the detailed function, the already acquired program file is stored in the RAM 30.
By deleting from MFP 3 and returning to the login waiting state, other users can use MFP 201 quickly.

However, if there is no acquisition request for a predetermined time in the program file waiting state for the detailed functions, the program file that has already been acquired is not erased from the RAM 303, and the program returns to the login waiting state and the next login. In this case, by immediately displaying the function list, it is possible to promptly start the process specified by the next user.

Note that the file server 204 sends the
For example, programs such as an application program related to the copy function, a job control program, and a printer driver downloaded to the RAM 303 of the first program are automatically deleted from the RAM 303 when a series of copy processes is completed based on the programs.

However, by erasing after confirming with the user whether or not to erase, for example, a plurality of different document data files can be successively printed at different paper sizes, scaling factors, densities, etc. without a pause. In such a case, the complexity of downloading the program from the file server 204 many times can be eliminated.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A multi-function peripheral comprising at least a storage device on the network for storing a program to be used by the multi-function peripheral on the network, and fetching means for taking the program stored in the storage device into the multi-function peripheral; In order to realize multi-functions, the memory capacity of the ROM is small, and no hard disk is required.
Even if the amount of programs increases with the increase in the number of functions, it is possible to suppress the increase in cost as much as possible.

Also, when upgrading various programs for realizing the copy function, print function, fax function, etc. of the multi-function peripheral, it is only necessary to upgrade the version on the file server. On the other hand, since there is no need to perform a version upgrade operation such as ROM replacement, management of these programs is facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output system to which a program management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a process of registering a program file in a file server.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a search process of a registered program file.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of acquisition and execution processing of a registered program file.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a description format of an acquired program file;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for describing a management method of storage location information of a program file by a search server.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a file acquisition process executed when a multifunction peripheral is activated.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a UI screen in a state of waiting for login.

FIG. 9 shows a login ID No. It is a figure showing the UI screen displayed by input.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a UI screen displayed when a copy function is selected on the UI screen of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a UI screen displayed when a fax function is selected on the UI screen of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a standby process when there is no operation of a button or an operation request from an external interface in a process of acquiring a program.

FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional input / output system.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a conventional multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a software configuration of a multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a copy process by a multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing scan processing by a multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a network print process performed by a multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 19: F by a multifunction peripheral
It is a flowchart which shows ax transmission processing.

FIG. 20 shows F by a multifunction peripheral.
It is a flowchart which shows ax reception processing processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

201 multifunction peripheral 202 host computer 203 LAN 204 file server 204a file server CPU 204b file server ROM 204c file server RAM 204d file server hard disk 205 search server 205a search server CPU 205b of search server 205c RAM of search server 205d Hard disk of search server 301 CPU of multifunction peripheral 302 ROM of multifunction peripheral 303 RAM of multifunction peripheral 308 Scanner of multifunction peripheral 309 Multi-function peripheral printer 310 ... Multi-function peripheral Lal of the user interface (UI) 311 ... FaX board of the multi-function peripherals

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference)

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A storage device on a network for storing a program to be used by at least a multifunction peripheral on a network, and a loading unit for loading the program stored in the storage device into the multifunction peripheral. A program management device. 2. The program management device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device stores programs such as an application program, a job control program, a device driver program, and device firmware. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the fetching unit is provided in the multifunction peripheral and uses a search device on the network to store and search storage location information of a program stored in the storage device. 3. The program management device according to claim 1, wherein a program stored in the device is loaded into the multifunction peripheral. 4. The network is connected to a creating device that creates a program to be stored in the storage device and transfers the created program to the storage device. The creating device stores storage location information of the program stored in the storage device. The program management device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the search device. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creating device is an HTML (Hyper).
The program management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program is created by using a text markup language (Text Markup Language), and the program includes storage location information of a program related to the program. 6. The notification means is a URL (Uniform).
6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein storage location information based on a format of a Resource Locator is notified to the search device, and the search device stores the storage location information based on the URL format. Program management device. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies the search device of storage position information also serving as an identifier of the multifunction peripheral, and the search device stores the storage position information also serving as the identifier. The program management device according to claim 1. 8. When the storage location of a program used by the multi-function peripheral is unknown, the fetching unit sends a packet including an identifier of the multi-function peripheral to the network, thereby causing the multi-function peripheral to store the program. 8. The program management device according to claim 1, wherein the storage location information of a program to be used is queried. 9. The program management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fetching means sends the packet as an unspecified destination. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fetching means transmits the packet as an unspecified destination when the multifunction peripheral is activated or in an initialized state. Program management device. 11. The search device receives a packet including the identifier, searches storage position information including the identifier from storage position information stored in the search device, and transmits the packet. 2. A reply is sent to the multifunction peripheral that has been set.
0. The program management device according to any one of 0. 12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes a display control unit configured to display the storage location information returned from the search device on a display unit of the multifunction peripheral in a selectable manner in a dialog box format. 2. A program used in the multifunction peripheral is taken from the storage device based on storage position information selected from position information.
12. The program management device according to any one of items 11 to 11. 13. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the storage location information of the program related to the fetched program in the dialog box in a selectable manner. Program management device. 14. The search device uses storage location information of a program stored in the storage device for a program group shared on the network, a program group shared by a specific group, and an individual. 14. The program management device according to claim 1, wherein the program management device stores the program group separately in association with ID data assigned to each program group. 15. The input means permits inputting of the program by inputting the ID data, and when inquiring the search device for information on the storage location of the program, the input means outputs the ID data related to the input. The program management device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the inquiry is included in the packet. 16. The search device, upon receiving the packet, includes the identifier from storage position information stored in the search device and stores storage position information of a program corresponding to the ID data. 16. The program management device according to claim 1, wherein a search is made and returned to the multifunction peripheral that transmitted the packet. 17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fetching means deletes the already fetched program when there is no operation request for a predetermined time or more in the process of fetching said program. Program management device. 18. The program according to claim 1, wherein said fetching means has a translating means for translating the program described in the HTML so as to be executable by the multifunction peripheral. Management device. 19. A program management method for managing at least a program used by a multi-function peripheral connected to a network, wherein at least a program used by the multi-function peripheral is stored in a storage device on the network in advance. A program management method, wherein the multifunction peripheral takes in the program stored in the storage device and performs various processes. 20. A program management system for managing at least a program used by a multifunction peripheral connected to a network, wherein the storage device on the network stores at least a program used by the multifunction peripheral on the network. And a fetching unit for fetching the program stored in the storage device into the multifunction peripheral. 21. A computer-readable medium applicable to a program management device that stores a program used by at least a multifunction peripheral connected to a network in a storage device on the network in advance and manages the program. A medium, wherein the function peripheral has contents for taking in the program stored in the storage device and performing various processes.