JP2001034564A - Information processor, network system, device retrieving method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a network system which can grasp the position, property, and state of a desirable device in a network so that they can be easily visually understood. SOLUTION: A server 112 manages location information wherein information on the positions of devices is hierarchically represented, property information, and a plurality of state information (icon information) corresponding to various states of the devices and also holds map information corresponding to the respective hierarchys of the location information. A client 111 superimposes and outputs (displays out) the state information of the devices detected by the server 112 on the map information corresponding to the devices and changes the output according to the state information of the devices obtained by polling-based communications with the devices.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus applied to devices such as servers, clients, printers and copiers on a network, a network system, a device search method, and a process for executing the same. The present invention relates to a storage medium in which steps are stored in a computer readable manner, and more particularly to a technology for searching for a device on a network when a client uses the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in order to efficiently discover various resources (printers, servers, scanners, etc., hereinafter also referred to as "devices") on a network and utilize them, an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is used.
ol) and other directory services. This directory service performs the function of a so-called network phone book.
It is a service that manages and provides various information for that purpose.

[0003] Therefore, a list of network addresses of devices available on the network can be obtained by searching for devices connected to the network using the directory service as described above.

[0004] Regarding the provisions of the above LDAP, I
It is described in RFC1777 issued by the ETF, and as a manual, for example, "LDAP Internet Directory Application Programming" by Prentice Hall Co., Ltd.
It was issued on January 1.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional device search method using a directory service or the like, the position information at which a device available on the network actually exists and the current state of the device are obtained. I couldn't do that.

More specifically, for example, when a user on a certain client searches for a printer on a network by a directory service for print output, a device on the client side (an information processing device such as a personal computer) is connected to a network. The network address of the above available printer was simply displayed as a string. For this reason, the user confirms the position of the printer that the user wants to print out before printing out, or after printing, the printer that performed the printing is actually located on a floor such as his own floor or another floor. I had to find out. Further, when a color print output is desired, it is only possible to know whether or not the printer that has performed the print output is a color printer only after actually performing the print output. Further, it is not possible to know what state (operational state, error occurrence state, etc.) the printer used for print output is at present until actually performing print output.

As described above, in the conventional device search method, "where is the printer closest to my location on my floor" and "what printer in the building can output a color image?" Device location information and device attributes such as "Is it in a place?" Further, the device state such as whether the current state of the device is an operation state or an error occurrence state has not been known until the device is actually used. This is very inconvenient for the user,
This leads to a problem that work efficiency such as print output becomes poor.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and has been made so that the position, attribute, and state of a desired device on a network can be visually grasped in an easily understandable manner. Provided is an information processing apparatus, a network system, a device search method, and a storage medium in which a computer stores process steps for executing the information search apparatus, which can improve work efficiency using various devices on a network. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

For such a purpose,
A first invention provides a search condition specifying means for specifying a search condition of an arbitrary device on a network, and a search condition specified by the search condition specifying means for a server connected on the network. A search request unit for requesting a search for a corresponding device; and a device connected to the network indicated by the search result sent from the server in response to the search request by the search request unit. A status acquisition request transmitting unit for transmitting a status acquisition request, and a map representing a map corresponding to each layer of location information hierarchically representing information on the position of a device connected to the network to the server. Map information acquisition request transmission means for transmitting a request for acquisition of map information corresponding to the result of the search in the information, One of the map information transmitted from the server in response to the map information acquisition request by the map information acquisition request transmitting means and the plurality of state information corresponding to the plurality of states of the device included in the search result Output means for superimposing and outputting the status information, wherein the output means corresponds to status information transmitted from the device in response to a status acquisition request by the status acquisition request transmission means. Is selected from the plurality of pieces of state information.

[0010] The second invention is the above-mentioned first invention, wherein:
The status acquisition request transmitting means transmits the status acquisition request periodically.

[0011] A third invention is the above-mentioned first invention, wherein:
The output means has a function of displaying and outputting information.

A fourth aspect of the present invention manages location information hierarchically representing information on the location of a device connected to a network, device attribute information, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device. Management means, first holding means for holding map information representing a map corresponding to each layer of the location information, and a device corresponding to the search request based on a device search request sent from outside. A search unit for searching based on the information in the management unit, and for the issuer of the search request, information corresponding to the device detected by the search in the search unit is obtained from the information in the management unit. Search result transmitting means for transmitting the map information corresponding to the acquisition request based on the map information acquisition request sent from outside. Obtained from the information in the holding means, the acquired map information, characterized in that it comprises a map information transmitting means to be transmitted to the issuer of the acquisition request.

In a fifth aspect based on the first or fourth aspect, the status information includes an icon.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system including a client, a server, and a device connected on a network, wherein at least one of the client, the server, and the device is any one of the first to fifth aspects. Characterized by having the function of the information processing apparatus described in (1).

A seventh invention is a network system configured by connecting a client, a server, and a device on a network, wherein the client specifies search conditions for an arbitrary device on the network. Search condition specifying means, search request means for requesting the server to search for a device corresponding to the search condition specified by the search condition specifying means, and transmission from the server in response to a search request by the search request means. A status acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting a status acquisition request for the device to a device connected to the network indicated by the search result, and a server connected to the network for the server. Information corresponding to each layer of location information that hierarchically represents information on the location of the device Map information acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting a map information acquisition request corresponding to the search result in the map information representing the map, and a map information acquisition request transmitted by the map information acquisition request transmission means from the server. Coming map information, and output means for superimposing and outputting any state information among a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device included in the search result, wherein the server comprises: Management means for managing location information hierarchically representing information on the position of a device connected on the network, device attribute information, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device, First holding means for holding map information representing a map corresponding to each layer, and searching for a device sent from the client Search means for searching for a device corresponding to the search request based on the information in the management means based on the request, and a device detected by the search means for the client issuing the search request. A search result transmitting unit for acquiring and transmitting information corresponding to the information from the information in the management unit; and a map information corresponding to the acquisition request based on a map information acquisition request transmitted from the client. First
Map information transmitting means for acquiring from the information in the holding means of, and transmitting the acquired map information to the client that issued the acquisition request, the device comprises:
Second holding means for holding information including hierarchical location information indicating a position of the user on the network, attribute information of the user, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the user; Information registration means for registering the information held by the holding means in the management means of the server,
Status information transmitting means for returning status information indicating its own status as a response to the status acquisition request sent from the client, wherein the output means of the client includes a status acquisition request by the status acquisition request transmitting means. And selecting corresponding state information from the plurality of state information according to the state information sent from the device as a response to the request.

According to an eighth invention, in the seventh invention,
The status acquisition request transmitting means of the client periodically transmits the status acquisition request.

According to a ninth aspect, in the seventh aspect,
The output means of the client has a function of displaying and outputting information.

In a tenth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the status information includes an icon.

According to an eleventh aspect, a client, a server,
A device search method for a server to search for a device based on a device search request from a client on a network to which the device is connected, and for the client to obtain and output the search result, wherein the device A registration step of registering, in the server, hierarchical location information representing the position of the user on the network, attribute information of the user, and information including a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the self, in the server; A management step of managing information from the device by the registration step, a server storing map information representing a map corresponding to each layer of location information of the device, a map holding step, and the client Of the device corresponding to the search condition of the device specified and input from A search requesting step of requesting the server for a search; and the server searches for a device corresponding to the search request from the management information by the management step based on the device search request from the client. A search step of obtaining information corresponding to the detected device from the management information of the management step and returning the information to the client that issued the search request; and the management information returned by the server from the server. A status acquisition request transmitting step of transmitting a status acquisition request of the device to the device connected to the network, the device indicating its own status as a response to the status acquisition request from the client A status information transmitting step of returning status information, and the client A map information acquisition requesting step of requesting the server for map information corresponding to location information of a device connected to the network indicated by the management information returned from the server; and A map information transmitting step of obtaining map information corresponding to a map information obtaining request from the map storing step, and transmitting the obtained map information to a client that has issued the map information obtaining request. And the client, the map information transmitted from the server in the map information transmitting step,
An output step of superimposing and outputting any state information of the plurality of state information included in the management information; and the client transmits the corresponding state information according to the state information sent from the device. A state information changing step of changing the output state information in the output step by selecting from a plurality of state information.

In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the step of transmitting a status acquisition request includes a step of periodically transmitting the status acquisition request.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the output step includes a step of outputting information on a screen.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the status information includes an icon.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer readable storage medium in which a program for causing a computer to function is recorded as each means according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing the processing steps of the device search method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) The present invention provides, for example,
It is applied to a network system 100 as shown in FIG. This network system 100 is used on an office floor or the like including a first floor and a second floor, and as shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer (PC) 11 as an information processing device on the client side.
1, 113, a personal computer (PC) 112 as an information processing device on the server side, and various devices 10
1 to 105 are communicably connected to each other by a LAN 150.

