JP2002189639A - Device and method for communication, storage medium, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow printing in a printer on an intranet from a client on the Internet without mounting a print protocol effective in the Internet. SOLUTION: A print server 55 is provided with a print job storing part A1 for storing a received print job, a table storing part A2 for storing an access path and a user list, a communication port A3 for conducting communication with the Internet 61, an IPP protocol control part A4 for conducting transmission and reception for the print job by an IPP, a communication port A5 for conducting communication with the intranet 51, an LPD protocol control part A6 for conducting transmission and reception for the print job by an LPD, a PAP protocol control part A7 for conducting transmission and reception for the print job by a PAP, an NCP protocol control part A8 for conducting transmission and reception for the print job by an NCP, and a registering means A9 for registering the access path and the user list in the table storing part A2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, a recording medium, and a computer program, and more particularly, to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a method for mutually converting between a protocol valid for an intranet and a protocol valid for the Internet. The present invention relates to a recording medium and a computer program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional print system, when printing (printing) from the Internet to an arbitrary printer, a "printer" that can be directly accessed from the Internet is installed and a print protocol effective on the Internet (for example, IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)) is used.
l)), there is a method of printing to a "printer" connected to an intranet by setting a firewall so that a print protocol valid on the Internet is passed.

When printing from the "client" connected to the intranet to the Internet, the "client" is installed with a protocol that is valid for the Internet, and the firewall is set to pass a print protocol that is valid for the Internet. To print on the Internet.

[0004]

However, the "printer" or "client" used in the above-mentioned prior art is not available.
Must implement a print protocol that is valid for the Internet. Although it is possible to implement a protocol effective on the Internet in a "printer" or a "client", there are the following problems.

[0005] "Printers" used in intranets
And "clients" have TCP / IP (Transmission
Protocols other than Control Protocol / Internet Protocol, such as IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange)
There are printers and clients that implement only Internet and AppleTalk (registered trademark), and some of them cannot implement an effective print protocol on the Internet.

When a print protocol effective on the Internet is additionally installed in the "printer" or "client", a print protocol effective on the Internet is installed in all "printers" and "clients" used via the Internet. Required, which can be time consuming and costly.

[0007] By enabling access from the Internet, there is a possibility that printing may be performed by a user who should not be originally permitted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a communication apparatus capable of printing from a client on the Internet to a printer on an intranet without mounting a print protocol valid for the Internet on the printer. , Communication method, recording medium, and computer program, without implementing a print protocol effective in the Internet on the client,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device, a communication method, a recording medium, and a computer program that can print from a client on an intranet to a printer on the Internet.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a communication apparatus according to claim 1 comprises at least one first communication means for performing communication according to a network protocol effective on the Internet, and at least one intranet. A communication device comprising: a second communication unit that performs communication according to an effective network protocol, wherein first information indicating the first communication unit that receives data sent from a client on the Internet; Second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the first communication means into the second communication means;
Registration means for registering, as a table, third information indicating a destination of the data transmitted by the communication means, and conversion of the data received by the first communication means into a conversion destination indicated by the second information Conversion means, and when the first communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client, indicates the data converted by the conversion means in the third information. Transmission means for transmitting to the specified destination.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus of the first aspect, the registration unit registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the communication device according to the first or second aspect, further comprising an authentication unit configured to authenticate data received by the first communication unit based on the user name and the password. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the registering means uses a network protocol effective on the at least one Internet as fourth information. Registered in the table, the first communication means receives only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information from the data sent from the client.

A communication device according to a fifth aspect is the communication device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein
A function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by the communication means.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a first communication means for performing communication using at least one Internet-enabled network protocol, and a communication device using at least one intranet-enabled network protocol. A communication device comprising: a second communication unit for performing communication, wherein the second device for receiving data transmitted from a client on the intranet is provided.
First information indicating communication means of the first communication means, second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the second communication means into the first communication means, Registration means for registering third information indicating a destination of the data as a table, conversion means for converting data received by the second communication means to a conversion destination indicated by the second information, When the second communication means indicated in the first information receives data transmitted from the client, the data converted by the conversion means is transmitted to the destination indicated in the third information. And transmitting means for transmitting the data to

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device of the sixth aspect, the registration unit registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

The communication device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, further comprising an authentication unit that authenticates data received by the second communication unit based on the user name and the password. It is characterized by the following.

A communication device according to a ninth aspect is the communication device according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein:
A function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by the communication means.

A communication device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the transmission destination indicated in the second information registered in the table is the Internet or the intranet. It is accessible from

A communication device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the transmission destination indicated by the second information registered in the table is the Internet or the intranet. The printing is executed from the beginning.

A communication device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the communication device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and The status of the transmission destination indicated in the third information registered in the client is acquired from the Internet or the intranet by the client.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication method according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a communication method for performing communication using at least one network protocol valid on the Internet and at least one network protocol valid on an intranet. A communication method for a communication device comprising: a second communication unit for performing communication; a first information indicating the first communication unit for receiving data sent from a client on the Internet;
The second information indicating the conversion destination for converting the data received by the communication means into the second communication means, and the third information indicating the transmission destination of the data by the second communication means are stored in a table. A registration step of registering the first communication means, a conversion step of converting the data received by the first communication means into a conversion destination indicated by the second information, and the first communication indicated by the first information. A transmitting step of transmitting the data converted in the converting step to a destination indicated in the third information when the means receives the data transmitted from the client. .

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method according to the thirteenth aspect.
In the communication method described above, the registration step includes registering a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

A communication method according to claim 15 is the communication method according to claim 13.
Or the communication method according to claim 14, further comprising an authentication step of authenticating the data received by the first communication means based on the user name and the password.

The communication method according to claim 16 is the communication method according to claim 13.
16. The communication method according to any one of claims 15 to 15, wherein the registering step registers, in the table, a network protocol valid on the at least one Internet as fourth information, and the first communication unit includes: Only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information among the data sent from the client is received.

The communication method according to claim 17 is the communication method according to claim 13
17. The communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 16, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while the first communication means is receiving data.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication method according to claim 18 uses at least one communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet, and using at least one network protocol valid for an intranet. A communication method for a communication device comprising: a second communication unit for performing communication, wherein the first information indicating the second communication unit for receiving data transmitted from a client on the intranet;
The second information indicating the conversion destination for converting the data received by the communication means into the first communication means and the third information indicating the transmission destination of the data by the first communication means are stored in a table. A registration step of registering the data as data, a conversion step of converting data received by the second communication means into a conversion destination indicated by the second information, and a second communication step indicated by the first information. A transmitting step of transmitting the data converted in the converting step to a destination indicated in the third information when the means receives the data transmitted from the client. .

The communication method according to claim 19 is the communication method according to claim 18.
In the communication method described above, the registration step includes registering a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

[0028] The communication method according to claim 20 is the communication method according to claim 18.
20. The communication method according to claim 19, further comprising an authentication step of authenticating the data received by said second communication means based on said user name and said password.

The communication method according to the twenty-first aspect is the eighteenth aspect.
21. The communication method according to any one of items 20 to 20, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while the second communication unit is receiving data.

The communication method according to claim 22 is the communication method according to claim 13.
22. The communication method according to any one of claims 21 to 21, wherein a destination indicated by the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet.

The communication method according to claim 23 is the communication method according to claim 13
23. The communication method according to any one of claims 22 to 22, wherein the transmission destination indicated by the third information registered in the table executes printing from the Internet or the intranet.

The communication method according to claim 24 is the communication method according to claim 13.
24. The communication method according to any one of claims 23 to 23, wherein the communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and sets a state of a transmission destination indicated in third information registered in the table. The client is obtained from the Internet or the intranet.

In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium according to claim 25, wherein at least one communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet and at least one communication protocol using a network protocol valid for an intranet. In a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing a communication method of a communication device including a second communication unit for performing communication is recorded, the program receives data transmitted from a client on the Internet. First information indicating the first communication means, second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the first communication means into the second communication means, A registration module for registering, as a table, third information indicating a destination of the data by the communication means; Le and the conversion module for converting the received data to the destination indicated in the second information in the first communication means, the first shown in the first information
And a transmission module for transmitting the data converted by the conversion module to a destination indicated in the third information when the communication means receives data sent from the client. I do.

The recording medium according to claim 26 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
In the recording medium described above, the registration module registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

The recording medium according to claim 27 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
27. The recording medium according to claim 26, further comprising an authentication module that authenticates the data received by said first communication means based on said user name and said password.

The recording medium according to claim 28 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
28. The recording medium according to any one of claims 27 to 27, wherein the registration module registers a network protocol valid in the at least one Internet as fourth information in the table, and wherein the first communication unit includes: Only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information among the data sent from the client is received.

The recording medium according to claim 29 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
29. The recording medium according to any one of claims 28 to 28, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the first communication unit.

[0038] In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium according to claim 30 uses at least one communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet, and at least one communication medium using a network protocol valid for an intranet. In a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing a communication method of a communication device including a second communication unit for performing communication is recorded, the program receives data transmitted from a client on the intranet. First information indicating the second communication means, second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the second communication means into the first communication means, A registration module for registering, as a table, third information indicating a destination of the data by the communication means; Le and a conversion module for converting the received data to the destination indicated in the second information in the second communication means, the second indicated in the first information
And a transmission module for transmitting the data converted by the conversion module to a destination indicated in the third information when the communication means receives data sent from the client. I do.

A recording medium according to claim 31 is the recording medium according to claim 30.
In the recording medium described above, the registration module registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

A recording medium according to claim 32 is the recording medium according to claim 30.
32. The recording medium according to claim 31, further comprising an authentication module that authenticates the data received by the second communication unit based on the user name and the password.

The recording medium according to claim 33 is the recording medium according to claim 30.
33. The recording medium according to any one of items 32 to 32, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the second communication unit.

The recording medium according to claim 34 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
34. The recording medium according to any one of items 33 to 33, wherein a destination indicated by the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet.

The recording medium according to claim 35 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
35. The recording medium according to any one of items 34 to 34, wherein the destination indicated by the third information registered in the table is printed from the Internet or the intranet.

The recording medium according to claim 36 is the recording medium according to claim 25.
36. The recording medium according to any one of items 35 to 35, wherein the communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and stores a state of a transmission destination indicated in third information registered in the table. The client is obtained from the Internet or the intranet.

