JP2008234678A - Web server and Web server program - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To see at a glance which device information is displayed even if an external view of the device, model name, IP address, serial number, installation location, etc. are displayed on the Web page on the terminal device. It was difficult to identify.
A terminal device including a Web browser that displays a Web page on which information related to one device can be browsed based on first Web page data including information related to one device connected to a network. The second web page data for displaying the web page that allows the designation of the display pattern is transmitted, the designation information for designating one display pattern is received via the web page, and the one display pattern is reflected. The displayed image is displayed on a display unit included in one device, and one display pattern is associated with the first Web page data and transmitted to the terminal device.
[Selection] Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for identifying a specific device among a plurality of devices connected to a network to which a terminal device is connected.

  Some image forming apparatuses (such as printers and multi-function peripherals) that can be connected to a network have a Web server function, and operate the image forming apparatus on a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via the network. (For example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

It should be noted that this Web page usually has an external view, model name, IP address, serial number of the image forming apparatus so that the operator of the terminal apparatus can easily identify which image forming apparatus is the operation target. , Installation location, etc. are displayed.
JP-A-10-136142

  By the way, in the office or the like, when a plurality of devices are introduced, all the devices may be of the same model in order to simplify the management effort.

  In this case, even if device information such as an external view, model name, IP address, serial number, installation location, etc. is displayed on the Web page, it can be seen from the Web page which device information is displayed. It was difficult to identify.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 24, when the image forming apparatus A is actually the operation target even though the image forming apparatus (an example of the device) B is the operation target, the terminal device The operator sometimes misrecognized. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of problems in the background art.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a device in which a user of a terminal device is a device whose information is displayed on a Web page on the terminal device on a system in which a plurality of devices are connected to a network to which the terminal device is connected. The purpose is to provide technology that makes it easy to intuitively recognize whether or not

  In order to achieve this object, a Web server according to claim 1 is a Web server used on a Web system in which a terminal device including a Web browser and a plurality of devices including a display unit for displaying an image are network-connected. A communication unit that communicates via the network; a device information storage unit that stores device information related to the device; and a communication unit that receives a first transmission request transmitted by the terminal device. Device information request reception control means for controlling, device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information relating to the one device stored in the device information storage means, and device information acquired by the device information acquisition control means. First web page data preparation means for preparing one web page data, and the first web First web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the first web page data prepared by the page data preparation means to the terminal device that is the transmission source of the first transmission request, and a display pattern is designated. Second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data enabling operation input, and second web page data prepared by the second web page data preparation means for the first web page by the communication means. Second Web page data transmission control means for controlling transmission to a terminal device that is a data transmission destination, and designation information that designates one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the second Web page data. Display pattern reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive, and an image reflecting the first display pattern Display pattern command control means for instructing the first device to display on the display unit included in the one device, and the communication means in association with the first Web page data in association with the first display pattern. Display pattern transmission control means for controlling to transmit to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the web page data.

  In addition to the configuration described in claim 1, the Web server according to claim 2 is configured so that the display pattern transmission control unit prepares first Web page data reflecting the first display pattern. Commands the first web page data preparation means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first or second aspect, the display pattern transmission control unit converts the first display pattern into the first web page data in the web browser. Control is performed so that the communication means transmits command information for instructing to display the reflected Web page to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first web page data preparation unit includes information related to the first device. Display pattern storage for preparing first web page data including a link to three web page data, and storing one display pattern transmitted to the terminal device in association with the first web page data And a destination page request reception for controlling the communication means to receive a second transmission request for requesting the third Web page data transmitted by the terminal device which is a transmission destination of the first Web page data. Control means, and the display pattern transmission control means converts the one display pattern stored in the display pattern storage means into the third Web page data. The communication means with response to control to transmit to the terminal device which is the source of the second transmission request.

  A Web server according to a fifth aspect includes a plurality of display pattern storage means for storing a plurality of display patterns in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the second page. A data preparation unit prepares second Web page data including the plurality of display patterns so as to be selectable.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first Web page data preparation unit prepares the second Web page data preparation unit. First web page data including second web page data is prepared.

  In addition to the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the Web server according to claim 7 includes a display related to an image displayed on a display unit by a device other than the first device. Display pattern acquisition means for acquiring a pattern, and display pattern determination means for determining one display pattern received by the communication means, wherein the display pattern command control means is configured to display the one display pattern as a display pattern. When the determination unit determines that the display pattern is different from the display pattern acquired by the acquisition unit, the display unit transmits a display unit to display an image reflecting the display pattern on the display unit, and the display pattern transmission control unit However, when the determination unit determines that the display pattern of 1 is different from the display pattern acquired by the display pattern acquisition unit, the display pattern of the 1 It said communication means down in association with the first Web page data is controlled so as to be transmitted to the terminal device.

  In addition to the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the Web server according to claim 8 includes a display related to an image that the device displays on a display unit according to the state of the device. A state display pattern acquisition unit for acquiring a pattern, and a display pattern determination unit for determining one display pattern received by the communication unit, wherein the display pattern command control unit is configured to display the first display pattern as a state display pattern. When the determination unit determines that the display pattern is different from the display pattern acquired by the acquisition unit, the display unit transmits a display unit to display an image reflecting the display pattern on the display unit, and the display pattern transmission control unit However, when the determination unit determines that the display pattern of 1 is different from the display pattern acquired by the display pattern acquisition unit, It said communication means in association with each shown pattern in the first Web page data is controlled so as to be transmitted to the terminal device.

  A Web server according to a ninth aspect includes the configuration according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and is built in the first device.

  In addition to the configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the display pattern command control unit may display an image based on the display pattern on a display unit. Control is performed so that the communication means transmits instruction information for instructing display to the first device.

