JP2004253843A - Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate development of firmware of a multi-functional system and related driver software, and to enable controlling access to each function individually. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of function units 103, 104 and 105, a router 102, and a user interface unit 101 as a main control unit are integrally housed in a casing. Each of units 103, 104 and 105 has a network interface having a unique IP address and executes different information processing function independently or in cooperation. The router 102 connects the units 103-105 to an external network. The unit 101 registers a host computer of an external network for permitting access to each IP address, controls the network communication between the each of the units 103-105 and the external host computer on the basis of registered information, and controls the information processing function of each of the function units via the network communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can be connected to a network, a control method thereof, and a control program therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, network technology has made remarkable progress, and at present, networked models are provided in many office devices such as facsimile machines, printers, copiers, and image scanners. On the other hand, the integration of these office devices is also progressing, and an information processing apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copier, an image scanner, and a facsimile is provided under the name of a so-called multifunction system.
[0003]
At present, the most widespread network protocol is IP (Internet Protocol), and many information processing devices communicate using IP (TCP / IP, UDP / IP). In the IP communication, it is necessary to assign an IP address to a network interface. The IP address is assigned manually by a network administrator, or an automatic address assignment function included in a standard such as IPv6 (Non-Patent Document 1 below). Also, in IPv4 (Non-Patent Document 2 below), a configuration is used in which automatic acquisition is performed from a device such as a router using a mechanism of automatic address assignment such as DHCP.
[0004]
[Non-patent document 1]
RFC 1883-Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification, http: // www. faqs. org / rfcs / rfc1883. html
[Non-patent document 2]
RFC2131-Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, http: // www. faqs. org / rfcs / rfc2131. html
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the IP communication, various firewall technologies are used, and in order to restrict access to the information processing device via the network, for example, a packet filtering technology can be used. The packet filtering technology can be used not only to defend against attacks from the Internet, but also, for example, to limit the hosts that can use a certain printer in an office.
[0006]
However, in the related art, even a multifunction system integrating a plurality of functions such as a printer, a copier, an image scanner, and a facsimile, etc., operates to acquire one IP address for one device. Many.
[0007]
For this reason, when it is desired to restrict users and hosts by packet filtering on the multifunction system side, access control to a single IP address given to a device is performed, and a printer, a copier, There is a problem that it is impossible to perform separate access control for each function such as an image scanner and a facsimile.
[0008]
Further, the host PC accessing the multifunction system must access each function of the multifunction system such as a printer, a copier, an image scanner, and a facsimile via a single IP address. Must install driver software dedicated to the multifunction system. The development of such a dedicated driver is costly and the development period tends to be long. Further, from the viewpoint of the user, such a setup operation of the driver software is inevitably complicated. Of course, on the multi-function system side as well, the firmware must be developed for exclusive use so that a plurality of functions can be externally accessed through a single IP address, and the development efficiency is not good.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to facilitate development of firmware and related driver software in an information processing apparatus, particularly a system such as a multifunction system, and to individually control access to each function. Is to do so.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which can be connected to a network, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof, each having a network interface having a unique IP address, and having different information processing functions. A plurality of processing units each independently or cooperatively executed, and a router means for performing routing between each of the processing units and an external network are integrally housed in a housing, and the IPs of the plurality of processing units are accommodated. Registering a host of the external network that permits access to the address, controlling network communication between each of the processing units and the host of the external network based on the registered registration information, and controlling each of the processing units via the network communication. A configuration for controlling the information processing function to be executed is employed.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
As a multifunction system adopting the present invention shown in FIG. 1, a configuration of a composite image processing apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as MFP) in which functions of a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile are integrated into one is shown.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a user interface unit including a display device 107 including a liquid crystal display and a key operation unit 108. The user interface unit includes a router 102 compatible with an IPV6 network.
[0014]
The router 102 is connected to an external Ethernet (trade name), and at the same time, a function controller of a print unit 103, a scanner unit 104, and a facsimile unit 105 is provided under the router by an Ethernet (trade name) or a network I / E equivalent thereto. Connected by F.
[0015]
The scanner unit 104 is an input device for scanning a document. The scanner unit 104 has a CPU system for controlling the scanning operation, a buffer RAM for temporarily storing scan data, and a network interface with a MAC controller having a MAC address printed thereon. The CPU system of the scanner unit 104 can perform processing equivalent to that of a stand-alone scanner system, and can directly process a command packet from a scanner driver of an external PC.
[0016]
The printing unit 103 includes a printer engine (not shown) of an electrophotographic system or the like (not shown), and includes a CPU system for controlling a printing operation, a buffer RAM for developing and accumulating print data, and a MAC controller having a MAC address printed thereon. Has a network interface. The CPU system of the print unit 103 can perform processing equivalent to that of a stand-alone printer system, and can directly process command packets from a printer driver of an external PC.
[0017]
The facsimile unit 105 is a device connected to a public line for transmitting and receiving image data. The facsimile unit 105 includes a CPU system for controlling facsimile operation, a buffer RAM for storing facsimile data, a codec for compressing and expanding facsimile data, and a public codec. It has a network interface with a modem that communicates with the line and a MAC controller with the MAC address burned in.
[0018]
As described above, the multifunction system according to the present embodiment has a configuration of a composite image processing apparatus in which each unit is mounted in one housing. However, each unit of the printer, the scanner, and the facsimile has a network interface, and the IP ( V6) It can communicate with each other or with the outside on a basis. In such a configuration, each function of the device, that is, each unit of the printer, scanner, and facsimile is assigned an independent IP address, and from the outside, each of these units is an independent device such as a printer, scanner, and facsimile. It can be accessed via an IP address.
[0019]
In this embodiment, it is the user interface unit 101 that controls the entire multifunction system, and the router 102 included in the user interface unit 101 performs routing of IP datagrams between the internal network and the external network. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the user interface unit 101 is in charge of the control function and the routing function of the entire device, but the main control means for controlling the entire device is the same as the user interface unit 101 of the present embodiment. However, it does not necessarily need to be integrated with hardware for a user interface.
