JPH10187565A - Data processor and data processing method, and storage medium stored with computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To show resource information on respective selectable information devices relatively to a user and to grasp logical resource information varying in capacity with the use state by editing and displaying resource information on the respective information devices. SOLUTION: A CPU 1 of a host computer 3000 processes a document having figures, images, characters, tables (including spread sheet calculation, etc.) mixed according to a document processing program, etc., stored in a program ROM of a ROM 3. Resource information on a printer 1000 is displayed on a CRT 10 on the host computer 3000, which requests the resource information from the printer 1000. At this time, the printer 1000 always saves the resource information in a RAM 19 and sends the resource information to the host computer 3000. Then the host computer 3000 calculates and edits the information according to display information stored in a RAM 2 or external memory 11 and displays the resource information on the CRT 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices which perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium, and a storage storing a computer readable program. It is about media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a data processing system includes a printer connected to a host computer via a bidirectional interface (for example, a Centronics interface, a network, etc.), and output information input from the host is used as information equipment. The printer side analyzes and develops bitmap data as output data of a printer engine, for example, a laser beam printer, and scans and exposes a photosensitive drum with a laser beam modulated based on the developed data to record an image. It has been known.

When a printer has an emulation function, a plurality of printer control language systems can be processed, and a print process can be executed while switching between an emulation mode and a native mode according to an application executed by a user. The printer is provided with a switch for switching the control language of the printer and a card slot for giving a switching instruction in advance.

Further, with the recent spread of networks, it has become important for a printer to have a function as a network printer compatible with the network.

In such a situation, many printers have a job management function and a function of transmitting printer resource information (resource information) to each host computer through a network.

However, the resource display information of the printer displayed on the host computer is simply that the resource information sent from each printer is simply displayed in the form of a list for each printer. However, there is a problem that the resource information of the printer as a whole network cannot be intuitively understood.

The same applies to a so-called logical printer that can be managed as one printer by connecting a plurality of printers to a host via a plurality of interfaces. In the resource information display for each printer alone, the resource capacity of the logical printer is displayed. However, it was inconvenient to understand a single printer while being a logical printer.

[0008] Also, in the display on the host computer, simply displaying a list of all resource information items takes time and inconvenience when searching for desired information.

Further, logical resources such as the number of sheets that can be actually printed are determined based on the remaining number of sheets and the dependency between the respective resource capacities such as the sheet size, toner capacity, and output tray (sorter) capacity. Because
It could not be expressed with a simple list.

[0010]

Since the conventional network or logical printer is configured as described above, when displaying the resource information of the printer on the host computer, the resource display in the form of a list for each printer alone requires: Although it is easy to understand the resource information of each printer alone, there is a problem that the resource information of the printer of the entire network or the logical printer cannot be intuitively understood.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twelfth inventions according to the present invention is to acquire resource information from a plurality of communicable information devices. Each resource information corresponding to each set item is relatively displayed in a list, and logical resource information obtained by editing each acquired resource information is displayed, so that each information selectable for the user is displayed. A data processing device capable of easily constructing a resource management environment capable of relatively clearly indicating resource information of a device, and also capable of immediately grasping logical resource information whose capacity changes according to use status; and An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing method and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices for performing predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium. , And processing means for editing the resource information acquired by the acquiring means and displaying the edited resource information on a display unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a setting means for setting a display resource item to be displayed in each resource information acquired by the acquiring means, and the processing means comprises: And displaying the resource information edited by selecting the display resource item set by the setting means in the display unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the processing means displays logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired by the acquiring means on a display unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the dependency information is item data dependent on the capacity of each resource.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the dependency information is changeable.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the information device is a device having a printing function.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium. And a processing step of editing the acquired resource information and displaying the edited resource information on a display unit.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, in the processing step, a display resource item set in each of the resource information acquired in the acquisition step is selected and edited, and a list of the edited resource information is displayed on a display unit. Things.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the processing step, the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on a display unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer readable program capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices which perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium. A computer readable program stored in a storage medium, including an acquisition step of acquiring each resource information by communication of an information device, and a processing step of editing the acquired resource information and displaying the edited information on a display unit. is there.

In an eleventh aspect according to the present invention, in the processing step, a display resource item edited by selecting a display resource item set in each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on a display unit. Things.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, in the processing step, the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on a display unit.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying this embodiment will be described. The printer to which this embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer,
It goes without saying that a printer of another printer type may be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied, and shows, for example, the case of a laser beam printer (LBP).

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body, which inputs and stores print information (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer, and stores these information. , A corresponding character pattern, form pattern or the like is created, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. Reference numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel on which switches and LED indicators for operation are arranged, and 1001 denotes an LBP main body 10.
This is a printer control unit that controls the entire 00 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer.
The control unit 1001 of the printer mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002. Laser driver 1002
Is a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 according to an input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is oscillated in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005 to scan and expose the electrostatic drum 1006.

Thus, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.
A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the LBP 1000, taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1011 and supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006. The LBP main body 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing system to which the data processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN. Needless to say, it can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer which executes a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of a ROM 3. CPU
1 and each device connected to the system bus 4 is C
PU1 controls the entire system.

The ROM 3 for the program in the ROM 3
M stores a control program of the CPU 1 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 8, and a font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the above-described document processing. The ROM stores various data used when performing the above document processing and the like. 2
Is a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC), and a CRT display (CRT) 1
The display of 0 is controlled. 7 is a memory controller (MC)
A hard disk (HD) for storing boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 11. 8
Is a printer controller (PRTC) which is connected to the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU).
M or the external memory 1
4 controls the accent with various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on the control program and the like stored in the system 4 and outputs the information to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16. As an image signal. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of the ROM 13 stores information used on a host computer. CPU1
2 can communicate with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18 and can notify the host computer 3000 of information in the printer 1000 and the like.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 12, and is designed so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used for output information development, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like. The external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) and an IC card described above includes a memory controller (MC) 20.
The access is controlled by. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like. Also, 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a switch for operating the operation panel and L
An ED display and the like are provided.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory can be connected. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages can be connected. It may be configured as follows. Further, N (not shown)
It may have a VRAM and store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

In the printing control system thus configured, the resource information of the printer 1000 can be displayed on the CRT 10 on the host computer 3000, and the host computer 3000 requests the printer 1000 for the resource information through the PRTC 8. At this time, the printer 1000 always saves the resource information on the RAM 19 and returns the resource information to the host computer 3000 through the input unit 18. And PRTC8
Computer 3 that has obtained resource information through
000 calculates and edits the information based on the display information stored in the RAM 2 or the external memory 11 and
Above, the resource information can be displayed.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the data structure of a basic packet during data communication between the printer 1000 and the host computer 3000 shown in FIG.
It corresponds to a packet data format used for transmission of print data between 00 and the host computer 3000 and response of resource information.

In this embodiment, the printer ID and the resource ID are all assigned by the host computer 3000 to the resources of each device and the printer 1000, and are managed collectively. , A common printer ID and resource ID are used.

In the figure, reference numeral 4000 denotes a basic packet used for communication between the host computer 3000 and the printer 1000, and data other than the packet format is not exchanged.

Reference numeral 4001 denotes start data indicating the beginning of a packet. Reference numeral 4007 denotes end data indicating the end of the packet. Note that only data surrounded by start data 4001 and end data 4007 is recognized as valid data. Reference numeral 4002 denotes a data type, which is data indicating which data is included in the data portion 4006 including the actual data in the packet. In the present embodiment, print data, resource value request data, resource value One of the response data is shown.

The print data and the resource value request data are used when the host computer 3000 transfers the data to the printer 1000. The printer 1000 performs printing when receiving the print data, and performs printing when receiving the resource value request data. Using the resource value request data, the resource value is returned to the host computer 3000 according to the request of the data section.

Reference numerals 4003 and 4004 denote data indicating a transmission source and a transmission destination, respectively. The meanings of the data are reversed when the data is transferred from the host computer 3000 and when the data is transferred from the printer 1000.

Reference numeral 4005 denotes a data amount.
Corresponding to the amount of data. The printer 1000 determines the end of the data section based on the data amount 4005. The data section 4006 stores actual data, that is, print data,
Resource value request data and resource value response data are included. The data format of the data section 4006 differs from one another, and in the case of print data, the data is sent in a data format depending on a data format that can be processed by a translator serving as a data analysis resource of the printer.

Reference numeral 4008 denotes resource value request data in which resource IDs of resources for which information is to be obtained are listed. 40
09 is the resource response data, the requested resource ID
Followed by a resource value and sent in an enumerated form.

In the present embodiment, such a specific packet format has been described. However, the resource editing on the host computer, which is a feature of the present invention, is performed in accordance with the protocol and data between the host computer 3000 and the printer 1000. If the resource information can be collected without being affected by the format, for example, SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) which is a standard network resource management protocol of a TCP / IP network
It goes without saying that there is no problem even if it is realized on the protocol.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of resource information stored in the host computer 3000 and the printer 1000 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 5000 denotes the RAM 2 or the external memory 1 shown in FIG.
1, the network ID 5001 indicates a network to which the printer is connected. When the host computer 3000 is connected to a plurality of networks or on the same network, the printer 1000 logically operates. For example, when it is desired to place the printer on a plurality of networks, for example, when it is desired to handle a color printer and a monochrome printer separately, the network ID is used to make a distinction.

Reference numeral 5002 denotes a resource ID, which is assigned to a resource of the printer 1000 by the host described above. 5003 is a parameter indicating display / non-display, 50
Reference numeral 04 denotes editing information indicating dependency between resources, which can be changed by the user. This dependency is mainly represented by four arithmetic operations on resource values, an operation on a set of resource IDs, and the like. A printer ID 5005 is assigned to each device by the above-described host computer. 5006 is an actual resource value.

Reference numeral 5007 denotes data stored in the printer. Reference numeral 5008 denotes a printer ID similar to the printer ID 5005, which is used when transmitting information to the host computer 3000. 5009 is the resource ID 500
The resource ID is the same as that of the second resource ID. Reference numeral 5010 denotes a resource value similar to the resource value 5006.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to sixth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium (such as a network), and obtains resource information of each information device. Acquisition means (CPU 1
Processing means for acquiring each resource information acquired by the acquisition means through the communication with the printer 1000 through the TC8) and displaying the resource information on the display unit (the CPU 1 acquires the resource information through the communication with the printer 1000 via the PRTC8). CPU 1 acquires the resource information of each information device, edits the acquired resource information, and displays the edited resource information on the CRT 10. In addition, the resource information of each information device can be relatively specified, and the logical resource information calculated from the capacity of each resource consumed with use of each information device can be clearly specified.

The second invention has a setting means for setting a display resource item to be displayed in each resource information acquired by the acquiring means (setting the item display / date display for each item from the keyboard 9 or the like). Then, the CPU 1 selects the display resource item set by the keyboard 9 or the like among the acquired resource information and displays a list of the edited resource information on the CRT 10, so that the items in the resource information intended by the user are clearly indicated. Can,
It is possible to reduce the burden on the user for searching for item confirmation and the like.

In the third invention, the CPU 1 edits (logical operation processing) based on the acquired dependency information of each resource information.
Since the logical resource information (for example, the number of printable sheets of the entire printer when the information device is a plurality of printers) is displayed on the CRT 10, the logical resource information changes depending on the dependence of each item, and thus requires a logical operation. Resource information can be edited and specified to the user, and the computational processing load on the user can be reduced.

In the fourth invention, the dependency information is item data (see FIG. 11) depending on the capacity of each resource, so that the resource information dynamically changing with the use of each information device can be accurately determined. Can be displayed on the display unit.

According to the fifth aspect, since the dependency information can be changed, the logical resource information edited according to the dependency intended by the user can be displayed on the CRT 10.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, since the information device is a device having a print function, each resource information of each device having a print function can be relatively clearly indicated, and the information device is consumed with use of each device. Logical resource information calculated from the capacity of each resource, for example, the number of printable sheets can be clearly and clearly indicated.

Hereinafter, the data processing operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a first example of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure,
This corresponds to the flow of the overall information processing for displaying the resource information of the CPU 1 in the host computer 3000. In addition, (1) to (12) indicate each step. Further, in the present embodiment, the setting of the display and the setting of the dependency are performed at the beginning of the task.

In steps (1) to (8), display settings and dependencies are changed. These changes are made by the user using the KB3 shown in FIG. In this step, the user operates the CRT 1 shown in FIG.
A change is made according to the information about the change displayed in 0.

First, in step (1), whether or not the display setting has been changed is selected. If the display item is changed in step (1), a resource item is selected in step (2), and in step (3), the display setting of the resource item is set to “display” or “non-display”.
Set to. The change can be made in the RAM 2 or the external memory 1
1 is stored as the display setting parameter 5003 shown in FIG.

Next, in step (4), it is checked whether there is any other change in the display setting, and if there is a change, steps (2) and (3) are repeated to change the display setting.

On the other hand, if there is no change in the display setting in step (4), the change of the setting is terminated. Then, there is no change in the display setting in step (1) or step (4)
In step (5), whether or not there is a change in dependency is selected. If there is a change in dependency in step (5), a resource item is selected in step (6), and step (7) In, the setting of the dependency of the resource item is changed. The change is performed by editing information 5004 shown in FIG.
Will be saved as

Next, in step (8), it is checked whether or not there is another change in the dependency.
Step (7) is repeated to change the dependency.

After the change of the dependency relationship is completed in step (8), in step (9), the resources and resource value request data 4008 shown in FIG.
000 to request resource information. The resource items for which information is requested may be requested for all resource items. However, for efficiency, only the necessary resource items are requested based on the display settings and the dependencies set in step (3) above. Is also good.

In step (10), a response of resource information from all printers of the network or the logical printer is waited. In the present embodiment, the printer 3000 is requested by the host computer 1000.
Responds with the resource information, but a method may be employed in which the printer 3000 voluntarily transmits the resource information and the host receives the resource information as needed. The printer 3000 transmits the resource response data 4 as a resource value response packet.
By transmitting 09 to the host computer 1000, the resource value is transmitted to the host computer 1000.

Then, when it is confirmed in step (10) that the resource information of the printer has been received, everything is stored based on the data structure shown in FIG. When the resource values of all the printers have been received, in step (11), the dependency set in step (7) is confirmed by referring to the data section 5000 shown in FIG. I do. Then, when the totaling and editing of the resource information is completed, in step (12), the result is displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2, which corresponds to a resource value update process in the printer, and the process is intermittently performed by a timer or the like. When activated, the resource value information 50 in the printer shown in FIG. 4 stored in the RAM 12 shown in FIG.
07 is kept at the latest information. In addition,
(1) to (4) show each step.

In step (1), the printer 100
The managed resource information is determined by looking at the resource ID 5009 of the resource information 5007 in 0, and it is determined whether there is a resource value to be acquired. If it is determined that the resource information to be acquired exists, in step (2), the resource value corresponding to the resource ID is acquired. In step (3), the information obtained in step (1) is compared with the information previously stored in the resource value 5010 shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to the resource ID, and it is determined whether there is any change. If there is a change, the resource value is updated in step (4), and the process returns to step (1). Note that the processing from step (2) to step (4) is performed for all the resource IDs to be managed, and the processing ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2, and the processing of the printer when data is sent from the host computer 3000 (the host computer 300).
0 to return the resource information to the host computer 300 in response to the resource information request from the host computer 300. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In step (1), transmission of data from the host computer 3000 is waited, and when data reception is confirmed, reception processing is performed in step (2).
In step (3), it is determined whether the data is print data or resource information request data by looking at the data type 4002 shown in FIG. 3. If the data is print data, the data is determined in step (4). Part 4
006 is analyzed and printed.

On the other hand, if the data is resource value request data in step (3), the requested resource ID is obtained in step (5), and the resource value is shown in FIG. 4 in step (6). It is obtained from the resource value 5010 in the resource information in the printer 3000.

Next, from step (5) to step (6)
Is performed for all the requested resource IDs (7), and in step (8), the result is converted into the format of the data portion 4009 used for the response shown in FIG. And returns to step (1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a main part of the first data processing of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2, and details of steps (11) and (12) of the flowchart shown in FIG. Corresponding to various processes. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In step (1), the data 5000 shown in FIG.
And if the managed resource ID cannot be obtained, the process ends.

On the other hand, when the resource ID managed in step (1) is obtained, in step (2), the display setting parameter 5003 is referred to determine the display / non-display setting state of the resource information. If "non-display" is set, the process returns to step (1) to search for the next resource ID.

On the other hand, in step (2), the setting is “display”.
If so, all resource values connected as a network or a logical printer are obtained with reference to the resource value 5006 shown in FIG.

Next, in step (4), the presence or absence of a dependency is confirmed by referring to the editing information 5004.
If there is no dependency, in step (7), the resource values of one resource ID are all summed up and displayed on the CRT 10 in step (8).
Return to

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that there is a dependency, what kind of dependency is set in step (5) is obtained, and the dependency is set in step (6). Acquire all the resource values of the resource ID.

Then, in step (7), the resource value is edited based on the dependency acquired in step (5), and displayed on the CRT 10 in step (8). When the display is completed, the process returns to step (1) to search for the next resource ID, and the managed resource I
The process is executed for all of D.

As a result, in the printing system in which the host computer 9001 and the printers 9002 and 9003 can communicate with each other as shown in FIG. 9, when each of the above processes is executed, that is, as shown in FIG.
In the setting state of the display setting parameter 5003 corresponding to No. 4, the resource value is edited, and the editing result shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the screen of the host computer 9001 shown in FIG.

Specifically, when the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is applied to the printing system shown in FIG. 9, that is, when the flowchart is adapted to the "printable number" resource item of the logical resource, step (1) is performed. The display setting in step (5) is selected as "display" by changing the display setting in step (4). Then, according to steps (5) to (8), the dependency 9006 changes to “(number of sheets,
(The minimum value of the toner capacity and the sorter capacity).

Further, in step (9), the resource request data is transmitted from the host computer 9001 to the printers 9002 and 9003. In this case, the number of sheets, toner capacity,
Request resource information for sorter capacity.

The printers 9002 and 9003 send resource values 9008 and 9009 to the host computer 9001 as resource response data according to the request.
When the resource information is received, the total of the resource data is edited.

In this case, since the minimum value of the printer 9002 is 10 sheets and the minimum value of the printer 9003 is 5 toner capacity, the printable number indicated by the display value 9010 is “15”.

Then, in step (12), "15 printable sheets" is displayed.

In this embodiment, only the total and edited resource values are displayed.
It goes without saying that the resource value of the printer alone may be displayed at the same time.

In the present embodiment, the resource items shown in FIG. 10 use concretely representative resources for the sake of simplicity of description. However, the resources (paper, toner, paper discharge Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to all of the tray capacity, laser life, drum life, and logical resources (printable number, monochrome printable number, color printed number, etc.).

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each step of the seventh to twelfth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a data processing method capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium. Steps (steps (9) and (1) in FIG. 5)
0)) and processing steps of editing the acquired resource information and displaying the edited resource information on the display unit (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5; details are shown in steps (1) to (8) in FIG. 8). The CPU 1 executes the control program stored in the ROM 3, the external memory 11, or a memory resource (not shown), so that each resource information of each information device is relative to a user who selects each information device. In addition to the above, it is also possible to clearly indicate the logical resource information calculated from the capacity of each resource consumed with the use of each information device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the processing steps (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5) are performed in each resource information acquired in the acquiring step (steps (9) and (10) in FIG. 5). The resource information edited by selecting the display resource item set in the step is displayed in a list on the display unit, so that the items in the resource information intended by the user can be clearly indicated, and the burden on the user for searching for item confirmation is reduced. can do.

According to a ninth aspect, in the processing step (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5), logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is obtained. Since the information is displayed on the display unit, logical resource information that involves an operation due to a change due to the dependency of each item can be edited and specified to the user, and the user's calculation processing load can be reduced.

A tenth invention is a storage medium storing a computer readable program capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium. (Steps (9) and (10) of FIG. 5)
And the processing steps of editing the acquired resource information and displaying the edited resource information on the display unit (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5 and correspond to steps (1) to (8) in FIG. 8 in detail). Do)
And a program readable by a computer, including: That is, a program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code. This is included in the embodiment of the invention.

According to an eleventh aspect, the processing step (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5) includes the resource information acquired in the acquiring step (steps (9) and (10) in FIG. 5). 11. A list of the resource information edited by selecting the display resource item set in the step (c) is displayed on the display unit.
The program is stored in a computer-readable program storage medium. That is, a program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code. This is included in the embodiment of the invention.

According to a twelfth aspect, the processing step (steps (11) and (12) in FIG. 5) includes the step (9) and (10) in FIG. The logical resource information edited based on the dependency information is displayed on the display unit. That is, a program code corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 is stored in an external storage medium or an internal storage resource described later, and a CPU (not shown) reads and executes the program code from the storage medium storing the program code. This is included in the embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the data processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the data processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0104]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the acquisition unit acquires the resource information of each information device, and the processing unit edits and displays the acquired resource information on the display unit. In addition, the resource information of each information device can be relatively specified, and the logical resource information calculated from the capacity of each resource consumed with use of each information device can be clearly specified.