P as an information processing device on the client side
C (client terminal device, hereinafter simply referred to as “client”) 111 and 113 are PCs each capable of executing a network device search client program in the present embodiment, and PCs (information processing devices on the server side). Inquiry information on a device that satisfies a desired condition is issued to a server terminal device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “server”) 112, and a search result obtained thereby is displayed.
Further, here, as an example, the client 111 is configured by a desktop PC, and the client 113 is configured by a notebook PC.

The server 112 is a PC that can execute the program of the network device search server according to the present embodiment.
05, and various devices (network devices) of the other network system 140 are stored, an inquiry for a device search from the clients 111 and 113 is received, and the search result is returned.

The clients 111 and 113 as described above
The PC used as the server 112 has the same configuration. For example, the configuration shown in FIG.
Network device search client software,
Alternatively, network device search server software (hereinafter collectively referred to as “network device search software”) is operated.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC 200 here controls the operation of the entire PC.
A ROM 203 for storing various programs and data for operation control by the CPU 202;
A RAM 204 including a main memory, a work area, etc.
A mouse (MS) 214 and a mouse controller (MC) 213 for controlling an instruction input from the mouse (MS) 214
And a keyboard (KB) 209 and a keyboard (KB)
Keyboard controller (KBC) 2 for controlling input of instructions from a keyboard 209 or a pointing device (not shown)
05, a CRT display 210, and a CRT controller (CR
TC) 206, a hard disk drive (HDD) 211 and a floppy disk drive (FDD) 212 for storing various programs and data (boot programs, various applications, editing files, user files, network management programs, etc.) A disk controller (DKC) 207 for controlling access to a drive (HDD) 211 and a floppy disk drive (FDD) 212;
50, a network interface card (NIC) 208 for bidirectionally exchanging data with the devices 101 to 105, another PC, or another network system 140 (see FIG. 1). The components are connected via a system bus 201 so that they can communicate with each other.

Therefore, the above network device search software is stored in advance in the ROM 203, the hard disk drive (HDD) 211, or the FD of the floppy disk drive 212.
02, the operation in the present system 100 as described later is realized.

On the other hand, each of the devices 101 to 105 is composed of a color printer, a copying machine, or the like. Here, for example, the device 101 is a color printer (color LBP), and the device 102 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having both a copy function and a printer function.
Peripheral). Also, devices 103 and 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a monochrome printer.
5 is a scanner.

The main structures of these devices 101 to 105 are the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 2302 for controlling the operation of the whole device,
A ROM 2303 for storing various programs and data for operation control by the CPU 2302;
RAM 2304 including main memory 2 and work area
An engine 2309 for device functions (such as a printer function and a copy function); an engine controller (EC) 2305 for controlling the driving of the engine 2309; and a panel (PANEL) for receiving various operation instructions from a user and displaying various information. 2310 and panel (PANEL) 2
Input / output control on the panel 310 and the panel (PAN
EL) Panel controller (PC) for managing 2310
2306 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 221
1 and a disk controller (DKC) 2 for controlling access to a hard disk drive (HDD) 2211
307, a nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) 2312,
The server 112 and the client 11 via the LAN 150
1 and 113 (see FIG. 1 above), a network interface card (N
IC) 2308, and each of these components is
They are connected via a system bus 2301 so that they can communicate with each other.

When the device shown in FIG. 3 is, for example, a color LBP 101, the engine 2309
Is an LBP engine (LB) for printer output operation, etc.
Pengine) and the hard disk (HDD) 2
In the 211, print data and the like are temporarily spooled as necessary.

The network system 100 as described above
, The client 111, the server 112, the color printer 101, the MFP 102, and the monochrome printer 103 are respectively installed on the second floor, and the monochrome printer 104, the scanner 105, and the client 113 are each installed on the first floor. I have.

The network system 100 is connectable to the Internet 130 via the firewall 120, and is also configured to be connectable to another network system 140 via the Internet 130.

It should be noted that the client 113 has a notebook type P
In FIG. 1 above, LA is used from the first floor.
N130 is connected to LAN1.
There is also a case where it is removed from the LAN 50 and a case where it is connected to the LAN 150 from the second floor.

In this embodiment, based on the result of the device search returned from the server 112, the clients 111 and 113 determine the location of the target device, the attribute, A bitmap icon (hereinafter, referred to as a target device) on a layout bitmap corresponding to the position of the target device, such as the first floor or the second floor, so that the user can visually recognize whether the target device exists in such a state. , Simply referred to as an "icon")
Is displayed. In particular, the icon of the target device displayed on the layout bitmap is changed according to the state of the target device. This configuration is the most characteristic configuration in the present embodiment.

For this reason, the network system 100
Has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The functional configuration shown in FIG.
Are realized by executing predetermined processing programs such as network device search software in the CPUs 202 and 2302 shown in FIG.

The server 112 includes clients 111 and 1
13, a search request receiving unit 411 that receives a device search inquiry request (device search request) from the device 13, a device information management unit 412 that manages device information (location information, attribute information, and icon information) from each device. A device search unit 413 for searching a corresponding device from the management information of the device information management unit 413 based on a device search request received by the search request reception unit 411, and a device detected by the search by the device search unit 413. A search result returning unit 4 that acquires device information corresponding to the above from the device information management unit 413 and returns it as a search result to the client that issued the device search request.
14 and layout bitmap information (hereinafter referred to as “MAP
MAP information storage unit 415 for storing
A MAP request reception 416 that receives a MAP information acquisition request from the clients 111 and 113 and an M corresponding to the MAP information acquisition request received by the MAP request reception 416
The AP information is acquired from the MAP information holding unit 415, and the M
MAP information transmission failure 417 to be returned to the client of the AP information acquisition request source.

Client 111 and Client 11
3 have similar functions. For example, the client 111 includes a search condition specification unit 421 that receives search conditions from the user by operating the keyboard 209 and the mouse 214 (see FIG. 2 above), and a search condition specification unit 421. Part 42
Server 112 based on the search condition received in
An inquiry unit 422 for issuing a device search request to
Server 1 for device search request by inquiry unit 422
Search result receiving unit 423 that receives the search results from
A device status acquisition request transmission unit 424 that transmits a request (device status acquisition request) for acquiring status information of the device to a device corresponding to the search result received by the search result reception unit 423, A device status information receiving unit 425 that receives information on the status of the device (device status information) from the device to which the device status acquisition request transmission unit 424 issues the device status acquisition request, and sends a MAP information acquisition request to the server 112. The MAP information acquisition unit 426 that acquires the MAP information corresponding to the search result received by the search result reception unit 423 by transmitting, and the information received by the search result reception unit 423 and the MAP information acquisition unit 426 CRT based on the obtained MAP information and the information received by the device status information receiving unit 425
And a display unit 427 for displaying a screen by the display 210 (see FIG. 2).

Each device (devices 101 to 105 of the present system, devices of another network system 140, etc.) has the same function. For example, the device 101 has its own device location information, attribute information, Device information including a plurality of icon information corresponding to various device states and a nonvolatile RAM
(NVRAM) 2312 (see FIG. 3 above), a device information holding unit 431, and a device information holding unit 431.
A device information registration unit 432 for registering the device information held by the server 112 with the server 112;
A device status acquisition request receiving unit 433 that receives device status acquisition requests from the devices 11 and 113, and information on its own status (device status information) as a response to the device status acquisition request received by the device status acquisition request receiving unit 433. And a device status information transmission unit 435 that transmits the device status acquisition request to the client that issued the device status acquisition request.

First, an outline of a series of operations of the network system 100 having the above configuration will be described.

First, in each device, the device information holding unit 431 stores the location information of the own device (information indicating the current location of the own device, such as the second floor, according to a hierarchical structure described later), attributes, and the like. A device including a plurality of icon information corresponding to various information such as information (whether or not color input / output is possible or not) and a current state (operating state, paper jam occurrence state, etc.). Information is stored in nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM)
2312 (FIG. 3). Thus, the device information of the own device can be held as it is even if the power of the own device is cut off.

When the device is powered on, the device information registration unit 432 transmits the device information held by the device information holding unit 431 to the server 112.

Device information management section 412 of server 112
Manages device information from each device.

At this time, for example, in the client 111, the inquiry unit 422 issues a device search request to the server 112 based on the information on the search condition input by the user through the search condition specification unit 421.

In the server 112, the search request receiving unit 4
11 receives a device search request from the client 111. The device search unit 413 uses the hierarchically-structured location information described below to search for the search request receiving unit 411.
Searches for devices that match the search conditions indicated by the device search request received at. Search result return unit 41
4 obtains device information corresponding to the device detected by the search by the device search unit 413 from the device information of each device managed by the device information management unit 412 as a search result, and receives the search request. Part 41
The request is transmitted to the client (here, the client 111) that issued the device search request received in step 1.

