JP2004252759A - Method for installing driver and installation control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for installing a driver with a set value different in each PC by using only one installation package. <P>SOLUTION: In the method for installing the driver in a personal computer (PC) from the installation package 1001 storing an individual setting table file 1009 in which individual set values are set, an installing operation file 1003 in which macros and installation procedures are determined, and the driver of apparatus, the identifier of the PC to be an installation object is acquired, a set value for the acquired identifier is acquired from the individual setting table file 1009, the macro in the installing operation file 1003 is replaced with the acquired set value, and the driver is installed in accordance with the operation procedure of the macro-converted installing operation file 1003. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to an installation method for installing a driver corresponding to a device used by a computer on a computer, an installation control program used for the method, and a storage medium storing the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in offices and the like, a network in which a plurality of personal computers (hereinafter, referred to as “PCs”) are connected by wire or wirelessly has been constructed. In such a network, when using devices such as printers and scanners installed on the network from each personal computer, setting up a dedicated server, or sharing devices with multiple PCs (user terminals) on the network. In some cases, printing is performed by communicating directly with a device without passing through a corresponding server from a plurality of PCs. A PC on the network may be referred to as a user terminal.
[0003]
FIG. 1 shows a network configuration when a device on the network is, for example, a printer. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 101 and 102 denote a plurality of PCs, and these PCs and a plurality of printers 103 and 104 are communicably connected on a network by using network communication means such as a network cable, a LAN card, a hub and a router. Have been. In order to use a printer on the network with a PC, it is necessary to perform settings such as installation of a printer driver, installation of a port monitor, creation of a port, creation of a logical printer as a printer object and a printer icon on each PC. It is very complicated and difficult for users with little knowledge of printers and networks. For this reason, these setting operations are often performed on behalf of the printer or network administrator, or the administrator explains the operation method to the user, which places a heavy burden on the administrator.
[0004]
Therefore, several methods have been devised for simplifying the installation work of the printer. One of them is that an administrator creates an installation work file in a specific format, and installs the installation work file, an installation control program that installs each software according to the procedure described in the installation work file, and The installation program of each software may be collectively recorded as an installation package on various recording media such as a CD-R, or may be stored in a shared folder created in advance in a server on a network. An installation work file is a file that programs read, not humans, that describes which programs to install, in what settings, and in what order. The user simply inserts the recording medium on which these installation packages are recorded into the CD drive, which is one of the recording medium reproducing devices provided in his / her PC or server, or executes the installation control program for the shared folder. There is a method that automatically installs all programs related to various settings of the printer by simply performing the operation.
[0005]
Hereinafter, respective work procedures of the administrator and the PC (user terminal) regarding this method will be described.
(Administrator's work)
▲ 1 ▼. Create an installation work file. The installation work file is handwritten with a text editor or the like or created using a dedicated editing program. Here, FIG. 6 shows a screen example of a dedicated editing program. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a printer name, 602 denotes a comment, 603 denotes a driver name, 604 denotes a printer usage pattern, 605 denotes an address of the printer on the network, and 606 denotes a text box for inputting a setting file name. Enter information for each set value in such a text box, select and click the "OK" button displayed at the bottom of the screen with an operating means such as a mouse, and the set values are set and installed. The working file is written out.
[0006]
FIG. 5 shows an example of the installation work file. The contents of the installation work file will be described in the order of 501 to 504.
501 Install the driver with the name specified by “Name =”. This indicates that the driver installation program is stored in the location specified by “Path =” (relative path from the root of the installation package).
502 Install a port monitor with the name specified by “Name =”. There is a port monitor installation program in the location specified by "Paht".
503 Creates a port at the address specified by “Address =”.
504 Creates a printer object with the name specified by “Name =”. The comment specified by “Comment =” is set as a comment of the printer object. A setting value designated by “Default =” sets whether or not this printer object is to be set as a default printer which is used by the printer. The driver setting file specified by “Paht =” is used as the driver setting file.
[0007]
▲ 2 ▼. Work file created in (1), installation control file (downloaded from CD-ROM or Web attached to the device), driver or utility software (downloaded from CD-ROM or Web attached to the device) ) In an established directory structure to create an installation package. FIG. 2 shows the contents of the installation package. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes an installation package. The package 201 includes an installation control program 202, an installation work program 203, a printer object creation program 204, a driver installation program 205, a port monitor installation program 206, and a port creation program 207. , And other application installation programs 208.
[0008]
(3). The installation package 201 created in (2) is copied as the installation packages 302 and 403 to the CD-R 301 as a storage medium or the shared folder 402 of the server 401 as shown in FIGS. Since the installation package 201 and the installation packages 302 and 403 are the same, and are copied at different locations, they are given different symbols.
