JP2003030069A - Peripheral device management apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To efficiently search for and substitute a device having the same resource as a designated device. When a device specified at the beginning cannot be used, a client PC specifies a device among devices managed by a server and compares the resource with a resource of another device. Search for a device that has the same resources as the selected device. Then, printing is performed by the searched device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is, for example, a server computer, a client computer, an information processing device such as a PC having a downloader, a printer having a storage device, a multifunction copying machine, etc., connected to a network. The present invention relates to a peripheral device management apparatus and method in an environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When printing a document, a printer or a function-composite copying machine in which resources such as fonts, external characters, forms, and macros constituting the document are downloaded is designated as a print destination of the document. When the printer specified as the print destination or the multifunction copier is performing maintenance or mass printing, product specifications such as paper size, monochrome / color, etc., and correspondence between the device and the download resource as described in JP 2000-347825 A Change the print destination by referring to the attachment information.

[0003]

However, if resources such as fonts, external characters, forms, and macros that compose a document are not downloaded to the changed printer or the function-composite copying machine, garbled characters occur. The expected print result is not obtained. To select a printer or a multifunction printer that originally specified as the print destination and a printer or a multifunction printer that includes the same resources as the downloaded resource from multiple devices connected to the network, refer to the resource information one by one. , Have to compare, not easy.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and is an apparatus including a resource that a user desires to use, out of the resources of the apparatus originally designated as an output destination such as a printer or a composite function copying machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a peripheral device management apparatus and method capable of searching for.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following constitutions.

A management device for a peripheral device connected to a plurality of peripheral devices, the specification receiving means for receiving a designation of any one of the plurality of peripheral devices, and the peripheral device designated by the designation receiving means. From the plurality of peripheral devices, a device having a configuration similar to the configuration of the designated peripheral device is acquired based on the configuration information acquired by the acquisition device and the configuration information acquired by the acquisition device. And a search means for searching.

[0007] Preferably, the search means searches the plurality of peripheral devices for a device having the same configuration as all the configurations of the designated peripheral device.

[0008] Preferably, the designation receiving means further comprises:
The designation of any one of the configurations of the designated peripheral device is accepted, and the search means selects a device having a configuration similar to the designated configuration of the designated peripheral device from among the plurality of peripheral devices. Search from.

[0009] Preferably, the configuration information acquired by the acquisition means includes at least one of a resource type, a resource file name, a resource file size, a version, a registration date, and a registrant.

[0010] Preferably, the designation receiving means displays information for identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices, and designates any one of them.

[0011] Preferably, the information for identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices is one or more of a product name of the peripheral device, a network address, a MAC address, an installation location, and an administrator name.

[0012] Preferably, the configuration information is obtained from a server device connected to the network via the network.

[0013] Preferably, the configuration information is acquired from the plurality of peripheral devices connected to the network via the network.

Preferably, the plurality of peripheral devices include one or both of a printer and a multi-function copying machine.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram best showing the features of the present invention, and a printing system which is an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. The configuration of will be described. In the figure, 1 is a network, which normally uses Ethernet. Besides Ethernet, there are LocalTalk and so on. The term "network" in the present embodiment refers to a physical cable, an electrical signal passing through the cable, and information exchange realized by a combination of electrical signals (protocol). Refers to one or more of these, and generally refers to these generic terms. Reference numeral 2 is a server computer, which has functions such as a file server and a Web server, and forms the core of this system. 3 is a personal computer for administrator (hereinafter personal computer is referred to as PC)
It gives instructions to the server and instructions to peripheral devices. Client PCs 4 and 5 are used by general users who are connected to the network. It should be noted that the administrator PC may also be used as a client PC. Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1 and receive print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and perform print processing according to the commands. 8 and 9
Is a multifunctional copying machine, which has an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and can be used as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more functions.

Next, the operation of this system will be described with reference to FIG. The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7, the function-composite copying machines 8 and 9, and monitors the device status and software settings. From the administrator PC3, change the settings of the device and change the software and the resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2,
The client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information from the server 2. Also, the server 2 has a communication means using the http protocol, and the administrator PC 3, client PCs 4, and 5 are Web
Use Browser to get information about server 2 and also server
It is possible to give instructions to 2. Server 2
When there is an instruction from the administrator PC 3, client PC 4 or 5, the administrator PC is used using the information stored in the server.
3. Return information to client PC 4 or 5. Depending on the content of the information, the printer 6, the printer 7, the function composite copying machine 8, the printer 9 can obtain the information and return the information to the administrator PC 3, the client PC 4 or 5. Performs processing such as settings for the multifunctional copying machines 8 and 9. The administrator PC 3 is equipped with a downloader, printers 6, 7,
Function Downloads software or resources used by the software to the composite copying machines 8 and 9.
Software is the device's print control firmware, network control firmware, and function complex copying machine.
In 8 and 9 above, in addition to the above-mentioned firmware, there are scanner control firmware, facsimile control firmware, copying machine firmware, panel operation firmware, image management software, address management software and the like. The resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by the address management software, and facsimile numbers. The client PCs 4 and 5 hold software (drivers, etc.) for accessing and using the printers 6, 7, and the composite function copying machines 8, 9 and resources used by the software (resources for client PCs). The software is a printer driver for using the printer,
Scanner driver for using the scanner, facsimile driver for using the facsimile, copying machine utility software for controlling the copying machine, network driver for using the network, We
bBrowser, application software, etc.
The resources used by the software include client PC fonts compatible with printer fonts, address information used by the facsimile driver, print data used for color calibration, and overlay images used in preview.

