JPH10320344A - Recording medium recording designated program of inputoutput device in network, and designated system and method for input-output device in network - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select an intended input-output device without mistakes by executing a procedure which shows an icon at an arrangement correspondence position of an input-output device on a layout image that shows the arrangement of the input-output device and a procedure which designates an input-output device corresponding to a selected icon as an input-output destination. SOLUTION: In a personal computer 11 that is connected to a communication medium 1 of a local area network, a CPU 110 executes various programs such as an application program and an input-output device selecting program which are loaded on RAM 112 that operates as main memory and controls various processing and peripheral equipment. Here, the input-output device selecting program carries out a procedure which displays an layout image that shows the arrangement of an input-output device, a procedure which shows an icon showing the input-output device at a position that corresponds to an actual arrangement position of the input-output device on this layout image and a procedure which designates an input-output device that corresponds to an icon selected among icons as in input-output destination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for specifying input / output devices in a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, and a recording medium storing a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a network in which a plurality of computers are connected to each other by a communication cable or the like, the scale of the network is becoming larger and larger, and as input / output devices, printers, scanners, facsimile machines,
2. Description of the Related Art Many types of input / output devices, such as digital copiers, are being connected. Since all the input / output devices can be used from individual computers on such a network, the use efficiency of the input / output devices is improved, and the cost of the entire equipment is reduced. On the other hand, since all available input / output devices connected to the network can be selected from individual computers, there are too many options to select the wrong type of input / output device or input / output at a position far from the operator In some cases, it is impossible to retrieve the printed matter or the like that has been output because of the selection of the device, or the time to retrieve the printed matter or the like is wasted.

As a device for selecting an output device on a network, there has been one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-108283. This relates to a printer management apparatus that stores the time required to walk from a computer to a printer, automatically selects the printer closest to the computer that issued the print request, and sends the print data. This printer management device is not intended for a computer operator to freely select an output device by himself / herself.

As another device for selecting an output device on a network, there is another device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-210345. This is a printer,
The present invention relates to a print service display method capable of displaying print queues and print jobs with icons and graphics, displaying the correspondence between them, and changing the correspondence. In this print service display method, information indicating each printer icon corresponding to an actual printer in an office or the like is not displayed so that the user can see at a glance.

[0005]

According to the conventional output device designation method including the ones mentioned in the examples, the names and icons of the output devices displayed on the display screen of the computer and the actual network are installed. It is not clear how the output device is located in the office, etc., and the output device that the operator is trying to select on the operation screen is
It was difficult to understand which output device was actually used.

Therefore, the present invention displays the input / output device display on the input / output device selection screen so that the correspondence between the input / output device and the actually arranged input / output device can be understood at a glance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for specifying an input / output device in a network in which the input / output device to be selected can be selected without fail, a system, and a recording medium recording a program.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium in which a program for designating an input / output device in a network according to the present invention is recorded is provided on a connection device in a network in which a computer and an input / output device are connected. ,
Displaying a layout image indicating the arrangement of the input / output devices on a display unit, and displaying an icon indicating the input / output devices at a position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output devices on the layout image And a procedure for designating the input / output device corresponding to the icon selected from the icons as an input / output destination.

Further, in a recording medium recording a program for designating an input / output device in the network, the program executes a procedure for displaying a state of the input / output device near an icon corresponding to the input / output device. Preferably, it includes a program.

In the above-mentioned recording medium in which a program for designating an input / output device in the network is recorded, the connection device is a computer, and the display means can be a device attached to the computer.

[0010] In the above-mentioned recording medium in which a program for designating input / output devices in the network is recorded, the connection device may be an office device other than a computer, and the display means may be a device attached to the office device. it can.

Further, in the recording medium recording the above-mentioned program for designating an input / output device in the network, it is preferable that the program includes a partial program for executing a procedure of receiving the layout image from a computer via a network. .

[0012] In the above-mentioned recording medium storing a program for designating input / output devices in the network, the program creates and stores an image or a list indicating the location of the input / output devices in a plurality of hierarchies. The program may include a partial program that executes a procedure and a step of displaying an image or a list of a higher hierarchy and displaying an image or a list of a lower hierarchy by selecting from the image or the list of the higher hierarchy. it can.

The input / output device designation system in the network according to the present invention is a layout image storage means for storing a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices in a network in which a computer and the input / output devices are connected. Device information table storage means for storing a device information table for storing information on the input / output devices; display means for displaying the layout image; and icons for displaying the input / output devices on the input / output device on the layout image. And an input / output device specifying means for displaying the input / output device corresponding to the selected icon among the icons as an input / output destination.

In the method for specifying an input / output device in a network according to the present invention, a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output device is displayed on a display means in a network in which a computer and the input / output device are connected. An icon for displaying the output device is displayed at a position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image,
By designating the icon, the input / output device corresponding to the icon is designated as an input / output destination.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A recording medium in which a program for designating an input / output device in a network according to the present invention is recorded is a connection device in a network in which a computer such as a personal computer and an input / output device such as a printer and a digital copier are connected. A procedure for displaying a layout image indicating the arrangement of the input / output devices on a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display; and displaying an icon for displaying the input / output devices on an actual arrangement position of the input / output devices on the layout image. A program for executing a procedure of displaying at a position corresponding to the icon and a procedure of designating the input / output device corresponding to the icon selected by a pointing device such as a mouse in the icon as an input / output destination is recorded. ing. The input / output device in the present invention includes all input devices, output devices, and devices having both an input function and an output function. The shape of the icon is a symbolic representation of the object indicated by the icon. Since the shape and arrangement of the icons correspond to the actual input / output devices, and the correspondence is easy to understand, the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

Further, in a recording medium recording a program for designating an input / output device in the network, the program executes a step of displaying a state of the input / output device near an icon corresponding to the input / output device. Preferably, it includes a program. Specifically, the device name can be displayed below the icon, and the status of the input / output device can be displayed immediately below the device name. For example, when the input / output device is a printer, the status of the printer includes a printable state, a printing state, a jamming state (during a paper jam), an out-of-paper state, and a power-off state. In this way, the operator can select an optimal input / output device in consideration of the state of each input / output device.

In the above-mentioned recording medium in which a program for designating an input / output device in the network is recorded, the connection device is a computer, and the display means uses a CRT or the like attached to the computer, and is connected to the network from the computer. An input / output device can be specified.

In the above-mentioned recording medium, the connection device is an office device other than a computer, for example, a digital copier, and the display means is a device attached to the office device. For example, by using a liquid crystal display of an operation panel of a digital copying machine, an external input / output device connected to a network can be designated from the digital copying machine or the like. In this way, an input / output device connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination even from an office device having no character input means such as a keyboard.

[0019] In the above-mentioned recording medium storing a program for designating an input / output device in the network, the program is a partial program for executing a procedure of receiving the layout image created on the computer from the computer via the network. It is preferable that it contains. In this way, the selection screen can be displayed even on office equipment that cannot perform complicated operations such as layout drawing creation, and input / output equipment connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination.

