JP2001297052A - Peripheral device, device and method for data processing, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically set environment according to equipment management information on a local machine which is always registered in a data processor, to greatly lightens the burden of the environment setting operation on a user, and to particularly improve convenience to the user. SOLUTION: Each time the power source is turned on, a request to retrieve a host computer 3000 which manages equipment management information particular to the local machine is sent out to a network, and a CPU 12 obtains the particular equipment management information managed by the host computer 3000 corresponding to the sent-out retrieval request and automatically sets printing operation environment according to the obtained particular equipment management information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device which is connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network to execute predetermined function processing, a data processing device, a data processing method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, network settings of peripheral devices connected to a network and various initial settings of peripheral devices are performed by an operator or an administrator from an operation unit provided in the device. Enter the initial settings directly or use the host computer to manage the network management M
IB (Management Information)
Base) a virtual database called SNMP
(Simple Network Managementmen
(T Protocol) has been realized by using a network management protocol.

[0003] Regarding the network setting, a BOOT (BOOT Protocol) designed to allow a diskless computer or the like not yet set up to read the address definition on the network or the operating system for starting up the computer.
col) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Co.)
For example, there is a technology such as n.

[0004]

However, in the conventional setting process for the network device, first, when the initial setting information of the peripheral device is all inputted from the operation unit provided in the device, many setting items are set. There are some models, which puts a heavy load on the operator and may cause input errors.

Second, SNMP is sent from the host computer.
When setting a peripheral device by operating the MIB using the above, it is necessary to set each setting item of the peripheral device, and there is a problem that the efficiency is low when setting a plurality of peripheral devices. Was.

Third, there is charging information as information to be set in a peripheral device. However, when the same charging information is set for a plurality of peripheral devices, the setting must be made for each of the peripheral devices, resulting in waste. .

Fourth, when an input device such as an image scanner or a digital camera having a network interface and an output device such as a printer or a facsimile are connected to each other to form a multifunction system, a destination is designated on an operation panel or the like of the device. In order to realize the above, it is necessary to increase the number of operation buttons or increase the amount of information displayed on the operation panel, which raises a problem of increasing the cost of the apparatus. In addition, there is a problem that management is complicated because setting is performed in each peripheral device.

Fifth, conventional BOOTP or DHCP
Is one-way information transmission in which a network address resolution and fixed information are notified from a BOOTP server and a DHCP server to peripheral devices. In addition, the above technique returns the same information to the requesting device every time the peripheral device is turned on. 2. Description of the Related Art A printing device, a multifunction device, or the like has an operation unit in the device, and setting information of the device can be changed from the operation unit.

Therefore, when the setting information managed by the management server is input and changed from the operation unit provided in the peripheral device, the BOOTP server or the DH is turned on at the next power-on.
Since the setting information is read from the CP server and reset, the contents changed by the operation unit of the apparatus are not reflected.

Sixth, SNMP is sent from the host computer.
When the peripheral device is set by operating the MIB by using the device, there is a problem that the setting cannot be performed when the power of the peripheral device is turned off.

[0011] Seventh, when there are a plurality of peripheral devices under management, if the administrator attempts to change the setting information of the peripheral devices, it must be set for each peripheral device. There were a number of problems of inefficiency in setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data processing method for managing device management information unique to its own device every time the peripheral device is turned on. A search request for searching for a device is sent over a network, and unique device management information managed by the data processing device in response to the sent search request is acquired, based on the acquired unique device management information. By automatically setting the peripheral device operating environment, the peripheral device can always automatically set the environment based on the device management information of its own device registered in the data processing device, greatly reducing the burden of the user on the environment setting operation. In addition to being able to reduce, the convenience of the user can be significantly improved, and even when the operating environment is changed by the user's environment setting, the data processing device is notified and registered. Since the device management information is updated, after the update, the updated device management information is always obtained, and the environment setting based on the latest device management information can be automatically performed. Unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is generated, and the generated unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is stored and managed, and unique device management information for each peripheral device is stored. In response to a search request of a data processing device that manages the peripheral device, the device management information of each peripheral device is transmitted to the peripheral device that is the search request source by transmitting unique device management information to be set to each managed peripheral device. Centralized management of devices to reliably notify registered device management information to be set to peripheral devices connected to the network, and acquire device management information whose settings have been changed on the peripheral device side By updating the registered original device management information, the latest device management information that always adapts can be centrally managed even when the environment of the peripheral device connected to the network fluctuates, An object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device, a data processing device, a data processing method, and a storage medium that can notify optimum latest device management information.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device which is connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network to execute a predetermined function process, and is a device management device unique to the own device. A search request sending unit (corresponding to a sending process of the CPU 12 of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2) for sending a search request for searching for a data processing device that manages information to the network, and the search request sending unit every time the power is turned on. Acquisition means for acquiring unique device management information managed by the data processing device in response to the sent search request (FIG. 2)
2) and environment setting control means (CPU 12 of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2) for automatically setting the peripheral device operating environment based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition means.
).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the environment setting control means executes a network environment setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the environment setting control means executes an initialization setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the environment setting control means executes billing setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the environment setting control means executes an external input / output device setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information obtained by the obtaining means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting means (operation unit 1 shown in FIG. 2) for setting device management information unique to the own device.
012) and transmission means (CPU 1 of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting device management information unique to the own device set by the setting means to the data processing apparatus.
2).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the setting means sets a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the setting means sets initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the setting means sets billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the setting means sets an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determining means for determining whether or not the unique device management information has been updated, wherein the determining means determines that the unique device management information has been updated. Transmitting means for transmitting the updated unique device management information to a data processing device which manages the unique device management information.