In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to claim 37, comprising: a first communication means for communicating a computer by at least one Internet-enabled network protocol; and a network enabled by at least one intranet. A computer program for causing the computer to function as a second communication unit that performs communication by a protocol, wherein the first information indicating the first communication unit that receives the data sent from the client on the Internet; The data received by the first communication means is transmitted to the second
Registering means for registering, as a table, second information indicating a conversion destination for conversion into the communication means of the first type and third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the second communication means; Means for converting the data received by the means to the destination indicated in the second information, and the first communication means indicated in the first information receives the data sent from the client Then, when the data is converted by the conversion means, the data is made to function as a transmission means for transmitting the data converted to the transmission destination indicated in the third information.

A computer program according to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the computer program according to the thirty-seventh aspect, wherein the registration means registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

A computer program according to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention is the computer program according to the thirty-seventh or thirty-eighth aspect, further comprising an authentication means for authenticating the data received by the first communication means based on the user name and the password. It is characterized by the following.

The computer program according to claim 40 is the computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the registration means uses a network protocol valid on the at least one Internet as fourth information. Registered in the table, the first communication means receives only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information from the data sent from the client.

A computer program according to claim 41, wherein the computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 40 has a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the first communication means. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to claim 42, comprising: a first communication means for communicating a computer with at least one network protocol effective on the Internet; and a network effective on at least one intranet. A computer program for causing the computer to function as a second communication unit that performs communication by a protocol, wherein the first information indicating the second communication unit that receives the data transmitted from the client on the intranet; The data received by the second communication means is transmitted to the first
Registering means for registering, as a table, second information indicating a conversion destination for conversion into the communication means and third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the first communication means, and the second communication Means for converting the data received by the means to a destination indicated in the second information, and the second communication means indicated in the first information receives the data sent from the client Then, when the data is converted by the conversion means, the data is made to function as a transmission means for transmitting the data converted to the transmission destination indicated in the third information.

A computer program according to claim 43 is characterized in that, in the computer program according to claim 42, the registration means registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table.

The computer program according to claim 44, in the computer program according to claim 42 or 43, further includes an authentication unit that authenticates the data received by the second communication unit based on the user name and the password. It is characterized by the following.

A computer program according to a forty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the computer program according to any one of the forty-one to thirty-fourth aspects, wherein the second communication means simultaneously receives other data while receiving data. It is characterized by having.

The computer program according to claim 46 is the computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein the transmission destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is the Internet or the intranet. It is accessible from

The computer program according to claim 47 is the computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 46, wherein the transmission destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is the Internet or the intranet. The printing is executed from the beginning.

The computer program according to claim 48 is the computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 47, wherein the communication device is a server connected to the client in a client server system, and The state of the transmission destination indicated in the third information registered in the client is acquired from the Internet or the intranet by the client.

[0057]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire configuration of a network including a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the communication device is a print server 23 connected to an intranet 21 and the Internet 31. The print server 23 is a Local IP
(Hereinafter referred to as “local IP”) “192.168.11.1” and Global IP (hereinafter referred to as “global IP”) “19
9.0.0.1 ", is capable of communicating with the Internet 31, and has a protocol A (for example, IPP (Internet Printin
g Protocol)) and LPD (Line Printer Daemon Prot)
ocol). A printer 22 that has a local IP “192.168.11.11” in the intranet 21 and implements only LPDs valid in the intranet 21 as a protocol for receiving a print job (data);
The print server 23 is connected. The client 11 connected to the Internet 31
P “200.0.0.1”, and a protocol A capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 31 is installed.

In this network, the printer 22
Has no global IP and has an intranet 21
Since only valid LPDs are installed in the network, it is not normally possible to directly access from the Internet 31.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the third information indicating the destination of the print job, the second information indicating the conversion destination for converting the print job into a predetermined protocol, and the print job transmitted from the client 11 Protocol and URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
s) and the like (hereinafter, referred to as an “access path”) holding the information of the first information indicating the print server 2.
3 and when the print server 23 receives a print job sent from the client 11 according to the protocol or URL indicated in the first information, the print server 23 converts the received print job into the conversion indicated in the second information. First, protocol conversion is performed, and the converted print job is transmitted to the transmission destination indicated by the third information. As a result, indirect print job transmission from the client 11 to the printer 22 becomes possible. In the present embodiment, the protocol A is not registered in the access path of FIG. 2 described later because the type of the reception protocol indicated in the first information is fixed to the protocol A.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 23 of FIG.

In FIG. 2, the first parameter “U”
“RL” indicates an access path (URL) of the printer 22 viewed from the Internet 31. In the present embodiment, as the first information, “htt” which is the “URL” of
p: //199.0.0.1/printer "is registered. “IntranetProtocol” as the second parameter indicates a list of protocols with which the printer 22 can communicate. In the present embodiment, “LPD”, which is a transmission protocol type implemented in the printer 22, is registered as the second information. Third
The parameter “PrinterHost” indicates the address of the printer 22 that enables access from the Internet 31. In the present embodiment, “192.168.11.11” which is the IP address of the printer 22 is registered as the third information. "PrinterName" which is the fourth parameter
Indicates the printer name of the printer 22. In the present embodiment, “lp” which is the printer name of the printer 22 is registered as the third information.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

This printing process is a case where a print job is transmitted from the client 11 to the printer 22 and printed out by the printer 22. In the present embodiment, the description of the authentication operation of the client 11 is omitted to simplify the description.

The client 11 uses the protocol A, which can transmit a print job via the Internet 31 when executing printing, to the printer 22 (URL = ht).
Send a print job to (tp: //199.0.0.1/printer). Print server 23 that has received the print job
Is “URL” = “htt” which is the destination of the print job.
"p: //199.0.0.1/printer" is the first access path in Fig. 2.
It is determined whether it is registered in the parameter “URL”. If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded, and the client 11 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, when “URL” is registered, the second parameter “IntranetPr” of the access path in FIG.
The parameters “PrinterHost” and “PrinterName” after the third parameter according to the protocol indicated by “otocol”
The print job is transferred to the printer 22 with the IP address = “192.168.11.11” and the printer name = “lp” in accordance with the following. As a result, if the transfer is successful, the reception OK is notified to the client 11, and if the transfer is not successful, "NotReady" is notified to the client 11, and the process ends. The printer 22 receiving the transferred print job executes the print job,
The print processing is performed by the print job transmitted from the client 11. As a result, the client 11 on the Internet 31 transmits the print job only at the URL indicated in the first information, and transmits the print job to the printer 2 as the destination.
2 can reach the print job.

According to the first embodiment, the URL when the print server 23 receives the print job,
By registering an access path that holds information on a print job transmission destination and a conversion destination, the Internet 3 is registered.
The print job transmitted from the client 11 on the intranet 21 to the printer 22 in the intranet 21 is converted by the print server 23 based on the access path and transferred to the printer 22. A print process from the client 11 to the printer 22 can be executed without implementing A.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 shows a network including a communication device according to the first embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment,
The communication device will be described in detail with reference to a block diagram.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, the communication device is a print server 55 connected to an intranet 51 and the Internet 61. The print server 55 has a local I
P "192.168.11.1" and Global IP "199.1.0.1"
That can communicate with the Internet 61 and have IP
Implements P, LPD, PAP, and NCP. The intranet 51 includes a local IP “192.168.11.52”, a printer 52 that implements only an LPD that is valid in the intranet 51 as a protocol for receiving a print job, and a PAP (Printer Access Protocol)
ol), a printer 53 for receiving a print job, and an IP
NCP (NetW on X (Internetwork Packet Exchange)
are connected to a printer 54 that receives a print job according to the Core Protocol.
The client 41 connected to the Internet 61
A global IP “200.0.0.1” is provided, and an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) that is a protocol capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 61 is mounted.

In this network, the printers 52 to
54 does not have a global IP, and further includes printers 53 and 5.
4 is TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / In)
Because it does not implement the Internet Protocol, each printer cannot be accessed directly from the Internet. Therefore, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, third information indicating a transmission destination of a print job, and second information indicating a conversion destination for converting a print job into a predetermined protocol. , And a printer 52 to receive a print job transmitted from the client 41.
A table (access path) holding information of the first information corresponding to each of the information 54 is registered in the print server 55, and the print server 55 is transmitted from the client 41 by the protocol and URL indicated in the first information. When the incoming print job is received, the protocol of the received print job or the like is converted to the conversion destination indicated by the second information, and the converted print job is transmitted to the transmission destination indicated by the third information. I do. This enables indirect print job transmission from the client 41 to each of the printers 52 to 54. In the present embodiment, the first
The IPP is not registered in the access path to be described later since the reception protocol type indicated in the information of the above is fixed to the IPP.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 55 of FIG.

In FIG. 5, access paths for three printers 52 to 54 are registered in this access path. The first registration at the top is registration contents for the printer 52. “URL” as the first parameter indicates the URL of the printer 52 as viewed from the Internet 61. In the present embodiment, the printer 52 is used as the first information.
"Http://199.1.0.1/printer52" is registered. The second parameter "IntranetProt
“ocol” indicates a list of protocols with which the printer 52 can communicate. In the present embodiment, “LPD” mounted on the printer 52 is registered as the second information. Third
The parameter “PrinterHost” indicates the address of the printer 52 that can be accessed from the Internet 61. In the present embodiment, “192.168.11.52”, which is the IP address of the printer 52, is registered as the third information. The fourth parameter “PrinterName” is
The printer name of the printer 52 is shown. In the present embodiment,
As the third information, the printer name of the printer 52, "l"
p "is registered.

The second registration in the middle is registration contents for the printer 53. "URL" which is the first parameter
Is the URL of the printer 53 viewed from the Internet 61
Is shown. In the present embodiment, “http: /
/199.1.0.1/printer53 "is registered. “IntranetProtocol” as the second parameter indicates a list of protocols with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “PAP” mounted on the printer 53 is registered as the second information. The third parameter, "PrinterNam
In "e", the printer name in AppleTalk is registered. In the present embodiment, the printer 53 is used as the third information.
Printer name "PSPrinter" is registered.

