JP2001043039A - Data processor, printing controller, driver managing, method and storage medium with computer-readable program stored thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the installation expenses by downloading a printer driver program from a managing server device through a communication medium according to location information answered from a printer in response to an inquiry. SOLUTION: When a printer driver managing part 117 acquires the URL of a printer driver, the part 117 accesses the URL on the internet 100 and downloads the installation execution file of the printer driver. The access to the Internet is released after downloading the installation execution file. Next, the printer driver is installed. The downloaded file is a program capable of being executed on a host computer 110, and a new printer driver is installed by executing the program to be available, and the downloaded installation execution program is finally eliminated and the automatic installation of the printer driver is finished.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention specifies the location of a printer driver program between a printing device and a data processing device capable of communicating with the printing device via a predetermined communication medium, and downloads the printer driver program from a server device. The present invention relates to a data processing device, a print control device, a driver management method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when printing document data created by an application program on a host computer, a program for converting the document data into print data for a printer is required. This program is called a printer driver, which differs not only depending on the printer model, but also generally releases a plurality of versions even for the same model.

For example, when a printer body is shipped, it is recorded on a medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM and supplied to a user. However, if a defect is found in a released printer driver or a new function is added to the printer driver. When the printer driver is added, if the printer driver realizing the more efficient generation of the print data is developed, the upgraded printer driver is often supplied to the user using the Internet or the like.

When a user wants to install a printer driver in a host computer, the user installs the driver using a medium supplied from the manufacturer, or checks the URL of the homepage of the printer manufacturer in some way and checks the printer driver. You need to download and install the program.

In order to reduce the load on the user, a method has been proposed in which a printer driver program is incorporated in a printer, uploaded to a host computer as necessary, and automatically installed.

[0006]

As described above, a floppy disk included with a printer is used to install a printer driver using a floppy disk or CD-ROM in a host computer newly introduced by a user. And a CD-ROM must be stored semi-permanently, which is a very complicated task in a network environment using a plurality of types of printers.

Therefore, in order to automate the installation work of the printer driver or reduce the load, a server for centrally managing the printer driver of the printer connected to the network is provided, or the printer driver is built in each printer. A method has also been devised in which, when necessary, the data is automatically uploaded to the host computer and installed.

However, in any case, there is a problem that the installed printer driver is not guaranteed to be the latest printer driver supplied by the printer maker.

On the other hand, in order to install the latest printer driver supplied by the printer maker into the host computer, the URL of the homepage on the Internet of the printer maker is checked by some method, and the printer driver of the target printer is further obtained therefrom. You need to get to the download page and actually download and install it.

This is not only a very complicated task,
Since it is assumed that the host computer is connected to a network, this method cannot be applied to the case where a portable host computer is used by being directly connected to a printer installed and carried.

As described above, an optimal method for automatically installing the latest printer driver supplied by a printer maker in a host computer as necessary has not yet been established.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain location information of a printer driver program stored in a printing apparatus, and perform data processing according to the location information. When the apparatus downloads a specific printer driver program from the server apparatus, or based on a download request from the data processing apparatus, the print control apparatus operates according to the location information of the printer driver program stored in the server apparatus. A specific server device that manages a printer driver program optimal for a specific printing device connected to the data processing device by downloading a specific printer driver program from the PC and uploading the downloaded printer driver program to the data processing device From The printer driver installation environment that can complete the installation process by acquiring the data processing device can be freely configured, the installation burden when newly installing the data processing device can be reduced, and the data processing device is carried and connected to an unspecified printing device Also in this case, a data processing device, a print control device, a driver management method, and a computer-readable storage for storing a data processing device, a print control device, and a driver management method capable of installing a printer driver program optimal for the connected printing device and enabling quick print output. Is to provide a medium.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network and the Internet). Means for inquiring about the location of the printer driver (printer driver management unit 117 shown in FIG. 1), and a server for managing the printer driver program according to the location information returned from the printing apparatus in response to the inquiry from the inquiry means. Download means for downloading from a device via the communication medium (printer driver management unit 117 shown in FIG. 1)
And

A second invention according to the present invention is a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information by a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.) via a printer driver program. A storage unit for storing location information of the printer driver program (a URL storage unit 127 shown in FIG. 1); and a storage unit for storing location information of the printer driver program issued from the data processing device. Response means (command interpretation unit 122 shown in FIG. 1) for responding to the data processing device with the location information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.). Requesting means (a printer driver management unit 117 shown in FIG. 1) for issuing an upload request, and driver managing means (FIG. 1) for acquiring a printer driver program uploaded from the print control device in response to an upload request from the requesting means. And a printer driver management unit 117) shown in FIG.