In addition to the above functions, the setting contents of the printer 6, software, and resources used by the software can be reflected in the printer 7, the function-composite copying machines 8 and 9. Similarly, the setting contents, software, and resources used by the software of the function compound type copying machine 8 can be reflected in the function compound type copying machine 9, printers 6, and 7. When there is a difference in function between models, only the functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as resources that can be converted is reflected after conversion. Similarly, information on the client PC 4 regarding these models can be reflected in the client PC 5. These processes are realized by exchanging information through the server 2.

Printers 6 and 7, function composite type copying machines 8 and 9
The setting contents of may be changed not only by the instruction from the administrator PC 3, but also by the setting from the panel or the setting from the client PC. This information exactly on the client PC
If there is a display instruction from the client PC, the items that need to be passed to the printer are always inquired to the printers 6 and 7, the function composite copying machines 8 and 9, and the information at the time of the inquiry is sent to the client PC. return. If the accuracy is not so strictly required, the information stored in the server is used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing main hardware modules of each device in the system of FIG. The function of the hardware module of each device will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, 201 is a network line. The network line is a physical line that constitutes a network between each device, and normally a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable or an optical fiber is used. The hardware modules that make up the server 2 include a network board 202, a CPU board 203, a video interface 204, an I / O interface 205, and a SCSI interface 2
06, a CRT 207, a keyboard 208, a mouse 209, and a hard disk drive 210 connected to them. The hard disk drive 210 has a plurality of hard disk units connected in parallel, and ensures high speed and high reliability of data transfer. Administrator's PC3, client PC4, same
The hardware modules that make up 5 are the network board 202, CPU board 203, and video interface.
204, I / O interface 205, IDE interface 211
And a CRT 207, a keyboard 208, a mouse 209, and a hard disk drive 210 connected to them. The hard disk configuration is different from that of the server. Hardware modules of the printers 6 and 7 include a network board 212 corresponding to peripheral devices, a printer controller 213, and a print engine 214. The hardware modules of the function composite type copiers 8 and 9 include a network board 212 corresponding to peripheral devices, and a function composite type copier controller 2
15, print engine 214, operation panel controller 21
6, an operation panel 217, a scanner controller 218, a scanner unit 219, a modem 220, a hard disk IF 221, a hard disk 222.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the server 2. In the figure, 301 is an OS (operating system), 302 is a library, 303 is a Web server, 3
04 is an application, and includes a 305 peripheral device management program as a part of the application. 306 is a hardware control program, and the network board control program 30 is included as a part of the hardware control program.
7. Includes hard disk control program 308.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the peripheral device management program 305 of the server 2. The peripheral device management program 305 is realized as one of the applications on the server 2. 401 is the main part of the management program,
Controls the entire management program. Reference numeral 402 is a CGI program for GUI, which passes screen data expressed in html format to the Web browser 303. Web browser 303 is CGI402
Is sent to the administrator PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5 in the http format, and the instructions from the administrator PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5 are transmitted to the management program 401.
The device communication program 403 performs communication between the peripheral device and the server using the network program 307, acquires information and the like from the device, sets the device, and downloads software and resources used by the software. The device communication program 403 also includes a peripheral device information acquisition module 4031. The IPC 404 is a program for performing inter-process communication, and uses the network program 307 to perform communication with other PCs, especially with the administrator PC 3. The file management program 405 uses the HD control program 308 to realize a file server function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the administrator PC 3. In the figure, 501 is an OS, which performs overall processing of the administrator's PC. A main program 502 of the downloader downloads software and resources used by the software to peripheral devices. A GUI program 503 realizes a user interface function such as displaying and transmitting an instruction from a user to a downloader. 504 is an IPC program,
Communicates with IPC404. A file management program 505 is usually implemented as a part of the OS 501, and manages a file when reading the contents of a hard disk or a CD-ROM and downloading the file to a peripheral device through the downloader 502. 506 is a network program, which is usually implemented as a part of OS 501, and when reading the contents of a hard disk or CD-ROM and downloading the file to a peripheral device through a downloader 502,
Perform network communication.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the client PCs 4 and 5. In the figure, 601 is an OS, which performs general processing of the client PC. 602 is the Web
It is a browser, receives data expressed in html format from WebServer 303 of server 2, displays it on the screen, and transmits user's instruction to server 2 via http protocol. 603 is a client module, WebBrow
Of the data received by ser602, it processes some of the data that WebBrowser602 cannot process. WebB here
Data that cannot be processed by rowser602 means client PC
Printer driver software, client
It is a resource such as a font for PC, and it is necessary to install it on the client PC according to the specified method. 604 is a network program, usually OS601
It is implemented as part of the
Communicate with erver303.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the downloader 502 of the administrator PC 3. In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a main module, which calls each module and processes parameters. Reference numeral 702 denotes a file management module, which uses the file management program 505 to open and read files to be downloaded. A device search module 703 searches for a downloadable peripheral device and acquires a communicable protocol, a device address, and the like. Reference numeral 704 denotes a file conversion module, which converts the resources used by software when the printer resource and the client PC resource have different formats. File conversion module
704 is a file conversion module for printer 705
And a client PC file conversion module 706. The difference in resource format is, for example, when the printer uses a font represented by a cubic curve and the client PC uses a font represented by a quadratic curve, or when the printer and the client PC have different overlay image representation formats. That's what it means. Download module
Reference numeral 707 is a module for downloading using the network program 506. The communication module 708 is
It is a module that communicates with the server 2 and sends out resources for the client PC and the like to the server. IPC module 7
09 is a module for performing inter-process communication,
Interprocess communication is realized using 504 IPC program.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the downloader 502 shown in FIG. 7, and the operation of the downloader will be described with reference to FIG. Although the font download will be described as an example, the same applies to other software and resources used by the software. As a premise,
The downloader and the server 2 are in constant communication, and it is possible to acquire the file name, device name, etc., but to acquire the file managed in the file server, a separate connection is established and the file is read.