[0020] In the above-mentioned recording medium, a program for specifying an input / output device in the network is recorded, wherein the program displays an image or a list indicating a location of the input / output device on a plurality of levels, for example, a business office nationwide. The procedure for creating and storing the layout and the layout of the floors in the office, and displaying the image or list of the upper layer, and selecting the image or list of the upper layer to select the image of the lower layer Alternatively, it may include a partial program for executing a procedure for displaying a list. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

A system for designating input / output devices in a network according to the present invention is a layout image showing an arrangement of the input / output devices in a network in which computers such as personal computers and input / output devices such as printers and digital copiers are connected. , A device information table storing means such as a fixed disk device for storing a device information table for storing information of the input / output devices, and a C for displaying the layout image.
Display means such as an RT or a liquid crystal display and an icon for displaying the input / output device are displayed at a position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image, and a pointing device such as a mouse in the icon is displayed. Input / output device specifying means such as an input / output device selection program for specifying the input / output device corresponding to the icon selected by the device as an input / output destination. The shape and arrangement of the icons
Since it corresponds to an actual input / output device and the correspondence is easy to understand, there is an effect that the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

In the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in the network, the input / output device specifying means detects a status of the input / output devices, and changes a status of the input / output devices to an icon corresponding to the input / output devices. Is preferably displayed in the vicinity of. Specifically, the device name can be displayed below the icon, and the status of the input / output device can be displayed immediately below the device name. For example, when the input / output device is a printer, the status of the printer includes a printable state, a printing state, a jamming state (during a paper jam), an out-of-paper state, and a power-off state. By displaying in this manner, the operator can select an optimal input / output device in consideration of the state of each input / output device.

In the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in a network, the display means can use a CRT or the like attached to the computer to specify the input / output devices connected to the network from the computer.

In the above-mentioned system for designating input / output devices in the network, the display means is provided with office equipment other than a computer, for example, a liquid crystal display of an operation panel of a digital copying machine. An external input / output device connected to the network can be specified. In this way, even from office equipment that does not have character input means such as a keyboard,
Input / output devices connected to the network can be freely specified as external input / output destinations.

In the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in a network, the office equipment such as a digital copying machine may be a transfer layout such as a fixed disk device which stores the layout image created on a computer and transferred from the computer. Preferably, it has an image storage means. In this way, the selection screen can be displayed on office equipment that cannot perform complicated operations such as layout drawing, and input / output equipment connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination.

In the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in the network, an image or a list indicating the location of the input / output devices may be displayed on a plurality of levels, for example, locations of offices nationwide, locations of floors within offices. And the like, and the input / output device designation means such as an input / output device selection program selects the placement location step by step from the image or the list of the upper hierarchy. In addition, the location of a desired input / output device can be selected. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

The method of designating an input / output device in a network according to the present invention is based on a network in which a computer such as a personal computer (personal computer) is connected to an input / output device such as a scanner, a printer, a digital copier, and the like. A layout image indicating the arrangement of devices is displayed on a display such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. Then, an icon for displaying the input / output device is displayed at a position on the layout image corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output device. By designating the icon with a pointing device such as a mouse, the input / output device corresponding to the icon is designated as an input / output destination. Since the shape and arrangement of the icons correspond to the actual input / output devices, and the correspondence is easy to understand, the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

In the above-mentioned method for specifying an input / output device in a network, it is preferable that the status of the input / output device is displayed near an icon corresponding to the input / output device. Specifically, the device name can be displayed below the icon, and the status of the input / output device can be displayed immediately below the device name. For example, if the input / output device is a printer,
Printer states include a printable state, a printing state, a paper jam (during a paper jam), a paper out condition, a power-off state, and the like. By displaying in this manner, the operator can select an optimal input / output device in consideration of the state of each input / output device.

In the above method for specifying input / output devices in a network, the display means can use a CRT or the like attached to the computer to specify the input / output devices connected to the network from the computer.

In the above-mentioned method for specifying input / output devices in a network, the display means is provided with office equipment other than a computer, for example, a liquid crystal display of an operation panel of a digital copying machine. An external input / output device connected to the network can be specified. In this way, an input / output device connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination even from an office device having no character input means such as a keyboard.

In the above method for specifying input / output devices in a network, it is preferable that the layout image is created on a computer, and the layout image is transferred from the computer to the office equipment such as a digital copying machine. In this way, the selection screen can be displayed even on office equipment that cannot perform complicated operations such as layout drawing creation, and input / output equipment connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination.

In the above method for specifying input / output devices in a network, an image or a list showing the location of the input / output devices may be displayed on a plurality of levels, for example, locations of offices nationwide, locations of floors within offices. And the like, and by sequentially selecting the location from the image or the list of the upper hierarchy, a desired location of the input / output device can be selected. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

[0033]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment, which is the first embodiment, will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a network configuration that is a premise of the first embodiment. Communication media 1 of a LAN (local area network) in an office or the like includes a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) and input / output devices such as a printer, a facsimile machine (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile), and a digital copying machine. It is connected. Here, two personal computers (PC A11, PC B12), three printers (Printer A21, Printer B22, Printer C23) and one FAX (FAX) are used as the LAN communication medium 1.
31) and two digital copiers (digital copier A4
1. Digital copier B42) is connected. The print data from each personal computer is temporarily spooled in the personal computer that has issued the print instruction, and then sent to any of the printers on the LAN via the communication medium 1 according to the scheduling. Specifically, a communication cable, wireless communication, optical fiber, or the like can be used as the communication medium 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the personal computer A11. The personal computer B12 has a similar configuration. The personal computer A11 has a CPU (central processing unit) 110 and a bus 1
RAM 112 as main memory, VRAM 113 as video memory, fixed disk device 114, network interface circuit 115, display device 116, keyboard 117, mouse 11
8 are connected to the CPU 110 via the bus 111. As the display device 116, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be used. Instructions and inputs from the operator to the personal computer A11 are made using the keyboard 1.
17, using a mouse 118 or the like. Mouse 118
Any pointing device such as a tablet device, a trackball device, and a touch panel device can be used instead.

The CPU 110 executes various programs loaded on the RAM 112 to perform various processes and control peripheral devices. The VRAM 113 includes a display device 116
For storing image and character data to be displayed in the. The fixed disk device 114 stores various programs and data to be loaded into the RAM 112 and various files. The network interface circuit 115 is a circuit for connecting the personal computer A11 to the LAN communication medium 1. PC A11
Exchanges data with input / output devices and other personal computers connected to the LAN via the network interface circuit 115.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing software (programs or data) loaded in the RAM 112 and the hierarchical relationship thereof. The hierarchical relationship indicates that the lower ones are at a lower level, that is, a level closer to the hardware. The uppermost “application program” is a general application program, and corresponds to, for example, software such as a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a database. When an instruction for printing or the like is issued from these software, a dialog box or the like from which an output device can be selected is displayed, and a printer or the like to perform output can be selected.
This corresponds to the “input / output device selection program” under the “application program”.

Below the “input / output device selection program”, there is an “OS (operating system)”.
Using the system calls and interface programs provided by S, the higher-level "input / output device selection program"
Or an "application program" is running. O
Since S controls input / output devices and the like, various drivers exist below the OS. There are a “printer driver” for controlling a printer, a “scanner driver” for controlling a scanner, a “FAX driver” for controlling FAX, and the like.

The print data output from the printer driver is temporarily stored in a fixed disk device in the computer by a "spooler". Thereafter, the print data is sent to the printer connected in the LAN according to the scheduling. "Protocol control program" is LA
And a communication protocol for transmitting data to an output device such as a printer or a facsimile on the network N or receiving data from an input device such as a scanner. That is, TCP / I
An instruction command for putting the packet in a protocol such as P is created.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print dialog box displayed when printing is instructed from an application program. With this print dialog box, various settings relating to printing can be performed. That is, the range and number of pages to be printed can be set on the right side of the print dialog box. On the left side, the name of the printer to which the print data is sent is displayed, and data unique to the printer, such as the status, model, and connection destination of the printer, are displayed. By clicking the display area of the printer name or the triangle mark adjacent to the right of the display area with the mouse cursor, the printer of the output destination can be changed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional printer designation method. When a printer name display area or an adjacent triangle is clicked in the print dialog box, a list of printer names of available printers is displayed at the bottom of the printer name display area as shown in FIG. By clicking a desired printer name from the printer name list, a printer to which print data is to be output is specified. In such a specifying method, since the printer is specified only by the printer name, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to understand the correspondence between the printer name and the actual printer. For this reason, a printer located far away from the operator may be selected.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a printer selection dialog box according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the center of the printer selection dialog box, a layout diagram of an office or the like where a printer connected to the LAN is arranged is displayed. In the layout diagram, walls of offices and the like, doors, desks, furniture, and the like are displayed corresponding to the actual arrangement. An icon indicating the printer is displayed at a position corresponding to the actual position of the printer in the office, and the device name is displayed below the icon. Since the arrangement of the icons matches the actual arrangement of the printer in the office, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the icons and the actual printer. The shape of the icon is a symbolic representation of the object indicated by the icon.

In the icon display, devices other than the printers A21 to C23 are also displayed. This is FAX
31, digital copier A41 and digital copier B42 also have a printer function. As the icon shape, an icon indicating a printer is used. The operator clicks an icon at a desired position to select the icon. The icon in the selected state indicates that the icon or the device name is highlighted and selected. Although the device name is highlighted in FIG. 6, the icon may be highlighted, or both the icon and the device name may be highlighted.

The device name of the device corresponding to the selected icon is displayed in the "Selected printer" column at the bottom of the dialog box. Then, specific information such as specifications of the device, that is, a control code system, a printing speed, a printing resolution, and the like are displayed below. If you want to change the icon you choose, click on the desired icon,
The selected state of the currently selected icon is released, and the newly clicked icon becomes the selected state. If you click the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box, the device corresponding to the selected icon is set as the output device,
The printer selection dialog box of FIG. 6 disappears, and FIG.
Return to the Print dialog box. If the “Cancel” button is clicked, the screen returns to the print dialog box without changing the settings of the output device. Clicking the "x" mark in the upper right corner of the dialog box also causes a "Cancel"
Performs the same action as clicking the button.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the first embodiment. First, in an application program such as a word processor or a spreadsheet, a printing instruction is issued from an operator. This print instruction is sent to process 20
It is represented by 1. Then, the application program displays a print dialog box (see FIG. 4) as shown in process 202. The next process 203 shows the setting of printing conditions such as the print range and the number of copies on the print dialog box by the operator. Next decision 204
Determines whether the print name display area or the adjacent triangle in the print dialog box has been clicked, and if so, proceeds to the calling process 205; if not, proceeds to decision 206. Call processing 205
Is a process for calling a printer selection program for performing the process of the printer selection dialog box shown in FIG. The processing of the printer selection program will be described in detail with reference to FIG. After the calling process 205, the process returns to the process 203.

If it is determined in step 204 that the button has not been clicked, the flow advances to step 206 to determine whether the "cancel" button has been clicked. If clicked,
Do nothing and return to the calling application program. If not, proceed to decision 207,
It is determined whether the “OK” button has been clicked. If the button is clicked, the process proceeds to step 208 to perform the printing process, and outputs the print data to the printer set as the output destination. Then, the process returns to the calling application program. If it is determined in step 207 that the “OK” button has not been clicked, the process returns to step 203. Process 203
To 207 form an event waiting loop. Until the "OK" or "Cancel" button is clicked, it does not escape from the event waiting loop.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the printer selection program. The printer selection program is called by the calling process 205 in FIG. When the printer selection program is called, in a process 301, a printer selection dialog box is displayed. Next, in process 302, a layout diagram of an office or the like where the printer is located is displayed in the center of the printer selection dialog box. The image data of the layout diagram is created in advance by a layout creation program, and is stored in the fixed disk device 114 inside the personal computer A11. Icons indicating the arrangement of the printers are displayed on the layout diagram.

Next, in decision 303, it is determined whether any of the icons has been clicked. If the button is clicked, the process proceeds to step 304, where the icon is set to the selected state, the printer-specific information is obtained, and the information is displayed. Since the printer specific information is stored in the device information table as shown in FIG. 11, that information is used. The device information table is stored in the fixed disk device 114. After the process 304, the process returns to the determination 303.
If the icon is not clicked in the judgment 303, the process proceeds to the judgment 305, and it is judged whether or not the "cancel" button is clicked. If so, return to the caller without doing anything.

If the "Cancel" button has not been clicked in decision 305, the flow advances to decision 306 to determine whether the "OK" button has been clicked. If the button has been clicked, the flow advances to step 307 to perform printer selection processing, and the printer corresponding to the selected icon is set as the output destination. Then, the process returns to the caller. Decision 306
If the "OK" button is not clicked, the process returns to step 203 to form an event waiting loop.
Until the "OK" or "Cancel" button is clicked, it does not escape from the event waiting loop.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen on which a layout creation program for creating a layout diagram of an office or the like where a printer is arranged is executed. When the layout creation program is executed, a window as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the screen. The layout creation program is the same as a normal image creation program, and selects an appropriate tool from the drawing tools displayed as icons at the bottom of the window to draw and create a layout diagram of an office or the like. In the layout diagram, walls, doors, desks, furniture, etc. are drawn according to the actual arrangement.

By clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the window, the data of the drawn layout drawing can be saved in the fixed disk device 114 or the like with an appropriate file name. By clicking the "icon arrangement" button, it is possible to proceed to a window as shown in FIG. 10 for arranging the icons on the layout diagram. Clicking the "Finish" button ends the layout creation program. At this time, if the layout diagram currently being created has not been saved yet, a message to that effect is displayed and the layout diagram can be saved again.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a window for arranging icons on the layout diagram. Since the layout diagram created as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, the printer icon is dragged from the printer icon display section arranged thereunder to a position corresponding to the actual printer arrangement (moved while being clicked). Unclick to place at that location. In this way, icons are arranged corresponding to all printers. After arranging the icon, when the icon is double-clicked, device information such as a device name, a driver name, a network address, and specifications of a device corresponding to the icon can be input. The input information is stored in the fixed disk device 114 as a device information table as shown in FIG.