A fourth invention according to the present invention is a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information by a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.) via a printer driver program. A storage unit (URL storage unit 127 shown in FIG. 1) for storing location information of the printer driver program, and a storage unit for storing location information of the printer driver program based on an upload request of the printer driver program issued from the data processing apparatus. Download means (command interpretation unit 122 shown in FIG. 1) for downloading from a server device which manages a printer driver program according to the location information, and upload for uploading the printer driver program downloaded by the download means to the data processing device. Stage (command interpreter 12 shown in FIG. 1
2).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an obtaining unit (command interpreting unit 122 shown in FIG. 1) for obtaining version information of a printer driver program stored in the server device, and the obtaining unit obtains the version information. Determining means (a command interpreting unit 122 shown in FIG. 1) for comparing the obtained version information with version information in the location information stored in the storage means to determine whether the obtained version information is the latest version; The download unit downloads the latest version of the printer driver program from the server device when the determination unit determines that the version is the latest version.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the data processing device is capable of being locally connected to the printing device via a predetermined interface.

According to the seventh and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.) is provided.
A method of managing a driver in a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a communication device, or storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with the printing device via a predetermined communication medium An inquiry process (steps S3000 and S3010 shown in FIG. 3) for inquiring of the printing device about the location of a printer driver, and the location information returned from the printing device in response to the inquiry in the inquiry process. A download step (steps S3020 and S3020 shown in FIG.
3030).

According to the eighth and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.)
A method of managing a driver in a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program to a data processing apparatus via a printer control program or a print information via a printer driver program to a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium Is a storage medium storing a computer readable program that controls a print control device capable of receiving a printer control program, wherein the program is stored in a storage unit based on a location acquisition request of a printer driver program issued from the data processing device. A response step of responding the location information of the printer driver program to the data processing apparatus (steps S3000 and S3010 shown in FIG. 3).
(Not shown)).

According to the ninth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.)
A method of managing a driver in a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a communication device, or storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with the printing device via a predetermined communication medium A requesting step of issuing an upload request of a printer driver program to the printing apparatus (this is a step before the step S9000 shown in FIG. 9 and not shown); And a driver management step of acquiring a printer driver program uploaded from the print control apparatus (a step after step S9080 shown in FIG. 9 and not shown).

A tenth and a sixteenth inventions according to the present invention are directed to a printing control apparatus capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program by a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium (including a network, the Internet, etc.). Or a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls a print control device capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program in a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium. A download step of downloading from a server device that manages a printer driver program according to location information of the printer driver program stored in a storage unit based on an upload request of the printer driver program issued from the data processing device. (FIG. 9 A step S9060) showing steps shown in the upload process (FIG. 9 to upload a printer driver program which is downloaded by the download process to the data processing device S908
0).

According to the eleventh and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, an acquisition step (step S9020 shown in FIG. 9) for acquiring version information of a printer driver program stored in the server device, and the acquisition step A determining step (Steps S9030 to S9050 shown in FIG. 9) of comparing the obtained version information with the version information in the location information stored on the storage unit to determine whether the obtained version information is the latest version. Have
The downloading step downloads the latest version of the printer driver program from the server device when it is determined by the determining step that the printer driver is the latest version.

According to twelfth and eighteenth aspects of the present invention, the data processing device can be locally connected to the printing device via a predetermined interface.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which a data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes a host computer, and a network I / F unit 112 inside the host computer LA
N102, and the LAN 102 is connected to the Internet 100 via the router 101.
0 to download various resources as needed.