  The Web server program according to claim 11 communicates via a network with a display unit that displays an image in a Web system in which a terminal device including a Web browser and a plurality of devices are connected to a network. A web server program readable by a computer that controls the device, comprising: communication means; and device information storage means for storing device information relating to the device, wherein the computer transmits the first computer Device information request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive the transmission request, device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information stored in the device information storage means included in the device itself, and the device information acquisition control First We including device information acquired by the means The communication means transmits first web page data preparation means for preparing page data and first web page data prepared by the first web page data preparation means to the terminal device that is the transmission source of the first transmission request. A first web page data transmission control means for controlling the second web page data, a second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data enabling an operation input for designating a display pattern, and the second web page data preparation means. Second Web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the second Web page data to a terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data; and the transmission destination of the second Web page data. The communication means receives the designation information designating one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device. Display pattern reception control means for controlling, display control means for controlling to display an image reflecting the first display pattern on a display unit included in the device itself, and the first Web page data for the first display pattern The communication means functions as display pattern transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a Web server program in a Web system in which a terminal device including a Web browser, a plurality of devices including a display unit for displaying an image, and a server device are connected via a network. A computer-readable Web server program for controlling the server device, comprising: a communication unit that communicates via a device; and a device information storage unit that stores device information relating to the device, the computer being the terminal device Device information request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive the first transmission request transmitted by the device, and device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information relating to the first device stored in the device information storage means And a device acquired by the device information acquisition control means First Web page data preparation means for preparing first Web page data including information, and terminal device that is the transmission source of the first transmission request for the first Web page data prepared by the first Web page data preparation means First web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit, second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data enabling operation input for designating a display pattern, and the second web Second web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the second web page data prepared by the page data preparation means to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first web page data; The designation information that designates one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the Web page data of Display pattern reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive, and command information for instructing the first device to display an image reflecting the first display pattern on a display unit included in the first device. Display pattern command control means for controlling to transmit, and the communication means associates the first display pattern with the first Web page data and transmits the first Web page data to the terminal device which is the transmission destination It is made to function as a display pattern transmission control means for controlling to do so.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, information related to one device is obtained based on the first Web page data including information related to one device connected to the network. Second web page data for displaying a web page that allows a display pattern to be specified is transmitted to a terminal device that includes a web browser that displays a web page that can be browsed, and 1 is displayed via the web page. Designation information for designating a pattern is received, an image reflecting one display pattern is displayed on a display unit included in one device, and one display pattern is associated with the first Web page data and transmitted to the terminal device. That is, the display pattern specified on the terminal device side is reflected on both the Web page that allows browsing of information related to one device and the display unit of one device. As a result, in a system in which a plurality of devices are connected to the network to which the terminal device is connected, the user of the terminal device is the device whose information is displayed on the Web page on the terminal device. Can be easily recognized intuitively by a simple procedure.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the web browser provided in the terminal device that has received the first web page data displays the web page reflecting the first display pattern, the user of the terminal device It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page without requiring a complicated procedure of preparing software other than the Web browser on the terminal device side.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the web browser provided in the terminal device that has received the first web page data displays the web page reflecting the first display pattern, the user of the terminal device It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page without requiring a complicated procedure of preparing software other than the Web browser on the terminal device side.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the Web browser provided in the terminal device that has received the third Web page data linked to the Web page capable of browsing the information related to one device is the link source Web page. In the same manner as described above, since the Web page reflecting the first display pattern is displayed, the user of the terminal device also takes a complicated procedure when browsing the Web page linked to the Web page browsing the information. It is not necessary, and it is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the Web browser provided in the terminal device displays the Web page that can select the display pattern prepared by one terminal device based on the second Web page data. The user of the apparatus can intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page by an easier procedure of selecting one of the display patterns via the Web page. it can.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the Web browser provided in the terminal device displays a Web page that can browse information related to one device and select a display pattern. The user selects a display pattern without accessing a web page different from the web page from which information related to one device can be viewed, and without accessing a web page different from the web page for which the display pattern is selected. It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page by an easier procedure of confirming the Web page reflecting the display pattern.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the Web browser included in the terminal device and the display unit included in one device display in a display pattern different from the display pattern currently displayed on the display unit of another device. Therefore, the user of the terminal device can more intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page.

  According to the invention of claim 8, a display pattern in which the Web browser provided in the terminal device and the display unit provided in one device are displayed on the display unit of any device according to the state of the device. Therefore, the user of the terminal device can more intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the user of the terminal device does not need a complicated procedure of preparing a device other than the terminal device operated by the user and one device that is the object of information browsing. It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the user of the terminal device can determine which device is browsing information on the Web page even if the Web server is not built in one device that is the target of information browsing. Can be recognized intuitively.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a web browser that displays a web page that allows browsing of information related to a device based on first web page data including information related to a device connected to a network. The second web page data for displaying the web page that allows the designation of the display pattern is transmitted to the terminal device, and designation information for designating one display pattern is received via the web page. An image reflecting the display pattern is displayed on a display unit included in the device, and one display pattern is associated with the first Web page data and transmitted to the terminal device. That is, the display pattern specified on the terminal device side is reflected on both the Web page on which information related to the device can be browsed and the display unit of the device. Thereby, a user who browses information related to a device with a web browser designates a display pattern of the web page using the web browser, and displays the image on which the same display pattern as the web page is reflected on the display unit It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page by an extremely easy procedure of simply looking at which one is.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a Web page that allows browsing of information related to one device is displayed based on first Web page data including information related to one device connected to the network. Second Web page data for displaying a Web page that allows a display pattern to be specified is transmitted to a terminal device equipped with a Web browser, and specification information for specifying one display pattern is received via the Web page. Then, an image reflecting the one display pattern is displayed on the display unit included in the one device, and the one display pattern is associated with the first Web page data and transmitted to the terminal device. That is, the display pattern specified on the terminal device side is reflected on both the Web page that allows browsing of information related to one device and the display unit of one device. As a result, a user who browses information related to one device with a Web browser designates a display pattern of the Web page using the Web browser, and displays an image reflecting the same display pattern as the Web page on the display unit. It is possible to intuitively recognize which device is browsing the information on the Web page by an extremely easy procedure of simply looking at which device is.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a personal computer (PC) 2 and printers 3 and 4 of the same model. In the printing system 1, these devices are connected to each other via a network 5 constituted by a network cable (not shown), a router (not shown), and the like. However, in FIG. 1, only the PC 2 and the printers 3 and 4 are shown in order to simplify the description of the first embodiment. However, in practice, the printing system 1 is the same model as the PC 2 or another model. A number of other PCs and other printers of the same model as the printers 3 and 4 are connected to the network 5.

  The PC 2 is configured by connecting a display 22, a keyboard 23, a mouse (not shown) and the like to the main body 21. Each of the printers 3 and 4 includes a color displayable liquid crystal display (LCD) at a position visible outside the main bodies 31 and 41 for displaying status information indicating the status of the printers 3 and 4. Screens 32 and 42 are provided.

  Here, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the main body 21 in the PC 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 21 includes a CPU 211 that executes various processes to be performed by the PC 2, a ROM 212 that stores a startup process program (BIOS) performed by the CPU 211 when the PC 2 is started, and a CPU 211 that performs various processes. A RAM 213 used as a storage area when performing processing, an operating system, a Web browser program, a hard disk drive (HDD) 214 storing various processing programs to be performed by the CPU 211, a keyboard 23 connected to the main body 21, An input I / F 215 for inputting an input signal from a mouse or the like to the CPU 211, a video I / F 216 for performing display based on a command from the CPU 211 on the display 22 connected to the main body 21, and a network 211 connected to the CPU 211. And net And a network I / F 217 for connecting the other devices connected to the over-click 5 to each other.