When all the icons are arranged and the device information is input, the layout diagram is completed. Click the "Save" button to save the layout diagram data with a predetermined file name, and then click the "End" button to end the layout creation program. The data of the final layout diagram stored here includes data related to icon display such as the position of the icon, the device name, and the icon shape. The printer selection program displays a layout diagram as shown in FIG. 6 from data of the layout diagram including data related to icon display.

In the first embodiment described above, a layout diagram of an office or the like in which a printer is arranged is displayed in the printer selection dialog box, and the layout diagram corresponds to the actual printer position in the office. An icon indicating the printer is displayed at the position. Since the layout of the icons matches the layout of the printer in the office, the correspondence between the icons and the actual printers is easy to understand, and the output device intended by the operator can be easily set without fail. .

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a printer selection dialog box is displayed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, the status of the printer corresponding to the icon is displayed near the icon indicating the printer. The status of the printer can be printed,
There are states such as printing, jamming (paper jam), running out of paper, and power-off. The current status of each printer is displayed below the device name of the corresponding icon. The display of the status is not limited to beneath the device name, but may be displayed anywhere near the icon. In addition, icons may be displayed in a color that is easy to see using colors such as red, blue, and yellow according to the state of the printer.

FIG. 13 shows a RAM 112 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing software loaded on a. Compared to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, only the part of the input / output device selection program is different, and the description of the other parts is omitted. In the second embodiment, as a part of the input / output device selection program, a portion for displaying the status of the input / output device is included. The operation of the "status display" portion inquires the status of each input / output device at regular intervals, and displays the acquired status at a position near the corresponding icon. Thus, the current state of each input / output device can be grasped at a glance.

Conventionally, there is a printer in which only available printers are displayed as a list of selectable printers. In such a case, if a nearby printer is turned off, the printer is turned off. It happens that the user does not appear in the selection list and selects a distant printer. In the second embodiment as described above, all the printers connected to the LAN are displayed, and the status of each printer is displayed near the icon. Therefore, it is possible to cope with turning on the power of the printer. As described above, according to the second embodiment, the operator can select an optimal printer in consideration of the state of each printer.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the FA shown in FIG.
An X selection dialog box can be displayed. Usually, when outputting to a facsimile, the facsimile is included in a printer selection list, and the facsimile is often selected in a printer selection operation. But,
In such a case, when the operator is not used to the operation, an attempt may be made to perform fax transmission and output to a printer by mistake. In Example 3,
In order to prevent such erroneous output, a FAX as an output device is displayed separately from a printer.

FIG. 14 shows a FAX selection dialog box. Switching with the printer selection dialog box shown in FIG. 6 is performed by clicking a region of the dialog box shown in FIG. 14 where "FAX" is displayed with a mouse. Then, as shown in the figure, the area displayed as “Printer” is displayed in a list side by side. If the area of “Printer” is clicked, the screen is switched to the same printer selection dialog box as in FIG. Switching from the printer selection dialog box to the FAX selection dialog box is performed in the same manner. In addition to such a switching method, a “FAX” button and a “Printer” button may be arranged in a dialog box, and switching may be performed by clicking one of the buttons.

The method of selecting a facsimile is the same as the method of selecting a printer. A desired icon may be selected by clicking the desired icon, and then clicking an "OK" button. If you click the “OK” or “Cancel” button, F
The AX selection dialog box disappears and returns to the print dialog box as shown in FIG. On the layout diagram, F
Output devices other than the AX that have the FAX function are displayed by the FAX icon. In FIG. 14, the personal computer A11, the digital copier A41, and the digital copier B42 are displayed as facsimile icons.

The layout diagram displayed in the FAX selection dialog box can be created in the same manner as the layout of the printer icons in FIG. The FAX icon display section may be arranged adjacent to the printer icon display section, and icons may be arranged by dragging the icons from the FAX icon display section onto the layout diagram. By double-clicking the FAX icon arranged on the layout diagram, device information of each FAX can be input. The input information is stored in the fixed disk drive 11 as a device information table as shown in FIG.
4 is stored. As shown in the figure, the device information includes a device name, a driver name, a network address, a telephone number, specifications, and the like of the device corresponding to the icon, and is stored together with the device information of the printer function of each output device.

According to the third embodiment described above, the printer and the fax are clearly distinguished and displayed in the output device, so that the operator does not mistake the printer and the fax. Further, switching between a screen for printer selection and a screen for FAX selection is also easy. In addition, if a device such as a personal computer or a digital copying machine also has a FAX function, it is displayed by a FAX icon, so that even a beginner can select without fail. In the FAX selection dialog box, the status of the output device may be displayed in the vicinity of the icon as in the second embodiment. At that time, FAX
It is not necessary to display failures that are not related to the function.
Only the status of the device related to the function may be displayed. For example, a digital copying machine does not display the status of a failure such as a printer function, but displays a status such as "FAX transmitting" in the FAX function.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 illustrates a network configuration that is a premise of the fourth embodiment. A personal computer and input / output devices such as a printer, a facsimile, a digital copier, and a scanner are connected to a LAN communication medium 1 in an office or the like. Here, six personal computers (PC server 10, personal computers A11 to E15), three printers (printers A21 to C23), and one F
An AX (FAX 31), two digital copiers (digital copier A41, digital copier B42) and two scanners (scanner A51, scanner B52) are connected. Among the six personal computers, the PC server 10 is a server dedicated machine, and has a larger processing capacity than other personal computers.
U and a large-capacity fixed disk device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram for selecting an input / output device in the fourth embodiment.
In selecting an input / output device, a layout diagram displaying icons of all models is first displayed. By specifying the model from the layout diagrams of all the models, the display can be switched to a layout diagram for selecting a printer, a layout diagram for selecting a FAX, or a layout diagram for selecting a scanner. The data of these layout diagrams may be stored in each of the personal computers A11 to E15. However, by storing them in the PC server 10 and managing them collectively, operations such as changes can be facilitated. The same applies to the device information table. Each personal computer can freely refer to the layout diagram on the PC server 10 and the data of the device information table. Note that the layout diagram is not limited to the input / output devices of the model shown in FIG. 17 and may include other arbitrary types of input / output devices.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an input / output device selection dialog box displaying all models of input / output devices. This is more suitable than a case where a default value of an input / output device of the OS is set, rather than a case where it is started from a general application program. In the layout diagram at the center of the dialog box, icons of all models of input / output devices are displayed. When you click on the area labeled "All models" at the top of the dialog box, the areas labeled "Printer", "FAX", and "Scanner" are displayed in a list, as shown in the figure. When the area of the desired model is clicked, the display can be switched to the model-specific display. For example, if the area of “Printer” is clicked, the dialog box becomes the same as FIG. 6, and if the area of “FAX” is clicked, the dialog box becomes the same as FIG.