Further, the host computer 110 has an application program (application) 111. The application program 111 is document creation software such as a word processor, graphic creation software, and image editing software. The document is converted into print data that can be interpreted by the printer by the printer driver program 113 and transmitted to the printer 104 connected to the LAN 102 via the network I / F unit 112.

The printer driver program 113 is held as a separate program for each printer used for printing, and print data to be generated differs depending on the printer. For example, a printer driver of an inkjet printer that prints for each scan line converts all drawing data into image data and transmits the image data, and a printer driver of a laser beam printer that can print on a page basis prints characters as characters and figures as figures. Send as a figure. The printer driver program (printer driver) 113
Are the analysis unit 115, the command generation unit 114, and the user I
/ F section 116.

The analysis unit 115 analyzes characters, graphics, and image data passed from the application 111, converts the data into commands that can be interpreted by the printer 120 or the printer 104 by the command generation unit 114, and transmits the commands to the network I / F unit 112. The data is transmitted to the printer 120 or the printer 104 via the printer.

The user I / F unit 116 is a program for designating, for example, resolution, color / monochrome, single-sided printing / double-sided printing, etc., when the user executes printing. This is reflected in the command generated by the generation unit 114.

Reference numeral 117 denotes a printer driver management unit which manages a printer driver installed in the host computer 110 and which port, that is, which printer is connected to the printer driver, and performs automatic printer driver installation processing as necessary. Do.

Generally, a plurality of host computers are connected to the LAN 102, and 103 is another host computer.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a printer, which is connected to the LAN 102 by a network I / F unit 121 inside the printer, and performs a printing process according to print data transmitted from the host computer 110 or the host computer 103.

In the printer 120, the network I
The data received by the / F unit 121 is transmitted to the command interpreting unit 122
The print data is converted into internal drawing data and passed to the drawing unit 123. When the printer body is a page printer, the drawing unit 123 accumulates one page of drawing data, and when there is an instruction to end one page, rasterizes the accumulated one page of drawing data into bitmap data and prints the data. Send to Print control unit 124
Synchronizes the bitmap data received from the drawing unit 123 with the printing mechanism main body 125 while synchronizing with the printing mechanism main body 125.
25 for printing.

Reference numeral 126 denotes a hard disk or a large-capacity RAM
Etc., and can store form data, download fonts, and the like.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a URL storage unit composed of a ROM or NVRAM, which stores the location of a server for downloading the latest version of the printer driver.

Reference numeral 104 denotes another printer, and a plurality of printers are generally connected to the LAN 102 in consideration of the purpose of printing and the frequency of use.

Next, automatic printer driver installation processing which is a feature of the present embodiment will be described.

In the printing system of this embodiment, the timing at which the printer driver is automatically installed is when the user adds a print port on the host computer 110. The user must determine in advance the printer to be used from among a plurality of printers connected to the LAN 102, but it is not necessary to select one printer and all printers connected to the LAN 102 must be selected. Is also possible. Generally LAN1
When a new printer is connected to the printer 02, a print port is often added.

The addition of a print port is performed in a print port addition window 200 displayed on the host computer 110 shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a window displayed on the display device of the host computer 110 shown in FIG. 1, which is a print port addition window 200.

In the figure, the user operates a keyboard or the like to input the IP address of a printer to be used in a port input field 201, and clicks an add button 202 with a pointing device (not shown) to add a print port and a printer. Automatic driver installation starts. When the cancel button 203 is clicked, the process ends without adding a print port.

When addition of a print port is instructed on the additional window 200, the printer driver management unit 11
7 performs an automatic installation process of the printer driver.
The procedure of the automatic installation process of the printer driver will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention. S3000 to S3060 indicate each step.

When a print port is added on the additional window 200 shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S3000, the port input field 201 of the printer is entered.
To obtain the IP address input in step S3.
At 010, the URL of the printer driver (stored in the URL storage unit 127) is acquired from the printer connected to the IP address.

The communication between the host computer 110 and the printer 120 is performed by the respective network I / F units 1
12 and the LAN 102 with the network I / F unit 121
Is performed using a predetermined protocol.

