JP4035134B2 - Information processing apparatus capable of controlling printer object, printer object control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that controls a printer object that holds various settings of a printer.

In recent years, the introduction of free addresses has progressed in offices and the like, and there is an environment in which a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) can be connected to a network from any location in the office using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or the like. It is getting more.
In such a situation, when a user moves to another location in the office and connects the PC to the network at the destination to perform printing, only a predetermined printer set in advance is installed on the PC. Therefore, even if it is at a long distance from the current position, it must be output to a predetermined printer that has been set. In order to output with a printer at a short distance at the destination, it is necessary to newly connect to the printer or install a new printer to create a printer object.

  Therefore, in order to perform output from a network printer at a short distance in the destination, a network printer automatic installation method has been proposed in which a printer in the same segment as the PC is searched and the searched printer can be used. (For example, refer to [Patent Document 1].)

JP 2002-366502 A

  However, regarding the office form of free address, in practice, the user does not use a desk or the like in a completely random state, but basically uses a predetermined same desk or the same area (segment). In a meeting or a meeting, the user moves to various places and connects the PC to the network at the destination. When the meeting, the meeting, etc. are finished, the user returns to his / her desk and returns to normal work. Accordingly, the user frequently repeats the PC connection at a normal business desk or the like and the PC connection at a destination such as a meeting or a meeting.

In this case, in the technology shown in [Patent Document 1], when there is no printer already installed in the PC on the segment to which the PC is connected, the printer is deleted and the printer in the current segment is installed. Therefore, there is a problem that the introduction and deletion of the printer is frequently performed, which is troublesome for the user.
Basically, there are your desk, seat, fixed area, etc. Even if there is a printer that you normally use, if you move to another segment, even the printer that you normally use will be deleted, There is a problem that user-defined print settings and the like are also deleted and the usability is poor.
Furthermore, when there are a plurality of printers on the destination segment, all printers are introduced, and when there are many printers on the segment, useless printers are introduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and selects and installs only necessary printers, and discriminates between printers in the place where the user (user) is usually and printers that are not. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus (printer object control apparatus) capable of controlling a printer object, which can generate a necessary printer object and prevent unnecessary printer introduction.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a first invention is an information processing apparatus connected to a network and capable of controlling a device object, which is management information for managing devices , based on an address of the information processing apparatus. Determining means for determining a segment; holding means for holding connection history of the segment; comparing means for comparing the connection history of the segment held by the holding means with the segment determined by the determining means; If the segments do not match when compared by the comparison means, a search means for searching for devices in the segment determined by the determination means, a selection means for selecting the devices searched by the search means, and a selection by the selection means a creation instruction means for performing the instruction for generating the device objects corresponding to the devices, and characterized by comprising That is an information processing apparatus.

The information processing apparatus ( device object control apparatus) capable of controlling the device object of the first invention determines the current segment based on an address such as its own IP address, holds a connection history to the segment, When the connection history and the current segment are compared, and the segments do not match , the device in the current segment is searched for and selected by the user, and an instruction for creating a device object corresponding to the selected device is issued.

Further, the information processing apparatus can determine the segment type of the current segment and change the content of the device object creation instruction based on the segment type.
Further, the information processing apparatus, when generating a device object of the same model, or replace the port information of the device object to the port information of the existing device objects, so as to take over the configuration information of the device indicated by the existing device object Also good.

The information processing apparatus may invalidate the existing device object when the device indicated by the existing device object is not a device in the current segment or when the existing device object is not usable. .
In addition, it is desirable to perform default settings on usable device objects, not on unusable device objects. Furthermore, a device object for performing default setting may be determined based on designated information, a model that has been default-set in the past, the total number of times of printing, and the like.

The device is various hardware devices or peripheral devices. The device is, for example, an output device such as a printer or a peripheral device such as a scanner .
Device object is intended to be created in the information processing apparatus the device for the device driver is introduced, for holding the various setting items of the device. The device object is, for example, a printer object . The user causes the device to execute processing by operating an icon or the like corresponding to the device object. A device object creation instruction is issued to the OS or the like.
A segment is a subnetwork derived from an address such as an IP address and a subnet mask.
The segment type is, for example, a home segment that is a normal connection destination, a work segment that is a connection destination other than normal, and the like.
The connection history to a segment is a history regarding a connection destination segment, a home segment, a work segment, a default device object, and the like, and only the current or previous connection may be held.

In the first invention, the information processing apparatus holds a connection history to a segment. When the current segment is different from the previous segment, the information processing apparatus searches for a device that can be installed and selects the device from among them to install the device. Therefore, only necessary devices can be selected and introduced, and devices can be efficiently introduced.
Further, the information processing apparatus, since changes the creation instruction of the device object according to the type of the segment of the current connection destination, to determine a device otherwise the device at the location where the user (the user) itself are normally Necessary device objects can be generated and useless device introduction can be prevented.

A second invention is a device object control method executed by an information processing apparatus connected to a network and capable of controlling a device object that is management information for managing a device , based on an address of the information processing apparatus, A determination step of determining a segment, a holding step of holding the connection history of the segment, a comparison step of comparing the connection history of the segment held by the holding step and the segment determined in the determination step, and the comparison If the segments do not match when compared in the process, a search process for searching for a device in the segment determined in the determination process, a selection process for selecting the device searched in the search process, and a selection process in the selection process. child comprising: a creation instruction step, the of making an instruction of the device object corresponding to the device was Which is a device object control method characterized.

The second invention is an invention related to a device object control method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of controlling a device object of the first invention.

A third invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the device object control method of the second invention .