The method of selecting each type of input / output device is shown in FIG.
14 and FIG. Assuming that the dialog box for displaying all models is a layout diagram of a higher hierarchy, it is possible to select only a model such as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, etc., and there is no problem even if input / output devices cannot be selected, as shown in FIG. The input / output device may be selected from a dialog box for displaying all models. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the digital copying machine A41 is selected, and the device name is highlighted. In the column of the selected device at the bottom of the dialog box, the device name is displayed, and available functions of the device are displayed next to the device name. When setting as a printer, the area of the printer function is clicked and inverted. When setting as a facsimile, the area of the facsimile function is also clicked and inverted. When the "OK" button is clicked, the digital copying machine A41 is set as a printer and also as a facsimile.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a scanner selection dialog box for selecting a scanner as an input device. This dialog box is displayed by specifying a scanner as a model from the input / output device selection dialog box in FIG. The scanner selection dialog box is also activated by instructing input device settings from a menu of a general application program for inputting an image. The setting method of the scanner as the input device is the same as that of the printer or FAX as the output device. Also in this layout diagram, a facsimile or digital copier having a scanner function is displayed by a scanner icon.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the progress of creating a layout diagram for displaying all models of input / output devices. A layout creation program is executed to create a layout of an office or the like as shown in FIG. 9 or office layout data created in advance is read, and icons of respective models are arranged on the layout diagram. In Embodiment 4, FIG.
As in the case of 0, all icons necessary for creating layout diagrams of all models are arranged in an icon display section below the layout diagram. Drag the necessary icon and place it at a predetermined position on the layout diagram. To enter device information, double-click the icon you have placed.

When the layout diagram is completed, the "save" button is clicked to save the layout diagram data under a predetermined file name, and then the "end" button is clicked to end the layout creation program. The data of the final layout diagram stored here includes data related to icon display such as the position of the icon, the device name, and the icon shape. The input / output device selection program displays a layout diagram as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 from data of the layout diagram including data related to icon display.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the contents of the device information table in the fourth embodiment. The device information is input by double-clicking the icon arranged at the time of creating the layout diagram in FIG. 20 to display an input screen and input the device information. It is also possible to correct, add, or delete device information after creating a layout diagram. For a device having a plurality of functions, device information is input by the number of functions. For example,
For the digital copier A41, device information is registered for each of the printer function, the scanner function, and the facsimile function. One horizontal row is one piece of device information. In the right part of the device information table, each device information is
Which of the printer function, the facsimile function and the scanner function is registered is registered. In order to switch from the display of all models in FIG. 18 to the display of a printer as shown in FIG. 6, a device having a printer function is searched from the device information table in FIG. 21, and only devices having a printer function are displayed by a printer icon. I just need. The display for each model as shown in FIGS. 14 and 19 can be similarly performed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing of the input / output device selection program for displaying the dialog boxes of all models in FIG. When the input / output device selection program is started, a process 401 displays an input / output device selection dialog box as shown in FIG. Next, in process 402, a layout diagram displaying all models of the input / output device is displayed in the center of the input / output device selection dialog box.
Next, in a calling process 403, the display switching program is called. This program switches the layout diagram to a layout diagram according to the model designation. The processing of this program will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in decision 404, it is determined whether any of the icons displayed on the layout diagram has been clicked. If it has been clicked, the process proceeds to step 405, where the icon is selected, the device information of the device corresponding to the icon is obtained from the device information table of FIG. 21, and the specifications and the like are displayed. After the process 405, the process returns to the calling process 403. If it is determined in step 404 that the icon has not been clicked, the flow advances to step 406 to determine whether the “cancel” button has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process returns to the caller who started the input / output device selection program without doing anything.

If the "cancel" button has not been clicked, the flow advances to decision 407 to determine whether the "OK" button has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process proceeds to step 408 to perform input / output device selection processing, and sets the device corresponding to the selected icon as the input / output device. Then, the process returns to the caller. At decision 407,
Call processing 4 if "OK" button is not clicked
Returning to 03, an event waiting loop is formed. "OK"
There is no escape from the wait for event loop until the button or the "cancel" button is clicked.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing of the display switching program. When the display switching program is called, in decision 501, it is determined whether or not “all models” in the model designation area has been designated. If "all models" is specified, the process proceeds to step 502, where a layout diagram displaying all models of input / output devices is displayed. For the layout diagrams of all models, the data of the layout diagram created in FIG. 20 may be displayed as it is. After the process 502, the process returns to the caller of the display switching program.

If "all models" is not specified in the judgment 501, the flow advances to the next judgment 503 to judge whether or not "printer" in the model specification area is specified. If "printer" is designated, the flow advances to step 504 to display a printer layout diagram. The layout diagram of the printer
Devices having a printer function may be searched from the device information table of FIG. 21 and all devices having a printer function may be displayed by printer icons. After the process 504, the process returns to the caller.

If "printer" has not been specified in the judgment 503, the flow advances to the next judgment 505 to judge whether "FAX" in the model designation area has been designated. "FA
If "X" has been designated, the flow advances to step 506 to display a FAX layout diagram. Figure 2 shows the FAX layout.
One device information table may be searched for devices having a FAX function, and all devices having a FAX function may be displayed by FAX icons. After the process 506, the process returns to the caller.

If "FAX" has not been specified in the judgment 505, the flow advances to the next judgment 507 to judge whether or not "scanner" in the model designation area has been designated. If "scanner" has been designated, the flow advances to step 508 to display a layout diagram of the scanner. Scanner layout diagram
A device having a scanner function may be searched from the device information table of FIG. 21 and all devices having a scanner function may be displayed by scanner icons. After the process 508, the process returns to the caller.

If "scanner" is not specified in the judgment 507, the process returns to the caller who started the display switching program.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, since the input / output devices can be displayed separately for each function from the layout diagram of all the models and the device information table, a layout diagram for each model is created. There is no need to do so, and the effort for creating the layout drawing is significantly reduced. In addition, since a multifunction device having a plurality of functions is displayed using icons corresponding to the functions, even a beginner can easily select an input / output device without fail. Furthermore, since the function is displayed separately for each function, it is less likely that a printer and a facsimile are selected by mistake.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 illustrates a network configuration that is a premise of the fifth embodiment. A personal computer and input / output devices such as a printer, a facsimile, a digital copier, and a scanner are connected to a LAN communication medium 1 in an office or the like. Here, six personal computers (PC server 10, personal computers A11 to E15), three printers (printers A21 to C23), and one F
An AX (FAX 31), two digital copiers (digital copier A41, digital copier B42) and two scanners (scanner A51, scanner B52) are connected. Among the six personal computers, the PC server 10 is a server dedicated machine, and has a larger processing capacity than other personal computers.
U and a large-capacity fixed disk device. Further, the network is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) communication medium 2 via a router, a gateway, or the like. A LAN and a server 3 of another office are connected to the communication medium 2 of the WAN.

