JP2001282659A - Server device, client terminal device, network system, device terminal display method for network system, device terminal retrieving method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display notice of movement-destination information on a terminal device connected to a network on a display means of each terminal device connected to the network in an easy-to-see state, when the terminal device connected to the network is moved. SOLUTION: When the device terminal device connected to the network is moved, a server terminal device which is connected to the network and used reflects new and old registration information of the moved device terminal device on a retrieval result and outputs it to surely notify users that the device terminal device is moved in such a case.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a server terminal device, a client terminal device, a network system, a device terminal display method in a network system, a device terminal search method, and a storage medium, and more particularly to a device terminal device connected to a network. This is suitable for use in displaying the moved device terminal device on the display means of the client terminal device in an easy-to-understand manner when the movement occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various terminal devices are connected via a network in an office environment. Some devices do not need to be particularly aware of the location of the terminal device connected to the network.

However, it is necessary to know the location of some devices. For example, in the case of a printer connected to a network, it is necessary to go to the place where the printer is installed in order to obtain a printed matter output by remote control via the network. Needs to know exactly where the printer is operated.

However, conventionally, when the printer is moved, the user is not accurately notified of the destination information of the printer. For this reason, when remote-controlled without knowing that it has been moved, it may take a lot of trouble and time to obtain a printed matter.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has been described in the art. When a terminal device connected to a network is moved, notification of destination information of the terminal device is transmitted to the network. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to display the information on the display means of each terminal device in an easily understandable manner.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a server terminal device which is connected to a network and used when the device terminal device connected to the network is moved. The new and old registration information of the device terminal device is reflected in the search result and output. Another feature of the present invention is that, in a server terminal device used connected to a network, when the device terminal device connected to the network is moved, the moved device terminal device is used. The new and old registration information is output while being reflected in search results for a predetermined period of time. Another feature of the present invention is that, in a server terminal device used in a network system including a server terminal device, a client terminal device, and a device terminal device, information on the position of the device terminal device is represented in a hierarchical manner. Management means for managing the hierarchical position information and various attributes of the device terminal device corresponding to the hierarchical position information; and the device terminal device indicating that the hierarchical position information managed by the management means has been newly registered. A management information changing means for newly registering the hierarchical position information, and a search result for reflecting the new and old registration information registered in the management means by the management information changing means in a search result and outputting the result. Output means. Another feature of the present invention is that, in a server terminal device used in a network system including a server terminal device, a client terminal device, and a device terminal device, information on the position of the device terminal device is represented in a hierarchical manner. Management means for managing the hierarchical position information and various attributes of the device terminal device corresponding to the hierarchical position information; and the device terminal device indicating that the hierarchical position information managed by the management means has been newly registered. And a management information changing means for newly registering the hierarchical position information, and reflecting the old and new registration information registered in the management means by the management information changing means in a search result for a predetermined period of time. And a search result output means for outputting the search result. Another feature of the present invention is that the device terminal device is a device having a print function or a device having a scanner function. Another feature of the present invention is that a management unit that manages a database in which identification information of device terminals on a network and various attribute information of the device terminals are registered, and a device designated as a search condition A search unit that compares the attribute information of the terminal device with the attribute information of the device terminal device registered in the database to search for a device terminal device that matches the search condition; Position registration means for registering the position information of the terminal device in the database, and when the position information of the device terminal device is changed by the position registration means, the position information before the change and the position information after the change are And control means for holding the position of the device terminal device in the search condition. If the broadcast is specified is characterized in that the position information before the change to be compared in the attribute information.

[0007] A client terminal device according to the present invention is a client terminal device used for a network, comprising: display means for displaying device position information sent from a server terminal device connected to the network; When new and old registration information is present in the retrieved search result information, the display means is provided with a characterization means for characterizing and displaying the device in which the movement has occurred. Another feature of the present invention is that, in a client terminal device used for a network, a display means for displaying device position information sent from a server terminal device connected to the network; If the new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the server, the display means includes a characterization means for characterizing and displaying the device that has moved for a predetermined period of time. It is characterized by: Another feature of the present invention is that the device terminal device is a device having a print function or a device having a scanner function.

[0008] A network system according to the present invention includes any one of the server terminal devices described above and any one of the client terminal devices described above.

Further, in the method for displaying a device terminal in the network system according to the present invention, when a device terminal connected to the network is moved, new and old registration information of the moved device terminal is added to the search result. When the new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the server terminal device while reflecting the information from the server terminal device, the device in which the movement has occurred is characterized and the client terminal It is characterized in that it is displayed on the display means of the device. Also,
Another feature of the present invention is that, when a device terminal connected to a network is moved, the new and old registration information of the moved device terminal is reflected in a search result, and the server terminal is updated. And if the new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the server terminal device, the device in which the movement has occurred is characterized for a predetermined period of time and the client terminal device is characterized. Is displayed on the display means.

[0010] A device terminal search method according to the present invention includes a management process for managing a database in which identification information of device terminals on a network and various attribute information of the device terminals are registered, and a device terminal designated as a search condition. A search process for comparing the attribute information of the device with the attribute information of the device terminal device registered in the database to search for a device terminal device that matches the search condition. A position registration process of registering the position information of the device in the database; and, if the position information of the device terminal is changed by the position registration process, the position information before the change and the position information after the change are stored in the database. And a control process for storing the search condition in the search condition. Device if the location information of the terminal apparatus is specified, and the location information before the change to be compared in the attribute information.

