JP2002057680A - Communication equipment and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network for facilitating device management by enabling peripheral devices to recognize the conditions of the opposite with each other without using a management tool. SOLUTION: When one of the peripheral devices 1-5 connectable to the network is newly connected to the network, broadcast is performed (S1). For the other peripheral device provided with functions similar to the present device, reception is accepted (S2 and S3) and a hyperlink is spread. When the broadcast is performed from the network connected to the present device in the case that the broadcast is the one from the other device provided with the function similar to the present device, the hyperlink is spread to the other device which performs the broadcast (S5). In the case that the reception to the network is inappropriate, the broadcast is neglected (S7).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a communication device connectable to a network and a communication control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, not only computer devices (PCs) but also devices classified as computer peripheral devices (peripheral devices) are connected to a network so that a plurality of computers can share the peripheral devices. Many network systems have appeared.

Further, due to the spread of the network environment, the compatibility of various peripheral devices with the network, and the price reduction, the scale of the network has been increased, and the number and types of devices connected to the network have been increased. In such a network environment, there is an increasing need to manage peripheral devices connected to the network.

[0004] Network management tools for the purpose of network management (hereinafter referred to as "management tools") have also appeared and are gradually becoming popular. The management tool is generally provided in a computer of a network administrator or a management server, and is generally supplied as client software operating on these devices.

A conventional management tool uses a computer device (server) serving as a server or client software for management running on a computer used by an administrator to provide a peripheral device in a relation of “management tool” to “individual peripheral devices”. Device management was being performed. FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of this conventional network management system.
As shown in FIG. 10, various peripheral devices such as printers 1 and 2, a copier 3, and a scanner 4 are connected to a network, a device management server 5 serving as a network server, and a management computer (PC) used for a management office. 6 and the like, and each peripheral device is managed from the computer 6 of the administrator.

[0006]

However, such a conventional network management method requires a management tool, and the management tool is a tool for a limited number of people such as a network administrator. Therefore, it was not always easy to use when the general user wanted to use it.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and enables peripheral devices to grasp each other's situation without using these management tools. There is to make device management easier. For example, the following configuration is provided as one means for solving the above-described problem.

[0008] That is, a communication device capable of connecting to a network, a broadcast executing means for broadcasting when the own device is newly connected to the network, and a broadcast device similar to the own device by the broadcast by the broadcast executing device. A first hyperlink means for providing a hyperlink to another communication device having a function, and a method in which, when broadcasted from a network to which the own device is connected, the broadcast is transmitted from another device having the same function as the own device And a second hyperlink unit for setting a hyperlink to the other device that has broadcasted the broadcast when the broadcast is a broadcast.

[0009] For example, the communication device may be an HTTP
(Hyper text transfer protocol) to perform communication with another device.

Also, for example, the communication device is a computer peripheral device connectable to a network, and a copying device,
It is characterized by including any one of a printing device, an image reading device, and an image photographing device.

Further, for example, in the broadcast, there is provided an extension means for extending a data area of a broadcast packet, so that information on the apparatus can be arbitrarily added. Alternatively, if the broadcast packet is a packet obtained by expanding a data area, the second hyperlink means has an authentication means for authenticating the function of the other communication device based on information added to the expanded part. A hyperlink is created based on an authentication result by the authentication means.

For example, if the second hyperlink means determines that the other communication device is an inappropriate partner for creating a hyperlink by broadcast from another communication device, the second hyperlink means ignores the broadcast. It is characterized by the following. Alternatively, the second hyperlink unit has a partner information storage unit that stores acquired information about the partner communication device that has broadcasted.

Further, for example, the second hyperlink means has a grouping means for grouping the display of hyperlinks according to the device type of the partner device when creating a hyperlink to the partner device. I do. Alternatively, information about the partner communication device to which the own device has established a hyperlink is sent together with the added information on the own device.

A communication device capable of connecting to a network, which broadcasts when the device itself is newly connected to the network, and is hyper-linked to other communication devices having the same functions as the device itself. In addition to establishing a link, when the own device is broadcast from the connected network, if the broadcast is a broadcast from another device having the same function as the own device, a hyper It is characterized by having means for linking.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a network system including a communication device (terminal device) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment,
Each time a peripheral device (also referred to as a “peripheral device”) is added to a network, the peripheral devices recognize each other's presence with each other, and thereby a management or general computer device (also referred to as a “PC”). ), The user is usually configured to be able to know the status of other peripheral devices through the peripheral device used by the user.