(Operation on user's PC)
The CD-R 301 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted into, for example, a CD drive (not shown) mounted on the PCs 101 and 102 in FIG. 1, and the installation control program of the installation package 302 is executed by auto-run. Alternatively, the installation control program in the installation package 403 in the shared folder 402 shown in FIG. 4 is directly started from the client PC 404 shown in FIG. Each installation control program is an executable file on the PC 101 or 102 of each user. For example, when the operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”) of the PCs 101 and 102 is Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), *. exe file.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method described above is inconvenient because the setting value written in the installation work file is uniquely determined and cannot be changed for each PC. For example, if there are multiple printers of the same model on the network and you want to change only the printer (address) used for each PC, the above method requires an installation work file that differs only in the address of the printer as the setting value. It is necessary to create a plurality of installation packages and install them on each PC. When a plurality of installation packages are created and installed, the used capacity of a hard disk serving as a main storage device provided in the PC and a medium such as a CD-R for copying the installation package are wasted. In addition, there is a concern that a user may execute an installation package that is not assigned to his / her PC by mistake.
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of installing a single installation package with different setting values for each PC, and a program and a storage medium therefor.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a personal computer which converts an individual setting table file in which setting values are set, an installation work file in which macros and installation procedures are defined, and a device driver from an installation package in which the driver is stored. In the method of installing, the identifier of the personal computer to be installed is obtained, the setting value for the obtained identifier is obtained from the individual setting table file, the macro in the installation work file is replaced with the obtained setting value, and the macro The installation operation is performed according to the work procedure of the converted installation work file. Therefore, the driver can be installed by changing the setting for each personal computer with one installation package.
[0011]
The identifier of the personal computer corresponding to the individual setting table file is stored, and if the set identifier is not detected at the time of installation on the personal computer, the default value in the individual setting table file is set as the setting value, and the default value is set as the default value. The installation operation may be performed according to the work procedure of the installation work file set as the setting value. Therefore, the driver can be installed on a personal computer that is not in the individual setting table by using the default value as the setting value.
[0012]
Alternatively, the individual setting table file stores the identifier of the personal computer, and when using the IP address set in each personal computer as the identifier of the personal computer, based on the setting value assigned to the corresponding subnet in the individual setting table file, The installation operation may be performed according to the work procedure of the installation work file. When an IP address is used as an identifier of a PC as described above, a set value may be assigned to each subnet.
[0013]
The present invention is characterized in that a predetermined driver is installed by replacing an installation work file in which a macro is set and a macro in the file with a set value of an individual setting table file set in advance.
[0014]
In the individual setting table file, the identifier of the corresponding personal computer is stored, and when this set identifier is not detected at the time of installation on the personal computer, the default value in the individual setting table file is set as the setting value. If adopted, the driver is installed on the personal computer even if the identifier is not in the individual setting table file.
The individual setting table file stores the identifier of the corresponding personal computer. When using the IP address set for each personal computer as the identifier of this personal computer, the setting assigned to the corresponding subnet in the individual setting table file is used. You may install based on a value.
The storage form of the installation control program may be stored on a recording medium, or if a server is provided, a shared folder may be created on the server and stored in the folder.
When the installation control program is stored in the storage medium or the shared folder, a plurality of programs including a driver to be installed in the personal computer and an installation work file for executing the driver installation in a predetermined order are also stored in the same location. Is preferred.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the installation control program 1002. The installation control program 1002 includes an installation control unit 701, an installation work file editing unit 702, an individual setting table file analysis unit 703, and a PC information acquisition unit 704. The installation control unit 701 has a function of activating each installation program and performing installation in accordance with the procedures and setting values written in the installation work file 1003 shown in FIG. The installation work file editing unit 702 replaces a macro with an individual setting value. The individual setting table file analysis unit 703 has a function of analyzing the individual setting table file and extracting each individual setting of the designated PC. The PC information acquisition unit 704 has a function of acquiring PC identification information. The identification information includes a PC name, a login name, an IP address, and the like.
[0016]
According to the installation control program 1002 having such a configuration, first, the administrator creates the installation work file 1003, and in the macro, indicates that the setting item whose value is to be changed for each PC is an individual setting value. A character string in a certain format, for example, {ADDRESS}, {PRINTERNAME}, and {SETTINGINGFILE} as character strings surrounded by {} shown in reference numerals 803 and 804 in FIG. Write using a special editing program. Then, an individual setting table file in which individual setting values are written for each PC is created. FIG. 9 shows an example of the individual setting table file 1009.
