JP2001229118A - Peripehral equipment management device and method, and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily register resources of peripheral equipments in a computer. SOLUTION: When a font is downloaded from an administrator's PC 3 to a printer 6, the font is sent to a server 2 and stored. Client PCs 4 and PC 5 when using the printer 6 acquire a file wherein information on resources which the printer 6 has including the downloaded font is gathered and registers the information of the resources that the printer 6 has according to the file. A client PC is able to use all the resources of the printer 6 by referring to the registered information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a server machine, a client computer (client P
C), a computer such as an administrator's computer (administrator's PC), and a printer or a multifunction copier (MFP)
The present invention relates to a peripheral device management method and apparatus for registering resources in a client PC in a network connected to peripheral devices such as a peripheral device, and a network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, resources such as font data, form data, and calibration data registered in peripheral devices such as printers and multifunction copiers connected to a network are transmitted from a client PC or the like on the network. In order to use the client PC, information (referred to as resource information) relating to resources registered in a peripheral device (referred to as a target device) to be used for the client PC must be provided. For this purpose, the user himself checks information on the resources of the target device and individually registers the information in the client PC.

[0003]

As described above, conventionally, the user of the client PC must check the resource information of the target device, which is cumbersome, and the registration method differs for each type of resource. In order to match resources between the target device and the client PC, there is a problem that a complicated setting operation is required. For this reason, it becomes difficult to use not only the resources of the peripheral device but also the peripheral device itself, resulting in a decrease in productivity.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and creates one information file in which selected resource information is compiled, and transmits the information of the peripheral device to the client PC based on the resource information included in the file. It is an object of the present invention to provide a peripheral device management method and device and a network system that can use resources of a peripheral device by a simple operation by registering resource information.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following arrangement.

A peripheral device management device connected to the peripheral device and a host device that uses the peripheral device, and a selecting means for selecting a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the connected peripheral devices; Acquiring means for acquiring resource data relating to the resources of the connected peripheral device in response to a request, and file creating means for creating a file that can be registered in the host device, including the resource data, from the resource data. Is provided.

[0007] More preferably, when a peripheral device is selected as the target, the obtaining means obtains resource data on all resources of the selected peripheral device.

[0008] More preferably, when a resource is selected as the target, the obtaining means obtains all resource data relating to the selected resource included in the connected peripheral device.

[0009] More preferably, the acquiring means acquires resource data on all the selected resources included in the connected peripheral device.

[0010] More preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for downloading resources to the peripheral device, and holding means for holding resource data relating to the downloaded resources, wherein the obtaining means stores the resource data held by the holding means. get.

[0011] More preferably, the apparatus further comprises holding means for obtaining and holding resource data relating to resources of the peripheral device from the peripheral device, and wherein the obtaining means obtains the resource data held by the holding means.

[0012] More preferably, the apparatus further comprises holding means for holding resource data relating to resources downloaded from the host device to the peripheral device from the host device, and the obtaining means stores the resource data held by the holding device. get.

[0013] More preferably, the apparatus further comprises input means for inputting a resource, and holding means for holding resource data relating to the resource input by the input means, wherein the obtaining means comprises a resource data held by the holding means. To get.

[0014] More preferably, the apparatus further comprises means for transmitting a file created by the file creating means to the host device in response to a request from the host device.

More preferably, the selecting means selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device in response to a request from the host device.

More preferably, the resources include at least one of font data, form data, a calibration table, an overlay image, and a peripheral device driver program.

Alternatively, there is provided an information processing apparatus connected to the peripheral device and the peripheral device management device, wherein the selecting means selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the connected peripheral device; Receiving means for receiving, from the peripheral device management apparatus, a file in which resource data relating to the peripheral device selected by the means or all the resources of the peripheral device are provided, and registration for registering resource data included in the file received by the receiving means Means.

Alternatively, there is provided a peripheral device management system for managing a peripheral device connected to the information processing device by the peripheral device management device, wherein the information processing device includes, from the connected peripheral device, the peripheral device or the peripheral device. First selecting means for selecting a resource as a target; requesting means for requesting the peripheral device management device for resource data relating to the target selected by the first selecting device; The peripheral device management device, comprising: a reception unit that receives a file in which all resource data relating to the target are put together from the peripheral device management device; and a registration unit that registers resource data included in the file received by the reception device. Is the peripheral device selected by the selection means from the connected peripheral devices. Or second selection means for selecting a resource of the peripheral device as a target, acquisition means for acquiring resource data relating to the target in response to a request from the request means, and each resource data from the resource data. A file creation unit that creates a file that can be registered in the host device; and a transmission unit that sends the file to the information processing apparatus.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram best illustrating the features of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a network, which normally uses Ethernet. Besides Ethernet, there is also LocalTalk. Note that the term “network” in this embodiment refers to a physical cable,
It refers to one or more of those (protocols) that realize information exchange realized by a combination of an electrical signal passing through a cable and the electrical signal, and generally refers to a general term for these. Reference numeral 2 denotes a server computer having functions of a file server, a Web server, and the like, and is a core of the present invention. Reference numeral 3 denotes a personal computer for an administrator (hereinafter, a personal computer is referred to as a PC), which issues instructions to a server, instructions to peripheral devices handled in the present invention, and the like. Reference numerals 4 and 5 denote client PCs, which are PCs used by general users connected to the network. Note that even if the administrator PC is used, the client PC
May also be used. Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1, receive print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and perform print processing according to the commands. Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote function-combined copying machines, each having an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and can be used as a copier, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more functions.

Next, the operation of the present system will be described with reference to FIG.

The server 2 periodically transmits the printers 6, 7,
It communicates with the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and monitors the status of the devices and the software settings. The administrator PC 3 changes the settings of the device, software, and resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2, and the client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information from the server 2. The server 2 includes communication means using the http protocol.
C4 and C5 can acquire information of the server 2 using the WebBrowser, and can give an instruction to the server 2. When the server 2 receives an instruction from the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5, the server 2 uses the information stored in the server to execute the administrator PC 3 and the client PC 4.
Or return information to 5. Further, depending on the contents of the information, the information is obtained from the printers 6 and 7, the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, and the information is returned to the administrator PC 3, the client PC 4 or 5, or the printers 6, 7 and Processing such as setting is performed on the multifunction copiers 8 and 9.

The administrator's PC 3 is provided with a downloader, and downloads software or resources used by the software to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. The software includes a printer control firmware, a network control firmware, and, in the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, in addition to the above firmware, a scanner control firmware, a facsimile control firmware, a copier firmware, a panel operation firmware, and an image management software. And address management software. Resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by address management software, facsimile numbers, and the like.

The client PCs 4 and 5 store software (drivers and the like) for accessing and using the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and resources (resources for the client PC) used by the software. Hold. Software includes a printer driver for using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimile driver for using a facsimile, a copier utility software for controlling a copier, a network driver for using a network , WebBrowser, application software, etc., and the resources used by the software include client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts, address information used by the facsimile driver, print data used for color calibration, and overlay used for preview. There are images etc.

In addition to the above functions, it is possible to reflect the setting contents of the printer 6, the software, and the resources used by the software in the printer 7, the multifunction copier 8, and the multifunction printer 9. Similarly, it is possible to reflect the setting contents, software, and resources used by the software of the multifunction copier 8 on the multifunction copier 9, the printer 6, and the printer 7. When there is a difference in functions between models, only functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as convertible resources is reflected after conversion. Similarly, client PCs related to these models
4 can be reflected on the client PC 5. These processes are realized by exchanging information through the server 2.

Printers 6, 7, multifunction copier 8,
The setting contents of the ninth setting may be changed not only by the instruction from the administrator PC 3 but also by the setting from the panel or the setting from the client PC. What needs to pass this information to the client PC exactly
, An inquiry is always made to the printers 6, 7 and the multifunction copiers 8, 9 and information at the time of the inquiry is returned to the client PC. If the accuracy is not so strictly required, the information held in the server is used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing main hardware modules of each device in FIG. The function of the hardware module of each device will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a network line. The network line is a physical line that forms a network between the devices, and usually uses a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber, or the like. The hardware modules constituting the server 2 include a network board 202, a CPU board 203, a video interface 204, an I / O interface 205, a SCSI interface 206, and a CRT 207 connected thereto.
A keyboard 208, a mouse 209, and a hard disk drive 210. The hard disk drive 210
A plurality of hard disk units are connected in parallel to ensure high speed data transfer and high reliability. The hardware modules that make up the administrator PC 3, the client PC 4, and the PC 5 include a network board 2
02, CPU board 203, Video interface 20
4. I / O interface 205, IDE interface 211, CRT 207, keyboard 208, mouse 209, hard disk drive 2 connected to them
It is 10. The configuration of the hard disk differs from that of the server. The hardware modules of the printers 6 and 7 include a network board 212 corresponding to peripheral devices, a printer controller 213, and a print engine 214. The hardware modules of the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 include a network board 212 corresponding to a peripheral device, a multifunction copier controller 215, a print engine 214, an operation panel controller 216,
Operation panel 217, scanner controller 218, scanner unit 219, modem 220, hard disk I
F221 and a hard disk 222.

<Software of Server> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the server. In the figure,
301 is an OS (operating system), 302 is a library, 303 is a Web server, 304 is an application, and includes a peripheral device management program 305 as a part of the application. A hardware control program 306 includes a network board control program 307 as a part of the hardware control program.
The hard disk control program 308 is included.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the peripheral device management program 305. The peripheral device management program is realized as one of the applications on the server 2, and 401
Is the main part of the management program and controls the entire management program. Reference numeral 402 denotes a GUI CGI program that passes screen data expressed in html format to the web browser 303. Web browser 303
The data of the CGI 402 is transmitted to the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5 in the http format, and the administrator PC
3 or the instructions from the client PCs 4 and 5 are transmitted to the management program 401. Device communication program 4
03 performs communication between the peripheral device and the server using the network program 307, acquires information and the like from the device, sets the device, downloads software and resources used by the software, and the like. The information acquisition from the device is performed by the peripheral information acquisition module 4
031. The IPC 404 is a program for performing inter-process communication. The IPC 404 uses the network program 307 to perform communication with another PC, particularly with the administrator PC 3. The file management program 405
The file server function is realized using the D control program 308.

<Software of Administrator PC> FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an administrator PC 3.
Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an OS, which performs overall processing of the administrator PC. Reference numeral 502 denotes a main program of the downloader, which downloads software and resources used by the software to peripheral devices. 503
Is a GUI program which realizes a user interface function such as display and transmission of an instruction from a user to a downloader. An IPC program 504 communicates with the IPC 404 of the server. Reference numeral 505 denotes a file management program, which is usually implemented as a part of the OS 501, and performs file management when reading a file from a hard disk or a CD-ROM and downloading the file to a peripheral device through the downloader 502. 506
Is a network program, usually implemented as a part of the OS 501, and stores files on a hard disk or CD.
-Perform network communication when reading the contents of the ROM and downloading to the peripheral device through the downloader 502.