[0011] A storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a program constituting each means described above is stored so as to be readable from a computer. Another feature of the present invention is that a program for executing the above-described method is stored in a computer-readable manner.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a server terminal device of the present invention,
Embodiments of a client terminal device, a network system, a device terminal display method in the network system, a device terminal search method, and a storage medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a device search system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
As shown in (1), the device search system of this embodiment is configured by connecting the server terminal device 10, the client terminal device 20, and the device terminal device 30 to the network 40.

The device terminal device 30 is an information processing device such as a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner.
Generally, a plurality of device terminals 30 are connected to the network 40.

In this embodiment, the server terminal device 10 has a management unit 11, a reception unit 12, and a search unit 1
3. The transmission means 14 is provided.

The management means 11 includes hierarchical position information (which will be described in detail later) in which information relating to the position of the device terminal device 30 is represented in a hierarchical manner, and various types of device terminal devices corresponding to the hierarchical position information. This is for managing attribute information.

The receiving means 12 is a client terminal device 2
0, a search request from the search means 13
Is for searching for the device terminal device 30 managed by the management means 11 in response to the search request received by the reception means 12. Also, the transmitting means 14
Is for transmitting the search result of the search means 13 to the client terminal device 20. This transmission means 1
4 constitutes a search result output means in the present embodiment,
The new and old registration information registered in the management means is reflected in the search result and output.

The client terminal device 20 includes a map information holding unit 21, a search range specifying unit 22, a search request unit 23, a first display unit 24, a second display unit 25,
A search range holding unit 26 and a display device 27 are provided.

The map information holding means 21 is for holding map information corresponding to the hierarchical position information, and the search range designating means 22 is for designating a range in which the device terminal device 30 is searched. belongs to.

The search request means 23 is for requesting the server terminal device 10 to search the device terminal device 30 within the search range specified by the search enclosing specification means 22.

The first display means 24 displays map information corresponding to the hierarchical position information on the screen of the display device 27 based on the search result of the device terminal device 30 sent from the server terminal device 10. The second display means 25 displays the map information displayed by the first display means 24 with information (bitmap data icon representing a device) representing the device terminal device 30 as a search result. It is for doing. In the present embodiment, when the second display means 25 includes new and old registration information in the search result information sent from the server terminal device, the display means moves. Characterizing means for characterizing and displaying the device is provided.

The search range holding means 26 stores a search range designated by the user so that it can be used without specifying a new search range when the next search is performed. is there.

The device terminal device 30 has a self-position holding means 32 for holding its own position as hierarchical position information.
And the hierarchical position information registration means 31 for registering the information held by the self-position holding means 32 in the server terminal apparatus 10 and the client terminal apparatus notifying that the device terminal apparatus has been arranged at a predetermined position. And a hierarchical position information rewriting means 34 for changing the own hierarchical position information held in the self position holding means 32 to new hierarchical position information.

Each function of the device search system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail below. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network in which the device search system according to the present embodiment can operate. FIG.
In the figure, 101 is a color printer, which is currently connected to the LAN 100 from the second floor, but was previously connected to the first floor (shown as a color printer 101 ').

In the printer 101, a printer which was previously a ghost printer is displayed in a grayed out form. 102 is an MFP (Multi Function Periphe)
ral) is a copy machine, but can also be used as a network printer. 103 and 104 are monochrome printers, and 105 is a scanner connected to a network.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a desktop PC. This is a PC that can execute a network client program. The desktop PC 111 is connected to a network as a client terminal device. As will be described later, the desktop PC 111 has meeting information on device terminal devices that satisfy desired conditions with respect to the server terminal device 10 connected on the network 40. Has a display function of displaying search results.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a PC that can execute the program of the network server according to the present embodiment. This PC11
2 is connected to the network 40 as a server terminal device, and stores various information regarding the network device terminal devices 101 to 105 as described later, and is transmitted from the client terminal device 111 connected to the network 40. It has the function of accepting device search inquiries and returning the results.

Among these device terminals 30, a color printer 101, a multi-function copier 102, a monochrome printer 103, a client terminal device 111, a server terminal device 112, and a firewall 120 are installed on the second floor. And scanner 1
05 is installed on the first floor.

Further, the network 100 for interconnecting these device terminals is a firewall 1
20 is connected to the Internet 130 via
Another network 140 via the Internet 130
Is also connected.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of a general personal computer system. The desktop PC 111 and the server terminal device 112 in FIG.
Such a hardware configuration is as follows.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 200 denotes a PC on which client terminal device software or network server terminal device software (hereinafter collectively referred to as network device terminal device search software) operates. Is equivalent to

The PC 200 includes a CPU 202 for executing network device terminal device search software stored in the ROM 203 or the hard disk (HD) 211 or supplied from the floppy (registered trademark) disk drive (FD) 212.
01 is generally controlled.