[0017]
8, reference numerals 801 and 802 have the same contents as 501 and 502 in FIG. 5, and a description thereof will be omitted.
Reference numeral 803 designates a macro “{ADDRESS}” for “Address =” and changes the port address for each PC.
Reference numeral 804 designates a macro “{PRINTERNAME}” for “Name =” and changes the printer name for each PC. Also, a macro “{SETTINGFILE}} is specified in“ SettingFilePaht = ”, and the driver setting file is changed for each PC.
[0018]
In FIG. 9, the individual setting table file 1009 has a simple format and is in a CSV file format that can be easily understood by both humans and PCs. In the first line 901, an identifier type for identifying a PC and each macro name are arranged. In the second and subsequent rows 902 and 903, the setting values for each PC are arranged, and in each row, the identifier of the PC and each setting value for the macro in the first row are arranged in this order. Examples of the PC identifier include a machine name, a login name, a network address such as an IP address and a MAC address, and the like. In this example, the machine name. In FIG.
In 901, a ManiName indicating that the PC identifier is a machine name, and a macro name specified in the installation work file are arranged.
In a column 902, setting values for a PC whose machine name is orange are arranged so as to correspond to the macro name in the first line.
In a column 903, setting values for a PC whose machine name is orange are arranged so as to correspond to the macro name in the first line.
[0019]
Then, the installation work file 1003 and the individual setting table file 1009 created by the administrator as described above are created together with the application installers and the like to create an installation package, and copied to the CR-R or a shared folder of a server (not shown). FIG. 10 shows an example of the installation package. An installation package 1001 shown in FIG. 10 includes an installation control program 1002, an installation work file 1003, and an individual setting table file 1009, as well as a printer object creation program 1004, a driver installation program 1005, and a port, similarly to the conventional installation package 201 shown in FIG. A monitor installation program 1006, a port creation program 1007, and other application installation programs 1008 are provided. Then, each user starts the installation control program 1002 in the installation package on the CD-R or the shared folder, and starts installation on the PC.
[0020]
FIG. 11 shows an operation flow of the installation control program 1002. In FIG. 11, in step 1101, the PC information acquisition unit 704 acquires an identifier of a PC to be installed. As the identifier, a machine name, a login name, a network address such as an IP address or a MAC address, and the like are used.
In step 1102, the individual setting table file analysis unit 703 analyzes the individual setting table file 1009, and acquires the setting for the PC identifier acquired by the install package 1001 from the file.
In step 1103, the installation work file 702 replaces the macros enclosed by {＄} in the installation work file 1003 with the setting values obtained by the installation control program 1002. At this time, if the installation work file 1003 itself is edited, the value is applied in the next execution, so that the file is not the original file, but the file is edited on a memory (not shown) of the PC, or another file name or the like is used. Edit what was copied to another folder.
In step 1104, the installation control unit 701 performs the installation according to the installation work file in which the macro has been replaced with the installation work file 1003.
[0021]
(Second embodiment)
If the identifier of the PC that has executed the installation using the installation package 1001 is not found in the individual setting table file 1009, the installation fails. This occurs when the administrator fails to write in this table file or when there is a PC that the administrator does not know. However, even if there is a PC that the administrator does not know, it is convenient if the PC can be installed with default settings for the time being. Further, it is convenient if it is possible to install only a limited specific PC with different settings and install other PCs with the same settings (default values).
[0022]
Therefore, a method for enabling a PC that is not included in the individual setting table file to install default values as set values will be described. Since the user's operation in this method is basically the same as the content of the first embodiment, the different point will be mainly described. In the individual setting table file 1200 used in this embodiment, default values are written as shown in FIG. Rows denoted by reference numerals 1201 to 1203 have the same contents as rows 901 to 903 in FIG. In the individual setting table file 1200, a default value is written in a line 1204. First, a macro “{default}” indicating a default value is followed by a setting for a macro name.
[0023]
FIG. 13 shows an operation flow of the installation control program when the individual setting table file 1200 is used. In this flow, step 1301 executes the same contents as step 1101 in FIG. In step 1302, the individual setting table explanation unit 703 analyzes the individual setting table file 1200 and checks whether there is a PC identifier acquired in step 1301. If there is, go to step 1303; otherwise, go to step 1304. In step 1303, the same processing as in step 1102 is performed. In step 1304, the individual setting table explanation unit 703 analyzes the individual setting table file 1200 and acquires a default setting value. In step 1305, as in step 1103, the installation work file 702 is replaced with the default setting value obtained by the installation control program 1002 for the macro enclosed in {＄} in the installation work file 1003. Similarly to 1104, the installation control unit 701 performs installation according to the installation work file in which the macro is replaced in the installation work file 1003.