For example, in the network shown in FIG.
When the copying apparatus 3 that is usually used by a general user is connected and operating, the copying apparatus 3 itself has a link with other peripheral devices on the network.
For this reason, the configuration is such that the user can know the state of other peripheral devices through the copying apparatus 3 without a management tool or the like.

For this reason, each peripheral device of this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration that each device that is a communication device connected to the network according to the present embodiment is necessarily provided, and is substantially stored as software executable by a CPU. I have.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes each computer device and various peripheral devices connected to the network as shown in FIG. 1 (these may be collectively referred to as a “communication device”). Each of the communication devices, particularly various peripheral devices, has the configuration shown in FIG. This will be specifically described below.

The communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has an RO
In addition to controlling the entire apparatus according to the control procedure stored in M190, at least the following functions 120 to 17
0 is executable.

That is, for example, when any of the communication devices shown in FIG. 1 performs information communication with another communication device,
It has an HTTP execution unit 120 that performs communication with another device using (hyper text transfer protocol). Further, it has a broadcast executing means 130 for performing a broadcast when the own device is newly connected to the network.

Further, the first hyperlink unit 14 acquires the function of another device by broadcasting by the broadcast executing unit 130 and establishes a hyperlink with another communication device having the same function as the own device.
0 and the other device that has been broadcast when the broadcast is from another device having the same function as that of the own device when there is a broadcast from another device via the network to which the own device is connected. It has a second hyperlink means 150 for establishing a hyperlink to the device.

The second hyperlink means 150 ignores the broadcast when it is determined by the broadcast from another communication device that the other communication device is an inappropriate partner for creating a hyperlink. Further, the second hyperlink unit 150 has a partner information storage area for storing acquired information about the partner communication device that has broadcasted. Further, the second hyperlink means 15
0 has a grouping means for grouping the display of hyperlinks according to the device type of the partner device when creating a hyperlink to the partner device. Also,
There is provided an extension means for extending the data area of the broadcast packet, and a transmission means 160 for arbitrarily adding information on the own device and transmitting the information simultaneously. Transmission means 160
Transmits, together with the information on its own device added to the extended data area, information on the partner communication device to which the own device has established a hyperlink.

Further, when the broadcast packet by the second hyperlink means 150 is a packet in which the data area is extended, the authentication means 170 which authenticates the function of the partner communication apparatus based on the information added to the extended part.
And creates a hyperlink based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 170.

With the above functions, peripheral devices can grasp each other's situation without using a conventional management tool, and device management can be facilitated even at a general user level. I can do it. And if management becomes easy, it will also be possible to reduce the cost required for management.

In the present embodiment, the "printer" includes a laser beam printer and a bubble jet (registered trademark) printer, and it is needless to say that any printing device is included without any intention to limit to these. is there.

The outline of the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a schematic control when a new communication device is connected to the network system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram when a new communication device is connected to the network system according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the control of FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an example in which the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is newly connected to the network. The newly connected device is not limited to the copier 3, but may be any of the printers 1 and 2, the scanner 4, and the digital camera 5 as long as the same control can be performed and the peripheral device is used. Any device is acceptable.

In the following description, a newly added peripheral device is called a "new device", and a peripheral device already connected to the network is called an "existing device".

When a new device is connected to the network, the new device first broadcasts to the connected network as shown in step S1 of FIG. The broadcast is sent directly to the new device lossy device as shown in FIG.

At the time of broadcasting by the broadcasting means 130, the packet is transmitted to the transmitting means 160.
, Thereby transmitting the information of itself, that is, the information of the transmission source device at the same time. FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the transmission source device information according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, information relating to the source device itself includes a header 51, an IP address 52, device information 53 indicating a device type, device information 54 indicating a processable information type, and device information indicating a processing capability. 5
5, device information 56 as a reference for a processable amount such as the remaining amount of toner, device information 57 as a reference for a processable amount such as a remaining amount of paper, device information 58 as a reference for calculation of a processable amount such as a page counter, Other device information 59
Etc. This information is not limited to the above example, but can include necessary information according to the device type and application.

The broadcast in step S1 is performed as shown in FIG.
Is sent to the network-connected existing device as shown in (1), the existing device receives and evaluates the packet broadcast by the new device as shown in step S2. Then, in the subsequent step S3, it is determined from the information included in the received packet whether the existing device can accept the new device.

In this embodiment, "accept" means "to hyperlink each other". However, in a broad sense, the present invention is not limited to this as long as a trust relationship is established from the viewpoint of exchanging information with the peripheral device of the partner.

In step S4, if it is determined that the new device can be accepted, the process proceeds to step S5, where the existing device creates a hyperlink to the new device. Then, in step S6, the existing device notifies the peripheral device of the acceptance, and ends the network connection process.

On the other hand, if the existing device cannot accept the new device in step S4, the process proceeds to step S7, where the existing device ignores the broadcast from the new device and ends the process.

Consider the case where the user usually uses the printer 1. In this case, since the printer 1 also includes the HTTP execution means 120 (HTTP server), the user connects to the printer 1 from his / her PC using a browser and prints out from the printer 1. Specifically, it is possible to print out from the printer 1 by controlling the PC and inputting, for example, the IP address or URL of a peripheral device that the user wants to connect to the browser from the operation unit.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the connection instruction input guidance screen in this case. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a network connection instruction input screen according to the present embodiment. In the display screen example of FIG. 6, reference numeral 61 denotes a browser screen;
3, 64, 65, and 66 are icon display examples indicating links to other devices. In this embodiment, by clicking this icon, information on other devices can be displayed.

Reference numeral 67 denotes a URL input field. Here, in addition to the existing devices "Printer 1, 2", "Scanner 4" and "Digital Camera 5" already existing on the network, a new device "Copier 3""Also added.

When these are clicked, information on each device is further displayed.

For example, in the case of HTTP, it is possible to establish a link to each device by a command such as printer1.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if only the PC is not provided with the management tool,
Peripheral devices can grasp each other's situation, and device management at a general user level can be easily performed. As a result, the management becomes easy, and the cost for the management can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the input guidance screen displays the network-connected peripheral devices on the same screen with almost the same icons as shown in FIG. (62,6
3, 64, 65, 66) The present invention is not limited to the above example, and the visibility is further improved by recognizing the types of devices and grouping and displaying the types of devices.

A second embodiment according to the present invention in which the types of devices are recognized and displayed by grouping each type of device will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a display example of a connection guidance screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG.
1. Each of them is stored in a different tab, such as a scanner 72, a copier 73, and a digital camera (digital photographing device) 74. Reference numerals 75, 76, and 77 denote link icons (link buttons) to peripheral devices similar to those in the first embodiment.
It is.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the types of devices are recognized in the network connection control and grouped according to the types of devices and displayed, whereby connection with further improved visibility is achieved. Can control.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the input guidance screen displays network-connected peripheral devices on the same screen with almost the same icons as shown in FIG. (62,6
3, 64, 65, 66), the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the maintainability can be improved by recognizing differences in device models and grouping and displaying devices.

A third embodiment of the present invention for recognizing device models and grouping and displaying them for each device model will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display example of the connection guidance screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the third embodiment, maintenance is improved by grouping and displaying the data for each model.

For example, 81 shown in FIG. 8 groups and displays products “model x”. In other words, when devices of the same model are connected to the network, it is very easy to check devices having functions similar to those of the conventional models. In the example of FIG.
The two printers are grouped and displayed as a single printer.

In FIG. 8, the printers “Printer 1” and “Printer 3” corresponding to the model X are displayed (assuming that the printers 1 and 3 are the same thing).

By grouping by the same model as in the third embodiment, management of consumables becomes easy.

In other words, since a unit is set for each model, it is easy to manage the remaining amount of toner for each model as shown in FIG.

If the user decides to purchase additional toner when the remaining amount of toner becomes 10% or less, in the case of FIG. 9, one Y, M and C and two K are purchased. That's all I need to do. This is applicable not only to toner but also to paper and all other consumables.