A RAM 204 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 202. Reference numeral 205 denotes a keyboard controller (KBC), and the keyboard (KB) 20
9 and an instruction input from a pointing device (not shown) or the like. 206 is a CRT controller (CRTC)
Controls the display on the CRT display (CRT) 210.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a disk controller (DKC)
Controls access to a hard disk (HD) 211 and a floppy disk controller (FD) 212 that store a boot program, various applications, edit files, user files, a network management program, and the like.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a network interface card (NIC) for bidirectionally exchanging data with a network printer, another network device, or another PC via the LAN 220.

A mouse controller (MC) 213 controls a mouse (MS) 214. In this embodiment, the LAN 220 is the LAN 1 in FIG.
Same as 00.

Next, the hierarchical position information will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the hierarchical position information has a hierarchical structure in which the position information relating to the device terminals is arranged. FIG.
In the case of, the hierarchical position information of the LBP 1110 indicated by reference numeral 309 is (C = JP (301), O = A
BC Trading (302), BR = Tokyo Branch (303), OP
= Extend, (304), BU = AA building (305), F
L = 2F (306), BL = 2-1 (307), DV = p
rinter (308 (311))). In this case, the map (map) 310 is shown as [10X + 10Y].

In each entry, “C” represents a country name (JP is Japan, US is the United States, etc.), and “O” represents an organization name. (ABC, XYZ, etc.), "BR"
Represents a branch or branch (Tokyo branch, Osaka branch, etc.)
"OP" indicates that there is optional information (extend / extension), "BU" indicates the name of a building (AA building, BB building, etc.), "FL" indicates the number of floors (1F, 2F, etc.), "BL" ”Indicates blocks on the floor (1-1, 2-
1), indicating a “DV” device terminal (Prin
ter, MFP, etc.), and “NM” indicating the name of the device terminal device (eg, LBP1110, LBP3310, etc.). The attribute of each entry has an attribute value in a predetermined range (value).

As described above, the main purpose of the present embodiment is to manage the position information of each device terminal connected to the network 40 in such a hierarchical structure, so that the device An object of the present invention is to specify the position of the device and to display the specified position of the device terminal device in an easy-to-understand manner for a user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a position map in the 2-1 block of 2F. The layout such as the actual desk arrangement and the state of the partitions on the floor is held in advance as a bitmap, and the color printer 101 and the MIFP 102 are arranged on the layout.
The firewall 120 and the server terminal device 112 are installed in a layout as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a position map in the 2-2 block of 2F. As shown in FIG.
In the -2 block, a PC 111 and a printer 103 are installed in a layout as illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a position map in the 1-1 block of 1F. A monochrome printer 104 is installed in a layout as shown.

FIG. 8 is a position map of the 1-2 block on the first floor. Here, the scanner 105 and 2F
It can be seen that the ghost printer 101 'of the color printer 101 which has moved to the position 2-1 and which does not exist is installed in the layout shown in the figure, and this is characterized on the display surface of the user's client terminal device as described later. Is displayed.

FIG. 9 shows hierarchical position information and attribute information of each device terminal managed by the server terminal 112. As shown in FIG. 9, a total of five device terminals are managed. In each device terminal device, information from 802 to 810 is managed as hierarchical position information.

In the present embodiment, as attribute information of the device terminal device, an attribute color 811 indicating whether or not color input / output is possible, and an IP address 812 which is a network address of the device terminal device.
And a move 813 indicating the movement information of the connected device and a physical address 814 of the device.

The server terminal device 112 stores management information in a memory, and stores information (801) managed by the server until then.
810, 812) and the latest information is different,
Yes is input to move813. Judgment standard is Physical
Assume that there is a change in the position information with respect to the address 814.

FIG. 10 shows hierarchical location information and device terminal device attribute information (TA) to be registered as shown in FIG.
G). After the power is turned on, each device terminal registers this information in the server terminal 112. This information is stored in the HDD of the server terminal device 112.

The server terminal device 112 transmits this information to FIG.
And a response is returned in response to a request from the client terminal device. Reference numeral 901 denotes hierarchical position information TAG indicating that the following information is hierarchical position information. Hierarchical position information from 902 to 911 follows.

The information following 912 is device terminal attribute information TAG indicating the attribute of the device terminal. 913 indicates that the Color attribute is OK, and 914 indicates that the IP address is “192.2.1.2.1”. 915 indicates that there is no device movement, and 916 indicates that the physical address is 1122334H.

FIG. 11 shows layout map information possessed by the client terminal device 111. The client terminal device 111 can display the layout map of the device terminal device having the hierarchical position information indicated by reference numeral 1401. Further, each block (B
L) Layout bitmap information 1403 for each 1402
have.

In the present embodiment, 1-1 is the layout bit map of FIG. 12, 1-2 is the layout bit map of FIG. 13, 2-1 is the layout bit map of FIG. 14, and 2-2 is the layout bit map of FIG. 16 is displayed, and if there is no attribute value, the layout bit map of FIG. 16 is displayed.

FIGS. 12 to 15 are layout bit map diagrams of each block. In the present embodiment, information indicating the searched device terminal device is superimposed and displayed on the layout bitmap, so that it is possible to explicitly indicate at which position of which block the device terminal device that has requested the search is located. To be able to show.

FIG. 16 shows bitmap information of each device terminal held by the client terminal 111. The bitmap information includes the name of each device terminal (N
M), and a bitmap indicating unknown is displayed for an unknown device terminal device name.