The third registration at the bottom is the registration contents for the printer 54. "URL" which is the first parameter
Is the URL of the printer 54 viewed from the Internet 61
Is shown. In the present embodiment, “http: /
/199.1.0.1/printer54 "is registered. “IntranetProtocol” as the second parameter indicates a list of protocols with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “NCP” mounted on the printer 54 is registered as the second information. The third parameter, "PrinterHos
"t" indicates a print server name in NetWare. In the present embodiment, the print server name “NWPRT” of the printer 54 is registered as the third information. The fourth parameter “PrinterName” indicates a queue in the print server. In the present embodiment, “PQUEUE” which is a queue of the printer 54 is registered as the third information. “User” which is the fifth parameter is a user name for executing printing. In the present embodiment, "guest" is registered to use a guest account. “Password” which is the sixth parameter is a password. In the present embodiment, nothing is registered because the print job is transmitted without a password using the guest account.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the print server 55 of FIG.

In FIG. 6, this user list is registered as a table in the print server 55, and only registered users can transmit print jobs to printers registered in the access path.

The first parameter “UserName” is a user name. In the present embodiment, “USER-C” and “USER-C”
D "is registered. The second parameter, “Passwor
“d” is a password corresponding to each user, and in the present embodiment, “password-
"C" becomes "password-D" as the password for "USER-D"
Are registered respectively. The third parameter "Pr
"interList" is a printer list accessible for each user. In the present embodiment, “*” is registered as a printer accessible by “USER-C” and “USER-C” is registered.
“-C” indicates that all printers registered in the access path of FIG. 5 can be accessed. Also,
Printer 5 can be accessed by "USER-D"
2 (URL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer52) and the printer 53 (URL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer53) are registered.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the print server 55 of FIG.

In FIG. 7, the print server 55 includes a print job storage unit 701 for storing the received print job, a table storage unit 702 for storing the access path (FIG. 5) and the user list (FIG. 6), and the Internet 61. Communication port 703 for communicating with the
An IPP protocol control unit 704 for transmitting and receiving a print job, a communication port 705 for communicating with the intranet 51, an LPD protocol control unit 706 for transmitting and receiving a print job by LPD, and PAP
A PAP protocol control unit 707 for transmitting and receiving a print job by NCP, an NCP protocol control unit 708 for transmitting and receiving a reprint job by NCP, and registration of an access path (FIG. 5) and a user list (FIG. 6) in a table storage unit 702 Registration means 709 for performing

First, the operation for registering the access path (FIG. 5) and the user list (FIG. 6) in the print server 55 will be described.

The access path and the user list are registered in the table storage unit 702 by the registration unit 709. Although the registration unit 709 is not specified here, for example, input from a keyboard, setting by serial communication, or the like can be considered.

When the access path is updated, the IP
The P protocol control unit 704 generates and deletes a queue for receiving a print job. For example, when the registration of the second, fourth, and sixth lines of the access path in FIG. 5 is newly added, the print job storage unit 701 is registered for the registration of the second line. A queue 701a for printer 52 is generated, a queue 701b for printer 53 is generated in the print job storage unit 701 for the registration on the fourth line, and a queue 701b is generated in the print job storage unit 701 for the registration on the sixth line. A queue 701c for the printer 54 is generated. It should be noted that there is a method of generating / deleting a queue every time the access path is updated, or a method of performing only when the print server 55 is started. These methods are not specified.

Next, the client 41 sends the printer 52
The operation when a print job is transferred to and print processing is performed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

In FIG. 8, when printing is performed from the client 41, first, an output destination printer is selected.
For example, printer52, printer53, and printer54 are displayed as output destination candidates as shown in the print destination selection screen 42 of FIG. 4, so when specifying the printer 52 as an output destination, the printer52 is selected. Similarly, when the printer 53 is designated as the output destination, the printer 53 may be selected, and when the printer 54 is designated, the printer 54 may be selected. Here, as shown by the queuing image 56, the output destination candidate is a queue (printer5) inside the print server 55.
2 / printer53 / printer54).

When the printer 52 is specified as an output destination,
Authentication is performed between the client 41 and the print server 55 using a user name and a password. Client 41
When the user name and password are transmitted to the print server 55 via the Internet 61, the print server 55 receives the user name and password by the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703. IPP
The protocol control unit 704 determines whether or not the received user name and password are authenticated with reference to the user list (FIG. 6) in the table storage unit 702. As a result of this judgment,
If the user whose user name and password match is not registered in the user list in the table storage unit 702, the print server 55 notifies the client 41 of the authentication NG, and does not accept the following print job. .

On the other hand, if a user whose user name and password match each other is registered in the user list of the table storage unit 702, the print server 55 notifies the client 41 of the authentication OK and the table storage unit 70
The print job can be received for the printer specified by the third parameter of the second user list. The client 41 uses the IPP capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 61 to the printer 52.
(URL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer52) The print job is transmitted. The print server 55 receives the print job at the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703. IPP protocol control unit 70
4 refers to the access path of the table storage unit 702,
“UR” of the printer 52 to which the print job is sent
It is determined whether or not “L” = “http://199.1.0.1/printer52” is registered in the first parameter “URL” of the access path. If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded and the client 4
1 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, if “URL” is registered, the printer name “UR” is stored in the third parameter of the authenticated user in the user list (FIG. 6) of the table storage unit 702.
It is determined whether "L" is registered. If the result of this determination is that the printer name “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded, and the client 41 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, when the printer name “URL” is registered, the IPP protocol control unit 704 stores the received print job in a predetermined queue of the print job storage unit 701. Here, since the printer 52 is specified as the output destination of the print job, the received print job is stored in the queue 701 a for the printer 52 in the print job storage unit 701. When the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 701, the IP
The P protocol control unit 704 acquires transfer destination information by referring to the access path of the table storage unit 702. Here, the second parameter “IntranetProtoco
l ", a third parameter" PrinterHost ", and a fourth parameter" PrinterName ". The second parameter "Int
Since “ranetProtocol” is LPD, the IPP protocol control unit 704 determines “PrinterHost” = “192.168.11.52”, “PrinterHost” which is the destination of the print job and the LPD.
“rName” = “lp” is specified to the LPD protocol control unit 706, and the transfer of the print job by the LPD is requested.

The LPD protocol control unit 706 stores the designated print job in the print job storage
The print job is taken out from the queue 701 a for the inter 52 and transferred to the printer “lp” of the designated destination host “192.168.11.52” through the communication port 705. The print job transferred by the LPD reaches the printer 52 through the intranet 51. L
The PD protocol control unit 706 monitors the transfer result by the LPD, notifies the IPP protocol control unit 704 of the transfer result, and completes the transfer process. The IPP protocol control unit 704 notifies the client 41 of the result of the transfer from the LPD protocol control unit 706 and completes the transfer process. Printer 5 that has received the transferred print job
The print processing from the client 41 is completed when the print job is executed by the client 2.

In the above embodiment, the client 41 sends the printer 52 (URL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer5
Although the print processing performed for 2) has been described, the client 41 sends the printer 53 (URL = http: //199.l.0.1/pri).
nter53) will be described below. The operation up to the authentication between the client 41 and the print server 55 using the user name and the password is the same as the printing process performed by the printer 52 according to the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When the authentication is completed, the client 41 uses the IPP through which the print job can be transmitted via the Internet 61 to the printer 53 (URL = http: // 19).
Send a print job for 9.1.0.1/printer53). The print server 55 receives the print job at the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703. The IPP protocol control unit 704 refers to the access path in the table storage unit 702, and sets “URL” = “http: // 199.
1.0.1 / printer53 ”is registered as the first parameter“ URL ”of the access path. If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded, and the client 41 is notified of the rejection. On the other hand, when “URL” is registered, the user list in the table storage unit 702 (FIG. 6)
It is determined whether or not “URL” of the printer name is registered in the third parameter of the user who has been authenticated in step (1). If the result of this determination is that the printer name “URL” is not registered, the print job is discarded and the client 41
Notify the reception is not accepted.

On the other hand, if the printer name “URL” is registered, the IPP protocol control unit 704 stores the received print job in a predetermined queue of the print job storage unit 701. Here, since the printer 53 is specified as the output destination of the print job, the received print job is stored in the print job
It is stored in the queue 701b for r53. When the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 701, the IP
The P protocol control unit 704 acquires transfer destination information with reference to the access path of the table storage unit 702. Here, the second parameter “IntranetProtoco
l "and a third parameter" PrinterName ".
Since the second parameter “IntranetProtocol” is PAP, the IPP protocol control unit 704 determines “PrinterName” = PSPrinter, which is the destination of the print job and PAP.
To the PAP protocol control unit 707, and requests transfer of a print job by PAP.

The PAP protocol control unit 707 stores the designated print job in the pr of the print job storage unit 701.
The print job is taken out from the queue 701b for the inter53 and transferred to the designated printer PSPrinter through the communication port 705. The print job transferred by the PAP reaches the printer 53 through the intranet 51. The PAP protocol control unit 707 includes:
The transfer result by the PAP is monitored, the transfer result is notified to the IPP protocol control unit 704, and the transfer processing is completed. I
The PP protocol control unit 704 notifies the client 41 of the transfer result from the PAP protocol control unit 707 and completes the transfer processing. The printing process from the client 41 is completed by the printer 53 receiving the transferred print job executing the print job.

Further, the client 41 sends the printer 54
The printing process performed on (URL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer54) will be described below. The operation up to the authentication between the client 41 and the print server 55 using the user name and the password is the same as the printing process performed by the printer 52 according to the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When the authentication is completed, the client 41 transmits the print job via the Internet 61 using the IPP capable of transmitting the print job (URL = http: // 1).
Send a print job for 99.1.0.1/Printer54). The print server 55 receives the print job at the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703. The IPP protocol control unit 704 refers to the access path in the table storage unit 702, and “URL” = “http: // 199.
1.0.1 / printer54 ”is registered as the first parameter“ URL ”of the access path. If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded, and the client 41 is notified of the rejection. On the other hand, when “URL” is registered, the user list in the table storage unit 702 (FIG. 6)
It is determined whether the printer name “URL” is registered in the third parameter of the authenticated user. If the result of this determination is that the printer name “URL” is not registered, the print job is discarded and the client 41
Notify the reception is not accepted.

On the other hand, when the printer name “URL” is registered, the IPP protocol control unit 704 stores the received print job in a predetermined queue of the print job storage unit 701. Here, since the printer 54 is specified as the output destination of the print job, the received print job is stored in the print job
It is stored in the queue 701c for r54. When the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 701, the IP
The P protocol control unit 704 acquires transfer destination information with reference to the access path of the table storage unit 702. Here, the second parameter “IntranetProtoco
l ", a third parameter" PrinterHost ", a fourth parameter" PrinterName ", a fifth parameter" User ", and a sixth parameter
Refer to the parameter "Password". Since the second parameter “IntranetProtocol” is NCP, the IPP protocol control unit 704 determines the print job and the destination information “PrinterHost” = NWPRT, “PrinterName” = P by NCP.
N for QUEUE, "User" = guest, and "Password" = none
The print job is designated by the CP protocol control unit 708 and requested to transfer the print job by the NCP.

The NCP protocol control unit 708 stores the designated print job in the pr
The communication port 705 is taken out from the queue 701c for inter54, and the user name = guest and the password = none for the printer PQUEUE of the specified destination host NWPRT
Transfer the print job through. The print job transferred by the NCP reaches the printer 54 through the intranet 51. NCP protocol control unit 708
Monitors the transfer result by NCP, and
The transfer process is completed by notifying the protocol control unit 704. The IPP protocol control unit 704 notifies the client 41 of the transfer result from the NCP protocol control unit 708 and completes the transfer process. The printing process from the client 41 is completed when the printer 54 that has received the transferred print job executes the print job. Thus, the client 41 on the Internet 61 transmits the print job only at the URL indicated by the first information, and transmits the print job to the desired printer 52-
The print job can reach 54.

According to the second embodiment, the URL when the print server 55 receives the print job,
The print job transmitted from the client 41 is registered in the print server 55 by registering an access path holding each information of the print job transmission destination and the conversion destination and a user list holding each information of the user name and the password. After performing authentication based on the user list, the protocol is converted based on the access path and transferred to a desired printer in the intranet 51. Therefore, the print server 55 performs authentication based on a user list registered in advance. A print job received from the client 41 by the plurality of printers 52 to 54 in the intranet 51 without implementing an effective IPP on the Internet 61 can be used to eliminate users (users) that should not be permitted. Can be performed.

Also, by making a plurality of printers appear as Internet printers, it is possible to expect an effect of reducing costs / man-hours compared to updating each conventional printer to be compatible with the Internet.

(Third Embodiment) A network including a communication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
0 will be described. The configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except that the number of clients is plural. In the present embodiment,
The print job is spooled so that the same printer can receive print jobs from a plurality of clients simultaneously.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the printers 82 to 84 in FIG. 9 have the same functions as the printers 52 to 54 in FIG. 4 in the second embodiment, and the access path and user list registered in the print server 85 are as described above. Since they are the same as FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, their description is omitted. The print server 85 has the same configuration (FIG. 7) as the print server 55 of FIG. 4 in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 9, a plurality of clients 71 to 71
An IPP 73 is connected to the Internet 91 and is capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 91.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

This printing process is performed when the print server 85 receives a print job for the printer 83 from the clients 72 and 73 almost simultaneously.

In FIG. 10, the print server 85
It is possible to communicate with a plurality of clients at the same time. A print job (1) is received from the client 73 and a print job (2) is received from the client 72, and by spooling each, a plurality of print jobs can be received simultaneously. I have to. Print job (1),
(2) is sequentially transferred from the print server 85 to the printer 83 when the printer 83 is ready for printing.

When printing is performed from the client 73, first, an output destination printer is selected. For example, FIG.
Output destination (printer52 / p
rinter 53 / printer 54) is displayed on the client 73. When the printer 83 is selected, prin
Select ter53. Here, as shown in the queuing image 86 in FIG.
Queue (printer52 / printer53 / printer5)
This corresponds to 4). When the printer 53 is selected as the output destination, authentication is performed between the client 73 and the print server 85 using a user name and a password. The user name and password from the client 73 are transmitted to the Internet 91
When transmitted to the print server 85 via the communication port 703, the print server 85 receives the user name and the password by the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703. I
The PP protocol control unit 704 determines whether the received user name and password are authenticated with reference to the user list (FIG. 6) in the table storage unit 702. If the result of this determination is that a user whose user name and password match is not registered in the user list in the table storage unit 702, the print server 85 notifies the client 73 of an authentication NG, and the print job Will not be accepted.

On the other hand, if a user whose user name and password match each other is registered in the user list of the table storage unit 702, the print server 85 notifies the client 73 of an authentication OK and the table storage unit 70
The print job can be received for the printer specified by the third parameter of the second user list. Also,
At substantially the same time, authentication is performed between the client 72 and the print server 85 using the same user name and password as described above.

Next, the client 73 uses the IPP capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 91 to the printer 83 (URL = http: //199.1.0.1/pri).
nter53), the print job (1) is transmitted. The print server 85 transmits the IPP through the communication port 703.
The print job (1) is received by the protocol control unit 704. The IPP protocol control unit 704 refers to the access path in the table storage unit 702 and determines whether the printer 83 that is the destination of the print job (1) is registered in the first parameter “URL” of the access path. . If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job (1) is discarded, and the client 73 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, if “URL” is registered, it is determined whether “URL” of the printer name is registered in the third parameter of the authenticated user in the user list in the table storage unit 702. . If the result of this determination is that the printer name “URL” is not registered, the print job (1) is discarded, and the client 73 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, when the printer name “URL” is registered, the IPP protocol control unit 704 stores the received print job (1) in the print job storage unit 7.
01 is spooled in a predetermined queue. Here, since the printer 53 is specified as the output destination of the print job (1), the received print job (1) is spooled in the printer 53 queue 701b of the print job storage unit 701. When the spooling to the print job storage unit 701 ends, the IPP protocol control unit 704 acquires transfer destination information by referring to the access path of the table storage unit 702. Here, the second parameter “IntranetProtocol” of the access path and the third parameter “PrinterN”
ame ". The second parameter “IntranetProtoco
l ”is a PAP, the IPP protocol control unit 70
Reference numeral 4 denotes a print job and a destination by PAP “Prin.
terName ”= PSPrinter to PAP protocol control unit 707
, And request the transfer of the print job by PAP. At this stage, the IPP protocol control unit 704 accepts the client 73 with OK (1).
Notify.

Subsequently, the client 72 transmits the print job via the Internet 91 to the IP
Using P, the printer 83 (URL = http // 199.1.0.1 /
The print job (2) is transmitted to the printer 53). The print server 85 controls the print job (2) by the IPP protocol control unit 704 through the communication port 703.
To receive. The IPP protocol control unit 704 refers to the access path in the table storage unit 702, and determines whether the printer 83 that is the destination of the print job (2) is registered in the first parameter “URL” of the access path. . If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job (2) is discarded, and the client 72 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, when “URL” is registered, it is determined whether or not “URL” of the printer name is registered in the third parameter of the user authenticated in the user list in the table storage unit 702. . If the result of this determination is that the printer name “URL” has not been registered, the print job (2) is discarded and the client 72 is notified of the rejection.

On the other hand, when the printer name “URL” is registered, the IPP protocol control unit 704 stores the received print job (2) in the print job storage unit 701.
Spool to a predetermined queue. Here, since the printer 53 is specified as the output destination of the print job (2), the received print job (2) is spooled in the printer 53 queue 701b of the print job storage unit 701. When the spooling to the print job storage unit 701 is completed, the IPP protocol control unit 704 refers to the access path of the table storage unit 702 and acquires transfer destination information. Here, the second parameter “Intr
anetProtocol "and the third parameter" PrinterName "
See The second parameter “IntranetProtocol” is P
Since it is an AP, the IPP protocol control unit 704 transmits the print job and “PrinterNam
e "= PSPrinter is specified to the PAP protocol control unit 707, and a transfer of a print job by PAP is requested.
At this stage, the IPP protocol control unit 70
4 notifies the client 72 of acceptance OK (1).

At this stage, the print job storage unit 701
, Two print jobs, a print job (1) and a print job (2), are spooled and are waiting for transfer to the printer 83.

Next, the PAP protocol control unit 707
Queue 7 for printer 53 in print job storage unit 701
Print job (1) spooled first from 01b
To the specified printer PSPrinter,
The print job is transferred through the communication port 705.
The print job transferred by the PAP reaches the printer 83 via the intranet 81. The PAP protocol control unit 707 completes the transfer process by receiving the transfer result by the PAP. Further, at this stage, the queue 701b for the printer 53 in the print job storage unit 701
Since the print job (2) remains spooled, the PAP protocol control unit 707 extracts the print job (2) and prints the specified printer PSPrinte.
The print job is transferred to r through the communication port 705. The print job transferred by the PAP reaches the printer 83 via the intranet 81.
The PAP protocol control unit 707 completes the transfer process by receiving the transfer result by the PAP. Printer 83
By executing the print job (1) and the print job (2), the print processing from the client 73 and the client 72 is completed.

According to the third embodiment, the print server 85 having the function of spooling a print job
By registering a URL at the time of receiving a print job, an access path holding each information of a print job transmission destination and a conversion destination, and a user list holding each information of a user name and a password, the client 7 is registered.
Print jobs (1), (2) transmitted from the printers 2, 73
Is authenticated by the print server 85 based on the user list, the protocol is converted based on the access path, and spooling is performed. Therefore, the authentication is performed by the print server 85 based on the user list registered in advance. It is possible to eliminate users (users) who should not be,
And a plurality of printers 82 to 84 in the intranet 81.
However, print jobs transmitted simultaneously from a plurality of clients 71 to 73 can be sequentially executed without implementing an effective IPP on the Internet 91.

Further, by making a plurality of printers appear as Internet printers, it is possible to expect a cost / man-hour reduction effect compared to updating each conventional printer to be compatible with the Internet.

(Fourth Embodiment) The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the print server 23.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In the first embodiment, a network protocol (print protocol) on the Internet side is used.
Is not specified, but it is also possible to specify a print protocol on the Internet side. In FIG.
This access path differs from the access path of FIG. 2 in that the designation of the fifth parameter “Internet Protocol” is added. For example, Internet-based print protocols "Protocol-A", "Protocol-B",
When there are three types of “Protocol-C”, only “Protocol-A” is permitted in the access path of FIG.
B "and" Protocol-C "are rejected. Similarly, in the access path in FIG. 12, “Protocol-A” and “Protocol-B” are used for the printer with “URL” = “http://199.0.0.1/printer1”.
Indicates that print job reception from the Internet is permitted and print protocol reception by "Protocol-C" is rejected. Also, “URL” = “http: // 199.
For the printer of "0.0.1 / printer2", "Protocol-
"*" Indicates that a print job from the Internet can be received by all of "A", "Protocol-B", and "Protocol-C".

