JP4560313B2 - Information processing apparatus, image forming system, and information processing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and an information processing apparatus control method, and in particular, an information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models and can execute an application program. It is suitable for use in an image forming system using

  In recent years, with the spread of networks such as the Internet, a form in which printing apparatuses such as printers are also used via networks has become common. Normally, high-speed printers such as high-speed printers and color printers tend to have a built-in network interface. However, in low-priced printers such as monochrome printers, the network interface is not included in the main unit and The form supplied separately as a card module is common.

  In this case, the printing apparatus main body and the network card module are intelligent forms each having a CPU. Also, the network card module usually has a print server function that performs overall control of various print services via the network, and the printer and network card module communicate via the connection interface to implement the desired service. is doing. Conversely, a network service with heavy processing load can be mounted on the network card module, and the performance of the CPU of the printing apparatus main body and its peripheral devices (devices) can be relatively lowered. This has resulted in cost savings.

  Here, the conventional network interface related to the printing apparatus has only to be able to transmit print data as represented by, for example, LPR (Line PRinter daemon protocol, the specification is stipulated by RFC1179). As a result, various means are provided as additional techniques.

  The simplest example is a form in which information management data (job control language = Job Language) is added to a port for transmitting print data. Since the job control language is a form in which a port for transmitting print data is shared, there is no need to increase the service port and the implementation is relatively simple. However, when a large amount of data is transmitted during reception of print data, the port is occupied, and there is a problem that the exchange of information management data is stopped. In addition, in the case of a one-way connection such as an LPR protocol in a network, there is a disadvantage that information cannot be acquired in the first place.

  As another method, there is a method using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) / MIB (Management Information Base) (RFC1157). This is a method of using SNMP, which is a standard, using a dedicated port for data transmission / reception. However, this method requires proprietary development of a dedicated client program that receives SNMP and provides a user interface (UI), and is a protocol that simply exchanges information in the first place. Only a simple database can be provided. As a result, there is a problem in that the information constituting the user interface, such as a bitmap image showing the configuration of the device, must be owned by the client program, and the client program must be compatible with the model.

  Furthermore, recently, a system using HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol: RFC1945, RFC2616) is becoming mainstream. According to this method, an HTTP service is provided in the network card module, and web (WEB) content such as HTML (hypertext markup language) data related to device information and bitmap images is provided. The client displays the above WEB content as a graphical user interface (GUI) using a general WEB browser and enables the operation, thereby obtaining the same effect without providing a client program. It is possible. In the conventional method, the client program had to manage information (message character strings, bitmap images) unique to a wide variety of devices, whereas in the above method, the device only needs to have its own model information. This is the best way to make a product available in a short period of time.

  However, any of the above-described methods provides only a static function previously incorporated in the network card module. Therefore, in any of the above-described methods, it has been impossible to add a dynamic service such as adding a function itself later or changing a control method based on a built-in function.

  Therefore, an application program (hereinafter referred to as a “Java (R) application program”) recently created using the Java® (trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.) language is installed on an embedded device. There has been proposed a platform technology that enables operation on an installed Java virtual machine. By using this technology, it has become possible to add new functions to embedded devices such as printing apparatuses later.

  For example, there has been a multi-function device configured such that a Java (R) application program can be executed and the application program can be downloaded from the outside. Specifically, an application program that can be operated on the multi-function device customized by an operator for adding a function or the like is stored in a file server together with an ID number for identifying the operator. Then, when the multi-function device is activated, the function is added by recognizing the operator's ID number and downloading the application program corresponding to this operator from the file server to the multi-function device and executing it. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1)

  A Java (R) virtual machine for executing a Java (R) application program includes an application program interface (API) for providing various functions necessary for controlling an embedded device, including a network communication function. The Java (R) application program calls these APIs to execute control such as a request from a host computer connected to the embedded device via a network.

JP 2000-298561 A

  In the intelligent network card module that has a CPU separately from the printing device main body as described above, it is usually possible to connect to multiple different models to reduce development cost by sharing and production cost by mass production effect. It is required to design in such a way.

  Therefore, the network card module stores resource data such as messages and bitmap images of the printing device necessary for the graphical user interface, information specific to each model, etc. for each model according to the models of multiple models that can be connected. All must be retained. Therefore, a storage capacity (for example, a storage capacity required for the ROM) necessary for storing these information increases, resulting in an increase in production cost.

  Furthermore, depending on the Java® application program operating on the Java® virtual machine, it may function only on a specific model among a plurality of models that can be connected, or may not be necessary at all. Therefore, maintaining such an application program having model dependency in the network card module is a problem in terms of efficient use of a storage area in the network card module in addition to the increase in the storage capacity described above.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it is possible to efficiently use a storage area of an information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models. For the purpose.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and can execute an application program A storage device that stores an application program that can be executed by the information processing apparatus, and determines a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested When the storage destination determining unit determines that the storage destination determining unit and the application program requested to be activated are stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus. An acquisition request that requests acquisition of an application program that is requested to start Application program request means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, and an application program requested to start from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request The storage location determination means determines that the application program receiving means for receiving the application program and the application program requested to be activated are stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus. In this case, the application program received by the application program receiving unit is activated, and the storage destination determining unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus. Case, characterized in that it comprises a starting means for starting an application program stored in said storage means the information processing apparatus.

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of different types of image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus and that can execute an application program. The image forming apparatus includes a first storage unit that stores an application program depending on a model of the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is an application program independent of the model of the image forming apparatus. Second storage means for storing, storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is requested when activation of the application program is requested, and an application requested to be activated If the program is stored in the first storage means, the above case is stored. If determined by the destination determination means, the application program request means for transmitting the acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the application program requested to start to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus as a response to the acquisition request. If the storage location determination means determines that the application program receiving means for receiving the application program requested to be activated and the application program requested to be activated are stored in the first storage means, When the application program received by the application program receiving unit is activated and the storage destination determining unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the second storage unit, 2 rememberers Characterized in that it comprises a starting means for starting an application program stored in the.

  The information processing apparatus control method of the present invention can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and executes an application program A method for controlling an information processing apparatus capable of storing a storage location determining step for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested, and activation is requested If the storage location determination step determines that the stored application program is stored in a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program requested to be activated is acquired. The acquisition request to be requested is sent to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus. An application program requesting step for receiving, an application program receiving step for receiving an application program requested to be activated from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request, and an activation requested If it is determined in the storage location determining step that the application program is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application received in the application program receiving step When the storage location determination step determines that the program is started and the application program requested to start is stored in the storage unit included in the information processing apparatus, the storage unit included in the information processing apparatus And having a starting step of starting an application program stored.

The program of the present invention can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and can execute an application program A storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when the activation of the application program is requested, and an application requested to be activated When the storage location determination unit determines that the program is stored in a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, a request is made to obtain an application program that is requested to start. The image connected to the information processing apparatus for the acquisition request An application program requesting means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus; an application program receiving means for receiving an application program requested to be activated from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request; When the storage destination determination unit determines that the requested application program is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program reception unit receives the requested application program. When the storage location determination unit determines that the application program requested to start is stored in the storage unit included in the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes the information processing apparatus. Memory And characterized by causing the computer to function as an activation means for activating an application program stored in the.
The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention records the above program.

According to the present invention, an application program that can be executed by the information processing apparatus is stored in the storage unit in the image forming apparatus, and the application program that is requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit in the image forming apparatus. A program is acquired from the image forming apparatus. As a result, the storage locations of application programs can be distributed, the storage capacity required for the information processing apparatus can be reduced, and the storage area of the storage means in the image forming apparatus can be used efficiently. Can do.
In addition, when the application program is executed and the model-dependent information cannot be acquired from the image forming apparatus, if the application program is deleted from the storage unit in the information processing apparatus, new information can be stored. It is possible to increase the free storage area, and more efficiently utilize the storage area in the information processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a printer 1000 to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention and an image forming system using the information processing apparatus are applied.
The printer 1000 includes a network print server 1500 as a network card module and a printer controller 1600. The printer 1000 includes an external memory 10, a print engine 16, and an operation panel (operation unit) 18.

  The network print server 1500 includes a network print server CPU 1, a RAM 2, a flash memory (FlashROM) 3, a network controller (LANC) 5, an LED 6, and an expansion interface controller (EXPC) 7 that are communicably connected to each other via a system bus 4. Is configured.

The CPU 1 executes a control program stored in the Flash ROM 3 to control the respective components connected to the system bus 4, for example, control of the printer 1000 (printer controller 1600) and LAN 2000. Control communication with a plurality of external devices (for example, host computers, etc.) that are not performed.
For example, the CPU 1 generally controls various data transmission / reception requests such as print data and printer control commands sent from a plurality of external devices via the LANC 5 based on the control program, and is connected to the printer controller via the EXPC 7. Appropriate data transfer control is performed for 1600. Note that communication with an external device connected to the LAN 2000 is performed using a predetermined network communication protocol.

The RAM 2 functions as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of the CPU 1.
The flash ROM 3 is a rewritable memory for storing a control program and the like, and stores, for example, a control program for the CPU 1 for executing processing according to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 to be described later. ing.
The LANC 5 bidirectionally exchanges data with an external device connected to the LAN 2000, and the EXPC 7 bidirectionally exchanges data with the printer controller 1600.

  The LED 6 is used as a display unit that indicates an operation state of the network print server 1500. The LED 6 may indicate various operation states such as an electrical connection state (LINK) of the LANC 5 to the LAN 2000 and a network communication mode (10BaSeT or 100BaSeTX, full duplex or half duplex), for example, depending on the blinking pattern or color. It is configured as possible.

  The printer controller 1600 includes a printer controller CPU 8, a RAM 14, a ROM 9, a raster controller 12, an expansion interface controller (EXPC) 13, and a disk controller (DKC) 15 that are communicably connected to each other via a system bus 11. Yes.

Each of the components connected to the system bus 11 is based on a control program stored in the ROM 9 or a control program or resource data (resource information) stored in the external memory 10 connected via the DKC 15. General control of departments (various devices).
For example, the CPU 8 receives print data from the network print server 1500 connected via the EXPC 13 based on a control program or the like, and generates output image information by the raster controller 12 based on the print data, and outputs the image signal to the print engine 16. Output to.

The ROM 9 stores a control program for the CPU 8 and the like.
The RAM 14 is a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 8. The RAM 14 is configured such that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown).
The raster controller 12 receives print data from the network print server 1500, generates output image information based on the print data, and outputs an image signal. The EXPC 13 exchanges data with the network print server 1500 bidirectionally.

  Here, the network print server 1500 and the printer controller 1600 are connected by the extension interface 17. The extension interface 17 is configured to have a connector (not shown), and can be attached to another printer 1000 (for example, different models) having the same configuration by attaching / detaching only the network print server 1500. It is configured as follows.

The print engine 16 outputs an image related to the image signal output from the raster controller 12 by using a known printing technique such as an electrophotographic method (laser beam method), an inkjet method, a sublimation (thermal transfer) method, or the like.
The operation panel 18 is provided with buttons for performing operations such as setting the operation mode of the printer 1000 and canceling print data, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and LEDs indicating the operation state of the printer 1000.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of a control program stored in each storage device of the network print server 1500 and the printer controller 1600 that are control devices in the printer 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Each control program is analyzed and processed by the CPU 1 and 8 of each control device.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1501 denotes an operating system that controls basic data input / output control of the network print server 1500. The operating system 1501 includes a file system 1505, an extended interface driver 1506, and a network interface driver 1507.

  The file system 1505 performs data input / output control with a program / data storage unit 1509 that stores application programs and resource data as common information that does not depend on the model of the installed printer 1000. The extension interface driver 1506 performs communication control related to data communication with the printer controller 1600 via the extension interface 17. A network interface driver 1507 performs communication control related to data communication with an external device via a LAN 2000 communication medium.

  An application program interface (API) 1502 provides various functions of the operating system 1501 to application programs such as a user application 1503 that operates on the network print server 1500 and a management application 1504 that registers and manages user applications.

The application program interface 1502 includes a data transfer API, a resource control API, a printer control API, a job control API, and a print server control API.
The data transfer API provides a print data transmission / reception function. The resource control API performs input / output control of resource data such as bitmap images and display messages, and the printer control API controls restart of the printer 1000 and initialization and setting of setting values. The job control API controls cancellation of a print job, reprint instruction, and the like. The print server control API restarts the network print server 1500, initializes and sets setting values, and starts, registers, and deletes application programs.

Reference numeral 1601 denotes an operating system that controls various processing controls of the printer controller 1600. The operating system 1601 includes a print engine control unit 1603 and a file system 1604.
The print engine control unit 1603 performs communication control with the print engine 16. The file system 1604 performs data input / output control with the model-dependent resource / program storage unit 1610. The model-dependent resource / program storage unit 1610 is a model-dependent resource such as an application program or resource data as model-dependent information that depends on the model of the printer 1000, for example, a bitmap image or an error message that is referenced from the network print server 1500. And a model-dependent application program that runs on the network print server 1500 is stored.

  Reference numeral 1602 denotes an extended interface control unit that controls communication with the network print server 1500 via the extended interface 17. Further, the extended interface control unit 1602 includes a data transfer logical interface, a resource control logical interface, a printer control logical interface, and a job control logical interface, and commands requested from the network print server 1500 via the logical interfaces. The data is transferred to the operating system 1601 and the processing result is returned to the network print server 1500.

  The data transfer logical interface controls input / output of print data for each control type, and the resource control logical interface controls input / output of various data stored in the model-dependent resource / program storage unit 1610. The printer control logical interface controls the restart of the printer 1000 and the initialization and setting of setting values, and the job control logical interface performs control such as cancellation of a print job and reprint instruction.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a description example of an application program that runs on the network print server 1500. As an example, a description example using the Java (R) language is illustrated.

  In FIG. 3, “result = printer.outdata (“ Test ”);” (line 301 in FIG. 3) is an example of calling the data transfer API described with reference to FIG. “Printer.outdata (“ Test ”)” indicates an instruction to print text data “Test” as print data from the print engine 16 via the printer controller 1600 in the data transfer API, and the processing result is “ Stored in the “result” as numeric (integer) data.

  "System.out.println (" Result = "+ result);" (line 302 in FIG. 3) displays the processing result instructed in line 301 on the standard output destination, for example, the operation panel 18 of the printer 1000. This is a description example of a command to be converted into a text message and displayed on a browser display unit such as a host (liquid crystal panel) or a host computer that is an application caller.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a startup processing method of an application program operating on the network print server 1500 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a case where an application program activation request for the printer 1000 is received from an external device such as a host computer connected to the LAN 2000. The control procedure corresponding to each step shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 1 in the network print server 1500 shown in FIG. 1 executing a control program stored in the Flash ROM 3.

  When the network print server 1500 receives an application activation request command from the external device via the LAN 2000 (step S401), the network print server 1500 acquires a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) including storage location information of the application program from the received application activation request command. (Step S402).

  Subsequently, the network print server 1500 extracts storage location information in the printer 1000 from the URL acquired in step S402 (step S403). For example, when the acquired URL is “http://192.168.0.215/abc/xyz.java”, “http: //” indicates the scheme and “192.168.0.215” indicates the network address of the printer 1000 itself. Therefore, the information extracted as the storage destination information is “/abc/xyx.java”.

Next, the network print server 1500 determines whether the character string of the storage destination information starts with “/ dev /” (step S404).
If the storage location information starts with the character string “/ dev /” as a result of the determination, the network print server 1500 determines that the storage location of the application program requested to start is the printer controller 1600, and An application program acquisition request is issued to the printer controller 1600 using the API described with reference to FIG. 2 (step S405).

  Next, the network print server 1500 determines the response result from the printer controller 1600 (step S406). As a result, when the requested application program can be acquired, the network print server 1500 loads the application program into the RAM 2 of the network print server 1500 (step S407) and then starts the application program (step S410). The process ends.

  On the other hand, if the application program requested from the printer controller 1600 cannot be acquired in step S406, the network print server 1500 notifies the external device that is the source of the application activation request command of the error (step S411). The process ends.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the storage location information does not start with the character string “/ dev /”, the network print server 1500 selects the application program corresponding to the program / data storage unit 1509. Is determined (step S408). As a result, when the corresponding application program exists, the network print server 1500 loads the application program into the RAM 2 of the network print server 1500 (step S409), starts the application program (step S410), and performs processing. Exit.

  As a result of the determination in step S408, when the network print server 1500 determines that the requested application program does not exist, the network print server 1500 notifies the external device that is the transmission source of the application activation request command (step S411). Then, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the application program activation processing method that operates on the network print server 1500 in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a case in which an application program designated in advance as an automatic activation application is activated in a predetermined storage area of the network print server 1500 when the printer 1000 is activated. Further, the control procedure corresponding to each step shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 1 in the network print server 1500 shown in FIG. 1 executing a control program stored in the Flash ROM 3.

  When the printer 1000 is restarted by turning on (turning on) or resetting the printer 1000, the network print server 1500 determines whether there is storage location information of an application program to be automatically started in a predetermined recording area (step S501). ). As a result, if there is storage location information of the application program to be automatically started, the network print server 1500 acquires the storage location information of the application program (step S502), and the character string of the acquired storage location information is “/ It is determined whether or not it starts with “dev /” (step S503).

  If the storage location information starts with the character string “/ dev /” as a result of the determination, the network print server 1500 determines that the storage location of the application program requested to start is the printer controller 1600, and An application program acquisition request is issued to the printer controller 1600 using the API described with reference to FIG. 2 (step S504).

  Next, the network print server 1500 determines the response result from the printer controller 1600 (step S505). As a result, when the requested application program can be acquired, the network print server 1500 loads the application program into the RAM 2 of the network print server 1500 (step S506), starts the application program (step S509), and performs processing. finish.

  On the other hand, if the application program requested from the printer controller 1600 cannot be acquired in step S505, the processing is immediately terminated.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the storage location information does not start with the character string “/ dev /”, the network print server 1500 applies the application program corresponding to the program / data storage unit 1509. Is determined (step S507). As a result, if the corresponding application program exists, the network print server 1500 loads the application program into the RAM 2 of the network print server 1500 (step S508), and then starts the application program (step S509) and performs the processing. finish.

As a result of the determination in step S507, if the network print server 1500 determines that the requested application program does not exist, the network print server 1500 immediately ends the process.
If the network print server 1500 determines in step S501 that there is no storage location information for an application to be automatically started, it immediately ends the process.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for processing instructions described in an application program operating on the network print server 1500 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing when analyzing an instruction of an application program and processing an instruction for acquiring resource data such as bitmap image data. Further, the control procedure corresponding to each step shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 1 in the network print server 1500 shown in FIG. 1 executing a control program stored in the Flash ROM 3.

  When the application program is started according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the network print server 1500 extracts one command included in the application program and performs an analysis process (step S601). Subsequently, the network print server 1500 determines whether the command is a resource data acquisition command based on the command type of the fetched command (step S602).

  If it is determined in step S602 that the extracted instruction is a resource data acquisition instruction, the network print server 1500 determines whether the type of resource data requested by the resource data acquisition instruction is model-dependent resource data. (Step S603).

  As a result of the determination, if the requested resource data type is model-dependent resource data, the network print server 1500 obtains the model-dependent resource data according to the command format for the printer controller 1600 as shown in FIG. (Step S604).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command format for the printer controller 1600. In FIG. 7, a first area 701 is an area (field) indicating a unique number (calling function number) defined in advance for each control function provided by the printer controller 1600. By setting a number corresponding to the resource data acquisition request function in the first area 701, the printer controller 1600 performs desired resource data acquisition processing.

Further, the second area 702 is an area indicating a data size (argument data size) of argument data, which will be described later, when an argument is given to the call function.
The third area 703 is an area for setting argument data to the calling function. In the case of the resource data acquisition request function, character string data indicating the file name of the resource data is set in the third area 703.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the network print server 1500 transmits the command code of the resource data acquisition request command converted in step S604 to the printer controller 1600 via the extension interface 17 (step S605). That is, by the processing in steps S604 and S605, the resource data acquisition command related to the printer controller 1600 is transferred from the network print server 1500 to the printer controller 1600 after the command code is converted according to the command format.

  Next, the network print server 1500 determines whether or not there is a response (command processing result) to the resource data acquisition request from the printer controller 1600 (step S606). As a result of the determination, when the network print server 1500 determines that there is a response to the resource data acquisition request (the resource data acquisition command has been processed normally), the resource returned as response data from the printer controller 1600 Data is received (step S607).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of resource data returned from the printer controller 1600. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a bitmap image showing an overview of the printing apparatus is returned as resource data.
As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the file name is “Device1.gif”, bitmap image data for displaying a printing apparatus 801 having only one stage of paper feed cassette is returned. Similarly, for example, when the file names are “Device2.gif” and “Device3.gif”, bitmap image data for displaying the printing apparatuses 802 and 803 having two or three or more sheet cassettes is returned. The

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of resource data returned from the printer controller 1600. FIG. 9 shows an example in which text message data indicating the state of the printing apparatus is returned as resource data. When text message data is returned as resource data, for example, a status code indicating the status of the printer is returned when a status change occurs or as a result of returning a status inquiry command from the network print server 1500. The status code generally defines a unique value corresponding to each printer state in advance, and is set in the printer controller 1600 in advance by a predetermined notification setting unit (not shown).

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which a text message corresponding to “40500” as a status code is acquired using a resource data acquisition request function. A character string indicating the language to be acquired for the status code and the file name extension in the file name (in the example shown in FIG. 9, “40500.jp” for Japanese, “40500.eng” for English) A text message indicating the status of the printer corresponding to the status code is returned in a desired language.

  Returning to FIG. 6, if the network print server 1500 determines in step S606 that there is no response to the resource data acquisition request from the printer controller 1600, that is, the resource data is not stored in the printer controller 1600, the application The program execution process is stopped (step S608). Further, the network print server 1500 unloads the application program from the RAM 2 (storage area), and then the printer 1600 if the storage area or storage destination of the flash ROM 3 of the network print server 1500 is the printer 1600 according to the storage destination information. In response to this, an application program deletion request is issued using the API described with reference to FIG. 2, and the process is terminated (step S609).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the extracted instruction is not a resource data acquisition instruction, or if the type of resource data requested in step S603 is not a model-dependent resource data acquisition instruction, The network print server 1500 performs processing according to the command (step S610), and stores the processing result of the processed program command in a predetermined storage area (step S611).

  The network print server 1500 determines whether or not there is a subsequent program command (step S612). If there is a subsequent program command, the network print server 1500 returns to step S601 again and repeats the processing from step S602. If there is no subsequent program instruction, the process ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, according to the type of application program and lease data, the printer 1000 having the same configuration is distributed and divided into the model-dependent part and the model-independent part (common part). An application program and lease data independent of the model of the printer 1000 are stored in the program / data storage unit 1509 in the network print server 1500 that can be attached to the printer, and the model-dependent lease / program storage unit 1610 in the printer controller 1600 stores the printer program. Stores application programs and lease data depending on the model.
This eliminates the need for the network print server 1500 to store information depending on the model of the printer 1000, reduces the storage capacity required for the network print server 1500, and allows the network print server 1500 and the printer to be reduced. The storage areas provided in each controller 1600 can be used efficiently.

