JP2001238000A - Multifunction system, control method thereof, and recording medium recording control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the capacity of a memory for storing a system program of a single multifunction device and to reduce the cost. A system program created by a host computer is stored in a file server via a LAN. The storage location information of the storage location of the system program stored in the file server 300 and the program name are registered in the search server 400. After that, the search destination of the storage of the system program operating on the multifunction device 200 is searched using the search server 400. The system program is obtained from the file server 300 based on the search result, and the obtained system program is downloaded to the multi-function device 200 via the LAN 10. At this time, it is possible to perform a condition search from many conditions for each type of system program.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction device connected to a network and a control method thereof.
And a recording medium on which the control program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital device having a function of reading an original to be copied (copied) by a scanner, storing image data of the original in a storage device such as a hard disk, and outputting the image data to another printer via a network. Copiers are known. These digital copiers are equipped with a plurality of functions such as a print function for inputting print data from an external computer (for example, a personal computer) and printing out, and a facsimile (FAX) reception function from a public line. It is called a multifunction device.

Further, such a multi-function device has a space-saving and high-functionality as compared with a single-function copying machine or a facsimile device, and has a configuration in which future expandability is high.

FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of such a conventional multifunction device. Here, reference numeral 201 denotes a multi-function device which is also called a multi-function digital copier connected to a network or a next-generation copier, and has functions such as image input / output and image processing. Reference numeral 202 denotes a host computer connected as a terminal device, which can output image data to the multifunction device 201 via a network. 203 is a local area network (hereinafter, referred to as
LAN).

FIG. 2 shows the multi-function device 20.
0 shows a configuration example. Here, 301 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and 302 is a ROM in which a program is recorded.
(Read only memory) 303 is a RAM (random access memory) used for a work area or the like. 304 is HD (hard disk), 305 is video input I / F
(Interface), 306 is a video output I / F, 3
07, an image processing unit; 308, a scanner; 309, a printer; 310, a UI (user interface);
Is a FAX (facsimile) board, 312 is a public line (PSTN), 313 is a network interface card (NIC), 314 is a compression / expansion circuit for compressing and expanding image data, 315 is a PCI / F (PC interface), and 316 is a It is a PC cable.

FIG. 3 shows the multifunction device 20.
0 shows the control software structure of the CPU 301 in FIG.
Is the part controlled by Here, 401 is
This is a block in which application programs such as copy (copy), facsimile (facsimile communication), scan (image reading), and print (print) are located.

Reference numeral 402 denotes an application program interface (API), which is an interface between the application 401 and the job control 403.

Reference numeral 403 denotes a job control, and the above-described copy, F
A block in which a group of programs for controlling jobs such as AX, scan, and print is located.

Reference numeral 404 denotes a device driver interface, which is an interface (DDI) between the job control 403 and the device driver 405.

Reference numeral 405 denotes a device driver program.
405 'is a device group controlled by them. The scanner driver 406 controls the scanner 413, the printer driver 407 controls the printer 309, the image processing driver 408 controls the image processing unit 307, the FAX driver 409 controls the FAX board 311, and the UI driver 410 controls the UI 310. Control the N / W driver 41
2 controls an N / W card (NIC) 313.

[0011]

However, when a multi-function device is commercialized with the above-described conventional configuration, the application 401, the job control program 403, and the device driver program shown in FIG. Memory capacity of system programs such as 405 and ROM capacity increases;
There is a problem that a D (hard disk) is required and the cost becomes considerably high.

[0012] In addition, conventionally, when a system program is upgraded, a service technician can use a ROM on a controller board of the multifunction device main body.
And the system program was downloaded to the HD, which made service work difficult.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-function system capable of reducing the capacity of a memory for storing a system program of a single multi-function device and lowering the cost, and a control method thereof, and An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which the control program is recorded.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 comprises one or more multifunction devices, a host computer for creating a system program operating on the multifunction device, and In a multifunction system in which a file server that stores a system program created by a host computer and a management server that stores storage location information of a file of the system program are connected via a local area network, the host computer Means for storing the system program created in the above in the file server via the network, and a program capable of discriminating information relating to the system program created in the host computer. Means for naming; means for registering storage location information of the storage location of the system program stored in the file server and the program name in the management server; storage location of a system program operating on the multi-function device Means for searching using the management server, means for obtaining the system program from the file server based on the search result, and means for downloading the obtained system program to the multifunction device via the network. It is characterized by having.