In the client 111, the search result receiving section 423 receives the search result from the server 112. At the same time, the device status acquisition request transmission unit 424
Transmits a device status acquisition request to the device indicated by the location information included in the search result received by the search result receiving unit 423 to obtain the status of the device. At this time, for example, the device status acquisition request is transmitted periodically (arbitrary interval). Further, based on the location information included in the search result received by the search result receiving unit 423, the MAP information acquisition unit 426 generates an M corresponding to the location information.
A request for acquiring AP information (MAP information acquisition request) is transmitted to server 112. The MAP information acquisition request here includes the location information.

In the device that has received the device status acquisition request from the client 111, the device status information transmission unit 435 responds to the device status acquisition request periodically received by the device status acquisition request reception unit 433 as a response.
The information (device state information) of its own state (current state) is transmitted to the client (here, the client 111) that issued the device state acquisition request. As the device status information, for example, when the device is the color LBP 101, the status of the current device such as an operating status, a paper jam (jam) occurrence status, or a paper-out status is indicated. The information indicates the status. Such device status information is periodically received by the device status information receiving unit 425 of the client 111.

On the other hand, in the server 112 that has received the MAP information acquisition request from the client 111, the MAP information transmission unit 417 sends the MAP information corresponding to the location information included in the MAP information acquisition request received by the MAP request reception unit 416. The information is acquired from the MAP information holding unit 415, and is returned to the client 111.

In the client 111, the MAP information acquisition section 426 receives the MAP information from the server 112, and the display section 427 displays the MAP information (layout bitmap) received by the MAP information acquisition section 426 on the MAP information. The icon information included in the search result received by the search result receiving unit 423, that is, the icon indicating the operating state of the plurality of icon information corresponding to various device states is synthesized and displayed on the CRT 210.

At this time, the display unit 427 changes the icon on the layout bitmap currently displayed on the CRT 210 according to the device status information periodically received by the device status information receiving unit 425. For example, when the destination device of the device status information received by the device status information receiving unit 425 is the color LBP 101, if the color LBP 101 is operating according to the device status information, the color LBP 101 is synthesized on the layout bitmap. Icon (the icon indicating the operating state) is displayed as it is. If the color LBP 101 is in a jam occurrence state according to the device state information, the icon corresponding to the occurrence of the jam is displayed in the icon information (corresponding to various device states) included in the search result received by the search result receiving unit 423. Icon (an icon indicating a jam occurrence state), and an icon (an icon indicating an operating state) which is currently synthesized and displayed on the layout bitmap with the icon (an icon indicating a jam occurrence state)
To change.

Therefore, the CRT of the client 111
At 210, the device is displayed as an icon on the layout bitmap at a location where a device that satisfies the search condition input by the user is present, and the icon display changes according to the state of the device.

The above is an outline of a series of operations of the network system 100. Hereinafter, network system 1
The configuration and overall operation of 00 will be specifically described.

[Location Information of Each Device Managed by Server 112] The location information of each device is managed by the server 112 in a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, for example, the device name (n
m) Color LBP 101 indicated by “LBP 1110”
As shown in “301” to “308”, the location information of (C = JP (501), o = ABC trading (502),
BR = Tokyo branch (503), op = extend (50
4), BU = AA building (505), fl = 2F (50
6), BL = 2-1 (507), dv = printer
(508)).

Each entry C, O, BR, OP,
BU, FL, BL, DV, UM, MAP, C: indicates the country name ("JP" is Japan, "US" is the United States, etc.) O: Organization name ("ABC Trading", "XYZ products", etc.) BR: Indicates a branch or a branch (“Tokyo branch”, “Osaka branch”, etc.) OP: Indicates that option information is present (“exte”)
BU: Indicates the name of the building ("AA building", "BB building", etc.) FL: Indicates the number of floors ("1F", "2F", etc.) BL: Indicates the block of the floor ("1") -1 "," 2-
1) DV: indicating a device (“printer”, “MF”)
UM: Indicates the device name ("LBP1110", "L")
BP3310 ") MAP: Indicates the coordinates of the device on the MAP described later (" 10X + 10Y ", etc.), and the attribute of each entry has an attribute value in a fixed range (value). .

In the present embodiment, a device on the network (the device 10 of the system 100 to be searched) is determined by the hierarchical structure of the location information as described above.
1 to 105 and other network system 140), the location of the device is specified, the device desired by the user is displayed as an icon for the user in an easy-to-understand manner, and the icon is displayed on the device. It changes according to the state of.

As described above, the server 112 manages the location information of each device in accordance with the hierarchical structure of the location information shown in FIG. 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as “hierarchical location information”). Is powered on, device information of each device is given to the server 112. This device information
For example, the data format is as shown in FIG. That is, each device holds device information of its own device in the data format shown in FIG. 6 in the device information holding unit 431, and registers the device information in the server 112 by the device information registration unit 432 ( See FIG. 4 above).

As shown in FIG. 6, the device information here is location information 9 for indicating the position of the own device in accordance with the hierarchical location information shown in FIG.
02 to 903, attribute information 913 and 914 for indicating attributes of the own device, and icon information 916 to 918 corresponding to various states of the own device. Also,
Location information TAG 901 is located at the beginning of location information 902 to 903, device attribute information TAG 912 is located at the beginning of attribute information 913, 914, and icon information 9 is located.
Device bitmap icon information TAG 915 is added to the head of each of 16 to 918, so that the receiving side (server 112) of the device information can identify various information included in the device information. I have.

FIG. 6 shows the device information held by the color LBP 101 of the present system 100 as an example, and the device information here includes the color LBP.
101 is a device name NM = LBP1110, a coordinate MAP on the layout bitmap = 10X + 1
0Y device DV = printer (printer), and according to the hierarchical location information shown in FIG. 5, the block BL of the installed floor = 2-1 The number of floors FL = 2F The building name BU of the floor AA building Presence or absence of option information OP = extended Branch name BR = Tokyo branch Organization name O = ABC trading Country name C = JP (Japan) Location information 902 to 911 indicating that the location exists is set. Also, attribute information 91
3, 914, a color attribute 913 indicating whether or not color input / output is possible and an IP address 914 indicating a network address are set.
Here, the color attribute 913 is “OK”, that is, “
"Device (color LBP) 101 can perform color input / output" is set.
As 918, the color LBP 101 is operating (r
edy), an icon 917 to indicate that the paper is out of paper (nopaper), and a jam occurrence state (paper jam).
med) is set.

Accordingly, when the device information as described above is provided from each device to the server 112, the device information management unit 412 in the server 112 (refer to FIG. 4 described above) uses a table as shown in FIG. And manage device information of each device. In FIG. 7, as an example, the device 1 of the system 100
A state in which device information of five devices 01 to 105 is managed is shown.

The device search unit 413, based on the table of FIG. 7 managed by the device information management unit 412, searches for a device based on a device search request from the clients 111 and 113 (based on a search condition input by a user). Search for matching devices). The device information (search result) obtained by this search is returned by the search result returning unit 414 to the client that has issued the device search request.

It should be noted that the attribute information and the icon information handled in the present embodiment are not limited to the attribute information 913 and 914 and the icon information 916 to 918 shown in FIGS. For example, as icon information,
An icon indicating that the device is in use, an icon indicating that a read / write error has occurred on a hard disk or the like provided in the device,
In the case of the AX, an icon indicating that transmission / reception is in progress may be provided. Further, if an icon indicating the occurrence of an authentication error is provided, it is possible to monitor an unauthorized intrusion or the like from a remote place.

[Search Condition Input Operation on Clients 111 and 113] FIG. 8 shows a screen (search condition input screen) for inputting conditions for searching for a device desired by the user on the clients 111 and 113. It is a thing. This screen is displayed, for example, on the CRT 210, and allows various search conditions to be input using the mouse 214 and the keyboard 209 (see FIG. 2).

In FIG. 8, "1001a", "1"
Input portions indicated by “001b” and “1001c” are used to input an entry of a device to be searched. Here, an entry can be directly input, but the right end (the black triangle) of the input portion is displayed. By operating, a pull-down menu is displayed, and a desired entry can be selected from the menu.

"1002a", "1002b", "10
02c ″ are input portions 10
This is a part for inputting attribute information corresponding to the entries input to 01a, 1001b, and 1001c. For these input parts 1002a, 1002b, 1002c,
Like the input portions 1001a, 1001b, and 1001c, both direct input and input from a pull-down menu are possible. For example, if the entry entered in the input portion 1001a is "device",
By operating the right end of 02a, a pull-down menu of printer, MFP (MFP), and scanner (scanner) as device attribute information is displayed. Therefore, when desired attribute information is selected from this pull-down menu, the selected attribute information is set in the input portion 1002a.

Portions denoted by "1003a" and "1003b" are input portions 1001a to 100c and 1002a.
Each piece of information input to 1002 to 1002c is "AND (and)"
"1004"
The portions indicated by “a” and “1004b” are portions that specify that the information input to the respective input portions 1001a to 100c and 1002a to 1002c is related by “OR (or)”.

The portion indicated by “1005” is a search start button. By operating the search start button 1005, the input portions 1001a to 100c, 1002a to 1002
02c and designated parts 1003a, 1003
The device search in the server 112 based on the designation by b, 1004a, and 1004b is started.

FIG. 9 shows an input example on the search condition input screen shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, "search target device is printer" and "printer capable of color output" are input as search conditions.

The search condition is, for example, “a printer whose installation floor is on the second floor” (input portion 10 shown in FIG. 9).
01c and 1002c) and other various conditions can be further added. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the description will be made assuming that “search target device is a printer” and “printer capable of color output” are input search conditions.

Therefore, for example, in the client 111, as shown in FIG. 9, a search condition of "printer to be searched" and "printer capable of color output" is input, and in this input state, a search start button is pressed. 100
5 is pressed, the search condition specifying unit 421 (FIG.
) Acquires the above search condition as a search condition expression as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the search condition expression here is such that the search target device (DV) corresponds to the printer (pri) in accordance with the search condition shown in FIG.
color output (color) is possible (OK)
Is shown. The inquiry unit 422 issues a device search request including the search condition expression of FIG. 10 obtained by the search condition designation unit 421 to the server 112.

In the server 112, the device search section 4
Reference numeral 13 searches the table shown in FIG. 7 for devices that match the search condition expression of FIG. For example, devices 101 to 105 shown in this table
Search for a device that is a printer capable of color output. Here, the device 101 (color LBP)
Only this would be the case. Therefore, the search result returning unit 414 returns, to the client 111, device information (location information, attribute information, and icon information) of the color LBP 101 as shown in FIG.

[MAP Information Managed by Server 112]

The server 112 has a MAP information holding unit 415
4 (see FIG. 4) holds MAP information (layout bitmap information) at various places where devices indicated by the hierarchical structure of the location information shown in FIG. 5 will be installed.

FIGS. 12 to 16 show the MAP information holding unit 41.
5 as an example of the MAP information held in C = JP
(Japan), O = ABC Trading, BR = Tokyo Branch, BU = A
It shows the MAP information of the first floor and the second floor in Building A. In the MAP information, the actual arrangement of desks and the state of partitions in each floor are set in advance as a bitmap.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the MA of one block on the first floor.
13 is MAP information MP1-2 of two blocks on the first floor, FIG. 14 is MAP information MP2-1 of one block on the second floor, and FIG. MAP information MP2- of two blocks on the second floor
2.

FIG. 16 shows a case where the MAP information holding unit 415 does not hold the MAP information corresponding to the location information included in the MAP information acquisition requests from the clients 111 and 113 (when the MAP information does not have an attribute value). When the location information is not included in the MAP information acquisition request (for example, when the device does not hold the location information), or when the corresponding device is not searched, the MAP information acquisition request source client is transmitted to the client. MAP (unknownMAP) information UM to be returned
P. Such unknownMAP information UMP
Receives a message indicating that there is no MAP information in the "1901" portion, and displays in the "1902" portion a device that could be searched by the server 112 but does not have location information, or Display icons of search target devices that could not be found,
Is performed.

The MAP as shown in FIGS.
The information MP1-1 to 2-2 and the UMP are stored in the MAP information holding unit 415, for example, as shown in “1402” and “1403” in FIG. 2-2, and others.

Therefore, the MAP information transmitting unit 417
By referring to the management information of FIG. 17, the MAP information corresponding to the location information of the MAP information acquisition request received by the MAP request receiving unit 416 is stored in the MAP information holding unit 4.
26, and transmits it to the client that has issued the MAP information acquisition request. For example, when the location information of the MAP information acquisition request is the information as shown in FIG. 11, the BL information is “2”.
Since "-1" is set, "2-1", that is, the MA of FIG. 14 corresponding to one block on the second floor is set.
The P information MP2-1 will be transmitted.

[Display of Search Results on Clients 111 and 113]

For example, in the client 111, M
The AP information acquisition unit 426 sends M
By transmitting the AP information acquisition request, the MA corresponding to the location information included in the search result from server 112 is transmitted.
When the P information is obtained, the display unit 427 displays the MAP information on the CRT 210.

The display unit 427 displays, on the MAP displayed on the CRT 210, the location information (the coordinate information (“10X +
10Y ")), the icon information of the search result (such as an icon indicating" operating state ") is displayed at the position indicated by" 10Y "). Thereby, the position of the desired device in which block on which floor can be determined. Can be explicitly indicated.

FIGS. 18 to 21 show examples of screen display on the CRT 210 by the display unit 427 as described above. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 21, a desired device, server, or other client
It can be grasped at a glance at which position of which block on which floor is installed.

Here, as described above, the client 11
At steps 1 and 113, the device searched by the server 112 is displayed as an icon on the MAP. Here, the icon display is changed according to the current state of the device.

Specifically, for example, in the client 111 (see FIG. 4 above), when the search result is transmitted from the server 112, the device status acquisition request transmission unit 424 sends the device indicated by the search result, for example, A device status acquisition request is periodically transmitted to the color LBP 101. This device status acquisition request is received by the device status acquisition request receiving unit 433 of the color LBP 101.

In the color LBP 101, the device status information transmission unit 435 recognizes the current status of the color LBP 101, and transmits the resulting device status information to the device status acquisition request received by the device status acquisition request reception unit 433. To the client 111. Here, the response (response packet) to the device status acquisition request follows a format as shown in FIG. 22, for example. That is, the response packet of the device status acquisition request includes a field 3201 indicating that the content of the packet is a response to the device status acquisition request, a tag field 3201 indicating that the information that follows is device status information, And a field 3203 in which information (error code or the like) indicating an actual device state is stored.

In the client 111, the device status information receiving unit 425 transmits the color LBP 101
When the device status information as shown in FIG. 2 is received, the display unit 427 changes the icon on the MAP with the icon corresponding to the device status information. That is, from the various icons indicating the operating state, the out-of-paper state, and the jam occurrence state of the device (color LBP 101) included in the search result (see FIG. 11) from the server 111, the device state information corresponds to the device state information. Get the icon and change the current icon on the MAP with that icon. For example, when the device status information indicates the out-of-paper state, the device status information is changed to an icon indicating the out-of-paper state. As a result, it is possible to always explicitly indicate the current state as well as the position of the device on which block on which floor.

Here, an icon indicating the operating state is displayed as an initial display until the first device status information is received from the device.

FIG. 23 shows the arrangement of icons on the MAP when icons corresponding to the device status are displayed on the MAP as described above. Here, as a result of the search in the server 112, the color LBP 101 installed in the block 2-1 on the second floor is searched, and the coordinate MAP on the MAP included in the location information is “10X + 10Y”. Further, a case where a paper break has occurred in the color LBP 101 is shown. Therefore, the icon indicating the paper out condition as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the MAP information MP2-1 (MAP information of the block 2-1 on the second floor) as shown in FIG. 14 at the coordinates 10X + 10Y. They will be arranged and superimposed. As a result, the display screen of the CRT 210 has a screen state as shown in FIG.

As described above, for example, when the screen of FIG. 20 is displayed, the color LBP 101
It can be seen that it is installed near the table near the entrance of the block 2-1 on the floor, and when the screen of FIG. 24 is displayed, the color LBP 101 is near the table near the entrance of the block 2-1 on the 2F floor. However, it can be seen that this color LBP 101 is unusable because of paper exhaustion. When the icon of the color LBP 101 on the screen of FIG. 20 changes to the icon on the screen of FIG. 24, it is possible to immediately know that the color LBP 101 has run out of paper.

[Server 112, Clients 111, 1
13, and process flow in each device] FIG.
33 to FIG. 33 show the server 112 and the clients 111 and 11.
3 and the respective operations as described above in the respective devices are shown by flowcharts.

The flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 33 are as follows.
It corresponds to the processing program executed in the server 112, the clients 111 and 113, and each device. That is, the processing program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 33 is executed by the server 112, the clients 111 and 113, and the CPU of each device.
By the execution of (201, 302), the following operation by the function shown in FIG. 4 is realized.

(1) Operation of Registering Location Information of Device: See FIG. 32 Here, for simplicity of description, the operation of registering the location information will be described focusing on the color LBP 101 of various devices.

In the color LBP 101, the device information holding unit 431 stores location information, attribute information, and a plurality of icon information (“operating state”, “paper out state”, “paper jam state”, etc.). ) Is held in the non-volatile RAM 2312. When the power is turned on, the CPU 2302
Then, the connection with No. 12 is made (step S3001).