FIG. 17 shows the position of the device terminal device bitmap to be superimposed on the layout map. The color printer 101 (LBP1110) having the hierarchical position information of the map information “10X + 10Y” is shown in FIG.
7 is displayed at a position as shown in FIG. By displaying the display bitmap and the layout bitmap together, it is possible to easily display the position of the device terminal device that has requested the search to the user.

FIG. 18 shows a color L in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the BP 101. FIG.
As shown in FIG.
A CPU 2302 that processes a program, a ROM 2303 that stores the program, and a RAM 2304 that is a work area and a buffer area of the program are connected to 301.

Reference numeral 2305 denotes an LBP engine controller.
309 are connected. A panel controller 2306 controls input and output to and from the panel and manages the panel 2310. The color LBP 101 in this embodiment holds a hard disk (HD) 2211 and can temporarily spool print data in this disk.

Reference numeral 2307 denotes a disk controller, which is an HD
2211 is managed. A network interface controller 2308 is connected to the network 40 via the controller.

Reference numeral 2312 denotes a nonvolatile RAM (NVRA).
M), and the data is retained even when the power of the printer 101 is turned off. In this embodiment, this NVRAM
Holds hierarchical position information and attribute information.

FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts for explaining the processing procedure. Hereinafter, the details of the present embodiment will be described using these flowcharts. First, FIG.
The registration processing of the hierarchical position information of the device terminal device will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the color printer 101 (LBP101) will be described as an example.

The LBP 101 stores hierarchical position information and attribute information in a nonvolatile RAM (231) in the device terminal.
2). When the power is turned on, the CPU 2302 of the LBP 101 connects to the server terminal device 112 (step S2801). After the connection, the hierarchical position information and the attribute information are read from the nonvolatile RAM (2312) of the LBP 101, and registered in the server terminal device 112 in the format shown in FIG. 10 (step SS280).
2).

After registration, the CPU 2 of the LBP 101
The server 302 releases the connection with the server terminal device 112 (step S2803). Following these procedures, each device terminal device has its own hierarchical location information,
And the attribute information are registered in the server terminal device 112 after the power is turned on.

Next, the processing of the server terminal will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Mainly, information acquisition of the device will be described, and particularly, setting of the movement information move will be described.

The server terminal device 112 is composed of an event-driven program. When an event occurs, the server terminal device 112 analyzes the event and performs a corresponding process. When the power is turned on, the server terminal device 112 first opens a receiving port (step S2401).

Next, an event is acquired (step S24).
02), it is determined whether or not the acquired event is an end command (step S2403). As a result of this determination, if the acquired event is an end command, the receiving port is closed (step S2404),
The process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S2403,
If the command is not the end command, information about the connected device is obtained. In step S2405, a physical address is obtained. In step S2406, the Loca corresponding to the physical address acquired in step S2405
It checks whether or not the Option information TAG exists in the server.

If the location information TAG does not exist, it is newly registered, and No is input to the movement information move (step S2410). If the Location information TAG exists, the previous Location information TA is determined in step S2407.
G is read.

In step S2408, the latest location information is compared with the previous location information TAG. If there is a difference in the location information, Yes is input to the movement information move (step S2409). These pieces of information are transmitted as an event to step S2402.

Next, the client display process will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the first step S2702, hierarchical position information is obtained from the received search result. Then, based on the acquired hierarchical position information, it is determined whether or not the client terminal device can display a map (step S270).
3). In the present embodiment, the hierarchical position information capable of displaying the device terminal device is the hierarchical position information including the information indicated by reference numeral 1401 in FIG. As a result of this decision,
If the map can be displayed, step S2704
Proceed to.

In step S2704, the BL information in the hierarchical position information is obtained. Client terminal device 111
Attempts to display the necessary layout bitmap by comparing the BL information with the BL information table shown in FIG. It is determined whether the corresponding layout bitmap has already been displayed (step S2705).

As a result of this judgment, when the display is not yet performed,
The corresponding bitmap is displayed (step S270)
6). Then, NM information and map information are acquired from the hierarchical position information (step S2707).

As a result of the determination in step S2705,
If it has been displayed, the process advances to step S2707.
The corresponding device terminal device bitmap is read from the table of FIG. 16 from the NM information. Also, it is determined from the map information whether to display the device terminal device bitmap here.

In this embodiment, since the result shown in FIG. 14 is returned from server terminal device 112, NM is LBP
Since the device terminal is “10X + 10Y”, the device terminal device bitmap is displayed at the position shown in FIG. 17 (step S2708).

If the move 813 is Yes in FIG. 9, the target bitmap is displayed in a grayed out manner. The above-described device terminal device control program on the network according to the present invention may be executed by the PC 200 by a program installed from the outside.

In that case, the program is a CD-ROM
By loading a group of information including a program onto the PC 200 from a storage medium such as a flash memory or a floppy disk, or from an external storage medium via a network such as e-mail or personal computer communication,
The present invention is applicable even when supplied to C200.

FIG. 22 shows a CD-R as an example of a storage medium.
It is a figure showing a memory map of OM. In FIG.
An area 9999 stores directory information, and an area 999 storing an installation program thereafter.
8 and the position of the area 9997 storing the network device terminal device control program.