Here, the searching means performs a condition search from a number of conditions for each type of system program using the file name based on the search conditions input from the operating means. It can be.

Further, the program name may include a function item executable by the multi-function device and a device name.

[0017] The program name may include at least some of a creation date, an expiration date, a creator, a program type, and a specification in the host computer.

The path indicating the storage location of the system program also serves as an identifier of the multifunction device, and the management server uses the path to efficiently store the program file storage location information notified from the host computer. The multifunction device or the like to operate in response to an inquiry about the storage location of the program file requested by the multifunction device or the like.

Further, the multi-function device includes:
Sending a packet inquiring about the storage location of the system program on the local network,
The device identifier of the transmission source is included, transmitted as an unspecified destination by a broadcast or multicast method, the packet is received by the management server connected to the network, and the source of the transmission source included in the packet is received. Based on the device identifier and the program file storage location stored in the management server, the multifunction device queries the storage location of the system program requested by the multifunction device, and sends the result of the inquiry to the multifunction device through the local network. Notification may be provided via

[0020] The system program created in the host computer and stored in the file server may be characterized by conforming to an Internet application language such as HTML or Java.

[0021] The storage location information of the storage location of the system program may be in accordance with a URL format used in HTTP.

Further, the system program can be characterized in that another system program can be linked.

The system program may include at least one of an application program, a job control program, a device driver program, and device firmware.

[0024] The management server may be a search server.

[0025] A download operation for obtaining a system program used by the multifunction device from the file server can be performed from both the multifunction device and the host computer.

Further, the multi-function device comprises:
Operating means including a search condition input unit for inputting search conditions for searching for a storage location of a system program operating on the multifunction device, a search condition display unit for displaying search conditions, and a search result display unit for displaying search results; It can be characterized by having.

Further, the multi-function device includes:
The image processing device may include an image input unit, an image holding unit, an image transfer unit, an image processing unit, and an image output unit.

Further, the multi-function device includes:
The digital copier having a scanner function, a printer function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and various optional functions related to image processing can be characterized.

To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 16 includes one or a plurality of multi-function devices,
A host computer that creates a system program that operates on the multifunction device, a file server that stores the system program created by the host computer, and a management server that stores the storage location information of the file of the system program are located in a local area. In a method for controlling a multifunction system connected via a network, a step of storing a system program created in the host computer in the file server via the network, Naming a program that can determine information about the program, and storage location information of a storage location of the system program stored in the file server; Registering the program name with the management server; searching for a storage location of a system program operating on the multifunction device using the management server; and storing the system program in the file based on the search result. Acquiring the system program from the server and downloading the acquired system program to the multifunction device via the network.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 22 includes one or more multifunction devices,
A host computer that creates a system program that operates on the multifunction device, a file server that stores the system program created by the host computer, and a management server that stores the storage location information of the file of the system program are located in a local area. A recording medium recording a control program for controlling a multifunction system connected via a network by a computer, wherein the control program transmits a system program created in the host computer to the computer through the network. Stored in the file server through the, let the system program created in the host computer give a program name that can determine the information about the program, The storage location information of the storage location of the system program and the program name stored in the file server are registered in the management server, and the storage location of the system program operating on the multifunction device is searched using the management server. The system program is obtained from the file server based on the search result, and the obtained system program is downloaded to the multifunction device via the network.