[0020]
Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described.
[0021]
<Acquisition of IP address (Fig. 2)>
When the multifunction device of the present embodiment is started, first, the router 102 in the user interface unit 101 determines IP addresses for all functions connected under the router. This IP address determination is dynamically performed based on the IPV6 standard as follows.
[0022]
Each function of the print unit 103, the scanner unit 104, and the facsimile unit 105 sends a transmission request of the IP address prefix (upper 64 bits) on the IPV6 network to the router 102 upon activation ((1) in FIG. 2). .
[0023]
On the other hand, the router 102 transmits the prefix for all functions connected under the router ((2) in FIG. 2).
[0024]
Each function (103 to 105) receiving the prefix combines the prefix with 64-bit data generated based on its own MAC address (lower part in FIG. 2) and converts the IP address on the 128-bit IPv6 network into an IP address. Is generated ((3) in FIG. 2).
[0025]
When the IP address is generated, each function sends its own IP address to the network and confirms that the same IP address does not exist under the router 102.
[0026]
If the same IP address is not duplicated under the router 102, the IP address is determined, and the router 102 stores the IP address of each function. If there is a duplication of the IP address, the above process is repeated by changing the numerical value of the interface ID until there is no duplication. In this way, an automatic IP address acquisition operation based on IPv6 is performed.
[0027]
The above address acquisition sequence will be described with reference to FIG.
[0028]
When connected to the router 102 in step S101, in step S102, each function controller of the print unit 103, the scanner unit 104, and the facsimile unit 105 sends a transmission request of the prefix (upper 64 bits) to the router 102. The router 102 transmits the prefix to all functions (103 to 105) connected to the router 102.
[0029]
In step S103, when each of the functions (103 to 105) receives the prefix, in step S104, each of the functions (103 to 105) combines the prefix with 64-bit data generated based on its own MAC address. Generate an IP address on a 128-bit IPv6 network. Here, an example has been described in which a 64-bit interface ID is generated based on a MAC address, but this is not a limitation as long as the interface ID does not overlap with other devices. When the IP address is generated, each function (103 to 105) sends out its own IP address on the network (step S105).
[0030]
In step S106, each function confirms that there is no duplicate IP address under the router 102. If the same IP address does not exist under the router 102 (No in step S106), the IP address generated in step S108 is determined. If the same IP address exists under the router 102 (Yes in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107, in which the numerical value added to the prefix is incremented by one, and the address acquisition operation is repeated to search for a non-overlapping address.
[0031]
By repeating the address acquisition operation as described above (to step S109), the IP address of each function is automatically determined.
[0032]
The processing of steps S101 to S109 is stored in a storage element (not shown) such as a ROM in each of the functions (103 to 105) as a control program for the CPU of each of the functions (103 to 105). 105).
[0033]
When the IP address of each function is determined, each function (103 to 105) sends device data unique to each function to the router 102 as shown in FIG. 6 (status data: a route is indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6). Is sent.
[0034]
For example, in the case of the scanner unit 104, the type of the device (scanner), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0035]
In the case of the print unit 103, the type of the device (printer), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, the print speed, the connection status of the optional device, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0036]
In the case of the facsimile unit 105, the type of the device (facsimile), the model name of the device, the resolution, the supported paper size, the image format supported by the device, and the like are transmitted to the router 102.
[0037]
The router 102 accumulates device data received from each function unit, and displays the status of each unit of the printer, scanner, and facsimile on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101 based on this information.
[0038]
<Host registration>
In the present embodiment, an external host (computer) accessible by the multifunction system can be restricted (registered).
[0039]
3 (from step S110) to FIG. 4 show a control procedure for this.
[0040]
When the IP address of each function is determined in step S109, a message such as "Do you want to restrict the host?" Is displayed on the display device 107, and the user is asked to specify whether to restrict the user of each function. Prompt. This designation may be performed by the key operation unit 108. In the present embodiment, as is apparent from the flow of FIG. 3, when the multifunction system is connected to the network (after the IP address of each function is determined), the user is caused to perform such an operation related to the host restriction.
[0041]
If the user selects to restrict the host by the key operation unit 108 (Yes in step S110), a message such as "Do you want to restrict each function?" The user is urged to enter a key as to whether or not to restrict (step S112).
[0042]
In step S110, when the user selects not to restrict the host (No in step S110), the host of each function is not registered. In this case, access from all devices connected to the LAN becomes valid (step S111).
[0043]
On the other hand, if Yes is selected in step S110 and it is selected to restrict the host for each function (Yes in step S112), a message such as "Please input the IP address of the printer host" is displayed on the display device 107. To prompt the user to enter the IP address (or host name) of the host permitted to use (step S201 in FIG. 4).
[0044]
In this embodiment, the host is registered in the order of the printer host, the scanner host, and the facsimile host. However, the host registration order is not limited to this, and may be any order.
[0045]
When the user inputs the IP address of the device serving as the host (Yes in step S202), it is checked in step S203 whether the host is connected to the LAN. The router 102 transmits an appropriate command (such as an ICMP packet) to the input IP address, and confirms the connection by checking whether a response is returned, and confirms that the host is connected to the LAN. (Yes in step S203), in step S204, the memory 106 stores that the input IP address is the host of the printer.
[0046]
In the case of No in step S203, a message such as "The input host is not connected. Would you like to register?" Is displayed on the display device 107, and a device not connected to the external network is set as the host. The user is urged to confirm whether or not this is the case (step S205). If Yes is selected by the user (Yes in step S205), the memory 106 stores that the input IP address is the host of the printer. If No in step S205, the process proceeds to step S201, and the registration of the IP address is repeated.
[0047]
When the registration of a certain function, for example, a host that can use the print unit 103 is completed, the process loops to step S201, and registers a host that can use the next function (for example, the scanner unit 104) in the same manner as described above. Do. Similarly, for all functions (103 to 105), a host that can use the function is registered, and when registration for all functions (103 to 105) is completed (Yes in step S206), the host registration process is performed. finish.
