JP2002196996A - Information processing device, network system, device managing method, and storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system, in which a device desired by a user can be efficiently used, even in a large scale network system where a plurality of devices can be shared with a plurality of users. SOLUTION: A server 151 stores information on a plurality of devices 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142, and sends the stored information to a requesting user 111 or 112, based on a request from the user end 111 or 112. The user 111 or 112 which received the information displays on a screen a map information arranging metaphor showing the plurality of devices by imitating a physical space using the information of the server 151.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system in an environment in which, for example, a plurality of devices (such as output devices) and a terminal device (such as a workstation or a personal computer) on the user side are connected via a network. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a network system, a device management method applied to client software, a device driver, and the like, and a storage medium in which computer-readable processing steps are stored. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as "network" or "network system") is constructed by connecting various computers and their peripheral devices so that information can be communicated in both directions. By doing so, a plurality of users share information on the network, and the load of information processing is distributed.

[0003] The network technology as described above has been in the spotlight because it is possible to dramatically improve productivity and efficiency. The main reasons are as follows: Due to high performance, miniaturization, and cost reduction, even a computer intended for personal use can be easily used as an advanced and high-speed information processing means.・ Development of wired and wireless high-speed data communication technology.・ Penetration of distributed processing architecture. And the like.

[0004] Specifically, for example, an output device such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine (FAX) has been used as a stand-alone device or as a peripheral device connected to one host computer. However, the idea of arranging (connecting) such an output device on a network and using it shared by a plurality of users has begun to spread widely. Furthermore, a terminal device using a computer as described above (mainframe, workstation, personal computer, etc.)
By connecting to a network, information stored in files and databases can be shared by multiple users, and as a result, productivity and efficiency can be dramatically improved. .

[0005] By the way, the network is small,
When the number of output devices connected to the network is small, it is relatively easy for the user to become familiar with the functions and performance of each output device. In addition, recognition of whether some output devices are performing output by other users,
The user can relatively easily find out that a problem has occurred in the output device.

On the other hand, output devices often have different output performances. For example, regarding a printer, a printer capable of outputting color information, a printer having advanced functions such as a sort function, a staple function, a punch function, and a bookbinding function, and further, due to the spread of the network as described above, Various printers have appeared, such as printers designed to be usable via a network.

[0007] As described above, the merit of constructing a network is great, and it is permeating in various fields such as offices, factories, laboratories, and educational institutions.

[0008]

However, the conventional network system as described above has a great advantage in that the output device on the network can be shared by a plurality of users. If the number of output devices increases in proportion, and as a result, the scale of the network increases,
The following various problems occur.

(1) In a large-scale network, it is extremely difficult for a user to become familiar with the performance and functions of all output devices connected to the network. For this reason, efficient operation of the output device connected to the network is not performed, and the efficiency and productivity of the entire organization having the network may not be improved as planned.

(2) It is conceivable that an erroneous output may occur on an output device not intended by the user due to a user operation error. Specifically, for example, a printer that is not intended by the user may be used due to an operation error of an arbitrary user using the network. When many prints (misprints) occur on such a printer,
This may impair the convenience and productivity of other users. In addition, there is a possibility that the contents of the output information may be seen by a third party due to misprinting of the print that is not intended by the user, and there is a major problem from the viewpoint of maintaining the security of the output information.

(3) Considering the state of the output device, depending on the state of the output device, it is not always possible to always respond to a user's output request. Specifically, for example, in the printer A, when the output by the user A, the occurrence of a jam, the inspection and maintenance, or the failure of the staple function or the like has occurred in the printer A,
Even if the output request of the user B occurs, the printer A cannot immediately process the request. In such a case, if the user B correctly grasps the state of the printer A, it is possible to switch to another printer B in the normal state and make an output request, but if the network scale is large, the user B However, it is difficult to grasp the state of the printer B that desires to perform the output request. In particular, if the printer B is physically separated, the tendency becomes large.

Therefore, the above-mentioned problems (1) to (3)
In order to solve the problem, there is a configuration in which an output assistance system is installed for an operating system of a server, a workstation, or a personal computer, but a plurality of systems and output devices of different types are connected on a network. If the configuration is in operation, there are problems such as compatibility, and the configuration using the conventional output assistance system is not always sufficient.

The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks. Even in a large-scale network system in which a plurality of devices can be shared by a plurality of users, it is possible to efficiently use a device desired by a user. Can be used
An object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium in which a computer stores an information processing apparatus, a network system, a device management method, and processing steps for executing the method.

[0014]

For such a purpose,
A first invention is an information processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions via a network,
A display control unit configured to display map information in which display objects indicating the plurality of devices are arranged in a physical space based on information about the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network. And

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect,
The display control means displays at least one of the function, performance, and state of the device indicated by the information on the plurality of devices together with a display object indicating the device.

A third invention is an information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions for use by a plurality of client users via a network, and stores information on the plurality of devices. Storage means, based on a request from an arbitrary client user among the plurality of client users, map information in which display objects indicating the plurality of devices are simulated in a physical space by information in the storage means. Providing means for providing the information in the storage means to the requesting client user so that the information can be displayed.

According to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect,
The storage unit stores, as the information on the plurality of devices, at least one of a function, a performance, and a state of the device.

A fifth invention is an information processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions via a network, wherein the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network are grouped. A display control means for displaying information on a plurality of groups is provided.

According to a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect,
The display control means displays information on devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups.

According to a seventh invention, in the fifth invention,
An instruction means for instructing the server to determine a corresponding device according to a predetermined condition from devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups is provided.

According to an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect,
It is characterized by comprising setting means for setting the predetermined condition.

A ninth invention is an information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions for use by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein the plurality of devices are grouped. Storage means for storing information related to the group of: and providing means for providing information in the storage means to the requesting client user based on a request from any one of the plurality of client users. It is characterized by having.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the storage means stores information relating to the plurality of devices, and the providing means includes the information specified by the client user in the storage means. Information about devices belonging to any of the groups
It is provided to the requesting client user.

In an eleventh aspect based on the ninth aspect, based on an instruction from the requesting client user, a device belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups is selected according to a predetermined condition. It is characterized by comprising determining means for determining a corresponding device.

A twelfth invention is an information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions for use by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein the plurality of client users are grouped. A first storage unit that stores information about a plurality of user groups; a second storage unit that stores information about a device that has a use right among the plurality of devices for each of the plurality of user groups; A management unit for enabling the client user to use a device designated by any one of the plurality of client users based on the storage contents of the first storage unit and the second storage unit It is characterized by the following.

A thirteenth invention is a network system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other via a network, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is one of the first to twelfth embodiments. It has the function of the information processing device described in (1).

[0027] A fourteenth invention is a device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein information relating to the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network is provided. A display control step of displaying map information in which display objects indicating the plurality of devices are arranged in a physical space based on the display information.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the display control step includes transmitting at least one of the function, performance, and state of the device indicated by the information on the plurality of devices to the device. And displaying the display object together with the indicated display object.

[0029] A sixteenth invention is a device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein a storage step of storing information on the plurality of devices in a storage means;
Based on a request from an arbitrary client user among the plurality of client users, it is possible to display map information in which display objects indicating the plurality of devices are simulated in physical space by information in the storage unit. To
Providing the information in the storage means to the requesting client user.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the sixteenth aspect, in the storage step, at least one of function, performance, and status of the device is stored in the storage means as the information on the plurality of devices. It is characterized by including a step.

An eighteenth invention is a device management method for using a plurality of devices by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein the plurality of devices transmitted from the server on the network are grouped. And a display control step of displaying information on the plurality of groups.

In a nineteenth aspect based on the eighteenth aspect, the display control step includes a step of displaying information on a device belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups.

In a twentieth aspect based on the eighteenth aspect, the server determines, from the devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups, a corresponding device according to a predetermined condition. Is provided.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in the twentieth aspect, a setting step of setting the predetermined condition is included.

A twenty-second invention is a device management method for using a plurality of devices by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein information relating to a plurality of groups obtained by grouping the plurality of devices is stored in a storage unit. A storage step of storing; and a providing step of, based on a request from any one of the plurality of client users, providing information in the storage means to the requesting client user. I do.

In a twenty-third aspect based on the twenty-second aspect, the storing step includes a step of storing information on the plurality of devices in the storage means, and the providing step includes the step of storing the information in the storage means. Providing a step of providing information relating to a device belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups specified by the client user to the requesting client user.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in the twenty-second aspect, based on an instruction from the requesting client user, a device belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups is selected according to a predetermined condition. The method includes a determining step of determining a corresponding device.

A twenty-fifth invention is a device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, and stores information on a plurality of user groups obtained by grouping the plurality of client users. A first storage step of storing in one storage means, and for each of the plurality of user groups,
A second storage step of storing information on a device having a use right among the plurality of devices in a second storage unit, based on storage contents of the first storage unit and the second storage unit, And a management step of enabling the client user to use a device designated by an arbitrary client user among the plurality of client users.