(Operation) In the present invention, the system program used by the multi-function device is obtained from the server, and the multi-function device on the network shares this file server,
The capacity of the memory for storing the system program of the multifunction device alone can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

In the present invention, the system program can be upgraded only by upgrading the file on the file server, and the serviceman can replace the ROM on the controller board of the multifunction device or download the program to the HD. This eliminates the need for work.

Further, according to the present invention, when downloading a version-upgraded file, the multifunction device is provided with a search means capable of searching for a specific system file according to various search conditions. Customization becomes easy.

[0034]

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

FIG. 4 shows an example of a network configuration in a case where a program operable on a multifunction device is registered in a file server connected to the network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The multi-function device 200 is connected to the local area network (LAN) 10 by, for example, RJ.
It is connected via a LAN interface (not shown) such as 10Base-T having a 45. In addition, a plurality of servers such as a file server 300 for managing access to files stored in a storage device such as a hard disk and a plurality of host computers such as a host computer 100 are also connected to the LAN 10 and communicate with the multifunction device 200. Is possible.

The multi-function device 200 is also called a multi-function digital copier or a next-generation copier, and is not limited to simply copying a document image.
It is also possible to perform various image processing on the original image and copy it. For example, the multifunction device 200 performs a negative / positive reversal process for reversing the black and white of the document, a trimming process for copying only a part of the document, a reduced layout process for reducing a plurality of documents and combining them on one output sheet. And various other processes can be performed. Further, the multifunction device 200 transmits image data read by the scanner unit (308 in FIG.
It is also possible to transfer the text created on the host computer 100 via the printer unit (309 in FIG. 2) to the printer unit (309 in FIG. 2). Further, the multifunction device 200 has a fax transmission / reception function (312 in FIG. 2), and can transmit a document image to a remote fax device or receive a document image from a remote fax device. Such various processing functions of the multi-function can be realized by the configuration of driver software and control software in the device controller (405 in FIG. 3).

The file server 300 stores system programs (applications, job control programs, device driver programs, device firmware, etc.) for operating the multifunction device 200. The search server 400 is the file server 3
00 stores the storage location information of the program file stored at 00. The search server 400 has a LAN
The function items and the device names that can be executed by the multifunction device 200 connected to the device 10 are registered.

The host computer 100 browses information provided via the Internet (not shown), and copies the created file to the multifunction device 20.
0 or a printer (not shown), or image data can be input using a scanner (not shown). The computer 100 is mainly used for an administrator who manages the entire network, and can register a system program in the file server 300 and the like.

In the host computer 100, when a program file operable on the multifunction device 200 is created, the created program file is transferred to the file server 300 via the LAN 10.
The program file created by the host computer 100 is preferably HTML (hyper text markup language).
ge), follow Internet application languages such as Java.

The file server 300 records the program file transmitted from the host computer 100 on a recording device. Further, the host computer 10
0 notifies the search server 400 of the storage location information of the program file transferred to the file server 300. Preferably, the storage destination information is HTTP (hy
U used in per text transfer protocol)
According to the format of RL (uniform resource locators), for example, the address of the file server 300 is “www.pipit.xx
xxx.co.jp ", (where xxxxx is a specific company name), the path indicating the storage location of the program file inside the storage device of the file server 300 is" pmfp / japan / ", and the program file name is" index.html "is stored in the search server 400.

At this time, it is assumed that the file name and the path name can identify the information of the program file, for example, the date of creation in the host computer, the type of the program file, and the like.

At the same time, the path indicating the storage location is stored in the multifunction device 200 where the program file can operate.
Using this path, the search server 400 efficiently stores the program file storage location information notified from the host computer 100, and stores the program file storage requested by the multifunction device 200 or the like. Operate to respond to previous queries.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a network configuration when the multifunction device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention searches for a program file stored in a storage device of a file server 300 connected to a network.

When the storage location of a program file operable on the multi-function device 200 is unknown, such as when the multi-function device 200 is powered on or initialized, the local network (L)
AN) 10 to send a packet inquiring about the storage location of the program file. This packet contains the device identifier of the transmission source, and is transmitted as an unspecified destination by a broadcast (broadcast) or multicast method.