[0048]
On the other hand, if No in step S112 of FIG. 3, host registration for each function is not performed. That is, the same host that can use it for all functions (103 to 105) can be registered.
[0049]
If No is selected in step S112 in FIG. 3, a message such as "Please input the IP address of the host" is displayed on the display device 107 (step S301 in FIG. 4), and the IP address of the device serving as the host is displayed to the user. Prompt for an address.
[0050]
When the user inputs the IP address of the device serving as the host (Yes in step S302), in step S303, it is checked whether the host is connected to the LAN. When the router 102 sends a command (such as an ICMP packet) to the input IP address and checks whether a response is returned or not, the connection is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the host is connected to the LAN (step (Yes in S303), and in step S304, the memory 106 holds that the input IP address is the host of all functions.
[0051]
In the case of No in step S303, a message such as "The input host is not connected. Would you like to register?" Is displayed on the display device 107, and a device not connected to the LAN is set as the host. The user is urged to confirm whether or not this is the case (step S305). If Yes is selected by the user (Yes in step S305), the memory 106 holds that the input IP address is a host in step S304.
[0052]
In the processing shown in FIG. 4, the user inputs an IP address that can use each function (or all functions), but a user interface as shown in FIG. 5 may be employed.
[0053]
FIG. 4 can be replaced with the process of FIG. 3, and steps S401 and S501 of FIG. 5 are respectively following the Yes and No branches of step S112 of FIG.
[0054]
If Yes in step S112 in FIG. 3, the router 102 acquires all the IP addresses of the devices connected to the LAN in step S401 in FIG. 5 in order to register the host for each function. This IP address acquisition processing can be performed by transmitting an ICMP packet to a network address possible within the LAN and observing the response.
[0055]
In step S402, all the acquired IP addresses are displayed on the display device 107, and the display device 107 displays a message such as "Please select the IP address of the host that is permitted to access the print unit 103". The user is prompted to select an IP address of a host that is permitted to access the 103. Also in this case, the host is registered in the order of the printer host, the scanner host, and the facsimile host, but the host registration order is not limited to this, and may be any order.
[0056]
In step S403, the user selects the IP address of the device serving as the host from the IP addresses displayed on the display device 107, and when the IP address is selected (Yes in step S404), the selected IP address is Is held in the memory 106. When the registration of the printer host is completed, the process proceeds to step S402, and the registration of the scanner host is performed. Hereinafter, the host of the scanner is registered in the same manner as the host of the printer is registered. When the host registration for all functions is completed (Yes in step S406), the host registration processing for each function ends.
[0057]
On the other hand, in the case of No in step S112 of FIG. 3, host registration for each function is not performed, and a host that can use all functions is registered. In step S501 in FIG. 5, the router 102 acquires all the IP addresses of the devices connected to the LAN, as in step S401. In step S502, all the acquired IP addresses are displayed on the display device 107, and a message such as "Please select a host IP address" is displayed on the display device 107, and the user selects the IP address of the printer host. Urge that In step S503, the user selects an IP address to be a host from the IP addresses displayed on the display device 107, and when the IP address is selected (Yes in step S504), the selected IP address is determined in step S505. Is held in the memory 106 as a host of all functions.
[0058]
According to a configuration in which devices connected to the LAN are displayed as a list as shown in FIG. 5 and the user selects a host to be registered as a host that can use a function (or all functions), an IP address as shown in FIG. The number of erroneous inputs is reduced as compared with the case where a direct input is made, and a host that can use functions (or all functions) can be registered reliably and easily.
[0059]
According to the present embodiment, a host that can use a function (or all functions) can be registered as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. In this embodiment, an IP address is assigned to each function, and a host (such as a PC connected to a network outside the apparatus) that can use the function can be registered for each function. Access can be restricted so that the function can be used. The use restriction can be performed in units of the IP address of each function, and can be easily and safely performed.
[0060]
According to the conventional configuration, since all functions of the multi-function system use the same IP address, when it is desired to restrict the use for each function, the use restriction is set for each (TCP / UDP) port assigned to the service of each function. Although only countermeasures to the extent to be taken can be performed, such control is more complicated, and such countermeasures are used in a system without a practice of assigning a (TCP / UDP) port number for each function (for example, in a Windows (trade name)). Network services). On the other hand, the use restriction of the present embodiment can be performed in units of the IP address of each function, and can be easily and safely performed.
[0061]
Further, according to the processing in FIGS. 4 and 5, not only the usage restrictions for each function (S201 to S206 in FIG. 4, and S401 to S406 in FIG. 5) but also the hosts that can be used collectively for all functions It can be registered (S301 to S304 in FIG. 4, S501 to S505 in FIG. 5). Such a batch registration operation can be easily performed as compared with the registration for each function, and the user operation at the time of installation becomes extremely easy in a user environment where it is not necessary to perform the host registration for each function.
[0062]
The host registration process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is always performed at the time of connection to the (external) network, and the user is urged to register a host to which access is permitted, so that the host access control setting is surely completed. be able to.
[0063]
However, the host registration process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 does not necessarily have to be performed only when connecting to an (external) network, and can be executed at any time based on a predetermined user operation. .
[0064]
The host access control according to the present embodiment allows a registered host to access each resource (each function of the above-described printer, facsimile, scanner, etc.) of the multifunction system, and prohibits an unregistered host from accessing the same. Naturally, it is useful for improving security, and it is possible to meet the demand for restricting the use (assignment) of the multifunction system for each department in a company organization or the like.
[0065]
Since the host registration process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a network management that is important for security, it is preferable that the host registration process be executed only after authentication such as password input and verification has been performed.
[0066]
<Function expansion (Fig. 7)>
As described above, since the IP address of each function (103 to 105) in the internal network is automatically determined, it is possible to easily add a function unit without performing a troublesome address setting operation. Further, since the connection of each internal function is a network connection, it is not necessary to use a dedicated connector or the like as in the related art, and the connection can be made only by connecting a network cable.
[0067]
When a function is added, host registration similar to the above can be performed for the added function part.
[0068]
Here, assuming that a new facsimile unit is to be added to the multifunction system in order to support a plurality of lines, an additional facsimile unit 109 having the same configuration as the facsimile unit 105 as shown in FIG. Just connect.
[0069]
At the same time as the connection, the facsimile unit 109 determines the IP address of the function added by the router 102 by the same processing as shown in FIG.
[0070]
That is, when connected to the router 102, the extension facsimile unit 109 sends a request for transmitting a prefix (upper 64 bits) to an IPv6-compliant router on the LAN.
[0071]
On the other hand, the IPv6-compatible router on the LAN transmits the prefix to the additional facsimile unit 109. The extension facsimile unit 109 that has received this prefix combines the prefix with 64-bit data generated based on its own MAC address, and generates an IP address on a 128-bit IPv6 network. In the above description, the generation of the 64-bit interface ID based on the MAC address has been described as an example. However, the interface ID is not limited as long as the interface ID does not overlap with other devices.
[0072]
When the IP address is generated, the extension facsimile unit 109 sends its own IP address to the network and confirms that the same IP address does not exist on the LAN. If the same IP address does not exist on the LAN, the IP address is determined, and the IPv6-compatible router on the LAN stores the IP address of the additional facsimile unit 109.
[0073]
As described above, the IP address of the extension function under the MFP can be automatically determined simultaneously with the extension. The above processing is the same as that described in steps S101 to S109 in FIG.
[0074]
When the IP address of the extension function is determined, the extension function section (109) sends function-specific device data to the router 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the extension function is a facsimile unit, data such as a device type (facsimile), a device model name, a resolution, a supported paper size, and an image format supported by the device are transmitted to the router 102.
[0075]
The router 102 accumulates this information and displays information indicating that a facsimile has been added on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101 based on this information.
[0076]
Next, the host registration process described above can be performed for the extension function. That is, as in FIG. 3, after determining the IP address of the added function (steps S101 to S109), the user is asked whether or not to perform host registration (steps S110 and S112). 4 or the host registration process of FIG.
[0077]
<Access control>
The multifunction system according to the present embodiment is accessed from a PC connected to a network external to the apparatus, and an image is read into the PC by the scanner unit 104, data is printed out on the PC, or a document on the PC is facsimile. The operation of transmitting the data is performed according to the following procedure.
[0078]
In the router 102 of the user interface unit 101, the IP address of each function and the host that can access each function are registered at the time of the above-described activation or when a function is added, and are stored in the memory 106 as an access list.
[0079]
Therefore, when a PC connected to a network outside the device accesses each function, the access is permitted only when the PC is registered in the access list, and is denied when the PC is not registered as a host. do it.
[0080]
That is, when the PC connected to the external network accesses the IP address of each function, the router 102 transmits the datagram (packet) from the outside to the corresponding address only when the PC is registered in the access list. The subsequent communication is permitted by routing to the function part having the IP address or by returning the IP address held as an access list by the router 102 to the PC (packet filtering). In this manner, it is possible to operate each function of the multifunction system as if it exists independently on the network.
[0081]
On the other hand, if the accessing PC is not registered in the access list, the router 102 ignores the datagram without routing it or returns an ICMP Reject message or the like to the PC to prohibit access.
[0082]
It is assumed that a driver for each function that can operate each function is already installed in the PC. As shown above, the CPU built in each function can perform the same processing as each stand-alone type function (facsimile, scanner, printer), and the driver of each function only needs to be installed in the PC. It is not necessary to install a special driver in the PC as in the above. In other words, the driver on the PC side only needs to be able to use known single-function printers, scanners, and facsimile devices via a network, and does not require a dedicated driver unlike the related art.
[0083]
<Operation of each function>
Scan / print / facsimile transmission / reception processing is performed as follows.
[0084]
(1) Network scan operation (Fig. 8)
FIG. 8 shows the flow of the command (401) and the data (402) during the network scan.
[0085]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the scanner unit 104 of the present multifunction system looks like a network scanner having a certain unique IP address.
[0086]
The PC sends a command packet to the network scanner to instruct a scanning operation (at this time, a protocol used in a layer higher than the IP is arbitrary. The same applies to print / facsimile processing described later). The IP address obtained by the scanner unit is added to the header of the command packet as described above. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the scanner unit 104. The scanner unit receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data in a predetermined format. The scanner unit 104 transmits the data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0087]
The router 102 that has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 relays this data packet to the PC that sent the command packet.
[0088]
The PC that has received the packet converts the data packet received by the driver that has already been installed into data that can be processed by the PC, and generates data read by the scanner.
[0089]
(2) Network print operation (FIG. 9)
FIG. 9 shows the flow of the command (501) and data (502) in the network print operation.
[0090]
When viewed from the PC via the router 102, the print unit 103 of the multifunction system appears as a network printer having a unique IP address. The PC sends a command packet to the network printer to instruct a print operation.
[0091]
The command packet from the PC has a header to which the IP address acquired by the printing unit 103 as described above is added. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information, and sends the command packet to the printing unit 103. At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be printed into a format that can be processed by the printing unit 103 by the driver that has already been installed, and sends this as a print data packet. The IP address acquired by the print unit 103 is also added to the header of the print data packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the print unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102, stores one page of print data, develops it as electronic data that can be processed by the printer, and when the development is completed, the print unit 103 sends the data. A recording output process is performed by a print engine (not shown) based on the data.
[0092]
(3) Network facsimile transmission operation (FIG. 10)
FIG. 10 shows the flow of the command (601) and data (602) in the network facsimile transmission / reception operation.
[0093]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system appears as a network facsimile having a unique IP address. The PC sends a command packet to the network facsimile and instructs a facsimile transmission operation.
[0094]
The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 as described above is added to the header of the command packet. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the facsimile unit 105. At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be facsimile into a format that can be processed by the facsimile unit 105 by the driver that has already been installed, and sends this as a facsimile data packet. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the facsimile data packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105 that has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102 converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and inputs the data to an internal modem. The modem connects to a public line using a known facsimile procedure, and facsimile-transmits the input data.