In the fifth embodiment, all input / output devices connected to the WAN can be displayed in a layout. Therefore, the layout diagram is displayed in a hierarchical manner. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a hierarchical relationship in the layout diagram. The top-level layout diagram is a layout diagram showing the location of each office on the map. Below that is a layout diagram showing the floor configuration in the office. further,
Below that are layout diagrams of all models of input / output devices in each floor. The layout diagram for input / output device selection for each model is at the lowest level. Examples of the model of the input / output device include a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a personal computer. Since a personal computer can be an output device for e-mail or the like, it is also handled as an output device.

The data of the layout diagram and the device information table are collectively stored in the server 3 so that they can be read from all the personal computers connected to the WAN.
When it becomes necessary for each personal computer to display the layout diagram, it sends a request to the server 3 and receives the necessary layout diagram data and device information table data from the server 3. Further, when the layout of each department is changed, it is assumed that each department promptly creates the data of the layout drawing after the change and the data of the device information table and registers them in the server 3.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing the arrangement of the top-level offices on the map. This dialog box is activated from an output dialog box such as the print dialog box in FIG. In the print dialog box,
Clicking on the display area of the printer name will
Dialog box may be displayed, but since such a wide area selection is relatively infrequently used, a "wide area selection" button is provided in the print dialog box, and this wide area selection button is clicked. By doing so, the dialog box of FIG. 26 may be displayed. When the "wide area selection" button is provided, a selection dialog box in the floor as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed when the display area of the printer name is clicked.

FIG. 26 shows four business establishments. When selecting the establishment A, the display character string or the display point of "the establishment A" is clicked. Then, as shown in the figure, the selected display point is inverted to indicate that it is in the selected state. To select another establishment, click on the character string or display point indicating the other establishment, and the selected state of the establishment will be canceled and the newly clicked establishment will be selected. Becomes At the bottom of the layout diagram, the name of the business is displayed in the column of "selected business," and below that, the product name and business content handled by the business are displayed. "O" at the bottom of the dialog box
If the "K" button is clicked, a lower layout diagram showing the floor configuration of the selected business establishment is displayed, and the selection of a lower hierarchy is continued. If the "cancel" button is clicked, this dialog box is deleted without changing the settings of the output device, and the process returns to the caller who called this dialog box.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing a floor configuration in a business establishment. In FIG. 26, the floor configuration of the business establishment A selected is displayed as a layout diagram. It is shown that the establishment A has a configuration of six floors, and a department name existing on that floor is displayed in an area indicating each floor.
By clicking on the area from 1F to 6F, any floor can be selected. The selected floor indicates that it is in the selected state, for example, the background color changes. If another floor is clicked, the selected state of the floor selected so far is released, and the newly clicked floor becomes the selected state.

At the bottom of the layout diagram, the floor name is displayed in the column of “selected floor”, and below it, the department name existing on that floor is displayed. If the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box is clicked, a layout diagram showing the arrangement of input / output devices on the selected floor is displayed, and selection of a lower hierarchy is continued. By clicking the "return" button, it is possible to return to the display state of the layout diagram of the higher hierarchy as shown in FIG. If the "cancel" button is clicked, this dialog box is deleted without changing the settings of the output device, and the process returns to the caller who called this dialog box.

When the "OK" button is clicked in FIG. 27, the layout diagram displays all the input / output devices as shown in FIG. Thereafter, in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 18, printer selection for each model (FIG. 6), FA
By specifying the display for X selection (FIG. 14), for scanner selection (FIG. 19), and for personal computer selection (not shown), it is possible to finally select a desired input / output device. In this way, the document can be transmitted to the output device specified as the output destination. 26 and FIG. 27, images indicating the locations of the input / output devices are displayed. However, the images may be displayed simply as a list in which the names of offices and floors are arranged.

According to the fifth embodiment described above, the locations where the input / output devices are arranged are sequentially selected from the upper hierarchy for displaying the wide area to the lower hierarchy. Even among input / output devices with many
A desired input / output device can be specified in a short time. As a result, a document that has been transmitted by facsimile can be
It is easy to print directly to a printer connected to the network via the Internet. All that is required is to display the layout diagram of the destination to which the document is to be transmitted and specify the desired printer. In this way, an output device having a printer function connected to a network can be used as a substitute for a facsimile, and communication costs can be reduced.

[Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is common to the fifth embodiment. Example 5
In the above, the layout diagram for each model such as a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner is displayed below the layout diagram of all the models in FIG. 18, but in the sixth embodiment, the layout diagram of all the models in FIG. At the lower level, output devices are classified and displayed from a viewpoint different from the model. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device according to the sixth embodiment. An area for specifying the type of output device at the top of the dialog box includes “document transmission (paper)” representing an output device that prints and outputs image data such as a document on paper, and a memory or fixed disk as a bitmap of the image data. A list of three types, "document transmission (bitmap)", which represents an output device to be stored in the device, and "document transmission (paper + bitmap)", which represents an output device capable of outputting to either paper or bitmap, is displayed. ing.

FIG. 28 shows a state where “document transmission (paper)” is selected. Output devices classified as “document transmission (paper)” include printers and plotters. In this case, all output devices having a printer function are displayed. To switch the type of output device, click the type display area at the top of the dialog box to display a list of selectable types as shown in the figure, and then click the desired type display area. In the figure, the digital copying machine A41 is selected as the output device. The output device name is displayed in the “selected destination” column, and the status of the output device is displayed below the output device name. FIGS. 6 and 1 show a method of selecting an icon and setting an output device.
4. The settings are the same as those in the dialog box shown in FIG.

FIG. 29 shows an output device selection dialog box in which “document transmission (bitmap)” is selected. In order to save the sent image data as a bitmap, an environment for executing a program for the bitmap is required.
12. The personal computer C13 has the function. Thus, the icons of the three devices are displayed. FIG.
0 is a view showing an output device selection dialog box in which “document transmission (paper + bitmap)” is selected. FIG. 30 shows the output device shown in FIG. 28 and FIG.
The output device of the union of the output devices displayed in 9 is displayed. The switching method of the type of the output device and the setting method of the output device by selecting the icon in FIGS.
This is the same as FIG.

In order to perform the display as shown in FIGS. 28, 29, and 30, the printer function of the device information table shown in FIG.
Instead of the data of the AX function and the scanner function, data of paper output and bitmap output may be registered. FIG. 28 can be displayed by searching for a device capable of paper output from the device information table, and FIG. 29 can be displayed by searching for a device capable of bitmap output. Also,
By taking the logical sum of both searches, the display of FIG. 30 can be made. In addition to the logical sum, various logical operations such as a logical negation and a logical product can be designated.

According to the sixth embodiment described above, all the corresponding output devices are displayed according to the mode that the operator intends to output, so that the most suitable output device can be quickly and easily selected from many output devices. Can be specified. The classifications and conditions of the output devices are not limited to those described above, and may be any appropriate classifications and conditions according to the output purpose and output purpose of the operator.

[Seventh Embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is common to the sixth embodiment. Example 7
Then, in addition to the display of the dialog box of FIG. 28, the names of the individuals belonging to the dialog box are displayed on the layout diagram. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device according to the seventh embodiment. On the layout diagram, the personal name of a person belonging to the department is displayed near the seat position of the person. The personal name data is included in the layout diagram data. When you click on a specific individual name displayed in the layout diagram,
The display is switched so that only the output device normally used by the person is displayed. Click on another person's name to change the person you select. Clicking on a part that is neither an individual name nor an icon deselects the individual.

FIG. 32 shows the contents of the personal information table necessary for the above operation. For each personal name, a normally used output device is registered. For example, for Mr. A, the printer A21, FAX31, and personal computer A11 are registered. This personal information table is stored in the server 3 and can be accessed from any personal computer on the network. When the personal name on the layout diagram in FIG. 31 is clicked, the program displaying the dialog box refers to the personal information table on the server 3 and displays only the output devices registered for the clicked personal name. Display the layout diagram again.

According to the seventh embodiment described above, the layout of the individuals is also displayed on the layout diagram, so that it is possible to select an output device close to the transmission destination. Also,
Clicking on the personal name will display only the output devices normally used by that person, so that it is possible to easily select an output device that is convenient for the transmitting party. If the device registered in the personal name has a special function such as a call function or a video call (videophone) function, displaying that function in a dialog box will allow the function to be displayed. An available operator can immediately make a call using the function.

[Eighth Embodiment] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. The first to seventh embodiments relate to selection of an input / output device from a personal computer, but the eighth embodiment relates to selection of an input / output device from office equipment other than a personal computer. The network configuration as a premise of the eighth embodiment is shown in FIG. A digital copier A41 is taken as an example of office equipment other than a personal computer. The network configuration has already been described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 33 shows the structure of the digital copying machine A41. The digital copier A41 includes a scanner unit 4
16 and a printer unit 417, and the parts other than the scanner unit 416 and the printer unit 417 constitute a controller unit. The controller unit includes a CPU 410 and a bus 411, and has a RAM 412 and a ROM 41 as main memories.
4. NVRAM 413, which is a nonvolatile RAM for storing user setting information set by the operator, etc., a fixed disk device 415, an operation panel 43, an interface circuit for connecting the scanner unit 416, and a printer unit 417 for connection. An interface circuit, a communication control unit (NCU) 418, and a network interface circuit 419 are connected to the CPU 410 via the bus 411.

The CPU 410 executes various programs loaded on the RAM 412, and performs various processes and controls peripheral devices. The display data in the RAM 412 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 431. Fixed disk unit 4
Reference numeral 15 is for storing various programs, data, and various files to be loaded into the RAM 412. The operation panel 43 includes a liquid crystal display 431,
The liquid crystal display 431 includes a touch panel provided integrally with the liquid crystal display 431 and a plurality of keys. Input data and instructions from the operator are input from a touch panel integrated with the liquid crystal display 431 and various keys on the operation panel 43.

The communication control unit 418 exchanges FAX data with another FAX via a telephone line. Network interface circuit 419
Is a circuit for connecting the digital copying machine A41 to the communication medium 1 of the LAN. The digital copier A41 exchanges data with input / output devices and other personal computers connected to the LAN via the network interface circuit 419.

FIG. 34 shows the structure of the operation panel 43. The operation panel 43 includes a liquid crystal display 431
, A touch panel integrally provided on the liquid crystal display 431, an “external device designation” key 432, and a “COP
Y key 433, FAX key 434, PRIN
A function key including a “T” key 435 and a “SCAN” key 436, a “START” key, and a “STO” key.
A "P" key and a numeric keypad are provided. The touch panel can detect the pressed position by pressing the display surface of the liquid crystal display with a finger or the like, and functions as a pointing device like a mouse.

When the function key is pressed, a screen for setting each function and a message indicating the state of the machine are displayed on the liquid crystal display. "COPY" key 433
By pressing, a screen for setting copy conditions such as the number of copies, magnification, density, and finishing, and a message screen are displayed. "FA
When the "X" key is pressed, a setting screen and a message screen for a facsimile number and a reading density of a transmission destination are displayed. "PRI
When the user presses the "NT" key, a selection screen for selecting image data to be printed from the fixed disk device 415 is displayed.
When the "SCAN" key is pressed, a selection screen for selecting a device for storing the read image data is displayed.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the software loaded on the RAM 412 and the hierarchical relationship thereof. The hierarchical relationship indicates that the lower ones are at a lower level, that is, a level closer to the hardware. The top-level “external output device selection program” is a program started by pressing an “external device designation” key on the operation panel 43, and is a program for designating an output destination of image data. The digital copier A41 includes a fixed disk device 41.
5 can be output to an output device or a personal computer designated by the external output device selection program. The external output device selection program displays a layout diagram showing the layout of the rooms, and displays icons indicating the output devices on the layout diagram.

[0103] Below these are a "printer driver" for outputting to a printer and a "FAN" for outputting to a facsimile.
An "X driver" exists for each printer and FAX model. Data output from these drivers is temporarily stored in the fixed disk device 415 by a "spooler" to form a queue. Then, it is output to the output device according to the scheduling. The “protocol control program” controls a communication protocol on the network. That is, an instruction command to be put on a packet in a protocol such as TCP / IP is created.

FIG. 36 shows that the “external device designation” key 432 on the operation panel 43 is depressed, and the “FAX” key 434
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display on the liquid crystal display 431 when is pressed. When the “specify external device” key 432 is pressed, an external output device selection program is started, and the operation panel 43 enters the selection mode. During the selection mode, the function keys function as keys for switching the type of output device to be displayed. When the “FAX” key 434 is pressed, only output devices having a FAX function are displayed, and “PRIX” is displayed.
When the "NT" key 435 is pressed, only output devices having a printer function are displayed, and when the "SCAN" key 434 is pressed, only personal computers are displayed.

In FIG. 36, each output device is displayed as an icon indicating a facsimile. When each icon is pressed by a finger or the like, the display is inverted to be in a selected state. This is because the pressed position is detected by the touch panel. The device name of the device corresponding to the selected icon is displayed in the “selected FAX” column at the bottom of the screen. Below this, unique information such as specifications of the device, that is, transmission / reception speed, and the like are displayed, and further below that, the current status of the device is displayed.

To change the icon to be selected, if the desired icon is pressed, the currently selected icon is released from the selected state, and the newly pressed icon becomes the selected state.
FAX selection method is to select the desired icon,
All you have to do is press the "OK" button at the bottom of the screen. When the “OK” button or the “Cancel” button is pressed, the selection mode is canceled, and the liquid crystal display 431 displays the screen of the normal mode. If the “cancel” button is pressed, the mode returns to the normal mode without changing the settings of the output device.

The layout diagram displayed on the selection mode screen is created by a personal computer as shown in FIG. The created data of the layout diagram is transferred from the personal computer to the digital copier A41 and stored in the fixed disk device 415. The device information of each output device refers to the device information stored in the fixed disk device of the personal computer as a device information table as shown in FIG. In order to speed up the processing, the device information table may also be transferred from the personal computer to the fixed disk device 415 of the digital copying machine A41.