[0024] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the transmission means transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information.
The peripheral device according to 1.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means transmits initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means transmits billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information.

In a fifteenth aspect according to the present invention, the transmitting means transmits an external input / output device to the peripheral device as unique device management information.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein the generating means generates unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device. (Corresponding to the generation processing by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2) and the unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated by the generation means is stored (such as the external memory 11 shown in FIG. 2).
The management means (corresponding to the management processing of the CPU 12 of the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2) and the data processing device which manages the unique device management information of each peripheral device. Transmission means (a printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting device management information unique to each peripheral device to be set to the peripheral device of the search request source.
(Corresponding to the transmission process of the CPU 12).

[0029] In a seventeenth aspect according to the present invention, the transmitting means changes a network environment for the peripheral device to a unique device in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each peripheral device. This is transmitted as management information.

[0030] In an eighteenth aspect according to the present invention, in accordance with the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means transmits initialization information to the peripheral device in response to a search request for a data processing device which manages device management information specific to each peripheral device. This is transmitted as device management information.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmission device according to the first aspect, in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each peripheral device, charging information for the peripheral device is assigned to the unique device. This is transmitted as management information.

[0032] In a twentieth aspect according to the present invention, in accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means uniquely specifies an external input / output device for the peripheral device in response to a search request for a data processing device for managing device management information unique to each peripheral device. Is transmitted as the device management information.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein the generating device generates unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device. (The printer 1000 shown in FIG.
And a management unit (a printer 1 shown in FIG. 2) that accumulates and manages unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated by the generation unit.
000), and a unique device to be set in each peripheral device managed by the management means in response to a transfer request from a user managing unique device management information by each peripheral device. Transmission means for transmitting the management information to the transfer request destination peripheral device (the printer 10 shown in FIG. 2).
00 (corresponding to the transmission process of the CPU 12).

[0034] In a twenty-second invention according to the present invention, the transmitting means changes a network environment for the peripheral device in response to a transfer request from a user who manages unique device management information of each peripheral device. It is transmitted as information.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means transmits initialization information for the peripheral device to the unique device in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information of each peripheral device. This is transmitted as management information.

[0036] In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the twenty-fourth aspect, the transmitting means, in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information of each peripheral device, converts the accounting information for the peripheral device into the unique device management. It is transmitted as information.

[0037] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the twenty-fifth aspect, the transmitting means, in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device, assigns an external input / output device to the peripheral device. This is transmitted as device management information.

[0038] A twenty-sixth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a peripheral device connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network to execute a predetermined function process,
Each time the power is turned on, a search request sending step of sending a search request for searching for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to the own device over a network (step (10 in FIG. 5)
3)), an acquisition step (step (104) shown in FIG. 5) of acquiring unique device management information managed by the data processing device in response to the search request sent in the search request sending step, An environment setting control step of automatically setting the peripheral device operating environment based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5).
And

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (108) shown in FIG. 5), the network environment for the peripheral device is determined based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. Performs the settings.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), initialization of the peripheral device is performed based on unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. Performs the settings.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), the charging setting for the peripheral device is performed based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. Is to execute.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), external input to the peripheral device is performed based on unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. This is for executing the output device setting.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting step (step (202) shown in FIG. 6) for setting device management information unique to the own device, (Step (203) shown in FIG. 6 and step (302) shown in FIG. 8) for transmitting the device management information to the data processing apparatus.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (202) shown in FIG. 6), a network environment for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

In a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), initialization information for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), charging information for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

In a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), an external input / output device for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determining step (step (201) shown in FIG. 6, and step (301) shown in FIG. 8) for determining whether the unique device management information has been updated, A transmitting step of transmitting the updated unique device management information to a data processing device that manages the unique device management information when it is determined in the determining step that the unique device management information has been updated (see FIG. 6); (Step 203) and step (303) shown in FIG. 8).