  In the main body 21, these components are connected to each other via a signal bus 218.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the main body 31 in the printer 3. Since the printers 3 and 4 are of the same model, the internal configuration of the main body 31 in the printer 3 is also described here, and the internal configuration of the main body 41 in the printer 4 is also described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 31 includes a CPU 311 that controls each part of the main body 31, an operating system (more specifically, an embedded OS), and a Web for causing the printer 3 to function as a Web server. ROM 312 storing a server program, various processing programs to be performed by the CPU 311, RAM 313 used as a storage area when the CPU 311 performs various processing, data generated when the CPU 311 performs various processing, and an error that has occurred , And a network interface (I / F) 315 that is connected to the network 5 and that connects the CPU 311 and other devices connected to the network 5 to each other.

  In addition, the main body 31 includes an operation unit 316 for inputting input signals from various operation switches, buttons, and the like (not shown) provided outside the main body 31 to externally operate the printer 3, and a CPU 311. A display unit 317 that displays status information of the printer 3 on the screen 32 based on a command from the CPU 311, and a print engine 318 that prints on paper based on a command from the CPU 311.

  In the main body 31, these components are connected to each other via a signal bus 319.

  Hereinafter, among the various processes executed by the PC 2 and the printers 3 and 4, the process according to the present invention will be described in detail. Since the processing according to the present invention executed in each of the printers 3 and 4 is exactly the same, here, the processing executed in the printer 4 will be described by explaining the processing executed in the printer 3. It will also serve as an explanation.

  First, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 starts a Web browser program via the keyboard 23 or the mouse, and is designated as an operation target among the printers 3 and 4 by selection in a pre-registered menu or printer list. When a printer is selected, the IP address or node name of the selected printer is input as a URL to the Web browser, and the selected printer is selected based on a preset communication protocol (HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol) in the first embodiment. The DNS server is inquired about the printer IP address or node name, and the transmission of the Web page is requested with the acquired IP address as the transmission destination. When a Web page (here, the top page) indicating the printer information is received from the requested printer, the Web page is displayed on the Web browser screen displayed on the display 22. Of course, the printer to be operated may be designated by directly inputting the IP address or node name as a URL into the Web browser.

  Here, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a Web browser screen 6 on which Web pages from the printers 3 and 4 are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the Web browser screen 6 includes a link display frame 61 that is an area for displaying a link for switching the status display frame areas of the printers 3 and 4, and an area for displaying the status information of the printers 3 and 4. It is divided into a state display frame 62.

  More specifically, the link display frame 61 displays links to other Web pages set in the printers 3 and 4.

  In addition, the status display frame 62 includes a plurality of preset display colors (for example, red) as well as information such as an overview of the printers 3 and 4 and the model name, serial number, and installation location of the printers 3 and 4. , Blue, yellow, green, white, pink, orange, etc.) by the operator of the PC 2, and a list box 621 for setting the display color of the background portion in the status display frame 62; The background portion in the status display frame 62 is selected by the operator of the PC 2 by selecting one of a plurality of preset display formats (for example, a tile pattern, a display form such as single color painting, or a blinking display color). And a list box 622 for setting as a display style of.

  Then, when the display color is selected in the list box 621 or the display style is selected in the list box 622, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 displays the Web page together with the display parameters for specifying the selected display color and display style. An update request is transmitted to the printer that is the transmission source of the Web page.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of information acquisition processing executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3. The CPU 311 executes this process every time a predetermined time (1 minute in the first embodiment) elapses.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this process, first, a transmission request for designated information designated in advance is broadcast on the network 5 by a predetermined procedure (SNMP protocol in this embodiment) (S10). It should be noted that here, the display color and display style set in the background portion of the screen of another printer (that is, the screen corresponding to the screens 32 and 42), the status of another printer (that is, an error state (for example, paper jam) Etc.), warning status (for example, occurrence of a decrease in the remaining amount of toner), presence / absence of external operation, and the like correspond to the designation information.

  Then, the designation information is received from another printer connected to the network 5 (S15), the received designation information is stored in the RAM 313 (S20), and this process is terminated.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of information transmission processing executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3. The CPU 311 executes this process when receiving the above transmission request from another printer.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this process, first, the state of each part of the printer 3 is detected (S100), and designation information is collected (S105). Then, the collected designation information is transmitted to the transmission source of the transmission request (S110), and this process ends.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of update processing executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3. The CPU 311 executes this processing when receiving the above update request from the PC 2.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this process, first, it is determined whether or not a display color is designated by a display parameter (hereinafter referred to as “temporary parameter”) received from the PC 2 and stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 313. Determine (S200). The temporary storage area is a storage area secured in the RAM 313 in order to temporarily store display parameters received from the PC 2.

  Here, when the display color is not designated by the temporary parameter (No: S200), the process immediately proceeds to S240 described later, while when the display color is designated (Yes: S200), it is designated. It is determined whether the displayed color matches an error color (red in the first embodiment) designated in advance in order to indicate the occurrence of an error state as the background color of the screen 32 of the printer 3 and the Web page ( If it matches the error color (S205) (Yes: S205), the process proceeds to S215 to be described later.

  On the other hand, when the designated display color does not match the error color (No: S205), the designated display color is designated in advance to indicate the occurrence of a warning state as the background color of the screen 32 of the printer 3 and the Web page. It is determined whether or not it matches the warning color (for example, yellow) (S210). If it matches the warning color (Yes: S210), it is designated in advance to indicate the occurrence of an error state or warning state. The display style (here, the blinking form) different from the display style (here, monochrome filling) is set as the temporary parameter (S215), and the process proceeds to S235 described later. If the error color / warning color used on the screen 32 is different from the error color / warning color used on the Web page, it is considered that the error color / warning color matches if either of the temporary parameters matches. good.

  On the other hand, if the designated display color does not match the warning color (No: S210), the designation information stored in the RAM 313 in the information acquisition process described above is referred to and the display color used in another printer is determined. It is determined whether or not they match (S220).

  Here, if the designated display color matches the display color used by another printer (Yes: S220), the designated display color matches the display color used by the other printer. A dialog indicating that they match is displayed on the PC 2 (S225).

  If cancellation of designation of the display color is selected for this dialog (cancel: S225), this process is immediately terminated.

  If reselection of the display color is selected for this dialog (reselection: S225), a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for reselecting the display color is displayed on the PC 2 (S230). The display color is again designated by the operator of the PC 2, and the process proceeds to S205 described above.