A twenty-sixth invention is a device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein the processing steps executed by the server on the network include: Device information storing step of storing at least one of the function, performance, and location of the user, and user information storing at least one of the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device, and the password A storage step, a device information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored in the device information storage step under arbitrary conditions, and a user information stored in the user information storage step under arbitrary conditions. User information grouping step for grouping and organizing And a providing step of providing the information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step to a request source via the network, and the user stored by the user information storing step. When the registered user corresponding to the information uses an arbitrary device on the network, the processing step is as follows.
A user information transmitting step of transmitting user information to the server, and the server, based on the grouping information in the device information grouping step and the grouping information in the user information grouping step, from the registered user side A transmitting step of transmitting, to the registered user, information on a device group that can be used by the user group in which the transmitted user information is registered; and the registered user based on the information transmitted from the server. A map creation step of creating map information in which the metaphor of the device indicated by the information is simulated in the physical space where the actual device exists; and the map information created by the registered user side in the map creation step. And displaying on a screen.

In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the twenty-sixth aspect, a pointer display step of displaying a pointer for selecting a metaphor representing an arbitrary device on the display screen by the display step, And a control step for judging selection by a pointer.

A twenty-eighth invention is characterized in that, in the twenty-seventh invention, a detailed information display step of displaying detailed information of a device corresponding to the metaphor selected by the pointer is provided.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect, in the twenty-sixth aspect, an image in which the user group to which the registered user belongs cannot be selected for a metaphor whose device output addition attribute is displayed on the display screen in the display step. A display change step of changing the display to be transmitted to the registered user; and the registered user attempting to select the metaphor whose output is prohibited in the user group to which the registered user belongs, which has been changed by the display change step. In this case, the method includes a control step of performing a control of not accepting a selection instruction from the registered user.

In a thirtieth aspect based on the twenty-sixth aspect, the control step includes a step of outputting a message or a warning sound indicating a warning to the registered user.

A thirty-first aspect of the present invention is a device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein the processing steps executed by the server on the network include the steps of: Device information storing step of storing at least one of the function, performance, and location information of the user, and user information storing at least one of the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device, and the password A storage step; a device information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored in the device information storage step under arbitrary conditions;
A user information grouping step for grouping and organizing the user information stored in the user information storage step under an arbitrary condition; and information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step. Providing a request to the requester via the network, wherein the registered user corresponding to the user information stored in the user information storage step uses an arbitrary device on the network A user information transmitting step in which the registered user transmits user information to the server; and the server is configured based on the grouping information in the device information grouping step and the grouping information in the user information grouping step. And sent from the registered user A transmitting step of transmitting, to the registered user side, information on a device group that can be used by the user group in which the registered user information is registered; and the registered user side displays the information transmitted from the server on a screen. And a display step.

According to a thirty-second aspect, in the thirty-first aspect, the server further stores information on a device belonging to the device group indicated by the information on the device group to be transmitted to the registered user side in the transmitting step.
It is characterized by including a rearranging step of automatically rearranging based on predetermined setting information.

In a thirty-third aspect based on the thirty-first aspect, the registered user side inquires whether or not use of an arbitrary device on the network is permitted by accessing the server. It is characterized by including.

In a thirty-fourth aspect based on the thirty-first aspect, the device on the network is a device-side notifying step of sequentially notifying the server of at least one of function information, status information, and state change information. It is characterized by including.

A thirty-fifth invention is characterized in that, in the thirty-first invention, an execution step of issuing a processing execution request to an arbitrary device selected on the display screen in the display step.

In a thirty-sixth aspect based on the thirty-first aspect, the server uniquely identifies a device to be executed from among devices belonging to the device group transmitted to the user based on an instruction from the registered user. And an execution step of issuing a processing execution request to the determined device.

In a thirty-seventh aspect based on the thirty-sixth aspect, the execution step is a device that manages information on a device managed by the server or a device that manages device information and actively provides information to a server or a user. Determining a device based on information provided by an agent.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect based on the thirty-seventh aspect, the execution step includes a step of determining a device that finishes processing at the highest speed or a device that is physically closest to the user.

In a thirty-ninth aspect based on the thirty-first aspect, when the server transmits the information on the device group to the registered user in the transmitting step, the server transmits the information on the device belonging to the device group at the highest speed. It is characterized by including a sorting step for sorting in the order in which the processing ends or in the order physically closest to the user.

A fortieth invention is a device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein the processing steps executed by the server on the network include: Device information storing step of storing at least one of the function, performance, and location information of the user, and user information storing at least one of the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device, and the password A storage step; a printer information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored in the device information storage step under arbitrary conditions;
A user information grouping step for grouping and organizing the user information stored in the user information storage step under an arbitrary condition; and information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step. Providing the request to the requester via the network.

According to a forty-first aspect, in the forty-fourth aspect, when an arbitrary user issues a processing execution request to a device on the network, a user information inquiry requesting step for issuing a user information inquiry request to the server When,
A search step in which the server searches for a device group to which a device indicated by the user information inquiry request belongs, and a user group to which the user of the user information inquiry request source belongs; and a search result in the server, And a process execution requesting step in which the user issues a process execution request to the device based on the response in the response step. And

According to a forty-second aspect, in the forty-first aspect, the response step includes a response step including information on a device indicated by the user information inquiry request.

In a forty-third aspect based on the forty-third aspect, the device on the network is a device-side notifying step of sequentially notifying the server of at least one of function information, status information, and state change information. It is characterized by including.

A forty-fourth invention is characterized in that, in the forty-fourth invention, the server includes an updating step of updating storage information based on the notification by the device-side notification step.

According to a forty-fifth aspect, in the forty-fifth aspect, a registration step of enabling one user information in the user information storage step to be registered in a plurality of user groups in the user information grouping step is provided. It is characterized by including.

According to a forty-sixth aspect, in the forty-fourth aspect, a registration step of enabling one device information in the device information storage step to be registered in a plurality of device groups in the device information grouping step is provided. It is characterized by including.

In a forty-seventh aspect based on the forty-third aspect, it is possible to register one piece of user information in the user information storing step to a plurality of user groups in the user information grouping step, and A registration step of registering one piece of device information in the device information storage step into a plurality of device groups in the device information grouping step.

A forty-eighth invention is characterized in that, in the forty-fourth invention, the user side includes an access step for enabling the user to browse and / or change the information stored in the server via the network. .

[0062] In a forty-ninth aspect based on the forty-eighth aspect, in the access step, the server stores the browsing permission / non-permission for each user in a browsing permission storage area, and permits the right to change storage information. / Non-permission is stored in the change permission storage area, and whether or not browsing is permitted according to the browsing permission storage area corresponding to the user is searched from the user information of the browsing request source, and browsing is permitted according to the search result. Or execute a non-permission, and search whether or not browsing is permitted according to the change permission storage area corresponding to the user from the user information of the change request source, and determine whether to permit or reject the change according to the search result. The method is characterized by including the step of executing.

According to a fiftieth aspect, in the fortieth aspect, when an arbitrary user issues a processing execution request to a device on the network, the server transmits the user information and a user to which the user belongs. An output step of outputting at least one of the group information, the device information, and the device group information to which the device belongs as a slip sheet for the execution of the process is included.

In a fifty-first aspect based on the fortieth aspect, when a plurality of devices or systems having the function of the server exist in the network, the device information, A synchronization step of synchronizing the device group information, the user information, and the user group information.

According to a fifty-second invention, a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the function of the network system according to claim 13 is readable by a computer. It is characterized by being recorded on a medium.

A fifty-third invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device management method according to any one of claims 14 to 51 is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Specifically, for example, according to the present invention, the following configurations (1) to (3) can be realized.

(1) An environment in which a plurality of devices (output devices such as copying machines, printers, and facsimile machines) and users (workstations, personal computers, terminal devices, and the like used by users) are connected via a network. Below, a server on the network collects information on devices on the network and groups them under arbitrary conditions (parameters for each function, each performance, each location, etc.). Also, user information of a plurality of users who use the device from the network is grouped under arbitrary conditions (for each access right, each output right to the device, and the like). Then, in response to a request (a request from a device, a user, an administrator, or the like) for user information or device information normalized by the grouping via a network, the above-described various information is provided.

On the other hand, the user accesses the server with his / her own terminal device (client device) having client software or a device driver, and thereby obtains device information (device position information and the like) connected to the network. Acquired, devices on the network can be displayed in a map format (map information) from the physical distance relationship in the space where the network is installed, and are expressed as a metaphor on the map format.

In the above configuration, information on the device obtained from the server or information on a device group to which the device belongs may be displayed together with the metaphor of the device.

(2) An environment in which a plurality of devices (output devices such as copying machines, printers, facsimile machines, etc.) and users (workstations, personal computers, terminal devices, etc., used by users) are connected via a network. Below, a server on the network collects information on devices on the network and groups them under arbitrary conditions (parameters for each function, each performance, each location, etc.). Also, user information of a plurality of users who use the device from the network is grouped under arbitrary conditions (for each access right, each output right to the device, and the like). Then, in response to a request (a request from a device, a user, an administrator, or the like) for user information or device information normalized by the grouping via a network, the above-described various information is provided.

On the other hand, when the user uses an arbitrary device on the network (when outputting to a printer or the like) by using his / her own terminal device (client device) having client software or a device driver, the user uses the server. Is requested to search for a device group to which the device belongs based on parameters (function, performance, location, etc.) relating to the device desired to be used. The server receiving the above request searches for the corresponding device group based on the parameter (key) from the user, and as a result (information on the device group, information on the devices belonging to the device group, etc.)
Is provided to the user side. At this time, the devices belonging to the device group may be arranged in order according to the setting from the user in advance. Upon receiving the search result from the server, the user displays this on the screen.

In the above configuration, the user or the server may have means for making the above settings. In addition, when each device provides its function on the network, it always performs a self-diagnosis of the status of the device itself. If there is a change in the status of the device itself, the server sends the device status information to the server. An update may be requested.

In another aspect of the present invention, the user issues an output request to a device group managed by the server. The server receiving this determines the most efficient device for the requesting user in the corresponding device group. For example, a device closest to the user and a device closest to the user and capable of processing at the highest speed are determined. Then, the server requests the determined device to execute processing.

(3) An environment in which a plurality of devices (output devices such as copying machines, printers, and facsimile machines) and users (workstations, personal computers, and terminal devices used by users) are connected via a network. Below, a server on the network collects information on devices on the network and groups them under arbitrary conditions (parameters for each function, each performance, each location, etc.). Also, user information of a plurality of users who use the device from the network is grouped under arbitrary conditions (for each access right, each output right to the device, and the like). Then, in response to a request (a request from a device, a user, an administrator, or the like) for user information or device information normalized by the grouping via a network, the above-described various information is provided.

In another aspect of the present invention, the server comprises:
Based on a request (inquiry request) from the user side, a search is made for a device group to which the device the user desires to use and a user group to which the user belongs, and based on the search result, A determination is made as to whether or not the user has a right to use the device desired to be used, and the result is returned to the requesting user.
Based on the response from the server, the user determines whether or not to reject use of the device of the user who actually made the request. At this time, information about the response from the server is
You may make it display on a screen.

In the above configuration, when each device is providing its function on the network, the device always performs a self-diagnosis of the status of the device itself. On the other hand, an update of the device status information may be requested.

When a request for searching, inquiring, or changing device information and device group information is made, the server requests the user to search, query, or change device information and device group information. Is permitted or not, and according to the result of the determination,
For the requesting user, device information and device group information are browsed, changed, permitted, or rejected.

[0079]

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

[First Embodiment] The present invention is applied to, for example, a network system 100 as shown in FIG. The network system 100 according to the present embodiment is arranged in a certain space, and as shown in FIG. 1, user-side terminal devices 111 and 112 which are computers and workstations, and output devices such as copiers and printers. (Device) 113, 114, 121, 122, 12
3, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142 and a server 151 for data processing
And are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the.

Output devices 113 and 114 and terminal device 11
1, 112 belongs to a block 1 (Block-1) in the space where the network system 100 is arranged. The output devices 121, 122 and 123 are blocks 2 in the space where the network system 100 is arranged.
(Block-2). Output device 131, 1
32 and 133 belong to a block 3 (Block-3) in the space where the network system 100 is arranged. The output devices 141 and 142 are connected to the block 4 (Bl) in the space where the network system 100 is arranged.
ock-4).

The server 151, which will be described in detail later, is a feature of the present embodiment, and provides a server service in the network system 100 together with other functions as well as a function as a device management server.

Terminal devices 111 and 112 used by the user
Function as client devices that issue device information and device group information acquisition requests to the server 151.

Here, in the network system 100 of the present embodiment, the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 131 to 131 connected to the network 180
The performances and functions of the devices 133, 141, and 142 are different from each other, and the device status and the use status change every moment. Conventionally, in such a system environment,
It is very difficult for the user to grasp all the information such as the location and functions of these output devices.

On the other hand, in the network system 100 to which the present invention is applied, the server 151 functions as a device management server so that the network 1
Output devices 113, 114, 12 connected onto
Various information (hereinafter, referred to as “device information”) about devices such as 1-123, 131-133, 141, 142 and client devices 111, 112 is collected, stored, and managed.

The user-side terminal devices (hereinafter, also referred to as “client devices”) 111 and 112 transmit device information managed by the server 151, particularly, position information of the output device (device position information) on the map information. A function for expressing as a metaphor (the definition of the metaphor will be described later) is provided. With this function, the user can easily grasp the location of the desired output device while staying at the client device 111 or 112 side. Becomes possible.

FIG. 2 shows that in the server 151, the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 131 to 133, 1
FIG. 2 shows an example of a record format 200 for managing information (device information) on devices on the network 180 such as the client devices 41 and 142 and the client devices 111 and 112.

The record format 200 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, an area 201 for storing a device ID,
An area 202 for storing location information of a device (such as which block it is), and an area 203 for storing information of functions of the output device when the device is an output device
(1), 203 (2),... And areas 204 (1), 204 (2),.

The device ID stored in the area 201 is
The device ID is a unique number of the device, and is managed by the server 151 based on the device ID. The device location information stored in the area 202 is information representing the device location as coordinates. In FIG. 2, the target device exists in block 3 (Block-3).
Information on the coordinates (x, y) at (Block-3) is stored in the area 202.

Therefore, the server 151 can collectively manage the devices on the network 180 by using the record format 200 shown in FIG. Then, the server 151 communicates with the client devices 111 and 11
2 has a function of providing the management information (device information) to the requesting client device in accordance with the request for the management information from the client device 2. Further, the server 151 includes the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 131 to 133,
The output information 113, 114, 121 to 123, 123,
131 to 133, 141 and 142 are registered and managed as a group.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the server 151 for functioning as a device management server. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 151 includes a database (DB) 302 for user information, a database (DB) 303 for device information according to the record format 200 shown in FIG. 2, and a database (DB) 303 for device group information. Database (DB) 304 and DBs 302 to 3
04 and DBs 302 to 30
4 (information updating unit) 306 and the DB 30
A search unit (information search unit) 307 for information within 2 to 304;
A system management unit 308 that manages the operation and the like of the entire network system 100;

The user information DB 302 stores information on users who use the network system 100. The device information DB 303 stores device information on devices on the network 180 in the record format 200 shown in FIG.

The output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 131 to 131 according to the record format 200 shown in FIG.
The output devices 113, 114, and 114 on the network 180 are
Device group information that classifies 121 to 123, 131 to 133, 141, and 142 is organized and stored.

The system management unit 308 controls the output device 11
3,114,121-123,131-133,14
1, 142 and various requests (requests for information search, inquiry, update, etc.) from the user side terminal devices 111, 112 are received and processed via the network 180. Also,
The system management unit 308, if necessary,
06 or the information managed by the DBs 302 to 304 is accessed via the information search unit 307 and the DB management unit 305. The information managed in the server 151 can be browsed and changed through a network (corresponding to the configuration of claim 48).

FIG. 4 shows an example of a user interface screen (display window) 400 displayed on the terminal devices (client devices) 111 and 112 on the user side. The user interface screen is provided by being executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) of the client device based on a network management program installed in the client device so as to be executable.
It is visually displayed on a display unit such as an RT. Display window 40
At 0, the map information of the space in which the network system 100 is constructed and the state where the metaphor of the output device (device) connected to the network is arranged on the map information are displayed. Here, the metaphor is 405
411, a display object for specifying a device, which is the same as an icon in a broad sense. Thus, the display object of the device will be referred to as a metaphor in the embodiment.

In FIG. 4, “401” is displayed on the display window 400 in synchronization with the operation of the pointing device such as a mouse connected to the user terminal device 111 or 112 by the user. A moving pointer. “402” is the display window 4
At 00, the user's own terminal device 111 or 112
Is a home position button for arranging and displaying at the center of the window.

"403" indicates that the map information displayed in the display window 400 is larger than the display area,
This is a navigation button for displaying a part that cannot be displayed in the display area. For example, the user can use the pointer 401 to select a button whose arrow direction is right in the navigation buttons 403, so that an area existing rightward can be displayed in the display area of the display window 400.

“404” is a scale change button for changing the scale of the map information displayed in the display window 400. For example, by operating the scale change button 404 with the pointer 401, the user can display map information on the display window 400 at a desired scale.