[0095]
(4) Network facsimile reception operation (FIG. 10)
The state of the network facsimile receiving operation is also shown in FIG.
[0096]
When viewed from the PC side via the router 102, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system appears as a network facsimile having a unique IP address. In the registration memory of the router 102 of the multifunction system (or the registration memory managed by the CPU of the user interface 101), the IP address of the PC to which the received data is transmitted when the facsimile unit 105 receives the data is set in advance. .
[0097]
When the facsimile unit 105 receives the received data, the facsimile unit 105 sends the received data to the router 102 as a data packet. In this data packet, the IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 as described above is added to the header, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the data packet to the PC. At the same time, the router 102 sends a status indicating that the facsimile has been received as a command packet. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the command packet, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information and sends the command packet to the PC. The PC that has received the data packet from the facsimile unit 105 via the router 102 converts the received data into a format that can be operated by the PC, and generates facsimile reception data.
[0098]
<Operation by multiple functions (conflict control)>
In the multi-function system according to the present embodiment, in addition to using each of the above-described function units, that is, the print unit, the scanner unit, and the facsimile unit, respectively, of course, an operation using a plurality of function units, for example, a copy operation of a document, a scanner, Processing such as facsimile transmission of the image read by the unit can also be performed in the present multifunction system.
[0099]
(1) Copy operation (FIG. 11)
The copy operation is performed by the print unit 103 and the scanner unit 104 as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows the flow of the command (701) and data (702) during this copy operation.
[0100]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0101]
When viewed from the router 102, the scanner unit 104 of the multifunction system looks like a network scanner having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, the print unit 103 of the multifunction system looks like a network printer having a certain unique IP address when viewed from the router side. When a copy instruction is sent from the user interface unit by the user, the router 102 sends a command packet to the scanner unit 104 to instruct a scanning operation. This command packet has a header to which the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added, and the scanner unit 104 receives a command packet from the router 102 based on the header information. At the same time, the router 102 sends a command packet to the print unit 103 to instruct a print operation. This command packet has a header to which the IP address obtained by the print unit 103 is added, and the print unit 103 receives a command packet from the router 102 based on the header information.
[0102]
The scanner unit 104 receives the above command, scans a document, and converts document data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits the data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0103]
The router 102 that has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 routes the data packet to the printing unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 via the router 102, stores one page of print data and then develops it as electronic data that can be processed by a printer.
[0104]
If a trouble such as a paper jam (1401) occurs in the printing unit 103 for some reason during the copying operation as shown in FIG. A status packet 1402 expressing an error status such as whether the error has occurred in the path is transmitted.
[0105]
Upon receiving the status packet 1402, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) issues a stop command packet 1403 to the scanner unit 104 to stop the scanning operation of the scanner, and to copy to the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101 at the time of copying. Error information indicating that a printer jam has occurred is displayed. Note that this error information display is for notifying the user of the error state of each function unit, and therefore, instead of the error information display, a similar voice message is output, or a buzzer sound or a light emitting unit is driven. (The same applies to other error information displays).
[0106]
Also, if a trouble such as a document conveyance jam occurs in the scanner unit 104 for some reason during the copy operation, the scanner unit 104 similarly asks the router 102 which path of the scanner the jam has occurred. And the like, and transmits a status packet of jam information including such information.
[0107]
Upon receiving the status packet, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) issues a stop command packet to the printing unit 103 to stop the printing operation of the printing unit 103, and copies the data to the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101 at the time of copying. Error information indicating that a scanner jam has occurred is displayed.
[0108]
When the expansion of the image data is completed in the print unit 103, the print unit 103 performs a print process based on the transmitted image data, and the print process ends. The copying operation is performed by the above series of operations.
[0109]
During the copying operation, a command packet is transmitted from the PC on the external network to the operating function unit (for example, the scanner unit 104), and the operation of the function unit (for example, the scanning operation) is instructed. (Hereinafter, an example of access to the scanner unit 104 will be described.)
[0110]
Since the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added to the header of the command packet transmitted from the external PC, the router 102 attempts to perform routing based on the header information. Since the CPU 104 recognizes that the scanner unit 104 is operating, it returns a BUSY flag to the source of the command packet with the BUSY flag set, or ignores the packet, Rejects access from a PC on an external network as a network scanner. The reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring of the command packet, or rejection of the connection can be performed under the control of the router 102 or by the CPU of the user interface unit 101.
[0111]
Also, when a command packet is transmitted from the PC on the external network to the printing unit 103 in operation during the copying operation and the printing operation is instructed, a reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, or connection Rejection.
[0112]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, during a copy operation by the scanner unit 104 and the print unit 103, a facsimile not related to the copy operation (the flow of the copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1002) from a PC on the external network. If the command packet 1001 is sent to the unit 105 to instruct a network facsimile transmission operation, this request may be accepted.
[0113]
Since the IP address obtained by the facsimile unit is added to the header of the command packet 1001 for instructing the network facsimile transmission operation transmitted from the external PC, the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, while the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing a copy operation, the facsimile unit 105 can recognize that it is operable. Therefore, routing is performed as requested from the outside, and the command packet 1001 is transmitted. The data is sent to the facsimile unit 105 (1003).
[0114]
At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be transmitted by facsimile into a format that can be processed by the facsimile unit 105 by the driver that has already been installed, and transmits this as a facsimile data packet 1004. The IP address acquired by the facsimile unit 105 is also added to the header of the facsimile data packet 1004. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information, and sends the facsimile data packet 1004 to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105 that has received the facsimile data packet 1004 from the PC via the router converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and transmits the data via a modem.
[0115]
In this way, even when a certain function unit is operating, it is possible to operate a function unit unrelated to the processing. For example, as described above, even during copying, facsimile transmission data can be received from a PC and transmitted by network facsimile.
[0116]
(2) Facsimile transmission operation (FIG. 14)
The facsimile transmission operation is performed using the scanner unit 104 and the facsimile unit 105 as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows the flow of a command (801) and data (802) during this facsimile transmission operation.
[0117]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0118]
When viewed from the router 102 side, the scanner unit 104 of the multifunction system appears as a network scanner having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system is viewed as a network facsimile having a certain unique IP address when viewed from the router 102 side.
[0119]
When an instruction for facsimile transmission is sent from the user interface unit 101 by the user, the router 102 sends a command packet to the scanner unit 104 to instruct a scanning operation. At the same time, the router 102 sends a command packet to the facsimile unit 105 and instructs a facsimile transmission operation.
[0120]
The scanner unit 104 receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits the scan data to the router 102 as a packet.
[0121]
The router 102 that has received the scan data packet from the scanner unit 104 routes the data packet to the facsimile unit 105. The facsimile unit 105, which has received the data packet from the scanner unit 104 via the router 102, converts the received data into a format that allows facsimile transmission, and transmits this via a modem.
[0122]
If a trouble such as a document jam occurs in the scanner unit 104 for some reason during the facsimile transmission operation, the scanner unit 104 sends information such as which path of the scanner the jam occurs to the router 102. A status packet containing the jam information is transmitted (similar to the description given with reference to FIG. 12). The router 102 that has received this command issues a stop command packet to the facsimile unit 105 to stop the facsimile transmission operation, and displays error information indicating that a scanner jam has occurred on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101.
[0123]
If a transmission trouble occurs in the facsimile unit 105 for some reason during the facsimile transmission operation, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status packet of jam information including transmission trouble information to the router 102 (FIG. 12). As described above). Upon receiving this, the router 102 issues a stop command packet to the scanner unit 104 to stop the scanning operation, and displays error information indicating that an error has occurred during facsimile transmission on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101.
[0124]
When a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating scanner unit 104 during the facsimile transmission operation and the scanning operation is instructed, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) operates the scanner unit. Since it is recognized that the command packet 104 is operating, the command packet is responded to by the BUSY flag, the command packet is ignored, or the connection is rejected as described above.
[0125]
Also, when a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating facsimile unit 105 during the facsimile transmission operation and the facsimile transmission operation is instructed, similarly, a reply by the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, Or respond by rejecting the connection.
[0126]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, during the facsimile transmission operation by the scanner unit 104 and the facsimile unit 105, printing is not related to the facsimile transmission operation (the flow of copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1102) from a PC on the external network. If a command packet is sent to the unit 103 to instruct a network print operation, this request may be accepted.
[0127]
Since the IP address obtained by the print unit 103 is added to the header of the command packet 1101 transmitted from the external PC, the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, since the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing a facsimile transmission operation, the print unit 103 has recognized that it is operable, so it performs routing as requested from the outside, and executes the command packet 1101. Is sent to the printing unit 103 (1103).
[0128]
At the same time, the PC converts the image data to be printed into a format that can be processed by the printing unit 103 by the driver that has already been installed, and sends this as a print data packet 1104. The IP address acquired by the print unit 103 is also added to the header of the print data packet 1104. The router 102 performs routing based on the header information, and sends the print data packet 1104 to the print unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the PC via the router 102, accumulates one page of print data and then develops it into electronic data that can be processed by the print engine.
[0129]
When the development of the image data is completed, the print unit 103 performs a print process based on the transmitted data, and the print process ends. Thus, even during the facsimile transmission operation, the network print from the PC can be executed simultaneously.
[0130]
(3) Facsimile reception operation (FIG. 16)
The facsimile receiving operation is performed using the printing unit 103 and the facsimile unit 105 as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 shows the flow of a command (901) and data (902) during this facsimile transmission operation.
[0131]
The IP address of each function is determined in the router 102 at the time of the above-described activation or when the function is added, and the IP address is stored in the router 102 as an access list.
[0132]
When viewed from the router 102 side, the printing unit 103 of the present multifunction system appears as a network printer having a certain unique IP address. Similarly, when viewed from the router side 102, the facsimile unit 105 of the present multifunction system displays a unique printer. It looks like a network facsimile with a unique IP address.
[0133]
When facsimile reception by the facsimile unit 105 is started in response to an incoming call from a public line or the like, the facsimile unit 105 decodes the received data into data that can be processed by the print unit 103 and sends the data to the router 102 as a data packet. . At the same time, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status to the effect that the facsimile has been received to the router 102 as a command packet.
[0134]
The router 102 that has received the received data packet from the facsimile unit 105 routes the data packet to the printing unit 103. The print unit 103, which has received the data packet from the facsimile unit 105 via the router 102, stores one page of print data and then develops the image data into electronic data that can be processed by the print engine. When the development of the image data is completed, the printing unit 103 performs a printing process based on the transmitted data.
[0135]
If a trouble such as a jam of printing paper occurs in the printing unit 103 for some reason during the facsimile receiving operation, the printing unit 103 informs the router 102 of which paper path of the printer is causing the jam. The status packet of the jam information including the information is transmitted (similar to the description given with reference to FIG. 12). The router 102 that has received the command issues a command packet to the facsimile unit 105 to perform a facsimile memory reception operation, and displays error information indicating that a printer jam has occurred on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101.
[0136]
Further, if a reception trouble occurs in the facsimile unit 105 for some reason during the facsimile reception operation, the facsimile unit 105 sends a status packet of jam information including information on the reception trouble to the router 102 (see FIG. 12). (Same as described.) The router 102 that has received the command issues a command packet to the print unit 103 to print the reception error information, and displays error information indicating that an error has occurred during facsimile reception on the display device 107 of the user interface unit 101.
[0137]
When a command packet is sent from the PC on the external network to the operating printing unit 103 during the facsimile receiving operation and a printing operation is instructed, the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) prints the command. Since it is recognized that the command packet 103 is operating, the command packet is responded to by a reply with the BUSY flag, ignoring the command packet, or rejecting the connection as described above.
[0138]
Also, when a command packet is sent to the operating facsimile unit 105 from the PC on the external network during the facsimile reception operation to instruct the facsimile transmission (reception) operation, a reply by the BUSY flag, the command Responds by ignoring the packet or rejecting the connection.
[0139]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, during the facsimile reception operation by the printing unit 103 and the facsimile unit 105, the PC on the external network has no relation to the facsimile reception operation (the flow of copy data is indicated by reference numeral 1202). When a command packet is sent to the scanner unit 104 to instruct the scanner unit 104 to operate the network scanner, this request may be accepted.
[0140]
The command packet transmitted from the external PC has a header to which the IP address obtained by the scanner unit 104 is added, and the router 102 performs routing based on the header information. That is, although the router 102 (or the CPU of the user interface unit 101) is performing the facsimile reception operation, the scanner unit 104 can recognize that it is operable, and therefore performs routing as requested from the outside, and executes the command packet 1201. Is sent to the scanner unit 104 (1203).
[0141]
The scanner unit 104 receives this command, scans the original, and converts the original data into electronic data. The scanner unit 104 transmits this data to the router 102 as a scan data packet 1204. The router 102 that has received the data packet 1204 from the scanner unit 104 routes this data packet 1204 to the PC that has sent the command packet. The PC that has received the scan data packet converts the data packet into data that can be processed by the PC using an installed driver to generate data read by the scanner.
[0142]
Thus, even during the facsimile reception operation, the network scan from the PC can be executed at the same time.
[0143]
In the present embodiment, as described above, host access control is performed for each function (or all functions collectively), so that the same function (or a printer and a facsimile that uses competing resources such as a scanner and a printer) is used. If one of the plurality of hosts that have accessed the functions that conflict with each other is not a registered host, the router 102 does not perform packet routing, so that no conflicting operation occurs as a matter of course.
[0144]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, space efficiency can be improved by storing a plurality of processing functions (multifunctions) such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile in an integrated housing. And the IP address is automatically assigned to each processing function using the IPV6 protocol, so that the troublesome work of manually setting the IP address as in the related art is not required. .
[0145]
In addition, a plurality of processing functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile of the apparatus need only be able to operate as if each function is an independent device by using an IP address assigned to each function as a unit. That is, in the present embodiment, each function (the print unit 103, the scanner unit 104, and the facsimile unit 105 in FIG. 1) operates like a network printer, a network scanner, and a network facsimile in a system including separate devices.
[0146]
For this reason, the user of the PC only needs to install the driver software required by the user among the processing functions such as the printer, the scanner, and the facsimile, and thus does not need the complicated driver dedicated to the multifunction peripheral unlike the related art. In addition, the resources of the memory capacity and the disk capacity of the PC can be effectively used, and the development of the driver software can be greatly simplified.
[0147]
The firmware of each unit (print unit 103, scanner unit 104, and facsimile unit 105 in FIG. 1) that executes a plurality of processing functions, such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile, basically inputs / outputs each IP address as a unit. Therefore, it is only necessary to create the firmware as a substantially single function firmware, so that software development on the multifunction system side is very easy. For example, if the firmware of a single-function network device already exists, the firmware of each processing unit corresponding to a plurality of processing functions can be extremely easily created by partially modifying these firmware.
[0148]
In addition, the multifunction system according to the present embodiment is not limited to simply storing each unit corresponding to a plurality of processing functions in the same device, but is also provided with a main control unit (user interface unit 101) including a router unit. Means are used to perform conflict control of each processing unit and perform error processing when a failure such as a jam occurs. In the contention control of each processing unit, when a packet requesting an operation arrives at the processing unit that is operating as described above, the main control unit (user interface unit 101) transmits the packet to the PC (or another device) of the transmission source. Since the proxy response is performed by a method such as returning a busy message or rejecting the connection, there is no problem that each processing unit is overloaded.
[0149]
In addition to the busy return and connection rejection to the above packet source, a memory for buffering the packet is provided in the main control means. The means may buffer this packet until the operation of the processing unit is completed, and may perform control to send the buffered packet to the processing unit when the operation of the processing unit is completed.
[0150]
Further, as described above, according to the configuration in which the states of the plurality of processing units are monitored by the main control unit and error processing is performed in the event of a failure such as a jam, the failure of each processing unit is displayed on the operation panel. Even if the processing units operate independently, the operation of a plurality of processing units can be monitored by one display unit. You must monitor the status of the device's display.) The monitoring of the state of each function processing unit by such a main control unit can be realized extremely easily by using a protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
[0151]
According to the configuration in which the main control unit (user interface unit 101) includes a router unit and connects each function processing unit, various advantages can be obtained as follows.
[0152]
Conventionally, a network cable of a device (for example, a network printer, a network scanner, or a network facsimile) that implements each function must be wired up to a network hub (or another router or bridge), which is a burden on a user / serviceman. In contrast to the above, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, each function processing unit can be connected from the router 102 in advance in the device, and the network hub (or other routers or bridges) At most, only one cable needs to be wired. As a result, the burden of system management on the user / serviceman can be greatly reduced. Further, as described above, according to the IPV6 standard, an IP address can be automatically distributed from a router to each function processing unit, so that a complicated setting operation is not required in this sense.
[0153]
Further, by incorporating the router 102, as described above, host access control (FIGS. 3 and 4) and packet filtering are performed for each IP address assigned to each function by the main control unit (user interface unit 101). be able to.
[0154]
Alternatively, it is also possible to prohibit or partially permit access to each function processing unit such as from outside a preset address range or outside a preset network domain.
[0155]
In the above description, it is assumed that an independent IP address is allocated to each function processing unit. However, according to the configuration in which the router 102 is built in the main control unit, if necessary, NAT (Network Address Translation), NAPT (NAPT) By performing address (or further port) conversion control by Network Address Port Translation or the like, it is also possible to access each function unit from the outside via only a single IP address. For example, the driver software on the PC side created for a conventional integrated multifunction system is created on the premise that the multifunction system accesses only through a single IP address, so that the control described above is performed. Accordingly, the driver software on the PC side created on the premise of a single IP address can also be supported, and access from such driver software can be accepted and each function unit can be operated.
[0156]
In the above description, an example in which an IP address is dynamically and automatically distributed to each function processing unit using the IPV6 has been described. However, networking inside the device does not necessarily need to be performed by the IPV6. However, if a protocol such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used, it is not always impossible for the network inside the device to distribute such a dynamic and automatic IP address.
[0157]
The control procedure in the above embodiment can be supplied in a state stored in a ROM (not shown) in the main control means (the user interface unit 101 in FIG. 1) or any other storage means. Since it can be connected to a network, it can be supplied by being downloaded from an external PC or server to a medium such as a RAM or a non-volatile ROM of the main control means using an arbitrary protocol via a network.
[0158]
In the above description, printer, scanner, and facsimile communication are considered as information processing functions of the composite image processing apparatus. However, a plurality of information processing functions integrated in one apparatus are not limited to the above, and may be other information processing functions. Any information processing function may be used.
[0159]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus that can be connected to a network, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof, each of the information processing apparatuses has a network interface having a unique IP address, and has a different information processing function. Respectively, or a plurality of processing units that execute in cooperation with each other, and router means for performing routing between each processing unit and an external network are integrally housed in a housing, and the plurality of processing units Registering a host of an external network that permits access to an IP address, controlling network communication between each processing unit and a host of the external network based on the registered information, and processing each of the processing units via the network communication. Configuration that controls the information processing functions executed by the In particular, to facilitate the development of firmware and related driver software in a system such as a multifunction system, and to easily and individually control access to each function based on an IP address assigned to a processing unit that realizes each function. There is an excellent effect that can be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus employing the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an IP address acquisition process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an IP address acquisition process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a host access control process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a different host access control process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a function status acquisition process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the addition of a function unit in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a network scan process in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a network print process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a network facsimile transmission / reception process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing processing when a failure such as a jam occurs in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile transmission process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile transmission process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile receiving process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile receiving process in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
101 User interface section
102 router
103 Print section
104 Scanner unit
105 Facsimile part
107 Display device
108 key operation section

Claims (24)

A plurality of processing units each having a network interface having a unique IP address and individually or cooperatively executing different information processing functions,
Router means for performing routing between each of the processing units and an external network;
Registration means for registering a host on an external network that permits access to the IP addresses of the plurality of processing units;
A main control unit that controls network communication between each processing unit and a host of an external network based on the registration information of the registration unit, and controls an information processing function performed by each processing unit via the network communication; ,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a housing that integrally houses the processing units, the router unit, and the main control unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the processing units generates a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the processing units and the router unit communicate using an IPV6 protocol. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the router is connected to an external network, a unique IP address is generated for each of the processing units, and a registration process is performed on the registration unit. Information processing device. When the router and the external network are connected, the external network is scanned, the IP address information of the external host that can be registered with the registration unit is obtained, and the external host that has obtained the IP address information is provided to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a host to be presented and selected to be permitted to access the IP address of the processing unit from the presented external host is selected. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an access permission of a specific host on an external network is individually registered in the registration unit for each of the plurality of processing units. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the access permission of a specific host on an external network is registered in the registration unit for the plurality of processing units. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the processing unit is added, an access permission of a specific host on an external network to the added processing unit is registered in the registration unit. A plurality of processing units each having a network interface having a unique IP address and individually or cooperatively performing different information processing functions, and a router performing routing between each processing unit and an external network In a method for controlling an information processing apparatus in which means are integrally housed in a housing,
A registration step of registering a host on an external network that permits access to the IP addresses of the plurality of processing units;
Mainly controlling network communication between each processing unit and a host of an external network based on registration information registered in the registration process, and controlling an information processing function executed by each processing unit via the network communication. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising a control step. The method according to claim 9, wherein each of the processing units generates a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the respective processing units and the router unit communicate with each other using an IPV6 protocol. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the router is connected to an external network, a unique IP address is generated for each of the processing units, and the registration processing is performed. Control method. When the router means and the external network are connected, the external network is scanned, the IP address information of the external host that can be registered in the registration process is obtained, and the external host that has obtained the IP address information is presented to the user. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a host to be permitted to access the IP address of the processing unit is selected from the presented external host. The method according to claim 9, wherein an access permission of a specific host on an external network is individually registered for each of the plurality of processing units. The method according to claim 9, wherein the access permission of a specific host on an external network is registered collectively for the plurality of processing units. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein when the processing unit is added, an access permission of a specific host on an external network to the added processing unit is registered. A plurality of processing units each having a network interface having a unique IP address and individually or cooperatively performing different information processing functions, and a router performing routing between each processing unit and an external network In a control program for an information processing apparatus that integrally stores means in a housing,
A registration step of registering a host on an external network that permits access to the IP addresses of the plurality of processing units;
Mainly controlling network communication between each processing unit and a host of an external network based on registration information registered in the registration process, and controlling an information processing function executed by each processing unit via the network communication. A control program for an information processing device, comprising a control process. 18. The control program according to claim 17, wherein each of the processing units includes a control process for generating a unique IP address by performing predetermined network communication with the router unit. 18. The control program for an information processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a control process for causing each of said processing units and said router means to communicate by an IPV6 protocol. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein when the router means is connected to an external network, a unique IP address is generated for each of the processing units, and a control step for performing the registration processing is included. A control program for the information processing apparatus according to the above. When the router means and the external network are connected, the external network is scanned, the IP address information of the external host that can be registered in the registration process is obtained, and the external host that has obtained the IP address information is presented to the user. 21. The control program for an information processing apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a control step of selecting a host to be permitted to access the processing unit's IP address from the presented external host. The control program for an information processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a control step of individually registering access permission of a specific host on an external network for each of the plurality of processing units. 18. The control program according to claim 17, further comprising a control step of collectively registering an access permission of a specific host in an external network with respect to the plurality of processing units. 18. The control program according to claim 17, further comprising a control step of registering, when the processing unit is added, an access permission of a specific host on an external network to the added processing unit. .

Images