An area 9998 is an area in which an installation program is stored. The area 9997 is an area in which a network device terminal device control program is stored. When the network control program of the present embodiment is installed in the PC 200, first, the installation program stored in the area 9998 storing the installation program is loaded into the system and executed by the CPU 202.

Next, the installation program executed by the CPU 202 reads the network device terminal device control program from the area 9997 in which the network device terminal device control program is stored, and stores it on the hard disk 211.

FIG. 23 shows the IP address 8 shown in FIG.
12 shows a display example in a case where the hierarchical position information of the printer “192.1.2.10.” Is unknown. in this case,
On the map information displayed by the first display means 24, there is no map information for displaying the device terminal device of the search result.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, FIG.
Indicates that there is no map information in the first area 1901 and that the second area 1902 does not have hierarchical location information or that the hierarchical location information does not match. The color printer 114 described with reference to FIG. 2 is displayed.

Then, the color printer 114 displayed in the second area 1902 is dragged with the cursor 101a and dropped on a desired desk as shown by an arrow 101c in FIG.

After the position of the color printer 114 has been changed, as shown in FIG. 25, a save window is opened to perform save processing. In addition, a process of notifying the changed hierarchical position information to the corresponding device terminal device using the device arrangement position notifying unit 253 is performed.

It should be noted that the changed hierarchical position information is not notified to the device terminal device but is notified to the server terminal device, and the hierarchical position information of each device terminal device is centrally managed by the server terminal device. It may be.

The flowchart of FIG. 26 shows a processing procedure for registering from the client terminal device 111 to the device terminal device. As shown in FIG. 26, when the process is started, in the first step S3401, the map position of the device terminal device is calculated.

Next, the flow advances to step S3402 to create changed hierarchical position information. Next, step S340
Proceeding to step 3, the hierarchical position information created in step S3402 is notified to the corresponding device terminal device, and registered in the hierarchical position information registration means 31.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the hierarchical position information is notified. First,
In the first step S3501, an event is acquired. Next, in step S3502, it is determined whether the acquired event is an end command. If the result of this determination is that the command is an end command, the process ends.

If the command is not an end command, the flow advances to step S3503 to determine whether the acquired command is a registered command. If the result of this determination is that the command is a registration command, the flow advances to step S3503 to perform registration processing for the server terminal device 112. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S3503 is that the acquired command is not a registered command, the flow advances to step S3504 to perform another event process.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the hierarchical position information and the attribute information included in the registration request tag 3601.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
An embodiment will be described. When the power is turned on, the server terminal device 112 first opens a receiving port (step S2401).

Next, an event is acquired (step S24).
02), it is determined whether or not the acquired event is an end command (step S2403). As a result of this determination, if the acquired event is an end command, the receiving port is closed (step S2404),
The process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S2403,
If it is not an end command, it is determined in step S2414 whether or not a search command has been received from the search client.
Proceed to.

In step S2415, information TAG stored in the device information database shown in FIG. 9 is searched based on the search attribute attached to the search command. Next, in step S2416, the search result is processed. This is because the pre-move information TAG (“move
= YES ”, it is further checked whether the corresponding post-movement information TAG is included in the search result.

This is the information TAG that matches the physical address 814 (MAC address) of the pre-migration information TAG.
May be determined as the post-movement information TAG. If it is included, the process proceeds to step S2417. If it is not included, the MAC address is acquired as an attribute as the corresponding post-movement information TAG from the device information database, and is added to the search result. In step S2417, the process proceeds to step S241.
The search result processed in step 6 is returned to the search client.

Next, in step S2405, a physical address is obtained. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S2406 to determine whether or not Location information TAG corresponding to the physical address obtained in step S2405 exists in server terminal device 10. Make a confirmation.

If the result of this determination is that there is no Location information TAG, a new registration is made.
Proceeding to 10, a No is input. Also, Location information T
If there is an AG, the process advances to step S2407 to read previous TAG information.

Thereafter, in step S2411, determination of a move is performed. If the result of this determination is not move = 1, the flow advances to step S2408 to update the latest TAG
The information is compared with the previous TAG information. As a result of this comparison, the flow advances to step S2409 where there is a difference, and the movement information m
“Yes” is input to ove.

This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 9. When "Yes" is input to the movement information "move", the previous information (805FL: 1F) and (8
05FL: 2F). The input of “Yes” to the movement information move is the previous information.

Next, as a result of the determination in step S2411,
If move = 1, the process proceeds to step S2412, and move =
Measure the time since it became 1, and for a predetermined period, for example,
It is determined whether one week has passed. If the result of this determination is that the set time has elapsed, step S241 is performed.
3 and the TAG information (the previous information (805FL: 1
F)) is deleted. These pieces of information are transmitted to step S402 as event information.

By the way, as a result of the search in step S2415, the case where “the information TAG before movement is included and the information TAG after movement is not included” is a case where the user who has recognized the device by the installation location before the movement is determined. It is assumed that a search is performed using the location information before movement as an attribute.

Since the directory server maintains both the pre-move information TAG and the post-move information TAG for a certain period of time, a search hit can be reliably performed even in such a case, and the movement information can be obtained. Can be obtained.

On the other hand, the search client receiving the search result displays the search result received from the directory server. At this time, it is checked whether a pair of information TAGs before and after movement for the same device is included in the plurality of information TAGs received as a search result, and this information TAG pair is determined as one device. Display.