The search server 400 connected to the network 10 receives the packet transmitted from the multifunction device 200, and checks the source device identifier included in the packet and the search server 40 described in FIG.
0 based on the program file storage location stored in
The storage location of the program file requested by the multifunction device 200 is inquired, and the inquiry result is notified to the multifunction device 200 via the LAN 10.

Further, the search server 400 itself can conditionally search for a program file that can operate on the multifunction device 200. For example, the search server 400 includes:
Since information necessary for searching for a program file is recorded in advance by a path name and a file name, there are many conditions such as (creation date, expiration date, creator, creation location, all information on program specifications) ) Can be searched.

FIG. 6 shows a search screen for operating the multi-function device 200 using the above-described condition search. On the condition search screen 500, a search condition is selected with a page selection label 504, and the search condition input unit 50 is selected.
Enter search conditions in 1. The input search condition is displayed on the search condition display unit 503, and the search result is displayed on the search result display unit 502.

In the example of FIG. 5, the multifunction device 200 transmits a packet containing DeviceType (device type): = pmfp, Country (country name): = Japan as a device identifier on the LAN 10, and the search server 400 Search for program files matching the identifiers pmfp and Japan, and if there is matching data,
Address (URL) data indicating the storage location of the program file http://www.pipit.xxxxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/index.
The html is transmitted to the multifunction device 200.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a network configuration in a case where a program operable on a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention is acquired from a file server connected to a network and executed.

A program operable on the multi-function device 200 is stored in a storage device of the file server 300, and the procedure described with reference to FIG. 5 or an operation panel (not shown) connected to the multi-function device 200 in advance is used. ), The program file storage location information is acquired, and a packet for requesting the acquisition of the program file is sent to the fiber server 300 based on the program file storage location information.

In this example, “http: / www.
pipit.xxxxx.co.jp/pmfp/japan/index.html ”(
By describing a specific company name (xxxxxx), the address of the file server 300 and the storage location of the program file in the storage device are indicated.

The file server 300 transmits a program file (for example, index.html) from the storage device according to the contents of the acquisition request packet received from the multifunction device 200.

In the multifunction device 200, the program file transferred from the file server 300 is translated and executed by a program file interpreter stored in a CPU, a ROM and the like (see FIG. 2) in the multifunction device 200. You.

Preferably, the program file obtained from the file server 300 is the HTML file shown in FIG.
It is described according to the format. In the example of FIG. 8, the acquired program file (index.html) is a program for controlling a menu displayed on an operation unit (not shown) of the multi-function device 200, and “ Account ”,“ Job Co
ntrol ”and“ ServiceMaintenance ”are displayed.

The program file obtained from the file server 300 can be associated (linked) with another program file. For example, by describing the storage location information of the subprogram in the program file, When a subprogram is needed, control can be realized such that a program is acquired according to the storage location information.

Further, it is also possible to make a plurality of programs operable by the multifunction device 200 into a single component.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be configured as a single device. (For example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium (storage medium) recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer for the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention is also achieved when the CPU (or the CPU or the MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the recording medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a recording medium for recording the program code and variable data such as a table include a floppy disk (FD), hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, A nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that an operating system) may perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The system programs used by the multi-function device are obtained from the file server, and the multi-function devices on the network share this file server. Therefore, the memory capacity for storing the system program of the multi-function device alone can be reduced to reduce the cost. Can be.

According to the present invention, the system program can be upgraded only by upgrading the file on the file server, and the serviceman can use the RO on the controller board of the multifunction device.
There is no need to exchange M or download programs to the HD.

Further, according to the present invention, when downloading a version-upgraded file, the multi-function device is provided with a search means capable of searching for a specific system file according to various search conditions. Customization becomes easy.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the multifunction device can be easily customized only by incorporating a search engine for searching and downloading the system program in the network.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a conventional multifunction device connected to a network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a general multifunction device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a control software structure of a general multifunction device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in a case where a program (PiPit application) operable on a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention is registered in a file server connected to the network.

FIG. 5 shows a program file (PiPi) stored in a storage device of a file server connected to a network by a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in a case of searching for (application storage destination).

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a search screen (condition search operation screen) for operating the multifunction device in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in a case where a program (PiPit application) operable on a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention is acquired from a file server connected to a network and executed. is there.

FIG. 8 is an HTM of a program file (index.html) obtained from a file server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a description example of an L format.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 LAN (network) 100 Host computer 200 Multi-function device 300 File server 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 HD (hard disk) 305 Video input I / F 306 Video output I / F 307 Image processing unit 308 Scanner 309 Printer 310 UI (User) Interface) 311 FAX board 312 Public line (PSTN) 313 Network interface card (NI
C) (N / W card) 314 Compression / expansion circuit 315 PC I / F (host I / F) 316 PC cable 400 Search server 401 Application program group 402 Application program interface 403 Job control program group 404 Device driver interface 405 Device Driver program group 405 'Device group 406 Scanner driver 407 Printer driver 408 Image processing driver 409 FAX driver 410 UI driver 411 Host I / F driver 412 N / W driver 413 Scanner engine 500 Condition search screen 501 Search condition input section 502 Search result display 502 Part 503 Search condition display part 504 Label

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 15/167 G06F 15/177 670F 15/177 670 9/06 420J F-term (Reference) 5B045 AA00 BB12 BB29 BB47 GG06 GG09 5B076 AB02 AC03 BB06 5B089 GA01 GA11 HA06 JA34 JB07 KA11 KB06 KB09 KC44 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA35 AB17 AB21 AB23 AB38 AB41 AB42 AC51 AF01 BA01

Claims (25)