In step S801, a file to be downloaded is designated. The user of the downloader specifies the file by inputting the file name. Step
In S802, it is determined whether the file is a file on the server 2, and if the file is on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S803, and if it is not the file on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S807.

In step S803, a network connection is established. In step S804, the file is read. In step S805, Server Flag is turned ON.
In step S806, the network connection is disconnected. In step S807, the file is opened. In step S808, the file is read. In step S809,
Turn off ServerFlag. In step S810, the file is closed. That is, the file to be downloaded has been read by the downloader at the time of step S806 or step S810.

In step S811, a printer is selected.
In step S812, it is determined whether the printer selected in step S811 can be downloaded. Whether or not download is possible is determined by the model and attached storage device (RAM, FlashMemory, HardDisk, etc.). That is, if it is a downloadable model and a downloadable storage device exists in the model, it is determined that the download is possible.

If it is determined that the download is possible in step S812, the process proceeds to step S813, and if it is determined that the download is not possible, the process proceeds to step S820. Step S813
Now, convert the font file into a format that can be downloaded to the printer. However, if the font file is already downloadable, nothing is done.

At step S814, the downloadable font file is transferred to the printer. In step S815, it is determined whether or not ServerFlag is ON, and if it is ON, it is considered that the client file is already in the server, and the process ends. If ServerFlag is not ON (that is, OFF), the process proceeds to step S816. Step S81
In 6, the font file is converted into a format that can be used by the client PC. However, if the font file is already available on the client PC, nothing is done.

A step S817 establishes a network connection with the server 2. In step S818, the font file for the client PC is written in the server 2.
In step S819, the connection is disconnected, network closing processing is performed, and then the processing ends. In step S820, a message indicating that the printer cannot be downloaded is displayed, and the process ends.

By the processing described above, the client PC corresponding to the font file downloaded to the printer
The font file for use always exists on the server 2. When converting a font file, there are cases where the font file format itself is converted and cases where header information and the like are added. For example, when downloading a TrueType (registered trademark) format font file to a printer equipped with a TrueType rasterizer, it is necessary to add header information for the printer and so on. Add header information etc. When using this font on MacOS, add information called FOND resource as additional information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031 of the server 2. In the figure, 901
Is the main processing of the peripheral device information acquisition module,
It performs overall control, communication, management, processing when an interrupt occurs, and delivery of download data to peripheral devices. An IPC process 902 exchanges information by performing interprocess communication with other modules. A timer module 903 generates interrupts at regular intervals, and the main process of 901 operates to acquire information about peripheral devices at the timing of interrupts. Reference numeral 904 denotes a cache management process, which temporarily stores the peripheral device information acquired by the interrupt by the timer and sends the information in the cache to another module through the IPC when the IPC gives a data sending instruction. Reference numeral 905 denotes a TCP / IP module, which exchanges data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data using TCP / IP. 906 is A
This is a ppleTalk module that exchanges data with peripheral devices that can obtain information and download data using AppleTalk. Reference numeral 906 denotes an IPX / SPX module, which exchanges data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data with IPX / SPX. It is of course possible to support other protocols.

FIG. 10A is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of peripheral device information acquisition by the interrupt of the timer 903 in the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031. This process is executed when an interrupt occurs. Step S1
In 011, information is acquired from all target peripheral devices. The information we collect includes the version of the software and the resources it uses, file size, date,
For fonts, this is information for checking whether the software or resources used by the software, such as the typeface name, have been changed. In step S1012, the acquired information is written in the cache 904.

FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing a procedure in the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031 in the case of normal processing, that is, when there is a data transmission instruction from the user. In the normal processing, information is acquired and downloaded according to the instruction from the user received by the module having the user IF. In step S1021, user I
Receives F module instructions via IPC. The contents received by the instruction include processing contents, data in the case of download, addresses of peripheral devices, and the like. In step S1022, it is determined whether or not it is a download. If it is a download, the process proceeds to step S1023, and if it is not the download, the process proceeds to step S1024. In step S1023, the sent data is downloaded to the specified peripheral device, and the process ends. In step S1024, the type of information required is specified. The type of information is, for example, a typeface name, form size, software version, or the like. Step
In S1025, it is determined whether the requested information exists in the cache 904, and if it exists, the process proceeds to step S1026, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1027. Step S10
At 26, data is transmitted from the cache 904 through the IPC 902. In step S1027, data is acquired from the peripheral device. In step S1028, the acquired data is transferred to IPC902.
Through, and the process ends.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main module of the peripheral device management program 305 of the server 2. In the figure, 1101 performs main processing such as overall operation management and processing distribution. 1102 exchanges information with the GUI such as sending information to be displayed, processing from the GUI, and receiving data. 1103 is a network process, which inputs and outputs files and information through the network. 1104 is a file server module for reading and writing files,
Manage. 1105 is IPC processing, and 902
Exchange data and information with IPC. That is, this program is in a position where it can access each of the peripheral device and GUI, and the network and file server, and controls the overall operation.