“405” to “411” are metaphors each representing an output device connected to the network 180. Each of these metaphors 405 to 411 is arranged and displayed on the map information in the display window 400 in a positional relationship equivalent to the physical position in the actual space.

"407" is the user's own terminal device 11.
It is a metaphor representing 1 or 112. This metaphor 407 is also arranged and displayed on the map information in the display window 400 in a positional relationship equivalent to the physical position in the actual space, similarly to the metaphor of the output device described above.

The metaphor 407 representing the user's own client device 111 or 112 is displayed on the display window 4 based on the operation of the home button 402 described above.
00 is arranged and displayed at the center of the display area.

The information regarding the positions of the output device and the client device (the display position of the metaphor) in the display window 400 as described above is transmitted from the server 151 to the D
The information is collectively managed by B303.

Also, the terminal devices 111 and 112 on the user side
Issues a position information acquisition request for a device on the network 180 to the server 151 in order to display the display window 400 as described above,
Output devices 113, 114, 121-123, 131-1
33, 141, 142 and the client device 1 on the own side
The position information regarding 11 or 112 is acquired, and based on this, the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 1
It creates map information describing metaphors of the client devices 111 or 112 on its own side and the client devices 111 to 112. Display window 4 obtained by this
00 is displayed on the terminal devices 111 and 112 on the user side, so that the user can visually recognize the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123 and 1 connected to the network 180.
The positions of 31 to 133, 141, and 142 can be easily and accurately grasped.

Further, the display window 400 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 5, for example, when the user moves the pointer 401 and selects a desired output device metaphor (here, the output device 409), as shown in FIG.
Information (device information) 40 relating to the output device 409
9a is displayed. This allows the user to intuitively grasp detailed information such as the functions of the various devices connected to the network 180 and the current state.
When the acquisition of detailed information is prohibited by the client group to which the client belongs, the metaphor of the output device shown in FIGS. A warning is displayed when is performed (corresponding to the structure of claims 29 and 30).

The functions of the server 151 and the terminal devices 111 and 112 on the user side as described above are implemented by, for example, server software or client software. Specifically, for example, the server 151 and the terminal devices 111 and 112 on the user side each have a computer function 500 as shown in FIG. 6, and the operation of the present embodiment is performed by the CPU 501.

As shown in FIG. 6, the computer function 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 5
03, a keyboard controller (KBC) 505 of a keyboard (KB) 509, and a CRT controller (CR) of a CRT display (CRT) 510 as a display unit.
TC) 506, a disk controller (DKC) 507 of a hard disk (HD) 511 and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD) 512, and a network interface card (NIC) 508 so that they can communicate with each other via a system bus 504. It has a connected configuration. Then, the system bus 504 is connected to the network 180 shown in FIG.

The CPU 501 has a ROM 502 or HD
By executing the software stored in the 511 or the software supplied from the FD 512, the respective components connected to the system bus 504 are comprehensively controlled.
That is, the CPU 501 stores the processing program according to the predetermined processing sequence in the ROM 502 or the HD 51.
1, or by reading from the FD 512 and executing,
Control for realizing the operation in the present embodiment is performed.

The RAM 503 functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 501. KBC505
Controls an instruction input from the KB 509 or a pointing device (not shown). CRTC 506
The display of RT 510 is controlled. The DKC 507 includes a boot program, various applications, editing files,
H that stores a user file, a network management program, and the above-described processing program in the present embodiment
Access to D511 and FD512 is controlled. NI
The C508 bidirectionally exchanges data with devices on the network 180.

FIG. 7 shows client devices 111 and 112.
In the display window 40 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 9 shows an operation for displaying a 0 on the screen of the CRT 510 or the like shown in FIG. Specifically, for example, in the client devices 111 and 112, the CPU 5
01 executes the processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 to perform the following operation.

Step S601: When a map information display request (display request for the display window 400) is made by the user, the CPU 501 sends the network information to the server 151.
By accessing 0, map information (map information) is obtained.

The map information may be held in the client devices 111 and 112 in advance. In this case, the processing in step S601 is not required.

Step S602: The CPU 501 accesses the network 151 to the server 151 using the area that the user wants to display as key information, and thereby obtains information on devices on the network 180 (device information such as device position information). get.

Step S603: The CPU 501 enters a state of waiting for a response from the server 151, and upon receiving a response from the server 151, executes the processing from the next step S604.

Step S604: The CPU 501 uses the information (device position information, etc.) received from the server 151 to select a position on the map information received from the server 151 (or stored in the apparatus in advance). An operation process for determining which device is to be arranged is performed by the server 15.
The process is executed for information of all the devices included in the information received from the device 1.

Step S605: The CPU 151 arranges and renders the metaphor of each device on the map information based on the result of the arithmetic processing (metaphor position) in step S604. Thus, the display window 400 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is displayed on the screen. After that, the process ends.

FIG. 8 shows the operation when the server 151 receives an information acquisition request (a request for acquiring device information, see step S602 in FIG. 7) from the client devices 111 and 112. Specifically, for example, in the server 151, the CPU 501 (corresponding to the system management unit 308 in FIG. 3) executes a processing program according to the flowchart in FIG. You.

Step S701: When the server 151 receives an information acquisition request from the client device 111 or 112, the information search unit 307 of the server 151
Based on the key information (information of the area that the user wants to display) included in the request, the corresponding information is obtained from the device group information DB 304.

Step S702: The information search unit 307
The device information indicated by the device group information acquired in step 701 (device detailed information such as locations and functions of all devices belonging to the area desired by the user) is acquired from the device information DB 303.

Step S703: System management unit 308
Transmits the information obtained by the information search unit 307 to the client device 111 or 112 that has issued the information acquisition request. After that, the process ends.

According to the present embodiment as described above, information on various devices on the network 180 is provided to the user by the display window 400 (visual means) as shown in FIGS. Since it can be provided, even in a large-scale network system, the user can determine what devices are connected on the network, what functions are provided, what state they are in, etc. Can be easily grasped.

[0121] [Second Embodiment] In this embodiment,
The configuration of the network system 100 shown in FIG.
The configuration is as described. Note that here, the first implementation
Only the configuration different from the above embodiment will be specifically described.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a record format 800 (X) for classifying devices on the network 180 and managing them in the server 151. This record format 800
The information according to (X) is, as device group information,
The information is stored in the device group information DB 304 of the server 151.

As shown in FIG. 9, the record format 800 (X) includes an area 801 for storing a device group ID, an area 802 for storing a device group name, and a device I / O belonging to a target device group.
And an area 803 in which D is stored. Area 801
The device group ID stored in the device ID is a unique ID indicating a function commonly owned by devices belonging to the target device group. The device group name stored in the area 802 is the name of the target device group, and is uniquely defined for the target device group ID.

Here, as an example, the network 180
Output devices 113, 114, 121 to 12 connected to
3, 131 to 133, 141 and 142 are printers,
The result of categorizing each function (staple punch function, bookbinding function, color print function, shift sort function)
They are stored in record formats 800 (1) to 800 (4).

The device group information as described above can be referred to in the client devices 111 and 112, so that the user can quickly search for a device having a desired function.

More specifically, for example, the client device 11
In steps 1 and 112, the CPU 501 controls the CR
At T510, a screen (device group information screen) 910 obtained from the device group information managed by the server 151 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

In FIG. 10, "911" is a menu bar for selecting a desired group classification. Here, since it is selected to display the information on the group classified by the function, the screen 91 is displayed.
On top of the above, the functions of “bookbinding”, “staple punch”, “color print”, and “shift sort” are
Information such as how many corresponding devices exist is displayed (see “912” in FIG. 10).

“913” is a “go to list” button for displaying information on devices belonging to groups for each of the functions “bookbinding”, “staple punch”, “color print”, and “shift sort”. . “914” is a pointer that moves on the screen 910 in synchronization with a user's operation of a pointing device such as a mouse.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the display screen when the user selects the “go to list” button of the desired function with the pointer 914 on the screen 910 of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the “to list” button of the “shift sort” function is selected.

More specifically, for example, the user
When the “to list” button of the “shift sort” function is selected on the screen 910 of (), the CP
The U501 transmits an information acquisition request to the server 151 based on the operation, thereby acquiring information retrieved from the information managed by the server 151, and using this acquired information, Screen 910 as shown in
Display on T510.

In FIG. 11, “921” is an area where information indicating the group classification selected on the menu bar 911 in FIG. 10 is displayed. “922” is a menu bar for further selecting an area (location) from among the devices belonging to the device group corresponding to the group classification. “923” is a button for selecting a desired device from the devices corresponding to the selection by the menu bar 922.

Here, as shown in FIG.
20, the current state of each device (“power saving mode”,
“Normal”, “No cassette 2”, etc.) are displayed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the output devices 113, 1
14, 121-123, 131-133, 141, 14
2 are computer functions 50 shown in FIG.
It has a function similar to that of the device 0, and is configured to notify the server 151 of the current state on its own side using a device agent (agent for monitoring the device state) implemented by the CPU 501 of the function. I have.

FIG. 12 shows output devices 113, 114, 12
1 to 123, 131 to 133, 141 and 142. That is, the output devices 113 and 11
4,121-123,131-133,141,142
The CPU 501 executes a processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 12 to perform the following operation.

Step S1001: The CPU 501 checks the status of its own device, and stores the check result in an internal memory (RAM 503 or the like). The check items here include, for example, whether the recording paper is out of paper, whether or not the recording paper is jammed, and the like.

Step S1002: The CPU 501 checks whether or not the system is currently operating.
Store in an internal memory (RAM 503 or the like) (step S
1002). For example, when the own device is a printer, it is checked whether or not printing is being performed. At this time, the scheduled time of the end of the job being printed may also be collected.

Step S1003: The CPU 501 compares the check results of steps S1001 and S1002 with the previous check result stored in the internal memory to determine whether or not the state of the own device has changed. If the result of this determination is that there is no state change, the CPU 50
1 repeatedly executes the processing from step S1001 again.

Step S1004: Step S1003
As a result of the determination, when there is a state change, the CPU 501
Via the network 180, the server 151 is notified that the status of the own device has changed. After that, CPU5
01 repeatedly executes the processing from step S1001 again.

FIG. 13 shows the server 151 in which the output devices 113, 114, 121 to 123, 131 to 133,
It shows an operation when a state change notification is received from each of 141 and 142. Specifically, for example, the server 15
In FIG. 1, the CPU 501 (corresponding to the system management unit 308 in FIG. 3) executes a processing program according to the flowchart in FIG. 13 to perform the following operation.

Step S1011: Information retrieval unit 307
Receives the status change notification from the output device, and updates the corresponding device information based on the ID (device ID) of the output device indicated by the notification in order to update the corresponding device information. Get the storage location of

Step S1012: Information update section 306
Updates the corresponding device information in the DB 303 based on the storage location information obtained by the information search unit 307 based on the status information indicated by the status change notification from the output device.

Step S1013: System Management Unit 30
Reference numeral 8 transmits a status indicating whether or not the update processing in the information update unit 306 has been normally completed, to the output device that is the status change notification source. After that, the process ends.

In step S1013, the status can be set so as to automatically notify the status to the system management group that manages the entire print processing system based on the updated contents. This makes it possible to increase the convenience of the administrator who performs the system management.

According to the present embodiment as described above, in the server 151, devices on the network 180 can be grouped and managed efficiently. Also,
Output devices 113, 114, 121-123, 131-1
33, 141, and 142 each have a built-in device agent (a function performed by the CPU 501).
Therefore, the status of the own device is constantly monitored, and when there is a status change, the server 151 is notified. Since the server 151 updates the device information almost in real time based on the notification, the user (client) Is the server 15
By accessing the device information 1, the latest device information can always be obtained.

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the client device 111 or 112 has the server 151
Is displayed as a screen 1020 as shown in FIG. 14, for example.

In FIG. 14, "1021" is a menu bar for selecting a desired group classification. Here, since it is selected to display information on the group classified by the location (area) of the device, “Block-
As for “1”, “Block-2”, “Block-3”, and “Block-3”, information such as how many corresponding devices exist (“10” in FIG. 14 described above) is displayed.
22 ").

"1023" is the group classification selected in the menu bar 1021 (here, "Block-
"1", "Block-2", "Block-3", and "Block-3").
“1024” is a pointer that moves on the screen 1020 in synchronization with a user's operation of a pointing device such as a mouse.

For example, when the user selects the “to list” button for a certain area group with the pointer 1024, the information of the device belonging to the area group is displayed in the same manner as in the screen 920 shown in FIG. The screen is displayed.

“1025” is an “output to group” button for requesting a desired group to select an appropriate device (a device actually used) based on user settings.

FIG. 15 shows a screen 1 for the user setting.
030. The user sets in advance a parameter that is a reference for selecting an appropriate device on the screen 1030 in FIG. Here, it is possible to set whether to give priority to the parameter “closeness to the output destination” or to give priority to the parameter “speed up to the end of the output job”.

On the screen 1030 shown in FIG. 15, the "closeness to the output destination" (used by the user) is more than the "speed until the output job ends" (the time until the job such as print output ends). The priority is given to the shortness of the distance from the client device to the device (see the black circle shown by “1031” and the white circle shown by “1032” in the figure), and the corresponding device is selected from the devices belonging to the target group. Settings.

“1033” is a “registration” button for finally determining (registering) the settings of the screen 1030.
When the “register” button 1033 is operated, the setting information is stored in the user information D of the server 151.
It is stored (registered) in B302. “1034” is a pointer that moves on the screen 1030 in synchronization with a user's operation of a pointing device such as a mouse.

Therefore, the client devices 111, 1
In FIG. 12, when the “output to group” button 1025 corresponding to a certain group is selected on the screen 1020 in FIG. 14 described above, the client apparatuses 111 and 112 send the user information to the server 151 via the network 180. The setting information previously stored in the DB 302 of FIG.
5 based on the setting information on the screen 1030), a request is made to select an appropriate device from the devices belonging to the group.

FIG. 16 shows the operation of the client devices 111 and 112 as described above. Specifically, for example, in the client devices 111 and 112,
The following operation is performed by the CPU 501 executing the processing program according to the flowchart in FIG.

Step S1041: When the CPU 501 recognizes that the “output to group” button 1025 corresponding to a certain group is selected on the screen 1020 in FIG. 14, the CPU 501 uses the group as key information via the network 180. Transmits a device determination request to the server 151.

Step S1042: The CPU 501 enters a state of waiting for a response from the server 151, and upon receiving a response from the server 151, executes the processing from the next step S1043.

Step S1043: The CPU 501 transmits a processing execution request (a print output request or the like) to a corresponding device (output device) on the network 180 indicated by the device information included in the response from the server 151. .

Step S1044: The CPU 501 notifies the user that the device determined by the server 151 has been requested to execute processing. As a method of notifying the user at this time, a method of displaying a window, a dialog, or the like on the CRT 510 can be applied.
After that, the process ends.

FIG. 17 shows the operation when the server 151 receives a device determination request from the client devices 111 and 112. Specifically, for example, in the server 151, the CPU 501 (corresponding to the system management unit 308 in FIG. 3) executes a processing program according to the flowchart in FIG. 17 to perform the following operation. You.

Step S1051: When the server 151 receives a device determination request from the client devices 111 and 112, the server 151
7 searches the device group information DB 304 for group information indicated by the request.

Step S1052: Information search section 307
Stores information on devices (all devices belonging to the group) indicated by the device group information retrieved in step S1051 into D for device information.
Obtained from B303.

Step S1053: System management unit 30
8, the device information obtained by the information search unit 307 is converted into information set in advance by the user (the screen 103 shown in FIG.
0). Thereby, the various devices belonging to the group are rearranged in order based on the information instructed by the user on what is prioritized.

Step S1054: system management unit 30
8 determines an appropriate device from the various devices sorted in step S1053 based on the setting information.

Step S1055: System management unit 30
Reference numeral 8 denotes a response to the device information determined in step S1054, and
11 or 112 via the network 180. After that, the process ends.

According to the present embodiment as described above, the user does not need to specify the device to be actually used from the device group, and automatically determines an appropriate device to execute the process. Can be.

[0165] [Fourth Embodiment] The present invention relates to, for example, FIG.
18 to a network system 1100 as shown in FIG.
Is done. Network system 1100 of the present embodiment
Is an empty space, as in the network system of FIG.
As shown in FIG.
User terminal, such as a computer or workstation
(Client device) 1311, 1312, 1313
1411, 1412, 1413, 1511, 1512,
1513 and an output device (e.g.,
S) 1201, 1202, 1301, 1401, 150
1,1601 and a server 1151 for data processing
Can communicate with each other via the network 1180.
It is configured to be connected as follows.

Client devices 1311, 1312, 1
313, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1511, 1
512, 1513, and output devices 1201, 1202
1301, 1401, 1501, 1601 are respectively
Organized in separate locations. For example, the output devices 1201 and 1202 are arranged in the <print center>, and the output device 1301 and the client device 13
11 to 1313 are arranged in <setting>, and include the output device 1401 and the client devices 1411 to 1413.
Are arranged in <plan>, the output device 1501 and the client devices 1511 to 1513 are arranged in <business>, and the output device 1601 is arranged in <plan / business>.

The client devices 1311, 131
2,1313,1411,1412,1413,151
1, 1512, 1513, output devices 1201, 120
2, 1301, 1401, 1501, 1601, and the server 1151 are the same as the client device, the output device, and the server in the network system 100 of FIG. 1 described above, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the network system 1100, for example, the client devices 1311, 131
2,1313,1411,1412,1413,151
1, 1512, 1513, all the output devices 1201, 1202, 1301, 1401, 15
When the use of 01, 1601 is permitted, as described in the related art, there is a decrease in efficiency due to concentration of jobs on some output devices. In addition, output to an output device not intended by the user may cause the output information to touch the eyes of a third party, which may cause a problem such as confidential leakage of information described in the output. Therefore, the present embodiment has a configuration as described below in order to solve the above problem.

FIG. 19 shows the concept of the work of grouping device information, which is a feature of the present embodiment. Here, as an example, the output devices 1201 and 120
2, 1301, 1401, 1501, and 1601 are classified and grouped according to the functions of the output device.

As shown in FIG. 19, the output device having the bookbinding function is only the output device 1201, and the output device having the staple / punch function is the output device 1201.
The output device having the color output function is only the output device 1301, and the output devices having the shift sort function are the output devices 1201, 1202, and 1601.

Therefore, the server 1151 outputs the output devices 1201, 1202, 1301, 1401, 1501,
The group 1601 is not limited to grouping by function as shown in FIG. 19, but is grouped by performance, location, output right, and the like, and the result is used as device group information in the DB 304 shown in FIG. It is managed by. At this time,
As the record format used to manage the device group information in the DB 304, the format shown in FIG. 9 can be applied.

FIG. 20 shows the concept of the work of grouping user information, which is a feature of the present embodiment. Here, as an example, as users, the network administrator 1251, the design chief 1351, and the designer 135
, A plan chief 1451, a planner 1452,..., A sales chief 1551, a sales person 1552,..., And these users are classified and grouped by affiliation.

As shown in FIG. 20, a network manager 1251 and a design chief 1351 belong to the system management group. The chief group includes a design chief 1351, a planning chief 1451, and a sales chief 1551. The design chief 1351 and the designers 1352,... Belong to the design group. The Planning Group includes Planning Chief 1451 and Planning 145
2, ... belong. The sales group has sales chief 1
551 and sales 1552,.

[0174] Therefore, the server 1151
As indicated by 0, various users are grouped by affiliation or the like, and the results are managed in a database described later.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a record format 1710 (X) for classifying the user information as shown in FIG. 20 by affiliation in the server 1151 and grouping them, and managing them in a database. It is.

The record format 1710 (X) is
As shown in FIG. 21, an area 1714 in which a user group ID is stored, an area 1715 in which a user group name is stored, and a user ID belonging to a target user group
And an area 1716 in which D is stored.

The user group ID stored in area 1714 is a unique ID indicating a target user group (such as a system sales group). The user group name stored in area 1715 is the name of the target user group, such as “system sales group”.
The user ID stored in the area 1716 is a unique ID added to a user belonging to the target user group.

With the above user information, it is possible to quickly search for a user belonging to a certain group.

Further, the server 151 manages, for example, device usage right information 1720 as shown in FIG. 22 in a database described later. Device usage right information 1720
Is the user group ID 17 as shown in FIG.
This is table information in which the use right (the presence or absence of the use right) of each output device indicated by the device ID 1721 is defined for each user group indicated by 22.

For example, in FIG. 22, the group (system management group) indicated by the user group ID “01-0001” is usable by all output devices, and is indicated by the user group ID “03-0003”. The group (planning group) has the device ID “120”.
1 "," 1202 "," 1401 ", and" 1602 "
Is defined so that only the output device indicated by. Can be used. Therefore, the user can use only the output device permitted to use in the user group to which the user belongs. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent concentration of jobs due to each user randomly issuing an output request to the output device.

FIG. 23 shows a server 115 according to the present embodiment.
1 shows an internal configuration of the device. The server 1151
The configuration shown in FIG. 3 further includes a database (DB) 310 for user group information. Therefore, the user group information according to the record format 1710 (X) in FIG. 21 is stored and managed in the DB 310.

The device usage right information 17 shown in FIG.
For 20, the memory in the server 151 or the DB
It is not limited to the management place such as any of 302 to 304 and 310.

FIG. 24 shows a case where a certain user operates the client devices 1311, 1312, 1313, 1411, 141.
2, 1413, 1511, 1512, or 1513, the output device 1201, 120
2 shows the operation of the client device when issuing a process execution request (output request) to any one of the output devices 2, 1301, 1401, 1501, and 1601. Specifically, for example, in the client device, the CPU 501 (device agent) executes the processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 24, and the following operation is performed.

Step S1801: Upon recognizing that the user has performed an operation for a process execution request from the user, the CPU 501 executes the server 115 via the network 1180.
By transmitting information about the user and information about an output device that the user desires to use, the user can determine whether the user has the right to use the output device that the user wants to use. Submit the request.

Step S1802: The CPU 501 enters a state of waiting for a response to the inquiry request to the server 1151 in step S1801, and upon receiving the response,
The processing from the next step S1803 is executed.

Step S1803: The CPU 501 determines whether or not the user has a use right (output right) for the output device desired by the user based on the content of the response from the server 1151 received in step S1802. I do. If the result of this determination is that there is a use right, the flow proceeds to the next step S1804, and if there is no use right, the flow proceeds to step S1806 described later.

Step S1804: Step S1803
As a result of the determination, if the user has the right to use the output device desired by the user, the CPU 501
Recognizes that the processing execution request from the user is valid,
For the output device via the network 1180,
Send a processing execution request. As a result, the output device executes processing such as print output.

Step S1805: The CPU 501 notifies the user of the reception of the processing execution request.
Notification is made by displaying a message on the screen. After that, the process ends.

Step S1806: Step S1803
As a result of the determination, if the user does not have the right to use the output device desired by the user, the CPU 501
For the user, refusal of the processing execution request,
Notification is made by displaying a message on the screen. After that, the process ends.

FIG. 25 shows that the server 1151
The operation of the server 1151 when the collation request is received from the client device by the process of step S1801 of FIG. Specifically, for example, the server 1151
The CPU 501 (corresponding to the system management unit 308 in FIG. 23) executes a processing program according to the flowchart in FIG. 25 to perform the following operation.

Step S1811: Information Retrieval Unit 307
Are client devices 1311, 1312, 1313
1411, 1412, 1413, 1511, 1512,
1513: Obtaining corresponding information from the user group information DB 310 based on information (user ID and the like) on the user (user who made the inquiry request) included in the inquiry request received from any of the client devices 1513 Retrieves the group to which the user belongs.

Step S1812: Information Retrieval Unit 307
From the group to which the user belongs acquired in step S1811, information on which output device is an output device to which the use right is given for the group is described.
Device usage right information 1720 as shown in FIG.
Get by.

Step S1813: System Management Unit 30
8, based on the information obtained by the information search unit 307, status information indicating whether or not the user making the inquiry request has the right to use the output device desired by the inquiry requesting client device To respond. After that, the process ends.

According to the present embodiment as described above, output devices 1201, 12 connected to network 1180
02, 1301, 1401, 1501, and 1601, a plurality of users who use these output devices can be grouped and managed by the server 1151, so that each user can randomly output requests to the output devices. It is possible to prevent the concentration of jobs due to output.

[0195] [Fifth Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
Client devices 1311, 131 shown in FIG.
2,1313,1411,1412,1413,151
At 1,1512,1513, the server 1151 manages
Managed device group information, for example,
A screen 910 as shown in FIG. Also,
Device group information managed by the server 1151
Search execution is permitted by each client group
Is also managed in the server 1151, and
From each client by using the search execution permission information
It is determined whether to execute the execution request.

For example, in the client device 1311, the CPU 501 displays the device group information managed by the server 1151 on the CRT 510 as a screen 910 as shown in FIG. When the user selects “to list” for an arbitrary group on the screen 910
When a button is selected (eg, by a click operation), the CPU 501 of the client device 1311 displays a screen 910 as shown in FIG.

The user selects the “output” button 923 corresponding to the desired output device on the screen 910 in FIG. This selection information is the "information about the output device desired by the user" in step S1801 in FIG. 24 and step S1812 in FIG.
Is equivalent to

Therefore, as described above, the server 151 uses the selection information, the information on the user (user ID and the like), and the device use right information 1720 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the right to use the output device desired by the user is given to the group to which the user belongs, and the result is returned to the client device 1311.

In the client device 1311, the CPU 501 responds to the response from the server 1151 when the use right of the output device selected from the screen 910 in FIG. 11 is not present, for example, as shown in FIG.
A dialog 925 indicating that there is no right to use is displayed.

FIG. 27 is a view showing an example in which the server 1151 transmits a screen 920 as shown in FIG. 11 from the client device 1311, that is, a screen of information on output devices belonging to the group selected from the screen 910 in FIG. Server 1 when receiving a request for acquiring information for displaying 920 (device group information search request)
FIG. 151 shows the operation of FIG. Specifically, for example,
In the server 1151, the CPU 501 (see FIG.
3 executes the processing program according to the flowchart of FIG. 27, whereby the following operation is performed.

Step 1821: The information search unit 307
By acquiring corresponding information from the user group information DB 310 based on information (user ID and the like) on the user (user making the request) included in the device group information search request received from the client device 1311, Search for a group to which the user belongs.

Step 1822: The information search unit 307
It is determined from the group to which the user belongs acquired in step S1821 whether or not a search request is permitted for the group. As a result of this determination, if the search request is permitted, the process proceeds to the next step S1823.
Proceed to 825.

Step 1823: If the result of determination in step S1822 indicates that there is a search request right, the information search unit 307
Is a DB for device group information based on a search key (a button operated from the screen 910 in FIG. 10).
The corresponding device group information is searched from 304.

Step 1824: System management section 308
Determines whether the search key is the last key. If the result of this determination is that the key is not an end key, step S1 is performed again.
Returning to 823, the subsequent processing steps are repeatedly executed. If it is the end key, the process proceeds to the next step S1825.

Step 1825: System management section 308
Notifies the client device 1311 of the search result obtained in step S1823 if the user has the search request right, or a search request rejection response if the user does not have the search request right. After that, the process ends.

According to the present embodiment as described above, a user can search for detailed information of a device belonging to a desired group for each device group information managed by server 1151. Further, the detailed information of these devices can be output from a device having an output function. Further, it is also possible to output device-unable information desired by the user, for example, detailed information of the device in a format such as slip-sheet paper (corresponding to claim 50).

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal according to the first to fifth embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide the system or the apparatus with the storage medium. It is needless to say that the present invention is also achieved when the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the first to fifth embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As storage media for supplying the program code, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. The functions of the first to fifth embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, and the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case in which the functions of the first to fifth embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in an extension function board inserted into the computer or a function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0208]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a server, information about a plurality of devices connected to a network is registered, and the registered device information is classified into device groups and managed. Also, for a user who uses the network, the user information can be registered and managed. On the other hand, the user side accesses the server via the network to obtain information on the devices on the network (such as device location information) and, based on the information, obtains information in the space where the device network is installed. Can be displayed as map information from the physical distance relationship of the device, and the device can be expressed as a metaphor on the map information. Therefore, the user
The location relationship of devices on the network can be visually recognized from the map information and device metaphor displayed on the local terminal device, etc., so that the location of the devices on the network can be quickly grasped. ,
It can be expected to improve the productivity and efficiency of networks and devices.

[0209] In the above configuration, when not only the device location information but also the device information (information such as the performance and function of the device) managed by the server is displayed, the user is intuitive. Since the operation can recognize the performance and function of the device connected to the network, it is expected that the productivity and efficiency of the network and the device will be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, in the server,
Register information on a plurality of devices connected to the network, further classify and manage the registered device information into device groups, and also register and manage the user information of users who use the network. Can be. On the other hand, by accessing the server, the user can search for devices by device group. Further, when there are a plurality of devices belonging to a device group specified by the user, it is possible to output a result obtained by sorting the devices in advance based on the settings on the server or the user side. Therefore, the user
Since a search for a desired device can be executed quickly, productivity and efficiency of networks and devices can be expected to be improved.

[0211] In the above configuration, each of the devices connected to the network constantly monitors the status of the device itself, and when there is a change in the status, notifies the server of the device status. If the server is configured to update the management information based on the information, the server can always manage the latest device status, and can provide the latest device information in response to a search request from the user side. It becomes possible.

Also, based on a request from the user, the server determines, among the devices belonging to the device group designated by the user, the most efficient device for the user (the device closest to the user, If the system is configured to automatically determine a device that can perform processing at the highest speed among similar devices, the user can be expected to improve the productivity of a product (print generation) by using the device, and to improve efficiency. High processing.

Further, according to the present invention, in the server,
Registers information about a plurality of devices connected to the network, further classifies and manages the registered device information into device groups, and also registers user information on users who use the network, and further registers User information can be classified into user groups and managed. On the other hand, when the user issues a process execution request (print output request or the like) to an arbitrary device, the user accesses the server to determine whether or not the user can use the device. According to the result, it can be determined whether or not the device should actually execute the processing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from using the devices on the network without restriction, and it can be expected that the productivity and efficiency of the network and the devices are improved. It is also effective from the viewpoint of keeping confidentiality of the output contents by the device.

[0214] In the above configuration, the user searches the server for device information, device group information, user information, or user group information.
Alternatively, if the user is configured to make changes or the like, the user
The user's own terminal device or the like allows the user to recognize the devices that are permitted to use, their performance, functions, and the like. At this time, when the server receives a request for a search, inquiry, or change from the user, the server may determine whether to permit or reject the request and execute the request. In addition, when there are a plurality of devices that are permitted to be used, the user can know the narrowing down based on the functions, performances, and the like of those devices by using a terminal device on the user side.

Each of the devices connected to the network constantly monitors the state of the device itself,
When configured to notify the device status to the server when the status changes, the user can access the server to understand the current status of the device desired to be used. Therefore, since it is possible to actually request the execution of the process, it is expected that the productivity and efficiency of the user are improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining device information managed by a server of the network system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a client device of the network system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where detailed information of a device is displayed on the screen.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer function of the server, the client device, and the device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the client device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the server.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining device group information managed by the server in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the device group information displayed on the client device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen of information on devices belonging to an arbitrary group, which is displayed on the client device by an operation on the screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the device group information displayed on the client device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of an information setting screen used when automatically selecting an appropriate device from devices belonging to an arbitrary group according to an instruction from the screen.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the client device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a process of grouping a plurality of devices on a network in the network system.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a process of grouping a plurality of users who use the plurality of devices.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a result (user group information) obtained by grouping the plurality of users, which is managed by a server of the network system.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating use right information of the plurality of devices managed by a server of the network system.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the client device of the network system.

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

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (a screen notifying that there is no use right) on the client device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the server in the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 network system 113,114,122,121,123,131,1
32, 133, 141, 142 Devices (output devices) 111, 112 Terminal devices (client devices) on the user side 151 Server 180 Network 302 Database for user information 303 Database for device information 304 Database for device group information 305 Database management Unit 306 information update unit 307 information search unit 308 system management unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsuya Morita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kenji Fukushi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Manabu Yamauchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Mitsuo Nimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Kazuki Miyamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 5B021 AA01 EE02 5B085 BE07 BG07 5B089 GA21 GB02 JB15 KA13 KB04 5E501 AA13 AC25 AC32 BA03 CA01

Claims (53)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions via a network, wherein the plurality of devices have a plurality of functions based on information on the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network. An information processing apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying map information in which a display object indicating a device is arranged in a physical space. 2. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein said display control means includes a function, a performance,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the information and the state is displayed together with a display object indicating the device. 3. An information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions for use by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein: a storage unit for storing information on the plurality of devices; Based on a request from an arbitrary client user among the plurality of client users, it is possible to display map information in which display objects indicating the plurality of devices are simulated in physical space by information in the storage unit. To
Providing means for providing the information in the storage means to the requesting client user. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores at least one of function, performance, and status of the device as the information on the plurality of devices. 5. An information processing apparatus capable of using a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions via a network, wherein the information processing apparatus relates to a plurality of groups obtained by grouping the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network. An information processing apparatus comprising a display control unit for displaying information. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said display control means displays information on devices belonging to an arbitrary group among said plurality of groups. 7. An instruction means for instructing the server to determine a corresponding device from devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups according to a predetermined condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined condition. 9. An information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having arbitrary functions for use by a plurality of client users via a network, the information comprising a plurality of groups obtained by grouping the plurality of devices. And a providing means for providing information in the storage means to the requesting client user based on a request from an arbitrary client user among the plurality of client users. Information processing device. 10. The storage means stores information on the plurality of devices, and the providing means belongs to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups designated by the client user in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein information about a device is provided to the client user of the request source. 11. A determination means for determining a device corresponding to a predetermined condition from devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups based on an instruction from the requesting client user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: 12. An information processing apparatus for managing a plurality of devices having an arbitrary function to be used by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein the plurality of user groups group the plurality of client users. A first storage unit for storing information about the plurality of user groups, a second storage unit for storing information about a device having a use right among the plurality of devices, and the first storage. Means for managing a device designated by any one of the plurality of client users based on the storage contents of the means and the second storage means. Information processing device. 13. A network system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other via a network, wherein at least one device among the plurality of devices is according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A network system having the function of an information processing device. 14. A device management method for using a plurality of devices by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein the method is based on information on the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network. A device management method, comprising a display control step of displaying map information in which display objects indicating a plurality of devices are arranged in a physical space. 15. The function of a device indicated by information on the plurality of devices, wherein the display control step includes:
The device management method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of displaying at least one of performance and status information together with a display object indicating the device. 16. A device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein: a storage step of storing information on the plurality of devices in a storage means; Based on a request from any client user in the, so that it is possible to display map information in which the display objects indicating the plurality of devices are arranged in physical space by information in the storage means,
Providing the information in the storage means to the requesting client user. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the storing step includes a step of storing at least one of function, performance, and state of a device in the storage unit as information on the plurality of devices. Device management method described. 18. A device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein the plurality of groups are formed by grouping the plurality of devices transmitted from a server on the network. A display control step of displaying information about the device. 19. The device management method according to claim 18, wherein the display control step includes a step of displaying information on devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups. 20. The server, from among devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups,
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction step of instructing to determine a corresponding device according to a predetermined condition.
9. The device management method according to item 8. 21. The device management method according to claim 20, further comprising a setting step of setting the predetermined condition. 22. A device management method for using a plurality of devices by a plurality of client users via a network, wherein a storage step of storing information on a plurality of groups obtained by grouping the plurality of devices in a storage unit. And a providing step of, based on a request from any one of the plurality of client users, providing information in the storage means to the requesting client user. . 23. The storage step includes a step of storing information on the plurality of devices in the storage unit, and the providing step includes a step of storing the information of the plurality of groups in the storage unit instructed by the client user. 23. The device management method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of providing information on a device belonging to an arbitrary group in the requesting client user. 24. A determining step of determining a device corresponding to a predetermined condition from devices belonging to an arbitrary group among the plurality of groups based on an instruction from the requesting client user. 23. The device management method according to claim 22, wherein: 25. A device management method for a plurality of client users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein information on a plurality of user groups obtained by grouping the plurality of client users is stored in a first storage unit. A second storage step of storing information on a device having a use right among the plurality of devices in a second storage unit for each of the plurality of user groups; A management step of, based on the contents stored in the first storage means and the second storage means, enabling the client user to use a device designated by any one of the plurality of client users. A device management method, comprising: 26. A device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein a processing step executed by a server on the network includes a function and a performance of each of the plurality of devices. And device information storing step of storing at least one of the information of the location, and the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device,
A user information storing step of storing at least one of user information of a password and a password; a device information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored in the device information storing step under an arbitrary condition; A user information grouping step for grouping and organizing the user information stored in the information storage step under arbitrary conditions, and information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step, A providing step for providing to a requester via the network, a processing step when a registered user corresponding to the user information stored in the user information storing step uses an arbitrary device on the network, The above registered user side A user information transmitting step of transmitting user information to a server; and the server transmits from the registered user based on the grouping information in the device information grouping step and the grouping information in the user information grouping step. Information about the device group that can be used by the user group in which the registered user information is registered,
A transmitting step for transmitting to the registered user side, wherein the registered user side imitates a metaphor of a device indicated by the information on a physical space where an actual device exists, based on information transmitted from the server. A device management method, comprising: a map creation step for creating arranged map information; and a display step in which the registered user side displays the map information created by the map creation step on a screen. 27. A pointer display step of displaying a pointer for selecting a metaphor representing an arbitrary device on the display screen in the display step, and determining whether an arbitrary metaphor has been selected by the pointer. 27. The device management method according to claim 26, further comprising a control step. 28. The device management method according to claim 27, further comprising a detailed information display step of displaying detailed information of a device corresponding to the metaphor selected by the pointer. 29. On the display screen in the display step, for a metaphor whose user group to which the registered user belongs is an attribute of device output addition, the display is changed to a display in which an image in which the metaphor cannot be selected is transmitted to the registered user. A display change step, and when the registered user attempts to select the metaphor whose output is prohibited in the user group to which the registered user has been changed by the display change step, the selection instruction from the registered user is issued. 27. The device management method according to claim 26, further comprising a control step of performing control not to accept. 30. The device management method according to claim 26, wherein the control step includes a step of outputting a message or a warning sound indicating a warning to the registered user. 31. A device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein a processing step executed by a server on the network includes a function and a performance of each of the plurality of devices. And device information storing step of storing at least one of the information of the location, and the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device,
A user information storing step of storing at least one of user information of a password and a password; a device information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored in the device information storing step under an arbitrary condition; A user information grouping step for grouping and organizing the user information stored in the information storage step under arbitrary conditions, and information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step, A providing step for providing to a requester via the network, a processing step when a registered user corresponding to the user information stored in the user information storing step uses an arbitrary device on the network, The above registered user side A user information transmitting step of transmitting user information to a server; and the server transmits from the registered user based on the grouping information in the device information grouping step and the grouping information in the user information grouping step. Information about the device group that can be used by the user group in which the registered user information is registered,
A device management method, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting to the registered user side; and a display step of displaying the information transmitted from the server on a screen by the registered user side. 32. A rearrangement in which the server automatically rearranges information of devices belonging to the device group indicated by information on the device group transmitted to the registered user side in the transmission step based on predetermined setting information. The device management method according to claim 31, further comprising a step. 33. The method according to claim 31, further comprising an inquiry step in which the registered user side inquires whether or not use of an arbitrary device on the network is permitted by accessing the server. Device management method. 34. The device according to claim 31, further comprising a device-side notification step in which the device on the network sequentially notifies at least one of function information, status information, and state change information to the server. Device management method. 35. An apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an execution step of issuing a processing execution request to an arbitrary device selected on the display screen in said display step.
Device management method described. 36. The server uniquely determines a device to be executed from among devices belonging to a device group transmitted to the user based on an instruction from the registered user, and 32. The device management method according to claim 31, further comprising an execution step of issuing a process execution request. 37. The execution step, based on information about a device managed by the server, or information provided from a device agent that manages device information and actively provides information to a server or a user.
The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of determining the device. 38. The device management method according to claim 37, wherein the executing step includes a step of determining a device that finishes processing at the highest speed or a device that is physically closest to the user. 39. When the server transmits information on the device group to the registered user in the transmitting step, the server transmits the information on the devices belonging to the device group in the order in which the processing ends at the highest speed, or when the physical 32. The device management method according to claim 31, further comprising a sorting step of sorting in a similar order. 40. A device management method for a plurality of users to use a plurality of devices via a network, wherein a processing step executed by a server on the network includes a function and a performance of each of the plurality of devices. And device information storing step of storing at least one of the information of the location, and the access right of the plurality of users, the use right of each device,
A user information storing step of storing at least one of user information of a password and a password; a printer information grouping step of grouping and organizing the device information stored by the device information storing step under an arbitrary condition; A user information grouping step for grouping and organizing the user information stored in the information storage step under arbitrary conditions, and information normalized by the device information grouping step and the user information grouping step, Providing a request to a request source via the network. 41. A user information inquiry requesting step of issuing a user information inquiry request to the server when an arbitrary user issues a processing execution request to a device on the network; And a search step for searching for a device group to which the device indicated by belongs, and a user group to which the user of the user information inquiry request source belongs. The server sends the search result in the search step to the The device management according to claim 40, further comprising: a response step of responding to a user; and a process execution requesting step in which the user issues a process execution request to the device based on the response in the response step. Method. 42. The device management method according to claim 41, wherein said responding step includes a step of responding including information on a device indicated by said user information inquiry request. 43. The device according to claim 40, wherein the device on the network includes a device-side notification step of sequentially notifying the server of at least one of function information, status information, and state change information. Device management method. 44. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising an update step in which the server updates storage information based on the notification by the device-side notification step. 45. The method according to claim 1, wherein
41. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising a registration step of enabling one user information to be registered in a plurality of user groups by the user information grouping step. 46. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising a registration step of enabling one device information in said device information storage step to be registered in a plurality of device groups in said device information grouping step. Device management method. 47. The method according to claim 1, wherein
One user information can be registered in a plurality of user groups by the user information grouping step, and one device information by the device information storage step is replaced by a plurality of device groups by the device information grouping step. 41. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising a registration step of enabling registration with the device. 48. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising an access step in which the user can browse and / or change information stored in the server via the network. 49. The access step, wherein the server stores browsing permission / non-permission for each user in a browsing-permitted storage area, and stores permission / non-permission of a right to change storage information in a change-permitted storage area. Searching from the user information of the browsing request source whether browsing is permitted according to the browsing permission storage area corresponding to the user, performing browsing permission or non-permission according to the search result, and requesting a change. Requesting, from the original user information, whether or not browsing is permitted according to the change permission storage area corresponding to the user, and permitting or denying the change according to the search result. Item 48. The device management method according to Item 48. 50. When an arbitrary user issues a process execution request to a device on the network, the server sends the user information, user group information to which the user belongs, the device information, and the device 41. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising an output step of outputting at least one piece of information of the device group information to which the information belongs as a slip sheet for performing the processing. 51. When there are a plurality of devices or systems having the function of the server in the network, the device information, the device group information, the user information,
41. The device management method according to claim 40, further comprising a synchronization step of synchronizing the user group information. 52. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or the function of the network system according to claim 13. 53. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device management method according to claim 14.