[Claims] At least one multi-function device, a host computer that creates a system program that operates on the multi-function device, a file server that stores the system program created by the host computer, and the system program In a multi-function system in which a management server that stores storage location information of a file is connected via a local area network, wherein a system program created in the host computer is stored in the file server via the network Means for giving, to the system program created in the host computer, a program name by which information relating to the program can be identified; Means for registering the storage location information of the storage location of the system program and the program name in the management server; means for searching for the storage location of the system program operating on the multifunction device using the management server; Means for acquiring the system program from the file server based on the result and downloading the acquired system program to the multifunction device via the network. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the search unit performs a condition search from many conditions for each type of system program using the file name based on search conditions input from an operation unit. The multi-function system according to claim 1. 3. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein the program name includes a function item executable by the multifunction device and a device name. 4. The multifunction system according to claim 3, wherein the program name includes at least some of a creation date, an expiration date, a creator, a program type, and a specification in the host computer. . 5. A path indicating a storage location of the system program also serves as an identifier of the multifunction device, and the management server uses the path to efficiently store program file storage information notified from the host computer. 5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein said storage device is operative to respond to an inquiry about a storage location of a program file requested by said multifunction device or the like.
A multi-function system according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The multi-function device transmits a packet for inquiring of a storage destination of a system program on the local network, the packet including a device identifier of a transmission source, and a destination not determined by a broadcast or multicast method. The management server connected to the network receives the packet as a specific packet, and receives the packet based on a device identifier of a transmission source included in the packet and a storage location of a program file stored in the management server. 6. The multi-function system according to claim 5, wherein the multi-function device inquires a storage destination of a system program requested by the multi-function device, and notifies the multi-function device to the inquiry result via the local network. . 7. The system program created in the host computer and stored in the file server conforms to an Internet application language such as HTML or Java.
A multi-function system according to any one of the preceding claims. 8. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the storage location information of the storage location of the system program conforms to a URL format used in HTTP. 9. The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the system program can link another system program. 10. The multi-function device according to claim 1, wherein the system program includes at least one of an application program, a job control program, a device driver program, and device firmware. Function system. 11. The multifunction system according to claim 1, wherein said management server is a search server. 12. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein a download operation for obtaining a system program used by the multifunction device from the file server can be performed from both the multifunction device and the host computer. Multi-function system according to any of the above. 13. The multifunction device, comprising: a search condition input unit for inputting search conditions for searching for a storage location of a system program operating on the multifunction device; a search condition display unit for displaying search conditions; 13. The multifunction system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit including a search result display unit for displaying. 14. The multi-function device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-function device includes an image input unit, an image holding unit, an image transfer unit, an image processing unit, and an image output unit. ·system. 15. The multifunction apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the multifunction apparatus is a digital copier having a scanner function, a printer function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and various optional functions related to image processing. ·system. 16. One or a plurality of multifunction devices, a host computer for creating a system program operating on the multifunction device, a file server for storing the system program created by the host computer, and the system program In a method for controlling a multi-function system in which a management server that stores storage location information of a file is connected via a local area network, a system program created in the host computer is transmitted to the file server via the network. Storing; and giving a system program created in the host computer a program name by which information relating to the program can be identified; Registering the storage location information of the storage location of the system program stored in the server and the program name in the management server; and searching for the storage location of the system program operating on the multifunction device using the management server. And obtaining the system program from the file server based on the search result, and downloading the obtained system program to the multi-function device via the network. Method. 17. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of inputting a search condition from an operation means, wherein said search step uses the file name on the basis of the search condition input from the operation means for each type of system program. 17. The control method according to claim 16, wherein a condition search is performed from among the above conditions. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: displaying a search condition input in the search condition input step; and displaying a search result obtained in the search step. The control method described. 19. A path indicating a storage location of the system program also serves as an identifier of the multifunction device, and in the registration step, the management server uses the path to notify a program file storage from the host computer using the path. The management server operates so as to respond to an inquiry about a storage location of a program file requested from the multifunction device or the like using the path in the search step. The control method according to claim 16. 20. In the retrieving step, the multifunction device sends a packet for inquiring of a storage location of a system program on the local network. The packet includes a device identifier of a transmission source, and is broadcast or not. The management server connected to the network receives the packet transmitted as an unspecified destination by the multicast method, receives the device identifier of the transmission source included in the packet, and stores the program file stored in the management server. Based on the storage location,
20. The control method according to claim 19, wherein the storage location of the system program requested by the multifunction device is inquired, and the result of the inquiry is notified to the multifunction device via the local network. 21. In the downloading step,
21. The multifunction device according to claim 16, wherein a download operation for obtaining a system program used by the multifunction device from the file server can be performed from both the multifunction device and the host computer. Control method. 22. One or a plurality of multifunction devices, a host computer that creates a system program that operates on the multifunction device, a file server that stores the system program created by the host computer, and the system program A storage medium storing a control program for controlling a multi-function system connected via a local area network to a management server for storing storage location information of a file, the control program comprising: The system program created in the host computer is stored in the file server via the network, and the system program created in the host computer is stored in the file program. A program name capable of discriminating information about the storage location information of the storage location of the system program stored in the file server and the program name are registered in the management server; The management server is used to search for a storage location of a system program to be executed, the system program is obtained from the file server based on the search result, and the obtained system program is downloaded to the multifunction device via the network. A recording medium on which a control program is recorded. 23. The control program instructs a computer to input search conditions from an operation means, and uses the file name based on the input search conditions to select from among many conditions for each type of system program. 23. A recording medium recording a control program according to claim 22, wherein a condition search is performed. 24. The recording medium according to claim 23, wherein the control program causes a computer to display the input search condition on a display unit and display a search result on the display unit. 25. The control program causes a computer to send a packet inquiring about a storage location of a system program from the multifunction device on the local network, and the management server having received the packet includes the packet in the control server. Based on the device identifier of the transmission source and the program file storage location stored in the management server,
23. The control program according to claim 22, wherein the control program causes the multi-function device to make an inquiry about a storage location of a system program requested by the multi-function device, and notifies the multi-function device of the inquiry result via the local network. Recording medium.