FIG. 12 shows the peripheral device management program 30 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing by 5, and the operation of the program will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1201, an instruction is received. In step S1202, it is determined whether or not the instruction is download. If it is download, the process proceeds to step S1203, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1205. When it is determined to be downloaded, this module takes out the file to be downloaded from the file server and sends it to the downloader.

In step S1203, the file on the file server is opened. In step S1204, the file is sent to the downloader through the network module 1103, and the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process.
In step S1205, it is determined whether the information is displayed. If it is determined that the information is displayed, the process proceeds to step S1206, and if it is determined that the information is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S1208.
In the case of information display, the information in the peripheral device is sent according to the instruction received from the communication module with 1102 GUI.

In step S1206, information is exchanged between the IPC 902 and the IPC 1105 to acquire information on peripheral devices. In step S1207, after the information to be displayed is output to the GUI module through 1102, step S120 is performed to perform the next process.
Return to 1.

In step S1208, it is determined whether the file is stored in the server. If it is determined that the file is stored in the server, the process proceeds to step S1209. If it is determined that the file is not stored in the server, the process proceeds to step S1209. Step S121
Go to 0. The file is saved to the server according to an instruction from the downloader, and the file is sent through the network. In step S1209, after saving the file in the file server, the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process. In step S1210, a file is output via the GUI. This is the output of the resource for the client PC, and after outputting the file and the like to the client PC using the http protocol, which is the protocol in which the GUI is communicating with the client PC, in order to perform the next process, step S1201 Return to.

Information and data in the system are transmitted and received by the series of processes.

FIG. 13 shows a GUI module 503 for the administrator's PC. In FIG. 13, 1301 communicates with the management program, receives instructions, files, and information from the management program and transfers them to the 1302html output module. The instructions and files received from the instruction input module are passed to the management program. 1302 is an html output module, which creates a GUI screen file based on the html protocol based on the information and instructions received from the management program and passes it to the communication means with the 1304 Web server. 1303 is an instruction input module,
Receives instructions from the server, or receives archived or encoded files, sends instructions as instructions to the manager, files separate archived files, and decode encoded files before sending them to the manager To do. 1304 is the Web
It is a communication means with the server, sends out html information to the web server 303, and passes the instruction from the web server 303 to the 1303 instruction input module.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the client module 603. This module is installed on the client PC and processes the files received by the web browser. 1401 is an input means that receives data from a Web browser. The received data is usually archived with the management information and file entity. A determination unit 1402 separates the received file management information from the file entity and determines the file type based on the management information. The management information includes a file type, a file name and a file size. If the file type is font, call the 1403 module. If the file type is overlay form, call module 1404. If the file type is address book, call module 1405. The file type is Color Calibrat
If it is an ion table, module 1406 is called. 1403
Is a font registration module that registers in the received font client PC. An overlay form registration module 1404 registers the received file in the overlay form processing application. If the overlay processing application is not installed, no processing is performed. Reference numeral 1405 denotes an address book registration module, which performs registration after converting the received address book into a destination format such as electronic mail management software or FAX driver. 1406 is Color Calibration Tabl
This is an e-registration module that registers the received file with the printer driver that performs image processing.

<Variation of resource transmission / reception>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data flow when downloading a font. In the figure, the administrator downloads the font read from the CD to the administrator PC 3 to the printer 6 in (1).

Next, the font is registered in the server 2 in (2). In (3), the client PC4 and client PC5
Using Browser602, load the font file for the client PC from server 2 and use client module 60
Register in the system with 3. When downloading to another printer, the administrator PC 3 reads the font registered in the server 2 and downloads it to the printer 7 as it is in (4). The same operation is performed when the overlay form is registered from the PC.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the data flow when the client PC acquires the color calibration table. In (1), the color calibration table generated in the printer 6 is transmitted to the server 2. In (2), the client PC 4 receives the color calibration table of the printer 6 using WebBrowser,
Register with the printer driver. In (3), the color calibration table generated by the printer 7 is transmitted to the server 2.

When the client PC 4 receives the color calibration table of the printer 7, the same process as (2) is performed. (1) and (3) are interrupt processes and are carried out regularly. (4) represents the flow of data when the color calibration table is downloaded from the administrator PC. That is, when the calibration table is created on the administrator PC using color measurement software, etc., it is downloaded from the administrator PC. The same data as the downloaded data is sent directly from the administrator PC 3 to the server 2 (5). The data transfer from the server to the client PC is the same as the color calibration table generated in the printer. When the image data captured by the scanner is passed to the printer driver for use as an overlay form, the data flow is the same as the color calibration table generated by the printer.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of data when the data of the address book is obtained from the multifunctional copying machine. In (1), the address book data in the multifunctional copying machine is sent to the server. In (2), the client PC receives the server data and the client module 603
Adds or overwrites the address book data in the client PC.

