JPH1063451A - Network printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability by avoiding error printing due to a printer driver which is inappropriate for a newly connected printer, also automatically discriminating types of printers, installing an appropriate printer driver and also setting a printer driver when printers are rapidly and continuously used. SOLUTION: Printers 2 to 4 and a host computer 5 which are connected through a LAN communication line 1 carry out the creation of a printer driver system through a two-way communication. When the printers 2 to 4 are newly connected to the line 1, the computer 5 checks printer drivers which are installed in the printers 2 to 4 and shows that printing is not possible with the printer drivers which are currently installed on a screen when the printer drivers are not appropriate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network printer system in which a printer and a host computer are connected to a local area network (LAN) to form a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a printing apparatus in which a printer and an electronic copying apparatus are shared is used for the purpose of further sharing a storage device (file) with a local area network (LA).
N), a printing device and a host computer for network management are connected. In such a network,
With the aim of improving the usability of connecting and disconnecting a printing device, installation of a printer driver, that is, system generation for creating a required operation system by selecting an arbitrary part of an operation system (OS) is performed.

When a printing device is newly connected to a parallel interface for performing bidirectional communication, a host computer for system management automatically detects whether a printer driver for the printing device is installed. If it is not installed, the system is generated (installed) using an operating system (OS) that executes the installation. That is, the usability of new connection and detachment of the printing device is improved.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the printer driver is automatically detected and the installation is executed, and although the printer can be newly connected or detached, the installed bidirectional communication is provided. The parallel interface that performs the above-mentioned operations can support only the local connection, and it is difficult to form a network for various uses of the printing apparatus from the following viewpoints. (1) It is relatively difficult to select an appropriate printer driver system generation for a newly connected printing device and execute the installation. (2) When data is transferred to a newly connected printing device in which an appropriate printer driver is not installed, a desired printing result cannot be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to solve such a problem in the prior art, and can avoid erroneous printing by a printer driver which is an incompatible operation system in a printing apparatus newly connected to a network. A network printer system that automatically determines this model, installs a compatible printer driver, and sets the compatible printer driver when using it immediately after connection, improving its usability. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation system in which a plurality of printing devices and a host device connected to a communication line require a printing device by bidirectional communication. In a network printing device system that executes the installation of a printer driver, a host device that detects that a printing device has been newly connected to a communication line checks a printer driver installed in the detected printing device and checks the printer driver. If the driver does not match, a message is displayed on the screen indicating that accurate printing cannot be performed with the currently installed printer driver.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network printing apparatus system in which a plurality of printing apparatuses connected by a communication line and a host apparatus execute installation of a printer driver as an operation system of the printing apparatus by bidirectional communication. The host device that has detected that the device has been newly connected to the communication line checks the printer driver installed on the detected printing device. If the printer driver does not match, the printer driver that matches the automatically determined model is used. Installed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network printer system in which a plurality of printers and a host device connected by a communication line execute installation of a printer driver of the printer by bidirectional communication. The host device that detects that it is connected to the communication line,
Check the printer driver, which is the operating system installed in the detected printing device. If the printer driver does not match, install the printer driver that matches the model that was automatically determined, and immediately continue using the printer. It is set in the driver.

In the network printing apparatus system according to the first aspect of the present invention, if the installed printer driver when the printing apparatus is newly connected to the communication line is not compatible, the currently installed printer driver is installed. Is displayed on the screen indicating that the printer driver cannot print properly. As a result, erroneous printing by an incompatible printer driver in a printing device newly connected to the network can be avoided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a case where a printer driver installed when a printing device is newly connected to a communication line does not match, a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model is installed. doing. As a result, it becomes possible to install a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model.

In the network printing apparatus system according to the third aspect, a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model is installed, and is set as the printer driver when the printer is continuously used immediately.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of the network printing apparatus system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the network printing apparatus system of the present invention. In FIG.
This network printing device system uses a LAN communication line 1
Printers 2, 3, and 4 which share three printers and an electronic copier are connected to the printer. Further, it manages the network and, in particular, adds new printing devices (2 to 2) to the LAN communication line 1.
4) When the connection is established, the installation of the printer driver, which is the operation system, is automatically detected.
A host computer 5 that executes installation of a printer driver is connected to form a LAN.

Each of the printing devices 2 to 4 has a LAN interface for performing bidirectional communication. In this case, the LAN protocol includes TCP / IP, IPS /
There are various types of specifications such as SPX and Net-Bios. In the case of the TCP / IP protocol, a unique IP address is given as an identification number of the printing devices 2 to 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the printing devices 2 to 4. In FIG. 2, an image input device 20 for reading a document to be copied is similar to a general copying device.
1 and an image control device 2 which controls each unit and controls execution of installation of a printer driver which is an operation system necessary for the own device from the host computer 5.
02. Further, it has an image storage device 203 for temporarily storing input image information, and a LAN control device 204 connected to the LAN communication line 1 for controlling data transmission / reception (transfer) by LAN interface processing. An image output device 205 is connected to the image control device 202 and outputs image information stored in the image storage device 203, and an image display device 206 displays various processing contents on a screen.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment having this configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the operation of the first embodiment. 1 to 3, in the host computer 5, a unique identification number (IP address) of the current network, that is, the printing devices 2 to 4 connected to the LAN communication line 1 is stored in a printing device table of a memory (not shown). It is remembered. The host computer 5 prints the printer (2) at regular intervals through the LAN communication line 1.
4) (step S1 in FIG. 3) and compare with the printing device table (step S2). In this case, connection of a new printing device (2-4) is determined by sending a read command to the LAN control device 204 in FIG. 2 and responding to it (step S3). Here, when the host computer 5 detects that the printing device (2-4) is newly connected (Yes), the host computer 5 inquires the printing device (2-4) about the model name (step S4).

Here, the new printers (2 to 4) respond via the LAN communication line 1 under the control of the LAN controller 204 in FIG. 2 and the newly connected printers (2 to 4). ) Is checked (step S5). If the model name and the printer driver name match in this check, the necessary printer driver has already been installed in the newly connected printing devices (2-4) (step S6: Y).
es), the process ends.

If the necessary printer driver is not installed in the newly connected printing devices (2-4) in step S6 (No), the newly installed printing devices (2-4) are currently installed. If accurate printing cannot be performed with the printer driver specified and printing is forcibly performed, character deformation will occur and printing paper, toner or printing ribbon, and time will be wasted. Is displayed on the screen by the host computer 5 and notified (step S7).

The screen can be displayed on the image display device 206 of the newly connected printing device (2-4) under the control of the host computer 5. After this notification, the newly connected printing device (2-
The information is registered and updated in the printing device table of 4), and the processing is completed.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a screen displaying a state in which a printer driver compatible with the newly connected printing apparatuses (2 to 4) in the first embodiment is not installed. In FIG. 4, this example corresponds to a host computer 5.
, The window in the display screen hops up together with the synthesized voice, and a warning (Warning), that the new printing device (2-4) has been connected, and the model name "OO" are displayed on the screen. Further, a screen is displayed to indicate that the printer driver is not installed and printing cannot be performed by the newly connected printing devices (2 to 4), and an input unit for confirming "OK" is also displayed on the screen. Have been.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the newly connected printers (2 to 4) display on the screen that printing cannot be performed with the currently installed printer driver. As a result, unreasonable printing is not performed, and waste of printing paper, toner, or printing ribbon is prevented, and waste of time can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the second embodiment. In FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG.
In the same manner as in the embodiment, the newly connected printing devices (2 to
4) The installation of the printer driver corresponding to the model name “XXX” is determined.

If the printer driver corresponding to the model name "に" of the newly connected printing device (2-4) has not been installed in step S16 (No),
The host computer 5 displays on the screen whether or not to install a printer driver for performing accurate printing with the newly connected printing devices (2 to 4) (step S).
17, S18). That is, it is determined whether or not a newly connected printing device (2-4) is required.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a printer driver compatible with the newly connected printing apparatuses (2 to 4) in the second embodiment is installed. In FIG. 6, in this example, attention is paid to the window in the display screen (Wa).
ringing), connections of new printing devices (2 to 4), and the model name “○” are displayed on the screen. Further, the printer driver is not installed, a screen display as to whether the printer driver is to be installed in the newly connected printing devices (2 to 4) is displayed, and the input operation is performed. The input section of “Yes, No” is displayed on the screen.

When the user selects "Yes" for installation on the display screen (step S1)
8: Yes), a screen display of an operation instruction for executing this installation is performed on the host computer 5 (step S19).