According to the fourth embodiment, the URL used when the print server 23 receives a print job,
By registering an access path holding each information of a print job transmission destination, a conversion destination, and a network protocol on the Internet side, a print job (data) transmitted from the client 11 registered in the print server 23 is printed. Since only data of the protocol is received, it is possible to prevent data reception by the protocol in which a security flaw is found.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a network including a communication device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 13, the communication apparatus is a print server 103 connected to an intranet 101 and the Internet 121, and has a local IP "192.168.1".
1.1 and a global IP "199.0.0.1", can communicate with the Internet 121, and implements both the protocol A and the LPD. The intranet 101 is connected to a client 102 having a local IP “192.168.11.11” and implementing only LPDs valid in the intranet as a protocol for transmitting a print job, and a print server 103. The printer 111 connected to the Internet 121 can receive a print job via the Internet 121 by a protocol A (referred to as “Protocol-A” in the present embodiment).
Is implemented.

In this network, client 1
02 does not have a global IP and has only an LPD that is valid in the intranet 101, and therefore cannot normally directly access the Internet 121. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as in the first to fourth embodiments, a predetermined access path to the printer 111 is registered in the print server 103 and protocol conversion is performed in accordance with the access path, whereby the client 102 From the printer 111 to the printer 111 indirectly.

FIG. 14 shows the print server 103 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 14, “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 111 as viewed from the Internet 121. In the present embodiment, the first
"Http://200.0.0.1/printer" is registered as the information of. "InternetProtocol" which is the second parameter
Indicates a protocol that can be communicated on the Internet 121. In the present embodiment, the printer 11 is used as the second information.
Protocol-A implemented in No. 1 is registered. The third parameter “PrinterName” is the print server 10
3 shows the printer name on the intranet 101 side. In the present embodiment, “lpd1”, which is the printer name of the print server 103, is registered as the third information.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, the client 102
LPD print server 103 (local IP: 192.16
The print job is transmitted to lpd1 in 8.11.1). Print server 103 that has received the print job
Determines whether the received print job is addressed to a printer registered in the access path of FIG. 14 (step S1601). If the result of this determination is that the print job has not been registered in the access path, the print job is discarded (step S1605), and this processing is terminated. Is converted to a protocol (step S160).
2) The converted print job is transferred to the printer of the first parameter (step S1603). When the printer 111 that has received the transferred print job executes the print job (step S1604), printing from the client 102 is completed, and this processing ends. Thus, the client 102 on the intranet 101 can make the print job reach the printer 111, which is the transmission destination, only by transmitting the print job with the URL indicated in the first information.

According to the fifth embodiment, by registering a predetermined access path to the printer 111 with the print server 103, the print data transmitted from the client 102 in the intranet 101 to the printer 111 on the Internet 121 is registered. Print server 1
At 03, the protocol is converted based on the access path and transferred to the printer 111, so that the client 102 can execute printing on the printer 111 without mounting the protocol A valid on the Internet 121 on the client 102. In addition, it is possible to expect a cost / man-hour reduction effect compared to updating the client for the Internet.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a network including a communication device according to the first embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 16, the communication apparatus is a print server 212 connected to an intranet 210 and the Internet 220. The print server 212 has a local IP “192.168.11.1” and a global IP “199.
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), which is capable of communicating with the Internet 220,
(Line Printer Daemon Protocol).

The Internet 220 has a global I
A printer 221 having P “200.0.0.1” and capable of receiving a print job by IPP is connected to a printer 222 having a global IP “201.0.0.1” and capable of receiving a print job by IPP. Have been. In addition, the local I
A client 211 having P “192.168.11.11” and capable of transmitting a print job by LPD is connected.

FIG. 17 shows the print server 212 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 17, the access path includes information for transmitting a print job from the intranet 210 to the printer 221,
10 registers information for transmitting a print job to the printer 222. The first line in FIG. 17 is a comment line. The second line is a registration for transmitting a print job from the intranet 210 to the printer 221, and the first parameter “URL” indicates the URL of the printer 221 as viewed from the Internet 220. In the present embodiment, “http: // 20
0.0.0.1/printer ". The second parameter "I
“nternetProtocol” indicates a protocol with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “IPP” mounted on the printer 221 is registered as the second information.

A third parameter “PrinterName” indicates a printer name when the print server 212 receives a print job from the intranet 210 to the printer 221. In the present embodiment, “lpd” is used as the third information.
1 "has been registered. The third line is the intranet 21
0 is a registration for transmitting a print job to the printer 222, and the first parameter “URL” indicates the URL of the printer 222 viewed from the Internet 220. In the present embodiment, “http: // 2
01.0.0.1/printer ”is registered.

The second parameter “InternetProtocol” is
Indicates the protocol with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “IPP” mounted on the printer 222 is registered as the second information. The third parameter "PrinterN
“ame” indicates a printer name when the print server 212 receives a print job from the intranet 210 to the printer 222. In the present embodiment, “lpd2” is registered as the third information.

FIG. 18 shows the print server 212 of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the device.

In FIG. 18, the print server 212
Are a print job storage unit 1830 for storing received print jobs, a table storage unit 1831 for storing access paths, a communication port 1832 for communicating with the intranet 210, and a communication port for communicating with the Internet 220. 1833, an LPD protocol control unit 1834 for transmitting and receiving a print job by LPD, an IPP protocol control unit 1835 for transmitting and receiving a print job by IPP, and a registration unit 1 for registering an access path in a table storage unit 1831.
836.

First, the operation when registering an access path (FIG. 17) in the print server 212 will be described.

The access path is registered in the table storage unit 1831 by the registration unit 1836. Registration means 183
Although No. 6 is not specified here, for example, input from a keyboard, setting by serial communication, or the like can be considered.

When the access path is updated, LP
The D protocol control unit 1834 generates and deletes a queue for receiving a print job. For example, FIG.
When the registration of the second line and the third line of the access path is newly added, an lpd1 queue 1830a is generated in the print job storage unit 1830 for the registration of the second line, and the third line is registered. For the registration of the line, a queue 1830b for lpd2 is generated in the print job storage unit 1830. Note that there is a method of generating / deleting a queue every time an access path is updated, or a method of performing only when the print server 212 is started. These methods are not specified.

Next, the client 211 sends the printer 2
The operation when a print job is transferred to the print job 21 and a print process is performed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a chart showing print processing in the network of FIG.

In FIG. 19, when printing is performed from the client 211, first, an output destination printer is selected. For example, lpd1 and lpd2 are displayed as output destination candidates as in a print destination selection screen 213 in FIG.
Lpd when specifying the printer 221 as the output destination
Select 1. Similarly, when the printer 222 is specified as the output destination, lpd2 is selected. Here, the output destination candidates correspond to queues (lpd1 / lpd2) inside the print server 212 as shown by the queuing image 214.

When lpd1 is designated as the output destination, the print job is transmitted to the print server 212 via the intranet 210 using the LPD protocol.
In the print server 212, the print job transmitted by the LPD protocol is
It is received by the D protocol control unit 1834. The LPD protocol control unit 1834 refers to the access path of the table storage unit 1831, and the designated output destination is registered in PrinterName of the access path of the table storage unit 1831, and the queue has already been generated in the print job storage unit 1830. If so, the received print job is stored in a predetermined queue of the print job storage unit 1830. Here, lp is set as the output destination of the print job.
Since d1 is specified, the received print job is stored in the lpd1 queue 18 of the print job storage unit 1830.
30a.

When the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 1830, the LPD protocol control unit 1
834 refers to the access path of the table storage unit 1831 to obtain transfer destination information. Here, the first parameter “URL” and the second parameter “InternetProtocol” are referred to from the second line of the access path of the table storage unit 1831. The second parameter "InternetProtocol" is I
Since it is a PP, the LPD protocol control unit 1834 sends “http: // 20
0.0.0.1/printer ”in the IPP protocol control unit 1835
, And request the transfer of the print job by IPP. The IPP protocol control unit 1835 stores the designated print job in the print job
The communication port 1 is taken out of the queue 1830a for d1 and sent to the designated destination “http://200.0.0.1/printer”.
The print job is transferred through 833. The print job transferred by the IPP is transmitted to the Internet 220
Through the printer 221. The IPP protocol control unit 1835 monitors the result of the IPP transfer, notifies the LPD protocol control unit 1834 of the transfer result, and completes the transfer process. LPD protocol control unit 1834
Notifies the client 211 of the transfer result from the IPP protocol control unit 1835 and completes the transfer process. Printer 22 that has received the transferred print job
1 executes the print job, whereby the printing process from the client 211 is completed.

According to the sixth embodiment, by registering a predetermined access path to the printer 221 and the printer 222 in the print server 212, the client 211 in the intranet 210 can send the printer 221 or the printer 221 on the Internet 220. The print job transmitted to the print server 222 is converted into a protocol by the print server 212 based on the access path and is transferred to the printer 221.
20, it is possible to execute printing from the client 211 to the printer 221 or the printer 222 without implementing IPP which is a valid protocol.

It is possible to expect a cost / man-hour reduction effect compared to updating the client for the Internet.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a network including a communication device according to the first embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 20, the communication apparatus is a print server 135 connected to the intranet 131 and the Internet 151, and a print server 145 connected to the Intranet 141 and the Internet 151.

The print server 135 has a local IP
A protocol "Protocol-A" which has "192.168.11.1" and a global IP "199.2.0.1", can communicate with the Internet 151, and can transmit a print job via the Internet 151;
1 implements the protocols LPD and PAP that are valid only within 1. The local IP “192.16
8.22.32 ”, a client 132 that implements only LPDs valid in the intranet 131 as a protocol for transmitting print jobs, and a PAP on AppleTalk.
A client 133 that sends a print job with
A printer 134 that receives a print job by PAP on pleTalk and a print server 135 are connected.

The print server 145 has a local IP
A protocol “Protocol-A” that has “192.168.11.1” and a global IP “199.1.0.1” and is capable of communicating with the Internet 151 and transmitting a print job via the Internet 151;
1 implements a protocol LPD that is valid only within 1. Intranet 141 has a local IP "192.168.11.42"
And a client 142 that implements only an LPD that is valid in the intranet 141 as a protocol for transmitting a print job, and a local IP “192.168.11.43”
And a printer 143 that implements only an LPD that is valid in the intranet 141 as a protocol for receiving a print job, and a printer that has a local IP “192.168.11.44” and that is valid only in the intranet 141 as a protocol for receiving a print job. And a print server 145 are connected.

FIG. 21 shows the print server 135 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 21, this access path includes an access path [INTRANET] for enabling access to the printer 134 from the Internet 151, and a printer 143 and a printer 144 of the intranet 141.
An access path [INTERNET] for enabling access from the intranet 131 to the Internet.

From [INTRANET] to the line immediately before [INTERNET] in FIG. 21 (hereinafter referred to as the “[INTRANET] section”), the Internet 151 and the intranet 1
An access path for enabling access to each printer 31 is shown in FIG. “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 134 as viewed from the Internet 151. In the present embodiment, “http: /
/199.2.0.1/printer "is registered. “InternetProtocol” as the second parameter indicates a list of protocols with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, the second
"Prot" implemented on the print server 135 as the
ocol-A "is registered. The third parameter, "In
“tranetProtocol” indicates a protocol used when a print job is transferred from the print server 135 to the printer 134. In the present embodiment, “PAP” is registered as the second information. “PrinterName” as the fourth parameter indicates a printer name. In the present embodiment, the printer name “PSPrinter” of the printer 134 is registered as the third information.

[INTERNET] in FIG. 21 (hereinafter referred to as “[INTERNE
T] section. ) After that, Internet 1
This is an access path of a printer that can be accessed via 51, and FIG. 21 shows an example of registration for the printer 143 and the printer 144.

The first registration at the top of the [INTERNET] section is performed by registering the printer 143 from the intranet 131.
This is an access path for accessing to the server. First
The parameter “URL” is the Internet 151
4 shows the access path of the printer 143 as viewed from the side. In the present embodiment, the first information “http://199.1.0.1/pri
nter1 "is registered. The second parameter, "Int
“ernetProtocol” indicates a protocol type used when the print server 135 transfers a print job to the print server 145. In the present embodiment, the “Protocol” implemented in the print server 145 as the second information
-A "is registered. The third parameter, "Intran
"etProtocol" indicates a protocol type used when receiving a print job from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “LPD” is registered as the second information. “PrinterName”, which is the fourth parameter, indicates a printer name when a print job is received from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “lpd” is used as the third information.
1 "is registered.

The second entry in the [INTERNET] section is
An access path for accessing the printer 143 from the intranet 131 as in the first registration. The first registration is a registration for receiving a print job from a client of the intranet 131 by an LPD, and the second registration is a registration for receiving a print job by a PAP from a client of the intranet 131. “URL” which is the first parameter is “http://199.1.0.1/pri” as the first information as in the case of the first registration.
nter1 "is registered. The second parameter, "Int
In the “ernetProtocol”, “Protocol-A” is registered as the second information, as in the first registration. The third parameter “IntranetProtocol” is used for the Intranet 13
The protocol type used when receiving a print job from one client is shown. In the present embodiment, “PAP” is registered as the second information. The fourth parameter “PrinterName” is used for the intranet 13
Shows the printer name when a print job is received from one client. In the present embodiment, “ps1” is registered as the third information.

The third entry in the [INTERNET] section is
This is an access path for accessing the printer 144 from the intranet 131. “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 144 as viewed from the Internet 151. In the present embodiment,
“Http://199.1.0.1/printer2” is registered as the first information. The second parameter, "InternetProtoc
"ol" indicates a protocol type used when the print server 135 transfers a print job to the print server 145. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” mounted on the print server 145 is registered as the second information. "IntranetProtocol" which is the third parameter
Indicates a protocol type used when receiving a print job from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “LPD” is registered as the second information. The fourth parameter, "PrinterNam
"e" indicates a printer name when a print job is received from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “lpd2” is registered as the third information.

The fourth entry in the [INTERNET] section is
An access path for accessing the printer 144 from the intranet 131 as in the third registration. The third registration is a registration for receiving a print job from a client of the intranet 131 by “LPD”, and the fourth registration is a registration for receiving a print job by “PAP” from a client of the intranet 131. is there. The first parameter “URL” is
As with the third registration, the first information is "http: // 199.
1.0.1 / printer2 "is registered. As for the second parameter “InternetProtocol”, “Protocol-A” is registered as the second information as in the third registration. Third
The parameter “IntranetProtocol” indicates a protocol type used when receiving a print job from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “PAP” is registered as the second information.
“PrinterName”, which is the fourth parameter, indicates a printer name when a print job is received from a client on the intranet 131. In the present embodiment, “ps2” is registered as the third information.

FIG. 22 shows the print server 135 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the user list.

In FIG. 22, this user list is registered in the print server 135, and only print jobs transmitted from the registered user to the print server 135 from the Internet 151 are stored in the print server 135.
Accepted at

[0168] The first parameter "UserName" is a user name. In the present embodiment, "USER-C" and "USER-C" are used.
D "is registered. The second parameter, “Passwor
“d” is a password corresponding to each user, and in the present embodiment, “password-
"C" becomes "password-D" as the password for "USER-D"
Are registered respectively. The third parameter "Pr
“interList” is a printer list that can be accessed for each user, and in the present embodiment, “USER-C” and “USER-C”
"D" is registered as a printer that can be accessed together with "D", and "USER-C" can access all printers registered in the [INTRANET] section of the access path in FIG. 23 described later. Is shown.

FIG. 23 shows the print server 145 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 23, this access path is an access path [INTRANET] for enabling access to the printers 143 and 144 from the Internet 151.
Sections and printers 134 of intranet 131
An access path for enabling access from the intranet 141 includes an [INTERNET] section.

The [INTRANET] section of FIG. 23 is an access path for enabling access from the Internet 151 to a printer on the intranet 141. FIG. 23 shows an example of registration for the printers 143 and 144. The first registration is for the printer 143,
The first parameter “URL” is the Internet 15
1 shows the access path of the printer 143 as viewed from 1. In the present embodiment, the first information is “http://199.1.0.1/p
rinter1 "is registered. The second parameter "I
“nternetProtocol” indicates a list of protocols with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” mounted on the print server 145 is registered as the second information. The third parameter, "IntranetProt
"ocol" indicates a protocol used when a print job is transferred from the print server 145 to the printer 143. In the present embodiment, “L” is used as the second information.
"PD" is registered. The fourth parameter, "Prin
"terHost" indicates the IP address of the printer 143.
In the present embodiment, the IP address “192.168.11.43” of the printer 143 is registered as the third information. “PrinterName”, which is the fifth parameter, indicates a printer name. In the present embodiment, the printer 1
Forty-three printer names "lp" are registered.

The second entry in the [INTRANET] section is
This is registration for the printer 144, and the first parameter “URL” indicates an access path of the printer 144 as viewed from the Internet 151. In the present embodiment, “http://199.1.0.1/printer2” is registered as the first information. The second parameter "InternetProtoco
"l" indicates a list of protocols with which the printer can communicate. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” mounted on the print server 145 is registered as the second information. The third parameter “IntranetProtocol” indicates a protocol used when transferring a print job from the print server 145 to the printer 144.
In the present embodiment, “LPD” is registered as the second information. "PrinterHost" which is the fourth parameter
Indicates the IP address of the printer 144. In the present embodiment, the IP address “192.168.11.44” of the printer 144 is registered as the third information. “PrinterName”, which is the fifth parameter, indicates a printer name. In the present embodiment, the printer name “lp” of the printer 144 is registered as the third information.

The first registration in the [INTERNET] section of FIG. 23 is registration for accessing the printer 134 from the intranet 141. “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 143 viewed from the Internet 151. In the present embodiment,
“Http://199.2.0.1/printer” is registered as the first information. The second parameter "InternetProtoco
"l" indicates a protocol type used when the print server 145 transfers a print job to the print server 135. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” mounted on the print server 145 is registered as the second information. "IntranetProtocol" which is the third parameter
Indicates a protocol type used when receiving a print job from a client of the intranet 141. In the present embodiment, “LPD” is registered as the second information. The fourth parameter, "PrinterNam
“e” indicates a printer name when a print job is received from a client on the intranet 141. In the present embodiment, “lp” is registered as the third information.

FIG. 24 shows the print server 145 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the user.

In FIG. 24, the print server 145 accepts only print jobs transmitted from the Internet 151 to the print server 145 by users registered in the user list.

The first parameter “UserName” is a user name. In the present embodiment, “USER-A” and “USER-A”
B "is registered. The second parameter, “Passwor
“d” is a password corresponding to each user, and in this embodiment, “password-password” is used as the password of “USER-A”.
"A" becomes "password-B" as the password for "USER-B"
Is registered. The third parameter "PrinterLis
“t” is a list of printers that can be accessed for each user. In the present embodiment, “*” is registered as a printer that can be accessed by “USER-A”, and “USER-A” is
This indicates that access to all printers registered in the [INTRANET] section of the access path No. 5 is possible. Also, "printer1" is registered as a printer that "USER-B" can access, and "USER-B"
Printing to "http://199.1.0.1/printer1" is possible, but printing to "http://199.1.0.1/printer2" is not possible.

FIG. 25 is a chart showing print processing in the network of FIG.

In FIG. 25, the client 133
Since a protocol for printing directly on the Internet 151 is not implemented, a print job is transmitted to the print server 135 and printing is indirectly performed on the printer 143.

The client 133 is the print server 1
The print job is transmitted to the printer “ps1” registered in the printer 35. The print server 135 determines whether the print job received from the client 133 can be spooled. If spooling is not possible, the print server 135 notifies the client 133 that spooling is not possible. Is completed, the spool 133 is notified to the client 133.

The print server 135 sends the user name and password to the print server 1 via the Internet 151.
The authentication request is notified to the server 45, and it is determined whether the user name and the password received by the print server 145 are registered in the user list in FIG. 24, that is, whether the authentication is OK. If the result of this determination is that a user whose user name and password match is not registered in the user list of FIG.
Is notified of the authentication NG, and the following print job is not accepted. On the other hand, if the user whose user name and password match is registered in the user list of FIG. 24, the print server 145 notifies the print server 135 of the authentication OK, and uses the third parameter of FIG. A print job can be received for the designated printer. The print server 135 uses a protocol capable of transmitting a print job via the Internet 151 to the printer 143 (URL = http: /
Send a print job to /199.1.0.1/printer1). Print server 145 that has received the print job
Is the printer 143 (U
It is determined whether or not (RL = http: //199.1.0.1/printer1) is registered in the first parameter “URL” of the access path in FIG. If the result of this determination is that “URL” has not been registered, the print job is discarded, the print server 135 is notified of the refusal of acceptance, while “UR” is not registered.
If “L” is registered, the “URL” of the printer name specified by the first parameter of the access path in FIG. 23 is added to the third parameter of the user in the user list in FIG.
It is determined whether or not is registered. As a result of this judgment,
If the printer name “URL” is not registered, the print job is discarded, and the print server 135 is notified of the rejection. If the printer name “URL” is registered, FIG. L indicated by the third parameter “IntranetProtocol” of the access path
By the PD, the parameter “Printe” after the fourth parameter
rHost ”=“ 192.168.11.43 ”and“ PrinterName ”=
“Lp”, that is, the transfer of the print job to the printer 143, and if the transfer fails, the print server 135 notifies the print server 135 of “NotReady”. A print completion (print NG) is notified. If the transfer is successful, the print server 135 accepts the transfer.
The print server 135 that has received the notification notifies the client 133 of the completion of printing (print OK). Printer 1 that has received the transferred print job
43 executes the print job, whereby printing from the client 133 is completed.

In the seventh embodiment, the client 133 of the intranet 131 sends the
This is an embodiment of printing on the printer 143. Similarly, in addition to the above-described embodiment, printing from a client on the intranet 131 to a printer on the intranet 141 and printing from a client on the intranet 141 to a printer on the intranet 131 can be mutually performed.

According to the seventh embodiment, the print server 135 in the intranet 131 stores the access path holding the information of the destination and the destination of the print job, and the user list including the user name and the password. By registering and registering the same access path and the user list in the print server 145 on the intranet 141, the print job transmitted from the client 133 in the intranet 131 to the printer 143 in the intranet 141 is printed. , Temporarily authenticates the print server 145 based on the user list, converts the protocol based on the access path, and prints the printer 143 in the intranet 141.
To the printer 143 and the client 13
3 without the implementation of Protocol-A valid on the Internet 151, the client 133
Can be executed. In addition, the user can execute a desired print process without distinguishing between the Internet and the intranet and without being aware of the difference in the protocol, thereby further improving the convenience.

For example, in the print system of the above embodiment, the user can perform the printing process without distinguishing between the Internet and the intranet and without being aware of the difference in the protocol.

(Eighth Embodiment) A network including a communication device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first to seventh embodiments, the print processing function in the network has been described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which information on the status of a printer using the above embodiment is acquired.

FIG. 26 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 26, the communication device is a print server 163 connected to the intranet 161 and the Internet 181, and a print server 173 connected to the Intranet 171 and the Internet 181.

The print server 163 has a local IP
(192.168.12.1) and a global IP (199.1.0.1), a protocol "Protocol-S" capable of communicating with the Internet 181 and acquiring a printer status via the Internet 181;
Implement "Protocol-1" used for monitoring the status of the printer in the server. The intranet 161 has a local IP (192.
168.12.12), and a client 162 for monitoring the printer status in the intranet 161 by “Protocol-1” and a print server 163 are connected.

The print server 173 has a local IP (192.168.11.1) and a global IP (199.2.0.
"Protocol-S", which is capable of communicating with the Internet 181 and capable of acquiring the printer status via the Internet 181, and "Protocol-2" used for monitoring the status of the printer in the intranet 171.
Implement Intranet 171 has a local IP
(192.168.11.11), a printer 172 that implements a protocol "Protocol-2" for notifying its own printer status, and a print server 173 are connected.

FIG. 27 shows the print server 163 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 27, this access path is registered so that the printer 172 in the intranet 171 can be accessed from the intranet 161. Nothing is registered in the [INTRANET] section in the figure. This is because access to the printer on the intranet 161 from the Internet is not permitted.

In the [INTERNET] section, the printer 172 is registered as a printer accessible via the Internet 181. “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 172 viewed from the Internet 181. In the present embodiment, “http://199.2.0.1/printer” is registered as the first information. The second parameter "InternetProt
“ocol” indicates a protocol type used when the print server 163 transfers a print job to the print server 173. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” is registered as the second information. The third parameter “IntranetProtocol” indicates a protocol type used when receiving a print job from a client on the intranet 161. In the present embodiment, “LPD” is registered as the second information. “PrinterName”, which is the fourth parameter, indicates a printer name when a print job is received from a client on the intranet 161. In the present embodiment, “l” is used as the third information.
p "is registered. The fifth parameter, “Intern
"etStatus" indicates the protocol type (conversion destination) used when the print server 163 transfers the status acquisition information to the print server 173. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-S” is registered as the second information. The sixth parameter “IntranetStatus” is for Intranet 1
The protocol type used when receiving the status acquisition information from the client No. 61 is shown. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-1” is registered as the second information.

FIG. 28 shows the print server 173 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the.

In FIG. 28, this access path is registered so that the printer 172 can be accessed from the Internet 181. [INTRANE
In the [T] section, the printer 172 is registered as a printer accessible from the Internet 181. “URL” as the first parameter indicates an access path of the printer 172 viewed from the Internet 181. In the present embodiment, “http: // 1
99.2.0.1/printer "is registered. The second parameter “InternetProtocol” is stored in the print server 173.
Indicates the protocol type (conversion destination) used when the print job is transferred to the print server 163. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-A” is registered as the second information. "IntranetProtocol" which is the third parameter
Indicates a protocol used when transferring a print job from the print server 173 to the printer 172. In the present embodiment, “LPD” is used as the second information.
Is registered. The fourth parameter, "PrinterHos
"t" indicates the IP address of the printer 172. In the present embodiment, the IP address “192.168.11.11” of the printer 172 is registered as the third information. “PrinterName” as the fifth parameter indicates a printer name. In the present embodiment, the printer name “lp” of the printer 172 is registered as the third information. The sixth parameter “InternetStatus” indicates the protocol type used when the print server 173 transfers the status acquisition information to the print server 163. In the present embodiment, the second
"Protocol-S" is registered as the information. A seventh parameter “IntranetStatus” indicates a protocol used when transferring status acquisition information from the print server 173 to the printer 172. In the present embodiment, “Protocol-2” is registered as the second information.

FIG. 29 is a chart showing the status acquisition processing in the network of FIG.

In FIG. 29, when acquiring the status of the printer 172, the client 162
"Pr" for the printer 172 "lp" registered in
Send a status acquisition request using "otocol-1". The print server 163 determines whether or not the status acquisition request received from the client 162 can be accepted. If the status acquisition request cannot be accepted due to reasons such as “InternetStatus” not being registered in the access path, the status acquisition NG is sent to the client 162. On the other hand, if the notification is acceptable, the print server 163 converts the status into a protocol "Protocol-S" capable of transmitting a status acquisition request via the Internet 181, and converts the status into a printer 172 (URL = http: //199.2.0.1 / pri
nter).

Print server 1 that has received the status acquisition request
73 determines whether or not the status acquisition request received from the print server 163 can be accepted, and sets “Intran” in the access path.
If the status cannot be received due to reasons such as “etStatus” not being registered, a status acquisition NG is notified to the print server 163, and the print server 16
3 notifies the client 162 of a status acquisition NG. On the other hand, when the print server 173 can accept the status, the print server 173 converts the status into “Protoco1-2” and transmits a status acquisition request to the printer 172. The printer 172 that has received the status acquisition request transmits the requested status of itself to the print server 173 using “Protocol-2” as a status acquisition response. After receiving this, the print server 173 transmits a status acquisition response converted from “Protocol-S” to the status acquisition request received from the print server 163 and waiting for a response, to the print server 163. Similarly, the print server 163
After receiving the request, the “Protoc
The status acquisition response converted to “ol-1” is transmitted to the client 162. The client 162 is the print server 16
Printer 1 by receiving the status acquisition response from
The status acquisition of 72 is completed.

As described above, the intranet 16
1 can acquire the status of the printer 172 connected to the intranet 171 from the client 162 connected to the client 162. Further, similarly to the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to execute the printing process from the client 162 to the printer 172. In the present embodiment, the authentication operation is not included for the sake of simplicity, but the authentication operation can be included.

According to the eighth embodiment, the access paths holding the information of the transmission destination and the conversion destination are registered in the print server 163 in the intranet 161 and the print server 173 in the intranet 171 respectively. Thus, devices on the Internet can be managed with a network management tool or the like that is effective only on the intranet. For example, in the print system according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to monitor an Internet printer by using conventional intranet printer management software.

A recording medium storing a software program for realizing the functions described in the first to eighth embodiments is supplied to the print server or a network system including the print server, and the apparatus or system is provided. It is needless to say that the computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) reads the program stored in the recording medium and executes the function to realize the function. In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium implements the above-described functions, and the program and the recording medium on which the program is recorded constitute the present invention. As a recording medium for supplying a software program, for example, a removable disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RO
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,
And a ROM or the like.

When the computer executes the read program, not only the functions described above are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the above-described function is realized by the processing.

Further, after the program read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into a communication device or a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on an instruction of the program, It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions described above.

[0202]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the first information indicating the first communication means for receiving the data sent from the client and the first communication means are used. The second information indicating the conversion destination for converting the received data into the second communication means and the third information indicating the transmission destination of the data by the second communication means are registered as a table, and the first information is registered. The data received by the communication means is converted to the conversion destination indicated by the second information, and the data is converted when the first communication means indicated by the first information receives the data sent from the client. Since the transmitted data is transmitted to the transmission destination indicated in the third information, it is not necessary to implement a print protocol valid for the Internet on the printer and to implement a print protocol valid for the intranet on the client. It can execute print processing on the desired printer from clients on the Internet or intranet. Further, the client on the Internet can make the print job reach the printer 22, which is the transmission destination, only by transmitting the print job by the first communication means indicated by the first information.

According to the present invention, a user name and a password for authentication are registered as another table, and the received data is authenticated based on the user name and the password. Unnecessary users can be eliminated, and printing processing can be performed efficiently.

According to the present invention, at least one network protocol valid in the Internet is registered in the table as fourth information, and the first communication means stores the fourth information in the data transmitted from the client. Since only the data of the indicated network protocol is received, it is possible to take measures such as temporarily stopping data reception by the protocol in which the security flaw is found.

According to the present invention, the state of the transmission destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is obtained by the client from the Internet or the intranet. Can manage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a network including a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in a print server 23 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 55 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the print server 55 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the print server 55 of FIG.

8 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing print processing in the network of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 23.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 23.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 103 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a printing process in the network of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 212 in FIG.

18 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the print server 212 in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a chart showing a printing process in the network of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 135 of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the print server 135 of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 145 of FIG.

24 is a schematic diagram of a user list registered in the print server 145 of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a chart showing print processing in the network of FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network including a communication device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 163 of FIG.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an access path registered in the print server 173 of FIG.

FIG. 29 is a chart showing a status acquisition process in the network of FIG. 26;

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 41, 71, 72, 73, 102, 132, 13
3, 142, 162, 211 Clients 31, 61, 91, 121, 151, 181, 220
Internet 21, 51, 81, 101, 131, 141, 161,
171, 210 intranet 23, 55, 85, 103, 135, 145, 163,
173, 212 print server 22, 52, 53, 54, 82, 83, 84, 111,
134, 143, 144, 172, 221, 222 Printer 42, 74, 213 Print destination selection screen 56, 86, 214 Queuing image

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Jin Takahashi 1-24, Yoneyama, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture Niigata Kyanotech Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ08 HQ17 HR02 5B021 BB05 EE05 5B089 GA31 GB01 HA10 JA40 KA06 KF05

Claims (48)

[Claims] 1. A communication apparatus comprising: a first communication unit for performing communication using a network protocol valid on at least one Internet; and a second communication unit for performing communication using a network protocol valid for at least one intranet, First information indicating the first communication unit that receives data transmitted from the client on the Internet, and first information indicating that the data received by the first communication unit is converted into the second communication unit. Second information indicating a conversion destination;
Registration means for registering, as a table, third information indicating the transmission destination of the data by the second communication means; and a conversion destination indicated by the second information, the data received by the first communication means. Conversion means for converting the first information, when the first communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client,
A communication unit that transmits the data converted by the conversion unit to a transmission destination indicated in the third information. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit configured to authenticate data received by the first communication unit based on the user name and the password. 4. The registration means according to claim 4, wherein said at least one Internet-enabled network protocol is a fourth protocol.
The first communication means receives only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information from the data sent from the client. Item 4. The communication device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the first communication unit. 6. A communication apparatus comprising: a first communication unit for performing communication using a network protocol valid on at least one Internet; and a second communication unit for performing communication using a network protocol valid for at least one intranet, First information indicating the second communication unit that receives data sent from a client on the intranet, and first information indicating that the data received by the second communication unit is converted into the first communication unit. Second information indicating a conversion destination;
Registration means for registering, as a table, third information indicating a destination of the data transmitted by the first communication means, and a conversion destination indicated by the second information, the data received by the second communication means. Conversion means for converting the data to the first information, when the second communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client,
A communication unit that transmits the data converted by the conversion unit to a transmission destination indicated in the third information. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the registration unit registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 8. The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising an authentication unit configured to authenticate data received by the second communication unit based on the user name and the password. 9. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the second communication unit. 10. The communication according to claim 1, wherein a destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet. apparatus. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is printed from the Internet or the intranet.
The communication device according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. The communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and transmits a state of a transmission destination indicated by third information registered in the table from the Internet or the intranet to the client. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication device is acquired. 13. Communication of a communication apparatus comprising: at least one first communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet; and at least one second communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid for an intranet. In the method, first information indicating the first communication means for receiving data sent from a client on the Internet, and converting the data received by the first communication means into the second communication means Second information indicating a conversion destination for performing
A registration step of registering, as a table, third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the second communication means; and a conversion destination indicated by the second information, the data received by the first communication means. And when the first communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client,
A transmitting step of transmitting the data converted in the converting step to a destination indicated in the third information. 14. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein in the registration step, a user name and a password for performing authentication are registered as another table. 15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising an authentication step of authenticating the data received by said first communication means based on said user name and said password.
4. The communication method according to 4. 16. The registration step of registering, in the table, a network protocol valid in the at least one Internet as fourth information, wherein the first communication unit is configured to output a network protocol among data transmitted from the client. The communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein only the data of the network protocol indicated by the fourth information is received. 17. The communication method according to claim 13, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by said first communication means. 18. Communication of a communication apparatus comprising: at least one communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet; and at least one communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid for an intranet. In the method, first information indicating the second communication means for receiving data transmitted from a client on the intranet, and converting the data received by the second communication means into the first communication means Second information indicating a conversion destination for performing
A registration step of registering, as a table, third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the first communication unit; and a conversion destination indicated by the second information, the data received by the second communication unit. And when the second communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client,
A transmitting step of transmitting the data converted in the converting step to a destination indicated in the third information. 19. The communication method according to claim 18, wherein in the registration step, a user name and a password for performing authentication are registered as another table. 20. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising an authentication step of authenticating the data received by said second communication means based on said user name and said password.
9. The communication method according to item 9. 21. The communication method according to claim 18, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by the second communication unit. 22. The communication according to claim 13, wherein a destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet. Method. 23. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is printed from the Internet or the intranet.
23. The communication method according to any one of 3 to 22. 24. The communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and transmits a state of a transmission destination indicated by third information registered in the table from the Internet or the intranet to the client. The communication method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the communication method is acquired. 25. Communication of a communication device comprising: at least one first communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet; and at least one second communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid for an intranet. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method, the program comprising: first information indicating the first communication unit that receives data sent from a client on the Internet; Second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the first communication means into the second communication means, third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the second communication means, A registration module for registering the data as a table, and the data received by the first communication unit. A conversion module for converting the conversion destination indicated in the information, when the said first communication means shown in the first information receiving data transmitted from said client,
Converting the data converted by the conversion module into the third
And a transmission module for transmitting to the transmission destination indicated in the information. 26. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein said registration module registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 27. The recording medium according to claim 25, further comprising an authentication module for authenticating data received by said first communication means based on said user name and said password. 28. The registration module registers the at least one Internet-valid network protocol as fourth information in the table,
Wherein said communication means receives only the data of the network protocol indicated by said fourth information from the data sent from said client.
28. The recording medium according to any one of items 5 to 27. 29. The recording medium according to claim 25, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while receiving data by said first communication means. 30. Communication of a communication device comprising: at least one first communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid on the Internet; and at least one second communication means for performing communication using a network protocol valid for an intranet. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the method is recorded, wherein the program includes: first information indicating the second communication unit that receives data transmitted from a client on the intranet; Second information indicating a conversion destination for converting data received by the second communication means into the first communication means, third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the first communication means, A registration module for registering the data as a table, and the data received by the second communication unit. A conversion module for converting the conversion destination indicated in the information, when the said second communication means shown in the first information receiving data transmitted from said client,
Converting the data converted by the conversion module into the third
And a transmission module for transmitting to the transmission destination indicated in the information. 31. The recording medium according to claim 30, wherein the registration module registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 32. The recording medium according to claim 30, further comprising an authentication module that authenticates data received by said second communication means based on said user name and said password. 33. The recording medium according to claim 30, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by said second communication means. 34. The recording according to claim 25, wherein the destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet. Medium. 35. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is printed from the Internet or the intranet.
35. The recording medium according to any one of items 5 to 34. 36. The communication device is a server connected to the client in a client-server system, and transmits a state of a transmission destination indicated by third information registered in the table from the Internet or the intranet to the client. The recording medium according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the recording medium is acquired. 37. A function for causing a computer to function as at least one first communication means for performing communication according to a valid network protocol on the Internet, and as at least one second communication means for performing communication according to a valid network protocol on an intranet. In the computer program, the first information indicating the first communication means for receiving the data transmitted from the client on the Internet to the computer, and the second information indicating the data received by the first communication means in the second information Registration means for registering, as a table, second information indicating a conversion destination for conversion into communication means, and third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the second communication means, the first communication means Conversion means for converting the data received in step 2 into the conversion destination indicated in the second information And when the first communication means indicated in the first information receives the data sent from the client, transmits the data converted by the conversion means in the transmission indicated in the third information A computer program for causing a computer to function as a transmitting unit for transmitting data first. 38. The computer program according to claim 37, wherein said registration means registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 39. An apparatus according to claim 37, further comprising authentication means for authenticating data received by said first communication means based on said user name and said password.
Computer program as described. 40. The registration unit registers the at least one Internet-valid network protocol as fourth information in the table, and the first communication unit is configured to register a network protocol among data transmitted from the client. The computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein only the data of the network protocol indicated in the fourth information is received. 41. The computer program according to claim 37, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by said first communication means. 42. A function for causing a computer to function as at least one first communication means for performing communication according to a valid network protocol over the Internet and at least one second communication means for performing communication according to a valid network protocol over an intranet. In the computer program, the first information indicating the second communication unit that receives the data transmitted from the client on the intranet and the data received by the second communication unit may be the first computer. Registration means for registering, as a table, second information indicating a conversion destination to be converted into communication means and third information indicating a transmission destination of the data by the first communication means, the second communication means Conversion means for converting the data received in step 2 into the conversion destination indicated in the second information And when the second communication means indicated in the first information receives data sent from the client, transmits the data converted by the conversion means in the transmission indicated in the third information A computer program for causing a computer to function as a transmission unit for transmitting data first. 43. The computer program according to claim 42, wherein said registration means registers a user name and a password for performing authentication as another table. 44. The computer program according to claim 42, further comprising an authentication unit for authenticating data received by said second communication unit based on said user name and password. 45. The computer program according to claim 42, further comprising a function of simultaneously receiving other data while data is being received by said second communication means. 46. The computer according to claim 37, wherein the destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is accessible from the Internet or the intranet. program. 47. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the destination indicated in the third information registered in the table is printed from the Internet or the intranet.
47. The computer program according to any one of 7 to 46. 48. The communication device is a server connected to the client in a client server system, and transmits a state of a transmission destination indicated by third information registered in the table from the Internet or the intranet to the client. The computer program according to any one of claims 37 to 47, wherein the computer program is acquired.