  If confirmation of the display color is selected for this dialog, that is, if the same display color as that of another printer is determined (OK: S225), the process proceeds to S235 described later.

  On the other hand, if the specified display color does not match the display color used by another printer (No: S220), the display color is determined to be the display color specified by the temporary parameter. (S235).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the display format is specified by the temporary parameter (S240). If the display format is not specified (No: S240), the process immediately proceeds to S265 described later.

  On the other hand, when the display format is designated by the temporary parameter (Yes: S240), the designation information stored in the RAM 313 by referring to the information acquisition process described above is referred to, and the display color used by another printer is selected. It is determined whether or not the combination with the display format matches (S245).

  Here, when the combination of the designated display color and the display style matches the combination of the display color and the display style used by another printer (Yes: S245), the designated display style. Is displayed on the PC 2 (S250), indicating that it matches the display format used by other printers.

  If cancellation of designation of the display format is selected for this dialog (cancel: S250), this process is immediately terminated.

  If reselection of the display format is selected for this dialog (reselection: S250), a GUI for reselecting the display format is displayed on the PC2 (S255), and the PC2 is again selected. The operator designates the display format, and the process proceeds to S245 described above.

  If confirmation of the display style is selected for this dialog, that is, if the same display color and display style as those of other printers are determined (OK: S250), the process proceeds to S260 described later. Transition.

  On the other hand, if the combination of the designated display color and display style does not match the combination of the display color and display style used by another printer (No: S245), the display style is changed. The display format specified by the temporary parameter is determined (S260).

  Then, by comparing this temporary parameter with the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area of the nonvolatile memory 314, whether or not the display parameter is changed, that is, whether or not the display parameter is different from the temporary parameter. Is determined (S265). The parameter setting area is a storage area secured in the non-volatile memory 314 for storing display parameters for specifying the display color and display style to be set for the background portion on the screen 32. By controlling the screen 32 according to the display parameters stored in the parameter setting area, the screen 32 has a display color and display style according to the display parameters.

  In the printer 3, the parameter setting area is secured in the nonvolatile memory 314 so that the display on the screen 32 becomes the same as the display immediately before the restart when the printer 3 is restarted. The display parameters stored in 314 may be temporarily copied to the RAM 313 and used for processing. If it is not necessary to make the display the same as that immediately before the restart, the nonvolatile memory 314 is not used in the first place. May be.

  Here, if there is no change in the display parameter (No: S265), the present process is immediately terminated. If there is a change (Yes: S265), the temporary parameter is stored in the parameter setting area, and the parameter is set. The display parameter in the setting area is updated (S270), and an HTML format screen file reflecting the updated display parameter is transmitted to the PC 2 (S275), and the display color and display format of the above-described Web page (more specifically, Causes the PC 2 to display a screen in which the background portion display color and display style in the status display frame 62 are updated, and this processing is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a table storing display parameters, operation colors, warning colors, and error colors of each printer stored in the nonvolatile memory 314 or the RAM 313, which is used in this processing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the table, each printer is distinguished by a serial number, and display parameters, operation colors, warning colors, and error colors are stored for each printer. However, in FIG. 9, “ABC1234” is the serial number of the printer 3, “ABC1238” is the serial number of the printer 4, and “ABC1111” is the serial number of another printer not shown. The printers may be distinguished from each other using IP addresses / MAC addresses instead of serial numbers. However, if a serial number or MAC address that is not changed is used, the same number or address can be assigned to multiple printers. It is convenient because it does not overlap. As long as the CPU 311 knows this table, it may be prepared in various ways, such as being stored separately for each printer, or stored separately for each display color / display style.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of link display processing executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3. The CPU 311 executes this processing when a link on the Web page is selected on the PC 2 and a URL designating the link destination Web page is received from the PC 2 using the HTTP protocol.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in this process, first, an HTML file for reproducing the Web page indicated by the received URL is acquired from the non-volatile memory 314 or dynamically created (S500). Next, the display parameter in the parameter setting area is reflected in the HTML file, the HTML file reflecting the display parameter is transmitted to the PC 2 by the HTTP protocol (S510), and this process is terminated.

  Thereby, in the PC 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the background portion of the linked Web page can be set to the same display color and display style as the background portion of the screen 32 of the printer 3. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a linked web page selected by clicking “Print Setting” on the screen of FIG.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the screen setting process executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3. Note that the CPU 311 executes this processing every time a predetermined time elapses.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this processing, first, whether or not a certain time (10 seconds in the first embodiment) has elapsed since the operation of various operation switches (ie, external operation) or after the operation was completed. (S300), and when a certain time has not elapsed since the operation was completed (No: S300), the display color of the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area of the RAM 313 is the operation color. The color is changed to an orange color (see FIG. 12A) (S305), and the process proceeds to S330 described later.

  On the other hand, when a certain time has elapsed since the operation was completed (Yes: S300), whether or not an error state is detected by detecting the state of each part of the printer 3 If the error state is detected (Yes: S310), the display color of the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area is changed to red (see FIG. 12C) (S315). ), The process proceeds to S330 described later.

  On the other hand, when the error state is not detected (No: S310), it is determined whether a warning state is detected (S320), and when the warning state is detected (Yes: S320), the parameter The display color of the display parameter stored in the setting area is changed to yellow (see FIG. 12B) (S325), and the display mode of the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area is changed to a solid color (S330). The process proceeds to S340 described later.

  On the other hand, when the warning state is not detected (No: S320), the display color and display style set on the screen 32, that is, the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area and the temporary parameter stored in the temporary storage area. And whether or not the display parameter has been changed, that is, whether or not the display parameter and the temporary parameter are different (S335), and if not changed (No: S335), this The process ends.

  On the other hand, when the display parameter has been changed (Yes: S335), the display parameter stored in the parameter setting area is changed according to the temporary parameter stored in the temporary storage area (S340), and the updated display parameter is reflected. The HTML format screen file is transmitted to the PC 2 (S345), and the display color and display style of the Web page (more specifically, the display color and display style of the background portion in the status display frame 62) are updated. The screen is displayed on the PC 2 and this process is terminated. FIGS. 12D, 12E, and 12F show screens displayed on the PC 2 by this processing.

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the PC-side screen setting process executed by the CPU 211 of the PC 2. The CPU 211 executes this processing when receiving a screen file in HTML format from the printer 3.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this process, first, an HTML format screen file is received from the printer 3 (S600). Then, the Web page screen is displayed according to the HTML format screen file (S610), and this processing is terminated. As a result, the PC 2 can display a Web page whose background portion has the same display color and display style as the background portion on the screen 32 of the printer 3.

  That is, to summarize the above description, in the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the printer 3 is designated as the operation target of the PC 2, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 Update request and a display parameter for designating the selected display color and display format are transmitted to the printer 3 (1). Then, the CPU 311 of the printer 3 changes the display parameter set in the printer 3 to the display parameter received from the PC 2, and causes the display unit 317 to change the display pattern of the background portion of the screen 32 according to the display parameter (2 ), An HTML format screen file reflecting the same display parameters is transmitted to the PC 2 (3). Then, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 updates the Web browser screen 6 according to the received HTML format screen file, and changes the display pattern of the background portion in the status display frame 62. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing operations of the PC 2 and the printer 3 in the first embodiment.

  For this reason, in the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, even if the printers 3 and 4 are the same model, the same display pattern of the background portion in the status display frame 62 of the Web browser screen 6 is used. Is set in the background portion of the screen 32 of the printer 3, the operator of the PC 2 can identify at a glance that the printer 3 is the printer designated as the operation target. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  That is, according to the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, even if a plurality of printers of the same model are connected on the network 5, the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 can be identified at a glance.

  In the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, the background portion in the status display frame 62 for displaying the status information of the printer in the Web browser screen 6 is set as a display pattern setting target, so that it is irrelevant to the operation of the printer. The printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 can be identified at a glance while operating the printer or confirming the printer status on the Web browser screen 6 without referring to the display.

  In the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the printers 3 and 4 display the status information of the printers 3 and 4, and the background portions on the screens 32 and 42 with high visibility are set as display pattern setting targets. Therefore, the printer state can be confirmed with high visibility while identifying the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2.

  In the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, since the list boxes 621 and 622 are provided in the status display frame 62, the operator of the PC 2 can select a display pattern by himself.

  Further, in the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, even when the same display pattern as that used by the printer that is not the operation target of the PC 2 is selected, a different display pattern is selected as the operation target of the PC 2. When setting the designated printer screen and the status display frame 62 of the Web browser screen 6 to identify the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2, the printer other than the operation target of the PC 2 is designated as the operation target. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printer from being mistakenly identified.

  In the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, even if a display color that matches the error state or warning state is selected, a display format different from the display format of the error state or warning state is set as the display pattern. It is possible to prevent a display pattern set to indicate the occurrence of an error state or a warning state from being misrecognized as being set to identify a printer designated as an operation target of the PC 2. Furthermore, when identifying a printer designated as an operation target with the display color that matches the error state or warning state selected, even if an error state or warning state occurs in a printer that is not the operation target, It is possible to prevent the printer from being mistakenly identified as a printer designated as an operation target of the PC 2.

  In the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, when an error state, a warning state, or an externally operated state occurs in the printers 3 and 4, display patterns corresponding to the screens 32 and 42 are displayed. Therefore, the printers 3 and 4 can identify at a glance that an error state, a warning state, or an externally operated state has occurred.

In the printing system 1 of the first embodiment, when the error state, warning state, or externally operated state does not occur in the printers 3 and 4, the screens 32 and 42 are set accordingly. Since the displayed pattern is canceled, it can be identified at a glance that the error state, the warning state, and the externally operated state are not generated.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  Note that the printing system 1 of the second embodiment is different from the printing system 1 of the first embodiment in the settings of the PC 2 and the printers 3 and 4.

  Accordingly, the description of the parts common to the printing system 1 of the first embodiment is omitted here, and only different parts are described in detail.

  First, in the PC 2 of the second embodiment, an application program for operating the printers 3 and 4 by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is set instead of the Web browser program. In the printers 3 and 4, an agent program for receiving an operation from the application program by SNMP is set instead of the Web server program.

  The PC 2 executes the information acquisition process and the update process, and the printers 3 and 4 execute the information transmission process and the screen setting process.

  Note that the CPU 211 of the PC 2 starts up the above-described application program, acquires the model name, serial number, and IP address of the printers 3 and 4 based on the information acquired and stored in advance or the information acquired in the information acquisition process. A selection screen (see FIG. 18) on which is displayed is displayed on the display 22.

  Then, when any one of the printers 3 and 4 is designated as the operation target of the PC 2 on the selection screen via the keyboard 23 or the mouse, the information that has been acquired and stored in advance or the information that has been newly stored. Based on the information acquired in the acquisition process, an operation screen (see FIG. 18) similar to the above-described state display frame 62 is displayed on the display 22.

  When the display color is selected or the display style is selected on the operation screen, the above update process is executed.

  The information acquisition process in the second embodiment differs from the information acquisition process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 211 of the PC 2 executes it.

  In addition to the designation information designated in the first embodiment, an operation color indicating that the printer is operating externally, an error color indicating an error state, and a warning color indicating a warning state are requested to be transmitted as designation information.

  Further, the CPU 211 executes this process simultaneously with the activation of the application program, and thereafter executes this process periodically or when information about the printer is necessary as appropriate.

  Note that the information transmission process in the second embodiment is the same as the information transmission process in the first embodiment, and the printers 3 and 4 return the information designated as the designation information from the PC 2 to the PC 2.

  The update process in the second embodiment differs from the update process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 211 of the PC 2 executes it.

  The CPU 211 executes this processing when a display color is designated on the operation screen via the keyboard 23 or the mouse.

  In S200, it is determined whether a display color is designated on the operation screen via the keyboard 23 or the mouse. However, in the second embodiment, the temporary parameter is a display parameter designated on the operation screen, and the temporary storage area is secured in the RAM 213 for temporarily storing the display parameter. It is a storage area.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the designated display color matches an error color obtained in advance and indicating an error state in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC2.

  In S210, it is determined whether or not the designated display color matches the warning color indicating the warning state in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 that has been acquired in advance.

  However, if the error status color / warning status color used in the application program is different from the error color / warning color in the printer, the error color / It can be considered to match the warning color.

  In S220, it is determined whether or not the display color matches the display color used in the printer other than the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 that has been acquired in advance.

  In S245, it is determined whether or not the display format is the same as that obtained in advance and used by a printer other than the printer designated as the operation target of the PC2.

  In S265, whether or not there is a change in the display parameter by comparing the display color and the display style used in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 with the temporary parameter, acquired in advance. Determine.

  In S270, the display of the background portion on the operation screen is changed to the display color / display style indicated by the temporary parameter.

  In step S275, the changed display parameters are transmitted to the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 by a procedure based on the SNMP protocol. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the CPU of the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 (here, the CPU 311 of the printer 3) receives the display parameters from the PC 2 according to the procedure based on the SNMP protocol (S800), and the screen The display of 32 is set to the display color and display style corresponding to the received display parameter (S810). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printer-side screen setting process executed by the CPU 311 of the printer 3 in the second embodiment.

  The link display process in the second embodiment is different from the link display process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 211 of the PC 2 executes it.

  In S500, the link destination operation screen stored in the HDD 214 of the PC 2 is acquired.

  In S510, the display of the background portion on the link destination operation screen is changed to the display color / display style indicated by the temporary parameter.

  The screen setting process in the second embodiment differs from the screen setting process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  That is, the CPU 311 of the printer 3 transmits the updated display parameter to the PC 2 in step S345 according to a procedure based on the SNMP protocol.

  That is, in the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, when the printer 3 is designated as the operation target of the PC 2, an operation for changing the display pattern of the background portion is performed on the operation screen. Then, (1) the CPU 211 of the PC 2 changes the display pattern of the background portion on the operation screen (2) and transmits an instruction for setting this display pattern to the printer 3 (3). Then, the CPU 311 of the printer 3 causes the display unit 317 to change the display pattern of the background portion of the screen 32 according to the setting instruction (4). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation of the PC 2 and the operation of the printer 3 in the second embodiment.

  Therefore, in the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, even if the printers 3 and 4 are the same model, the same display pattern as the background portion display pattern on the operation screen is displayed on the printer 3. Since the background portion is set on the screen 32, the operator of the PC 2 can identify at a glance that the printer 3 is the printer designated as the operation target. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of the printing system 1 in the second embodiment.

That is, according to the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured by newly connecting a server device 7 to the network 5 in the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of the printing system 1 in the third embodiment.

  In the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, the settings of the PC 2 and the printers 3 and 4 are different from those of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment.

  Accordingly, the description of the parts common to the printing system 1 of the first embodiment is omitted here, and only different parts are described in detail.

  First, in the printers 3 and 4 of the third embodiment, an agent program for receiving an operation from an application program by SNMP is set instead of the Web server program.

  In the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment, the server device 7 executes the above-described information acquisition process and the above-described update process, and the printers 3 and 4 perform the above-described information transmission process and the above-described information transmission process. The screen setting process is executed.

  When the CPU 211 of the PC 2 receives a URL designating the IP address or node name of the server device 7 via the keyboard 23 or the mouse, the CPU 211 starts the Web browser program and makes the server device 7 based on HTTP. The DNS server is inquired about the input IP address or node name, and the transmission of the Web page is requested with the acquired IP address as the transmission destination. As a result, the server device 7 displays a selection screen for displaying the model name, serial number, and IP address of the printers 3 and 4 based on the information acquired and stored in advance or the information acquired through the information acquisition process. Create an HTML file and send it to PC2 using the HTTP protocol. When the PC 2 receives the HTML file from the server device 7, the PC 2 displays a Web page based on the HTML file on the Web browser screen displayed on the display 22 (see FIG. 22).

  Here, when one of the printers 3 and 4 is designated as the operation target of the PC 2 on the selection screen via the keyboard 23 and the mouse, the designated printer is sent to the server device 7. Requests the transmission of a Web page on the operation screen for operating. Thereby, the server device 7 creates an HTML file of an operation screen for operating the designated printer based on the information acquired and stored in advance or the information acquired in the information acquisition process anew. Send to PC2 using HTTP protocol.

  When the PC 2 receives the HTML file, the PC 2 displays a Web page based on the HTML file on the Web browser screen displayed on the display 22. In the third embodiment, the Web browser screen is exactly the same as the Web browser screen of the first embodiment (see FIG. 22).

  When a display color is selected or a display style is selected on the Web browser screen, a Web page update request is transmitted to the server device 7 together with display parameters for specifying the selected display color and display style.

  Here, FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server device 7.

  As illustrated in FIG. 20, the server device 7 includes a CPU 71 that executes various processes to be performed by the server device 7, and a ROM 72 that stores a program (BIOS) of a startup process performed by the CPU 71 when the server device 7 is started. A RAM 73 used as a storage area when the CPU 71 performs various processes, an operating system, a Web server program for causing the server device 7 to function as a Web server, and an application program for operating the printers 3 and 4 by SNMP. The CPU 71 receives input signals from a hard disk drive (HDD) 74 storing various processing programs to be performed by the CPU 71 and a keyboard (not shown) or a mouse (not shown) connected to the server device 7. Input I / F 75 to be input and the relevant A video I / F 76 that performs display based on a command from the CPU 71 on a display (not shown) connected to the server device 7, and the CPU 71 and other devices connected to the network 5 are connected to the network 5. And a network I / F 77 connected to each other.

  In the server device 7, these components are connected to each other via a signal bus 78.

  It is assumed that the CPU 71 of the server device 7 starts the application program at the same time as or after the server device 7 is started.

  The information acquisition process in the third embodiment differs from the information acquisition process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 71 of the server device 7 executes it.

  In addition to the designation information designated in the first embodiment, an operation color indicating that the printer is operating externally, an error color indicating an error state, and a warning color indicating a warning state are requested to be transmitted as designation information.

  Further, the CPU 211 executes this process simultaneously with the activation of the application program, and thereafter executes this process periodically or when information about the printer is necessary as appropriate.

  The information transmission process in the third embodiment is the same as the information transmission process in the first embodiment, and the printers 3 and 4 return the information designated as the designation information from the server apparatus 7 to the server apparatus 7. To do.

  The update process in the third embodiment is different from the update process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 71 of the server device 7 executes it.

  The temporary storage area is a storage area secured in the RAM 73 for temporarily storing display parameters.

  Further, the CPU 71 executes this processing when receiving the above update request from the PC 2.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the designated display color matches an error color obtained in advance and indicating an error state in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC2.

  In S210, it is determined whether or not the designated display color matches the warning color indicating the warning state in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 that has been acquired in advance.

  However, if the color indicating the error status / color indicating the warning status used in the web page is different from the error color / warning color in the printer, the error color / It can be considered to match the warning color.

  In S220, it is determined whether or not the display color matches the display color used in the printer other than the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 that has been acquired in advance.

  In S245, it is determined whether or not the display format is the same as that obtained in advance and used by a printer other than the printer designated as the operation target of the PC2.

  In S265, whether or not there is a change in the display parameter by comparing the display color and the display style used in the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 with the temporary parameter, acquired in advance. Determine.

  In S270, an HTML format screen file reflecting the display parameters is transmitted to the PC2.

  In step S275, the changed display parameters are transmitted to the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 by a procedure based on the SNMP protocol. Then, the CPU of the printer designated as the operation target of the PC 2 executes processing similar to the printer-side screen setting processing of the second embodiment, and sets the display color and display style of the screen. However, in the printer-side screen setting process of the third embodiment, display parameters are received from the server device 7 in a procedure based on the SNMP protocol in S800.