The request for obtaining the URL of the printer driver of the printer driver management unit 117 of the host computer 110 is transmitted as a printer control command, which is interpreted by the command interpretation unit 122 of the printer 120.

The printer 120 is connected to the host computer 11
0 to the printer driver URL acquisition request
The URL of the printer driver stored in the URL storage unit 127 is read, and the read URL is transmitted to the host computer 110. The URL storage unit 12
7 stores a unique URL for each product. For example, “http://www.canon.co.jp”
/ Printer Driver / LBP-2160.
html ”.

When the printer driver management unit 117 obtains the URL of the printer driver, the process advances to step S3020 to access the URL on the Internet 100, and further downloads the installation execution file of the printer driver in step S3030. When the download of the installation execution file is completed, the process proceeds to step S3040 to cancel the access to the Internet.

Subsequently, in step S3050, a printer driver is installed. In step S3030,
The downloaded file is the host computer 110
The new printer driver is installed and becomes usable by executing this program.

When the installation of the printer driver is completed in this way, finally, in step S3060, the installation execution program downloaded in step S3030 is deleted, and the automatic installation of the printer driver is ended.

As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, a printer is newly connected to the network and used by each user's host computer, or a new host computer is connected to the network and the printer is already connected to the network. When a user uses the printer, the latest printer driver of the printer is automatically installed by inputting the IP address of the printer to be used, and the printer can be used.

Conventional floppy disks and CD-
There is no need for complicated work such as installation using a physical medium such as a ROM or checking a URL of a printer maker's homepage and downloading a printer driver, thus making it possible to construct a network printing environment that is easier for the user to use.

[Second Embodiment] The previous embodiment (first embodiment) is an example in which a host computer and a printer are connected to a network. In the present embodiment, only the host computer is connected to the network. And
The case where the printer is locally connected will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which a data processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same parts. Host computer 110 and printer 1
Reference numeral 20 denotes each of the local port I / F units 118 and 12
8, and the printer 120 is disconnected from the LAN 102.

With the local connection in this manner, as shown in FIG.
0 is input to the port input window 201 of “0”, and an add button 2 is input using a pointing device (not shown).
When 02 is clicked, the local port is added to the print port, and automatic installation of the printer driver of the printer 120 connected to the local port 118 is started.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a window displayed on the display device of the host computer 110 shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 shows an additional window 200 of FIG.

In the first embodiment, the automatic installation process of the printer driver
I / F unit 112 of host computer 110 and network I of printer 120
The printer 120 notifies the host computer 110 of the URL of the printer driver via the / F unit 121, whereas in the present embodiment, the local port I / F unit 118 of the host computer 110 and the printer 120 This is realized by notifying the printer 120 of the URL of the printer driver from the printer 120 to the host computer 110 via the local port I / F unit 128.

The other processes are exactly the same as those described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, so that detailed description will be omitted.

In general, there are few cases where a low-speed printer such as an ink-jet printer is connected to a network and used by many users. Such a printer is often placed beside a host computer and locally connected to the host computer.

The present embodiment shows that the present invention can be applied to such a local connection mode, and is particularly effective for a low-cost printer having no interface for connecting to a network.

[Third Embodiment] In the previous embodiments (first and second embodiments), a host computer connected to a network accesses the Internet to download a printer driver. Printer connected to the Internet accesses the Internet, downloads the printer driver,
A form that uploads it to the host computer is also conceivable.

In this embodiment, since the host computer does not access the Internet, the host computer does not necessarily need to be connected to a network.
In this case, the host computer and the printer are connected by their respective local ports. This is suitable when a portable small computer, which is rapidly spreading in recent years, is temporarily connected to the printer for printing. is there. FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the printing system in this case.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which the data processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.

An instruction to add a print port is made in a print port addition window 200 displayed on the host computer 110 shown in FIG. 2, which is also the same as that described in the first embodiment. Is omitted.

When a port addition is instructed in the print port addition window 200 on the host computer 110, the automatic installation process of the printer driver, which is a feature of the embodiment, is performed. The control procedure is shown in FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention, and S6000 to S6030 show each step.

First, as described above, the host computer 110 displays the additional window 200 on the display device of the host computer 110 and adds a print port. At step S6000 in FIG.
Get the address. Next, in step S6010, an installation execution file of the printer driver is acquired from the printer connected to the IP address. At this time, the host computer 110 and the printer 12
0 is communicated with each of the network I / F units 112 and 121 using a predetermined protocol of the LAN 102.

Subsequently, in step S6020, the printer driver is installed. Step S6010
The acquired file is a program that can be executed on the host computer 110. By executing this program, a new printer driver is installed,
Will be available.

When the installation of the printer driver is completed in this way, finally, in step S6030, the installation execution program acquired in step S6010 is deleted, and the automatic installation of the printer driver ends.

Next, the processing procedure on the printer 120 side in response to the acquisition request of the installation execution file of the printer driver in step S6010 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that S7000 to S7050 indicate each step.

When there is a request from the host computer 110 to acquire the printer driver installation execution file, the printer 120 reads the URL of the printer driver from the URL storage unit 127 in step S7000, and in step S7010, reads the URL of the printer driver on the Internet.
Access RL.

Next, in step S7020, the URL
From the printer driver installation file, and stores it in the large-capacity storage unit 126. Upon completion of the download, the flow advances to step S7030 to release the access to the Internet 100, and then to step S7030.
At 7040, the installation execution file of the printer driver stored in the mass storage unit 126 is uploaded to the host computer 110. Finally, in step S7050, the installation execution file of the printer driver stored in the large-capacity storage unit 126 is deleted, and the process is completed.

As described above, even in the printing system according to the present embodiment, a new printer is connected to the network and used by each user's host computer, or a new host computer is connected to the network and the printer is already connected to the network. When a user uses the printer, the latest printer driver of the printer is automatically installed by inputting the IP address of the printer to be used, and the printer can be used.

A conventional floppy disk or CD-
This eliminates any complicated work such as installation using a storage medium such as a ROM or checking a URL of a printer manufacturer's homepage and downloading a printer driver, thereby making it possible to construct a network printing environment that is easier for the user to use.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the previous embodiment (third embodiment), the printer accesses the Internet and downloads a large file every time there is a request from the host computer to acquire a printer driver installation execution program. become.

In the present embodiment (fourth embodiment), the version of the installation execution program of the printer driver held in the printer is managed, and if the version is the latest version, the program is not downloaded but held. It aims to minimize downloading from the Internet by uploading files to a host computer.

The configuration of the printing system according to the present embodiment is the same as that described with reference to the block configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

An instruction to add a print port is made in a print port addition window 200 displayed on the host computer 110 shown in FIG. 2, which is also the same as that described in the first embodiment. Is omitted.

When a port addition is instructed in the print port addition window 200 on the host computer 110, automatic installation processing of a printer driver which is a feature of the present invention is performed. The control procedure will be described below. The control procedure on the computer 110 side is the same as that described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted, and the printer 120 in response to a request to acquire a printer driver installation execution file will be omitted.
The processing procedure on the side will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention. Note that S9000 to S9080 indicate each step.

When there is a request from the host computer 110 to acquire the printer driver installation execution file, the printer 120 reads the URL of the printer driver from the URL storage unit 127 in step S9000 in FIG. 9, and in step S9010, reads the URL on the Internet.
Access L.

Next, in step S9020, the URL
Then, a file describing the version of the printer driver is downloaded from, and the version information of the printer driver stored in the large-capacity storage unit 126 is read in step S9030. Then, step S9040
Then, the two versions are compared, and the version obtained from the Internet in step S9050 is newer than the version information of the printer driver stored in the mass storage unit 126, or the version information is stored in the mass storage unit 126. If it is determined that the file is not stored (it has never been downloaded yet), the process proceeds to step S9060 to download the installation execution file of the printer driver, and
6 is stored.

When the download is completed, the flow advances to step S9070 to release the access to the Internet. In step S9080, the printer driver installation file stored in the large-capacity storage unit 126 is uploaded to the host computer 110. Complete the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9050 that the version information of the printer driver stored in the large-capacity storage unit 126 is the same as the version obtained from the Internet, the installation execution file of the printer driver is downloaded. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S9070 to cancel the access to the Internet, and uploads the printer driver installation execution file stored in the large-capacity storage unit 126 to the host computer 110 in step S9080 to complete the processing.

According to the control procedure of this embodiment, large-scale downloading from the Internet can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, and communication costs can be reduced and the installation process can be speeded up.

Particularly, in a case where a printer driver is installed in many host computers in an initial stage of constructing a network, the effect is large.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the host computer issues a request for obtaining the URL of the printer driver to the printer, and the printer returns the URL held therein to the host computer. is there. In this case, since the host computer downloads the printer driver from the received URL and installs the printer driver, the printer only needs to hold the URL therein and does not need to support a protocol such as HTTP. Further, since a storage device for storing the printer driver is not required, there is an advantage that the configuration of the printer main body becomes very simple.

The host computer issues a request for obtaining the printer driver itself to the printer.
Since the printer downloads the printer driver from the URL held therein and uploads it to the host computer, in this case, the printer supports a protocol such as HTTP, and further stores the printer driver by downloading and holding the printer driver. Since a device or the like is required, the configuration must be complicated as compared with the first method. On the contrary, the host computer does not need to be connected to a network.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the portable host computer can be used by directly connecting to the printer.

Also, the printer driver downloaded inside the printer may be held as it is, and if the driver of the URL held inside is not upgraded, the held printer driver may be uploaded to the host computer as it is. It is possible to minimize the communication cost with an external network and upload the printer driver to the host computer quickly.

Therefore, not only can the necessary printer driver be automatically installed in the host computer connected to the printer via a network or locally, but also the installed printer driver must be the latest version supplied by the printer manufacturer via the Internet. Becomes

As a result, the end user and the network administrator are not only released from the management of the printer driver and complicated installation work, but also can freely add a host computer and a printer to the network, and can immediately perform printing.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a printing system to which the printing system according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the memory maps shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the printing system according to the present invention.
0 corresponds to a memory map of a storage medium storing a program readable by the data processing device, and FIG.
This corresponds to a memory map of a storage medium storing a program that can be read by the printer device.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0106]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the eighteenth aspect, the location information of the printer driver program stored in the printing device is acquired, and the data processing device downloads the specific printer driver program from the server device according to the location information. A printer driver installation environment that can securely acquire and complete the installation process from a specific server device that manages the optimal printer driver program for a specific printing device connected to the Installation burden can be reduced.

Further, based on the download request from the data processing device, the print control device downloads a specific printer driver program from the server device in accordance with the location information of the printer driver program stored in the print control device, and downloads the program. Since the printer driver program is uploaded to the data processing device,
A printer driver installation environment that can reliably acquire and complete the installation process from a specific server device that manages a printer driver program most suitable for a specific printing device connected to the data processing device can be freely constructed. Even when the printing apparatus is connected to an unspecified printing apparatus, it is possible to obtain an effect such that a printer driver program optimal for the connected printing apparatus is installed and a quick print output can be freely performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which a data processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a window displayed on a display device of the host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which a data processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a window displayed on the display device of the host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a network printing system to which a data processing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the print control apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Internet 101 Router 102 LAN 103 Host computer 104 Printer 110 Host computer 111 Application 112 Network I / F section (host computer side) 113 Printer driver program 114 Command generation section 115 Analysis section 116 User I / F section 117 Printer driver management section 118 Local port I / F unit (host computer side) 120 Printer 121 Network I / F unit (printer side) 122 Command interpreting unit 123 Drawing unit 124 Print control unit 125 Printing mechanism main unit 126 Large capacity storage unit 127 URL storage unit 128 Local port I / F section (printer side) 200 Add printing port window

