JP2004151816A - Host device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the memory capacity of a host device dedicated to a printer driver and the cost of developing the printer driver, while efficiently executing the process of forming images. <P>SOLUTION: The printing process of a laser printer 2 is controlled by a printer driver consisting of a common driver and a specific driver. When the laser printer 2 connected to a host computer 1 is changed, a machine ID is received from the laser printer 2 connected, and if the specific driver corresponding to the machine ID is not stored in the host computer 1, it is obtained from a driver providing server 3. If the latest versions are not used for the common driver and the specific driver within the printer driver used for control of the laser driver 2 being connected to the host computer 1, the drivers of the latest versions are obtained from the driver providing server 3 and the printer drivers within the host computer 1 are updated to the newest versions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a host device that controls an image forming apparatus connected via a communication network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an image forming apparatus called a multifunction peripheral having a built-in printer function, copy function, and facsimile function has been widely used. A plurality of such image forming apparatuses are connected via a communication network such as a LAN, and an image forming system is constructed under the control of a host device (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In such an image forming system, when the host apparatus controls the image forming apparatus to execute the printing process, the host apparatus converts the print data into a data format based on a printer description language or the like that the image forming apparatus can process. To the image forming apparatus. For data conversion, a program called a printer driver is used. Here, the driver is a driver routine, and the printer driver is a program for driving the printer (hereinafter, “driver” is used in such a concept).
[0004]
In a conventional image forming system, when there are a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses, a printer driver for each type for controlling the plurality of types is installed in the host apparatus in advance. The host device controls a printing process by the image forming apparatus by selecting and using a printer driver corresponding to the model of the connected image forming apparatus.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-09-006557 (pages 7-8, FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional image forming system, a printer driver for each image forming apparatus must be installed in the host device. If the number of connected image forming apparatuses is large, the printer driver However, there is a problem that the memory capacity required for storing the data is increased, and the manufacturing cost of the host device is increased. In addition, since printer drivers were individually developed for each model, there was a problem that development costs were high.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to reduce the memory capacity for a printer driver in a host device and the development cost for a printer driver, and to achieve efficient image forming processing.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following features to solve the above problems.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 1 is
In a host device that controls an image forming apparatus connected via a communication network,
A storage unit that stores a common driver commonly corresponding to a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a unique driver corresponding to each model of the image forming apparatus;
Control means for controlling the image forming apparatus based on the common driver and the unique driver stored in the storage unit;
It is characterized by having.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is controlled using a driver that can be commonly used for a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a unique driver that differs depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. It is not necessary to store the entire driver to be controlled individually for each model, and only the common driver and the unique driver for each model need to be stored, so that the memory capacity to be used can be saved. Further, since only the unique driver needs to be developed according to the model of the image forming apparatus, the development cost can be reduced.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
Communication means for transmitting request data requesting model identification information for identifying the model of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and receiving the model identification information from the image forming apparatus;
With
The storage unit stores the unique driver and the model identification information in association with each other,
The control unit controls the image forming apparatus based on the common driver and a unique driver corresponding to the model identification information received by the communication unit.
[0012]
According to the second aspect, the image forming apparatus can be controlled even when the image forming apparatus connected to the host device is changed.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2,
The communication unit connects to a driver providing device that provides a driver via the communication network,
When the unique driver corresponding to the model identification information received by the communication unit is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit sends driver request data requesting the unique driver to the driver providing device by the communication unit. Send,
The communication means receives a unique driver requested by the driver request data from the driver providing device,
The storage unit stores the unique driver and the model identification information received by the communication unit in association with each other,
The control unit controls the image forming apparatus using a common driver stored in the storage unit and a unique driver corresponding to the identification information received by the communication unit.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the unique driver for the connected image forming apparatus is not stored in the host device, a necessary unique driver is acquired from the driver providing apparatus, and the acquired unique driver is used. Thus, the image forming apparatus can be controlled.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3,
The control unit, when the unique driver corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit is not the latest version, the communication unit transmits the latest driver request data for requesting the latest version of the unique driver. Transmitting to the driver providing device,
The communication means receives the latest version of the unique driver requested by the latest driver request data,
The storage unit overwrites and stores a unique driver corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus with the latest version received by the communication unit,
The control unit controls the image forming apparatus using a common driver stored in the storage unit and the latest version of the specific driver.
[0016]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the host device can update the driver for controlling the image forming apparatus to the latest version, and efficiently execute the control processing for the image forming apparatus.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a communication system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a host computer 1 as a host device, a laser printer 2 (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) as an image forming device, and a driver providing server 3 as a driver providing device. ing. In FIG. 1, one host computer 1, four laser printers 2, and one driver providing server 3 are connected via a network N such as the Internet as a communication network or an in-house circuit C such as a LAN. Although an example in which these devices are connected is shown, the number of these devices is not particularly limited.
[0018]
The host computer 1 is installed in a company and can be connected to four laser printers 2 via a company line C, and is connected to an arbitrary laser printer 2 according to a user's selection. The host computer 1 is connected by using a printer driver including a common driver common to the laser printers 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D and a unique driver corresponding to each laser printer 2 and different depending on the model. The laser printer 2 inside is controlled. Further, the host computer 1 is connected to the driver providing server 3 via the network N, and when there is no unique driver for controlling the connected laser printer 2 in the host computer 1, the driver providing device 3 The printer driver downloads and causes the laser printer 2 to execute a printing process using the common driver and the downloaded unique driver.
[0019]
When a print instruction is input, the host computer 1 downloads the latest version of the common driver and the specific driver from the driver providing device 3 and updates the common driver and the specific driver stored in the host computer 1 in advance with the latest version. Update to Then, the laser printer 2 is controlled by using the latest printer driver including the common driver and the unique driver, and the printing process is executed.
[0020]
The laser printer 2 is an image forming apparatus having a printing function. The laser printer 2 is connected to the host computer 1 via the in-house line C, and performs a printing process in accordance with an instruction input from the host computer 1. Here, the laser printer 2 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, an apparatus having a printing function such as a copier, a multifunction peripheral, or a facsimile apparatus may be used instead.
[0021]
The driver providing server 3 is a device that provides the latest version of various drivers for controlling the laser printer 2, and is operated by a company that provides a driver providing service. The driver providing server 3 is connected to the host computer 1 via the network N, and transmits the common driver and the unique driver requested by the host computer 1 to the host computer 1.
[0022]
The network N is a communication network constructed using a dedicated line or an existing general public line, and various line forms such as a LAN and a WAN can be applied. The network N includes, for example, various communication networks such as a telephone network, an ISDN network, a dedicated line, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite network, and a CATV network, and an Internet service provider that connects them. In FIG. 1, the connection form between the network N and each device or terminal may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. However, from the viewpoint of the reliability of the information management, it is desirable that the network has security that only a specific user can access.
[0023]
The in-house circuit C is a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed by a company in which the host computer 1 and the laser printer 2 are installed, and transmits and receives data between the host computer 1 and the laser printer 2 connected thereto. Mediate.
[0024]
Next, a functional configuration of the host computer 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the host computer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the host computer 1 includes a CPU 11 as a control unit, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a RAM 14, a storage unit 15, and a network communication unit 16 as a communication unit. They are connected by a bus 17 so that transmission and reception are possible.
[0025]
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is a control means, reads out system programs and various programs stored in the storage unit 15, expands them on the RAM 14, and controls each unit according to the programs. Further, the CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program developed in the RAM 14, stores the processing results in the RAM 14, and causes the display unit 12 to display the results. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 14 is stored in a predetermined storage destination of the storage unit 15.
[0026]
Specifically, the CPU 11 executes a driver setting process, a print control process, and the like, which will be described later, in cooperation with a driver setting process program and a print control process program stored in the storage unit 15, and stores the process results in the RAM 14. At the same time, it is displayed on the display unit 12. Then, the processing result stored in the RAM 14 is stored in a predetermined area inside the storage unit 15.
[0027]
Here, the printer driver installed in the host computer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the printer driver PD stored in the storage unit 15. The printer driver PD includes a common driver PD1 and one of the unique drivers PD2 to PD5. The common driver PD1 is a driver commonly corresponding to the laser printers 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. The unique driver is a driver that is different for each model of the laser printer 2, and the laser printer 2A has a unique driver PD2, A specific driver PD3 corresponds to the laser printer 2B, a specific driver PD4 corresponds to the laser printer 2C, and a specific driver PD5 corresponds to the laser printer 2D.
[0028]
FIG. 3A shows that the common driver PD1 and two types of unique drivers PD2 and PD3 (driver IDs: 100 and 200) are stored in the storage unit 15 of the host computer 1, and the drivers used in the print control process are as follows. An example is shown in which the common driver PD1 and the unique driver PD2 (driver ID: 100) are set. In this state, the host computer 1 can control the printer driver 2A corresponding to the unique driver PD2 to execute the printing process.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the common driver PD1 includes a UI (User Interface) program used for controlling the entire user interface, and a PDL (Page Description Language) conversion program for converting print data into a page description language. , A driver update / setting program for setting or updating a unique driver used in the print control process, and a driver ID for identifying a common driver. Further, the driver update / setting program includes a model identification ID acquisition program for acquiring model identification information from the laser printer 2 connected to the host computer 1, a determination program for determining the version of the unique driver, and a driver providing program. A latest version acquisition program for acquiring the latest version of the specific driver from the server 3.
[0030]
On the other hand, the unique drivers PD2 to PD5 include a model-specific prohibition processing program that defines different prohibition processes depending on the model of the laser printer 2, and a UI (User) different for each model.
(Interface) display image data.
[0031]
The model-specific driver ID table illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a unique driver ID for identifying a unique driver stored in the storage unit 15 and a model ID for identifying a model of the laser printer 2 that can be controlled using the unique driver. It is a table stored in association with. The model ID is one type of model identification information, and for example, alphabetic characters, numbers, symbols, combinations thereof, and the like can be used. As shown in FIG. 4, the model-specific driver ID table contains, for example, a model ID of the laser printer 2A: AA, a unique driver ID of a unique driver capable of controlling this model: 100, and a model ID of the laser printer 2B: BA. The unique driver ID: 200 is stored in association with the specific driver ID.
[0032]
The display unit 12 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays display data on a screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the CPU 11.
[0033]
The input unit 13 includes a keyboard having character / number input keys, a cursor movement key, various function keys, and the like, and a mouse as a pointing device having a click button. The input unit 13 outputs to the CPU 11 a pressing signal from the keyboard and an operation signal from the mouse as input signals.
[0034]
The RAM 14 forms a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the storage unit 15 in various processes executed and controlled by the CPU 11.
[0035]
The storage unit 15 has a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This recording medium is fixedly provided in the storage unit 15 or is detachably mounted. The recording medium includes a system program, various processing programs corresponding to the system, and various processing programs. The stored data is stored. The various programs are stored in a computer-readable form, and the CPU 11 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.
[0036]
Further, the storage unit 15 stores a driver setting processing program and a print control processing program used in the driver setting processing and the print control processing, the common printer driver PD1 and the specific drivers PD2 to PD5 shown in FIG. 3, and the model-specific driver shown in FIG. It stores an ID table, processing results of various processes executed by the CPU 11, and the like.
[0037]
The network communication unit 16 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like. The network communication unit 16 transmits and receives data to and from each device connected to the network N via a dedicated line or a communication line such as an ISDN line. Perform communication control.
[0038]
Next, an internal configuration of the laser printer 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the laser printer 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the laser printer 2 includes a CPU 21 as a printer control unit, a display unit 22, an operation input unit 22a, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, an image reading unit 25, an image forming unit 26, a transfer unit 27, A unit 28 and a network communication unit 29, which is a printer communication unit, are connected by a bus 30 and can mutually transmit and receive data.
[0039]
The CPU 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 24, expands them in the RAM 23, and centrally controls each unit according to the programs. Specifically, when the CPU 21 receives a print instruction from the host computer 1 through the network communication unit 29, the CPU 21 reads a print processing program in the storage unit 15 according to the print instruction, executes the print processing, and outputs the processing result. The information is stored in the RAM 23 and displayed on the display unit 22. Also, when receiving data (hereinafter, referred to as identification ID request data) requesting the model identification information of the laser printer 2 from the host computer 1 via the network communication unit 29, the identification ID is read from the storage unit 24, and the network communication unit 29 is read. To the host computer 1 via.
[0040]
The display unit 22 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like, and displays display data on a screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the CPU 21.
[0041]
The operation input unit 22a is provided integrally with the display unit 22. The operation input unit 22a is configured by a touch panel or the like of a pressure-sensitive paper machine (resistive pressure type) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a lattice shape, and preferably has a high light transmittance from the viewpoint of visibility. The operation input unit 22a detects, as a voltage value, the position coordinates of a force point pressed by a finger or a dedicated touch pen, and sends the detected position signal to the CPU 21 as an operation signal. The operation input unit 22a includes numeric buttons, function buttons for switching various settings, and the like.
[0042]
The RAM 23 forms a temporary storage area for programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like read from the storage unit 24 in various processes executed and controlled by the CPU 21.
[0043]
The storage unit 24 has a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The recording medium is fixedly provided in the storage unit 24 or is detachably mounted. The recording medium includes a system program, various processing programs corresponding to the system, and various processing programs. The stored data is stored. The various programs are stored in a computer-readable form, and the CPU 21 sequentially executes operations according to the program codes.
[0044]
The storage unit 24 is, specifically, for transmitting a program for a printing process, a model ID for identifying the model of the laser printer 2, and a model ID of the laser printer 2 to the host computer 1 in response to input of identification ID request data. It stores a program, a processing result of a printing process executed by the CPU 21, and the like. As the model ID, for example, MIB (Management Information Base) can be used.
[0045]
The image reading unit 25 includes a scanner below a contact glass on which a document is placed, and reads image data of the document. The scanner includes a light source, a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like. The scanner reads a document image by forming reflected light of light that has been illuminated from the light source onto the document and photoelectrically converts the image, and reads the read image data. Output to the image forming unit 26.
[0046]
The image forming unit 26 raster-converts image data input from the image reading unit 25 or the network communication unit 31 in accordance with the “instruction” sent from the CPU 21 and generates a video signal to form an image. , Image processing such as enlargement / reduction, rotation, and position change, gradation processing, frequency processing, and the like.
[0047]
The transfer unit 27 includes a photosensitive drum, toner, a paper discharge unit, and the like. The transfer unit 27 feeds a recording sheet having a size and orientation that is input from the operation input unit 22a or the network communication unit 31 according to an output instruction from the CPU 21. The electrostatic latent image of the image data input from the image forming unit 26 or the network communication unit 31 is conveyed from the unit 28 and is exposed on a recording paper by a photosensitive drum. Further, the transfer unit 27 prints and outputs the toner after transferring and fixing the toner on the exposed recording paper.
[0048]
The paper feed unit 28 is configured to be able to store the recording paper fed to the transfer unit 27 for each size and direction.
[0049]
The network communication unit 29 includes a LAN adapter, a router, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and performs communication control with each device connected to the network N via a dedicated line or a communication line such as an ISDN line. .
[0050]
Next, the configuration of the driver providing server 3 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the driver providing server 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the driver providing server 3 includes a CPU 31 serving as a server control unit, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a RAM 34, a storage unit 35, and a network communication unit 36 serving as a server communication unit. Are connected by a bus 37 so that data can be transmitted and received.
[0051]
The display unit 32, the input unit 33, the RAM 34, and the network communication unit 36 of the driver providing server 3 have substantially the same functions as the display unit 12, the input unit 13, the RAM 14, and the network communication unit 16 of the host computer 1. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.
[0052]
The CPU 31 reads out the system programs and various programs stored in the storage unit 35, expands them in the RAM 34, and controls each unit according to the programs.
[0053]
The storage unit 35 has a recording medium (not shown) in which programs, data, and the like are stored in advance, and the recording medium is a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 35 includes, specifically, a program used in a process of providing version information to the host computer 1 by the CPU 31 and a process of providing a unique driver, a driver management table shown in FIG. 7, and various processes executed by the CPU 31. Processing results and the like are stored.
[0054]
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the driver management table stores a model ID of the laser printer 2, a driver type corresponding to the model ID, a driver ID, and a driver version.
[0055]
Next, the operation will be described.
First, a specific example of the driver setting process by the host computer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the driver setting process, it is determined whether or not the laser printer 2 connected to the host computer 1 has been changed based on an input signal from the network communication unit 16 (step S1). If there is no change (Step S1; NO), the standby is continued, and if the change of the connection destination is detected (Step S1; YES), the model ID request data is transmitted to the laser printer 2 by the network communication unit 16. (Step S2).
[0056]
Next, it is determined whether or not the model ID has been received from the laser printer 2 (step S3). If the model ID has not been received (step S3; NO), the standby is continued. The presence / absence of the received model ID is determined by referring to the model-specific driver ID table in the above, and it is determined whether or not the unique driver corresponding to the laser printer 2 connected to the host computer 1 is stored in the storage unit 15. Is performed (step S4). If the received model ID exists in the model-specific driver ID table and the unique driver corresponding to the laser printer 2 is stored in the storage unit 15 (step S4; YES), the driver setting process proceeds to step S8.
[0057]
On the other hand, if the unique driver corresponding to the laser printer 2 is not stored in the storage unit 15 (step S4; NO), the unique driver request data requesting the unique driver corresponding to the model ID of the laser printer 2 is transmitted via the network communication. It is transmitted to the driver providing server 3 by the unit 16 (step S5).
[0058]
Next, it is determined whether or not the requested unique driver has been received from the driver providing server 3 via the network communication unit 16 (step S6). If the requested unique driver has not been received (step S6; NO), the process waits. Subsequently, if received (step S6; YES), the received unique driver is stored in the storage unit 15, and the model ID received from the laser printer 2 is associated with the driver ID of the unique driver received from the driver providing server 3. The driver setting process is stored in the model-specific driver ID table, and the process proceeds to step S8. In the following step S8, the unique driver used in the print control process is set to the unique driver corresponding to the model ID received from the laser printer 2, and the driver setting process ends.
[0059]
Next, a print control process performed by the computer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the print control process, it is determined whether or not a print instruction is input from the input unit 13 (step S11). If there is no input (step S11; NO), the standby is continued, and the input is performed. If there is (step S11; YES), version request data requesting notification of the latest version of the common driver and the unique driver set in the driver currently used is transmitted to the driver providing server 3 by the network communication unit 16 ( Step S12).
[0060]
Next, it is determined whether or not the requested version of the common driver and the specific driver has been received from the driver providing server 3 (step S13), and if not received (step S13; NO), the standby is continued. On the other hand, when the version is received (step S13; YES), the received version is compared with the versions of the common driver and the specific driver being set stored in the storage unit 15 (step S14). If the version of the existing driver is the latest version (step S14; NO), the print control process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the received version is newer than the version of the existing driver in the storage unit 15 (step S14; YES), it is determined that it is necessary to update to the latest version, and a common request for the latest common driver PD1 is made. One or both of the driver request data and the unique driver request data requesting the latest unique driver (any of PD2 to PD5) are transmitted to the driver providing server 3 (step S15).
[0061]
Next, it is determined whether one or both of the common driver and the specific driver requested via the network communication unit 16 have been received from the driver providing server 3 (step S16), and if not received (step S16; NO). If the reception is continued (step S16; YES), the common driver stored in the storage unit 15 and the specific driver being set are overwritten and updated by the received driver (step S17).
[0062]
Next, a printer driver including the common driver and the specific driver being set is read out from the storage unit 15 and used to control the laser printer 2 being connected, and to execute a printing process in accordance with the print instruction input in step S11. Then (step S18), the print control process ends.
[0063]
As described above, the printing process of the laser printer 2 is controlled by the printer driver including the common driver and the unique driver. When the laser printer 2 connected to the host computer 1 is changed, a model ID is received from the connected laser printer 2. If a unique driver corresponding to the model ID is not stored in the host computer 1, a driver providing server is provided. 3. If the common driver and the unique driver in the printer driver used for controlling the laser printer 2 connected to the host computer 1 are not the latest version, the latest version of the driver is obtained from the driver providing server 3 and the Printer driver is updated to the latest version.
[0064]
Therefore, it is not necessary to store an individual printer driver in the host computer 1 for each model of the laser printer 2 to be connected, and it is sufficient to install only a unique driver according to the model to be connected and use it together with the common driver. The used memory capacity of the host computer 1 can be omitted. For this reason, the image forming process can be efficiently performed in the communication system 100 without lowering the work efficiency of the host computer 1.
[0065]
In addition, it is not necessary to develop an individual printer driver for each model of the image forming measures, and a printer driver that can support any model can be manufactured simply by developing a unique driver for each model, thereby reducing development costs. .
[0066]
Further, when a print instruction is given, if the printer driver in the host computer 1 is not the latest version, the latest printer driver is downloaded from the driver providing server 3 and updated, and the latest printer driver is used. Since the printing process is performed by the laser printer 2, the work efficiency of the printing process can be improved.
[0067]
Further, as for the printer driver in the host computer 1, the UI program is stored in the common driver, and the model UI display image data is stored in the unique driver, so that the user interface can be made common regardless of the model. Operability can be improved.
[0068]
The description in the present embodiment is a preferred example of the communication system 100 according to the present invention, and is not limited to this. For example, regarding the printer driver, the contents of various programs and data stored separately for the common driver and the specific driver are not limited to the examples shown in the above-described embodiment, and the contents stored in the common driver and the specific driver may be added. , May be changed.
[0069]
In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device or component of the communication system 100 can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus is controlled using a driver that can be commonly used for a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a unique driver that differs depending on the model of the image forming apparatus. It is not necessary to store the entire driver to be controlled individually for each model, and only the common driver and the unique driver for each model need to be stored, so that the memory capacity to be used can be saved. Further, since only the unique driver needs to be developed according to the model of the image forming apparatus, the development cost can be reduced.
[0071]
According to the second aspect, the image forming apparatus can be controlled even when the image forming apparatus connected to the host device is changed.
[0072]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the unique driver for the connected image forming apparatus is not stored in the host device, a necessary unique driver is acquired from the driver providing apparatus, and the acquired unique driver is used. Thus, the image forming apparatus can be controlled.
[0073]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the host device can update the driver for controlling the image forming apparatus to the latest version, and efficiently execute the control processing for the image forming apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a communication system 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a host computer 1 of FIG.
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a structure of a printer driver stored in a storage unit 15 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining the structure of the printer driver in detail.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a model-specific driver ID table stored in a storage unit 15 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the laser printer 2 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a driver providing server 3 of FIG. 1;
7 is a diagram showing a driver management table stored in a storage unit 35 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a driver setting process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating print control processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Host computer
2 Laser printer
3 Driver providing server
11, 21, 31 control unit
12, 22, 32 display unit
13.33 Input section
14,23,34 RAM
15, 24, 35 storage unit
16,29,36 Network communication unit
17, 30, 37 bus
22a Operation input unit
25 Image reading unit
26 Image forming unit
27 Transfer unit
28 Paper feed unit
100 communication system
N network

Claims (4)

In a host device that controls an image forming apparatus connected via a communication network,
A storage unit that stores a common driver commonly corresponding to a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a unique driver corresponding to each model of the image forming apparatus;
Control means for controlling the image forming apparatus based on the common driver and the unique driver stored in the storage unit;
A host device comprising: Communication means for transmitting request data requesting model identification information for identifying the model of the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus, and receiving the model identification information from the image forming apparatus;
With
The storage unit stores the unique driver and the model identification information in association with each other, and the control unit controls the image forming based on the unique driver corresponding to the model identification information received by the common driver and the communication unit. The host device according to claim 1, wherein the host device controls the device. The communication unit connects to a driver providing device that provides a driver via the communication network,
When the unique driver corresponding to the model identification information received by the communication unit is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit sends driver request data requesting the unique driver to the driver providing device by the communication unit. Send,
The communication means receives a unique driver requested by the driver request data from the driver providing device,
The storage unit stores the unique driver and the model identification information received by the communication unit in association with each other,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the image forming apparatus using a common driver stored in the storage unit and a unique driver corresponding to the identification information received by the communication unit. Host device. The control unit, when the unique driver corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus stored in the storage unit is not the latest version, the communication unit transmits the latest driver request data for requesting the latest version of the unique driver. Transmitting to the driver providing device,
The communication means receives the latest version of the unique driver requested by the latest driver request data,
The storage unit overwrites and stores a unique driver corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus with the latest version received by the communication unit,
4. The host device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the image forming apparatus using a common driver stored in the storage unit and the latest version of the specific driver.

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