  Also, when executing an application program, the actual command processing is distributed to the network print server 1500 and the printer controller 1600 according to the type of each command in the program, thereby improving the efficiency of the command processing. In addition, the network print server 1500 does not need to store unique information depending on the printer 1000 model, such as model-dependent resource data requested by a resource data acquisition command. Storage capacity can be reduced.

  In addition, when the application program cannot be executed due to the fact that unique information such as resource data depending on the model cannot be acquired from the printer 1000 when the application program is executed, information on the executable application program is displayed. Delete automatically. Thus, a free storage capacity capable of storing new information in the network print server 1500 can be secured, and the storage areas of the network print server 1500 and the printer controller 1600 can be used efficiently.

  In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the printer 1000 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any image forming apparatus including, for example, a multifunction device.

(Other embodiments of the present invention)
In order to operate various devices in order to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is provided to an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in the system. What is implemented by operating the various devices according to a program supplied and stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself constitutes the present invention. Further, means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code supplied by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software in which the program code is running on the computer, etc. It goes without saying that the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the embodiment.

  Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program code Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration example of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a description of the application program which operate | moves with a network print server. It is a flowchart which shows the starting processing method of the application program which operate | moves on the network print server in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the starting processing method of the application program which operate | moves on the network print server in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing method of the command of the application program which operate | moves on the network print server in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the command format with respect to a printer controller. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of resource data returned from a printer controller. It is a figure which shows the other example of the resource data returned from a printer controller.

Explanation of symbols

17 Extended Interface 1500 Network Print Server 1501 Operating System 1502 Application Program Interface 1509 Program / Data Storage Unit 1600 Printer Controller 1601 Operating System 1602 Extended Interface Control Unit 1610 Model Dependent Resource / Program Storage Unit

Claims (14)

An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and can execute an application program,
Storage means for storing an application program executable by the information processing apparatus;
A storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested;
If the storage destination determination unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application requested to be activated Application program requesting means for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a program to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
Application program receiving means for receiving an application program requested to be activated from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
If the storage destination determining means determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program receiving means When the storage location determination unit determines that the application program requested to start is stored in the storage unit of the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus An information processing apparatus comprising: an activation unit that activates an application program stored in the storage unit included in the information processing apparatus. A storage location information extracting unit that extracts storage location information indicating a storage location in which the application program requested to be activated is stored from an activation request that requests activation of the application program;
The storage location determination unit determines a storage location in which the application program requested to be activated is stored based on the storage location information extracted by the storage location information extraction unit. 1. An information processing apparatus according to 1. Communication means for receiving an activation request for requesting activation of the application program from the external device,
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage location determination unit determines a storage location in which the application program requested by the activation request received by the communication unit is stored.   2. The application program requested to be activated is an application program designated in advance as an application program that is automatically activated when the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus is activated. Or the information processing apparatus of 2. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models and that can execute an application program,
Communication means for communicating with an external device different from the plurality of image forming devices;
When the command included in the application program requires model-dependent information that depends on the model of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the image formation connected to the information processing apparatus A model-dependent information requesting unit for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the model-dependent information stored in a storage unit included in the apparatus to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
Model-dependent information receiving means for receiving the model-dependent information from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
Storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which the application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested;
If the storage destination determining unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit, an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the application program requested to be activated is transmitted to the information processing unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: an application program request unit that transmits to the image forming apparatus connected to the apparatus. A storage location information extracting unit for extracting storage location information indicating a storage location where the application program requested to be activated is stored from an activation request command for requesting activation of the application program;
The storage location determination unit determines a storage location in which the application program requested to be activated is stored based on the storage location information extracted by the storage location information extraction unit. 5. The information processing apparatus according to 5. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models and that can execute an application program,
Communication means for communicating with an external device different from the plurality of image forming devices;
Execution means for executing the application program;
When the command included in the application program requires model-dependent information that depends on the model of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the image formation connected to the information processing apparatus A model-dependent information requesting unit for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the model-dependent information stored in a storage unit included in the apparatus to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
A model-dependent information receiving means for receiving the model-dependent information from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
If the command of the application program executed by the execution unit is a model-dependent resource data acquisition command depending on the model, the model-dependent information requesting unit issues an acquisition request for acquiring the model-dependent resource data. An information processing apparatus that transmits to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models and that can execute an application program,
Communication means for communicating with an external device different from the plurality of image forming devices;
Second storage means for storing the application program;
When the command included in the application program requires model-dependent information that depends on the model of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the image formation connected to the information processing apparatus A model-dependent information requesting unit for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the model-dependent information stored in a storage unit included in the apparatus to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
Model-dependent information receiving means for receiving the model-dependent information from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
Program deletion means for deleting the application program stored in the second storage means when the model dependence information reception means cannot receive the model dependence information as a response to the acquisition request. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of different image forming apparatuses including the image forming apparatus and that can execute an application program,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A first storage unit for storing an application program depending on a model of the image forming apparatus;
The information processing apparatus
A second storage means for storing an application program independent of the model of the image forming apparatus;
A storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested;
When the storage destination determining unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the first storage unit, an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of the application program requested to be activated is transmitted to the image. Application program request means for transmitting to the forming apparatus;
An application program receiving means for receiving an application program requested to start from the image forming apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
If the storage location determining means determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the first storage means, the application program received by the application program receiving means is activated, An activation unit that activates the application program stored in the second storage unit when the storage destination determination unit determines that the requested application program is stored in the second storage unit; An image forming system comprising: An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and an information processing apparatus that is connectable to the image forming apparatus and has a separate CPU from the image forming apparatus.
Communication means for communicating with an external apparatus different from the image forming apparatus;
Application execution means for executing an application program on the memory space of the information processing apparatus;
A resource data acquisition instruction identifying means for analyzing an instruction included in the application program and identifying a resource data acquisition instruction based on an instruction type of the instruction;
Model dependency determination means for determining whether the resource data depends on the model;
In accordance with the determination result of the model-dependent determination unit, the command conversion unit that converts the acquisition command into a command format according to the image forming apparatus;
Command transfer means for transferring the command converted by the command conversion means to the image forming apparatus;
Resource data acquisition means for acquiring the resource data from the image forming apparatus as a processing result of the instruction transferred by the instruction transfer means;
An image forming system comprising: an application program deleting unit that deletes the application program from the memory space of the information processing apparatus when the resource data cannot be acquired by the resource data acquiring unit.   11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the resource data includes at least one of bitmap image data indicating an overview of the image forming apparatus and text message data indicating a state of the image forming apparatus. . A control method for an information processing apparatus that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and can execute an application program. ,
A storage location determination step for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested;
If the storage location determination step determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application requested to be activated An application program requesting step for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a program to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
An application program receiving step of receiving an application program requested to be activated from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
If it is determined in the storage location determining step that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program receiving step When the storage location determination step determines that the application program received in step S3 is activated and the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit included in the information processing device, the information processing device And a starting step of starting an application program stored in the storage means. A program that can be connected to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses of different models, can communicate with an external apparatus different from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and is executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus that can execute an application program Because
A storage location determination means for determining a storage location in which an application program requested to be activated is stored when activation of the application program is requested;
If the storage destination determination unit determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application requested to be activated Application program requesting means for transmitting an acquisition request for requesting acquisition of a program to the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus;
Application program receiving means for receiving an application program requested to be activated from the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request;
If the storage destination determining means determines that the application program requested to be activated is stored in the storage means of the image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program receiving means When the storage location determination unit determines that the application program requested to start is stored in the storage unit included in the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus A program for causing the computer to function as starting means for starting an application program stored in the storage means.   14. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 13 is recorded.

Images