FIG. 18 shows the flow of data when the address book data on the client PC is downloaded to the function composite type copying machine. In (1), the address book data sent to the server 2 using the WebBrowser is the same as that of the function composite copying machine.
Written to 8. (2) represents the flow of data when copying the address book of the multifunction copying machine. The data of the function-composite copying machine 8 is once sent to the server 2 and written in the function-combining copying machine 9 as it is.

FIG. 19 shows the flow of data when backing up the contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copying machine. This process is normally instructed and activated by the WebBrowser, but it may be instructed and activated from the operation panel of the multifunctional copying machine. In (1), the contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunctional copying machine are sent to the server 2 and stored in the file server in the server.

FIG. 20 shows the flow of data when restoring the contents of the backup device or the storage device of the function complex type copying machine. This process is usually WebBrows
Although it is instructed and activated by er, it may be instructed and activated from the operation panel of the multi-function copying machine. In (1), the data backed up in the file server of the server 2 is sent to the backup source printer or the storage device of the functional composite copying machine.

FIG. 21 shows a data flow when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires software from the server 2. As in (1), the data is acquired from the server, and the client module 603 decodes and installs the data.

FIG. 22 shows a data flow when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires a driver for a peripheral device such as a printer driver, a facsimile driver or a scanner driver from the server 2. The data is obtained from the server as in (1), but when sending the data, the server refers to the target peripheral device in order to make correspondence with the peripheral device. That is, the network address, model name, function, etc. are sent together to the client PC 5 or 6, and the client module 603 installs the driver based on the information sent from the server 2.

<Transmission Data Format> FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a data structure when data is transmitted from the server 2 to the client PC 4 or 5. As you can see from the figure, the number of files that are archived and held internally is shown at the top.
Enter N. Next, there is an array of N addresses and the entity of the file held with the header at the position indicated by each address. The header includes the header length, file type, entity size, and if there is additional information,
Added to the rear of the header. That is, the substance of the file exists from the head of the header to the header length behind.

FIG. 24 shows a font file as a client.
FIG. 24 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when sending to the PC. As can be seen from the figure, the version, file name, and font format are added as additional information.

FIG. 25 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the overlay form is sent to the client PC. As you can see from the figure, the PDL type, paper size,
The resolution and the form number are added as additional information.

FIG. 26 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the color calibration table is sent to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the date and time when the calibration information was measured is added as additional information.

FIG. 27 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when sending the information used by the printer driver to the client PC when overlaying the image scanned by the scanner. As you can see from the figure, the paper size,
The resolution and overlay number are added as additional information.

FIG. 28 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the software is sent to the client PC.
As can be seen from the figure, the software version and the file checksum are added as additional information. The file entity is a self-extracting installer, and the client module 603 activates the downloaded self-extracting installer.

FIG. 29 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the driver is sent to the client PC. As you can see from the figure, the model name of the peripheral device, the address for making the peripheral device unique (for example, IP for TCP / IP connection)
Address), driver version and file checksum are added as additional information. The file entity is a self-extracting installer, and the client module 603 starts the downloaded self-extracting installer with the model name and address as arguments.

<Search for Device> The display of a list of printers or function composite type copiers in which the same resources as the download resources of the designated printer or function composite type copier are downloaded will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 35.

FIG. 34 is an example of a screen for selecting a printer or a composite function copying machine managed by the server 2. As the device information, the product name that should identify the device, the network address, the MAC address that is a unique device address,
The installation location and administrator name are displayed. Here, the client PCs 4 and 5 and the administrator PC 3 designate the device to which the information should be referred. Select one or more printers or multi-function copiers here. When you select it (check the check box at the left end) and point the search button 3401, a list of printers or functional composite copiers for which all of the download resources for the selected printer or functional composite copier have been downloaded is displayed. It Resource selection button
When 3402 is designated, a list of download resources of the selected printer or the function composite type copying machine is displayed and can be selected.

FIG. 35 shows a resource selection button in FIG.
This is an example of a resource list selection reception screen displayed when 3402 is instructed, and a comment briefly showing the resource name, resource type, resource version, registration date, and resource contents is displayed. Other resource file names,
The resource file size may be displayed. Here, select one or more resources from the client PC and administrator PC. When the search button is instructed, a list of printers or function-composite copying machines in which all selected resources have been downloaded is displayed.

FIG. 36 is an example of a storage format of download resource information for each device on the server 2. Here, the MAC address 3601 is used as information for identifying the device. The number of resources 3602 indicates the number of resources that the device has. Resource name 3603, resource type 3604 such as font, macro, form, external character, resource file name 3605, resource file size 3606, version 360
7, the registration date 3608, the registrant 3609, and the comment 3610 are retained for each resource for each resource. As shown in FIG. 5, this information is stored by the cooperation of the downloader 502 and the file management program 505. Each resource is registered in the server 2, and the resources shown in FIG.
It can be uniquely accessed from the file name, version, registration date, etc. registered in the table of 6.

Next, a process for displaying a list of printers or function composite copying machines in which all the same resources as the resources downloaded to the selected printer or function composite copying machine are downloaded using the flowchart of FIG. Will be described. The procedure of FIG. 37 is executed by the server 2, the administrator PC 3, or the client PCs 4 and 5 when the device designated as the print destination cannot be used. Note that in FIG. 37, the device to be searched is described as a printer, but of course, a composite function copying machine is also included.
When the device designated as the print destination cannot be used, it can be determined by referring to the device state held by the administrator PC 3 that manages the network device. In addition, when the state of the device has just changed, etc., if the administrator's PC 3 and the actual state of the device do not match, it is determined directly from the state of the specified device, for example, the state that a timeout has occurred. You can also do it.

In step S3701, the device list shown in FIG. 34 is displayed by referring to the data stored in the server 2 in the format shown in FIG. 36, and the designation is accepted. Alternatively, information for identifying a device such as a network address or a MAC address is directly specified via an input device such as a keyboard.

In step S3702, the download resource information of the designated printer or the multifunction copying machine is
Reference from the data stored in server 2.

In step S3703, the download resource information is referenced with respect to the printer of interest other than the designated printer or the function complex type copying machine (device of interest) whose resources are held by the server 2.

In step S3204, the resource information referenced in step S3702 is compared with the resource information for each device referenced in S3703, and all of the resource information referenced in step S3702 is the resource of the device of interest referenced in step S3703. If it is determined that the information is included in the information, in step S3705, information identifying the device such as the product name, network address, MAC address, installation location, and administrator name of the device of interest is displayed.

If it is determined in step S3706 that the information on all managed printers or function-composite copying machines has been referred to, the processing ends. Otherwise, step S3703.
Return to.

In this way, the devices having the same resources as those of the designated printer or composite copying machine are displayed in a list, and the user can select the desired device from them. Since the selected device has all the resources of the device designated by the user, if the user prints using the device, the expected output can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately select and change the print destination without causing a printing failure that occurs due to different resources such as garbled characters. Further, prior to printing, a device having a required resource is searched in advance and the device is used, whereby the number of trial and error can be reduced.

The printing procedure in this case is the same as the normal printing procedure. However, it is necessary to select one of the devices listed in the procedure of FIG. 37 as the print destination.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 38, a list of printers or function composite type copying machines in which the same resource as the specified download resource among the resources of the specified printer or function combined type copying machine is downloaded is listed. The process of displaying will be described. In FIG. 37, the devices that have all the resources that the designated device has are listed, but in the procedure of FIG. 38, among the resources that the designated device has, the devices that have the designated resource are listed.

In step S3801, the device list as shown in FIG. 34 is displayed with reference to the data held in the format as shown in FIG. 36, and the designation is accepted. Or network address,
Directly specify information such as a MAC address that identifies the device via an input device such as a keyboard.

In step S3802, the download resource information of the designated printer or the composite function copying machine is referred to from the data held in the server 2, and the resource information is displayed in the format as shown in FIG.

In step S3803, the selection of one or more resources is accepted.

If it is determined in step S3804 that the selection has been completed, such as when the search button is designated in FIG. 35, the process of step S3805 is performed. If the selection is not completed, the process returns to step S3803 to continue to accept the selection.

In step S3805, the download resource information of the printer of interest other than the designated printer or the multifunctional copying machine (device of interest) whose resources are held by the server 2 is referred to.

If it is determined in step S3806 that all the resources selected in step S3803 are included in the resource information of the device of interest referred to in step S3805, the product name and network address of the device of interest are found in step S3807. Displays information that identifies the device, such as, MAC address, installation location, and administrator name.

If it is determined in step S3808 that the information of all managed printers or farm complex copying machines has been referred to, the processing ends. Otherwise, step S380
Return to 5.

In this way, among the resources of the designated printer or function-composite copying machine, the printer or the function-combining copying machine in which the same resource as the designated download resource is downloaded is displayed in a list. The user can select the desired device. Since the selected device has the resource designated by the user, if the printing is performed using the device, the output as initially expected can be obtained.

Needless to say, as the download resource information reference destination, not only the server 2 but also the printer or the multifunctional copying machine can be selected in cooperation with the device communication program 403 shown in FIG.

As described above, it is possible to easily refer to the printer or the function composite type copying machine in which the same download resource as the designated printer or the function composite type copying machine is downloaded. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately select and change the print destination without causing a printing failure that occurs due to different resources such as garbled characters. further,
It is possible to reduce the number of trials and errors by searching for a device having a required resource in advance and using the device before printing. Further, it is possible to search for a device having the specified resource only. Therefore, the range of selection of an appropriate device is widened, and it is possible to select a device having a more desirable condition, for example, closer to the user.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 30 is a view best showing the features of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the same drawing. In the figure, 1 is a network, which normally uses Ethernet. In addition to Ethernet, Lo
There is calTalk etc. Note that the term "network" in this embodiment refers to a physical cable, an electrical signal passing on the cable, and information exchange realized by a combination of electrical signals (protocol). Refers to one or more of these, and generally refers to these generic terms. Reference numeral 2 denotes a server computer, which has functions such as a Web server, and forms the core of the present invention. Reference numeral 3 denotes a personal computer for an administrator (hereinafter, personal computer is referred to as a PC), which gives an instruction to a server and an instruction to peripheral devices handled by the present invention. Client PCs 4 and 5 are used by general users who are connected to the network. It should be noted that the administrator PC may also be used as a client PC. Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1 and receive print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and perform print processing according to the commands. Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote function-composite copying machines, which have an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and can be used as a copying machine, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more functions. Reference numeral 10 is a file server, which normally holds files shared by the server 2, the administrator PC 3, and the like.

Next, the operation of this system will be described with reference to FIG. The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7, the function-composite copying machines 8 and 9, and monitors the device status and software settings. From the administrator PC3, change the settings of the device and change the software and the resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator's PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2 or held as a file in the file server 10, and the client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information from the server 2 or the file server 10 Receive files from.
The server 2 has a communication means using the http protocol, and the administrator PC 3, client PCs 4 and 5 are WebBrow
It is possible to use ser to obtain information about server 2 and give instructions to server 2. The server 2 receives the information stored in the server or the file server 10 when instructed by the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5.
Return the information or file to the administrator PC 3, client PC 4 or 5 using the file stored in. Depending on the content of the information, the information may be acquired from the printers 6, 7 and the multifunctional copying machines 8, 9 and returned to the administrator PC 3, the client PC 4 or 5, or the printer 6,
7. Performs settings and other processing for the multi-function copiers 8 and 9. The administrator PC3 has a downloader and a printer
Download software or resources used by software to 6, 7 and multifunctional copying machines 8 and 9. The software is, in addition to the above-mentioned firmware in the print control firmware of the device, the network control firmware, and the function composite type copying machines 8 and 9.
There are scanner control firmware, facsimile control firmware, copier firmware, panel operation firmware, image management software, address management software and the like. The resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by the address management software, and facsimile numbers. Files of these software and resources are held in the file server 10. Client PC 4 and 5
Holds software (driver or the like) for accessing and using the printers 6, 7 and the composite function copying machines 8, 9 and resources used by the software (resources for client PC). The software is a printer driver for using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimile driver for using a facsimile, a copying machine utility software for controlling a copying machine, and a network driver for using a network. , WebBrowser, application software, etc.The software uses resources such as client PC fonts that support printer fonts, address information used by the fax driver, print data for color calibration, and overlays used for preview. There are images etc.

In addition to the above functions, the setting contents of the printer 6, software, and resources used by the software can be reflected in the printer 7, the function composite type copying machines 8 and 9. Similarly, the setting contents, software, and resources used by the software of the function compound type copying machine 8 can be reflected in the function compound type copying machine 9, printers 6, and 7. When there is a difference in function between models, only the functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as resources that can be converted is reflected after conversion. Similarly, information on the client PC 4 regarding these models can be reflected in the client PC 5. These processes are performed by the server 2 and the file server 10.
It is realized by exchanging information through.

Printers 6 and 7, function-composite copying machines 8 and 9
The setting contents of may be changed not only by the instruction from the administrator PC 3, but also by the setting from the panel or the setting from the client PC. This information exactly on the client PC
If there is a display instruction from the client PC, the items that need to be passed to the printer are always inquired to the printers 6 and 7, the function composite copying machines 8 and 9, and the information at the time of the inquiry is sent to the client PC. return. Information or files held in the server 2 or the file server 10 are used when accuracy is not required so strictly.

The file server 10 is a P for the server 2 and the administrator.
By communicating with C3, client PCs 4 and 5 via the network, files are received, sent out, and managed as necessary.

Here, one server and one administrator PC are described, but by separating the file server, even if there are multiple servers and administrator PCs, files and information can be easily managed. . That is, the file server 10 holds information shared in the system, sends information and files to each server and each administrator's PC as necessary, and receives and manages information and files from them. . Even in the file server separation environment, a list of devices including a selection function can be displayed and processed.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 31 is a diagram of a storage medium storing a program for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the program module of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a process of loading a storage medium storing the program of the present invention into a server, an administrator personal computer, or a user personal computer. As can be seen from the above, the present invention can be executed by a computer such as a workstation or a personal computer using a portable storage medium.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, a device having the same download resource as the designated device,
Alternatively, the device having the specified resource can be searched from the download resources of the specified device.
Therefore, it is possible to appropriately select and change the print destination without causing a printing failure that occurs due to different resources such as garbled characters.

Furthermore, prior to printing, a device having a required resource is searched in advance, and the device is used to reduce the number of trials and errors.

Further, since it is possible to search for devices having the specified resource only, the range of device selection can be expanded,
It is possible to select a device that has more desirable conditions.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main hardware module of each device in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a peripheral crisis management program 305.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a software configuration of an administrator PC 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a software configuration of client PCs 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a downloader 502.

8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the downloader of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a peripheral device information acquisition module.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of peripheral device information acquisition by interruption. (B) is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in normal processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main module of a management program.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of the software of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a GUI module.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a client module.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data flow when a font is downloaded.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data flow when a client PC acquires a color calibration table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of data when the data of the address book is acquired from the multifunctional copying machine.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data flow when the address book data on the client PC is downloaded to the composite function copying machine.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the flow of data when backing up the contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunctional copying machine.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data flow when restoring the contents of a backup printer or a storage device of a function-composite copying machine.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a data flow when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires software from the server 2.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data flow when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires a driver for a peripheral device such as a printer driver, a facsimile driver, or a scanner driver from the server 2.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a data structure when data is sent from the server 2 to the client PC 4 or 5.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when a font file is sent to a client PC.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when an overlay form is sent to a client PC.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when the color calibration table is sent to the client PC.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when sending the information used by the printer driver to the client PC when overlaying the image scanned by the scanner.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when the software is sent to the client PC.