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a display screen for instructing an operation of installing a printer driver in the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, the connection of a new printing device (2 to 4) and the model name “○” are displayed on the screen by the host computer 5. Further, an instruction to mount the installation disk storing the printer driver on the designated drive is displayed on the screen. Further, an input section of "OK, Cancel (Cancel)" for instructing execution of the installation is displayed on the screen. The installation disk storing the printer driver may be a CD-ROM or a hard disk.

When "OK" is operated on the display screen, the host computer 5 executes installation of an appropriate printer driver on the new printing device (2-4) (step S20). Next, after this installation, the printer is registered and updated in the printing device table of the newly connected printing devices (2 to 4), and the process ends.

As described above, in the second embodiment, a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model is installed in the newly connected printing device (2-4). As a result, a suitable printer driver can be installed for each new printing device (2-4), and the usability is improved.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the third embodiment. 1, 2, and 8, the third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that step S21 is performed.
Through steps S30 to S30, the printer driver corresponding to the model name "XXX" of the newly connected printing device (2-4) is installed.

After the installation of the printer driver corresponding to the model name "XXX" of the newly connected printing device (2-4) in step S30, the new printing device (2-4) It is determined whether 4) is to be used continuously (step S31). That is, this is to cope with a case where the new printing device (2-4) is not used immediately.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a display screen when it is determined whether or not to use the new printing devices (2 to 4) in the third embodiment immediately. In FIG. 9, similarly to the second embodiment, new printing devices (2-
4) The connection and the model name “XXX” and an instruction to mount the installation disk in the designated drive are displayed on the screen.
Further, a screen display asking whether the new printing device (2-4) should be used continuously or not and "OK, Cancel (Cancel)" for instructing execution of this new printing device (2-4).
Is displayed on the screen.

When the user operates the "OK" input section for immediately starting to use the display screen, the printer driver is changed to an appropriate printer driver according to an instruction from the host computer 5. Next, after this installation, the printer is registered and updated in the printing device table of the newly connected printing devices (2 to 4), and the process ends (steps S32 and S33).

As described above, in the third embodiment, when the newly connected printing device (2-4) is used immediately and immediately, the printer driver is changed to the printer driver, thereby improving the usability. .

In this embodiment, the printer driver, which is an operation system compatible with each of the printing devices 2 to 4, executes the installation to be stored in the image control device 202 in FIG. When a printer driver stored in the HDD is stored in an internal or external hard disk (HDD) and printed by each of the printing devices 2 to 4, the printer driver stored in the HDD is communicated to the printing device (2 to 4). And the image control device 202 in FIG. 2 may perform the print control.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the network printer system of the first aspect, the printer driver installed when the printer is newly connected to the communication line is suitable. If not, the screen displays that accurate printing is not possible, so erroneous printing can be avoided, and printing paper, toner or printing ribbon due to character deformation, and waste of time can be prevented. Become.

According to the network printing device system of the second aspect, if the installed printer driver when the printing device is newly connected to the communication line does not match, the matching printer driver is installed. And accurate printing can be performed.

According to the network printing apparatus system of the third aspect, a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model is installed and is set as a printer driver for immediate continuous use. In addition to being able to cope with the status of use by the connected printing device, accurate printing is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network printing apparatus system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 LAN communication line 2-4 Printing device 5 Host computer 201 Image input device 202 Image control device 203 Image storage device 204 LAN control device 205 Image output device

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A network printing device system in which a plurality of printing devices and a host device connected by a communication line execute installation of a printer driver, which is an operation system required for the printing device, through two-way communication. The host device, which has detected that the printer is connected to the communication line, checks the printer driver installed in the detected printing device. A network printing device system for displaying on the screen that the printing cannot be performed. 2. A network printing apparatus system in which a plurality of printing apparatuses and a host apparatus connected by a communication line execute installation of a printer driver as an operation system of the printing apparatus by bidirectional communication, wherein the printing apparatus newly communicates. The host device that detects the connection to the line checks the printer driver installed in the detected printing device, and if the printer driver does not match, installs a printer driver that matches the automatically determined model. Characterized network printing system. 3. A network printing device system in which a plurality of printing devices and a host device connected by a communication line execute installation of a printer driver of the printing device by two-way communication, wherein the printing device is newly connected to the communication line. The host device that has detected that the printer device, which is an operation system installed in the detected printing device, checks the printer driver.
A network printing apparatus system, wherein a printer driver suitable for the automatically determined model is installed, and the printer driver is set as a printer driver for continuous use immediately.