The program of the third invention causes a computer to function as an information processing apparatus capable of controlling the device object of the first invention.
Note that the above program may be distributed by being held on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or the program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

  According to the present invention, only a necessary printer is selected and introduced, a printer in a place where a user (user) is normally located is discriminated from a printer that is not, a necessary printer object is generated, and a wasteful printer is created. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus (printer object control apparatus) that can control the printer object and that can be prevented from being introduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a printer object control device and the like according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to components having substantially the same functional configuration, and redundant description will be omitted.

  Note that “install a printer” indicates that a printer object is to be created. If the printer driver is not installed at this time, the printer driver may be installed at the same time. “Delete printer” indicates that the printer object is deleted. At this time, the printer driver may be uninstalled at the same time.

(1. Configuration)
(1-1. Configuration of Printer Object Control System)
First, the configuration of the printer object control system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printer object control system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printer object control system 1 includes a client computer 3, a printer 5, a printer server 7, and the like as information processing apparatuses (printer object control apparatuses) that can control printer objects connected via a network 9. Configured.
Regarding the connection between the printer 5 and the printer server 7, the connection may be made via the network 9, or the connection may be made directly via the local interface 11.

The printer object control system 1 is a system that introduces and deletes the printer 5 from the client computer 3.
The client computer 3 is an information processing apparatus that performs print output from the printer 5 via the network 9 and is, for example, a PC. The connection destination of the client computer 3 on the network 9 is changed as the user moves.
The printer 5 is a print output device that performs print output in response to a request from the client computer 3. The printer 5 can also be used as a shared printer under the control of the printer server 7.

The printer server 7 is an information processing apparatus that controls the operation of the printer 5 and is, for example, a server computer. The printer server 7 temporarily spools the print job data sent from the client computer 3 and causes the printer 5 to print out when the printer 5 is ready for printing.
The network 9 is a network such as a LAN (local area network) or the Internet, and may be wired or wireless. The client computer 3, the printer server 5, and the printer server 7 can communicate with each other via the network 9.

  As long as the function of the present invention is executed, a system in which processing is performed by connecting via a network such as a LAN or WAN, whether it is a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices. Even so, the present invention can be applied. That is, the configuration of various terminals connected in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like is an example, and it is needless to say that there are various configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

(1-2. Hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the client computer 3 and the printer 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the client computer 3 and the printer 5.
Note that the hardware configuration in FIG. 2 is an example, and various configurations can be adopted depending on the application and purpose.

The client computer 3 is configured by providing a main body 3a with a keyboard 109, a CRT display 110, an external memory (HD, FD), and the like.
The main body 3 a is configured by connecting a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, an input controller 105, a video controller 106, a memory controller 107, a communication I / F controller 108, and the like via a system bus 104.

A CPU 101 (Central Processing Unit) calls an execution program stored in a hard disk, a ROM, a recording medium, etc., an OS (operation system) program, an application program, etc., into a work memory area on the RAM 102 and executes it to perform arithmetic processing (four rules). Calculation, comparison calculation, etc.), operation control of hardware and software, etc., and various functions to be described later are realized.
A RAM 102 (Random Access Memory) stores OS programs, application programs, and the like read from the external memory 111. The RAM 102 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 101.
Note that the CPU 101 enables display on the CRT display 110 by executing, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on a display information area in the RAM 102. Further, the CPU 101 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT display 110.

  The external memory 111 has a hard disk (HD), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), and a PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. A compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter.

The ROM 103 (Read Only Memory) or the external memory 111 is necessary for realizing the functions executed by the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and the OS (Operating System Program), which are control programs of the CPU 101, and each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.
The OS used in this embodiment is assumed to be, for example, Windows (registered trademark) XP (manufactured by Microsoft Corporation), but is not limited thereto.

The input controller 105 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 109 or a mouse (not shown).
The video controller 106 controls display on a display device such as the CRT display 110. The display device may be a liquid crystal display as well as a CRT. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related.
The memory controller 107 controls access to the external memory 111.
The communication I / F controller 108 is connected to and communicates with an external device via the network 9 and the local interface 11, and executes communication control processing in the network 9 and the local interface 11. For example, Internet communication using TCP / IP or data transmission / reception with the printer 5 is possible.

  The system bus 104 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices, and is, for example, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus, or a memory bus.

The printer 5 includes a main body 5a provided with a printing unit 117, an operation unit 121, an external memory 114 (HD), and the like.
The main body 5a includes a CPU 112, a RAM 119, a font ROM 113a, a program ROM 113b, a data ROM 113c, an input unit 118, a printing unit I / F 116, a memory controller 120, and the like connected via a system bus 115.

The CPU 112 of the printer 5 outputs, as output information, to a printing unit 117 (printer engine) connected via the system bus 115 and the printing unit I / F 116 based on a control program stored in the program ROM 113b, the external memory 114, and the like. The image signal is output.
The program ROM 113b stores a control program for the CPU 112 and the like. The font ROM 113a stores font data used when generating the output information. In the case of a printer that does not have an external memory 114 such as a hard disk, the data ROM 113 c stores information used on the client computer 3.

The CPU 112 is configured to be able to communicate with the client computer 3 via the input unit 118 and to notify the client computer 3 of information in the printer 5 and the like.
A RAM 119 is a main memory of the CPU 112 and functions as a work area. The RAM 119 is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).
The RAM 119 is also used for an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM), and the like.

The external memory 114 is a hard disk (HD), an IC card, or the like, and access is controlled by the memory controller 120. The external memory 114 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like.
The number of external memories 114 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory 114 is provided so that an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected in addition to the built-in font. It may be configured. Further, the external memory 114 may have an NVRAM (not shown) and store printer mode setting information from the operation unit 121 (operation panel).
The input unit 118 is provided with a switch for operation in the operation unit 121, an LED display, and the like.