[0024]
(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, when an IP address is used as a PC identifier, a setting value is assigned to each subnet. Since the user's operation in this method is basically the same as the content of the first embodiment, the description will focus on the differences. In the individual setting table file 1400 used in this embodiment, setting values for each subnet are written as shown in FIG.
[0025]
In FIG. 14, "ADDRESS" indicating that the identifier of the PC is the IP address is written in the line 1401. The setting value for the subnet of 123.123.11.255 is written in the row denoted by reference numeral 1402. The setting value for the subnet 123.123.22.255 is written in the row 1403.
[0026]
FIG. 15 shows an operation flow of the installation control program when the individual setting table file 1400 is used. In this flow, in step 1501, the PC information acquisition unit 704 acquires an IP address of a PC to be installed. In step 1502, the individual setting table explanation unit 703 analyzes the individual setting table file 1400, and obtains a setting value for the subnet including the IP address obtained in step 1501 from the file.
[0027]
In step 1503, as in step 1103, the installation work file 702 replaces the macros enclosed in {... . In step 1504, similarly to step 1104, the installation control unit 701 performs the installation according to the installation work file in which the macro has been replaced with the installation work file 1003.
[0028]
In each embodiment, the installation package 1001 may be stored in the CD-R 1500 as a storage medium shown in FIG. 16 and installed on each PC from a CD drive of the PC to be installed.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the installation can be changed for each personal computer with one installation package, the resources such as the CD-R media and the hard disk are not wasted. Further, since the user does not need to select an installation package to be executed from a plurality of installation packages, there is no mistake and an installation error can be prevented. Further, the administrator can arbitrarily and finely specify the set value for each personal computer.
According to the present invention, the driver corresponding to the device can be installed even when the administrator fails to write in the individual setting table file or when there is a personal computer that the administrator does not know. In addition, it is easy to install different PCs with different settings and install other PCs with the same settings.
According to the present invention, a set value can be assigned to each subnet of an IP address.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional installation package.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a form of a medium storing an installation package.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a form in which an installation package is stored in a shared file of a server.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional installation work file.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a screen when an installation work file is created.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an installation control program used in the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an installation work file used in the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of an individual setting table file used in the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an installation package according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an installation control program according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing contents of an individual setting table file used in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an installation control program according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the contents of an individual setting table file used in the third embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an installation control program according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a recording medium in which an installation control program and an installation package are stored.
[Explanation of symbols]
101, 102, 404 Personal computers 103, 104 Equipment 1001 Installation package 1003 Installation work files 1009, 1200, 1400 Individual setting table file 1600 Storage medium

Claims (8)

A method of installing the driver in a personal computer from an installation package in which an individual setting table file in which setting values are set, an installation work file defining macros and installation procedures, and a device driver are stored,
The identifier of the personal computer to be installed is obtained, the setting value for the obtained identifier is obtained from the individual setting table file, the macro in the installation work file is replaced with the obtained setting value, and this macro conversion is performed. A driver installation method that performs an installation operation according to the work procedure in the installation work file. The driver installation method according to claim 1,
In the individual setting table file, the identifier of the corresponding personal computer is stored, and when the set identifier is not detected at the time of installation on the personal computer, the default value in the individual setting table file is set. A driver installation method that performs an installation operation according to the work procedure of an installation work file that uses this default value as a set value. The driver installation method according to claim 1,
The individual setting table file stores the identifier of the corresponding personal computer. When the IP address set for each personal computer is used as the identifier of the personal computer, the identifier is assigned to the corresponding subnet in the individual setting table file. A driver installation method for performing an installation operation in accordance with the operation procedure of the installation operation file based on the set values. An installation work file in which a macro is set, and an installation control program for installing a predetermined driver by replacing the macro in the file with a set value of an individual setting table file set in advance. The installation control program according to claim 4,
In the individual setting table file, the identifier of the corresponding personal computer is stored, and when the set identifier is not detected at the time of installation on the personal computer, the default value in the individual setting table file is set. An installation control program to be adopted as a value. The installation control program according to claim 4,
The individual setting table file stores the identifier of the corresponding personal computer. When the IP address set for each personal computer is used as the identifier of the personal computer, the identifier is assigned to the corresponding subnet in the individual setting table file. An installation control program that installs based on the set values. A recording medium readable by a personal computer,
An installation control program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, a plurality of programs including a driver to be installed in the personal computer, and an installation work file for executing the installation of the driver in a predetermined order. recoding media. A recording medium readable by a personal computer,
An installation control program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, a plurality of programs including a driver to be installed in the personal computer, and an installation work file for executing the installation of the driver in a predetermined order. Installation package.

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