<Software of Client PC> FIG.
Is a diagram showing the software configuration of the client PCs 4 and 5; In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an OS, which performs general processing of the client PC. 602 is WebBro
It is a wser, receives data expressed in html format from the WebServer 303 of the server 2, displays it on the screen, and transmits a user's instruction to the server 2 through the http protocol. Reference numeral 603 denotes a client module, and WebB
Of the data received by rowser 602, WebBrowser60
2 performs processing on a part of the data that cannot be processed. Here, data that cannot be processed by WebBrowser 602 means software such as a printer driver for a client PC,
These are resources such as fonts for the client PC, and need to be installed on the client PC in a predetermined manner. A network program 604 is usually implemented as a part of the OS 601 and communicates with the Web Server 303 using the http protocol.

<Administrator PC Downloader 502> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the downloader 502 of the administrator PC 3. As shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a main module, which calls each module and processes parameters. Reference numeral 702 denotes a file management module that opens and reads a file to be downloaded using the file management program 505. A device search module 703 searches for a downloadable peripheral device, and acquires a communicable protocol, a device address, and the like. Reference numeral 704 denotes a file conversion module, which converts a resource used by the software when the format of the resource for the printer and the format of the resource for the client PC are different. The file conversion module 704 includes a printer file conversion module 705 and a client PC file conversion module 706 inside. The difference between the resource formats is, for example, a case where the printer uses a font represented by a cubic curve and a client PC uses a font represented by a quadratic curve, or the format of the overlay image differs between the printer and the client PC. That's what it means. The download module 707 is a module that downloads using the network program 506. The communication module 708 communicates with the server 2,
This module sends client PC resources to the server. An IPC module 709 is a module for performing inter-process communication.
Implement inter-process communication using a program.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the downloader of FIG. 7, and the operation of the downloader will be described with reference to FIG. As an example, font download will be described, but the same applies to other software and resources used by the software. As a premise, the downloader and the server 2 are always in communication, and it is possible to obtain file names and device names. However, to obtain files managed in the file server, a separate connection is established and the file is read. And

In step S801, the administrator inputs a file name from a download file selection screen and specifies a file to be downloaded. The user of the downloader specifies a file by inputting a file name. In step S802, it is determined whether the file is a file on the server 2 by inquiring of the file management program 405 on the server. If the file is on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S803. If the file is not on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S807. Proceed to. In step S803, a network connection with the server machine is established in order to acquire the substance of the download file from the server. In step S804, a file is read from the file server. In step S805, Serv
Turn on erFlag. In step S806, the network connection is disconnected.

On the other hand, in step S807, the file is opened from the local disk of the administrator PC. In step S808, the file is read. Step S80
At 9, the ServerFlag is turned off. Step S810
Then, close the file. That is, step S8
At step 06 or step S810, the file to be downloaded has been read by the downloader.

In step S811, the administrator selects a printer on the network from the downloader and selects a printer. In step S812, step S81
It is determined whether the printer selected in step 1 can be downloaded. Whether download is possible depends on the model and the attached storage device (RAM, FlashMemory, Har
dDisk, etc.). That is, if the model is a downloadable model and a downloadable storage device exists in the model, it is determined that download is possible. If it is determined in step S812 that the download is possible, the process proceeds to step S813. If it is determined that the download is not possible, the process proceeds to step S820.

In step S813, the font file is converted into a format that can be downloaded to a printer. However, if the font file is already downloadable, nothing is performed. In step S814, the downloadable font file is transferred to the printer. In step S815, it is determined whether ServerFlag is ON. If ON, the process is terminated on the assumption that the client file already exists in the server. Serv
If erFlag is not ON (that is, if it is OFF), the process proceeds to step S816.

In step S816, the font file is converted into a format usable by the client PC. However, if the font file has already been used in the client PC, nothing is performed. Step S817
Establishes a network connection with the server 2. In step S818, the font file for the client PC is written in the server 2. Step S819
Then, after disconnecting the connection and performing the network closing process, the process ends. In step S820, a message indicating that the file cannot be downloaded to the printer is displayed, and the process ends. By the processing described above, the client PC font file corresponding to the font file downloaded to the printer always exists in the server 2. In the conversion of the font file, there are a case where the font file format itself is converted and a case where header information or the like is added. For example, when downloading a TrueType (registered trademark) format font file to a printer equipped with a TrueType rasterizer, it is necessary to download the file with header information for the printer added. Add header information for When this font is used on MacOS, information called a FOND resource is added as additional information.

<Peripheral device information acquisition module 4031>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031. Referring to FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a main process of the peripheral device information acquisition module, which performs overall control, communication, management, a process when an interrupt occurs, transfer of download data to a peripheral device, and the like. An IPC process 902 exchanges information by performing inter-process communication with another module. Reference numeral 903 denotes a timer module, which generates an interrupt at regular intervals, and the main processing 901 operates to acquire information on peripheral devices at the timing of the interrupt. Reference numeral 904 denotes a cache management process, which temporarily stores the peripheral device information acquired by the interruption by the timer, and sends the information in the cache to another module through the IPC when there is an instruction to send data from the IPC. A TCP / IP module 905 exchanges data with a peripheral device that can acquire information or download data using TCP / IP. 906 is an AppleTalk module, App
Exchange data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data with leTalk. 907 is I
A PX / SPX module that exchanges data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data using IPX / SPX. Of course, it is possible to support other protocols.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for acquiring peripheral device information by interruption, which is performed by the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031.
This processing is executed when an interrupt occurs. In step S1011, information is obtained from all the peripheral devices of interest. The information we obtain includes the version of the software and the resources it uses, file sizes,
This is information for confirming whether the software or resources used by the software, such as the date and font, the typeface name, etc., have been changed. In step S1012, the obtained information is written to the cache 904.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the normal processing performed by the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031. In the normal processing, information acquisition and download are performed in accordance with an instruction from the user received by the module having the user IF. Step S
At 1021, an instruction from the user IF module is received through the IPC. The contents of the instruction to be received include processing contents, data for downloading, addresses of peripheral devices, and the like. In step S1022, it is determined whether it is a download or not.
Proceed to Step 3 and if not download, Step S1024
Proceed to. In step S1023, the transmitted data is downloaded to the specified peripheral device, and the process ends.

In step S1024, the type of required information is specified. The type of information is, for example, the typeface name, form size, software version, and the like. In step S1025, it is determined whether or not the requested information exists in the cache 904. If so, the process proceeds to step S1026;
Proceed to 1027. In step S1026, data is transmitted from the cache 904 through the IPC 902.

In step S1027, data is obtained from a peripheral device. In step S1028, the acquired data is transmitted through the IPC 902, and the process ends.

<Management Program 401 of Server 2> FIG.
1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main module of the management program 401. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 performs main processing such as overall operation management and distribution of processing. The main module 1101 exchanges information with the GUI 1102 such as transmission of information to be displayed, processing from the GUI 1102, and reception of data. 1103 is a network process for inputting and outputting files and information through the network. A file server module 1104 reads, writes, and manages files. 1105 is IP
In the C process, data and information are exchanged with the IPC 902 by inter-process communication. That is, this program is located at a position where it can access the peripheral device and the GUI 1102, and the network 1103 and the file server 1104, and controls the entire operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing software processing by the server 2 in FIG. 11, and the operation of the program will be described with reference to FIG. Step S1201
Then, you receive the instructions. In step S1202, it is determined whether the instruction is a download. If the instruction is a download, the process proceeds to step S1203, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1205.

If it is determined that the file is to be downloaded, the module takes out the file to be downloaded from the file server 1104 and sends it to the downloader 502. In step S1203, the file server 1104
Open the above file. In step S1204, the file is sent to the downloader 502 via the network module 1103, and the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process.

On the other hand, in step S1205, it is determined whether or not information is to be displayed. When it is determined that the display is the information display, the process proceeds to step S1206, and when it is determined that the display is not the information display, the process proceeds to step S1208.

In the case of information display, information in the peripheral device is transmitted in accordance with an instruction received from the GUI 1102. In step S1206, information is exchanged between the IPC 902 and the IPC 1105 to acquire information on peripheral devices. Step S
In 1207, information to be displayed is displayed in the GUI module 11
After output to step S02, step S1 is performed to perform the next process.
Return to 201.

In step S1208, it is determined whether or not the file is to be stored in the server 2. If it is determined that the file is to be stored in the server 2, the process proceeds to step S1209.
If it is determined that the file is not stored in the server 2, the process advances to step S1210. Saving of the file to the server 2 is performed according to an instruction from the downloader 502,
Files are sent over the network.

In step S1209, after saving the file in the file server 1104, the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process. In step S1210, a file is output through the GUI 1102. This is the output of the resources for the client PC, etc.
After the UI 1102 outputs a file or the like to the client PC using the http protocol that is a protocol for communicating with the client PC, the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process. Through these series of processes, information and data in this system are transmitted and received.

<GUI module 1102> FIG.
This is a GUI module 1102. In FIG.
01 communicates with the management program, receives instructions, files, and information from the management program, passes them to the html output module 1302, and sends instructions to the instruction input module 130.
3. Pass the instructions and files received from 3 to the management program.
Reference numeral 1302 denotes an html output module, which is a G based on html rules based on information and instructions received from the management program.
A UI screen file is created and passed to the communication means 1304 with the Web server. An instruction input module 1303 receives an instruction from the Web server or receives an archived or encoded file, sends the instruction as an instruction to the management program, separates the archived file, and encodes the encoded file. After decoding the file, send it to the management program.
A communication unit 1304 communicates with the Web server, sends html information to the Web server 303, and passes an instruction from the Web server 303 to the instruction input module 1303.

<Client Module 603 of Client PC> FIG.
FIG. This module is installed on the client PC and processes files received by the Web browser. Reference numeral 1401 denotes an input unit,
Receive data from browser. The received data is
Usually, management information and file entities are archived.
A determination unit 1402 separates the received file management information and the file entity, and determines the type of the file based on the management information. The management information includes a file type, a file name, a file size, and the like. If the file type is font, the font registration module 14
Call 03. If the file type is an overlay form, the overlay form registration module 1404
Call. If the file type is the address book, the address book registration module 1405 is called. If the file type is a color calibration table (Color Ca
In the case of (libration Table), the Color Calibration Table registration module 1406 is called.

Reference numeral 1403 denotes a font registration module which registers the received font in the client PC. An overlay form registration module 1404 registers the received file in the overlay form processing application. If the overlay processing application is not installed, no processing is performed. Reference numeral 1405 denotes an address book registration module, which converts the received address book into a format to be registered, such as e-mail management software or a FAX driver, and then performs registration. Reference numeral 1406 denotes a Color Calibration Table registration module, which registers the received file in a printer driver that performs image processing.

<Font Download> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of data when a font is downloaded. In the figure, the administrator downloads the font read from the recording medium such as a CD into the administrator PC 3 to the printer 6. Next, the font is set on the server 2
Register with. Then, the client PC 4 and the client PC 5 use the WebBrowser 602 to read the font file for the client PC from the server 2 and register it in the system by the client module 603. If you want to download to another printer,
3 reads the font registered in the server 2 and downloads it to the printer 7 as it is. The same operation is performed when an overlay form is registered from the administrator PC 3.

<Acquisition of Color Calibration Table> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flow of data when the client PC acquires a color calibration table. Then, the color calibration table generated in the printer 6 is transmitted to the server 2. Then, the client PC 4 uses the WebBrowser to
And registers it in the printer driver. Then, the color calibration table generated by the printer 7 is transmitted to the server 2. When the client PC 4 receives the color calibration table of the printer 7, the same processing as that described above is performed. This is periodically performed by interrupt processing. Represents a data flow when the color calibration table is downloaded from the administrator PC.
That is, when the calibration table is created using the color measurement software or the like on the administrator's PC, it is downloaded from the administrator's PC. The same data as the downloaded data is sent directly from the administrator PC 3 to the server 2. The transfer of data from the server to the client PC is the same as the color calibration table generated in the printer. When image data captured by a scanner is passed to a printer driver for use as an overlay form, the data flow is similar to that of a color calibration table generated by a printer.

<Acquisition of Address Book> FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of data when address book data is acquired from the multifunction copier. Then, the address book data in the multifunction copier is sent to the server. Then, the client PC receives the server data, and the client module 603 adds or overwrites the address book data in the client PC.

<Download of Address Book> FIG.
4 shows a data flow when downloading address book data on a client PC to a multifunction copier.
Then, the address book data sent to the server 2 using the WebBrowser is written to the multifunction copier 8 as it is. Represents the flow of data when the address book of the multifunction copier is copied. The data of the multifunction copier 8 is once sent to the server 2 and written into the multifunction copier 9 as it is.

<Backup of Storage Contents of Printer or Multifunction Copier> FIG. 19 shows the flow of data when the contents of the storage device of a printer or multifunction copier are backed up. This process is usually performed by WebBrowser
, And may be started from the operation panel of the multifunction copier. The contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier are sent to the server 2 and stored in a file server in the server.

<Restoration of backed-up storage contents>
FIG. 20 shows the flow of data when restoring the contents of the backed-up printer or storage device of the multifunction copier. This process is normally instructed and activated by the WebBrowser, but may be activated by being instructed from the operation panel of the multifunction copier. The data backed up in the file server of the server 2 is sent to the backup source printer or the storage device of the multifunction copier.

<Acquisition of Software from Server by Client PC> FIG. 21 is a flow of data when the client PC 4 or 5 acquires software from the server 2. , The data is acquired from the server, and the client module 603
Will decode and install the data.

<Acquisition of Driver Program from Server by Client PC> FIG.
4 shows the flow of data when the client PC 5 or the client PC 5 acquires a driver for a peripheral device such as a printer driver, a facsimile driver, or a scanner driver from the server 2. The server obtains data from the server as shown in the above. When transmitting the data, the server refers to the target peripheral device in order to associate with the peripheral device. That is,
A network address, a model name, a function, and the like are sent together to the client PC 5 or the client PC 6, and the client module 603 installs a driver based on the information sent from the server 2.

<Data Structure Sent from Server to Client PC> FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure when data is transmitted to C4 or a client PC5. Sending data here means transferring various resource data to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the number N of files archived and held internally is placed at the head. Next, there is an array of N addresses, and there is a file entity held together with the header at the position indicated by each address. The header has a head length,
The file type and size of the entity are included. If there is additional information, it is added to the end of the header. That is, the file entity exists after the head length from the head of the header.

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

FIG. 25 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when sending the overlay form to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the PDL type, paper size, resolution, and form number are added as additional information.

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

FIG. 27 shows the header information shown in FIG. 23 when information used by the printer driver is transmitted to the client PC when overlaying the image scanned by the scanner. As can be seen from the figure, the paper size, resolution, and overlay number are added as additional information.

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

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

<Creation of Resource Transfer File by Server 2> FIG. 34 shows a process of creating a plurality of resource data files held in the server 2 and transferred to the client in the format shown in FIGS. It is a figure showing the flow of a process. This procedure is executed by the file management program 405 of the server 2. Hereinafter, the file created in FIG. 34 is referred to as a resource transfer file for convenience. The resource transfer file creation request instruction can be issued from any location in the environment where the management information on the server 2 can be referred to, such as the client PCs 4 and 5, the administrator PC 3, and the management program 401 on the server 2. good.

In S3401, a peripheral device as a target for creating a resource transfer file is selected. When a peripheral device such as a specific printer or a multifunction copier is selected as a target device, a resource transfer file including all resource data included in the device is created. When a resource is selected as a target, a resource transfer file containing data on the selected resource registered in a currently available device is created. Specifically, a printer may be selected, a font may be selected, and a font and form data may be selected.

When the target to be designated is determined, S34
In 02, the target selected in S3401 is determined. If it is determined that a device such as a printer or a multifunction copier has been selected, the process advances to step S3403. If a resource has been selected, the process advances to step S3405. In S3403, the management program 401 of the server 2
It is determined whether or not information regarding the specified device is managed. As a result of the determination, if there is no information on the device, the device is determined to be unusable in the current environment, and the process ends. At the end, a message or the like may be displayed to inform the user that the resource transfer file cannot be created.

If information on the specified device is found, the process advances to step S3404 to acquire all information on registered resources for the device and create list information. After creating list information about resources S3
Proceeding to 405, it is determined whether or not the resource data specified in the information managed by the server 2 exists. The specified resource referred to here is S3
If a resource is designated in 401, it indicates that resource, and if a device is designated in S3401, it indicates the currently referenced resource in the resource information list created in S3404.

If the resource data is managed by the server 2, the resource data is acquired from the server 2 in S 3406. If the resource data does not exist in the server 2, the resource data is acquired from the target device in S 3407. Do. The target device mentioned here refers to a device such as a printer when a device such as a printer is selected in S3401, and the target device is determined in S340.
If a resource is selected in step 1, it indicates all devices that have the specified resource in the information managed by the server.

After acquiring the resource data from the server 2 or the device, in S3408, the registration information unique to the resource data is created and added to the additional information portion of the file header in FIG. 23 when the resource transfer file is created. Here, the additional information is information for registering font data on the client PC if the resource is a font, and is information for registering the table in the printer driver if the resource is a calibration table. . Various information is required depending on the type of the resource data, but the type and method are not described here. Also, the format of the file header in FIG. 23 differs depending on the type of resource data.
4 format, if it is form data,
5 for the calibration data, FIG. 27 for the overlay image, FIG. 28 for the self-extracting software, and FIG. 29 for the driver, respectively. It is possible to adopt an individual format in accordance with the resources of.

In S3409, if a device is specified in S3401, based on the resource list information created in S3404, if a resource is specified in S3401, all resources are specified based on the specified resource. It is determined whether acquisition of resource data and creation of additional information for each resource have been performed. If all the processing has been performed, the process proceeds to S3410, and if unprocessed resources remain, the process proceeds to S3405 to perform the above-described processing. Repeat the process. In S3401, a resource transfer file is assembled in the format shown in FIG. 23 based on the additional information created in the above process and the obtained resource data, and the process ends.

<Registration of Resource Information in Client PC> Referring to FIG. 35, the flow of transferring a resource transfer file to a client PC and setting the environment of the client PC will be described. This procedure is executed as one of the application programs of the client PC. The application program is not included in the configuration of the client in FIG. 6, but implements a programmed procedure using modules included in FIG. 6, such as the OS 601 and the client module 603.

First, in S3501, the client P
A resource transfer file to be transferred to C is selected. The method of specifying the resource transfer file may be specified by a file name. If a target device name (printer name or multifunction copier name) is selected, and a resource transfer file for the selected device already exists. May be associated with a file name in advance, and selection may be made based on that name. If a resource transfer file for the target resource name already exists, associate the resource name with the file name in advance. And the selection may be made based on the name. In addition, as a selection method, a UI for selecting a file or a name may be created and a user may consciously make a selection, or by associating a resource transfer file with an HTML link or the like, It is also possible for the user to select a file without being aware of it.

In S 3502, it is determined whether the resource transfer file selected in S 3501, the resource transfer file related to the selected device, or the resource transfer file related to the type of the selected resource exists in the server 2. If yes, go to S3504; otherwise, go to S3503.

In S 3503, the server 2 executes FIG.
Are performed, and the process of creating the resource transfer file shown in FIG. 23 is performed. In step S3501, if the file is specified by a file name, it is not known what the resource transfer file may be created. Requires input of information that can be created. Upon completion of the resource transfer file creation process, the process advances to step S3504.

In S3504, it is determined whether or not the client PC acquires the resource transfer file from the server 2. The determination is made based on the conditions under which the client PC requests the resource transfer file. When a direct acquisition request is made, the transfer is immediately performed to the client PC. When the client PC requests the transfer under a certain condition, it is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied. The certain condition may be in some cases, such as when the content of the resource transfer file is updated, or when it is set to automatically transfer to the client PC at certain fixed intervals.

If the transfer is to be immediately made to the client PC, the flow advances to step S3506. If the other conditions are satisfied, information is collected in step S3505 to determine whether or not the transfer condition to the client PC is satisfied, and the flow advances to step S3504. .

In step S3506, the client PC acquires the entity of the resource transfer file. When acquiring
The file may be stored in an external storage device such as the HD of the client PC, and may be read out as needed in the subsequent processing, or the client module 603 on the client PC may be activated at the time of transfer, and the external storage device such as the HD Without saving the file data to R
It is also possible to execute the subsequent processing while holding it on the AM or the like. In step S3507, the resource module shown in FIG. 23 is analyzed in the client module 603 automatically activated at the time of transfer or consciously started by the user.

The contents to be analyzed include how many resource data are included, the type of resource data,
There is extraction of registration information for registering various resource data on the client PC, extraction of the entity of the resource data, and the like. The format of the file header in FIG. 23 differs depending on the type of resource data. For example, if the type of resource is font, the format is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 if available
6 for the overlay image, and FIG. 28 for the self-extracting software.
If the driver, as shown in FIG. 29, it is possible to adopt an individual format according to each resource. In step S3508, resource data is registered on the client PC based on the information extracted in step S3507, and various resource data can be used by the client user. The method of registering the resource data and the type of the resource data that can be registered differ depending on the OS of the client PC, the version of the driver software, the capabilities of the target device, and the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by selecting a target device or a target resource, a plurality of types of resources are combined into one file, and the client is determined based on the information contained in the file. P
A file can be created on C that contains information that allows a plurality of types of resources to be registered collectively.