Although various displays can be considered as examples of the search result display, an example is shown in FIG. FIG.
In the 0 display screen 700, reference numeral 701 denotes a type of the device terminal device, 702 denotes a window for instructing a search start, and 703 denotes a window for specifying a type to be searched.
In this example, location information is displayed. Also, 7
03a indicates that the printer can perform color printing;
b indicates that it has a double-sided printing function, and 703c indicates that it is stable.

Reference numeral 705 indicates a search result, and 704 indicates the content of the search. In this example, the printer name is L
BP1110, indicating that the IP address is 192.1.2.1, the previous location is FL = 1F, BL = 1-2, and the new location is FL = 2F, BL = 2-1 I have.

As a result of the above search, if the information TAG of “move = YES” is included, it is the pre-move information TAG, and the physical address 814 (MAC
Address TAG matches the post-movement information TAG
It is.

Furthermore, a visual indication that the device has been moved is displayed based on the location information before the movement and the location information after the movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, by displaying the map information before the movement and the map information after the movement together, it is possible to make the user surely recognize the movement of the device.

In the present embodiment, the above-described processing is performed, so that when a device is moved, even if the user has recognized the network device by its installation location, the search hit can be reliably performed. And the user can be reliably notified of the movement of the device.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the device can be searched using the position information before the device moves. A hardware configuration for realizing the third embodiment can be realized by the computer system shown in FIG. 3, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The device terminal search method of this embodiment performs various processes in the following procedure. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Performs a management process of managing a database in which identification information of device terminals on the network and various attribute information of the device terminals are registered.

Next, a search process is performed in step S3202. In this case, the attribute information of the device terminal device specified as the search condition is compared with the attribute information of the device terminal device registered in the database to search for a device terminal device that matches the search condition. In the present embodiment, when the position information of the device terminal device is specified as the search condition, the position information before the change is set as the target of the comparison of the attribute information.

Next, the flow advances to step S3203 to perform a position registration process. This is a process of registering the position information of the device terminal device in the database as the attribute information of the device terminal device.

Next, in step S3204, control processing is performed. This is a process for storing, in the database, the position information before the change and the position information after the change when the position information of the device terminal device is changed by the position registration process.

According to the search processing method of this embodiment, the search is performed by performing the above-described processing, so that the position information before the device terminal apparatus moves can be used as the search condition.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but is also applicable to an apparatus composed of one device. You may.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are implemented in an apparatus connected to the above-described various devices or a computer in a system so that various devices are operated so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Supplies the software program code for performing the
The invention implemented by operating the various devices according to the program stored in U) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to a computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions described in the above embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) in which the program code runs on the computer. Alternatively, even when the functions described in the above-described embodiments are implemented in cooperation with other application software or the like, it goes without saying that such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided on the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention also includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the apparatus performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the device terminal connected to the network is moved, the new and old registration information of the moved device terminal is reflected in the search result, so the new and old registration information is reflected in the search result. Thus, when the device terminal device has moved, the user can be informed of the movement of the device terminal device without fail and can understand whether or not the device terminal device has moved.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, when the installation location of the device terminal device is moved, the movement information is held for a certain period of time and reflected in the search result. Therefore, when the movement of the device terminal device occurs, even the user who has recognized the existence of the network device depending on the installation location can be surely made a search hit, and the movement of the device terminal device is given to the user. It can be surely notified.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, the position information before the change and the position information after the change are stored in the database with respect to the device terminal device, so that the position before the device terminal device moves is stored. Information can be specified as a search condition.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing features of a network system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network in which the device search system according to the present embodiment can operate.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a general personal computer.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of hierarchical position information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a position of each device terminal device in a 2F2-1 block.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a position of each device terminal device in a 2F2-2 block.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the position of each device terminal device in the 1F1-1 block.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the position of each device terminal device in the 1F1-2 block.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing hierarchical position information and attribute information managed by a server terminal device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing hierarchical position information and attribute information registered by the device terminal device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a bitmap managed by a client terminal device and hierarchical position information.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap managed by a client terminal device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap managed by the client terminal device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap managed by the client terminal device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap managed by the client terminal device.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a device terminal device bitmap managed by a client terminal device.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a position of a device terminal device bitmap.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a device terminal device.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the server terminal device.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a search result display process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a registration process.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a CDROM.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a case where there is no corresponding map as a result of searching for a device terminal device.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user is moving the device terminal device using a mouse.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which hierarchical position information changed by a user is registered.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a registration process from a client terminal device to a server terminal device.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a device terminal device receives a command.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration request tag, showing a result when all devices are searched for in an attribute BU = attribute AA building.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying location information before and after movement of a device in an easily understandable manner.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example in which a device can be searched with position information before the device moves.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Server terminal device 11 Management means 12 Reception means 13 Search means 14 Transmission means 17 Management information change means 20 Client terminal device 21 Map information holding means 22 Search range designation means 23 Search request means 24 First display means 25 Second display Means 251 Third display means 252 Device arranging means 253 Device arranging means 26 Search range holding means 27 Display device 30 Device terminal device 31 Hierarchical position information registering means 32 Self position holding means 33 Hierarchical position information updating means 34 Hierarchical position Information rewriting means 100 Network 101 Color printer 102 MFP (multifunction copier) 103 Monochrome printer 104 Monochrome printer 105 Scanner connected to network 111 Desktop PC for client terminal device 112 Server Terminal equipment for the PC 113 client terminal apparatus for a notebook PC 120 firewall