FIG. 37 shows that the “external device designation” key 432 on the operation panel 43 is depressed, and the “SCAN” key 43
5 is a diagram showing a display on the liquid crystal display 431 when 5 is pressed. FIG. The "SCAN" key is a key for displaying a personal computer having the function of an output device in the selection mode.
On this screen, a personal computer can be designated as an output destination, and arbitrary image data stored in the fixed disk device 415 or the like can be transferred to the personal computer. Figure 3 shows how to specify a PC
This is the same procedure as the screen 6.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing of the external output device selection program. When the “specify external device” key 432 on the operation panel 43 is pressed, the processing 60
In step 1, the external output device selection program is started, and the operation panel 43 enters the selection mode. The external output device selection program first displays a layout diagram on the liquid crystal display 431 in process 602. In the layout diagram, the type of output device to be displayed can be switched by pressing a function key.

Next, in decision 603, it is determined whether any icon has been pressed. If the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 604 to set the icon to the selected state,
The unique information of the output device is acquired and the information is displayed. Since the unique information of the output device is stored in a device information table as shown in FIG. 21, that information is used. Also, the current status of the selected output device is obtained and displayed. After the process 604, the process returns to the process 602.

If it is determined in step 603 that the icon has not been pressed, the flow advances to step 605 to determine whether the “cancel” button has been pressed. If it is pressed, the selection mode is canceled without any operation, and the mode returns to the normal mode. If the "cancel" button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to decision 606,
It is determined whether the "OK" button has been pressed. If the button has been pressed, the flow advances to step 607 to perform external device selection processing.
The output device corresponding to the selected icon is set as an output destination. Then, the mode returns to the normal mode. If it is determined in step 606 that the “OK” button has not been pressed, the process 60
Return to 2.

According to the eighth embodiment described above, an input / output device connected to a network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination even from an office device having no character input means such as a keyboard. The range of usage forms is expanded, and the functions of office equipment can be fully utilized. In addition, the procedure for specifying input / output devices is simple and clear, and errors in specification are unlikely to occur.

[0113]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

When selecting an input / output device and designating an input / output destination, since the arrangement of the icons matches the actual arrangement of the input / output devices in the office, the correspondence between the icons and the actual input / output devices The relationship is easy to understand, and the input / output device intended by the operator can be definitely set easily.

When selecting an input / output device and specifying an input / output destination, input / output devices connected to all LANs are displayed, and the status of each input / output device is displayed near the icon. The operator can select an optimal input / output device in consideration of the state of each input / output device. For example, even if there is a nearby printer such as a power-off or a jam, the operator does not overlook the printer, and it is possible to take measures such as turning on the power of the printer or canceling the jam.

By displaying the layout diagram and the icons on the display means of the office equipment other than the computer, even the office equipment having no character input means such as a keyboard can be displayed.
Since the input / output device connected to the network can be freely designated as the external input / output destination, the range of usage of the office equipment is expanded, and the functions of the office equipment can be fully utilized. In addition, the procedure for specifying input / output devices is simple and clear, and errors in specification are unlikely to occur.

When the layout diagram and the icon are displayed on the display means of the office equipment other than the computer, the layout diagram data is created on the computer and transferred from the computer to the office equipment. The selection screen can also be displayed on office equipment that cannot perform complicated operations such as, for example, and input / output equipment connected to the network can be freely designated as an external input / output destination.

Since the locations where the input / output devices are arranged are selected in order from the upper hierarchy for displaying the wide area to the lower hierarchy, the desired location can be selected from a very large number of input / output devices in the wide area network. Can be easily and reliably specified in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network which is a premise of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer A.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing software loaded on a RAM of a personal computer A and a hierarchical relationship between the software.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a print dialog box.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a conventional printer designation method.

FIG. 6 illustrates a printer selection dialog box according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a printer selection program.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen on which a layout creation program has been executed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a window for arranging icons on a layout diagram.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating contents of a device information table according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a printer selection dialog box according to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating software loaded in a RAM of a personal computer and a hierarchical relationship in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a FAX selection dialog box according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating contents of a device information table according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network on which a fourth embodiment is based.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram for selecting an input / output device in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an input / output device selection dialog box displaying all models of the input / output devices.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a scanner selection dialog box.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a process of creating a layout diagram for displaying all models of input / output devices.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating contents of a device information table according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an input / output device selection program.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing of a display switching program.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network on which a fifth embodiment is based.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing an arrangement of each office on a map.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing a floor configuration in a business establishment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box displaying a paper output device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box displaying an output device for bitmap output according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box displaying an output device of paper or bitmap output according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing contents of a personal information table in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital copying machine A according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing software loaded on the RAM of the digital copying machine A and its hierarchical relationship.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a FAX selection screen of the liquid crystal display.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a personal computer selection screen of the liquid crystal display.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing processing of an external output device selection program.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication medium 2 WAN communication medium 3 Server 10 PC server 11 Personal computer A 12 Personal computer B 13 Personal computer C 14 Personal computer D 15 Personal computer E 21 Printer A 22 Printer B 23 Printer C 31 FAX 41 Digital copier A 42 Digital copier B 51 Scanner A 52 Scanner B

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G06F 15/00 310 G06F 15/00 310D H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z

Claims (8)

[Claims] A step of displaying, on a display device, a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output device, and an icon for displaying the input / output device on a connected device in a network in which a computer and the input / output device are connected; Executing a procedure of displaying the input / output device at a position corresponding to an actual arrangement position of the input / output device on a layout image, and a process of specifying the input / output device corresponding to a selected icon among the icons as an input / output destination A recording medium storing a program for designating an input / output device in a network for causing a computer to perform the operation. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the program displays a status of the input / output device near an icon corresponding to the input / output device. Recording medium for recording a designated program of an input / output device in a network including a partial program for executing the program. 3. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said connection device is a computer, and said display means is attached to said computer. A recording medium that stores a program for designating input / output devices in a network. 4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the connection device is an office device other than a computer, and the display means is A recording medium that stores a program for designating input / output devices in a network attached to office equipment. 5. The recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the program includes a partial program for executing a procedure of receiving the layout image from a computer via a network. A recording medium storing a program for designating input / output devices in a network. 6. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said program is a program for specifying an input / output device in a network, wherein said program is an image or a list showing an arrangement location of said input / output device. For creating and storing the images in a plurality of layers, displaying the image or list of the upper layer, and displaying the image or list of the lower layer by selecting from the image or list of the upper layer A recording medium recording a program for designating an input / output device in a network, including a partial program for executing the procedure. 7. A layout image storage means (114) for storing a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices, and a device for storing information of the input / output devices in a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected. A device information table storage unit (114) for storing an information table; a display unit (116) for displaying the layout image; and an icon for displaying the input / output device, the actual arrangement of the input / output device on the layout image. An input / output device designation system in a network, comprising: input / output device designation means for displaying at a position corresponding to a position and designating the input / output device corresponding to a selected icon among the icons as an input / output destination. 8. In a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices is displayed on a display unit, and an icon for displaying the input / output devices is displayed on a front of the layout image. The input / output device is displayed at a position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output device, and by specifying the icon, the input / output device corresponding to the icon is specified as an input / output destination. Method.