Further, it is possible to register the created file in the client machine and set the operating environment of the client PC.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 30 is a diagram best showing the features of the present invention. The configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a network, which normally uses Ethernet. Besides Ethernet, there is also LocalTalk. Note that the term “network” in this embodiment refers to a physical cable,
It refers to one or more of those (protocols) that realize information exchange realized by a combination of an electrical signal passing through a cable and the electrical signal, and generally refers to a general term for these. 2 is a server computer, Web
It has a function such as a server and forms the core of the present invention. Reference numeral 3 denotes a personal computer for an administrator (hereinafter, a personal computer is referred to as a PC), which issues instructions to a server, instructions to peripheral devices handled in the present invention, and the like. Reference numerals 4 and 5 denote client PCs, which are PCs used by general users connected to the network. Note that the administrator PC may be used as a client PC. Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1, receive print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and perform print processing according to the commands.
Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote multifunction copiers having an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and can be used as a copier, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more functions. Reference numeral 10 denotes a file server, which normally holds files shared by the server 2, the administrator PC 3, and the like.

Next, the operation of the present system will be described with reference to FIG. The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 to monitor the status of the devices and the software settings. The administrator PC 3 changes the settings of the device, software, and resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2 or stored as a file in the file server 10. The client PCs 4 and 5 receive information from the server 2 or files from the file server 10.

The server 2 has communication means using the http protocol, and the administrator PC 3 and the client PC
4 and 5 can acquire information of the server 2 using the WebBrowser, and can give an instruction to the server 2. The server 2 includes the administrator PC 3 and the client P
When an instruction is issued from C4 or C5, the information or file is returned to the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5 using the information stored in the server or the file held in the file server 10. Further, depending on the contents of the information, the information is acquired from the printers 6 and 7, the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, and the administrator PC 3 and the client P are used.
Information is returned to C4 or C5, or processing such as setting is performed for the printers 6 and 7, and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9.

The administrator PC 3 includes a downloader,
The software or the resources used by the software are downloaded to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. The software includes the print control firmware of the device, the network control firmware, and in the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, in addition to the firmware, scanner control firmware, facsimile control firmware, copier firmware, panel operation firmware, image management software And address management software. Resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by address management software, facsimile numbers, and the like. These software and resource files are stored in the file server 10. The client PCs 4 and 5 hold software (drivers and the like) for accessing and using the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and resources (client PC resources) used by the software. Software includes a printer driver for using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimile driver for using a facsimile, a copier utility software for controlling a copier, and a network driver for using a network , WebBrowser, application software, etc., and the resources used by the software include client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts, address information used by the facsimile driver, print data used for color calibration, and overlay used for preview. There are images etc.

In addition to the above functions, the setting contents of the printer 6, the software, and the resources used by the software are
This can be reflected on the printer 7 and the multifunction copier 8 and 9. Similarly, it is possible to reflect the setting contents, software, and resources used by the software of the multifunction copier 8 on the multifunction copier 9, the printer 6, and the printer 7. If there are differences in functions between models,
Only the functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as convertible resources is reflected after conversion. Similarly, the client P for these models
It is also possible to reflect the information on C4 on the client PC5. These processes are realized by exchanging information through the server 2 and the file server 10.

The printers 6, 7 and the multifunction copier 8,
The contents of the setting 9 may be changed not only by the instruction from the administrator PC 3 but also by the setting from the panel or the setting from the client PC. What needs to pass this information to the client PC exactly
, An inquiry is always made to the printers 6, 7 and the multifunction copiers 8, 9 and information at the time of the inquiry is returned to the client PC. If the accuracy is not so strictly required, information or a file held in the server 2 or the file server 10 is used.

The file server 10 communicates with the server 2, the administrator PC 3, the client PC 4 and the client PC 5 via the network to receive and send the file, and manage the file as needed.

Here, an example is described in which one server and one administrator PC are used. However, file and information management can be easily performed by separating the file server even if there are a plurality of servers and administrator PCs. . That is, the file server 1
0 stores information shared in the system, sends information and files to each server and each administrator's PC as needed, and receives and manages information and files from them.

According to the present embodiment, even when the file server function is separated from the server machine 2, by selecting a target device or a target resource, a plurality of types of plural resources are collected into one file, and Client P based on the information contained in the file
It is possible to easily create a file containing information on which a plurality of types of resources can be registered collectively on C.

Further, by registering the created file in the client, it is possible to easily register a plurality of resources of a plurality of types in the client machine and set the operating environment of the client PC.

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

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

FIG. 33 shows a storage medium storing the program of the present invention in a server, a personal computer for an administrator,
Alternatively, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of loading a user personal computer.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention can be executed by a computer such as a workstation or a personal computer using a portable storage medium.

That is, a storage medium (or a recording medium) recording software program codes, such as those shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 34, and 35, for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or an apparatus. Or the computer of the device (or CPU or MPU)
Is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by the computer executing the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing,
The case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
The case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, and the like), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile, etc.) Device).

[0102]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to create a file in which the resources of the selected device or the selected resources are combined into one.

Further, by using the created file, the resources included in the file can be registered collectively in the client PC. This eliminates the need for the client to individually register each resource or device to be used from the client PC, thereby reducing the complexity of work and improving the productivity when using network resources from the client.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the administrator PC 3;

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

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

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

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

FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for acquiring peripheral device information by an interrupt. 13B is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the normal processing.

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

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the software in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a GUI module.

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

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data when a font is downloaded.

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

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data flow when address book data is acquired from the multifunction copier.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data flow when downloading address book data on a client PC to a multifunction copier.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the flow of data when the contents of a storage device of a printer or a multifunction copier are backed up.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of data when restoring the contents of a storage device of a backed up printer or multifunction copier.

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

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

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a case where a server PC 2 or a client PC 4 or 5 is connected.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure when data is transmitted to the STA.

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

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the header information of FIG. 23 when the overlay form is transmitted to the client PC.

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

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

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

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the header information of FIG. 23 when a driver is sent to a client PC.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an entire configuration of the present invention in a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a storage medium storing a program embodying the present invention.

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

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

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a process of creating a resource transfer file.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a process of acquiring and interpreting a resource transfer file on a client PC.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tsuneaki Kurumita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshiko Naito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within non-corporation (72) Inventor Hideo Ikeno 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 5B014 EB03 GD05 GD18 GD19 GD33 GD37 HC04 HC05 HC08

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device management device connected to a peripheral device and a host device that uses the peripheral device, wherein the selection device selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the connected peripheral devices. Means for acquiring resource data relating to resources of the connected peripheral device in response to a request; and file creation for creating a file including each resource data, which can be registered in the host device, from the resource data. And a peripheral device management device. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein, when a peripheral device is selected as the target, the acquisition unit acquires resource data on all resources of the selected peripheral device. Management device. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a resource is selected as the target, the obtaining unit obtains all resource data on the selected resource included in the connected peripheral device. Peripheral device management device. 4. The peripheral device management device according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining unit obtains resource data on all the selected resources included in the connected peripheral device. 5. The apparatus further comprises: means for causing a resource to be downloaded to the peripheral device; and holding means for holding resource data relating to the downloaded resource, wherein the obtaining means obtains resource data held by the holding means. The peripheral device management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a holding unit that obtains and holds resource data relating to resources of the peripheral device from the peripheral device, wherein the obtaining unit obtains the resource data held by the holding unit. The peripheral device management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 7. A storage device for holding resource data relating to resources downloaded from the host device to the peripheral device from the host device, wherein the obtaining device obtains the resource data stored by the holding device. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
Peripheral device management device according to the paragraph. 8. An input unit for inputting a resource, and a holding unit for holding resource data relating to the resource input by the input unit, wherein the obtaining unit obtains the resource data held by the holding unit. The peripheral device management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for transmitting a file created by said file creating means to said host device in response to a request from said host device. 2. The peripheral device management device according to 1. 10. The peripheral device management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device in response to a request from the host device. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource includes at least one of font data, form data, a calibration table, an overlay image, and a driver program for a peripheral device. Peripheral device management device. 12. An information processing apparatus connected to a peripheral device and a peripheral device management device, comprising: a selection unit that selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the connected peripheral devices; Receiving means for receiving, from the peripheral device management apparatus, a file in which resource data relating to the peripheral device selected by the means or all the resources of the peripheral device are provided, and registration for registering resource data included in the file received by the receiving means And an information processing apparatus. 13. A peripheral device management method for managing a peripheral device connected to a host device, the method comprising selecting a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the peripheral devices connected to the host device. An acquisition step of acquiring resource data relating to resources of the connected peripheral device in response to a request; and a file creation for creating a file that can be registered in the host device, including each resource data, from the resource data. And a peripheral device management method. 14. The peripheral device according to claim 13, wherein, when a peripheral device is selected as the target, the acquiring step acquires resource data on all resources of the selected peripheral device. Management method. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein when a resource is selected as the target, the obtaining step obtains all resource data on the selected resource included in the connected peripheral device. Peripheral device management method. 16. The peripheral device management method according to claim 13, wherein the obtaining step obtains resource data on all the selected resources included in the connected peripheral device. 17. The method further comprising: downloading a resource to the peripheral device; and holding a resource data relating to the downloaded resource, wherein the obtaining step obtains the resource data held by the holding step. The peripheral device management method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: 18. The method according to claim 18, further comprising a holding step of acquiring and holding resource data relating to resources of the peripheral device from the peripheral device, wherein the acquiring step acquires resource data held by the holding step. The peripheral device management method according to any one of claims 13 to 16. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a holding step of holding resource data relating to a resource downloaded from said host device to said peripheral device from said host device, wherein said obtaining step obtains resource data held by said holding step. The peripheral device management method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: 20. The method further comprising: an inputting step of inputting a resource; and a holding step of holding resource data relating to the resource input in the inputting step.
17. The peripheral device management method according to claim 13, wherein resource data held in the holding step is acquired. 21. In response to a request from the host device,
21. The peripheral device management method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of transmitting a file created in the file creation step to the host device. 22. The peripheral device management method according to claim 13, wherein the selecting step selects a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device in response to a request from the host device. 23. The resource management system according to claim 13, wherein the resources include at least one of font data, form data, a calibration table, an overlay image, and a driver program for a peripheral device.
23. The peripheral device management method according to any one of claims 22 to 22. 24. An information processing method connected to a peripheral device and a peripheral device management device, comprising: a selection step of selecting a peripheral device or a resource of the peripheral device as a target from the connected peripheral devices; A receiving step of receiving, from the peripheral device management method, a file in which resource data relating to the peripheral device selected in the process or all the resources of the peripheral device are provided, and registering the resource data included in the file received in the receiving process And an information processing method. 25. A peripheral device management system for managing a peripheral device connected to an information processing device by a peripheral device management device, wherein the information processing device includes, from the connected peripheral device, a peripheral device or a peripheral device. First selecting means for selecting a resource as a target; requesting means for requesting the peripheral device management device for resource data relating to the target selected by the first selecting device; A receiving unit that receives a file in which all resource data relating to the target are put together from the peripheral device management device; and a registration unit that registers resource data included in the file received by the receiving device. Is the peripheral device selected by the selection means from the connected peripheral devices. Or second selection means for selecting a resource of the peripheral device as a target, acquisition means for acquiring resource data relating to the target in response to a request from the request means, and each resource data from the resource data. A peripheral device management system, comprising: a file creating unit that creates a file that can be registered in the host device; and a sending unit that sends the file to the information processing device. 26. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for realizing a method according to claim 13 by a computer.