FIG. 29: When sending a driver to a client PC,
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the present invention in a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a storage medium that stores a program implementing the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a program module of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a process of loading a storage medium storing the program of the present invention into a server, an administrator personal computer, or a user personal computer.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a list of printers or multifunction copying machines.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a download resource selection screen.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence data holding format of a printer or a composite function copying machine and download resource information.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the information display operation of the printer or the function-composite copying machine including all the download resources of the designated printer or the function-combining type copying machine.

[FIG. 38] 1 of designated printer or multifunctional copying machine
9 is a flowchart showing an information display operation of a printer or a function-composite copying machine including one or more selected download resources.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 HJ08 HP06 HQ03                       HQ17 HR07                 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA05 AA19 EE02                       EE03                 5B089 GA11 GA13 GB02 JA35 KA13                       KB04 KB06 LB12 LB14

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A management apparatus for peripheral devices connected to a plurality of peripheral devices, comprising: a designation receiving unit that receives designation of any one of the plurality of peripheral devices; and a peripheral designated by the designation receiving unit. An acquisition unit that acquires configuration information indicating a configuration of the device, and a device having a configuration similar to the configuration of the designated peripheral device based on the configuration information acquired by the acquisition unit A peripheral device management apparatus, comprising: a search unit that searches from among them. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the search unit searches the plurality of peripheral devices for a device having the same configuration as all the configurations of the designated peripheral device. Peripheral device management device. 3. The designation receiving unit further receives designation of any one of the configurations of the designated peripheral device, and the search unit has the same configuration as the designated configuration of the designated peripheral device. The peripheral device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a device having a configuration is searched from the plurality of peripheral devices. 4. The configuration information acquired by the acquisition means includes at least one information of a resource type, a resource file name, a resource file size, a version, a registration date, and a registrant. 4. The peripheral device management apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The designation receiving means displays information for identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices and allows any one of them to be designated. Peripheral equipment management device. 6. The information for identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices includes a product name of the peripheral device, a network address,
The peripheral device management device according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral device management device is one or more of a MAC address, an installation location, and an administrator name. 7. The peripheral device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information is acquired from a server device connected to the network via a network. 8. The peripheral device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information is acquired from the plurality of peripheral devices connected to the network via a network. 9. The peripheral device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or both of a printer and a multi-function copying machine. 10. A method of managing a plurality of peripheral devices, comprising: a designation receiving step of receiving designation of any one of the plurality of peripheral devices; and a configuration of the peripheral device designated by the designation receiving step. An acquisition step of acquiring configuration information, and a search step of searching the plurality of peripheral devices for a device having the same configuration as the specified peripheral device based on the configuration information acquired in the acquisition process. A peripheral device management method, comprising: 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the searching step searches for a device having a configuration similar to all the configurations of the designated peripheral device from the plurality of peripheral devices. Peripheral device management method. 12. The designation receiving step further receives designation of any one of the configurations of the designated peripheral device, and the search step has the designated peripheral device.
The device having the same configuration as the designated configuration is searched from the plurality of peripheral devices.
Peripheral device management method described in 0. 13. The configuration information acquired in the acquisition step includes at least one of a resource type, a resource file name, a resource file size, a version, a registration date, and a registrant.
13. The peripheral device management method according to claim 1. 14. The specification receiving step displays information for specifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices, and specifies any one of them.
4. The peripheral device management method according to any one of 3 above. 15. The information identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices is one or more of a product name of the peripheral device, a network address, a MAC address, an installation location, and a name of an administrator. 14. The peripheral device management method described in 14. 16. The peripheral device management method according to claim 10, wherein the configuration information is acquired from a server method connected to the network via a network. 17. The peripheral device management method according to claim 10, wherein the configuration information is acquired from the plurality of peripheral devices connected to the network via a network. 18. The peripheral device management method according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or both of a printer and a multi-function copying machine. 19. A computer program executed by a computer connected to a plurality of peripheral devices, the designation receiving unit receiving a designation of any one of the plurality of peripheral devices, and designated by the designation receiving unit. An acquisition unit that acquires configuration information indicating a configuration of the peripheral device; and a device that has a configuration similar to the configuration of the specified peripheral device based on the configuration information acquired by the acquisition unit. A computer program, characterized in that the computer realizes a search means for searching among devices. 20. The search device searches the plurality of peripheral devices for a device having the same configuration as all the configurations of the designated peripheral device. Computer program. 21. The designation receiving unit further receives designation of any one of the configurations of the designated peripheral device, and the search unit has the designated peripheral device.
The device having the same configuration as the designated configuration is searched from the plurality of peripheral devices.
9. The computer program according to item 9. 22. The configuration information acquired by the acquisition means includes at least one of a resource type, a resource file name, a resource file size, a version, a registration date, and a registrant.
22. The computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 21. 23. The specification accepting unit displays information for identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices, and allows any one of the peripheral devices to be specified. Computer program. 24. The information identifying each of the plurality of peripheral devices is one or more of a product name of the peripheral device, a network address, a MAC address, an installation location, and a name of an administrator. 5. The computer program according to item 5. 25. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information is acquired from a server device connected to the network via the network. 26. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information is acquired from the plurality of peripheral devices connected to the network via the network. 27. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral devices include one or both of a printer and a multi-function copying machine. 28. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to any one of claims 19 to 27.