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 25, 2001 (2001.6.2)
5)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A server device, a client terminal device,
Network system, device terminal display method in network system, device terminal search method, and storage medium

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server device , a client terminal device, a network system, a device terminal display method in a network system, a device terminal search method, and a storage medium, in which movement of a device connected to a network occurs. In this case, it is suitable for use in displaying the moved device device on the display means of the client terminal device in an easily understandable manner.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0006]

The server device of the present invention comprises:
When it is detected that a device connected to the network has been moved in a server that registers information of a device on the network and outputs a search result according to a specified condition. the, the movement has been de
It is characterized in that the registration information before the movement of the device and the registration information after the movement are reflected in the search result and output. Another feature of the present invention is that the registration before the movement is performed.
The recording information is fixed after the registration information after the above movement is registered
The feature is that it is reflected in search results and output only during the period
are doing. Other features of the present invention include a server device , a client terminal device, and a device.
A server device used in a network system composed of devices manages hierarchical position information in which information relating to the position of the device device is hierarchically represented, and various attributes of the device device corresponding to the hierarchical position information. Management means; management information change means for newly registering the hierarchical position information when the device apparatus notifies that the hierarchical position information managed by the management means is newly registered; and A search result output unit for reflecting the new and old registration information registered in the management unit by the information change unit in the search result and outputting the result. According to still another feature of the present invention, Sir
Server device, the client terminal device, and Te server odor <br/> used in a network system having the device apparatus, hierarchical location information representing the information concerning the position in the hierarchical the device apparatus, and the hierarchical location information Management means for managing various attributes of the corresponding device; and when the device notifies that the hierarchical location information managed by the management means is newly registered, the hierarchical location information is newly registered. It is characterized by comprising management information changing means for registering, and search result output means for reflecting new and old registration information registered in the management means by the management information changing means in search results for a predetermined period and outputting the result. And Another feature of the present invention is that the device device is a device having a print function or a device having a scanner function. Another feature of the present invention is that a management unit that manages a database in which identification information of device devices on a network and various attribute information of the device devices are registered, and a device device that is specified as a search condition. A search unit that compares the attribute information with the attribute information of the device registered in the database to search for a device that matches the search condition, and a device device as the attribute information of the device.
And location registration means for registering the location information of location in the database, if there is a change in the position information of the device apparatus by the position registering means, and the position information of the changed position information before the change to the database And control means for holding, wherein when the position information of the device is specified in the search condition, the position information before the change is set as a comparison target of the attribute information.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0007] The client terminal apparatus of the present invention, the client terminal device used in the network, and display means for displaying a device location information sent from the server apparatus connected to said network, said server
When the new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the apparatus , the display means comprises a characterization means for characterizing and displaying the device in which the movement has occurred. I have. According to still another aspect of the present invention, a client terminal device used in a network, service that is connected to the network
Display means for displaying a device location information sent from over server apparatus, when the registration information of old and new in the search result information transmitted from the server apparatus is present, is moved on the display means Characterizing means for characterizing and displaying the generated device for a predetermined period of time. Another feature of the present invention is that the device device is a device having a print function or a device having a scanner function.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008] A network system according to the present invention includes any one of the server devices described above and any one of the client terminal devices described above.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, the device terminal display method in a network system of the present invention, if the device connected to the network device has been moved, is reflected in the search results the old and new registration information of the mobile devices apparatus and outputs from the server apparatus Te, when the registration information of old and new in the search result information transmitted from the server apparatus <br/> is present, the client terminal characterize a device in which the movement has occurred It is characterized in that it is displayed on the display means of the device. It is another feature of the present invention, devices connected to the network
If the device is moved, the moved device
The server device is updated by reflecting the old and new registration information of the device in the search results.
And outputs from the location, the search is sent from the server device when the result in the information old and new registration information is present, the client terminal apparatus characterize a device in which the movement has occurred for a predetermined fixed time Is displayed on the display means.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010] A device terminal search method according to the present invention provides identification information of a device on a network and the device.
A management process of managing a database registering a variety of attribute information location has a device instrumentation that is specified as a search condition
Device which is registered in the attribute information and the database of location
By comparing the attribute information of the chair apparatus, a search process for searching for the device unit which matches the above-mentioned search condition, as the attribute information of the device apparatus <br/>, location registration to register the location information of the device apparatus in the database A search method for performing a process and, when the position information of the device is changed by the position registration process, a control process of retaining the position information before the change and the position information after the change in the database. in the search process, the device in the search condition
When the position information of the device is specified, the position information before the change is set as the target of the comparison of the attribute information.

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a server device , a client terminal device, a network system, a device terminal display method in a network system, a device terminal search method, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. .

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0117

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a device connected to the network is moved, the old and new registration information of the moved device is reflected in the search result, so the new and old registration information is reflected in the search result and output. I decided to
When the device device has moved, the user can be notified of the movement without fail and can understand whether or not the device device has moved.

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name]

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0118] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device
If the movement of the location of the scan equipment has occurred, a certain period of time,
Holds mobile information, since so as to reflect it in the search result, when a mobile device apparatus has occurred, even for users who have recognized the existence of a network device by location, reliably search A hit can be made, and the movement of the device can be reliably notified to the user.

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0119

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0119] Also, according to another feature of the present invention, de
Relates vise assembly, since so as to hold the position information after the position information and the change before the change to the database, the device
Position information before the storage device moves can be designated as a search condition.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/30 170 G06F 17/30 170Z F-term (Reference) 5B069 AA01 AA02 BA01 DD00 KA01 5B075 ND20 ND35 NK46 PP02 PP03 PP30 PQ02 PQ40 5B085 BE07 BG07 5B089 GA11 GA21 HA10 JB14 KA13 KB04 LB10 LB12 LB14 5E501 AA01 BA02 CA03 CB02 DA03

Claims (15)

[Claims] In a server terminal device connected to a network, when a device terminal device connected to the network is moved, new and old registration information of the moved device terminal device is searched. A server terminal device, wherein the server terminal device outputs the information reflected on the server. 2. In a server terminal device connected to a network, when a device terminal device connected to the network is moved, new and old registration information of the moved device terminal device is stored in a predetermined format. A server terminal device, which outputs a result reflected in a search result over a predetermined period. 3. A server terminal device used in a network system comprising a server terminal device, a client terminal device, and a device terminal device, wherein hierarchical position information representing information on the position of the device terminal device in a hierarchical manner, and the hierarchy Management means for managing various attributes of the device terminal device corresponding to the type position information, and when the device terminal device notifies that the hierarchical position information managed by the management means is newly registered, Management information changing means for newly registering hierarchical position information; and search result output means for reflecting new and old registration information registered in the management means by the management information changing means in search results and outputting the result. Characteristic server terminal device. 4. A server terminal device used in a network system comprising a server terminal device, a client terminal device, and a device terminal device, wherein hierarchical position information representing information on the position of the device terminal device in a hierarchical manner; Management means for managing various attributes of the device terminal device corresponding to the type position information, and when the device terminal device notifies that the hierarchical position information managed by the management means is newly registered, Management information changing means for newly registering hierarchical position information; and search result output means for reflecting new and old registration information registered in the management means by the management information changing means in search results for a predetermined period and outputting the result. A server terminal device comprising: 5. The device terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the device terminal device is a device terminal device having a print function or a device terminal device having a scanner function.
5. The server terminal device according to any one of 4. 6. Management means for managing a database in which identification information of device terminals on a network and various attribute information of the device terminals are registered, attribute information of the device terminals specified as search conditions, and the database. Searching means for comparing the attribute information of the device terminal devices registered in the database with the attribute information of the device terminal devices that match the search condition; and storing the position information of the device terminal devices as the attribute information of the device terminal devices in the database. And a control unit for storing, in the database, the position information before the change and the position information after the change in a case where the position information of the device terminal device is changed by the position registering unit. The search means comprises: when position information of a device terminal device is specified in the search condition, Server terminal apparatus, which comprises location information of a further prior to be compared of the attribute information. 7. A client terminal device used for a network, comprising: display means for displaying position information of a device terminal device sent from a server terminal device connected to the network; and a client terminal device sent from the server terminal device. A client terminal device comprising: a characterizing means for characterizing and displaying the device terminal device on which the movement has occurred in the display means when new and old registration information is present in the search result information. . 8. A client terminal device used for a network, comprising: display means for displaying position information of a device terminal device sent from a server terminal device connected to the network; and a client terminal device sent from the server terminal device. When new and old registration information is present in the search result information, the display means includes a characterization means for characterizing and displaying the moved device terminal device for a predetermined period of time. Client terminal device. 9. The client terminal device according to claim 7, wherein the device terminal device is a device terminal device having a print function or a device terminal device having a scanner function. 10. A network system comprising: the server terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and the client terminal device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. 11. When a device terminal connected to a network is moved, the new and old registration information of the moved device terminal is reflected on a search result, output from the server terminal, and When the new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the server terminal device, the device terminal device in which the movement has occurred is characterized and displayed on the display means of the client terminal device. A method for displaying a device terminal in a network system, comprising: 12. When a device terminal connected to a network is moved, the new and old registration information of the moved device terminal is reflected on a search result, output from the server terminal, and output from the server terminal. When new and old registration information is present in the search result information sent from the server terminal device, the device terminal device in which the movement has occurred is characterized for a predetermined period of time and displayed on the display means of the client terminal device. A method for displaying a device terminal in a network system, wherein the method is to display. 13. A management process for managing a database in which identification information of device terminals on a network and various types of attribute information of the device terminals are registered, attribute information of the device terminals specified as search conditions, and the database. A search process for searching for a device terminal device that matches the above search condition by comparing the attribute information of the device terminal device registered in the database with the position information of the device terminal device as the attribute information of the device terminal device. And a control process of storing, in the database, the position information before the change and the position information after the change in a case where the position information of the device terminal device is changed by the position registration process. A search method to be performed, wherein in the search processing, the search condition includes a position of a device terminal device. If the broadcast is specified, the device terminal search method characterized by the location information before the change to be compared in the attribute information. 14. A storage medium storing a program constituting each means according to claim 1 so as to be readable from a computer. 15. A storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 11 in a manner readable from a computer.