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a query unit for querying the printing device for the location of a printer driver; A data processing apparatus, comprising: download means for downloading via a communication medium from a server apparatus which manages the printer driver program according to location information returned from a printing apparatus. 2. A print control device capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program to a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a storage unit for storing location information of the printer driver program; A response unit that responds to the data processing device with the location information stored in the storage unit based on a location acquisition request of a printer driver program issued from the data processing device. apparatus. 3. A data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the requesting device issues an upload request of a printer driver program to the printing device, and an upload request by the requesting device. And a driver management means for acquiring a printer driver program uploaded from the print control device in accordance with the data processing apparatus. 4. A print control device capable of receiving print information from a data processing device via a printer driver program via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the storage device stores location information of the printer driver program; A download unit that downloads from a server device that manages a printer driver program in accordance with the location information stored in the storage unit based on an upload request of a printer driver program issued from a data processing device; And a upload unit for uploading the printer driver program to the data processing device. 5. An acquisition unit for acquiring version information of a printer driver program stored in the server device, acquired version information acquired by the acquisition unit, and version information in location information stored on the storage unit. Determining whether the acquired version information is the latest version by comparing with the latest version of the printer driver program when the determining unit determines that the acquired version information is the latest version. 5. The print control device according to claim 4, wherein the print control device downloads the print job from the server device. 6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data processing apparatus is locally connectable to the printing apparatus via a predetermined interface. 7. A driver management method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an inquiry step of inquiring the printing device for the location of a printer driver; A download step of downloading from the management server that manages the printer driver program via the communication medium in accordance with the location information returned from the printing apparatus. 8. A driver management method for a print control device capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program to a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a printer driver program issued from the data processing device. And a response step of responding to the data processing device the location information of the printer driver program stored in the storage means based on the location acquisition request. 9. A driver management method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the requesting process issues an upload request for a printer driver program to the printing device; A driver management step of acquiring a printer driver program uploaded from the printing apparatus in response to an upload request in the step. 10. A driver management method for a print control device capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program to a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: a printer driver program issued from the data processing device. A download step of downloading from a server device that manages the printer driver program in accordance with the location information of the printer driver program stored in the storage unit based on the upload request of the printer driver; A driver management method, comprising: an uploading step of uploading data to a data processing device. An acquisition step of acquiring version information of a printer driver program stored in the server device; acquired version information acquired in the acquisition step; and version information in location information stored in the storage unit. And determining whether the obtained version information is the latest version by comparing the acquired version information with the latest version of the printer driver program when the determination step determines that the acquired version information is the latest version. 11. The driver management method according to claim 10, wherein the driver is downloaded from the server device. 12. The driver management method according to claim 7, wherein the data processing device is locally connectable to the printing device via a predetermined interface. 13. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a location of a printer driver is stored in the printing apparatus. An inquiry step of inquiring; and a download step of downloading, via the communication medium, from a management server that manages the printer driver program according to location information returned from the printing apparatus in response to the inquiry in the inquiry step. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program. 14. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling a print control device capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program in a data processing device via a predetermined communication medium, A computer having a response step of responding to the data processing device the location information of the printer driver program stored in the storage means based on a printer driver program location acquisition request issued from the data processing device. A storage medium that stores a program that can be read. 15. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of communicating with a printing device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein a printer driver program is uploaded to the printing device. A computer-readable program, comprising: a requesting step of issuing a request; and a driver managing step of acquiring a printer driver program uploaded from the printing apparatus in response to the upload request in the requesting step. The storage medium in which it was stored. 16. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a print control apparatus capable of receiving print information via a printer driver program in a data processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium, A download step of downloading from a server device that manages a printer driver program in accordance with location information of the printer driver program stored in a storage unit based on an upload request of the printer driver program issued from the data processing device; An uploading step of uploading the printer driver program downloaded in the step to the data processing apparatus. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program, characterized by comprising: 17. An acquiring step of acquiring version information of a printer driver program stored in the server device, acquired version information acquired in the acquiring step, and version information in location information stored in the storage unit. And determining whether the obtained version information is the latest version by comparing the acquired version information with the latest version of the printer driver program when the determination step determines that the acquired version information is the latest version. 17. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 16, wherein said program is downloaded from said server device. 18. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the data processing device is locally connectable to the printing device via a predetermined interface.