The program according to the present invention is recorded in the external memory 111 of the client computer 3 and is executed by the CPU 101 by being loaded into the RAM 102 as necessary. Furthermore, various information tables according to the present invention are stored in the external memory 111 of the client computer 3.
Details of the operation of each apparatus by the program according to the present invention and various information tables according to the present invention will be described later.

(1-3. Segment)
3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams of segments.
The segment 23 is a subnetwork derived from the IP address 21 and the subnet mask 22.
The sub-network is derived and defined by an IP address and a subnet mask that are uniquely identified for the client computer 3 connected to the network.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the client computer 3-1, the IP address 21-1 is “10.120.42.15”, and the subnet mask 22-1 is “255.255.255.0”. Therefore, the segment 23-1 is “10.120.42.0/24”. In the client computer 3-2, since the IP address 21-2 is “10.120.42.147” and the subnet mask 22-2 is “255.255.255.0”, the segment 23-2 Is “10.120.42.0/24”. Therefore, the client computer 3-1 and the client computer 3-2 belong to the same segment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the client computer 3-3, the IP address 21-3 is “10.120.42.15”, and the subnet mask 22-3 is “255.255.255.0”. Therefore, the segment 23-3 is “10.120.42.0/24”. In the client computer 3-4, since the IP address 21-4 is “10.120.27.15” and the subnet mask 22-4 is “255.255.255.0”, the segment 23-4 Is “10.120.27.0/24”. Therefore, the client computer 3-3 and the client computer 3-4 belong to different segments.

(1-4. External Memory 111 of Client Computer 3)
Next, information held in the external memory 111 of the client computer 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of information held in the external memory 111 of the client computer 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, the external memory 111 holds a printer object 200, printer object correspondence information 300, printer object information 400, segment information 500, an OS 31, an execution program 32, and the like.

The printer object 200 is created for each printer 5 installed in the client computer 3. In the printer object 200, various items of the printer 5 are set by the printer object correspondence information 300 and the printer object information 400.
The client computer 3 executes output from the printer 5 via the printer object 200.
Actually, when the user of the client computer 3 operates a printer object icon corresponding to the printer object 200, output by the printer 5 is executed.

The printer object correspondence information 300 assigns one record to one printer object information 400 and stores a plurality of records.
Each printer object information 400-1, 400-2,... Is associated with each record 300-1, 300-2,... Of the printer object correspondence information 300 using the printer object name 301 as a key. 200-1, 200-2,... Are formed.

  The printer object correspondence information 300 includes items such as a printer object name 301, a home / work type 302, a default printer type 303, a cumulative printing count 304, a printer device model name 305, and a printer device IP address 306.

A printer object name 301 indicates a name identified by an operating system, a user, or the like.
The home / work type 302 indicates the type of home (home printer belonging to the home segment) / work (work printer belonging to the work segment), and whether the printer object 200 is the home printer object 200a (FIG. 6) or not. This is a flag for distinguishing whether the object is 200b (FIG. 7).

The home segment indicates a segment to which the client computer 3 is connected during normal times (when the user is in his / her seat or during normal business). A home segment usually corresponds to one segment, but a plurality of segments may be used as home segments.
The work segment indicates a segment to which the client computer 3 is connected except during normal times (when the user is away from his / her seat, in another seat, or in a conference room). The work segment is a segment other than the home segment.

  Regarding the types of home printers and work printers, the printers belonging to the home segment and the work segment may be uniformly used as home printers and work printers, respectively. Down (for example, a printer that is in the home segment but is not normally used), it may be a work printer, or even if it belongs to a work segment, it is under a predetermined condition (for example, a work segment) The printer may be a home printer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the home printer object 200a.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the home / work type 302 of the record 300a of the printer object correspondence information 300 is “home”, the printer object 200 is connected to the home / printer object 200a (printer objects 200-1, 200-3). ).

FIG. 7 shows the work / printer object 200b.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the home / work type 302 of the record 300b of the printer object correspondence information 300 is “work”, the printer object 200 is a work / printer object 200b (printer object 200-2).

  The default printer type 303 is a flag indicating whether or not the printer object 200 is a default printer. Whether the printer is a default printer or not can be obtained by inquiring of the OS 31.

FIG. 8 shows the default printer object 200c.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the default printer type 303 of the record 300c of the printer object correspondence information 300 is “default”, the printer object 200 is a default printer object 200c (printer object 200-3).

The total number of printings 304 is a value representing the total number of printings, and the total number of printings performed by the client computer 3 via the printer object 200 is sequentially recorded.
The printer device model name 305 indicates the model name of the printer 5 (printer device) associated with the printer object information 400. If the model is the same model, the printer driver is defined to be the same.
The printer device model name 305 can be acquired from printer device unique information 600 (described later with reference to FIG. 11) held by each printer 5. The printer device model name 602 included in the printer device unique information 600 is included in the printer device model name 602. The corresponding value is stored.

The printer device IP address 306 indicates the IP address of the printer 5 (printer device) associated with the printer object information 400, and is a unique value within the segment.
The printer device IP address 306 can be obtained from printer device specific information 600 (described later with reference to FIG. 11) held by each printer 5, and corresponds to the IP address 601 included in the printer device specific information 600. The value is stored.

The printer object information 400 is created for each printer 5 installed in the client computer 3.
The printer object information 400 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The segment information 500 holds information related to the segment to which the client computer 3 belongs, and is held for each client computer 3.
The segment information 500 includes items such as home segment information 501, home default printer object name 502, previous work segment information 503, and previous work default printer object name 504.