When the connection with the server 112 is established, the device information registration unit 432 acquires the device information held in the non-volatile RAM 2312 by the device information holding unit 431, and transfers the device information as shown in FIG. Register in the server 112 according to the format (step S
3002).

After the above registration with the server 112 is completed, the CPU
The server 2302 releases the connection with the server 112 (step S3003).

As described above, each device including the color LBP 101 registers its own device information with the server 112 after the power is turned on.

(2) Overall Operation of Server 112: See FIG. 25 The processing program executed in the server 112 is an event-driven program. When an event occurs, the event is analyzed and Is performed. For the sake of simplicity, the description will focus on the device search process and the device information registration process among the various processes executed by the server 112.

In the server 112, the CPU 202
When the power is turned on, the receiving port is opened (step S2401), and an event is acquired (step S24).
02). Then, the CPU 202 determines in step S2402
It is determined whether or not the event acquired in step is an end command (step S2403).

If the result of determination in step S2403 is that the acquisition event is an end command, the CPU 202 closes the reception port opened in step S2401 (S2404), and ends this processing.

If the result of determination in step S2403 is that the acquisition event is not an end command, the CPU 202
It is determined whether the acquisition event is a MAP information acquisition request from a client, a device search request from a client, or a device information registration request from a device, and executes a process corresponding to each request.

That is, when the acquisition event is a MAP information acquisition request from the client, the CPU 202
Although details will be described later, the MAP information transmission unit 417 and the like
A process for returning the corresponding MAP information to the AP information request source is executed (step S2408). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2402, and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

If the acquired event is a device search request from the client, the CPU 202 executes a device search process by the device search unit 413 and the like, which will be described in detail later (step S2406). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2402, and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

If the acquisition event is a device information registration request from a device, the CPU 202 stores the device information from each device in a table as shown in FIG. (Step S2407). The table information at this time is stored in the hard disk (HDD) 211. Thereafter, the process returns to step S2402, and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

(2-1) Device Search Processing (Step S
2406): See FIG. 26 This process ends the process for all search conditions included in the device search request from the client (here, client 111) for the device information registered in FIG. It is executed repeatedly until

In the server 112, first, the CPU 20
2 determines whether the device search unit 413 has finished executing the processing from step S2503 on all search conditions in the device search request (received packet) from the client 111 (step S2501).

As a result of the determination in step S2501, when the processing for all the search conditions is completed, the search result returning unit 414 returns the device information (location information) corresponding to the device detected by the search obtained by the device search unit 413. , Attribute information, and icon information) as search results, the client 11 that is the source of the device search request.
1 (step S2502). This step S2
After the processing of 502 is completed, this processing ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S2501,
If the processing for all the search conditions has not been completed yet, the device search unit 413 sequentially extracts the search conditions included in the device search request (step S2503).

The device search unit 413 determines whether or not all device information registered in FIG. 7 has been searched in order to obtain device information that matches the search conditions extracted in step S2503. Is determined (step S2504).

As a result of the determination in step S2504, when the search for all the device information has been completed, the CPU 202 recognizing the search returns to step S2501 to execute the processing for the next search condition, and returns to step S2501. Is repeatedly executed.

As a result of the determination in step S2504, if the search for all the device information has not been completed yet, the device search unit 413 sets the device information indicated by the counter n for searching all the device information in order.
It is obtained from the device information registered in FIG. 7 (step S2505).

The device search unit 413 determines in step S25
It is determined whether or not the device information acquired at 05 matches the target search condition (step S2506).

If the result of the determination in step S2506 shows that the target device information does not match the target search condition, the device search unit 413 increments the counter n and then executes processing for the next device information.
Returning to step S2504, the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

As a result of the determination in step S2506, if the target device information and the target search condition match, the search result returning unit 414 acquires the target device information from the device information management unit 412 (step S2507), and proceeds to step S2502. Is added to the search result transmitted to the client 111 (step S2508). Then, after counting up the counter n, the device search unit 413 returns to step S2504 to execute processing for the next device information, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps.

In step S2508, device information that satisfies the individual search conditions is obtained as a search result. For example, if the individual search conditions are linked by "AND", the process proceeds to step S2502. Of the device information obtained in S2508, only device information that satisfies all search conditions is finally transmitted to the client 111.

(2-2) MAP information transmission processing (step S2408): see FIG.

When the MAP request receiving section 416 receives, for example, a MAP information acquisition request (a MAP information download request) from the client 111 (step S350).
1), the MAP information transmitting unit 417 determines whether or not the MAP information corresponding to the location information included in the MAP information acquisition request is stored in the MAP information storing unit 415 (S3502). Specifically, for example, the above-described FIG. 17 managed by the MAP information holding unit 415
Referring to the information tables as shown in “1402” and “1403” of FIG.
By determining whether or not MAP information corresponding to C, O, BR, OP, BU, and BL information as indicated by 1 "exists, it is determined whether or not MAP display on the client 111 is possible. In this case, when the location information in the device information includes each information indicated by “1401” in FIG. 17, it is determined that the MAP can be displayed.

If the result of determination in step S3502 is that MAP display on client 111 is possible, MAP
The information transmitting unit 417 acquires the MAP information from the MAP information holding unit 415, and transmits it to the client 111 (Step S3503).

If the result of determination in step S3502 is that MAP display on the client 111 is not possible, MAP
The information transmission unit 417 transmits the unk as shown in FIG.
The current MAP information UMP is acquired from the MAP information storage unit 415 and transmitted to the client 111 (step S3504).

(3) Overall Operation of Clients 111 and 113: See FIG. 28 The processing programs executed in the clients 111 and 113 are composed of event-driven programs. When a certain event occurs, the event is analyzed. Then, a corresponding process is executed. Each of the clients 111 and 113 starts a state acquisition process (program) as needed. This status acquisition process periodically inquires about the current device status (device status acquisition request) with respect to the device search result returned from the server 112 and the discovered device, and the device status information transmitted as a response to the inquiry. Is a process for displaying an icon representing the device status at an appropriate position on the layout bitmap according to the above (polling method). For the sake of simplicity, the operation will be described focusing on the client 111 here.

In the client 111, the CPU 20
2 acquires an event (step S2601).
Then, the CPU 202 determines whether or not the event acquired in step S2601 is an end command (step S2602).

If the result of determination in step S2602 is that the acquisition event is an end command, the CPU 202 ends this processing.

If the result of determination in step S2602 is that the acquisition event is not an end command, CPU 202 determines whether the acquisition command is a device search command from the user (step S2603). At this time, the search condition is input by the user from the search condition input screen as shown in FIG.
This occurs when the search start button 1005 is operated (clicked).

If the result of determination in step S2603 indicates that the acquired event is a device search command, the CPU 20
2 executes a device search request issuing process including a process for issuing a device search request to the server 112 by the search condition specifying unit 421 and the inquiry unit 421 (step S2604). After that, the CPU 202 returns to step S2061, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps. The details of the processing in step S2604 will be described later.

If the result of determination in step S2603 indicates that the acquired event is not a device search command, the CPU 20
2 determines whether or not the obtained event is a search result from the server 112 (result of the device search request in step S2604: see FIG. 11) (step S2605).

If the result of the determination in step S2605 is that the obtained event is a search result, the CPU 202 sets the search result receiving unit 423 or the device status acquisition request transmitting unit 42
4. processing for displaying the search result on the CRT 210 by the device status information receiving unit 425 and the display unit 427;
Process for acquiring MAP information and device status, C
A search result process including a process for changing the icon on the MAP displayed on the RT 210 is executed (step S2606). After that, the CPU 202 returns to step S2061, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps. The details of the processing in step S2606 will be described later.

If the result of determination in step S2605 is that the obtained event is not a detection result, the CPU 202 determines that the obtained event is an end command, a device search command,
And if neither of the device search results, the CPU 20
2 executes a process corresponding to the acquisition event at this time (step S2607). After that, the CPU 202
Returning to step S2061, the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

(3-1) Device Search Request Issuing Process (Step S2604): See FIG.

First, the search condition designating section 421 operates as shown in FIG.
A search condition input by the user is acquired from a search condition input screen as shown in FIG.

The query unit 422 converts the search condition acquired by the search condition specification unit 421 into the format of the search condition expression as shown in FIG. 10, and further retrieves the search condition expression including the search condition expression. A request packet is generated and issued as a device search request to the server 112 (step S
2702).

If the search condition formula obtained in step S2702 is stored in the hard disk 211 and this search condition formula is used in the next search, re-input of the search condition from the user can be omitted. Become.

(3-2) Search Result Processing (Step S26)
06): See FIG. 30

[0135] First, the search result receiving unit 423
It is determined whether one or more devices have been found based on the search result from step 12 (step S2801).