According to the second aspect, the processing means selects the display resource item set by the setting means among the resource information acquired by the acquisition means, and displays the resource information edited on the display section. Since the list is displayed, the items in the resource information intended by the user can be clearly indicated, and the burden on the user for searching for item confirmation can be reduced.

According to the third aspect, the processing means displays the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired by the acquiring means on the display unit.
Logical resource information that involves an operation due to a change depending on the dependency of each item can be edited and specified to the user, and the load on the operation processing by the user can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect, since the dependency information is item data depending on the capacity of each resource, the resource information dynamically changing with the use of each information device is accurately grasped. Logical resource information can be displayed on the display unit.

According to the fifth aspect, since the dependency information can be changed, the logical resource information edited according to the dependency intended by the user can be displayed on the display unit.

According to the sixth aspect, since the information device is a device having a printing function, each resource information of each device having a printing function can be relatively specified, and the information device can be used with the use of each device. Logical resource information determined from the capacity of each resource consumed can also be clearly indicated.

According to the seventh and tenth aspects, each resource information is obtained by communication of each information device, and the obtained resource information is edited and displayed on the display unit. Therefore, each information device is selected. For the user, each resource information of each information device can be relatively clearly indicated, and also logical resource information calculated from the capacity of each resource consumed by use of each information device can be clearly indicated. be able to.

According to the eighth and eleventh aspects, in the processing step, the resource information edited by selecting the display resource item set in each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the items in the resource information intended by the user can be clearly indicated, and the burden on the user for searching for item confirmation can be reduced.

According to the ninth and twelfth inventions, in the processing step, the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on the display unit. Logical resource information that involves an operation due to a change depending on the item dependency can be edited and specified to the user, and the load on the operation processing by the user can be reduced.

Therefore, the resource information of each information device selectable to the user can be relatively specified, and the resource information whose capacity changes according to the use status can be immediately grasped. There are effects such as that a management environment can be easily constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an output device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system to which the data processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a basic packet during data communication between the printer and the host computer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of resource information stored in a host computer and a printer shown in FIG. 2, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure of the printer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a main part of first data processing of the host computer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing resource information display setting state data in the host computer shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of resource information display on the host computer shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the data processing device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 10 CRT 12 CPU 13 ROM 19 RAM 1000 Printer 1012 Operation unit 3000 Host computer

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires resource information of each information device; Processing means for editing each resource information acquired by the user and displaying the edited resource information on a display unit. 2. A setting unit for setting a display resource item to be displayed in each resource information obtained by said obtaining unit, and said processing unit is set by said setting unit in each resource information obtained by said obtaining unit. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resource information edited by selecting the display resource item is displayed in a list on a display unit. 3. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired by the acquiring unit is displayed on a display unit.
The data processing device according to claim 1. 4. The data processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the dependency information is item data depending on a capacity of each resource. 5. The data processing device according to claim 3, wherein said dependency information is changeable. 6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information device is a device having a printing function. 7. A data processing method capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices performing predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an obtaining step of obtaining each resource information by communication of each information device; A process of editing each acquired resource information and displaying the edited resource information on a display unit. 8. The processing step, wherein a display resource item set in each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is selected, and the edited resource information is displayed in a list on a display unit. Data processing method described. 9. The data processing according to claim 7, wherein in the processing step, the logical resource information edited based on the dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on a display unit. Method. 10. A storage medium storing a computer readable program capable of communicating with a plurality of information devices that perform predetermined data processing via a predetermined communication medium, wherein each resource information is communicated by each information device. And a processing step of editing each of the obtained resource information and displaying the edited resource information on a display unit. 11. The processing step, wherein a display resource item set in each of the resource information acquired in the acquiring step is selected and edited, and a list of the edited resource information is displayed on a display unit. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to any one of the preceding claims. 12. The computer according to claim 10, wherein in the processing step, logical resource information edited based on dependency information of each resource information acquired in the acquiring step is displayed on a display unit. A storage medium storing a readable program.