The home segment information 501 indicates information related to the home segment of the client computer 3, and holds the value shown in the segment 23 of FIG.
A home default printer object name 502 indicates a default printer object name currently used in the home segment or used in the past.
The previous work segment information 503 indicates the current segment information when the client computer 3 is currently operating in the work segment, and the previous work segment information when the client computer 3 is currently operating in the home segment. Indicates.
The previous work default printer object name 504 stores a default printer object name currently used in the work segment or used in the past.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the printer object information 400.
The printer object information 400 shown in FIG. 9 includes a printer server name 401, a printer name 402, a network share name 403, port information 404, a printer driver name 405, a comment 406, printer setting information 407 (DEVMODE), a separator page file name 408, Print processor name 409, spool data name 410, printer parameter 411, printer security information 412, print job priority information 413, standard job priority information 414, print ready start set time 415, print enable end set time 416, Items such as printer status information 417, the number of jobs 418 held by the printer, and average printing time information 419 are stored.

The printer server name 401 is the name of the printer server 7 that manages the printer 5.
The printer name 402 is the name of the printer 5. The printer name 402 becomes the printer object name 301 of the printer object correspondence information 300, and the printer object correspondence information 300 and the printer object information 400 are related.
A network share name 403 represents a printer name when the printer 5 is shared on the network 9.

The port information 404 is information regarding a port, and indicates a port name, a boat number, and the like.
The printer driver name 405 indicates the name of the printer driver used by the printer 5 corresponding to the printer object information 400.
A comment 406 indicates a comment for the printer 5.
Printer setting information 407 (DEVMODE) indicates print settings. Details of the printer setting information 407 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The separator page file name 408 designates a separator page file name to be injected between print jobs when printing from a printer.
The print processor name 409 indicates the name of the print processor used when the printer 5 performs print processing.
The spool data name 410 indicates the name of the spool data. The spool data format includes, for example, RAW data, EMF data format, etc., but the spool data name 410 also indicates which spool data format is used.

A printer parameter 411 indicates various parameters given to the printer 5.
The printer security information 412 indicates information of a user (user) who is permitted to access the printer 5.
The print job priority information 413 is information indicating the priority of the print job.
The standard job priority information 414 is information indicating the standard job priority, and is information indicating the default job priority.
The printable start set time 415 is a setting of the start time of the printable time.
The printable end set time 416 is a setting of the end time of the printable time.
The printer status information 417 is status information indicating the status of the printer 5.
The number of jobs 418 held by the printer indicates the number of jobs held by the printer 5.
The average printing time information 419 indicates the average printing time of the printer 5.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the printer setting information 407 of the printer object information 400.
The printer setting information 407 (DEVMODE) is a print setting structure defined in the Windows (registered trademark) operating system.

  The setting 421 is the hardware ID, the setting 422 is the version number of the operating system to be used, the setting 423 is the version number of the printer driver, the setting 424 is the size of the DEVMODE structure, and the setting 425 is the extended DEVMODE structure. An area size to be used, setting 426 is a flag indicating a function supported by the printer driver.

  A setting 427 is a value indicating the print direction, a setting 428 is a value indicating the paper size, a setting 429 is a value indicating the paper length, a setting 430 is a value indicating the paper width, and a setting 431 is a magnification. The setting 432 is a value indicating the number of copies, the setting 433 is a value indicating the default paper type, the setting 434 is a value indicating the print quality, the setting 435 is a value indicating the color, and the setting 436 is a duplex printing. It is a value indicating whether or not.

  A setting 437 is a value indicating the vertical resolution of the image, a setting 438 is a value when using a TrueType font, a setting 439 is a value related to copy printing, a setting 440 is a value indicating the name of a paper form, and a setting 441 Is a value indicating the logical resolution, and the setting 442 is a value relating to the color resolution.

  Setting 443 to setting 446 are values used by the display driver, setting 447 is a value related to a method for specifying a color profile, setting 448 is a value related to a color matching method, setting 449 is a value indicating the type of paper, and setting 450 Is a value indicating a dithering method, and settings 451 and 452 are reserved values.

(1-5. External Memory 114 of Printer 5)
Next, information held in the external memory 114 of the printer 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of information held in the external memory 114 of the printer 5.
As shown in FIG. 11, the external memory 114 holds printer device specific information 600 and the like.

  The printer device specific information 600 is information held by each printer 5 and indicates information statically held by the printer device included in the response packet from the printer device. The printer device specific information 600 holds items such as an IP address 601, a printer device model name 602, and identification information 603.

An IP address 601 indicates the IP address of the printer 5 (printer device).
The printer device model name 602 indicates the model name of the printer 5 (printer device).
The identification information 603 is an identification name or the like that can be arbitrarily set by the user.
By acquiring the printer device model name 602, the printer driver corresponding to the printer 5 can be identified and a printer object creation instruction can be issued.

  The identification information 603 stores, for example, the location of the printer 5 and the printer object name, and the client computer 3 displays a list of printer devices on the printer selection screen 50 (described later in FIG. 17). This identification information 603 can be acquired and displayed.

(2. Operation of client computer 3)
Next, operations of the client computer 3 and the like in the printer object control system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the client computer 3, the CPU 101 loads the execution program 32 stored in the external memory 111 onto the RAM 102 and executes each processing step shown in FIGS. 12 to 17.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client computer 3.
In step 1001, the client computer 3 refers to the printer object correspondence information 300 in the external memory 111 and searches for an existing printer object 200 stored in its own external memory 111.
When there is a request to delete all the printer objects 200, such as when changing the home segment, the client computer 3 deletes the printer object information 400 and updates the printer object correspondence information 300.