  The link display process in the third embodiment is different from the link display process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  First, not the CPU 311 of the printer 3 but the CPU 71 of the server device 7 executes it.

  In S500, the link destination HTML file stored in the HDD 74 of the server device 7 is acquired or an HTML file is dynamically created.

  The screen setting process in the third embodiment is different from the screen setting process in the first embodiment in the following points.

  That is, the CPU 311 of the printer 3 transmits the updated display parameter to the server device 7 in step S345 according to a procedure based on the SNMP protocol.

  The PC-side screen setting process in the third embodiment is the same as the PC-side screen setting process in the first embodiment, and the PC 2 uses the Web page screen according to the HTML format screen file received from the server device 7. Is displayed.

  That is, in the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 21, when the printer 3 is designated as the operation target of the PC 2, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 is selected as the Web page update request. Display parameters for specifying the display color and display style are transmitted to the server device 7 (1). Then, the CPU 71 of the server device 7 transmits a display pattern setting instruction indicated by the display parameter to the printer 3 (2). As a result, the CPU 311 of the printer 3 causes the display unit 317 to change the display pattern of the background portion of the screen 32 in accordance with the setting instruction (3).

  Further, the CPU 71 of the server device 7 changes the display parameter set in the server device 7 to the display parameter received from the PC 2, and transmits an HTML format screen file reflecting the same display parameter to the PC 2 (4). ). Then, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 updates the display pattern of the background portion in the status display frame of the Web browser screen according to the received HTML format screen file. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing operations of the PC 2, the printer 3, and the server device 7 in the third embodiment.

  For this reason, in the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, even if the printers 3 and 4 are the same model, the same display pattern as the background portion display pattern in the status display frame of the Web browser screen is displayed. Since the pattern is set in the background portion of the screen 32 of the printer 3, the operator of the PC 2 can identify at a glance that the printer 3 is the printer designated as the operation target. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of the printing system 1 in the third embodiment.

That is, according to the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[Other Embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various forms can be taken as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. .

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, LCDs are used as the screens of the printers 3 and 4, but a field emission display (FED), a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), an EL Of course, other forms of display capable of color display such as an (electroluminescence) display may be used as the screen of the printer. Further, instead of the screens 32 and 42, a plurality of light sources (for example, LEDs) having different emission colors are provided, and the emission colors that match the display colors of the background portion in the status display frame of the Web browser screen and the background portion of the operation screen are displayed. The light source may be turned on.

  In any of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a printer. However, the present invention can be connected to a network such as a multifunction device that can be connected to a network, a scanner that can be connected to a network, an AV device that can be connected to a network, and a router. Of course, any device can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the Web browser program is generically named. However, a single Web browser may operate as a Web browser program, or may operate as a Web browser program by linking a CGI program or the like to the Web browser. When a CGI program or the like is linked, a web browser suitable for the present invention can be obtained without changing a generally used web browser to a different web browser.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined whether the display color and the display style are the same as the display color and the display style of the other printer, but only the display color or the display style is the display color of the other printer. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the display style matches, or it may not be determined whether or not the display style matches when it is determined that the display colors do not match, or vice versa. Further, it may be determined whether or not the blinking mode matches that of another printer. It should be noted that by making it possible to distinguish between the printer to be operated and other printers using the display style and the blinking style, it is possible to provide a device system that is easy to use even for users who have difficulty in identifying colors.

  It should be noted that when the printer to be operated is distinguished from other printers only by the display color, it can be used only for the identification of several to a dozen at most because of the limitation of human identification ability, whereas many display elements By distinguishing by combining, it becomes possible to identify a larger number of units.

  In the first embodiment, the display parameter change in the screen setting process is reflected on the display of the PC 2 by transmitting the HTML file reflecting the change of the display parameter from the printers 3 and 4 to the PC 2. Instead of this processing, the status change may be notified to the PC 2 by the SNMP protocol, the status may be determined by the PC 2 and reflected in the display on the PC 2.

  In the second embodiment, the change of the display parameter in the screen setting process is reflected in the display of the PC 2 by notifying the change of the display parameter from the printers 3 and 4 to the PC 2 by the SNMP protocol. Instead of this processing, the status change may be notified to the PC 2 by the SNMP protocol, the status may be determined by the PC 2 and reflected in the display on the PC 2.

  In the third embodiment, the display parameter change in the screen setting process is reflected in the display of the PC 2 by transmitting the HTML file reflecting the change of the display parameter from the server device 7 to the PC 2. Instead of this processing, the status change may be notified to the PC 2 by the SNMP protocol, the HTTP protocol, or other procedures, the status may be determined by the PC 2 and reflected in the display on the PC 2.

  In this case, the CPU 211 of the PC 2 executes the PC-side screen setting process shown in FIG. The CPU 211 executes this processing when receiving the statuses of the printers 3 and 4 from the printers 3 and 4 and the server device 7.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in this process, first, the statuses of the printers 3 and 4 (in operation, warning state, error state) are received from the printers 3 and 4 and the server device 7 (S700). Then, it is determined whether or not the received status is different from the previous status (S710). If the received status is the same (No: S710), the process is immediately terminated, whereas if it is different (Yes: S710). ), The background portion of the Web page displayed on the PC 2 or the operation screen of the application program is changed to a display color or display style corresponding to the status (S720), and this process is terminated.

  In addition, the printers 3 and 4 and the server apparatus 7 do not voluntarily notify the PC 2 of changes in display parameters and status changes in the screen setting process, and the PC 2 periodically displays the display parameters to the printers 3 and 4 and the server apparatus 7. The printers 3 and 4 and the server device 7 may reply to the inquiry.

  If the printer 3 or 4 or the server device 7 voluntarily notifies the PC 2 of a display parameter change or status change, the display change on the printer 3 or 4 can be immediately reflected in the display change on the PC 2. is there.

  On the other hand, when inquiring periodically from the PC 2, there is an advantage that a load higher than the conventional packet communication for checking the status of the regular printer is not applied to each of the PC 2, the printer 3, 4, the network 5, and the server device 7. .

It is a lineblock diagram of printing system 1 in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the main body 21 in PC2. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a main body 31 in the printer 3. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a Web browser screen 6 on which Web pages from printers 3 and 4 are displayed. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of information acquisition processing executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of information transmission processing executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of update processing executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of screen setting processing executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3. It is an example of the table which memorize | stored the display parameter, operation color, warning color, and error color of each printer memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory 314 or RAM313 used for update processing. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of link display processing executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a linked Web page selected by clicking “Print Setting” on the screen of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing screens displayed on the printers 3 and 4 and the PC 2. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the PC side screen setting process which CPU211 of PC2 performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly operation | movement of PC2 and the printer 3 in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect of the printing system 1 in 1st Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printer-side screen setting process executed by a CPU 311 of the printer 3 according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly operation | movement of PC2 and the printer 3 in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect of the printing system 1 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the printing system 1 in 3rd Embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a server device 7. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows roughly operation | movement of PC2, the printer 3, and the server apparatus 7 in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect of the printing system 1 in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the PC side screen setting process of a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the problem of background art.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 2 ... PC, 3, 4 ... Printer, 5 ... Network, 6 ... Web browser screen, 7 ... Server apparatus, 21, 31, 41 ... Main body, 22 ... Display, 23 ... Keyboard, 32, 42 ... Screen, 61 ... Link display frame, 62 ... Status display frame, 71, 211, 311 ... CPU, 72, 212, 312 ... ROM, 73, 213, 313 ... RAM, 74, 214 ... HDD, 75, 215 ... Input I / F, 76, 216 ... Video I / F, 77, 217, 315 ... Network I / F, 78, 218, 319 ... Signal bus, 316 ... Operation unit, 317 ... Display unit, 318 ... Print engine, 621, 622 …list box.

Claims (12)

A web server used on a web system in which a terminal device including a web browser and a plurality of devices including a display unit for displaying an image are connected to a network,
Communication means for communicating via the network;
Device information storage means for storing device information relating to the device;
Device information request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive the first transmission request transmitted by the terminal device;
Device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information relating to the one device stored in the device information storage means;
First web page data preparation means for preparing first web page data including device information acquired by the device information acquisition control means;
First web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the first web page data prepared by the first web page data preparation means to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the first transmission request;
Second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data that enables an operation input for designating a display pattern;
Second web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the second web page data prepared by the second web page data preparation means to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first web page data;
Display pattern reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive designation information for designating one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the second Web page data;
Display pattern command control means for commanding the one device to display an image reflecting the one display pattern on a display unit included in the one device;
Display pattern transmission control means for associating the first display pattern with the first Web page data and controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data;
A web server comprising: The display pattern transmission control means instructs the first web page data preparation means to prepare first web page data reflecting the first display pattern.
The web server according to claim 1. The display pattern transmission control means sends command information for instructing the Web browser to display a Web page in which the first display pattern is reflected in the first Web page data. Controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device
The web server according to claim 1 or claim 2. The first web page data preparation means prepares first web page data including a link to third web page data including information related to the first device.
Display pattern storage means for storing one display pattern transmitted to the terminal device in association with the first Web page data;
Link destination page request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive a second transmission request for requesting the third Web page data transmitted by a terminal device which is a transmission destination of the first Web page data. ,
With
The display pattern transmission control unit associates one display pattern stored in the display pattern storage unit with the third Web page data, and the communication unit is a transmission source of the second transmission request. Control to send to,
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A plurality of display pattern storage means for storing a plurality of display patterns;
The second page data preparation means prepares second Web page data including the plurality of display patterns so as to be selectable;
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The first web page data preparation means prepares first web page data including second web page data prepared by the second web page data preparation means;
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A display pattern acquisition means for acquiring a display pattern related to an image displayed on a display unit by a device other than the one device;
Display pattern determining means for determining one display pattern received by the communication means;
With
When the determination unit determines that the display pattern of the one is different from the display pattern acquired by the currently-displayed pattern acquisition unit, the display pattern command control unit displays an image reflecting the display pattern of the one on the display unit. Command the device of 1 to display,
The display pattern transmission control unit converts the first display pattern into the first Web page data when the determination unit determines that the first display pattern is different from the display pattern acquired by the displayed pattern acquisition unit. And controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device in association with
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 6. State display pattern acquisition means for acquiring a display pattern related to an image displayed on the display unit according to the state of the device by the device;
Display pattern determining means for determining one display pattern received by the communication means;
With
When the determination unit determines that the display pattern command control unit is different from the display pattern acquired by the state display pattern acquisition unit, the display pattern command control unit displays an image reflecting the display pattern on the display unit. Command the device of 1 to display,
The display pattern transmission control unit converts the first display pattern into the first Web page data when the determination unit determines that the first display pattern is different from the display pattern acquired by the displayed pattern acquisition unit. And controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device in association with
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Built in the one device,
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The display pattern command control unit controls the communication unit to transmit instruction information for instructing to display an image based on the display pattern on a display unit to the first device.
The web server according to any one of claims 1 to 8. In a Web system in which a terminal device including a Web browser and a plurality of devices are connected to a network, a display unit that displays an image, a communication unit that communicates via the network, and device information related to the device are stored A computer information readable Web server program that controls the device,
The computer,
Device information request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive the first transmission request transmitted by the terminal device;
Device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information stored in device information storage means included in the device itself;
First web page data preparation means for preparing first web page data including device information acquired by the device information acquisition control means;
First web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the first web page data prepared by the first web page data preparation means to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the first transmission request;
Second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data that enables an operation input for designating a display pattern;
Second web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the second web page data prepared by the second web page data preparation means to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first web page data;
Display pattern reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive designation information for designating one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the second Web page data;
Display control means for controlling to display an image reflecting the display pattern of 1 on a display unit included in the device itself;
Display pattern transmission control means for associating the first display pattern with the first Web page data and controlling the communication means to transmit to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data;
Web server program to function. In a Web system in which a terminal device including a Web browser, a plurality of devices including a display unit that displays an image, and a server device are network-connected, a communication unit that communicates via the network, and a device related to the device A computer server readable Web server program for controlling the server device, comprising device information storage means for storing information,
The computer,
Device information request reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive the first transmission request transmitted by the terminal device;
Device information acquisition control means for acquiring device information relating to the one device stored in the device information storage means;
First web page data preparation means for preparing first web page data including device information acquired by the device information acquisition control means;
First web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the first web page data prepared by the first web page data preparation means to a terminal device that is a transmission source of the first transmission request;
Second web page data preparation means for preparing second web page data that enables an operation input for designating a display pattern;
Second web page data transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the second web page data prepared by the second web page data preparation means to a terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first web page data;
Display pattern reception control means for controlling the communication means to receive designation information for designating one display pattern transmitted by the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the second Web page data;
Display pattern command control means for controlling the communication means to transmit command information for instructing to display an image reflecting the display pattern of 1 on a display unit included in the device of 1;
Display pattern transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the first display pattern to the terminal device that is the transmission destination of the first Web page data in association with the first Web page data;
Web server program to function.