JP2001243138A - Processing system, device and their control method information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system that can supplies automatically common resources to a device additionally connected to a network without a user's interruption. SOLUTION: A server connected to the network to which a plurality of peripheral devices are attached keeps the resources using the peripheral devices. The server judges whether a new device is attached to the network or not by inquiring each client on the network (step S3501 and S3502). If the server detects that the new device is attached to the network as a result of the judgment based on the inquiry, the server down loads the resources kept in it through the network (step S3503, S3504, and S3505).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device management apparatus in an environment where a server computer, a client computer, and a printer or a multifunction copying machine having a storage device are connected via a network. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a printer or a multifunction copier is newly added to a network, the contents of the storage device of the added printer or multifunction copier are selected by the user by selecting resource data and selecting the data selected. Was prepared by the procedure of downloading.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the contents of the printer added to the network or the storage device of the multifunction copier may be changed according to the user's will. The setting is made irrespective of the resource data held by the multifunction copier. For this reason, depending on the presence or difference of printer fonts and forms held by each printer or multifunction copier, even if the same data is output, the output results from each printer or multifunction copier vary, and layout In some cases, the image collapsed or characters were garbled.

[0004] Further, the difference in the output result is noticed only by looking at the output, except for the user who is familiar with the relationship between the output result and the resource data held by the printer or the multifunction copier.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when an additional device is connected to a network, the device is automatically connected to the additionally connected device without bothering the user. To provide common resources,
It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to make the resources of the additionally connected device equivalent to the resources of the device already connected on the network.

[0006]

The information processing system of the present invention for achieving the above object has, for example, the following configuration. That is, an information processing system to which a first information processing apparatus is connected and to which a plurality of devices can be connected via a network, wherein a holding unit for holding resources used by the devices connected to the network Detecting means for detecting a connection of a new device to the network; and, when the detecting device detects a connection of the new device, the new device transfers the resources held in the holding device to the network. And providing means for providing the information via a.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus and apparatus applicable to the above information processing system.

[0008]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a network,
In the present embodiment, Ethernet is used. Besides Ethernet, there is also LocalTalk. Note that the term “network” in this embodiment refers to a physical cable,
It refers to one or more of those (protocols) that realize information exchange realized by a combination of an electrical signal passing through a cable and the electrical signal, and generally refers to a general term for these. Reference numeral 2 denotes a server computer, which has functions such as a file server and a Web server, and is a core of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 3 denotes a personal computer for an administrator (hereinafter, a personal computer is referred to as a PC), which issues an instruction to a server and an instruction to peripheral devices handled in the present embodiment. Reference numerals 4 and 5 denote client PCs, which are used by general users connected to the network.
C. Note that the administrator PC may be used as a client PC. 6 and 7
Is a printer, which is connected to the network 1 and accepts print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and performs print processing according to the commands. Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote multifunction copiers having an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and being used as a copier, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more of these functions. It is possible.

Next, the operation of the present system will be described with reference to FIG. The server 2 periodically communicates with the printer 6, the printer 7, the multifunction copier 8, and the multifunction copier 9, and monitors device status and software settings.
The administrator's PC 3 changes the settings of the device, software, and resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2 and
And 5 receive information from server 2. The server 2 has a communication means using the http protocol, and the administrator's PC 3, client PCs 4 and 5 have WebBrowser
Can be used to obtain information on the server 2 and give an instruction to the server 2. Upon receiving an instruction from the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5, the server 2 uses the information stored in the server to send the administrator P
C3, information is returned to the client PC 4 or 5. Depending on the contents of the information, the information is acquired from the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and the information is returned to the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5, or the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copier are used. Processing such as setting is performed on the copying machines 8 and 9.

The administrator PC 3 includes a downloader,
The software or resources used by the software are downloaded to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. The software includes a device's print control firmware, network control firmware, and in the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, in addition to the above firmware, scanner control firmware, facsimile control firmware, copier firmware, panel operation firmware, image management software And address management software. Resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by address management software, facsimile numbers, and the like.

Client PCs 4 and 5 are software (drivers and the like) for accessing and using printers 6 and 7 and multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and resources used by the software (resources for client PC).
Hold. Software includes a printer driver for using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimile driver for using a facsimile, a copier utility software for controlling a copier, and a network driver for using a network , WebBrowser, application software, etc., and the resources used by the software include client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts, address information used by the facsimile driver, print data used for color calibration, and overlay used for preview. There are images etc.

In addition to the above functions, it is possible to reflect the settings of the printer 6, the software, and the resources used by the software on the printer 7, and the multifunction copiers 8, 9. Similarly, it is possible to reflect the setting contents and software of the multifunction copier 8 and the resources used by the software on the multifunction copier 9 and the printers 6 and 7. When there is a difference in functions between the models, only functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as convertible resources is reflected after the conversion. Similarly, the client PC 4 for these models
The above information can be reflected on the client PC 5. These processes are realized by exchanging information through the server 2.

Printers 6 and 7, multifunction copiers 8 and 9
The setting contents are not only instructions from the administrator PC 3, but also
It may be changed by the setting from the panel or the setting from the client PC. Those which need to accurately pass this information to the client PC are always inquired to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 when there is an instruction such as display from the client PC. Return information to client PC. If the accuracy is not so strictly required, the information held in the server is used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing main hardware modules of each device in FIG. The function of the hardware module of each device will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a network line (corresponding to the network 1). The network line 201 is a physical line that configures a network between devices, and usually uses a twisted pair cable, a coaxial cable, an optical fiber, or the like.

The hardware modules constituting the server 2 include a network board 202, a CPU board 203, a video interface 204, an I / O interface 205, a SCSI interface 206, a CRT 207, a keyboard 208, The mouse 209 and the hard disk drive 210. The hard disk drive 210 has a plurality of hard disk units connected in parallel to ensure high speed data transfer and high reliability.

The administrator PC 3, the client PCs 4, 5,
The hardware modules constituting the network board 202, CPU board 203, Video interface 204, I / O interface 205, IDE
Interface 211 and CRT 2 connected to them
07, a keyboard 208, a mouse 209, and a hard disk drive 210. The configuration of the hard disk is different from that of the server 2.

The hardware modules of the printers 6 and 7 include a network board 21 corresponding to peripheral devices.
2, printer controller 213, print engine 2
14 is provided. The hardware modules of the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 include a network board 212 corresponding to a peripheral device and a multifunction copier controller 2.
15, print engine 214, operation panel controller 216, operation panel 217, scanner controller 2
18, a scanner unit 219, a modem 220, a hard disk IF 221 and a hard disk 222.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the server 2. In the figure, 301 is an OS (operating system), 302 is a library, and 303 is W
The web server 304 is an application, and includes a peripheral device management program 305 as a part of the application 304. A hardware control program 306 includes a network control program 307 and a hard disk control program 308 as a part of the hardware control program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the peripheral device management program 305. The peripheral device management program 305 is realized as one of the applications on the server 2. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a peripheral device management program 3
05, which controls the entire management program. Reference numeral 402 denotes a GUI CGI program.
The data of the screen expressed in the html format is passed to the b server 303. The Web server 303 is a GUI CGI4
02 is transmitted to the administrator PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5 in http format, and an instruction from the administrator PC 3 or the client PCs 4 and 5 is transmitted to the management program 4.
Tell 01. The device communication program 403 performs communication between the device (peripheral device) and the server using the network control program 307, and the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031 acquires information and the like from the device and sets the device, software, Download resources used by the software. IPC404
This is a program for performing inter-process communication, and performs communication with another PC, particularly the administrator PC 3 using the network control program 307. The file management program 405 implements a file server function by using the HD control program 308.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a common data holding unit, which is shown in FIG.
And holds the common data described later. The common data held by the common data holding unit 410 is downloaded to a newly connected peripheral device (for example, a printer or a multifunction copying machine) by the procedures shown in FIGS. Environment provided. Reference numeral 411 denotes connected device information, which stores information indicating devices connected to the network to which the server is connected.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the administrator PC 3. Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an OS, which performs overall processing of the administrator PC. Reference numeral 502 denotes a main program of the downloader, which downloads software and resources used by the software to peripheral devices. A GUI module 503 realizes a user interface function such as display and transmission of an instruction from a user to the downloader 502. 504 is IP
It is a C program and communicates with the IPC 404 of the server. Reference numeral 505 denotes a file management program, which is usually implemented as a part of the OS 501, reads the contents of a hard disk or CD-ROM, and downloads the file to a peripheral device through the downloader 502.
Perform file management. Reference numeral 506 denotes a network program, which is usually implemented as a part of the OS 501, and performs network communication when reading the contents of a hard disk or a CD-ROM and downloading a file to a peripheral device through the downloader 502.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the client PCs 4 and 5. In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an OS, which performs general processing of the client PC.
A web browser 602 receives data expressed in html format from the web server 303 of the server 2,
This is displayed on the screen, and the user's instruction is transmitted to the server 2 through the http protocol. Reference numeral 603 denotes a client module that performs processing on a part of the data received by the web browser 602 that cannot be processed by the web browser 602. Here, the data that cannot be processed by the Web browser 602 is the client PC
Such as a printer driver for a printer and fonts for a client PC, and need to be installed in the client PC by a predetermined method. A network program 604 is usually implemented as a part of the OS 601, and realizes network communication with the Web server 303 using the http protocol.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a device additional information holding unit which, when setting a peripheral device newly connected to the network via the client PC, transmits information on the newly connected device to the device. Store as additional information. This information is used by the server 2 to detect an additional device in the process described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the downloader 502. In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a main module, which calls each module in the downloader 502, processes parameters, and the like. Reference numeral 702 denotes a file management module that opens and reads a file to be downloaded using the file management program 505. 7
A device search module 03 searches for a downloadable peripheral device, and obtains a communicable protocol, a device address, and the like. Reference numeral 704 denotes a file conversion module, which converts a resource used by the software when the format of the resource for the printer and the format of the resource for the client PC are different.
The file conversion module 704 includes a printer file conversion module 705 and a client PC file conversion module 706 inside. The difference between the resource formats is, for example, a case where the printer uses a font represented by a cubic curve and a client PC uses a font represented by a quadratic curve, or the format of the overlay image differs between the printer and the client PC. That's what it means.

The download module 707 is a module for performing download using the network program 506. The communication module 708 is connected to the server 2
This module communicates with the server and sends client PC resources and the like to the server. IPC module 70
9 is a module for performing inter-process communication,
The inter-process communication is realized using the IPC program 504.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the downloader shown in FIG. 7, and the operation of the downloader 502 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, as an example, font download will be described, but the same applies to other software and resources used by the software. As a premise, the downloader 502 and the server 2 are always in communication, and it is possible to obtain a file name, a device name, and the like. However, to obtain a file managed in the file server, a separate connection is established to read the file. Shall be.

The outline of the processing flow will be described. In steps S801 to S810, the file to be downloaded is taken in by the file management module 702 and the communication module 708. In step S811, the device search module 703 selects a device (printer) as a download destination. In steps S812 to S814, the designated file is downloaded to the selected printer by the file conversion module 704, the printer file conversion module 705, the download module 707, and the communication module 708. Further, step S815
To S819, the file conversion module 704,
The designated file is written to the server 2 by the client file conversion module 706, download module 707, and communication module 708. Hereinafter, the steps will be described in detail.

In step S801, the user of the downloader specifies a file by inputting a file name. When a file to be downloaded is specified, it is determined in step S802 whether the file is a file on the server 2. If the file is on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S803. If the file is not on the server 2, the process proceeds to step S807. move on. If the file is on the server, first, in step S803, a network connection is established. In step S804, a file is read. In step S805, ServerFl
Turn on ag. In step S806, the network connection is disconnected. Then, step S811
Proceed to. On the other hand, if the file is not a file on the server, the file is first opened in step S807, and the file is read in step S808. Step S80
At 9, the ServerFlag is turned off. Step S810
Then, close the file. Thus, step S8
At the time of step 06 or step S810, the file to be downloaded has been read by the downloader.

In step S811, a printer is selected. In step S812, it is determined whether the printer selected in step S811 can be downloaded.
Whether download is possible depends on the model and attached storage device (RAM, FlashMemory, HardDisk, etc.)
Is determined by Downloadable model,
If a downloadable storage device exists in the model, it is determined that download is possible. Step S81
If it is determined that downloading is possible in step 2, step S
The process advances to step S <b> 820 if it is determined that download is impossible.

If it is determined that downloading is possible, first in step S813, the font file is
Convert to a format that can be downloaded to a printer. However, if the font file is already downloadable, nothing is performed. In step S814, the downloadable font file is transferred to the printer. In step S815, it is determined whether ServerFlag is ON. If ON, the process is terminated on the assumption that the client file already exists in the server. Server
If Flag is not ON (that is, if it is OFF), the process proceeds to step S816. In step S816, the font file is converted into a format usable by the client PC. However, if the font file is already
If the form is usable in C, nothing is performed. A step S817 establishes a network connection with the server 2. In step S818, the font file for the client PC is written in the server 2. Step S
In 819, the connection is disconnected, the network is closed, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S812 that the printer is not a downloadable printer, the process advances to step S820 to display a message indicating that the printer cannot be downloaded to the printer, and the process ends.

By the processing described above, the client P corresponding to the font file downloaded to the printer
The C font file always exists in the server 2. In the conversion of the font file, there are a case where the font file format itself is converted and a case where header information or the like is added. For example, when downloading a TrueType (registered trademark) format font file to a printer equipped with a TrueType rasterizer,
Since it is necessary to add the header information for the printer and download the file, the file conversion process adds the header information for the printer. When this font is used on MacOS (trademark), information called a FOND resource is added as additional information.

FIG. 9 shows a peripheral device information acquisition module 40.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third embodiment. Referring to FIG.
Is a main processing module of the peripheral device information acquisition module 4031, and performs overall control, communication, management, processing when an interrupt occurs, transfer of download data to the peripheral device, and the like. An IPC 902 exchanges information by performing inter-process communication with another module. A timer module 903 generates an interrupt signal at regular intervals, and the main processing module 901 operates to acquire information on peripheral devices at the timing of this interrupt. Reference numeral 904 denotes a cache management module which temporarily stores the peripheral device information acquired by the interruption by the timer, and sends the information in the cache to another module through the IPC when there is a data transmission instruction from the IPC. A TCP / IP module 905 exchanges data with a peripheral device that can acquire information or download data using TCP / IP. 906 is an AppleTalk module, A
Exchange data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data with ppleTalk. 906 is
An IPX / SPX module that exchanges data with peripheral devices that can acquire information and download data using IPX / SPX. It is of course possible to support protocols other than these.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for acquiring peripheral device information by interruption. When an interrupt is generated by the timer module 903, the processing shown in FIG. 10A is executed by the main processing module 901. In step S1011, the main processing module 901 acquires information from all target peripheral devices. The information we obtain includes the version of the software and the resources it uses, file sizes,
This is information for confirming whether the software or resources used by the software, such as the date and font, the typeface name, etc., have been changed. In step S1012, the obtained information is written to the cache 904.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the normal processing. In normal processing, user I
According to the instruction from the user received by the module having F, information acquisition and download are performed. Step S102
At 1, the instruction of the user IF module is received through the IPC. The contents received by the instruction include processing contents, data in the case of downloading, addresses of peripheral devices, and the like. In step S1022, it is determined whether it is a download. If it is a download, the process proceeds to step S1023, where the transmitted data is downloaded to the specified peripheral device, and the process ends. In step S1022,
If not, the process proceeds to step S1024. In step S1024, the type of required information is specified. The type of information is, for example, the typeface name, form size, software version, and the like.

In step S1025, it is determined whether or not the requested information exists in the cache 904, and if so, the process proceeds to step S1026, in which the cache 904
From the IPC 902 through the IPC 902. On the other hand, if the information requested in step S1025 does not exist in the cache 904, the process proceeds to step S1027.
In step S1027, data is obtained from the peripheral device. In step S1028, the acquired data is
902 and the process ends.

FIG. 11 shows the management program 40 of the server 2.
1 is a diagram showing a configuration of FIG. Referring to FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a main processing module which performs main processing such as overall operation management and distribution of processing. A GUI module 1102 exchanges information with the GUI, such as transmitting information to be displayed, processing from the GUI, and receiving data.
1103 is a network process for inputting and outputting files and information through the network. 1104, a file server module for reading, writing, and
Perform management. An IPC process 1105 exchanges data and information with the IPC 404 by inter-process communication. In other words, the management program is located at a position where the peripheral device and the GUI can be accessed, and the network and the file server can be accessed, and controls the entire operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the management program shown in FIG. 11, and the operation of the management program will be described with reference to FIG. In step S1201, an instruction is received. In step S1202, it is determined whether the instruction is a download. If the instruction is a download, the process proceeds to step S1203, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1205.

If it is determined in step S1202 that a download has been made, steps S1203 and S1
By executing step 204, the file to be downloaded is extracted from the file server and sent to the downloader. That is, in step S1203, the file on the file server is opened. In step S1204, the file is sent to the downloader 502 of the client PC through the network module 1103, and the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process.

If the instruction is not a download in step S1202, the flow advances to step S1205. In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the information is to be displayed.
If it is determined that the display is the information display, the process proceeds to step S1206. If it is determined that the display is not the information display, the process proceeds to step S12.
Proceed to 08. In the case of information display, information in the peripheral device is transmitted in accordance with an instruction received from the communication module with the 1102 GUI. That is, in step S1206, IPC9
02 and the IPC 1105 to exchange information and acquire information on peripheral devices. Then, in step S1207, the information to be displayed is transmitted to the G through the GUI communication module 1102.
After outputting to the UI module, the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process.

If the information is not displayed in step S1205, the flow advances to step S1208. Step S120
At 8, it is determined whether or not the file is stored in the server.
If it is determined that the file is to be stored in the server, the process proceeds to step S1209. If it is determined that the file is not to be stored in the server, the process proceeds to step S1210. The saving of the file to the server is performed according to an instruction from the downloader, and the file is sent through the network. Therefore, in step S1209, after saving this file in the file server, the process returns to step S1201 to perform the next process. On the other hand, in step S1210, a file is output through the GUI. This is the output of the resources for the client PC, etc., which is the protocol by which the GUI communicates with the client PC.
After outputting a file or the like to the client PC using the tp protocol, step S1201 is performed in order to perform the next process.
Return to Through these series of processes, information and data in this system are transmitted and received.

FIG. 13 shows a GUI module (C for GUI).
GI 402), 1301 communicates with the management program 401, and
Receives the instructions, files, and information from the html output module 1302,
The instruction or file received from 303 is passed to the management program. Reference numeral 1302 denotes an html output module, which creates a GUI screen file based on the html rules based on information and instructions received from the management program, and passes the GUI screen file to a communication unit 1304 for communicating with a Web server. An instruction input module 1303 receives an instruction from the Web server or receives an archived or encoded file, sends the instruction as an instruction to the management program 401, separates the archived file, and encodes the encoded file. Management program 40 after decoding the file
Send to 1. A communication unit 1304 communicates with the Web server, sends html information to the Web server 303,
An instruction input module 1303 receives an instruction from the server 303.
Pass to.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a client module. This module is installed on the client PC and processes files received by the Web browser. An input unit 1401 receives data from a Web browser. The received data usually has management information and file entities archived. 140
Reference numeral 2 denotes a determination unit that separates the received file management information and the file entity and determines the type of the file based on the management information. The management information includes a file type, a file name, a file size, and the like. If the file type is a font, the font registration module 1403 is called. If the file type is an overlay form, the overlay form registration module 1404 is called. If the file type is address book, 1
The address book registration module 405 is called. 1406 if the file type is Color Calibration Table
Call the Calibration Table registration module of. 14
A font registration module 03 registers the received font in the font client PC. An overlay form registration module 1404 registers the received file in the overlay form processing application. If the overlay processing application is not installed, no processing is performed. Reference numeral 1405 denotes an address book registration module, which converts the received address book into a format to be registered, such as e-mail management software or a FAX driver, and then performs registration. 1406 is Co
lor Calibration Table registration module that registers the received file in the printer driver that performs image processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of data when a font is downloaded. In the figure, the administrator downloads the font read from the CD into the administrator PC 3 to the printer 6 (). Next, the font is registered in the server 2 (). The client PC 4 and the client PC 5 read the font file for the client PC from the server 2 using the Web browser 602, and register the font file in the system by the client module 603 (). Another printer (eg, printer 7)
To download the font, the administrator PC 3 reads the font registered in the server 2 and downloads it to the printer 7 as it is (). The same operation is performed when an overlay form is registered from a PC.

FIG. 16 shows a color calibration table (Color Calibration Table) stored in a client PC.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of data when acquiring. The color calibration table generated in the printer 6 is transmitted to the server 2 (). Client PC 4,5
Receives the color calibration table of the printer 6 using the Web browser and registers it in the printer driver (). The color calibration table generated by the printer 7 is transmitted to the server 2 (). When the client PCs 4 and 5 receive the color calibration table of the printer 7, the same processing as that described above is performed. In addition, it is performed periodically by interrupt processing. Represents a data flow when the color calibration table is downloaded from the administrator PC 3. That is, when the calibration table is created on the administrator's PC 3 using color measurement software or the like, it is downloaded from the administrator's PC 3. The same data as the downloaded data is transferred from the administrator PC 3 to the server 2
Sent directly to (). Server 2 to client PC
The transfer of data to 4 and 5 is the same as in the case of the color calibration table generated in the printer. Note that when the image data captured by the scanner is passed to the printer driver in order to be used as an overlay form, the data flow is the same as when the color calibration table generated on the printer side is passed to the client PCs 4 and 5.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of data when address book data is acquired from the multifunction copier 8. The address book data in the multifunction copier 8 is sent to the server 2 (). The client PCs 4 and 5 receive the data of the server 2, and
3 adds or overwrites the address book data in the client PC 3 ().

FIG. 18 shows the flow of data when the address book data on the client PC is downloaded to the multifunction copier. The address book data sent to the server 2 using the Web server 303 is written as it is to the multifunction copier 8 (). Represents the data flow when copying the address book of the multifunction copier 8 to the multifunction copier 9. The data of the multifunction copier 8 is
Once sent to the server 2, it is written to the multifunction copier 9 as it is.

FIG. 19 shows the flow of data when the contents of a storage device of a printer or a multifunction copier are backed up. This process is normally instructed and activated by the WebBrowser, but may be activated by being instructed from the operation panel of the multifunction copier. This process may be automatically and periodically performed by the management program 401 operating on the server 2. If the printers 6 and 7 or the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 have a function of notifying the server of a resource change, the notification triggers the notification.
The management program 401 can automatically perform the backup process. The contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier are sent to the server 2 and stored in a file server in the server.

FIG. 20 shows the flow of data when restoring the contents of the backed-up printer or storage device of the multifunction copier. This processing is usually performed on the Web
Although it is instructed and activated by the browser, it may be instructed and activated from the operation panel of the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. This processing is performed by the management program 4 running on the server 2.
01 may be performed automatically. Data backed up in the file server of the server 2 is stored in the backup source printers 6 and 7 or the multifunction copier 8,
9 is sent to the storage device ().

FIG. 21 shows the client PC 4 or 5
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data flow when software is acquired from a server 2. As described above, the data is acquired from the server 2, and the client module 603 decodes and acquires the acquired data.

FIG. 22 shows the client PC 4 or 5
Is a flow of data when acquiring a driver for a peripheral device such as a printer driver, a facsimile driver, and a scanner driver from the server 2. The data is acquired from the server 2 as shown in the following. When the server 2 sends the data,
In order to associate with the peripheral device, the target peripheral device is referred to. That is, the network address, the model name, the function, and the like are sent together to the client PC 4 or 5, and the client module 603 installs the driver based on the information sent from the server 2.

FIG. 23 shows a state in which the server 2 sends the client PC
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data structure when data is transmitted to 4 or 5; As can be seen from the figure, the number N of files archived and held internally is placed at the head. Next, there is an array of N addresses, and there is a file entity held together with the header at the position indicated by each address. The header includes the length of the header, the type of the file, and the size of the entity, and if there is additional information, it is added to the back of the header. That is, the file entity exists after the head length from the head of the header.

FIG. 24 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the font file is sent to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the version, file name, and font format are added as additional information.

FIG. 25 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when transmitting the overlay form to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the PDL type, paper size, resolution, and form number are added as additional information.

FIG. 26 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the color calibration table is sent to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the date and time when the calibration information was measured is added as additional information.

FIG. 27 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the information used by the printer driver is transmitted to the client PC when overlaying the image scanned by the scanner. As can be seen from the figure, the paper size, resolution, and overlay number are added as additional information.

FIG. 28 shows that the software
23 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when transmitting to C. As can be seen from the figure, the software version and the file checksum are added as additional information. The file entity is a self-extracting installer, and the client module 603 activates the downloaded self-extracting installer.

FIG. 29 shows the header information of FIG. 23 when the driver is sent to the client PC. As can be seen from the figure, the model name of the peripheral device and the address for accessing the peripheral device (for example, TCP / IP
(IP address for connection), driver version and file checksum are added as additional information.
The file entity is a self-extracting installer, and the client module 603 activates the downloaded self-extracting installer using the model name and address as arguments.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the structure of common data held on the server 2 by the management program 401 in the download processing of various data shown in FIG. This common data is stored in the common data holding unit 4 as described above with reference to FIG.
10 holds. The common data held here is obtained by downloading the data in common to the storage devices of all the printers or multifunction copiers on the network, so that the same output result can be obtained from any printer or multifunction copier. Data that has advantages. In this embodiment, font data and form data used for printing, and address book data used for facsimile transmission / reception are held as common data.

Reference numeral 3401 denotes a header, which is information for managing common data such as the font, the number of form data, the format of each data, and the offset to each data. Reference numerals 3402 to 3404 denote font data.
Through the font data download processing, a new font is added each time a new font is downloaded to a printer on the network. Form data 3405 to 3406 are added each time a new form is downloaded to a printer on the network by the form data download processing. Reference numeral 3408 denotes address book data, which holds the latest address book to be shared by all devices on the network. In the data structure shown in FIG. 34, the entities of the font data, form data, and address book data are held as those dedicated to the common data, but the entities are held in another area on the server 2 or on a file server. And, as common data,
It is also possible to hold only information for identifying the entity in another area on the server 2 or on the file server.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the management program 401 running on the server 2 when a new printer or a multifunction copier is added to the network 1. In this example, after a printer or a multifunction copier is physically connected to the network 1, an address of the newly connected device is set by any client PC that can communicate with the server 2. Information on the printer or the multifunction copier set on the client PC is held on the client PC as additional device information. Then, the management program 401 performs an inquiry to each client by periodic interruption processing by a timer, and operates so as to detect addition of a printer or a multifunction copier.

Step S3501 is for all clients P
It is determined whether the inquiry about device addition has been completed to C. If the inquiry to all the clients has not been completed in step S3501, the client PC
Steps S3502 to S3505 are performed for each one. If it is determined in step S3501 that the inquiry to all the clients has been completed, the processing ends. In step S3502, the device addition information held by the device addition information holding unit 605 (FIG. 6) on the client PC is referred to. Step S
In 3503, when additional device information is found on the client PC, that is,
If the device addition process has been performed using C, the process advances to step S3504. On the other hand, if the additional device information cannot be found on the client PC in step S3503, the process returns to step S3501, and the next client PC is set as a processing target. In step S3504, based on the additional device information on the client PC, the added printer or multifunction copier is registered in the server 2 (connected device information 411, FIG. 4).
The additional device information on C is cleared. Step S3505
In FIG. 3, the common data held on the server 2 (FIG. 3)
4) is downloaded to the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier, and the process ends.

In the above embodiment, the client P
By setting the peripheral device added via C, information on the new peripheral device is held in the client PC, and the server 2 checks this to detect that the new peripheral device is connected. are doing. However, the method of detecting a newly added peripheral device is not limited to this, and for example, the following modified examples can be shown.

(Modification 1) FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the management program 401 running on the server 2 when a new printer or multifunction copier is added to the network 1. In this example, an address for identifying a device on the network 1 is recorded on the network board 212 of the printer or the multifunction copier, and then physically connected to the network 1. The management program 401 operates to periodically connect to all the addresses that may exist on the network 1 and detect the addition of a printer or a multifunction copier by a periodic interruption process by a timer. The server 2 holds a list of addresses of connected devices. It should be noted that even if the access to all the addresses that may exist on the network 1 is not performed and the access to only the addresses that are not included in the address list of the connected devices on the server 2 is attempted, the device may be added. Can be detected.

In step S3601, it is determined whether connection to all addresses has been tried. Step S3601
In step, if the connection to all the addresses has not been tried, the processing from step S3602 to step S3605 is performed for each address. Step S360
In step 1, if it is determined that the connection to all the addresses has been tried, the process is terminated. In step S3602, if the connection is successful as a result of the connection, the device information to be acquired and the list of connected devices on the server 2 are examined, and the device or function connected to the processing target address is newly added to the printer or function. Ask if it is a multi-function copier. For example, a connected device and its access address are registered in a list, and if an address that has been successfully accessed is not registered in this list, it can be determined that the device is a newly connected device. In step S3603, based on the examination result in step S3602, it is determined whether a printer or a multifunction copier has been added to the address to be processed. If it is determined in step S3603 that a printer or a multifunction copier has been added, the process advances to step S3604. on the other hand,
If it is determined in step S3603 that a printer or a multifunction copier has not been added, the process returns to step S3601 to process the next address. In step S3604, step S360
Based on the device information acquired in step 2, the added printer or multifunction copier is registered in the server 2 by adding it to a list of connected devices on the server 2 (connected device information 411 in this example, FIG. 4). I do. In step S3605,
The common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2 is downloaded to the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier, and the process ends.

(Modification 2) FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the management program 401 running on the server 2 when a new printer or multifunction copier is added to the network 1. In this example, after a printer or a multifunction copier is physically connected to the network 1, an address setting or the like is performed on any client PC that can communicate with the server 2. The client PC adds the set printer or multifunction copier information to the connected printer list on the server 2. In this modification, the connected device information 411 is used as a connected printer list, but the target peripheral device is not limited to a printer. The management program 401 operates so as to detect the addition of a printer or a multifunction copier by referring to the connected printer list on the server 2 in response to a periodic interruption instruction by a timer.

In step S3701, the connected printer list on the server 2 is referred to. Step S3702
In, the presence or absence of an additional printer or a multifunction copier is determined from the reference result of step S3701.
If it is determined in step S3702 that there is no added printer or multifunction copier, the process ends. On the other hand, in step S3702,
If there is an added printer or multifunction copier, the processes in steps S3705 to S3710 are performed. In FIG. 37, for the sake of simplicity, the processes in steps S3703 to S3710 are performed on only one additional device. However, in steps S3701 and S3702, a plurality of additional devices were found. In this case, it goes without saying that the processing from step S3703 to step S3710 is performed on all the discovered devices.

In step S3703, the device is connected to the added printer or multifunction copier to obtain detailed device information such as device capability and storage device information.
If the server 2 does not connect to the printer or the multifunction copier and holds the capability information for each model of the printer or multifunction copier, the server 2
You can refer to the information above. Alternatively, information may be obtained from both the printer and the server. For example,
Fixed known information such as "address book is unavailable" is obtained from an information file in the server, and a function such as "external character can be used as an option" is directly inquired to the device. In step S3704, the device information acquired in step S3703 and the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2 are examined. If it is determined in step S3704 that the processing target device can accept all the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2, the process advances to step S3705. On the other hand, in step S3704, if the processing target device determines that all or some of the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2 cannot be received, for example, the connected device is a printer. If the address book data 3408 cannot be accepted because of
If, for example, the storage device is not attached to the connected device, the process advances to step S3707.

In step S3705, all the common data (FIG. 34) held on server 2 is prepared as download data. Then, in step S3706,
A message is created to the effect that all the common data has been downloaded, that is, a message indicating that processing equivalent to that of the printer or multifunction copier already connected on the network can be performed, and the flow advances to step S3709. Step S370
In step 7, out of the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2, only data determined to be acceptable by the processing target device in step S3704 is prepared as download data. In step S3708, it is possible that only part of the common data could be downloaded or nothing could be downloaded, that is, there is a possibility that the same processing as the printer or the multifunction copier already connected on the network cannot be performed. A message to the effect is constructed, and the flow advances to step S3709. Step S37
If the message constructed in 08 cannot be downloaded because of font data in a format that cannot handle only font 2 shown in 3403, for example, "If font replacement or garbled characters occur when printing a document using font 2" There is a detailed content such as "There is.

In step S3709, step S37
05 or the common data prepared in step S3707 is downloaded to the storage device of the printer to be processed or the multifunction copier. In step S3710, the management program 401 uses the message constructed in step S3706 or step S3708 as the information of the added printer or multifunction copier so that the client PC can view the message through the Web browser.
The information is stored in the server 2 as information to be referred to when constructing the UI. If the download was not completed normally due to some error in step S3709, a message to that effect is displayed in real time, or step S3706 or step S3708.
Needless to say, the message constructed in step S3710 is used instead of the message constructed in step S3710.

(Modification 3) FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the management program 401 running on the server 2 when a new printer or multifunction copier is added to the network 1. In this example, when a printer or a multifunction copier is physically connected to the network 1, the fact that the printer or the multifunction copier has been added by the function of the Notify the device as an event. The management program 401 starts the processing shown in FIG. 38 when receiving the event for notifying the addition of the device.
Note that the additional notification from the printer or the multifunction copier may be an electronic mail. In this case, the management program monitors the electronic mail and detects the additional notification to start the processing shown in FIG. I do.

In step S3801, a connection is made to the added printer or multifunction copier, and detailed device information such as device capabilities and storage device information is obtained. When the server 2 does not connect to the printer or the multifunction copier and holds the capability information for each model of the printer or the multifunction copier in the server 2, refer to the information on the server 2. I just need. Step S380
In step 2, the device information acquired in step S3801 and the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2 are examined. In step S3802, the processing target device is
If it is determined that all the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2 can be accepted, the process advances to step S3803. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3802 that the processing target device cannot accept all or only some of the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2, for example, if the connected device is a printer, If the address book data 3408 cannot be accepted because there is no storage device attached to the connected device, the process advances to step S3805.

In step S3803, all common data (FIG. 34) held on server 2 is prepared as download data. In step S3804, a message indicating that all the common data has been downloaded, that is, a message indicating that processing equivalent to that of the printer or the multifunction copier already connected on the network can be performed, is constructed.
The process proceeds to step S3807. In step S3805,
From the common data (FIG. 34) held on the server 2,
Only data determined to be acceptable by the processing target device in step S3802 is prepared as download data. In step S3806, only part of the common data could be downloaded or nothing could be downloaded, that is, there is a possibility that the same processing as the printer or the multifunction copier already connected on the network cannot be performed. A message to the effect is constructed, and the flow advances to step S3807.

In step S3807, step S38
03 or the data prepared in step S3805 is downloaded to the storage device of the printer to be processed or the multifunction copier. In step S3808, a process of registering the printer or the multifunction copier to be processed in the server 2 is performed. With this processing, the printer or the multifunction copier is under the management of the management program 401 and can be used from each client PC via the network 1. In step S3809, the message constructed in step S3804 or S3806 is transmitted to the client PC connected to the network 1.
Email to all. Client PC users
The mail transmitted in step S3809 indicates that a new printer or multifunction copier has been added, and how the storage device of the printer or multifunction copier has been set up. It is possible to recognize how much the multifunction copier can withstand use. If the download is not completed normally due to some error in step S3807, a message to that effect is sent to step S3804 or step S38.
Step S3809 including in the message constructed in step 06
Needless to say, it is used in the processing.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server and the client PC are connected to the printer or the multifunction copying machine via the network.
In an environment where a printer or a multifunction copier is managed by a server, if a printer or a multifunction copier is additionally connected on a network, the storage device of the added printer or multifunction copier is It is possible to automatically download resources that are commonly held by a printer or a multifunction copier already connected to the network. For this reason, the same resource environment as that of a printer or a multifunction copier that has already been connected to the network can be achieved, and a printer that has already been connected to the network can be obtained from an added printer or multifunction copier. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain an output result similar to that of the multifunction copier.

Further, according to the processing described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, a message relating to download is generated and issued, so that the user of the added printer or multifunction copying machine can use the printer or multifunction copying machine. It is now possible to recognize from a machine the expected capabilities, such as how much the same or different output results can be obtained, from a printer or multifunction copier already connected on the network. In FIGS. 35 to 38, the common data may be downloaded directly from the server to the peripheral device or may be downloaded via the administrator's PC as a route for downloading the common data from the server to the peripheral device. Good.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. In the figure, 1
Is a network, and usually uses Ethernet. Et
Besides hernet, there is also LocalTalk. Note that the term “network” in the present embodiment is a protocol (protocol) that realizes information exchange realized by a combination of a physical cable, an electric signal passing over a cable, and an electric signal. And one or more of these, and usually refers to these generic names. Reference numeral 2 denotes a server computer, which has functions such as a Web server, and is a core of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 3 denotes a personal computer for an administrator (hereinafter, a personal computer is referred to as a PC), which issues instructions to a server, instructions to peripheral devices handled in the present invention, and the like. Reference numerals 4 and 5 denote client PCs, which are PCs used by general users connected to the network. Note that even if the administrator PC is used, the client PC
May also be used. Printers 6 and 7 are connected to the network 1, receive print commands from the client PCs 4 and 5, and perform print processing according to the commands. Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote multifunction copiers having an image scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function, and can be used as a copier, a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile by combining one or more functions. Reference numeral 10 denotes a file server, which normally holds files shared by the server 2, the administrator PC 3, and the like.

Next, the operation of the present system will be described with reference to FIG. The server 2 periodically communicates with the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 to monitor the status of the devices and the software settings. The administrator PC 3 changes the settings of the device, software, and resources used by the software. The result of the instruction given from the administrator PC 3 is collected as information inside the server 2 or stored as a file in the file server 10. Then, the client PCs 4 and 5 receive the information from the server 2 or
Receive files from The server 2 includes communication means using the http protocol, and the administrator PC 3 and the client PCs 4 and 5 use the Web browser to execute the server 2 communication.
Can be obtained, and an instruction can be given to the server 2. Upon receiving an instruction from the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5, the server 2 uses the information stored in the server 2 or the file held in the file server 10 to execute the administrator PC 3 or the client PC.
Return information or file to 4 or 5. Further, depending on the contents of the information, the information is obtained from the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and the information is returned to the administrator PC 3 or the client PC 4 or 5, or
7. Processing such as setting is performed on the multifunction copiers 8 and 9.

The administrator PC 3 includes a downloader,
The software or resources used by the software are downloaded to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. The software includes a printer control firmware, a network control firmware, and in the multifunction copiers 8 and 9, in addition to the firmware, a scanner control firmware, a facsimile control firmware, a copier firmware, a panel operation firmware, an image management software, There are address management software. Resources used by the software include fonts, external characters, overlay forms, calibration tables, address information used by address management software, facsimile numbers, and the like. These software and resource files are stored in the file server 10.

The client PCs 4 and 5 are provided with software (drivers and the like) for accessing and using the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 and resources used by the software (resources for the client PC).
Hold. Software includes a printer driver for using a printer, a scanner driver for using a scanner, a facsimile driver for using a facsimile, a copier utility software for controlling a copier, a network driver for using a network , Web browsers, application software, etc., and the resources used by the software are used for client PC fonts corresponding to printer fonts, address information used by the facsimile driver, print data for color calibration, and preview. There are overlay images and the like.

In addition to the above functions, it is possible to reflect the setting contents and software of the printer 6 and the resources used by the software on the printer 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9. Similarly, it is possible to reflect the setting contents and software of the multifunction copier 8 and the resources used by the software on the multifunction copier 9 and the printers 6 and 7. When there is a difference in functions between models, only functions common to both models are reflected, but information such as convertible resources is reflected after conversion. Similarly, the client PC 4 for these models
The above information can be reflected on the client PC 5. These processes are realized by exchanging information through the server 2 and the file server 10.

Printers 6 and 7, multifunction copiers 8 and 9
May be changed by not only an instruction from the administrator PC 3 but also a setting from the panel or a setting from the client PC. Those which need to accurately pass this information to the client PC are always inquired to the printers 6 and 7 and the multifunction copiers 8 and 9 when there is an instruction such as display from the client PC. Return information to client PC. If the accuracy is not so strictly required, information or a file held in the server 2 or the file server 10 is used.

The file server 10 communicates with the server 2, the administrator PC 3, and the client PCs 4 and 5 via the network to receive and send the file, and manage the file as needed.

Here, an example is described in which one server and one administrator PC are used. However, file and information management can be easily performed even if there are a plurality of servers and administrator PCs by separating the file server. . That is, the file server 1
0 stores information shared in the system, sends information and files to each server and each administrator's PC as needed, and receives and manages information and files from them.

The above-described server, file server, administrator PC, and client PC are connected to a printer or a multifunction copier via a network, and the printer or the multifunction copier is managed by the server. As described in the first embodiment, even when the printer or the multifunction copier is additionally connected to the network, the storage device of the added printer or multifunction copier already has Automatically downloads resources held in common by printers or multifunction copiers connected to the network, and creates the same resource environment as printers or multifunction copiers already connected to the network As a result, an additional printer or multifunction copier It is possible to obtain the same output with a printer or multifunction copier having been connected onto the workpiece. In addition, the user of the added printer or multifunction copier can output the same or different output result from the printer or multifunction copier as the printer or multifunction copier already connected on the network. It is possible to recognize the expected abilities such as whether or not it can be obtained.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to automatically detect that a printer or a multifunction copier is additionally connected on the network. Further, the common data holding unit 410 can prepare data for making the contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier connected on the network uniform. Further, the common data holding unit 410 and the download function make it possible to make the contents of the storage device of the printer or the multifunction copier connected on the network uniform. Further, by notifying the download result, it becomes possible for the user of the printer or the multifunction copier to recognize the setting state of the printer or the multifunction copier added to the network.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device).

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a storage medium storing a program embodying the present invention. Here, a floppy disk is shown as an example of the storage medium.
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the program modules stored in the storage medium. (A) is a server module. By installing and executing this module on a computer, the computer can function as the server 2 of the above embodiment. Similarly,
(B) is a module for an administrator. By installing and executing this module on a computer,
The computer can function as the administrator's PC 3 of the above embodiment. Similarly, (C) is a user module. By installing and executing this module on a computer, the computer can function as the client PCs 4 and 5 of the above embodiment. In addition, these (A), (B),
Each module shown in (C) may be stored in one storage medium (floppy disk, CD-ROM, or the like), or may be stored in separate storage media.

FIG. 33 shows a storage medium storing the program of the present invention, which is a server, a personal computer for an administrator,
Alternatively, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of loading a user personal computer.

As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium (or recording medium) as shown in FIG. 31 in which the program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is recorded, as shown in FIG. This is also achieved by supplying the program code stored in the storage medium to a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus and executing the program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program codes, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program codes. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

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

As described above, the present invention can be executed by a computer such as a work station or a personal computer using a portable storage medium.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a device is additionally connected on the network, it becomes possible to automatically provide a common resource to the additionally connected device without bothering the user. For this reason, the resources of the additionally connected device can be made equivalent to the resources of the device already connected on the network, and the processing capability equivalent to the processing capability of the device already connected on the network Will be given to additional connected devices.

Further, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to make the user of the additionally connected device aware of the processing capability of the common resource automatically provided to the additionally connected device.

Further, according to the present invention, common resources of various devices having various functions are centrally managed, and when a new device is additionally connected on the network, the processing capability of the additionally connected device is improved. Even if the device is different from the device already connected on the network, it is possible to maximize the processing capacity of the device.

Further, according to the present invention, font data held by a device having a printing function on a network can be made uniform, and an output result due to a difference in font data held between a plurality of devices on a network can be obtained. Can be eliminated.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to equalize form data held by a device having a printing function on a network, and to output the form data in all the devices on the network due to a difference in the held form data. It is possible to eliminate the difference between the results.

Further, according to the present invention, the address book data held by the device having the FAX function on the network is made uniform, and the difference in the convenience of the operation in the FAX function due to the difference in the address book between the devices on the network. Can be eliminated.

According to the present invention, a device additionally connected to a network can exhibit the same processing capability as that of a device already connected to the network in terms of the processing capability of the resources held by the device. It is possible to make the user of the additionally connected device aware.

Further, according to the present invention, it is determined that the additionally connected device cannot exhibit the same performance as the device already connected on the network in the processing capability of the resources held by itself. It becomes possible to make the user of the selected device aware.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main hardware modules of each device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a peripheral device management program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of an administrator PC.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a client PC.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a downloader.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the downloader.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a peripheral device information acquisition module.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart of peripheral device information acquisition processing by interruption.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart of a normal process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main module of a management program.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a management program.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a module for constructing a GUI.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a module operating on a client.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data flow when downloading a font.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data flow when a client PC acquires a color calibration table.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data flow when address book data is acquired from a multifunction copier.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing address book data on a client PC;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data flow when downloading to a multifunction copier.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a data flow when backing up contents of a storage device of a printer or a multifunction copier.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of data when restoring the contents of a storage device of a printer or a multifunction copier that has been backed up.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a data flow when a client PC acquires software from a server.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a data flow when a client PC acquires a driver from a server.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a data structure when a server sends data to a client.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing header information in a data structure when a font file is transmitted to a client PC.

FIG. 25 shows an overlay form on a client PC.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing header information in a data structure when sending to a.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating header information in a data structure when a color calibration table is transmitted to a client PC.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating header information in a data structure when transmitting information used by a printer driver when overlaying a scan image to a client PC.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing header information in a data structure when sending software to a client PC.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing header information in a data structure when a driver is sent to a client PC.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a storage medium storing a program of the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a program module according to the embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a process of loading a storage medium storing the program of the embodiment into a server, a personal computer for an administrator, or a personal computer for a user.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a structure of common data for download on a server.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a management program when a device is added.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a management program when a device is added.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a management program when a device is added.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a management program when a device is added.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 network 2 server computer 3 administrator personal computer 4 client PC 5 client PC 6 printer 7 printer 8 multifunction copier 9 multifunction copier

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 9/06 410 G06F 9/06 410C 9/445 H04N 1/00 107Z H04N 1/00 107 G06F 9/06 420J (72) Inventor Yoshiko Naito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tetsuo Sakai 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tsuneaki Kumita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term within Canon Inc. KB06 KB10 KC29 KC44 MB02 5C062 AA13 AA35 AB38 AC41 AC42 AC58 BA00

Claims (59)

[Claims] 1. An information processing system to which a first information processing apparatus is connected and a plurality of devices can be connected via a network, and which holds resources used by the devices connected to the network. Holding means for detecting the connection of a new device to the network; and resources held by the holding device in the new device when the connection of the new device is detected by the detecting device. Providing means for providing the information via the network. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second information processing apparatus performs operation setting on said new apparatus via said network, further comprising apparatus information holding means for holding apparatus information of said new apparatus on which said operation setting is performed. The detecting unit acquires information held in the device information holding unit from the second information processing device via the network, and detects connection of a new device based on the acquired information. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is configured to:
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an attempt is made to access the entire address space where devices on the network can exist, and a connection of a new device to the network is detected based on the success or failure of each access. Information processing system. 4. The detecting means has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, and when an access is successful at an access address that does not exist in the list, the detecting means sets the access destination device to a new one. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is detected as a device. 5. The detecting means has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, attempts to access an access address that does not exist in the list, and determines the device of the access destination that has succeeded in accessing. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is detected as a new device. 6. Receiving a notification from a second information processing apparatus for performing an operation setting for the new device via the network, the device information of the new device for which the operation setting has been performed is stored in the first information processing apparatus. Further comprising device information registration means for registering in a device list held by the information processing apparatus, wherein the detection means detects a connection of a new device with reference to the device list registered by the device information registration means. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The new device includes a notifying unit that issues a notification to that effect on the network when the new device is connected to the network, and the detecting unit transmits the notification issued by the notifying unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein a connection of a new device is detected by the detection by the first information processing device. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a result of the provision of the resource by the providing unit to another information processing apparatus on the network.
An information processing system according to claim 1. 9. The providing unit selects a resource that can be used by the new device from the resources held in the holding unit according to a capability of the new device, and selects the selected resource. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information is provided to the new device. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a notifying unit for notifying, when all resources held in the holding unit are provided to the new device, by the providing unit. An information processing system according to claim 1. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a notifying unit for notifying, when the providing unit does not select all the resources held in the holding unit or a part thereof, to that effect. An information processing system according to claim 1. 12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the notifying unit further notifies, when the provision of the resource by the providing unit has failed, a notification to that effect. 13. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the resource includes at least one of font data, form data, and address book data. 14. An information processing apparatus connectable to a network, comprising: holding means for holding resources used by devices connected to the network; and detecting connection of a new device to the network. Detecting means, and providing means for providing the new device with the resources held in the holding means via the network when the connection of the new device is detected by the detecting means. Information processing device. 15. The detecting means accesses another information processing device via the network, acquires information on a new device connected to the network, and detects a new device based on the acquired information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection is detected. 16. The detection unit attempts to access the entire address space where devices on the network can exist at a predetermined timing, and based on the success or failure of each access, a new device to access the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection is detected. 17. The detecting means has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses. If the access is successful at an access address that does not exist in the list, the detecting means sets the access destination device to a new one. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information is detected as a device. 18. The detecting means has a list of devices for which connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, and attempts to access an access address that does not exist in the list. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information processing apparatus detects as a new device. 19. Receiving a notification from another information processing apparatus that sets operation of the new device via the network, registers device information of the new device that has set the operation in a device list. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a device information registration unit configured to detect connection of a new device with reference to a device list registered by the device information registration unit. apparatus. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said detection means detects connection of a new device by receiving a notification from a device indicating that the device has been connected to the network. 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies a result of providing the resource by the providing unit to another information processing apparatus on the network. 22. The providing unit selects a resource that can be used by the new device from the resources held by the holding unit according to a capability of the new device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the selected resource is provided to the new device. 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying, when all resources held in the holding unit are provided to the new device, by the providing unit. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a notifying means for notifying, when the provision means does not select all the resources held in the holding means or a part thereof, to that effect. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the resource includes at least one of font data, form data, and address book data. 26. An information processing apparatus connectable to a network, comprising: a setting unit configured to perform an operation setting for a device connected to the network; And a notifying unit for notifying the other information processing device on the network when the device is a simple device. 27. The apparatus further comprising: registering means for registering, when the device for which the operation setting has been performed by the setting means is a new apparatus to the network, the notifying means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein information about a new device is notified to the other information processing apparatus. 28. An apparatus connectable to a network, the apparatus comprising a notifying unit for notifying a new connection on the network when the apparatus is connected to the network. 29. A method for controlling an information processing system to which a first information processing device is connected and a plurality of devices can be connected via a network, wherein the devices connected to the network use the information processing system. A holding step of holding a resource, a detecting step of detecting a connection of a new device to the network, and a holding of the new device by the holding step when a connection of a new device is detected by the detecting step. Providing a selected resource via the network. 30. A second information processing apparatus for setting operation of the new device via the network, further comprising a device information holding step of holding device information of the new device for which the operation setting has been performed. The detecting step acquires information held in the device information holding step from the second information processing device via the network, and detects connection of a new device based on the acquired information. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 29, wherein: 31. The detecting step, at a predetermined timing, attempts to access the entire address space where a device on the network can exist, and based on the success or failure of each access, a new device to access the network. The method according to claim 29, wherein the connection is detected. 32. The detecting step has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, and when an access succeeds at an access address that does not exist in the list, the device of the access destination is renewed. The method according to claim 29, wherein the information is detected as a device. 33. The detecting step includes a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, attempts to access an access address that does not exist in the list, and determines a device of an access destination that has succeeded in access. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the information is detected as a new device. 34. Receiving a notification from the second information processing apparatus for performing an operation setting for the new device via the network, the device information of the new device for which the operation setting has been performed is stored in the first device. Further comprising a device information registration step of registering in a device list held by the information processing device, wherein the detecting step detects a connection of a new device with reference to the device list registered in the device information registration step. 30. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 29, wherein: 35. The new device has a notification step of issuing a notification on the network when the new device is connected to the network, and the detection step includes a step of notifying the notification issued by the notification step. 30. The control method of an information processing system according to claim 29, wherein a connection of a new device is detected by the detection by the first information processing apparatus. 36. The control of the information processing system according to claim 29, further comprising a notifying step of notifying a result of providing the resource in the providing step to another information processing apparatus on the network. Method. 37. The providing step selects resources that can be used by the new device from the resources held by the holding process according to the capability of the new device, 30. The control method for an information processing system according to claim 29, wherein the information is provided to the new device. 38. The information processing apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising a notification step of notifying, when all resources held in the holding step are provided to the new device, in the providing step. The control method of an information processing system according to claim 1. 39. The system according to claim 37, further comprising a notifying step of notifying, when all or some of the resources held in the holding step are not selected in the providing step, the fact is notified. The control method of an information processing system according to claim 1. 40. The control method of an information processing system according to claim 39, wherein the notifying step further notifies, when the provision of the resource by the providing step has failed, that fact. 41. The method according to claim 29, wherein the resource includes at least one of font data, form data, and address book data. 42. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus connectable to a network, comprising: a holding step of holding resources used by a device connected to the network; A detecting step of detecting a connection, and a providing step of, when a connection of a new device is detected by the detecting step, providing the resource held by the holding step to the new device via the network. An information processing method, comprising: 43. The detecting step includes accessing another information processing apparatus via the network, acquiring information on a new device connected to the network, and detecting a new device based on the acquired information. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein a connection is detected. 44. The detecting step, at a predetermined timing, attempts to access an entire address space where devices on the network may exist, and based on the success or failure of each access, a new device to access the network. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein a connection is detected. 45. The detecting step has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses. When the access succeeds at an access address that does not exist in the list, the device of the access destination is replaced with a new one. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein the information is detected as a device. 46. The detecting step has a list of devices whose connection has already been confirmed and their access addresses, and attempts to access an access address that does not exist in the list. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein is detected as a new device. 47. Receiving a notification from another information processing apparatus that sets the operation of the new device via the network, registers device information of the new device that has set the operation in a device list. 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, further comprising a device information registration step of performing a connection, wherein the detection step detects a connection of a new device with reference to a device list registered in the device information registration step. Method. 48. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein the detecting step detects a connection of a new device by receiving a notification from a device indicating that the device is connected to the network. 49. The information processing method according to claim 42, further comprising a notifying step of notifying a result of providing the resource in the providing step to another information processing device on the network. 50. The providing step selects resources available to the new device from the resources held by the holding step according to the capability of the new device, and selects the selected resource 43. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein the information is provided to the new device. 51. The information processing apparatus according to claim 50, further comprising a notification step of notifying, when all resources held by the holding step are provided to the new device, by the providing step. An information processing method according to claim 1. 52. The information processing apparatus according to claim 50, further comprising a notifying step of notifying, when all or some of the resources held in the holding step are not selected in the providing step, the fact is notified. An information processing method according to claim 1. 53. The information processing method according to claim 42, wherein said resource includes at least one of font data, form data, and address book data. 54. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus connectable to a network, comprising: a setting step of setting an operation of a device connected to the network; And a notifying step of notifying, when the device is a new device to the network, another information processing device on the network. 55. The apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a registration step of registering the device for which the operation setting has been performed in the setting step when the device is a new device to the network. 55. The information processing method according to claim 54, wherein information about a new device is notified to the other information processing apparatus. 56. A method for controlling a device connectable to a network, comprising a notifying step of notifying a new connection on the network when the device is connected to the network. Control method. 57. A computer readable medium storing a control program executed by a computer, comprising:
A code for a communication step for executing communication via the network, a code for a holding step for holding resources used by devices connected to the network, and a new device for the network. And a providing step of, when a connection of a new device is detected by the detecting process, providing the resource held in the holding process to the new device via the network. And a computer readable medium comprising: 58. A computer readable medium storing a control program executed by a computer, comprising:
The control program includes: a code for a communication step for executing communication via a network; a code for a setting step for performing operation setting for a device connected to the network; and a device for which operation setting is performed in the setting step. And a code for a notifying step of notifying a new device to the network to another information processing device on the network when the device is a new device. 59. The computer according to claim 42 to 55
A storage medium storing a control program for realizing the method according to any one of the above.