  In step 1002, the client computer 3 calculates the number of records of the printer object correspondence information 300 acquired in step 1001, and determines whether one or more existing printer objects 200 exist in the external memory 111 of the client computer 3. .

In step 1003, the client computer 3 acquires the current IP address 21 and subnet mask 22 and reads them into the memory.
In step 1004, the client computer 3 regards the current segment as the home segment, and stores the segment 23 derived from the IP address 21 and the subnet mask 22 acquired in step 1003 in the home segment information 501 of the segment information 500.

  In step 1005, the client computer 3 searches for the printer 5 in the same segment 23 as that of the client computer 3 by a broadcast packet, acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 that has responded, and obtains the IP address 601 and the printer device. The model name 602 and identification information 603 are read into the memory, and a list of these is displayed. The client computer 3 displays a printer selection screen 50 as shown in FIG.

In step 1006, a printer object 200 corresponding to the printer 5 selected by the user among the printers 5 displayed in step 1005 is created.
Details of step 1006 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step 1007, the client computer 3 acquires the current IP address 21 and subnet mask 22 and reads them into the memory.
In step 1008, the client computer 3 refers to the segment information 500 and acquires home segment information 501.
In step 1009, the client computer 3 matches the current segment 23 calculated from the IP address 21 and subnet mask 22 acquired in step 1007 with the home segment information 501 acquired in step 1008. Determine if it is running.
If it is determined in step 1009 that the segment is a home segment, the process proceeds to step 1010. If it is determined that the segment is not a home segment (when it is determined that it is a work segment), the process proceeds to step 1017.

In step 1010, the client computer 3 matches the existing printer object 200 group acquired in step 1001 with the home segment information 501 acquired in step 1009, and is not the home printer object 200a, that is, the work printer object 200b is Determine if it exists.
If there is a work / printer object 200b, the process proceeds to step 1011. If there is no work / printer object 200b, the process proceeds to step 1012.

In step 1011, the client computer 3 instructs the printer status information 417 derived from the printer object information 400 of the work / printer object 200b acquired in step 1001 to be invalidated, and output even if the user performs a printing operation. Do not be.
Although the present embodiment is configured to be invalidated, the work / printer object 200b may be deleted based on a user instruction.

In step 1012, using the printer object information 400 of the home printer object 200a acquired in step 1001, it is determined whether the home printer object 200a can be used.
The client computer 3 reads the IP address 601 of the printer 5 into the memory, sends a network packet, and confirms whether the printer 5 exists or can be used with a response from the IP address 601.
If it is determined that the printer 5 exists or can be used, the process proceeds to step 1013. If it is determined that the printer 5 does not exist or cannot be used, the process proceeds to step 1015.

  If there are a plurality of home / printer objects 200a and it is determined that at least one of the printers 5 is present or usable, the processing may be shifted to step 1013, or all of the printers 5 may be present or If it is determined that it can be used, the processing may be shifted to step 1013. Further, when it is determined that the printer 5 corresponding to the default home printer object 200a is present or usable, the processing may be shifted to step 1013.

In step 1013, the client computer 3 instructs the printer status information 417 of the printer object information 400 corresponding to the home printer object 200a to be validated so that the user can perform printing.
In step 1014, the client computer 3 sets the home printer object 200a as a default printer.
If the home printer object 200a is already the default printer, the client computer 3 refers to the home default printer object name 502 of the segment information 500, and continues to use the home printer object 200a previously used in the home segment as the default printer. Set to.
Note that a default printer may be set based on the total number of times of printing 304 and the printer object 200 selected by the user.

In step 1015, the client computer 3 searches for the printer 5 in the same segment as the client computer 3 using a broadcast packet, acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 that has responded, and obtains the IP address 601, printer device model. The name 602 and identification information 603 are read into the memory, and a list of these is displayed. The client computer 3 displays a printer selection screen 50 as shown in FIG.
In step 1016, a printer object 200 corresponding to the printer 5 selected by the user among the printers 5 displayed in step 1015 is created.
The details of step 1016 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step 1017, the client computer 3 refers to the segment information 500 in the external memory 111 and reads it into the memory.
In step 1018, the segment 23 derived from the IP address 21 and subnet mask 22 acquired in step 1007 is matched with the previous work segment information 503 of the segment information 500 acquired in step 1017, and the same work segment continues. To determine if it exists.
If the segment is the same as the previous time, the process proceeds to step 1019. If the segment is not the same as the previous time, the process proceeds to step 1020.

  In step 1019, the client computer 3 refers to the printer status information 417 of the printer object information 400 determined based on the existing work / printer object 200 b, and if it is invalidated, instructs the client computer 3 to validate it.

  In step 1020, the client computer 3 regards the segment in which it is currently operating as a new work segment, and sets the segment 23 derived from the IP address 21 and subnet mask 22 acquired in step 1007 as the previous segment information 500. The work segment information 503 is stored.

In step 1021, the client computer 3 searches for the printer 5 in the same segment as the client computer 3 using a broadcast packet, acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 that has responded, and obtains the IP address 601 and the printer device model. The name 602 and identification information 603 are read into the memory, and a list of these is displayed. The client computer 3 displays a printer selection screen 50 as shown in FIG.
In step 1022, a printer object 200 corresponding to the printer 5 selected by the user among the printers 5 displayed in step 1021 is created.
Details of step 1022 will be described later with reference to FIG.

(2-1. Printer object creation process 1)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client computer 3 in the printer object creation process 1 (FIG. 12: step 1006).

In step 1101, the client computer 3 determines from the list of printers 5 in the segment displayed in step 1005 (FIG. 17) whether the user has selected the printer 5 that the user wants to use.
If the printer 5 has been selected, the process proceeds to step 1102. If the printer 5 has not been selected, the process ends.

In step 1102, the client computer 3 acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 selected by the user from the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1005. Note that all of the printer device specific information 600 may be acquired.
In step 1103, based on the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1102, a printer driver is determined based on a table (not shown) associating the printer device model with the printer driver, and a new port and printer object 200 are determined. The OS 31 is instructed to create it.
Note that the default value of the printer driver is set in the default printer setting information 417 of the printer object information 400, but when the printer object 200 is instructed to create, a value predetermined by the user is set. May be.

In step 1104, the client computer 3 determines whether the printer object 200 has been generated for all the selected printers 5 based on the printer device specific information 600 of the selected printer 5 acquired in step 1102.
If the printer object 200 has been generated for all the selected printers 5, the process proceeds to step 1105, and if not created, the process proceeds to step 1102.

In step 1105, the client computer 3 performs setting as a default printer for the printer object 200 of the printer 5 designated by the user as the default printer.
In step 1106, the client computer 3 saves and stores in the printer object correspondence information 300 information on the created printer object 200, for example, information such as the printer object name 301, home / work type 302, and default printer type 303. Further, the client computer 3 stores and stores information such as the printer device model name 305 and the printer device IP address 306 in the printer object correspondence information 300 with respect to the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1102.

  Since the printer object creation process 1 (step 1006) is a process when there is no existing printer object 200, in step 1106, the client computer 3 applies a home printer (for the newly created printer object 200). Home / work type 302 = “home”) may be set.

(2-2. Printer Object Creation Process 2)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client computer 3 in the printer object creation process 2 (FIG. 12: step 1016).

In step 1201, the client computer 3 determines whether the user has selected the printer 5 that the user wants to use from the list of printers 5 in the segment displayed in step 1015 (FIG. 17).
If the printer 5 has been selected, the process proceeds to step 1202. If the printer 5 has not been selected, the process ends.

In step 1202, the client computer 3 reads the printer device model name 305 of the existing home printer object 200a acquired in step 1001 into the memory.
Note that all of the printer device specific information 600 may be acquired.

In step 1203, the client computer 3 acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 selected by the user from the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1015. Note that all of the printer device specific information 600 may be acquired.
In step 1204, the client computer 3 matches the printer device model name 305 of the existing home printer object 200 a acquired in step 1202 with the printer device model name 602 of the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1203. It is determined whether a home printer object 200a of the same model as the selected printer 5 exists in its own external memory 111.
If there are a plurality of the same model, it may be selected which one is to be used continuously.

  If a home printer object 200a of the same model as the selected printer 5 exists, the process proceeds to step 1205. If not, the process proceeds to step 1206.

  In step 1205, the client computer 3 instructs the OS 31 to create a port and printer object 200 based on the IP address 601 of the selected printer 5, and the printer setting information 417 of the printer object information 400 is acquired in step 1203. The setting is inherited from the printer setting information 417 of the existing home printer object 200a which is the same model as the model indicated by the printer device model name 602 of the printer device unique information 600.

In step 1206, the client computer 3 instructs the OS 31 to create a new port and printer object 200 based on the IP address 601 of the selected printer 5.
Note that the default value of the printer driver is set in the default printer setting information 417 of the printer object information 400, but when the printer object 200 is instructed to create, a value predetermined by the user is set. May be.

In step 1207, the client computer 3 determines whether the printer object 200 has been generated for all the selected printers 5 based on the printer device specific information 600 of the selected printer 5 acquired in step 1202.
If the printer object 200 has been generated for all of the selected printers 5, the process proceeds to step 1208, and if not created, the process proceeds to step 1203.

In step 1208, the client computer 3 sets the default printer for the printer object 200 of the printer 5 designated by the user as the default printer.
When determining the default printer, it is desirable to set the same model as the model of the printer 5 currently set as the default printer as the default printer. Further, referring to the segment information 500, the same model as the model of the printer 5 of the previous default work / printer object 200b may be set as the default printer. A default printer may be set based on

  In step 1209, the client computer 3 saves and stores in the printer object correspondence information 300 information on the created printer object 200, for example, information such as the printer object name 301, home / work type 302, and default printer type 303. Further, the client computer 3 stores and stores information such as the printer device model name 305 and the printer device IP address 306 in the printer object correspondence information 300 with respect to the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1202.

  The printer object creation process 2 (step 1016) is a process in the case where the existing home printer object 200a is not usable although it is connected to the home segment. In step 1209, the client computer 3 For the created printer object 200, a work printer (home / work type 302 = “work”) may be set.

  In step 1210, the printer status information 417 of the object information 400 of the existing home printer object 200a is instructed to be invalidated so that the user cannot use it for printing.

(2-3. Printer object creation process 3)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client computer 3 in the printer object creation process 3 (FIG. 12: step 1022).

In step 1301, the client computer 3 determines from the list of printers 5 in the segment displayed in step 1021 (FIG. 17) whether the user has selected the printer 5 that the user wants to use.
If the printer 5 has been selected, the process proceeds to step 1302, and if the printer 5 has not been selected, the process ends.

In step 1302, the client computer 3 reads the printer device model name 305 of the existing work / printer object 200 b acquired in step 1001 into the memory.
Note that all of the printer device specific information 600 may be acquired.

In step 1303, the client computer 3 acquires the printer device specific information 600 of the printer 5 selected by the user from the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1021. Note that all of the printer device specific information 600 may be acquired.
In step 1304, the client computer 3 matches the printer device model name 305 of the existing work / printer object 200 b acquired in step 1302 with the printer device model name 602 of the printer device specific information 600 acquired in step 1303. It is determined whether a work / printer object 200b of the same model as the selected printer 5 exists in its own external memory 111.
If there are a plurality of the same model, it may be selected which one is to be used continuously.

  If a work / printer object 200b of the same model as the selected printer 5 exists, the process proceeds to step 1305. If not, the process proceeds to step 1306.

In step 1305, the client computer 3 creates a port based on the IP address 601 of the selected printer 5.
In step 1306, the client computer 3 replaces the port information created in step 1305 with the port information 404 of the object information 400 of the existing work / printer object 200 b of the same model. Further, the client computer 3 also updates the changed information about the printer object correspondence information 300, for example, the cumulative printing number 304, the printer device IP address 306, and the like.

In step 1307, the client computer 3 deletes the existing work / printer object 200 b and deletes the corresponding record in the printer object correspondence information 300.
In step 1308, the client computer 3 instructs the OS 31 to create a new port and work / printer object 200 b based on the IP address 601 of the selected printer 5, and updates the printer object information 300.

In step 1309, the client computer 3 determines whether the printer object 200 has been generated for all the selected printers 5 based on the printer device specific information 600 of the selected printer 5 acquired in step 1301.
If the printer object 200 has been generated for all of the selected printers 5, the process proceeds to step 1310, and if not created, the process proceeds to step 1303.

In step 1310, the client computer 3 instructs the printer status information 417 of the printer object information 400 of the existing home printer object 200a to be invalidated so that the user cannot use it for printing.
If the home printer object 200a has already been invalidated, such as when moving from work segment to work segment, the processing may be omitted.

In step 1311, the client computer 3 performs setting as a default printer for the printer object 200 of the printer 5 designated as the default printer by the user.
When determining the default printer, it is desirable to set the same model as the model of the printer 5 currently set as the default printer as the default printer. Further, referring to the segment information 500, the same model as the model of the printer 5 of the previous default work / printer object 200b may be set as the default printer. In addition, the cumulative printing number 304 is set for each model. Alternatively, a default printer may be set based on the cumulative number of times of printing for each model.

  In steps 1303 to 1309, the determination process in step 1304 is performed for each selected printer 5, and the processing flow is illustrated as if the processing is repeated. The determination process in step 1304 is performed by matching all the printer device model names 305 of the existing work / printer object 200b acquired in step S3 with all the printer device model names 602 of the selected printer 5 acquired in step S1303. If they do not match (No in step 1304), the process proceeds to step 1307 and step 1308 for the printer 5 having the printer device model name that does not match.

  The client computer 3 deletes the existing work / printer object 200b for the printer device model that exists in the printer device model name 305 acquired in step 1302 and does not exist in the printer device model name 602 acquired in step 1303. In step 1307, a new work / printer object 200 b is created for the printer device model that does not exist in the printer device model name 305 acquired in step 1302 but exists in the printer device model name 602 acquired in step 1303. (Step 1308).

  For example, when “printer A” and “printer B” are acquired in step 1302 and “printer B” and “printer C” are acquired in step 1303, the client computer 3 uses the existing printer for “printer A”. The object 200b is deleted (step 1307), and the printer object 200b is newly created for “printer C” (step 1308).

(2-4. Printer object icon)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the state transition of the printer object icon corresponding to the printer object 200.

Step 2001 shows an image diagram after the processing of Step 1003 to Step 1006 when the existing printer object 200 does not exist (No in Step 1002).
The printer object icon 41 is a printer object whose home / work type 302 = “home”, default printer type 303 = “not default”, printer device model name 305 = “printer A”, and printer status information 417 = “valid”. 200 is shown.
The printer object icon 42 is a printer object 200 in which home / work type 302 = “home”, default printer type 303 = “default”, printer device model name 305 = “printer B”, and printer status information 417 = “valid”. Indicates.
A default mark 45 is added to the printer object icon 42 set as the default printer.

In step 2002, when the segment is changed to the work segment from the state of step 2001 (No in step 1009), it is an image diagram after the processing of step 1019 or step 1020 to step 1022 is performed.
The printer object icon 41 indicates the printer object 200 in which the printer status information 417 has been changed to “invalid”.
The printer object icon 42 indicates the printer object 200 in which the default printer type 303 is changed to “not default” and the printer status information 417 is changed to “invalid”.

The printer object icon 43 has a home / work type 302 = “work”, a default printer type 303 = “default”, a printer device model name 305 = “printer C”, and printer status information 417 = “valid”. Indicates.
The printer object icon 44 is a printer object whose home / work type 302 = “work”, default printer type 303 = “not default”, printer device model name 305 = “printer D”, and printer status information 417 = “valid”. 200 is shown.
A default mark 45 is attached to the printer object icon 43 set as the default printer.

In step 2003, when the segment is changed to the home segment from the state of step 2002 (Yes in step 1009), it is an image diagram after the processing of step 1010 to step 1014 is performed.
The printer object icon 41 indicates the printer object 200 in which the printer status information 417 has been changed to “valid”.
The printer object icon 42 indicates the printer object 200 in which the default printer type 303 is changed to “default” and the printer status information 417 is changed to “valid”.
A default mark 45 is added to the printer object icon 42 set as the default printer.

The printer object icon 43 indicates the printer object 200 in which the default printer type 303 is changed to “not default” and the printer status information 417 is changed to “invalid”.
The printer object icon 44 indicates the printer object 200 in which the printer status information 417 has been changed to “invalid”.

As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when the printer object 200 is created in order to identify the home printer object 200a or the work printer object 200b, the printer object name 301 includes “home” or “work”. It is also possible to reset including “
The invalidated printer object icon may be displayed in an identifiable manner with respect to a valid printer object icon by gray display, color display, or the like.

(2-5. Printer selection screen 50)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the printer selection screen 50.
The user selects a printer device from the list of printers 5 displayed in the “selectable printer” column 51 and inputs it to the “printer in use” column 52. The user can select and add a printer device by pressing the “add” button 53, and can delete the selected printer device by pressing the “delete” button 54 (steps 1101 and 1201). Step 1301).
The user selects one of the printer devices input in the “used printer” column 52 and presses the “use frequently used printer” button 55, so that the default printer is displayed in the “used printer” column 56. (Step 1014, Step 1105, Step 1208, Step 1311).

  Through the above process, the client computer determines the current segment based on its own IP address, etc., holds the connection history to the segment as segment information 500, and compares the connection history to the segment with the current segment. If it is determined that the segment is not the same and the segment has been changed, the printer 5 in the current segment is searched and selected, and an instruction for creating the printer object 200 corresponding to the selected printer is issued.

  Further, the client computer 3 determines the home / work type 302 of the current segment, changes the content of the creation instruction of the printer object 200 for each segment type, and generates the printer object 200 of the same model. The port information 417 of the printer object information 400 is replaced with the port information 417 of the existing printer object information 400, or the printer setting information 407 indicated by the existing printer object information 400 is taken over.

  Although not shown, buttons such as “Home segment setting” and “Work segment setting” are provided on the printer selection screen 50, and when the “Home segment setting” button is pressed, the client computer is currently connected. A segment can be set as a work segment. When the “work segment setting” button is pressed, the segment to which the client computer is currently connected can be set as the work segment.

If the printer object already exists, the existing printer object may be deleted when the “Home segment setting” or “Work segment setting” button is pressed.
If the home printer object already exists, the home printer object may be changed to a work printer object when the “home segment setting” button is pressed.
At this time, the printer input in the “used printer” column 52 is determined as the home printer.

(3. Effects, etc.)
In this way, the client computer holds the connection history to the segment as segment information. When the current segment is different from the previous segment, the client computer searches for a printer that can be installed and selects the printer from among them to install the printer. Therefore, only necessary printers can be selected and introduced, and the printer can be efficiently introduced.
In addition, since the client computer changes the instruction for creating the printer object according to the segment type (home segment, work segment, etc.) of the current connection destination, the client computer (user) is a printer in the place where the user is usually located. It is possible to discriminate printers that are not, generate necessary printer objects, and prevent unnecessary printer introduction.

  In this embodiment, the installation of the printer driver is not described in detail, but it is clear from the prior art that the printer driver is installed to install the printer. If the driver is not installed, it can be configured to be installed.

  The preferred embodiments of the information processing apparatus (printer object control apparatus) that can control the printer object according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  It should be noted that a program for performing the processing shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or this program can be transmitted and received via a communication line.

Configuration diagram of printer object control system 1 Hardware configuration diagram of client computer 3 and printer 5 Segment description (same segment) Segment description (different segment) The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the information which the external memory 111 of the client computer 3 hold | maintains Diagram showing home printer object 200a The figure which shows the work printer object 200b Diagram showing default printer object 200c The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the printer object information 400 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the printer setting information 407 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the information which the external memory 114 of the printer 5 hold | maintains A flowchart showing the operation of the client computer 3 Flowchart showing printer object creation process 1 Flowchart showing printer object creation process 2 Flowchart showing printer object creation processing 3 The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the state transition of a printer object icon The figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the printer selection screen 50

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer object control system 3 ... Client computer 5 ... Printer 7 ... Printer server 9 ... Network 11 ... Local interface 21 ... IP address 22 ... Subnet mask 23 ... …… Segment 41 to 45 ……… Printer object icon 50 ……… Printer selection screen 101, 112 ……… CPU
102, 119 ......... RAM
111, 114 ......... External memory 200 ......... Printer object 200a ......... Home printer object 200b ......... Work printer object 200c ......... Default printer object 300 ......... Printer object correspondence information 400 ......... Printer object information 500 …… Segment information

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus connected to a network and capable of controlling a device object that is management information for managing a device ,
Determining means for determining a segment based on an address of the information processing apparatus;
Holding means for holding a connection history of the segment;
A comparison means for comparing the connection history of the segment held by the holding means with the segment determined by the determination means;
A search means for searching for devices in the segment determined by the determination means when the comparison means does not match the segments;
Selection means for selecting a device searched by the search means;
A creation instruction means for performing the instruction for generating the device objects corresponding to the device selected by the selection means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: The determining means further determines a segment type,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the creation instruction unit issues a creation instruction of the device object based on the segment type determined by the determination unit. The creation instruction means, when generating a device object of the same model, information according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in Rukoto to replace the port information of the device object to the port information of the existing device object Processing equipment. The creation instruction means, when generating a device object of the same model, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the relay pull the setting information of the device indicated by the existing device object causes. If the device indicated by the existing device object is not a device in the segment determined by the determining means, or if an existing device object is not available, that it comprises an invalidation unit for invalidating the existing device object The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for performing a default setting on a usable device object. A device object control method executed by an information processing apparatus connected to a network and capable of controlling a device object, which is management information for managing a device ,
A determination step of determining a segment based on the address of the information processing apparatus;
Holding step for holding the connection history of the segment;
A comparison step of comparing the connection history of the segment held by the holding step with the segment determined in the determination step;
A search step for searching for devices in the segment determined in the determination step when the segments do not match in the comparison step; and
A selection step of selecting the device searched in the search step;
A creation instruction step of making instruction device object corresponding to the device selected by the selecting step,
A device object control method comprising: A program for causing a computer to execute the device object control method according to claim 7 .

Images