In the case of FIG. 9, a button for "consumables" is provided, and when the button is clicked, the status of use of the consumables is displayed statistically to provide a method for maintaining the consumables.

[0057]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
Needless to say, this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer 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.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowchart shown in FIG.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes possible for arbitrary communication devices connected to the network to grasp each other's situation, and management of the network connection device at the general user level can be performed. It is easily possible. As a result, it is also possible to reduce costs for management.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a network system including a communication device (terminal device) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration included in each device connected to a network according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining schematic control when a new communication device is connected to the network system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining control when a new communication device is connected to the network system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of transmission source device information according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a network connection instruction input screen of the PC in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a display example of a connection guidance screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display example of a connection guidance screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining collective consumables management in a common model in the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional network management system.

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A communication device capable of connecting to a network, comprising: a broadcast executing means for performing a broadcast when the own device is newly connected to the network; A first hyperlink means for providing a hyperlink to another communication device having a function, and when the broadcast is broadcast from a network to which the own device is connected, the broadcast is transmitted from another device having the same function as the own device. And a second hyperlink unit for setting a hyperlink to the other device that has broadcasted the broadcast when the broadcast is a broadcast. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an HTTP (hyper text).
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein communication with another device is performed using a transfer protocol. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a copying device that can be connected to a network. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a printing device connectable to a network. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an image reading device connectable to a network.
Alternatively, the communication device according to claim 2. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an image capturing device connectable to a network. 7. The broadcast apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an expansion unit for expanding a data area of the broadcast packet in the broadcast, so that information about the own apparatus can be arbitrarily added. Communication device. 8. The second hyperlink means, if the broadcast packet is a packet in which a data area is extended, an authentication means for authenticating a function of the other communication device based on information added to the extended part. The communication device according to claim 7, further comprising: creating a hyperlink based on an authentication result by the authentication unit. 9. The second hyperlink unit ignores the broadcast when it is determined by a broadcast from another communication device that the other communication device is an inappropriate partner for creating a hyperlink. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second hyperlink unit includes a partner information storage unit that stores acquired information on a partner communication device that has broadcasted. Communication device. 11. The second hyperlink unit includes a grouping unit that groups display of hyperlinks according to a device type of the partner device when creating a hyperlink to the partner device. The communication device according to claim 1. 12. The communication according to claim 7, wherein information about the partner communication device to which the own device establishes a hyperlink is sent together with the added information about the own device. apparatus. 13. A communication control method in a communication device connectable to a network, wherein the communication device broadcasts when the device is newly connected to the network, and has another function having the same function as the device. And a hyperlink to the other device, and when the device is broadcast from the network to which the device is connected, the other device that has broadcasted when the broadcast is a broadcast from another device having the same function as the device. A communication control method, characterized in that a hyperlink is provided to the user. 14. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an HTTP (hyper te
14. The communication control method according to claim 13, wherein communication with another device is performed using an xt transfer protocol. 15. The communication control method according to claim 13, wherein said communication device is a computer peripheral device connectable to a network. 16. The communication control method according to claim 13, wherein in the broadcast, a data area of a broadcast packet is extended so that information on the own apparatus can be arbitrarily added. . 17. When the broadcast packet is a packet obtained by expanding a data area when the broadcast is performed, the function of the partner communication device is authenticated based on information added to the expanded portion, and the authentication result is output. 17. The communication control method according to claim 16, wherein a hyperlink is created based on the hyperlink. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the broadcast is ignored if the other communication device is determined to be an inappropriate partner for creating a hyperlink by a broadcast from another communication device. The communication control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the broadcast is performed, acquisition information regarding a partner communication device that has broadcast is stored.
The communication control method according to any one of the above. 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein when the broadcast is made, the display of the hyperlinks is grouped according to the device type of the partner device when creating the hyperlink to the partner device.
10. The communication control method according to any one of items 9. 21. The communication according to claim 16, wherein the added information on the own device also sends information on a communication partner device to which the own device has established a hyperlink. Control method. 22. A computer program sequence for realizing the function according to any one of claims 1 to 21. 23. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for realizing the functions according to claim 1. Description: