JP2004157833A - Peripheral equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely grasp the processing condition or processing result of a job even after information associated with a job requested from a user to peripheral equipment is not the target of management of the peripheral equipment any more without imposing any load on a system resource. <P>SOLUTION: When a job is requested by an external device, job identification information which can be uniquely specified in a system is set in a job request command. Peripheral equipment a01 extracts job discrimination information according to the job request, and manages it in a job queue since job execution until job completion, and manages it in log information in the peripheral equipment a01 after the job completion. Also, a log management server a05 for managing the log information of the peripheral equipment a01 exists, and the log management server a05 acquires and manages a log from the peripheral equipment a01. When confirming the processing result of the job for the peripheral equipment a01, the inside of the job queue or log information of the peripheral equipment a01 is searched, and when any desired job is not found out in either of them, the inside of the log management server is further searched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to control of a peripheral device that analyzes a control command transmitted from the outside and processes a predetermined job request and a job management request.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in peripheral devices such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, and a facsimile, a command for confirming the processing status of a job requested by a user has been prepared. The processing result is configured to be known.
[0003]
In addition, the configuration is such that the peripheral device can voluntarily notify the job processing status and processing result.
[0004]
Further, by mounting a recording medium (using a hard disk device or the like) on a peripheral device, it is possible to write the processing result and information of various processes as log information after the completion of the job processing, and the user can store the log information in the log information. , The processing result of the job and the like can be confirmed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional peripheral device is configured as described above, the job management resources in the peripheral device are limited, and a large number of jobs cannot be permanently managed.
[0006]
Therefore, job management in the peripheral device is performed only after the reception of the job until the job is completed. Therefore, the confirmation of the processing status of the job is effective only during the period from the reception of the job to the completion of the job, and the processing status cannot be confirmed after the completion of the job processing.
[0007]
Further, even if the peripheral device voluntarily reports the processing status and processing result of the job, it may not be possible to temporarily deliver the information due to a failure of the network or the device on the user side.
[0008]
Further, information recorded as a log is often a large amount of data. Therefore, it takes a long time to obtain the data, and a load is imposed on network resources. Peripheral devices can accept jobs from a plurality of users, and if these users try to acquire logs, the load on the peripheral devices and the network is doubled.
[0009]
Further, the capacity of the log that can be held by the peripheral device is also limited, and it is not possible to record information on all jobs executed in the peripheral device.
[0010]
Normally, when a certain amount of logs are recorded, the oldest logs are deleted and new logs are written. Therefore, when a large number of jobs are processed at one time, even if an attempt is made to obtain the processing result of a specific job, the log may be overwritten and necessary information may be missed. There was a problem.
[0011]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to temporarily store management information of a job in a storage device in response to reception of a control command requesting a predetermined job process. The job identification information and the function setting information given outside the peripheral device are extracted from the control command for requesting the job processing, and are recorded in the management information of the job. Performs job processing, manages a series of processing status from the start to the end of the job in the management information of the job generated by the job receiving unit, and generates the log information of the job in the storage device when the job processing is completed Then, record the job identification information, function setting information, and processing result in the log information, and set a server device that can be connected to peripheral devices and that permanently manages the log information externally. When the log information is uploaded to the server device and the specified job identification information is searched from the management information or the log information based on the control command requesting job management, and the specified job identification information can be searched from the management information, Obtain the function setting information and processing status of the relevant job, return it to the job search request source, and obtain the function setting information and processing result of the corresponding job when the specified job identification information can be searched from the log information Reply to the job search request source, and when the specified job identification information cannot be searched from both the management information and the log information, request the server device to acquire log information based on the specified job identification information. Then, by acquiring the function setting information and the processing result of the corresponding job and returning it to the job search request source, the load on the system resources is reduced. The status of job processing and the processing results can be grasped even after the information on the job requested by the user from the peripheral device is not managed by the peripheral device, without complicating the traffic burden on the network. An object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device that can freely construct a possible job processing management environment.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention according to the present invention is a peripheral device that analyzes a control command transmitted from the outside and processes a predetermined job processing request, job management request, and log management request,
Job receiving means for temporarily generating management information of the job in a storage device in response to receiving a control command requesting the predetermined job processing (for example, a job receiving function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1) ), The job identification information and the function setting information given outside the peripheral device are extracted from the control command requesting the job processing, and are recorded in the management information of the job generated by the job receiving unit. Job attribute setting means (e.g., equivalent to a job attribute setting function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1), and performs job processing in response to a control command requesting the job processing. A job management unit (for example, FIG. 3) that manages a series of processing status in management information of the job generated by the job reception unit. And the log information of the job is generated in the storage device upon completion of the job processing, and the job identification information and the function setting information of the job are generated. A log recording unit (for example, equivalent to a log recording function of a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1) for recording the processing result of the job in log information, and the log information connectable to the peripheral device. A server setting unit for setting a server device to be permanently managed by the server (for example, equivalent to a server setting function of a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1), and uploading the log information to the server device set by the server setting unit Uploading means (e.g., corresponding to a log upload function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1) and Searching means (for example, corresponding to a job searching function of a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1) for searching for specified job identification information from the management information or the log information based on the control command requesting the job management; When the search means is able to search for the specified job identification information from the management information, obtains the function setting information and the processing status of the corresponding job from the management information and returns a management information reply to a job search request source Means (for example, equivalent to a management information return function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1) and the search means, when the specified job identification information can be searched for from the log information, the job information corresponds to the log information. A log information return unit that acquires the function setting information and the processing result of the job and returns it to the job search request source (example For example, this corresponds to a log information return function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1), and the search unit fails to search for the specified job identification information from any of the management information and the log information. A server log information return unit that requests the server device to acquire log information based on the specified job identification information, acquires the function setting information and the processing result of the corresponding job, and returns it to the job search request source (for example, FIG. (Corresponding to a server log information return function by a controller in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. 1).
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system to which a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
[0014]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral a01 denotes a peripheral device that performs job processing such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission / reception. Reference numerals a02 to a04 denote PCs (personal computers) which are connected to the peripheral device a01 via the network a10. Reference numeral a05 denotes a log management server, which is connected to the peripheral device a01 via the network a10. The log management server a05 periodically reads out the log information from the peripheral device a01, and permanently manages the log information in a storage device in the log management server. The log management server a05 may be configured to manage log information of a plurality of peripheral devices a01. The connection by the network a10 may be a connection by a LAN or a WAN, a connection by IEEE1284 / 1394, a USB, or the like.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a PCa02 connected to the peripheral device a01 via a LAN, an example of a PCa03 connected via the WAN, and an example of a PCa04 connected via the IEEE1284 / 1394, USB, or the like. I have. In addition to the PC, a workstation, other peripheral devices, and other devices may be connected to the peripheral device a01.
[0016]
Control software called a controller operates in the peripheral device a01, and performs job processing such as printing, scanning, copying, and facsimile transmission and reception, and inquires about attribute information of the peripheral device a01. Further, the job receiving function, job attribute setting function, job management function, log recording function, server setting function, log upload function, job search function, management information return function, log information return function, server log information return function according to the present invention This is the function that this controller processes.
[0017]
The job issuing software operating in the peripheral device a01 or the PCs a02 to a04 requests the controller in the peripheral device a01 to perform a job process such as printing, scanning, copying, or facsimile transmission / reception. Similarly, the job monitoring software operating in the peripheral device a01 or the PCs a02 to a04 monitors the status and results of the job processing requested to the controller in the peripheral device a01. Note that the job issuing software and the job monitoring software may be integrated into one piece of software.
[0018]
The log management software operating in the log management server a05 periodically accesses the peripheral device a01 and acquires log information in the peripheral device a01. When a plurality of peripheral devices a01 are connected to the network a10, the log management software can manage log information of the plurality of peripheral devices. When the peripheral device a01 requests acquisition of log information based on the specified job identification information, the log management software returns the log information of the corresponding job to the peripheral device a01. Alternatively, the log information may be directly sent back to the PCs a02 to a04 on which the job monitoring software that requested the job search operates without passing through the peripheral device a01.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG.
[0020]
2, in a peripheral device a01, a CPU b01, a RAM b02, a ROM b03, a DISK b04, an LCD b05, a keyboard b06, a communication interface b07, a scanner engine b08, a printer engine b09, and a FAX board b10 are interconnected via a system bus b20. I have.
[0021]
The CPU b01 is a controller or an entity that executes job issuing / monitoring software, and the units b02 to b10 constituting the peripheral device a01 are controlled by the CPU b01 unless otherwise specified. The program of the controller or the job issuing / monitoring software is stored in the ROMb03 or DISKb04, read out to the RAMb02 as needed, and executed by the CPUb01.
[0022]
In addition, these programs perform processing such as displaying information through the LCD b05, receiving a user instruction from the keyboard b06, and communicating with the outside through the communication interface b07.
[0023]
The ROMb03 and the DISKb04 store attribute information indicating the capability of the peripheral device a01 and attribute information indicating the capability of the job processed by the peripheral device a01, in addition to the programs of the controller and the job issuing / monitoring software.
[0024]
The RAMb02 and the DISKb04 indicate attribute information indicating the state of the peripheral device a01, attribute information indicating the log management server a05 that manages log information of the peripheral device a01, and the state of a job processed by the peripheral device a01. It stores and manages attribute information, attribute information indicating a function specified in association with job processing, job data to be processed, and log information of a job that has been processed.
[0025]
Further, the RAM b02 stores a job execution order, job attribute information, and a job queue for managing job data to be processed.
[0026]
The communication interface b07 may be, for example, an interface using Ethernet (registered trademark) or IEEE 1284, or a communication interface using another medium.
[0027]
The scanner engine b08, the printer engine b09, and the FAX board b10 are controlled by a controller, and perform scan job processing, print job processing, and FAX transmission / reception processing.
[0028]
The peripheral device a01 having the above configuration performs scan job processing by the scanner engine b08, print job processing by the printer engine b09, copy job processing by the scanner engine b08 and the printer engine b09, and the scanner engine b08 and the printer engine b09. And the FAX board b10 to enable FAX reception job processing and FAX transmission job processing.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the PCs a02 to a04 and the log management server a05 shown in FIG.
[0030]
3, in the PCs a02 to a04 and the log management server a05, the CPU c01, the RAM c02, the ROM c03, the DISK c04, the CRT c05, the keyboard c06, the pointing device c07, and the communication interface c08 are interconnected via a system bus c20.
[0031]
The CPU c01 is an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) for controlling the PCs a02 to a04 and the log management server a05 or a main body executing job issuing / monitoring software and log management software, and constitutes the PCa02 to a04 and the log management server a05. The units c02 to c08 are controlled by the CPU c01 unless otherwise specified. The programs of the OS, job issuing / monitoring software, and log management software are stored in the ROM c03 or DISK c04, read out to the RAM c02 as needed, and executed by the CPU c01.
[0032]
In addition, these programs perform processes such as displaying information through the CRT c05, receiving user instructions from the keyboard c06 and the pointing device c07, and communicating with the outside through the communication interface c08.
[0033]
The log information acquired from the peripheral device a01 is recorded in the DISKc04 of the log management server a05. When the log management software manages a plurality of peripheral devices a01, log information is also managed for each of the managed peripheral devices.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a command group (job execution request command) for instructing job processing in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0035]
This command group is generated by the processing flow shown in FIG. 11 described later, and is sent from the job issuing software to the controller in the peripheral device a01. The present invention is applicable to both cases where the job issuing software operates in the peripheral device a01 and also operates in the PCs a02 to a04. These command groups are processed in the peripheral device a01 according to the processing flows of FIGS.
[0036]
In FIG. 4, a command group instructing job processing includes a job submission start command d01, a job attribute setting command d02, a job data transmission command d03, and a job submission completion command d04.
[0037]
The job submission start command d01 is a command for notifying the controller of the start of job submission. Upon receiving the job submission start command d01, the controller starts preparations for performing job processing.
[0038]
The job attribute setting command d02 is a command for setting information for identifying a job and job attributes d11 to d1n for determining a job function. With this command, a plurality of job attributes can be set continuously. In FIG. 4, job attributes d11, job identification information d12, and data format d13 are listed as job attributes, but there are other information such as job type, paper selection, and number of copies.
[0039]
The job data transmission command d03 is a command for transmitting data to be subjected to job processing such as image data. However, depending on the content of the job, there is a case where the data to be processed is not required. In this case, this command may be omitted.
[0040]
The job submission completion command d04 is a command for indicating that all commands for instructing job processing have been sent.
[0041]
A series of commands from the job submission start command d01 to the job submission completion command d04 is interpreted as one job execution request command.
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of job management information (hereinafter, job queue) secured in the RAM b02 of the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG.
[0043]
In FIG. 5, records e01 to e0n correspond to respective jobs being processed in the peripheral device. When the peripheral device a01 receives the job input start command d01, the peripheral device executes the processing flow shown in FIG. One record of the job queue is added to the RAM b02 of a01. When the job processing is completed, the corresponding record in the job queue is deleted.
[0044]
One record in the job queue includes a job attribute entry e04 and a job data entry e05.
[0045]
The job attribute entry e04 is an entry in a table that holds various attributes of the job. This table stores job attributes (e11 to e1n) specified by the job issuing software by the job attribute setting command d02 and job attributes (e21 to e2n) that change with job processing. In the figure, the former example shows a job name e11, job identification information e12, and data format e13, and the latter example shows a job processing status e21, a job submission time e22, and a job processing start time e23. Various other job attributes are also conceivable. The entity of the job attribute in the table may be stored in the RAM b02 of the peripheral device a01, or may be stored in the DISK b04. Alternatively, the entity of the job attribute may be stored in the job attribute entry e04 so that the job attribute can be easily accessed.
[0046]
The job data entry e05 is an entry in the storage area of the job data e31 sent by the job issuing software according to the job data transmission command. The storage area of the job data e31 may be stored in the RAM b02 of the peripheral device a01 or in the DISK b04.
[0047]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing procedure of the command processed in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. Note that these commands are issued by the job issuing / monitoring software and the log management software, and this processing flow is processed by the controller in the peripheral device a01. (1) to (14) show each step.
[0048]
First, in step (1), the received command and its parameters are analyzed, and when it is determined that the received command is an attribute access command, the process proceeds to step (4) and thereafter, the details of the attribute access command processing described later. Is executed (5), a reply command is transmitted (14), and the process ends.
[0049]
On the other hand, if it is determined by the analysis in step (1) that the received command is a job execution request command, the process proceeds to step (6) and thereafter, and executes a job execution request command process described in detail later (7). Then, a reply command is transmitted (14), and the process ends.
[0050]
On the other hand, if it is determined by the analysis in step (1) that the received command is a job list acquisition command, the process proceeds to step (8) and thereafter, and a job list acquisition command process described in detail later is executed (9). Then, a reply command is transmitted (14), and the process ends.
[0051]
On the other hand, if it is determined by the analysis in step (1) that the received command is a job search command, the process proceeds to step (10) and thereafter, the job search command processing described in detail later is executed (11), and the reply A command is transmitted (14), and the process ends.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is determined by the analysis in step (1) that the received command is a log acquisition command, the process proceeds to step (12) and thereafter, the log acquisition command processing described in detail later is executed (13), and the reply A command is transmitted (14), and the process ends.
[0053]
On the other hand, if it is determined by the analysis in step (1) that the received command is another command other than the above-mentioned command, the process proceeds to step (2) and thereafter, executes other command processing (3), and returns A command is transmitted (14), and the process ends. Other command processing is not directly related to the present invention, and will not be described in detail here.
[0054]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing procedure of the attribute access command processed in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. This processing procedure describes step (5) shown in FIG. 6 in detail, and is performed by the controller in the peripheral device a01. Note that (21) to (28) indicate each step.
[0055]
Each step after step (21) is processing when it is determined that the received command is an attribute access command as a result of the analysis of step (1) shown in FIG. 6. First, in step (21), As in step (1) shown in FIG. 6, the command and its parameters are analyzed to determine whether the received command is an attribute acquisition command or an attribute change command. If it is determined that the received command is a job execution request command (22), it is determined in step (23) whether the specified attribute is obtainable, and the specified attribute is obtainable. If it is determined that the attribute is not, the process proceeds to step (24). If it is determined that the designated attribute is not obtainable, the process proceeds to step (25).
[0056]
Then, in step (24), according to the specified attribute, the RAMb02, ROMb03, and DISKb04 of the peripheral device a01 are appropriately accessed to obtain the specified attribute value. The attributes that can be acquired here include attribute information indicating the capability of the peripheral device a01, attribute information indicating the capability of the job processed by the peripheral device a01, attribute information indicating the state of the peripheral device a01, and processing by the peripheral device a01. Attribute information indicating the status of the job to be performed, attribute information indicating a function specified in association with the job processing, and the like. It goes without saying that the job identification information e12 and the job processing status e21 shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral device status h01 and the log management server information h02 shown in FIG. 13 are also included as obtainable attributes. Thereafter, a reply command in which the acquired attribute value is set is generated, and the processing flow ends.
[0057]
On the other hand, as a result of the analysis in step (21), if it is determined that the received command is an attribute change command (26), in step (27), the specified attribute can be changed (job name e11, log management Server information h02), and if it is determined that the specified attribute is changeable, the process proceeds to step (28), where it is determined that the specified attribute is not changeable. If so, the process proceeds to step (25).
[0058]
Then, in step (28), the RAMb02 and DISKb04 of the peripheral device a01 are appropriately accessed according to the specified attribute, and are changed to the specified attribute value. The attributes that can be changed here include those that can be changed among the various job attributes described in FIG. 5 (such as the job name e11) and those that can be changed among the various management attributes that are described in FIG. Needless to say, the log management server information h02). Thereafter, a reply command in which the change result is set is generated, and the present processing flow ends.
[0059]
On the other hand, in step (25), an error process is performed when the specified attribute cannot be acquired or cannot be changed. Here, a reply command indicating an error is generated, and this processing flow ends.
[0060]
After the end of this processing flow, the process proceeds to step (14) shown in FIG. 6, and transmits a reply command. Thus, the command processing flow in the peripheral device a01 is completed.
[0061]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to a processing flow of a job execution request command processed in the peripheral device a01 illustrated in FIG. This processing flow corresponds to the detailed procedure of step (7) shown in FIG. 6, and is processed by the controller in the peripheral device a01. Note that (31) to (47) indicate each step.
[0062]
Here, the job execution request command is composed of a plurality of command groups such as a job submission start command d01, a job attribute setting command d02, a job data transmission command d03, and a job submission completion command d04, and each command is processed. .
[0063]
First, in step (31), the first command and its parameters are extracted and analyzed. In step (32), it is determined whether or not the command extracted in step (31) is the job submission start command d01. If it is determined that the command is the job submission start command d01, the process proceeds to step (33). ), And if it is determined that the command is not the job submission start command d01, the process proceeds to step (47).
[0064]
Then, in a step (33), processing relating to the job submission start command d01 is performed. Here, a record of the job queue is added for a new job, and initialization processing of a job attribute entry e04, a job data entry e05, a table for storing the actual job attributes, and the like are performed.
[0065]
Next, in step (34), the next command following the job submission start command d01 and its parameters are extracted and analyzed. The command following the job submission start command d01 must be one or more job attribute setting commands d02.
[0066]
Then, in step (35), it is determined whether or not the command extracted in step (34) is one or more job attribute setting commands d02. If it is determined that the command is job attribute setting command d02, The process proceeds to step (36), and if it is determined that the command is not the job attribute setting command d02, the process proceeds to step (47).
[0067]
From step (36) to step (38), the process is repeated for each of the received job attribute setting commands d02.
[0068]
Here, step (36) indicates the start of the above-described repetitive processing, and in step (37), processing relating to the job attribute setting command d02 is performed. Here, the specified attribute is stored in the RAM b02 of the peripheral device a01 or the job attribute table in the DISKb04. This job attribute table is referenced from the attribute entry e04 of the job queue corresponding to the job. Also, a necessary job function is prepared according to the designated attribute value. Needless to say, the attributes stored here also include the job identification information e12.
[0069]
Next, step (38) shows the end of the above-mentioned repetitive processing. Here, it is checked whether or not there is a job setting command d02. If it is determined that there is a job setting command d02, the process returns to step (36). If it is determined that there is no job setting command d02, the process returns to step (36). Proceed to 39).
[0070]
Then, in a step (39), the next command following the job attribute setting command d02 and its parameters are taken out and analyzed.
[0071]
The command following the job attribute setting command d02 must be a job data transmission command d03.
[0072]
However, transmission of job data may be omitted depending on the type of job. In that case, a job submission completion command d04 follows the job attribute setting command d02.
[0073]
Next, in step (40), it is determined whether or not the command extracted in step (39) is the job data transmission command d03. If it is determined that the command is the job data transmission command d03, the process proceeds to step (41). ), And if it is determined that the command is not the job data transmission command d03, the process proceeds to step (43).
[0074]
Then, in a step (41), processing relating to the job data transmission command d03 is performed. Here, the transmitted job data is stored in the storage area in the RAMb02 or the DISKb04 of the peripheral device a01. This storage area is referenced from the job data entry e05 of the job queue corresponding to the job. Further, necessary job functions are prepared according to the designated job data.
[0075]
Next, in step (42), the next command following the job data transmission command d03 and its parameters are extracted and analyzed.
[0076]
Then, in a step (43), it is determined whether or not the command extracted in the step (39) or the step (42) is a job submission completion command d04, and if it is determined that the command is the job submission completion command d04, If it is determined that the command is not the job submission completion command d04, the process proceeds to step (47).
[0077]
Then, in a step (44), processing relating to the job submission completion command d04 is performed. Here, various resources necessary for job execution are secured in the peripheral device a01 in accordance with the designated job function and job data, and preparations for job processing such as determination of the execution order are made.
[0078]
It should be noted that the preparation for performing the job processing may be configured to be performed sequentially at the stage where the necessary resources have been determined (step (36) and thereafter) in order to efficiently proceed with the processing.
[0079]
Next, in step (45), a job execution process is performed in the peripheral device a01 according to the designated job function and job data.
[0080]
Note that this step may not be processed immediately, but may be performed at an executable stage, depending on the attribute designation related to job scheduling and the waiting state of another job in the job queue. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that this step is performed in advance at the stage when the necessary resources have been secured (from step (36)) in order to efficiently proceed with the processing.
[0081]
Next, in step (46), various post-processes after the job completion process are performed. First, various resources used for job processing are released. After that, the end result of the job, attribute values necessary for specifying the job, and the like are recorded as log information provided in the RAMb02 or DISKb04 of the peripheral device a01. It goes without saying that the information recorded here includes the job identification information 216 and the job processing result 214 described in the log information shown in FIG. Further, the record of the job queue corresponding to the completed job is deleted, and the job attribute entry e04, the job data entry e05, the table storing the entity of the job attribute, the job data storage area, and the like are released. After performing these processes, the present process flow ends.
[0082]
In step (47), error processing is performed when the commands are not sent in the correct order.
[0083]
In this case, a reply command indicating an error is generated, and the processing flow ends without performing the job processing. Note that the configuration may be such that subsequent command reception is skipped until a correct command is obtained.
[0084]
After step (33), the processing state of the job changes in accordance with each processing, and accordingly, the processing status e21 of the job stored in the job attribute table of the job queue and the job submission time e22 Needless to say, the job processing start time e23 and the like are sequentially updated.
[0085]
After the end of this processing flow, the process proceeds to step (14) shown in FIG. 6, and transmits a reply command. Thus, the command processing flow in the peripheral device a01 is completed.
[0086]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing flow of the job list acquisition command processed in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. This processing flow describes step (9) shown in FIG. 6 in detail, and is processed by a controller in the peripheral device a01. (51) to (53) indicate each step. From step (51) to step (53), it is assumed that the processing is repeatedly performed for all the jobs that are being executed or are waiting to be executed in the job queue in the RAM b02 of the peripheral device a01.
[0087]
First, step (51) indicates the start of the above-described repetitive processing.
[0088]
Next, in step (52), a process of acquiring the job attribute specified by the job list acquisition command is performed. Here, a record relating to a job being executed or waiting to be executed in the job queue is accessed, the value of the specified job attribute is fetched through the job attribute data entry e04, and is set as a reply command. It goes without saying that the attributes that can be acquired here include the job identification information e12 and the job processing status e21.
[0089]
Note that the job list acquisition command may be configured to acquire a plurality of attributes. If the designated attribute cannot be acquired, a reply command indicating an error may be generated as described in the attribute access command processing of FIG. Furthermore, when only some of the specified attributes cannot be obtained, the attribute value may be obtained by removing only some of the attributes.
[0090]
Next, step (53) indicates the end of the repetitive processing. Here, it is checked whether there is a record corresponding to the job being executed or waiting to be executed in the job queue. If it is determined that there is still a record corresponding to the job, the process returns to step (51). This processing flow ends.
[0091]
After the end of this processing flow, the process proceeds to step (14) in FIG. 6, and a reply command is transmitted. Thus, the command processing flow in the peripheral device a01 is completed.
[0092]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing flow of the job search command processed in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. This processing flow describes step (11) shown in FIG. 6 in detail, and is processed by the controller in the peripheral device a01. Note that (61) to (67) indicate each step.
[0093]
First, in step (61), a job in which the job identification information specified by the job search command is set is searched from the job queue in the peripheral device a01. The controller accesses each record in the job queue relating to the job being executed or waiting for execution in the job queue, and acquires the job identification information e12 through the job attribute entry e04.
[0094]
Next, in step (62), it is checked whether there is any job identification information e12 obtained in step (61) that matches the job identification information specified by the command, and it is determined that there is a match. If so, the process proceeds to step (63), and if it is determined that there is no match, the process proceeds to step (64).
[0095]
Then, in the step (63), the fact that the job having the designated job identification information is still managed in the job queue of the peripheral device a01 and the processing status of the job (job attribute e21) are sent to the reply command. Is set, and this processing flow ends.
[0096]
On the other hand, in step (64), a job in which the job identification information specified by the job search command is set is searched from the log information in the peripheral device a01. The controller accesses all records of the log information and acquires the job identification information 216 through the information table 204 shown in FIG.
[0097]
Next, in step (65), it is checked whether there is any job identification information 216 obtained in step (64) that matches the job identification information specified by the command, and it is determined that there is a match. If so, the process proceeds to step (66), and if it is determined that there is no match, the process proceeds to step (67).
[0098]
Then, in step (66), the fact that a job having the specified job identification information has been found in the log information, the record number of the log information, and the processing result 214 of the job are set in the return command. End the flow.
[0099]
On the other hand, in step (67), a job search is requested to the log management server a05 set in the log management server information h02 in the attribute information table shown in FIG. 13, and the result is set in a reply command. This processing ends. The command for requesting the job search specifies information indicating the peripheral device a01 itself and job identification information specified by the job search command. If the log information of the job having the designated job identification information is found in the log management server a05, the fact that the job is found in the log management server a05 and the processing result 214 are set in the reply command. On the other hand, if the log information of the job having the specified job identification information is not found in the log management server a05, error information indicating that fact is set in the reply command.
[0100]
After the end of this processing flow, the process proceeds to step (14) shown in FIG. 6, and transmits a reply command. Thus, the command processing flow in the peripheral device a01 is completed.
[0101]
In step (67), when a job search request is issued, information on PCa02 to a04 waiting for the result of the job search command is included, and a reply to the job search command is sent directly to PCa02 to a04 via log management server a05. You may send it. In this case, a process corresponding to the reply command in step (14) shown in FIG. 6 is performed by the log management server.
[0102]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing flow of the log acquisition command processed in the peripheral device a01 shown in FIG. This processing flow is a detailed procedure of step (13) shown in FIG. 6, and is processed by the controller in the peripheral device a01. Note that (81) to (83) indicate each step, and steps (81) to (83) repeatedly perform the processing for all of the plurality of records specified by the log acquisition command.
[0103]
First, step (81) indicates the start of the above-described repetitive processing.
[0104]
Next, in step (82), record acquisition processing is performed using a log acquisition command. Here, log information recorded in the RAM b02 or DISKb04 in the peripheral device a01 is accessed, a specified record is taken out, and set as a reply command.
[0105]
Then, step (83) indicates the end of the repetitive processing. Here, it is checked whether or not the designated record still exists. If there is, the process returns to step (81), and if not, the processing flow ends.
[0106]
After the end of this processing flow, the process proceeds to step (14) shown in FIG. 6, and transmits a reply command. Thus, the command processing flow in the peripheral device a01 is completed.
[0107]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. The flowchart corresponds to the processing flow of job submission from the peripheral device a01 or PCa02 illustrated in FIG. I do. The job submission process is performed by the job issuing software, and this processing flow is processed by the job issuing software. The present invention is applicable to both cases where the job issuing software operates in the peripheral device a01 and also operates in the PCs a02 to a04. Note that (71) to (79) indicate each step.
[0108]
First, in step (71), information on the job processing capability of the peripheral device a01 is acquired, such as a mode that can be specified in a job submission start command and a job attribute that can be specified in a job attribute setting command. Here, acquisition of the capability information is performed by sending an attribute acquisition command to the peripheral device a01. Note that instead of acquiring all the capability information every time the job issuance process is performed, the capability information is acquired in advance by some means such as when the job issuance software is started. You may be comprised so that minimum confirmation, such as whether there is a change, may be performed.
[0109]
Next, in step (72), the capability information obtained in step (71) is presented to the user, and the user is allowed to set a mode, a function, and the like necessary for job input. The functions set here include a job name, execution priority, paper selection, number of copies, and the like, each corresponding to a job attribute. If there is a parameter of the job submission command, it can be set here.
[0110]
In step (73), the job identification information shown in FIG. 4 is generated. This information is used for identifying the job on the side of the user who requests the peripheral device a01 to submit the job, and is set as the job attribute (e12 in FIG. 5) in the following step (76). You.
[0111]
Then, in a step (74), a job submission start command is sent to the controller of the peripheral device a01 together with the parameters set in the step (72).
[0112]
Next, from step (75) to step (77), the processing is repeated until the function setting (attribute setting) necessary for the job processing desired by the user is completed.
[0113]
Here, step (75) indicates the start of the above-described repetitive processing. Next, in step (76), the job attribute set command accompanying the job attribute set in step (72) and the job identification information generated in step (73) is transmitted to the controller of the peripheral device a01. Step (77) indicates the end of the repetitive processing. Here, it is checked whether or not there is still a job attribute to be set, and if it is determined that there is still a job attribute to be set, the process returns to step (75). Go to 78).
[0114]
Then, in step (78), data to be subjected to job processing, such as image data created by the application, is transmitted to the controller of the peripheral device a01 by a job data transmission command.
[0115]
However, since job data is not required depending on the contents of the job, this step may be omitted in that case.
[0116]
Then, in a step (79), a job submission completion command indicating completion of transmission of the command group for requesting job execution is transmitted, and the processing flow ends.
[0117]
According to the above processing flow, the command group shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the controller of the peripheral device a01.
[0118]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute information table managed by the peripheral device a01 illustrated in FIG. 1. The attribute information table stores the attribute information such as the capability and status regarding the peripheral device a01 illustrated in FIG. I have.
[0119]
This information table is provided in the RAMb02, ROMb03, and DISKb04 of the peripheral device a01, and is accessed by an attribute acquisition command and an attribute setting command.
[0120]
Here, the status h01 of the peripheral device and the log management server information h02 are given as examples, but various other information such as information on the unit configuration of the device and available networks are also stored.
[0121]
The state h01 of the peripheral device is information indicating the operation state of the peripheral device a01. For example, it indicates the status of various devices such as a job can be accepted, a job cannot be accepted, a maintenance is in progress, a door is opened, and a paper jam occurs.
[0122]
The log management server information h02 is information on the log management server a05 that manages the peripheral device a01, and records the location of the log management server a05 (eg, address information on a network).
[0123]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention, and corresponds to a processing procedure by log management software operating on the log management server a05 shown in FIG. (501) indicates a step.
[0124]
In step (501), the log management server information h02 is set in the RAM or the like of the peripheral device a01, and the process ends.
[0125]
Thus, the controller in the peripheral device a01 refers to this information when requesting the log management server a05 to perform a job search in the processing of the job search command illustrated in the processing flow illustrated in FIG.
[0126]
In the log management server information h02, the location (such as address information) of the log management server a05 itself is specified. Thus, the peripheral device a01 can know the location of the log management server a05 that manages the peripheral device a01 itself.
[0127]
Note that the registration process of the log management server a05 is performed simultaneously for peripheral devices (a plurality of peripheral devices to be managed) when the log management software is started. Further, even after the log management software is started, this processing flow is executed even when the addition of a new peripheral device or the addition of the peripheral device to be managed is detected by turning on / off the power of the peripheral device. .
[0128]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of the job identification information d12 illustrated in FIG.
[0129]
In FIG. 15, the contents of the job identification information correspond to the job identification information e12 stored as the job attribute, the job identification information 216 recorded as the log information, and an attribute setting command, an attribute acquisition command, a job attribute setting command. , A job list acquisition command, and a job search command.
[0130]
The job identification information is used by the user who requests the peripheral device a01 to submit the job to identify the job, and is generated by the job issuing software.
[0131]
Here, there is a possibility that there are a plurality of types of job issuing software using the peripheral device a01. Further, there is a possibility that a plurality of users use specific job issuing software among them. Further, there is a possibility that the job issued by the specific user may be plural.
[0132]
Therefore, on the system using the peripheral device a01, the job issuing software that has submitted the job, the user who has requested the job submission (or the PC used by the user), and the job itself that has been submitted by the job issuing software are specified. , Information for identification is required.
[0133]
The identification information 101 unique to the job issuing software is information for specifying and identifying the job issuing software itself. This is determined by the developer of the job issuing software. In order to identify job issuing software by another developer, use of a UUID (Universal Unique Identifier) generated using an IP address or time information may be considered.
[0134]
The user-specific identification information 102 is information for identifying and identifying a user who uses the job issuing software. This is determined by the platform on which the job issuing software runs. In order to identify the user from other users, a user ID assigned to identify each user in the system is used, and the IP is generated using the IP address and time information of the platform on which the job issuing software runs. UUID and the like can be considered.
[0135]
The job-specific identification information 103 is information for specifying and identifying a plurality of jobs submitted in specific job issuing software. This is determined by the job issuing software itself. In order to identify the job from other jobs, it is conceivable to use a simple sequential number or information on the time when the job is issued.
[0136]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of log information that records occurrence of a specific event that has occurred in the peripheral device a01 illustrated in FIG. 1 and information accompanying the event.
[0137]
In the present embodiment, the log is a mechanism for recording the occurrence of a specific event that has occurred in the peripheral device a01 and information associated therewith. Specific events include the completion of a job, the occurrence of a jam or an error, and for each occurrence, one record is spent and information is recorded. Here, a log related to the completion of a job related to the present invention will be described.
[0138]
In FIG. 16, records 1 to n (201 to 20n) of log information are a finite number of areas prepared in RAMb02 or DISKb04 in the peripheral device a01. Also, a storage area for log information is secured in the DISK c04 of the log management server a05, corresponding to each of the managed peripheral devices.
[0139]
When the job processing is completed in the peripheral device a01, information on the job is written in one record by the processing flow shown in FIG. Since there are a finite number of records, when a certain number of records are written, they are added to the oldest written record.
[0140]
On the other hand, in the log management server a05, according to the processing flow shown in FIG. 20, the log management software acquires the log of the peripheral device a01 at a constant cycle, and adds the acquired information for each record. However, the area of the log information provided in the DISK c04 of the log management server a05 is sufficiently large as compared with the peripheral device a01, and it is almost impossible for the record to be overwritten.
[0141]
The information table 204 is a table of information recorded in one record of log information. Here, as an example of information to be recorded, a log recording date / time 211, a job submission time 212, a job completion time 213, a job processing result 214, a job name 215, and job identification information 216 are given. Various information such as the amount of resources used by the job and the job requester can be recorded. Further, it goes without saying that the job name 215, the job identification information 216, and the like correspond to the job name e11, the job identification information e12, and the like, which are the job attributes of the same name in FIG.
[0142]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and a confirmation processing flow of a job processing result processed in the peripheral device a01 or the PCa02 to the PCa04 illustrated in FIG. Corresponding to Confirmation of the job processing result is performed from the job monitoring software, and the processing flow is processed by the job monitoring software. The present invention is applicable to both cases where the job monitoring software operates in the peripheral device a01 and when the job monitoring software operates in the PCa02 to a04. Note that (801) to (805) indicate each step.
[0143]
First, in step (801), a job list acquisition command is transmitted to the peripheral device a01 to be monitored. The job list acquisition command specifies to acquire the job identification information e12 of the job attribute. As a result, a list of jobs operating in the peripheral device a01 and their job identification information can be obtained.
[0144]
Note that, in cooperation with the job issuing software, the configuration may be such that the job identification information of the jobs issued by the job issuing software is obtained as a list. When acquiring the job list, attributes such as the job name e11 and the job processing status e21 may be acquired together with the job identification information e12.
[0145]
Next, from step (802) to step (804), the processing is repeated for each of the job identification information acquired in step (801). Step (802) indicates the start of the repetitive processing.
[0146]
Then, in a step (803), a job search command in which the job identification information acquired in the step (801) is designated as a parameter is sent to the peripheral device a01. The peripheral device a01 returns the result of the job search command according to the processing flow described with reference to FIGS. The job monitoring software holds the search results and stores the processing results and processing status of each job.
[0147]
Step (804) indicates the end of the repetitive processing. Here, it is checked whether or not there is any unconfirmed information among the job identification information acquired in step (801). If it is determined that there is still unconfirmed information, the process returns to step (802), and the unconfirmed information is determined. If it is determined that there is no more, the process proceeds to step (805).
[0148]
Then, in step (805), the processing result and processing status of each job obtained in step (803) are displayed on the screen of the display device in the format shown in FIG. This display is performed on the LCDb05 if the job monitoring software operates in the peripheral device a01, and is displayed on the CRTc05 if the job monitoring software operates in the PCa02 to a04. After performing these processes, the present process flow ends.
[0149]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays a job processing result and a processing status in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0150]
This screen is used when the job monitoring software displays the processing result and the processing status of the job. The present invention is applicable to both cases where the job monitoring software operates in the peripheral device a01 and when the job monitoring software operates in the PCa02 to a04.
[0151]
This screen is displayed on the LCDb05 of the peripheral device a01 or the CRTc05 of the PCs a02 to a04.
[0152]
Various user inputs (pressing a button, scrolling a list, and the like) are performed via the keyboard b06 of the peripheral device a01 or the keyboard c06 and the pointing device c07 of the PCs a02 to a04.
[0153]
In FIG. 18, reference numeral 401 denotes a title, which represents a brief description of the screen, and indicates that the screen is for displaying “job processing status / result”.
[0154]
Reference numeral 402 denotes a list box which displays a list of jobs accepted by the peripheral device a01 monitored by the job monitoring software, or includes a job issuing software operating in cooperation with the job monitoring software. Alternatively, a list of all jobs submitted to a01 may be displayed. An OK button 403 is a button for deleting the display screen and returning to another processing screen.
[0155]
Here, the job number (job 1 to job 7) in the peripheral device a01, the job name set for each job (job name e11 of the job attribute shown in FIG. 5 or job name 215 of the log information shown in FIG. 16) ), Job processing result (completion “OK”, completion “NG”) or job processing status (in execution, waiting for execution), mark (L) indicating that it was found in log information, and found in log management server Is displayed.
[0156]
This display content may be appropriately adjusted according to the required specifications of the job monitoring software, the job attributes that can be obtained / set, or the log information. The job attribute or log information that can be obtained / set can be obtained from the attribute indicating the capability of the peripheral device a01.
[0157]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention, and corresponds to a processing flow of a job search request processed in the log management server a05 illustrated in FIG. Note that the job search request is sent to the log management server a05 when a job having the specified job identification information is not found during the processing of the job search command in the peripheral device a01. This processing flow is processed by the log management software in the log management server a05. (601) to (605) indicate each step.
[0158]
First, in step (601), a job in which the job identification information specified in the job search request is set is searched from the log information in the log management server a02. At this time, the log information relating to the peripheral device a01 specified in the job search request is searched. The log management software accesses all the records of the corresponding log information and acquires the job identification information 216 through the information table 204.
[0159]
Then, in step (602), it is checked whether there is any acquired job identification information 216 that matches the job identification information specified in the job search request. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step (603); otherwise, the process proceeds to step (604).
[0160]
In step (603), the fact that the job having the specified job identification information is found in the log information of the log management server a05, the record number of the log information, and the processing result 215 of the job are set as a reply. I do.
[0161]
On the other hand, in step (604), the fact that no job having the specified job identification information was found is set as a reply.
[0162]
Then, in step (605), the reply set in step (603) or step (604) is transmitted to peripheral device a01, and this processing flow ends.
[0163]
At the time of the job search request by the peripheral device a01, by specifying the information about the PCa02 to a04 to which the original job search command was transmitted, the reply set in the step (603) or the step (604) can be directly sent to the PCa02 to PCa02. The information may be sent to a04. In this case, the reply of the job search request is in the same format as the reply command of the job search command, and the PCa02 to a04 that transmitted the job search command return the reply of the job search request as a reply command of the job search command. You can receive.
[0164]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention, and corresponds to a log acquisition processing flow. The log acquisition is performed from the log management software, and this processing flow is processed by the log management software. Note that (701) and (702) indicate each step.
[0165]
First, in step (701), a log acquisition command is transmitted to the peripheral device a01 to be subjected to log management. In the log acquisition command, record numbers (plural numbers) desired to be acquired can be specified, and a plurality of records in the corresponding peripheral device a01 are returned.
[0166]
Then, in step (702), the records of the acquired log information are classified for each peripheral device to be acquired, recorded in the log information of DISKc04 in the log management server a05, and the present processing flow ends. .
[0167]
Note that the log acquisition processing may be performed at various timings, such as every fixed time or every time a fixed number of records are recorded. What is necessary is just to comprise. When there are a plurality of peripheral devices to be managed, a log is obtained for each of them, and recording is performed in a log information area provided for each of the peripheral devices.
[0168]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the data processing program readable by the peripheral device, the log management server device, and the information processing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the memory maps shown in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23.
[0169]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by the peripheral device a01 according to the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the log management server a05 according to the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by PCa02 to PC04 according to the present invention.
[0170]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0171]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.
[0172]
In FIG. 21, the functions shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 and FIG. 17 in this embodiment may be performed by the CPU b01 in the peripheral device a01 by a program installed from the outside. In FIG. 22, the functions shown in FIGS. 14, 19, and 20 in this embodiment may be performed by the CPU c01 in the log management server a05 by a program installed from the outside. Further, in FIG. 23, the functions shown in FIGS. 12 and 17 in this embodiment may be performed by the CPU c01 in the PCa02 to a04 by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.
[0173]
As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus obtained.
[0174]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0175]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, or the like may be used. it can.
[0176]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0177]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion 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 above-described embodiments.
[0178]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.
[0179]
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific description herein, but rather includes the following embodiments. Needless to say, this is also included. Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 8 will be described.
[0180]
A first embodiment is a peripheral device that analyzes a control command transmitted from the outside and processes a predetermined job processing request, job management request, and log management request,
A job receiving unit (corresponding to a job receiving function of a controller in the peripheral device a01) for temporarily generating management information of the job in a storage device in response to receiving a control command requesting the predetermined job processing;
A job attribute setting unit that extracts job identification information and function setting information provided outside the peripheral device from a control command requesting the job processing, and records the extracted information in management information of the job generated by the job receiving unit. (Equivalent to a job attribute setting function by a controller in the peripheral device a01), and
Job management means for performing job processing according to a control command requesting the job processing, and managing a series of processing statuses from the start to the end of the job in management information of the job generated by the job receiving means ( (Corresponding to a job management function by a controller in the peripheral device a01)
Log recording means for generating log information of the job in the storage device upon completion of the job processing, and recording the job identification information and function setting information of the job, and the processing result of the job in the log information ( (Corresponding to the log recording function of the controller in the peripheral device a01)
Server setting means (corresponding to a server setting function by a controller in the peripheral device a01) for setting a server device that can be connected to the peripheral device and permanently manages the log information externally;
Uploading means for uploading the log information to the server device set by the server setting means (corresponding to a log upload function by a controller in the peripheral device a01);
Searching means (corresponding to a job searching function by a controller in the peripheral device a01) for searching for the specified job identification information from the management information or the log information based on the control command requesting the job management;
When the search means is able to search for the specified job identification information from the management information, obtains the function setting information and the processing status of the corresponding job from the management information and returns a management information reply to a job search request source Means (corresponding to a management information return function by a controller in the peripheral device a01);
When the search means is able to search for the specified job identification information from the log information, it obtains the function setting information and the processing result of the corresponding job from the log information and returns a log information to a job search request source Means (corresponding to a log information return function by a controller in the peripheral device a01);
In the search unit, when the specified job identification information cannot be searched from any of the management information and the log information, the search unit requests the server device to acquire log information based on the specified job identification information. Server log information returning means (corresponding to a server log information returning function by a controller in the peripheral device a01) for acquiring function setting information and a processing result of a job to be sent and returning the job setting request source;
It is characterized by having.
[0181]
In a second embodiment, the log recording unit manages a predetermined amount of log information, and when the number of log information managed in the storage device reaches a predetermined amount at the end of the latest job, the oldest log information is stored. It is characterized in that the information content is updated to log information relating to the latest job.
[0182]
In a third embodiment, the control command includes an information acquisition command for acquiring information recorded in the storage device, an information setting command for setting information recorded in the storage device, and a job execution requesting a job execution request. A request command, a job list command for displaying a list of job management information relating to a plurality of jobs recorded in the storage device, a log upload command for instructing acquisition of log information from the server, A job search command for searching for job management information and log information using the job identification information as a key.
[0183]
A fourth embodiment is a job management method in a peripheral device that analyzes a control command transmitted from the outside and processes a predetermined job processing request, job management request, and log management request.
A job receiving step (step (33) shown in FIG. 8) for temporarily generating management information of the job in a storage device in response to receiving a control command requesting the predetermined job processing;
A job attribute setting step of extracting job identification information and function setting information given outside the peripheral device from a control command requesting the job processing, and recording the information in management information of the job generated in the job receiving step ( Step (37) shown in FIG. 8),
A job management step of performing job processing according to a control command requesting the job processing, and managing a series of processing statuses from start to end of the job in management information of the job generated in the job receiving step ( Step (33) and subsequent steps shown in FIG.
A log recording step of generating log information of the job in the storage device upon completion of the job processing, and recording the job identification information and function setting information of the job, and the processing result of the job in log information ( Step (46) shown in FIG. 8),
A server setting step (step (28) shown in FIG. 7) for setting a server device that can be connected to the peripheral device and permanently manages the log information externally;
An uploading step of uploading the log information to the server device set in the server setting step (steps (81) to (83) shown in FIG. 11);
A search step (step (61) shown in FIG. 10) of searching for the specified job identification information from the management information or the log information based on the control command requesting the job management;
In the search step, when the specified job identification information can be searched from the management information, the function setting information and the processing status of the corresponding job are obtained from the management information, and the management information reply to the job search request source is returned. Step (step (63) shown in FIG. 10);
In the search step, when the specified job identification information can be searched from the log information, the function setting information and the processing result of the corresponding job are obtained from the log information, and the log information is returned to the job search request source In step (step 66 shown in FIG. 10)) and when the specified job identification information cannot be searched for from both the management information and the log information in the search step, the specified job identification A server log information return step (step (67) shown in FIG. 10) for requesting acquisition of log information based on the information, acquiring function setting information and a processing result of a corresponding job, and returning the result to a job search request source; It is characterized by having.
[0184]
In a fifth embodiment, the log recording step manages a predetermined amount of log information. When the number of log information managed in the storage device reaches the predetermined amount at the end of the latest job, the oldest log is It is characterized in that the information content is updated to log information relating to the latest job.
[0185]
In a sixth embodiment, the control command is an information acquisition command for acquiring information recorded in the storage device, an information setting command for setting information recorded in the storage device, and a job execution requesting a job execution request. A request command, a job list command for displaying a list of job management information relating to a plurality of jobs recorded in the storage device, a log upload command for instructing acquisition of log information from the server, A job search command for searching for job management information and log information using the job identification information as a key.
[0186]
A seventh embodiment is characterized in that a program for implementing the job management method according to any one of claims 4 to 6 is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.
[0187]
Embodiment 8 is a program for realizing the job management method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.
[0188]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in response to reception of a control command requesting a predetermined job process, management information of the job is temporarily generated in the storage device,
From the control command requesting the job processing, the job identification information and the function setting information given outside the peripheral device are extracted, recorded in the management information of the job, and the job processing is performed according to the control command requesting the job processing. A series of processing status from the start to the end of the job is managed in the job management information generated by the job receiving unit, and when the job processing is completed, the log information of the job is generated in the storage device, and the job identification information is generated. Set up a server device that records information and function setting information and processing results in log information, and that can be connected to peripheral devices and that permanently manages log information externally, uploads log information to the set server device, and manages jobs Search for the specified job identification information from the management information or log information based on the control command that requests If it is found, the function setting information and processing status of the relevant job are obtained and returned to the job search request source, and if the specified job identification information can be searched from the log information, the function setting of the relevant job The information and the processing result are obtained and returned to the job search request source, and when the specified job identification information cannot be searched from any of the management information and the log information, the server device is determined based on the specified job identification information. By requesting the acquisition of log information, acquiring the function setting information and processing results of the corresponding job, and returning it to the source of the job search request, without imposing a load on the system resources and the traffic load on the network Even if the information on the job requested by the user to the peripheral device is not managed by the peripheral device, the processing status of the job and the An effect that the management results can build a reliable prehensible job processing management environment freely.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system to which a peripheral device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the peripheral device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the PC shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command group for instructing job processing in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job queue secured in a RAM of the peripheral device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sixth data processing procedure in the peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attribute information table managed in the peripheral device illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of job identification information illustrated in FIG. 4;
16 shows an example of log information for recording the occurrence of a specific event occurring in the peripheral device shown in FIG. 1 and information accompanying the event, or an example of log information managed in the server device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying a job processing result and a processing status in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the server device according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs readable by a peripheral device according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the server device according to the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the information processing device (PC) according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
b01 CPU
b02 RAM
b03 ROM
b04 DISK
b05 LCD
b06 keyboard
b07 Communication interface
b08 Scanner engine
b09 Printer Engine
b10 fax board
b20 system bus

Claims (1)

A peripheral device that processes a predetermined job by analyzing a control command transmitted from the outside,
A job reception unit that generates management information of the job in a storage device in response to a job processing request that requests the processing of the job;
Job attribute setting means for recording job identification information given outside the peripheral device in management information of the job generated by the job receiving means,
Job management means for managing a series of processing status from the start to end of the processing of the job or function setting information of the job in management information of the job generated by the job receiving means,
A log record that generates log information of the job in a storage device when the processing of the job is completed, and records the job identification information of the job and the function setting information or the processing result of the job in the log information. Means,
Server setting means for setting a server device that can be connected to the peripheral device and that permanently manages the log information externally;
Uploading means for uploading the log information to the server device set by the server setting means;
Searching means for searching for the specified job identification information from the management information or the log information based on a command requesting the job management;
When the search means is able to search for the specified job identification information from the management information, obtains the function setting information or processing status of the corresponding job from the management information, and returns the management information to the transmission source of the command. Reply means,
When the search means is able to search for the specified job identification information from the log information, obtains the function setting information or the processing result of the corresponding job from the log information and returns the log information to the transmission source of the command Reply means,
In the search unit, when the specified job identification information cannot be searched from any of the management information and the log information, the search unit requests the server device to acquire log information based on the specified job identification information. Server log information returning means for obtaining function setting information or a processing result of a job to be performed, and for returning to a transmission source of the command,
A peripheral device comprising:

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