If the result of determination in step S2801 is that no device has been found, display unit 427 displays a message or the like indicating this on CRT 210 (step S2804). After that, the process ends.

When the device is found as a result of the determination in step S2801, the search result receiving unit 423 stores the search result in the hard disk (HDD) 211 (step S2802). As a result, for example, the search result as shown in FIG.
D) will be stored in 211. After that, a state acquisition process as described below is executed for each of the search results stored in the hard disk (HDD) 211 (step S2803). After that, the process ends.

(3-2-1) Status Acquisition Process (Step S2803): See FIG. 31 This process is for acquiring the device status at certain intervals and displaying an icon corresponding to the device status on the MAP. It is a program.

When this process is executed, first, the CPU
The unit 202 determines whether the processing from step S2902 has been performed on all search results held in the hard disk (HDD) 211 in step S2802 (step S2901).

As a result of the determination in step S2901, if the processing for all the search results has been completed, the CP
The U202 activates a polling timer (such as an internal timer) in order to acquire a device state at certain intervals (step S2913). After that, the polling timer waits for a timeout event (step S).
2914). In this state, when a timeout event of the polling timer occurs, step S29 is performed.
01, and the subsequent processing steps are executed again.

If it is determined in step S2901 that the processing for all the search results has not been completed, the processing from the next step 2902 is performed.

That is, first, the device status acquisition request transmission section 424 acquires device information corresponding to one device from unprocessed search results in the hard disk (HDD) 211 (step S2902).

Next, the device status acquisition request transmission section 424
Is the I of the device information acquired in step S2901.
A device status acquisition request is transmitted with the P address as a destination (step S2903). For example, in the case of the processing for the device information as shown in FIG. 11, the IP address is "192. 1. 2. 1", so that the device status acquisition request packet is transmitted to this address. become. Thereafter, a response waiting state for the device status acquisition request packet as shown in FIG. 22 from the device corresponding to the transmission destination of the device status acquisition request packet is entered.

The device status information receiving section 425 sends the device status acquisition request destination device (step S2).
Upon receiving a response from the device corresponding to the device information acquired in step 902 (step S2904),
The display unit 427 selects one of the plurality of icon information items of the device information acquired in step S2902 (see FIG.
Select an appropriate icon, that is, an icon corresponding to the response (device status information) of the device status acquisition request received by the device status information receiving unit 425 (step S2905).

Then, the display unit 247 displays the location information of the device information (BL information, etc .: see FIG. 11).
MAP information corresponding to the information indicated by CRT2
10 is determined (step S2).
906).

As a result of the determination in step S2906, the CRT
If the MAP information has been displayed on the display 210, the display unit 42
7 displays the icon selected in step S2905 on the MAP so as to overlap the position indicated by the coordinate information MAP of the device information (step S290).
9). After that, in order to execute processing for the next search result, the process returns to step S2901, and the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed.

As a result of the determination in step S2906, the CRT
If the MAP information has not been displayed on the display 210, the display unit 42
7, the MAP information acquisition unit 426 acquires MAP information corresponding to the location information of the device information (step S2907). That is, the MAP information acquisition unit 426 transmits a MAP information acquisition request including the location information of the device information to the server 112. Therefore, by transmitting the MAP information acquisition request, the server 112 transmits MAP information (or unknownM) corresponding to the location information of the device information.
AP information) is transmitted, and the MAP information acquisition 426 receives the MAP information from the server 112.

Then, the display unit 427 displays the MAP information obtained by the MAP information obtaining unit 426 on the CRT 210 (step S2908). After that, the process advances to step S2909 to execute a process for displaying the icon over the MAP.

Thus, for example, in the case of processing for the device information as shown in FIG. 11, since the BL information is “2-1”, the MAP is the MAP information MP2 as shown in FIG. -1 is transmitted from the server 112, and the coordinate information MAP (= 10X
At the position indicated by (+ 10Y), an icon representing the current state of the device in the target device information is displayed.

(4) Response Operation of Device to Device Status Acquisition Request: See FIG. 33 For simplicity of description, attention is paid to the color LBP 101 of various devices, and response operation to the device status acquisition request (device (State response operation) will be described.

In the color LBP 101, first, the CP
When the power of the U2302 is turned on, the U2302 opens a reception port to receive a device status acquisition request from the client 111 or 113, and sets the device to a receivable state (step S3101).

When the device status acquisition request receiving unit 433 receives a device status acquisition request from a certain client (here, the client 111) by the processing in step S3101, (step S3102)
The device status information transmission unit 435 checks the status of the own device (color LBP 101) and determines device status information to be notified to the client 111 (step S3).
103). For example, when the paper has run out in the color LBP 101, the device status information (error code or the like) indicating “out of paper” is determined as the device status information to be notified to the client 111.

Then, the device status information transmitting section 435
Generates a response packet to the device status acquisition request from the client 111 according to the format shown in FIG. 22 according to the device status information determined in step S3103 (step S3104),
It is transmitted to the client 111 (step S3105). After that, returning to step S3102,
It is in a state of waiting for reception of a device status acquisition request from the client.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the clients 111 and 113 acquire the position information of the device that matches the search condition specified by the user, and display the icon of the device on the MAP. The user can easily understand which device is at which position. In particular, in the present embodiment,
The icon on the MAP is changed in accordance with the state of the device (operating, out of paper, paper jam, no toner, door open, etc.) acquired by polling communication with the device corresponding to the icon on the MAP. As a result, the user can easily know the state of the device visually. This allows the user to efficiently select and use available devices.

In the present embodiment, the server 112 has icon information (device bitmap icon information) indicating the state of the device, and the client 111, 1
13 is configured to acquire this icon information from the device search server when displayed.
There is no need to hold the icon information in advance in the storage units 11 and 113. This eliminates the need to install icon information on each client when there are many clients, thus reducing the burden on the user on the client side and preventing the display of devices in an unknown state. This has the effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the server 112 is also provided with MAP information for displaying the icon information in a superimposed manner, the burden on the user on the client side can be further reduced. Also, for example, MAP
When the information is changed (layout change), only the MAP information in the server 112 needs to be changed.

(Second Embodiment) Here, FIG.
An embodiment relating to a search based on location information (position information) having a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG.

First, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the bitmaps (MP1-1, MP1-MP1) of each block are used as layout bitmaps.
2, MP2-1, MP2-2) and an unknown bitmap UMP. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that a layout bitmap is further provided for each layer,
Hereinafter, a display method on the client side in this case will be described. The display method according to the present embodiment includes the above-described client display method.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a bitmap list (hereinafter, referred to as "bitmap correspondence list") corresponding to each hierarchy to be searched. The list shown below the bitmap correspondence list is a list corresponding to the management information of the MAP information shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, when displaying the icon information (device bitmap icon), it is based on the attribute information immediately below the attribute of the hierarchy to be searched. The hierarchical relationship between the layers is as shown in FIG. For example,
When all devices are searched under the search condition of “BU = AA building”, the attribute FL immediately below the device (see FIG. 5 above)
Is displayed on the layout bitmap as position information for displaying the icon of the device.

Therefore, the process of displaying the search result on the client side will be described first.

For example, when searching for all devices in ABC Corporation, a user on a client side (referred to as client 111) inputs a search item on a search condition input screen as shown in FIG. Select and enter “company name (O)” from the pull-down menu in the column 1001a, and enter “ABC Trading” in the attribute value input column 1002a.
Is input, and a search start button 1005 is pressed to execute a device search.

Thus, the client 111 executing the device search obtains a search result from the server 112 in the procedure described in the first embodiment. Then, the client 111 superimposes and displays the device bitmap icon on the layout bitmap based on the search result obtained from the server 112. At this time, the display processing of the client 111 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

That is, when the search result display processing is started, it is determined whether or not display of all the obtained search results has been completed (step S6001), and all display processing is repeated until all the processing is completed. Will be. Step S6
As a result of the determination in 001, if all the processing of the search result has not been completed, the device name (NM) information is obtained from the location information of the search result. This corresponds to steps S6008, S6010, and S6 described later.
This is a process performed to display a device bitmap icon at 013.

Next, it is determined whether a layout bitmap corresponding to the attribute of the searched condition has already been displayed (step S6003). Here, since the search was executed under the condition of “attribute = O, attribute value = ABC trading”, referring to the bitmap correspondence list shown in FIG.
Layout bitmap MP101 as shown in FIG.
The device bitmap icon of the search result will be displayed above. Therefore, in step S6003,
It is determined whether or not the layout bitmap MP101 in FIG. 36 has been displayed.

If it is determined in step S6003 that the layout bitmap has not been displayed yet, the corresponding layout bitmap is displayed on the screen (step S6004), and the flow advances to the next step S6005.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S6003 is that the layout bitmap has already been displayed, the processing in step S6004 described above is skipped, and the lower-level attribute of the searched attribute and its attribute value are compared. It is obtained from the search result (step S6005).

Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired lower-level attribute value can be displayed (step S6006). As a result of this determination, a device outside the range of the attribute value or a device for which no attribute value has been input cannot be displayed, and the process advances to step S6011.

In step S6011, it is determined whether the Unknown map UMP has already been displayed. If not, the Unknown map UMP is displayed (step S6012). Then, the device bitmap icon corresponding to the device name (NM value) acquired in step S6002 is displayed in the device field 190 of the Unknown map UMP.
2 (step S6013).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S6006, if the acquired lower layer attribute value can be displayed, it is determined whether the lower layer attribute is a MAP attribute (icon display coordinate information). (Step S600
7). If the result of this determination is that it is not a MAP attribute, the device name (NM) acquired in step S6002 is placed in the attribute position on the displayed layout bitmap.
The device bitmap icon corresponding to (value) is superimposed and displayed (step S6008). Here, since the attribute value of the layer BR below the layer O in the layered location information is “Tokyo branch” (see FIG. 5), the icon corresponding to each acquired device name is the Tokyo branch 5001
Will be displayed on the position of. As a result, a display as shown in FIG. 37 is obtained.

When searching for the device position in more detail, the user must input the search condition input screen shown in FIG.
"Block name (BL)" is displayed in the search item input field 1001a.
Is selected from the pull-down menu, "2-1" is entered in the attribute value input field 1002a, and a search start button 1005 is pressed to execute a device search.

As a result, the client 111 operates in the server 112 according to the procedure described in the first embodiment.
Get search results from. Then, the client 111
Based on the search result obtained from the search server PC, the device bitmap icon is displayed on the layout bitmap in a superimposed manner. Also at this time, the processing flow of FIG. 35 is executed.

In this case, as a result of the judgment in step S6007, the attribute of the lower layer acquired in step S6005 is M
Since the attribute is the AP attribute, the process advances to step S6009.
In step S6009, it is determined whether the coordinate range indicated by the MAP information is within the range of the layout bitmap. If it is within the range, the device bitmap icon corresponding to the device name (NM value) acquired in step S6002 is displayed over the coordinate position of the currently displayed layout bitmap (step S6002). S6010).

Here, "attribute = BL, attribute value = 2-
Since the search was executed under the condition of "1", the device icon of the search result is displayed on the layout bitmap MP2-1 as shown in FIG. 14 with reference to the bitmap correspondence list shown in FIG. Will be. Also,
The attribute below the attribute BL of the hierarchical location information is MA.
Because of the P attribute (see FIG. 5 above), the icon representing each device in the search result is displayed on the coordinates on the layout. As a result, a display as shown in FIG. 20 is obtained.

As a result of the judgment in step S6009,
If the coordinate range indicated by the MAP information is not within the range of the layout bitmap, the process proceeds to step S6013, and the device name (NM) acquired in step S6002
Value), the device bitmap icon corresponding to Unkn
It will be displayed in the device column 1902 of the own map UMP.

Next, some other display examples of the above-described search result display will be described.

As described above, FIG. 36 shows the layout bitmap MP101 used when a search is made for "attribute = O, attribute value = ABC trading". In this case, the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value of the lower attribute BR of the attribute O is “Tokyo branch” is displayed at 5001, and the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value is “Osaka branch” is the layout bitmap. An icon is displayed at 5002. Therefore, the result display when all the devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = O, attribute value = ABC trading” is as shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 38 shows a layout bitmap MP102 used when a search is made under the condition "attribute = BR, attribute value = Tokyo branch". In this case, the lower layer attribute of the attribute BR is OP, which indicates that there is an option (OPTION), and indicates that there is detailed information further below. The device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value of the attribute BU is AA building is displayed in the layout bitmap 5201. Therefore, the result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = BR, attribute value = Tokyo branch” is as shown in FIG. 39, and as shown in FIG. 39, the devices existing in the AA building Are displayed in the layout bitmap 5201.

FIG. 40 shows a layout bitmap MP103 used when a search is made under the condition of "attribute = BU, attribute value = AA building". In this case, the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value of the lower layer attribute FL of the attribute BU is 2F is displayed on the layout bitmap 5402, and the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value is 1F is the layout bitmap 5401.
Will be displayed above. Therefore, "Attribute = B
The result display when all the devices are searched under the condition of “U, attribute value = AA building” is as shown in FIG. 41, and as shown in FIG. 41, the devices of all the devices existing on the floor of 2F are displayed. The bitmap icons are displayed on the layout bitmap 5402, and the device bitmap icons of all the devices existing on the floor on the first floor are displayed on the layout bitmap 5401.

FIG. 42 shows "attribute = FL, attribute value = 2F".
Is a layout bitmap MP104 used when searching under the condition of. In this case, the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value of the lower-level attribute BL of the attribute FL is “2-1” is the layout bitmap 5601.
The device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value is “2-2” is displayed on the layout bitmap 5602. Therefore, "attribute = FL,
FIG. 43 shows a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute value = 2F”. As shown in FIG. 43, device bitmap icons of all devices existing in 2F-1 are displayed. Layout bitmap 5
The device bitmap icons of all the devices existing in 2F-2 are displayed on the layout bitmap 5602 of 2F-2.

FIG. 44 shows "attribute = FL, attribute value = 1F".
Is a layout bitmap MP105 used when the search is performed under the condition of (1). In this case, the search results display
As shown in FIG. 45, the device bitmap icon of the device whose attribute value of the lower-level attribute BL of the attribute FL is “1-2” is displayed on the layout bitmap 5801, and the attribute value is “1-1”. The device bitmap icon for the device is layout bitmap 5
802.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
According to the user's search request level, it is possible to perform search and display corresponding to each layer of location information from detailed display to rough display.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an icon indicating a device is displayed on the MAP. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, character information may be used as information indicating a device. May be displayed on the MAP.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an icon indicating a device is displayed and output on the screen on the MAP. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any output may be used as long as it can grasp the position and state of the device.

A network device control program for performing the above-described operation in each of the above-described embodiments is executed by a program installed from the outside.
C200 (see FIG. 2 above). In this case, the information group including the program is stored on a CD-
The present invention is also applicable to a case where the information is supplied to the PC 200 via an external storage medium such as a ROM, a flash memory, a floppy disk, or a network such as e-mail or personal computer communication, and the information group is loaded in the PC 200. Things.

FIG. 46 shows an example of the storage medium C
3 shows a memory map of a D-ROM. In FIG. 46, an area 999 storing an installation program thereafter is stored in an area indicated by “9999”.
8 and the address information of the area 9997 storing the network device terminal device control program are stored as directory information. Therefore, when the network control program is installed in PC 200, first, the installation program in area 9998 is loaded into PC 200 and executed by CPU 202. By executing the installation program, the network device terminal device control program is read from the area 9997, and the hard disk (HDD) is read.
211 will be stored. After that, the CPU 202
Reads and executes the program in the hard disk (HDD) 211, thereby realizing the functions of the above embodiments.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, etc.) or an integrated device.
Even when the present invention is applied to an apparatus including one device, the effects described above can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above embodiments (see FIG.
Is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus is recorded.
However, it is needless to say that the object of the present invention can be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements 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,
Floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape,
A nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

The functions of each of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program code. In addition, the OS or the like running on the computer operates in accordance with the instructions of the program code. The functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing some or all of the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. The functions of the above embodiments can also be realized by a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit executing part or all of the actual processing.

Further, the present invention reads out a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above embodiments from a storage medium storing the program code, and sends the program to a requester via a communication line such as personal computer communication. It goes without saying that it can be applied to the case of distribution.

[0192]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the client, the status information (such as an icon) indicating the status of the device detected by the server is displayed at the position where the device is installed (the position indicated by the location information). )
And output (display output etc.) over the map corresponding to the device, and further change the output of the status information according to the status of the device obtained by communication with the device (communication by polling). Therefore, the user on the client side can easily understand which device is at which position, and can also know the current state of the device. This allows the user to efficiently select and use available devices.

Also, since the server manages the status information of the device that is output to be superimposed on the map information, the status information is included in the information (search result) returned as a result of the search request from the client. For example, if there are many clients, there is no need to install the device status information on each client. Thereby, the burden on the user on the client side can be reduced.

Further, since the map information is stored in the server and the map information is returned according to the request from the client, the burden on the user on the client side can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a personal computer used as a client and a server of the network system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a device of the network system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the most characteristic configuration of the network system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a hierarchical structure of location information of devices managed by the server.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing device information registered by the device with the server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the device information managed by the server.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a search condition input screen on the client.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an input state on the search condition input screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a search condition expression corresponding to search information input on the search condition input screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a search result transmitted from the server to the client.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing Example 1 of layout bitmap information held by the client.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing Example 2 of layout bitmap information held by the client.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining Example 3 of layout bitmap information held by the client.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining Example 4 of layout bitmap information held by the client.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of layout bitmap information (UMP) held by the client.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining table information for managing the layout bitmap information and the location information in association with each other.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing Example 1 in a state where an icon indicating the device is displayed on the layout bitmap in the client.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining Example 2 in a state where an icon indicating the device is displayed on the layout bitmap in the client.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example 3 in which an icon indicating the device is displayed on the layout bitmap in the client.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining Example 4 in a state where an icon indicating the device is displayed on the layout bitmap in the client.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a response to a device status acquisition request issued from the client to the device.

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining a process for displaying an icon indicating the device on the layout bit map in a superimposed manner at a predetermined position.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a state in which an icon on the layout bitmap is changed according to the device state.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the server.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a device search process of the overall operation of the server.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a MAP information transmission process of the overall operation of the server.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the client.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a device search request issuing process of the overall operation of the client.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a device search result process of the overall operation of the client.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a status acquisition process of the device search result processing.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a device information registration process of the device with the server.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a response operation of the device to the device status acquisition request.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a bitmap list corresponding to each hierarchy to be searched in the second embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a search result display process performed by the search client.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap displayed when a search is made for “attribute = O, attribute value = ABC trading”.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = O, attribute value = ABC trading”.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap displayed when a search is made for “attribute = BR, attribute value = Tokyo branch”.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = BR, attribute value = Tokyo branch”.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap displayed when a search is made for “attribute = BU, attribute value = AA building”.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = BU, attribute value = AA building”.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap displayed when a search is made for “attribute = FL, attribute value = 2F”.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = FL, attribute value = 2F”.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a layout bitmap displayed when a search is made for “attribute = FL, attribute value = 1F”.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a result display when all devices are searched under the condition of “attribute = FL, attribute value = 1F”.

FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining an example of a storage medium in which a network device control program for implementing the functions of the present invention is stored.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 network system 111, 113 client 112 server 101 to 105 device 120 firewall 130 network 140 other network system 150 LAN 411 search request receiving unit 412 device information management unit 413 device search unit 414 search result return unit 415 MAP information holding unit 416 MAP Request receiving unit 417 MAP information transmitting unit 421 Search condition specifying unit 422 Inquiry unit 423 Search result receiving unit 424 Device status acquisition request transmitting unit 425 Device information receiving unit 426 MAP information obtaining unit 427 Display unit 431 Device information holding unit 432 Device information Registration unit 433 Device status acquisition request reception unit 435 Device status information transmission unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B014 EB03 FA02 HC03 HC05 5B089 GA11 GA21 JB03 JB22 KA02 KB06 KC23 KC30 KC44 LB15 LB17 LB19 LB20 5E501 AA13 AC25 AC33 BA03 CA02 DA02 DA11 FA04 FA14 FA23 FA44 FA46 FB43

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A search condition designating means for designating a search condition of an arbitrary device on a network, and a search condition designated by the search condition designating means for a server connected to the network. Requesting means for requesting a search for a device to be searched, and a device connected to the network indicated by the search result sent from the server in response to a search request by the search request means. Status acquisition request transmission means for transmitting a status acquisition request, and map information representing a map corresponding to each layer of location information hierarchically representing information on the position of a device connected to the network to the server. Map information acquisition request transmission means for transmitting a request for acquisition of map information corresponding to the result of the above search, One of the map information sent from the server in response to the map information acquisition request by the map information acquisition request transmission means and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device included in the search result Output means for superimposing and outputting the status information. The output means comprises: status information corresponding to status information transmitted from the device as a response to the status acquisition request by the status acquisition request transmission means. Is selected from the plurality of pieces of state information. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the status acquisition request transmitting unit periodically transmits the status acquisition request.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output means has a function of displaying and outputting information. 4. Location information hierarchically representing information on the location of a device connected on a network;
Management means for managing the attribute information of the device and a plurality of state information corresponding to the plurality of states of the device; first holding means for holding map information representing a map corresponding to each layer of the location information; Based on the device search request sent by
A search unit for searching for a device corresponding to the search request based on the information in the management unit; and managing the information corresponding to the device detected by the search unit in the search source for the issuer of the search request. A search result transmitting means for acquiring and transmitting from the information in the means; and a map information corresponding to the acquisition request based on a map information acquisition request sent from the outside in the first holding means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a map information transmitting unit that acquires from the information, and transmits the acquired map information to a source of the acquisition request. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the status information includes an icon. 6. A network system including a client, a server, and a device connected on a network, wherein at least one of the client, the server, and the device is the information according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A network system having a function of a processing device. 7. A network system configured by connecting a client, a server, and a device on a network, wherein the client is a search condition specifying means for specifying a search condition of an arbitrary device on the network. Search request means for requesting the server to search for a device corresponding to the search condition designated by the search condition designation means; and the search request sent by the search request means sent from the server. Status acquisition request transmission means for transmitting a status acquisition request for the device connected to the network indicated by the search result; and a location of the device connected to the network relative to the server. Represents a map corresponding to each layer of location information that hierarchically represents information about Map information acquisition request transmission means for transmitting a map information acquisition request corresponding to the search result in the map information, and a map information acquisition request transmitted by the map information acquisition request transmission means from the server. Output means for superimposing and outputting map information and any state information among a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device included in the search result, wherein the server comprises: Management means for managing location information hierarchically representing information on the position of a device connected above, device attribute information, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device, and each layer of the location information First holding means for holding map information representing a map corresponding to a device, based on a device search request sent from the client. A search unit for searching for a device corresponding to the search request based on the information in the management unit; and a device corresponding to the device detected by the search unit for the client issuing the search request. Search result transmitting means for acquiring information to be transmitted from the information in the management means and transmitting the map information corresponding to the acquisition request based on the map information acquisition request sent from the client. Map information transmitting means for acquiring the acquired map information from the information in the holding means, and transmitting the acquired map information to the client which has issued the acquisition request. The device has its own position on the network. Holding information including hierarchical location information representing the information, self attribute information, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the self. Means, information registration means for registering the information held by the second holding means in the management means of the server, and a state representing its own state as a response to a state acquisition request sent from the client Status information transmitting means for returning information, wherein the output means of the client outputs status information corresponding to the status information sent from the device as a response to the status acquisition request in the status acquisition request transmitting means. A network system for selecting from among the plurality of pieces of status information. 8. The network system according to claim 7, wherein said status acquisition request transmission means of said client periodically transmits said status acquisition request. 9. The network system according to claim 7, wherein said output means of said client has a function of displaying and outputting information. 10. The network system according to claim 7, wherein said status information includes an icon. 11. A device for a server to search for a device on a network to which a client, a server, and a device are connected based on a device search request from the client, and for the client to obtain and output the search result. A search method, wherein the device sends, to the server, information including hierarchical location information indicating a position of the device on the network, attribute information of the device, and a plurality of state information corresponding to a plurality of states of the device. A registration step of registering; a management step in which the server manages information from the device by the registration step; and a map in which the server holds map information representing a map corresponding to each layer of location information of the device. The holding step, and the client is designated and input by the user. A search requesting step of requesting the server to search for a device corresponding to the device search condition; and the server manages a device corresponding to the search request based on the device search request from the client by the management step. A search step of searching from management information, acquiring information corresponding to the device detected by the search from the management information by the management step, and returning the information to the client that issued the search request; A status acquisition request transmitting step of transmitting a status acquisition request of the device to the device connected to the network indicated by the management information returned from the server, wherein the device obtains a status acquisition request from the client Returns status information indicating its own status in response to A state information transmitting step, wherein the client requests the server for map information corresponding to the location information of the device connected to the network indicated by the management information returned from the server. And the server, wherein the server acquires map information corresponding to the map information acquisition request from the client from the information retained by the map retaining step, and issues the acquired map information to the client which has issued the map information acquisition request. The map information transmitted from the server in the map information transmitting step, and any one of the plurality of state information included in the management information. An output step of superimposing and outputting the information; A state information changing step of changing the output state information in the output step by selecting corresponding state information from the plurality of state information in accordance with the state information sent from the device. A device search method comprising: 12. The device search method according to claim 11, wherein said step of transmitting a status acquisition request includes a step of periodically transmitting said status acquisition request. 13. The device search method according to claim 11, wherein said output step includes a step of outputting information on a screen. 14. The device search method according to claim 11, wherein the status information includes an icon. 15. A computer-readable storage medium in which a program for causing a computer to function is recorded as each of the means according to claim 1. Description: 16. A storage medium, wherein the processing steps of the device search method according to claim 11 are readable by a computer.