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (202) shown in FIG. 6), the network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), the initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), billing information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a fortieth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), an external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

A forty-first invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is stored. Generation process (Fig. 1
0 (step 401) and step (501) shown in FIG. 14) and a management step (FIG. 10) for accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated in the generation process. Step (401) shown, FIG.
(501)) and a unique device management to be set for each peripheral device managed by the management process in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each peripheral device. A transmitting step of transmitting information to the peripheral device that is the search request source (step 60 in FIG.
3), step (704) shown in FIG. 17).

According to a forty-second aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16), the peripheral device responds to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a forty-third aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device, The initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device, The accounting information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device, An external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

A forty-sixth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is stored. Generation process (Fig. 1
0 (step 401) and step (501) shown in FIG. 14) and a management step (FIG. 10) for accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated in the generation process. Step (401) shown, FIG.
(501)) and unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device managed by the management process in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each peripheral device. (Step 603 shown in FIG. 16) and Step (704) shown in FIG.

According to a forty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the transmission step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16), the transmission step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmission step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The charging information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a fiftieth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmission step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a fifty-first aspect of the present invention, each time a power supply is turned on, device management information unique to its own device is managed in a peripheral device connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network and executing a predetermined function process. Request sending step for sending a search request for searching for a data processing device to be performed on the network (FIG. 5)
(103)) and an acquisition step of acquiring unique device management information managed by the data processing apparatus in response to the search request sent in the search request sending step (step (104) shown in FIG. 5). ) And an environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5) for automatically setting the peripheral device operating environment based on the unique device management information obtained in the obtaining step. It is recorded on a readable storage medium.

In a fifty-second invention according to the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (108) shown in FIG. 5), a network environment for the peripheral device is determined based on unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. Performs the settings.

According to a fifty-third aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), initialization for the peripheral device is performed based on unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. Performs the settings.

According to a fifty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), the charging setting for the peripheral device is performed based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. Is to execute.

According to a fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the environment setting control step (step (110) shown in FIG. 5), external input to the peripheral device is performed based on unique device management information acquired in the acquisition step. This is for executing the output device setting.

According to a fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a setting step (step (202) shown in FIG. 6) for setting device management information unique to the own device, and a unique process for the own device set in the setting process. (Step (203) shown in FIG. 6 and step (302) shown in FIG. 8) for transmitting the device management information to the data processing apparatus.

According to a fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (203) shown in FIG. 6), a network environment for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

According to a fifty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), initialization information for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

According to a fifty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), billing information for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

In a sixtieth aspect of the present invention, in the setting step (step (302) shown in FIG. 8), an external input / output device for the peripheral device is set as unique device management information.

The sixteenth invention according to the present invention provides a determination step (step (201) shown in FIG. 6, and step (301) shown in FIG. 8) for determining whether or not the unique device management information has been updated; A transmitting step of transmitting the updated unique device management information to a data processing device that manages the unique device management information when it is determined in the determining step that the unique device management information has been updated (see FIG. 6); (Step 203) and step (303) shown in FIG. 8).

According to a 62nd aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (203) shown in FIG. 6), the network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a sixty-third aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a sixty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), billing information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a sixty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (303) shown in FIG. 8), an external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

A sixty-sixth invention according to the present invention relates to a generation step of generating, in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, device management information unique to each peripheral device (FIG. Step (401) shown in FIG.
A step (501) shown in FIG. 14) and a management step (Step (401) shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 14) for accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set to each peripheral device generated in the generation process. (501) shown in FIG.
In response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each peripheral device, unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device managed by the management process is sent to the search request source peripheral device. The transmitting step of transmitting (step 603 shown in FIG. 16) and the step (70 shown in FIG. 17)
4)) is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a sixty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16), the peripheral device responds to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a sixty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device, The initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a sixty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the peripheral device responds to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The accounting information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

According to a seventieth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the peripheral device responds to a search request for a data processing device which manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. An external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

A seventy-first invention according to the present invention relates to a generation step of generating, in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, device management information unique to each peripheral device (FIG. Step (401) shown in FIG.
A step (501) shown in FIG. 14) and a management step (Step (401) shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 14) for accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set to each peripheral device generated in the generation process. (501) shown in FIG.
In response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information of each peripheral device, the unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device managed by the management process is transmitted to the peripheral device of the transfer request destination (Step 603 shown in FIG. 16) and Step (704) shown in FIG.
Are recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a seventy-second aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16), the transmission step (step (603) shown in FIG. 16) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

In a seventy-third aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmission step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

In a seventy-fourth aspect according to the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmission step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The charging information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

In a seventy-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17), the transmitting step (step (704) shown in FIG. 17) is performed in response to a transfer request from a user who manages device management information unique to each peripheral device. The external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information.

[0088]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, a configuration of a laser beam printer suitable for applying the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the peripheral device to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but may be an input device and an output device connected to another network.

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

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes an LBP main body (hereinafter, referred to as a printer), which inputs and stores print information (character codes and the like), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from an externally connected host computer. At the same time, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, or the like is created according to the information, and an image is formed on a recording medium such as recording paper. An operation unit 1012 includes switches for operation, an LED display, and the like.

A printer control unit 1001 controls the entire printer 1000 and analyzes character information and the like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1001 (mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and outputs the video signal to the laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 is the semiconductor laser 1
When the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 is turned on / off in response to an input video signal, the laser light 1004 is swung right and left by the rotary polygon mirror 1005. Scanning exposure on the electrostatic drum 1006.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper. The cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 1008 mounted on the printer 1000, and is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009, a transport roller 1010, and a transport roller 1011. And supplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.
The printer 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which the network control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1)
Will be described as an example. As long as the functions of the present invention are executed, the present invention is applicable to a single device, a system including a plurality of devices, and a system in which processing is performed via another network. Needless to say, it can be applied.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, which is a figure, an image, a character, and a table (including a spreadsheet) based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3 in the control unit 2000.
The CPU 1 controls the devices connected to the system bus 4 as a whole.

Also, the ROM 3 for the program of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1, a font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and a data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data used in the document processing and the like. Store the data.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
Display (CR) with RT controller (CRTC)
T) Control the display of 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) which accesses an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, and editing files, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). Control.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a network interface controller (NIC), which is an LA such as an Ethernet (registered trademark).
It is connected to the printer 1000 via N21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000. In addition, CPU
1 executes, for example, a process of rasterizing an outline font in a display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

Further, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands designated by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU (CPU).
M or a control program stored in the external memory 14
, Which controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in the print unit (printer engine) 17 connected via a print unit interface 16. As an image signal. The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control program of the CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The font ROM of the ROM 13 in the control unit 1001 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information.
In the case of a printer having no external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the OM stores information used on a host computer.

The CPU 12 is capable of communicating with a host computer and other input / output devices via a network interface (NIC) 18, and is capable of notifying the host computer 3000 of information in the printer and the like. ing.

A RAM 19 is a main memory of the CPU 12,
It functions as a work area and the like, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, etc. External memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card
Are controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data, an emulation program,
It stores billing information, form data, and the like. Also, 101
Reference numeral 2 denotes the above-described operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The number of the external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration showing an example of a network system to which the present invention can be applied. For example, a host computer (also serving as a management server) and a laser beam printer are shown in FIG. Network interface controllers 8 and 18
To a local area network (LAN) 21, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface 10Base-2 having a coaxial connector or 10Ba having an RJ45
connected via a LAN interface such as sc-T,
The scanner is also provided with a similar network interface and is configured to be connectable via the LAN 21.

In the network system thus configured, these host computers can communicate with the network interface 18 and the scanner 4000 having the same configuration as the laser beam printer under the control of the network operating system. The host computer 3000 manages access to files stored in the external memory 11 such as a hard disk. More specifically, the network interface controllers 8 and 18 can simultaneously use a plurality of network software in order to efficiently communicate with various host computers.
etWare (registered trademark of Novell) and UNIX
(Registered trademark of AT & T) can be used.

Various network protocols used in the software can be used at the same time. For example, TCP / IP and IPX / SPX can be used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an Ethernet frame transmitted from the printer 1000 shown in FIG. 2 onto the LAN 21. For example, when the printer 1000 searches the host computer 3000 as a management server when the power is turned on, the LAN 21 Sent to

Next, the processing procedure of the printer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention. Note that (101) to (110) indicate each step.

First, in step (101), a hardware check at the time of turning on the power and initialization processing of each control unit are performed. In step (102), it is determined whether or not the network address of the host computer (management server) 3000 for managing the peripheral device is registered in the external memory 14 or NVRAM of the printer. 103)
In order to search the management server, the packet shown in FIG.
8 to the LAN 21.

Next, in step (104), it is determined whether or not there is a response from the management server via the network interface controller 18. If it is determined that there is no response, in step (105), the response from the management server is determined. It is determined whether or not the response has timed out. If it is determined that the time-out has not occurred, the process returns to step (104). If it is determined that the time-out has occurred, the process enters the idle state in step (106).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (104) that there has been a response from the management server, then in step (107), the management server that has responded is registered in the external memory 14 or NVRAM. 1
At 08), the address of the network board is set based on the response from the management server. In step (109), each profile necessary for setting the printer is obtained from the management server.

After the management server responding in step (107) is registered in the external memory 14 or the NVRAM, the step (102) is performed from the next power-on.
It is determined that there is a registered management server, and an inquiry is made to the registered management server in step (109).

In step (110), if each of the obtained Profiles has been updated, the Pr
Each setting of the printer is performed based on the file.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the processing procedure when changing from 12. In addition,
(201) to (203) show each step.

First, in step (201), it is determined whether or not the setting relating to the network has been changed from the operation unit 1012 of the printer. If it is determined that the setting has been changed, in step (202), the profile of the setting information relating to the network is changed, for example. Pr shown in FIG.
Generate an file.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a network setting profile generated in the printer control apparatus according to the present invention.
file.

Next, in step (203), the data is sent to the LAN 21 via the network interface controller 18 for sending to the external memory 14 or the management host computer registered in the NVRAM, and the process is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.
This corresponds to the processing procedure when changing from 12. In addition,
(301) to (303) show each step.

First, in step (301), it is determined whether or not the settings related to the initial settings of the printer have been changed from the printer operation unit 1012. If it is determined that the settings have been changed, in step (302), the settings relating to the initial settings of the printer have been changed. The profile of the setting information is generated, for example, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an initialization profile generated by the printer control device according to the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, a profile relating to a common item which is an example of the initialization of the printer.

Next, in step (303), the data is transmitted to the LAN 21 via the network interface controller 18 for transmission to the external memory 14 or the management host computer registered in the NVRAM, and the processing is terminated.

Next, the processing procedure of the host computer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (401) and (402) indicate each step.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an additional device information setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 on the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2, and corresponds to a case where the input items include an MCA address and a device name. .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a database managed by the external memory 11 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 on the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2, and corresponds to, for example, a TCP / IP setting screen example.

First, in step (401), FIG.
A GUI shown in FIG. 1 is displayed and information such as a MAC address is input, and a database as shown in FIG. 12 is created on a hard disk or the like which is the external memory 11 of the host computer 3000 based on the input printer information.

Next, in step (402), FIG.
The GUI shown in FIG. 3 is displayed to input the network setting information of the printer, and based on the input data, each profile of the network unit (see FIG. 7) is created.
01) is stored in a predetermined location of the database created.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (501) and (502) indicate each step.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a printer initial setting screen displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG.

First, in step (501), FIG.
The GUI shown in FIG. 1 is displayed, and information such as a MAC address is input. Based on the input printer information, a database as shown in FIG.
0 on the hard disk or the like which is the external memory 11.

Next, in step (502), FIG.
The GUI shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to input printer initial setting values, etc., and based on the input data, each profile of the printer initial setting unit, for example, a profile of each printer initial setting as shown in FIG. It is stored in a predetermined location of the database created in (501).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (601) to (603) indicate each step.

First, in step (601), in step (103) shown in FIG. 5 described above, it is determined whether or not the transmitted packet is output. When the packet is detected, in step (602), From the network profile of the database described above based on the MAC address, based on the address resolution information necessary for communication and the address information of the host computer at least as shown in FIG.
Create the packet shown in. Then, step (60)
In 3), the packet is sent to the printer that has requested, and the process ends.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (701) to (704) indicate each step.

First, in step (701), it is determined in step (109) shown in FIG. 5 whether a profile request has been issued from the printer.
If it is determined that the profile has been requested from the printer, it is determined in step (702) whether the requested profile has been updated from the profile previously sent to the printer, and if it has been determined that the profile has not been updated. Notifies that the profile has not been updated in step (703), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (702) that the profile has been updated, the profile requested by the printer is sent to the printer in step (704), and the process ends.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention. Note that (801) and (802) indicate each step.

First, in step (801), in step (203) shown in FIG. 6 or step (303) shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not data obtained by updating each profile has been sent from the printer. If it is determined that the updated profile has been sent, the profile is stored in the profile of the corresponding printer database in step (802), and the process ends.

According to the above embodiment, the peripheral device and the host computer connected to the network store the setting information of the peripheral device as a database on the host computer that manages the peripheral device. Since the content changed on the peripheral device side is also reflected in the database, the peripheral device can be centrally managed by the host computer that manages the peripheral device and can be easily managed.

Further, the peripheral device searches for a host computer which manages information necessary for setting when the power is turned on.
Various setting information of the peripheral device is obtained from the host computer that manages the peripheral device, and the setting of the peripheral device can be executed based on the setting information. Therefore, the peripheral device is simply connected to the network and turned on. It can be used.

Further, the setting information of the peripheral devices is stored as a database in the host computer that manages the peripheral devices, and the peripheral devices are centrally managed by the host computer that manages the peripheral devices. When a user wants to change the setting information of the peripheral device on the network, the setting information of the peripheral device can be easily changed by sending the setting information stored in the host computer to the peripheral device.

Also, by sending all the setting information of each peripheral device stored in the host computer to the peripheral device, it becomes easy to simultaneously change a plurality of peripheral devices on the network.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, as a part of the profile example, an example of a partial profile of the printer network and a partial profile of the printer initial setting (see FIG. 9). Is shown in FIG.
9 and the charging information shown in FIG. 20 are stored in a database on the host computer as a profile, and a peripheral device such as a printer obtains the setting information and configures the peripheral device. You may comprise so that it can be set.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views showing an example of a database managed by the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows a setting of another network peripheral device as an input device. FIG. 20 corresponds to the profile of the billing information.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, FIG. 7 is installed on a host computer that manages peripheral devices.
The case where data is stored in the format shown in
The format shown in FIG. 21 may be used. FIG.
Assuming that the database has a tree structure as shown in FIG.
May be used as long as each setting item and its value are uniquely determined.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a profile managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a profile managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database to be processed, and FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of another profile managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the peripheral device searches the host computer managing the peripheral device, and the peripheral device obtains the setting information of the peripheral device and sets the peripheral device. Although the case has been described, the host computer which manages the peripheral device transmits the setting information of each peripheral device stored on the host computer at the request of the administrator from the host computer to the peripheral device, for example, as shown in FIG. As each Profil
e may be sent to set the peripheral device.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a packet transmitted from the data processing device to the peripheral device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
This corresponds to a case where each profile is transmitted from 00 to a peripheral device, for example, as a packet as shown in FIG. 24 to set the peripheral device.

According to each of the above embodiments, the first,
Solving the second, third, fourth, and seventh problems, a peripheral device and a host computer connected to a network, wherein setting information of the peripheral device is stored on a host computer that manages the peripheral device. Since the setting information of the device is generated, the generated setting information is stored, and the setting information is bidirectionally communicated with the peripheral device and transmitted, the environment setting information of each peripheral device is centrally managed by the host computer (unified management). ).

[0155] Furthermore, the fifth problem is also solved, wherein the peripheral device and the host computer connected to the network notify various settings of the peripheral device to the host computer, and based on the notified information, the host computer. Since the setting information stored on the computer is updated, it is possible to reflect the setting information changed from the operation unit of each peripheral device in the setting information stored in the host computer managing the peripheral device. Will be possible.

Further, the sixth problem is solved, and a peripheral device and a host computer connected to a network are searched for a host computer which manages information necessary for setting when the power is turned on. The host computer notifies the network setting of the peripheral device based on the setting information stored on the host computer, and the peripheral device performs the network setting based on the notified information,
Since the peripheral device obtains information necessary for setting from the host computer based on the notified information, the peripheral device can be set even if the peripheral device is turned on at an arbitrary time.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a printing system to which the data processing device and the print control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the memory maps shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied. FIG. FIG. 26 corresponds to the memory map on the data processing device side.

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

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

The functions shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, FIG. 14, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. Good. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

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

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

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

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

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

[0167]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the seventy-fifth aspect, on the peripheral device side, each time the power is turned on, a search request for searching for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to the own device is sent out on the network,
Acquiring unique device management information managed by the data processing device in response to the sent search request, and automatically setting a peripheral device operating environment based on the acquired unique device management information. On the side, the environment setting can be automatically performed based on the device management information of the own device that is always registered in the data processing device, so that the burden of the environment setting operation by the user can be greatly reduced and the convenience of the user can be remarkably improved.

Even when the operating environment is changed by the environment setting by the user, the registered device management information is notified and updated to the data processing device. Information can be acquired and environment settings based on the latest device management information can be automatically performed.

Further, on the data processing device side, unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is generated, and the generated unique device management information to be set for each peripheral device is stored and managed. In response to a search request for a data processing device that manages device management information unique to each peripheral device,
Since the unique device management information to be set for each managed peripheral device is transmitted to the peripheral device that is the search request source, the device management information of each peripheral device is centrally managed, and the peripheral device connected to the network is managed. The registered device management information to be set can be reliably notified.

Furthermore, by acquiring the device management information whose setting has been changed on the peripheral device side and updating the registered original device management information, when the environment of the peripheral device connected to the network changes. In addition, the latest device management information that is always adapted can be centrally managed, and the latest device management information optimal for peripheral devices can be notified.

Therefore, it is possible to centrally manage device management information unique to peripheral devices connected to the network, and to freely construct a network system capable of automatically setting and controlling an operation environment unique to each peripheral device. Play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a laser beam printer to which the present embodiment is applied.

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

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an Ethernet frame for searching for a peripheral device in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a network setting profile generated in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initialization profile generated in the printer control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a CRT on the host computer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an additional device information setting screen displayed on the screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a database managed in an external memory of the host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a CRT on the host computer shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol setting screen displayed in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a CRT on the host computer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an initial setting screen of the printer displayed in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database managed by the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database managed by the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a profile managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of another profile managed by the data processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet transmitted from a data processing device to a peripheral device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printing system to which the present invention can be applied.

[Description of Signs] 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 5 Keyboard controller 6 CRT controller 7 Memory controller 8 Network interface controller 9 Keyboard 10 Display 11 External memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External memory 15 System bus 16 Printing unit I / F 17 printing unit 18 network interface controller 19 RAM 20 memory controller 21 LAN 1000 printer 1001 printer control unit 1012 operation unit 2000 computer control unit 3000 host computer

Claims (75)

[Claims] 1. A search request for searching for a data processing device, which is connected to a plurality of data processing devices and is connected to a network and executes predetermined function processing, and manages device management information unique to the own device. A search request sending unit that sends out the above, an acquisition unit that acquires unique device management information managed by the data processing device according to the search request sent by the search request sending unit each time the power is turned on, A peripheral device comprising: environment setting control means for automatically setting a peripheral device operation environment based on unique device management information acquired by an acquisition means. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the environment setting control unit executes a network environment setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition unit. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the environment setting control unit executes initialization setting for the peripheral device based on unique device management information acquired by the acquisition unit. 4. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the environment setting control unit executes a billing setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition unit. 5. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the environment setting control unit executes an external input / output device setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired by the acquisition unit. . 6. A setting unit for setting device management information unique to the own device, and a transmitting unit for transmitting device management information unique to the device set by the setting device to the data processing device. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The peripheral device according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 8. The peripheral device according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 9. The peripheral device according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets charging information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 10. The peripheral device according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 11. A determining means for determining whether or not the unique device management information has been updated, and updating the unique device management when the determining device determines that the unique device management information has been updated. 2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit information to a data processing device that manages the unique device management information. 12. The peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting unit transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 13. The peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission unit transmits initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 14. The peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission unit transmits billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 15. The peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission unit transmits an external input / output device to the peripheral device as unique device management information. 16. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein the generating device generates unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices; Management means for accumulating and managing the unique device management information to be set in each of the peripheral devices, and the management means in response to a search request for a data processing device for managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. Transmitting means for transmitting device management information specific to each peripheral device managed by the peripheral device to the peripheral device that is the search request source. 17. The transmitting unit transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 17. The data processing device according to claim 16, wherein: 18. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the transmitting unit transmits initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 17. The data processing device according to claim 16, wherein: 19. The transmitting unit transmits billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. Claim 1.
7. The data processing device according to 6. 20. The transmission unit transmits an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 17. The data processing device according to claim 16, wherein: 21. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, wherein the generating device generates unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices; Management means for accumulating and managing the unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices, and the management means in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information for each of the peripheral devices. A transmission means for transmitting device management information unique to each peripheral device managed by the peripheral device to the peripheral device of the transfer request destination. 22. The transmission unit transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. The data processing device according to claim 21, wherein: 23. The transmission unit transmits, as a unique device management information, initialization information for the peripheral device in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. Claim 21
The data processing device according to claim 1. 24. The transmission unit transmits billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. The data processing device according to claim 21, wherein: 25. The transmitting unit transmits an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information of each peripheral device. 22. The data processing device according to claim 21, wherein: 26. A data processing method in a peripheral device which is connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network and executes a predetermined function process, wherein each time the power is turned on, data for managing device management information unique to the device itself. A search request sending step of sending a search request for searching for a processing device on a network; and obtaining obtaining unique device management information managed by the data processing device in response to the search request sent in the search request sending step. A data processing method comprising: a step; and an environment setting control step of automatically setting a peripheral device operating environment based on unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. 27. The data processing method according to claim 26, wherein the environment setting control step executes a network environment setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. 28. The data processing method according to claim 26, wherein the environment setting control step executes an initialization setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. 29. The data processing method according to claim 26, wherein in the environment setting control step, charging is set for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. 30. The data processing according to claim 26, wherein the environment setting control step executes an external input / output device setting for the peripheral device based on the unique device management information acquired in the acquiring step. Method. 31. A setting step of setting device management information unique to the own device, and a transmitting step of transmitting device management information unique to the own device set in the setting process to the data processing device. 27. The data processing method according to claim 26, wherein: 32. The data processing method according to claim 31, wherein the setting step sets a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 33. The data processing method according to claim 31, wherein said setting step sets initialization information for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 34. The data processing method according to claim 31, wherein said setting step sets charging information for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 35. The data processing method according to claim 31, wherein the setting step sets an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 36. A judging step of judging whether the unique device management information has been updated, and updating the unique device management when it is determined in the judging step that the unique device management information has been updated. 27. The data processing method according to claim 26, further comprising: transmitting information to a data processing device that manages the unique device management information. 37. The data processing method according to claim 36, wherein, in the transmitting step, a network environment for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information. 38. The data processing method according to claim 36, wherein in the transmitting step, initialization information for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information. 39. The data processing method according to claim 36, wherein the transmitting step transmits charging information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 40. The data processing method according to claim 36, wherein in the transmitting step, an external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information. 41. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, comprising: a generating step of generating unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices; In response to a management step of accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated in the generation process, and a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each peripheral device. Transmitting a unique device management information to be set to each peripheral device managed by the management process to the peripheral device that is the search request source. 42. The transmitting step transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 42. The data processing method according to claim 41, wherein: 43. The transmitting step includes transmitting initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 42. The data processing method according to claim 41, wherein: 44. The transmitting step, wherein, in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices, transmitting charging information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. Claim 4
2. The data processing method according to 1. 45. The transmitting step transmits an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 42. The data processing method according to claim 41, wherein: 46. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network, comprising: a generating step of generating unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices; A management step of accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device generated by the generation process, and in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each peripheral device, Transmitting a unique device management information to be set to each peripheral device managed by the management process to the peripheral device of the transfer request destination. 47. The transmitting step transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. The data processing method according to claim 46, wherein 48. The transmitting step includes transmitting initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. Claim 46. The method of claim 46.
Data processing method described. 49. The transmitting step transmits billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. The data processing method according to claim 46, wherein 50. The transmitting step includes transmitting an external input / output device for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 47. The data processing method according to claim 46, wherein: 51. A peripheral device which is connected to a plurality of data processing devices and a network and executes a predetermined function processing. A search request sending step of sending a request over a network; an acquisition step of acquiring unique device management information managed by the data processing device according to the search request sent in the search request sending step; And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an environment setting control step of automatically setting a peripheral device operating environment based on the unique device management information acquired by the computer. 52. The storage medium according to claim 51, wherein said environment setting control step executes a network environment setting for said peripheral device based on the unique device management information obtained in said obtaining step. 53. The storage medium according to claim 51, wherein said environment setting control step executes an initialization setting for said peripheral device based on unique device management information acquired in said acquiring step. 54. The storage medium according to claim 51, wherein said environment setting control step executes billing setting for said peripheral device based on unique device management information obtained in said obtaining step. 55. The storage medium according to claim 51, wherein said environment setting control step executes an external input / output device setting for said peripheral device based on the unique device management information obtained in said obtaining step. . 56. A setting step of setting device management information unique to the own device, and a transmitting step of transmitting device management information unique to the own device set in the setting process to the data processing device. 51. The storage medium according to 51. 57. The storage medium according to claim 56, wherein said setting step sets a network environment for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 58. The storage medium according to claim 56, wherein said setting step sets initialization information for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 59. The storage medium according to claim 56, wherein said setting step sets charging information for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 60. The storage medium according to claim 56, wherein said setting step sets an external input / output device for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 61. A judging step of judging whether the unique device management information has been updated, and, when it is determined in the judging step that the unique device management information has been updated, the updated unique device management information 52. The storage medium according to claim 51, further comprising: a transmitting step of transmitting information to a data processing device that manages the unique device management information. 62. The storage medium according to claim 61, wherein said transmitting step transmits a network environment for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 63. The storage medium according to claim 61, wherein said transmitting step transmits initialization information for said peripheral device as unique device management information. 64. The data processing method according to claim 61, wherein the transmitting step transmits charging information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 65. The storage medium according to claim 61, wherein in the transmitting step, an external input / output device for the peripheral device is transmitted as unique device management information. 66. A generating step of generating unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network; A management step of accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device; and a management process in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information of each peripheral device. And transmitting a unique device management information to be set to each of the peripheral devices to the peripheral device that is the search request source. 67. The transmitting step, wherein in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices, transmitting a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 67. The storage medium according to claim 66, wherein: 68. The transmitting step includes transmitting initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 70. The storage medium according to claim 66, wherein: 69. The transmitting step, wherein, in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices, transmitting charging information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. Claim 6
6. The storage medium according to 6. 70. The transmitting step transmits, as a unique device management information, an external input / output device for the peripheral device in response to a search request for a data processing device that manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 67. The storage medium according to claim 66, wherein: 71. A generating step of generating unique device management information to be set for each of the peripheral devices in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices connected to a network; A management step of accumulating and managing unique device management information to be set in each peripheral device; and a management process in accordance with a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information of each peripheral device. And transmitting a unique device management information to be set to each peripheral device to the peripheral device of the transfer request destination. 72. The transmitting step transmits a network environment for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 72. The storage medium according to claim 71. 73. The transmitting step includes transmitting initialization information for the peripheral device as unique device management information in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 71. The feature of claim 71.
The storage medium according to the above. 74. The transmitting step transmits, in response to a transfer request from a user who manages the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices, billing information for the peripheral device as unique device management information. 72. The storage medium according to claim 71. 75. The transmitting step includes transmitting, as a unique device management information, an external input / output device for the peripheral device in response to a transfer request from a user managing the unique device management information by each of the peripheral devices. 72. The storage medium according to claim 71, wherein: