JP2006085402A - Network equipment, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide network equipment easily coping with the situation where specifications of a format used for distribution are corrected or renewed when distributing communication information, equipment information or the like related to office equipment or the like to a user. <P>SOLUTION: This network equipment generates information for equipment management such as an operation log, an equipment state or equipment setting according to requirement from the user, converts the generated information by use of a conversion rule, and provides it to the outside of the equipment. The equipment has: an authentication means deciding whether the user has authority to a processing function required by the user; a conversion rule storage means storing the conversion rule; a selection means selecting the conversion rule for the equipment held by a distribution server designated by the equipment, or the conversion rule recorded in a detachable recording medium; and an update means updating the conversion rule storage means by the conversion rule selected by the selection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a network device, a program, and a recording medium. Specifically, the present invention relates to a network device that provides information on apparatuses such as a printer, a facsimile, an MFP, and a document management server that can be connected to a network such as a LAN.

  Various types of equipment, especially office equipment such as printers, facsimile machines, and copiers, have a user interface function associated with the equipment, which includes light emitting elements such as LEDs and LCDs, various types of push buttons, and changeover switches. Some devices have a Web access mechanism inside the device and have a user interface function that is enhanced and expanded using Web technology (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Since the user interface function using the Web technology described in Patent Document 1 is realized by using a processor, memory, input / output circuit, etc. that already exist in the device, it is necessary for the Web server function. There is an advantage of not requiring cost and space.

On the other hand, in the Web technology, in order to express as “information understandable to the machine”, a common method is required that expresses the relationship between resources such as metadata in a form that does not depend on a specific application. . There are methods using RDF (Resource Description Framework), RSS (RDF Site Summary), Atom, and the like.
RDF is a framework for a method of expressing metadata, and describes metadata in an XML format. As a result, it is possible to automate and improve the efficiency of classification and retrieval of information handled by the computer.

  RSS is an XML-based format for describing metadata such as website headings and summaries in a structured manner, and is mainly used to publish site update information. Since the document described in RSS can describe the title, address, headline, summary, update time, etc. of each page of the Web site, the update information of a large number of Web sites can be efficiently used in a unified manner. Can be published to In RSS, RSS1.0 (RDF Site Summary), whose main purpose is to deliver a summary of the site, and RSS 2.0 (Really Simple), positioned as one of the means for linking information distributed on the Web to each other There are two completely independent versions of Syndication). In Japan, RSS 1.0 is the mainstream, but there are many sites that also deliver RSS 2.0 feed.

In addition, Atom is disgusted with the conflict between RSS 1.0 and RSS 2.0 as described above, and proposes to describe update information as a simple text file in an itemized manner, and defines a new feed format. RSS is only for distributing URL lists and summaries, but Atom is not only for distribution, but also for posting articles and images to sites built with blog (Web log) and CMS (Contents Management System) tools. It also includes API (Application Program Interface) for various management such as editing / deleting.
JP-A-10-149270

Use device status information (remaining toner amount, error information, etc.), operation log information (printing history, communication history, etc.), device setting information (paper size, emulation mode, network setting, etc.), etc. for office equipment etc. via RSS Since there are many standards as described above and those standards have not been determined, even if the functions provided in formats such as RSS are provided in office equipment, etc. It may become obsolete within a few years.
However, in the case of software that runs on a personal computer, it is relatively easy to modify an existing format or to follow a new format. It is relatively difficult.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the standard of the format used for distribution is corrected when device information, communication information, etc. relating to office devices are distributed to users. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network device that can easily cope with a new device, a program for executing the function of the network device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 generates information for device management such as device settings, device status, and operation log in response to a request from a user, and sets conversion rules. A network device that converts the generated information and provides it to the outside of the device, the conversion rule storing means for storing the conversion rule, and the conversion rule to be corrected or newly added, and the conversion An update means for updating the rule storage means is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to the first aspect, the network device includes an authentication unit that determines whether or not the user has authority for the processing function requested by the user. It is characterized in that execution is permitted only for a processing function for which it is determined that the authentication means has authority.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to the first or second aspect, a removable recording medium on which one or more of the conversion rules are recorded, and a selection for selecting a conversion rule stored in the recording medium And updating means for updating the conversion rule storage means with the conversion rule selected by the selection means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the network device according to the first or second aspect, a selection unit that selects a conversion rule for the device held by a distribution server specified by the device is selected by the selection unit. Updating means for updating the conversion rule storage means with the conversion rule.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the function of the network device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.
The invention described in claim 6 is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded.

In general, when updating software for realizing the functions of a device stored in a recording medium such as a flash ROM, the entire software is updated at once or for each software module divided into several parts Is often taken.
It is not uncommon for these software sizes to range from hundreds of kilobytes to several megabytes, and only to update other unrelated modules at the same time just to update conversion rules (XSLT files) of tens of kilobytes at most. Then there is a lot of waste.
In addition, when a trouble such as the power being turned off during software update occurs, there is a risk that the flash ROM becomes inconsistent and the device cannot be operated again.
On the other hand, in the present invention, only the conversion rules and the like (XSLT file) are updated without updating the software itself, so there is little waste and the risk of updating is low.

  In addition, when updating the data held by a device, it is checked whether the user has the authority to perform the update operation, so there is a risk that a general user who is not the device administrator will update it without permission. Sex can be excluded.

In addition, since a removable recording medium often used in personal computers such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a PC card type flash memory, a compact flash (registered trademark), and an SD card is used, the user can use the Internet or other means. You can update the conversion rules, etc. provided in the device yourself.
Alternatively, when the manufacturer or distributor sends a recording medium in which conversion rules and the like are stored in advance to the user, the user can perform the update operation more simply.

In addition, since the conversion rules and the like can be updated using a popular web browser, even if the user does not have a removable recording medium and its reading device, or the device has a recording medium reading device. It can be updated even if it is not equipped.
Furthermore, in order for the device itself to automatically search for conversion rules, etc., that are suitable for itself from the Internet, the user must access the distribution server managed by the manufacturer or distributor, and search for up-to-date conversion rules. Disappears.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to a network device of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a usage pattern and internal configuration of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, there are an arbitrary number of network devices 10 and terminals 20 via a network 30. It is connected.
The network device 10 further includes at least a processor 101, a work memory 102, a storage device 103, device-specific hardware 104, a network interface (hereinafter, interface is abbreviated as I / F) 105, and a mass storage device 106. Yes.

  In the following description, the network device 10 is described using a composite apparatus that has functions of a copier, printer, scanner, facsimile, and the like and can be connected to the network 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it can be easily applied to any network device that is connected to the network 30 and distributes device status information, operation log information, device setting information, and the like regarding the device itself in response to a user request.

The storage device 103 is composed of a storage medium such as an electrically rewritable flash ROM, and stores a plurality of types of software and Web server software for realizing the functions of the network device 10.
The large-capacity storage device 106 is configured by a hard disk drive or the like, and registers user account information that can use the network device 10 together with information such as a fax destination and mail destination registered in advance by the user. Address book, device operation history, etc. are stored.

The processor 101 executes a combination of software for operating a specific function included in the network device 10 and device-specific hardware 104 corresponding to the function. Data or software temporarily generated during execution is stored in the work memory 102.
The processor 101 is also used for causing the network device 10 to execute a Web server and related software.
The network I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the network device 10 to the network 30 and communicating with the terminal 20.

  The terminal 20 is a computer or PDA (personal digital assistant) in which software such as a Web browser, SOAP client software, or RSS reader has been installed in advance, and uses the network device 10 connected via the network 30. In addition, various instructions are given to the network device 10 through software such as the Web browser, and information distributed by the network device 10 is displayed. In this embodiment, a personal computer is used as the terminal 20.

  The network 30 is a transmission path for connecting the network device 10 and the terminal 20, and is generally realized by a cable. The communication protocol includes an HTTP Web protocol that can transfer files such as HTML and XML. used. However, the transmission path is not limited to a cable, and may be wireless or wired as long as the communication protocol between them is the same. For example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Can be realized.

(A) Information Request from Terminal to Network Device FIG. 2 is an example of a software configuration of the network device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
This software includes a service layer, an application layer, and software that does not belong to either the service layer or the application layer.

  The service layer manages the hardware of the network device 10 and provides each function to each application. The service layer manages the entire device (including the operation panel), an image reading device (scanner), and an image. Engine service 212 for managing output devices (plotters), memory service 213 for managing storage devices 103, fax service 214 for managing fax devices, network service 215 for managing network I / F 105, mass storage device 106 or the device It consists of services such as a user directory service 216 that performs management of registration, change, deletion, etc. of an address book stored outside (not shown) and user login authentication.

  As software that does not belong to either the application layer or the service layer, there is an XSLT processor 221 that converts an XML file into another file such as XML or HTML using an XSLT file.

  The application layer includes a copy application 201 for realizing the copy function, a printer application 202 for realizing the printer function, a fax application 203 for realizing the fax function, and a user of the device 10 from the terminal 20 on the Web. It consists of an application such as a web application 204 that implements an interface function in HTML or XML format so that the device can be managed using software such as a browser, SOAP client software, or RSS reader.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the network device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the network device 10 includes a control unit 400, a request information acquisition unit 410, a request analysis unit 420, and a format conversion. Means 430 and conversion rule storage means 440 are included.
The control unit 400 includes a Web server, and passes the request received from the terminal 20 to the request information acquisition unit 410 and the request analysis unit 420. Here, the information requested from the terminal 20 includes device status such as toner remaining amount and error information, operation log such as printer job history and fax communication history, paper size, printer emulation mode, and network information. Information related to device settings such as an IP address and DNS server.

  At this time, if the received request is set to a function restricted according to the user authority of the user, the control unit 400 requests login authentication from the terminal 20. In contrast, when the terminal 20 transmits user identification information for login to the device 10, the control unit 400 performs login authentication processing using the user directory service 216. For example, regarding the job history of a copy or printer, the transmission history of a fax, etc., information such as a job executed by the user can be referred to, but information such as a job executed by another person cannot be referred to. . However, when the user logs in as an administrator of the apparatus, information on all jobs and the like can be referred to.

  The request information acquisition unit 410 is configured by the Web application 204, generates data acquired by calling the service layers 211 to 215 corresponding to the request from the terminal 20 passed from the control unit 400, in an XML format, The data is passed to the format conversion means 430.

The request analysis unit 420 is composed of the web application 204, analyzes the type of format that meets the request from the terminal 20, checks whether this type is registered in the format list storage unit 450, and if it exists, The format type is passed to the format conversion means 430, and if it does not exist, an error is passed to the format conversion means 430. Here, the format type may be a format described in a part of a path of a request URI (Uniform Resource Identifer) or a format described as an argument of an HTTP method such as GET or POST (see FIG. 4). .
Further, the format list storage unit 450 holds information such as names and versions for RSS versions, RDF, Atom formats, and other formats that are supported by the device 10.

The format conversion unit 430 includes an XSLT processor 221 and a conversion rule storage unit 440 that holds an XSLT file for converting XML data into various formats. The format conversion unit 430 extracts the XSLT file corresponding to the format type analyzed by the request analysis unit 420 from the conversion rule storage unit 440 and multiplies the XSLT file and the XML file generated by the request information acquisition unit 410. XSLT processor 221 generates a file in a format such as HTML or XML requested by the user and passes it to control means 400.
Further, when an error is passed from the request analysis unit 420, the format conversion unit 430 requests the control unit 400 to return error information to the terminal 20.
Finally, the control unit 400 instructs the network service 215 to transmit the data converted by the format conversion unit 430 to the terminal 20 as response data.

  A processing procedure for transmitting requested information from the network device 10 to the terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In this example, a case where a function that cannot be used unless the user logs in is used will be described.

When receiving a request from the terminal 20, the control unit 400 analyzes the user identification information included in the request and performs login authentication (step S10).
Here, the control unit 400 requests the user directory service 216 to perform a login authentication process, thereby determining whether the user is registered in the address book managed by the user directory service 216 and the network device 10. Determine whether each function provided by each application can be used.

If the user identification information for login authentication is not included in the request from the terminal 20 ("Unauthenticated" in step S10), 401 (Unauthorized) is set in the status code of the HTTP response to the terminal 20. The response is transmitted after setting, and the process is terminated (step S12).
Normally, when this error code is received, client software such as a Web browser displays a dialog window or the like for allowing the user to input user identification information, so the user inputs the user identification information and requests again. Can be sent.

Further, when the login is not authenticated because invalid user identification information is designated or the like (“authentication NG” in step S10), an error indicating that the authentication has failed is returned to the terminal 20 and processing is performed. The process ends (step S13).
When the terminal 20 requests a Web page, a Web page including such an error message may be displayed. When the terminal 20 requests XML format data, an HTTP response status code is displayed. Alternatively, 401 (Unauthorized) or 403 (Forbidden) may be set to send a response.

If the login is authenticated ("authentication" in step S10), the request information acquisition unit 410 displays information necessary for the request from the user, for example, the device status such as the remaining amount of toner and error information, and the printer job. An operation log such as a history and a fax communication history, information such as paper size, printer emulation, network IP address, DNS server, and the like are acquired and generated as XML format data (step S11).
The data in the XML format is composed not only of all types of information requested by the user but only information that can be referred to by the logged-in user. For example, when a general user logs in to acquire a printer job history, all information related to his / her job is included, but information such as a job executed by another person is not included. On the other hand, when the administrator logs in, information on all jobs is included.

  Next, the request analysis unit 420 analyzes the format type of data to be returned included in the request from the terminal 20, and checks whether it is included in the format list storage unit 450 (step S14).

  When the format requested from the terminal 20 is the RSS 1.0 format (“RSS 1.0” in the step), the conversion rule (XSLT file) for RSS 1.0 is extracted from the conversion rule storage means 440, and this The conversion rule and the XML data generated in step S11 are passed to the XSLT processor 221 (step S15). Here, since RSS 1.0 describes the outline of the content and pointer information such as a URI for referring to the content main body, the generated XML data includes the outline of the HTML format content for the Web browser. The data is comparatively small in size and includes information about the URI of the Web page.

The data converted in step S15 is transmitted to the terminal 20, and the process is terminated (step S18).
An RSS reader, a web browser, or the like operating on the terminal 20 shows the data returned from the network device 10 to the user, and the user refers to more detailed information as necessary using the web browser. To do.

  Similarly, when the format requested by the terminal 20 is the RSS 2.0 format (“RSS 2.0” in step), the conversion is performed using the conversion rule (XSLT file) for RSS 2.0 (step S16) The conversion result is returned to the terminal 20, and the process is terminated (step S18).

  If the format requested from the terminal 20 is not supported by the device 10 (“other” in step), 400 (Bad Request) or 404 (as a code indicating an error in the status code of the HTTP response) Not Found) is set, a response is transmitted to the terminal 20, and the process is terminated (step S17).

  In the above description, the device 10 supports two formats, RSS 1.0 and RSS 2.0, but other versions of RSS, similar formats such as RDF, Atom, or the like may be used. , A format other than RSS 1.0 or RSS 2.0 may be used.

(B) Updating Conversion Rules from Recording Medium FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration when registration rules are updated in the network device 10 when conversion rules are recorded on a removable recording medium. It is a block diagram. In the figure, the network device 10 includes an operation unit 490, a medium mounting detection unit 480, a format list display unit 460, a conversion rule update unit 470, a conversion rule storage unit 440, and a format list storage unit 450. In FIG. 6, the same functions as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

As a premise for using this function in the network device 10, in order to update the conversion rule storage unit 440, the user describes a data file (in this embodiment, the XSLT file itself) describing the rules for conversion, and this It is necessary to own a recording medium 40 (for example, an SD card) in which a definition file describing information such as the format type and version converted as a result of the conversion rule is stored.
This recording medium 40 is created by acquiring conversion rules, definition files, etc. from the manufacturer or distributor of the network device 10 via the Internet or other means, and storing them in the empty recording medium 40 by the user's own hands. Alternatively, the manufacturer or the seller may take a means of sending the recording medium 40 in a state in which conversion rules, definition files, etc. are stored in advance to the user. In the latter case, the burden on the manufacturer or seller increases, but the user does not need to perform the work like the former, and does not have to own the recording medium 40 or a writing device for the recording medium. There is an advantage.

  As the removable recording medium 40, a removable storage medium such as an SD card, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a PC card type flash memory, or a compact flash (registered trademark) may be used.

When the medium attachment detection unit 480 detects that the above-described recording medium 40 is attached to the recording medium reader of the network device 10, the medium attachment detection unit 480 lists conversion rules (XSLT files) and definition files recorded on the recording medium 40. . Here, the recording medium 40 may include a plurality of types of conversion rules and the like at the same time.
Next, it is checked whether or not the listed conversion rules are normal, and if any one of them is not normal, an error message is displayed on the operation panel and the process is interrupted. When all the conversion rules are normal, the operation unit 490 is notified of the listed result.

The operation unit 490 performs login authentication, and if the logged-in user does not have the authority to perform the maintenance of the conversion rule storage unit 440, the operation unit 490 displays an error message as authentication NG on the operation panel and interrupts the processing. .
If the logged-in user is a user who has maintenance authority for the conversion rule storage unit 440, the operation unit 490 activates the format list display unit 460.
Thus, when the user updates the conversion rule storage unit 440, in order to check whether or not the user has the authority to perform the update operation, a general user who is not an administrator arbitrarily converts the conversion rule storage unit. The risk of updating 440 can be eliminated.

  The format list display means 460 takes out the format having the same name as the format type in the definition file recorded in the recording medium 40 from the format list storage means 450 and displays it on the operation panel in the form shown in FIG. 7, for example. To do. In FIG. 7, the name, current version, new version and status are displayed for each format. Here, the current version is the version of the format already stored in the format list storage unit 450 and the conversion rule storage unit 440, and the new version is the version of the format stored in the recording medium 40.

The situation is “update” when a new version is newer than the current version, “blank” when there is no new version, and “add” when there is no current version and only a new version.
In such an operation screen, the user selects one or more formats by touching the name of the updated or newly added format.
Finally, when the [Execute] button is pressed on the operation screen from the user, the conversion rule update unit 470 is called through the operation unit 490.

The conversion rule update unit 470 takes out the conversion rule having the designated name from the recording medium 40 and updates it by adding or replacing it in the conversion rule storage unit 440. Also, the format type, version information, and the like are updated by adding to or replacing the format list storage unit 450.
In addition, when there is no instruction for one update or new addition, the conversion rule update unit 470 displays an error message on the operation panel and interrupts the processing.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a processing procedure when the conversion rule or the like is updated from the recording medium in the network device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this example, it is assumed that the user cannot update without logging in.

First, the user inserts the recording medium 40 in which the conversion rule is recorded into the reading device of the device 10 and turns on the power (step S20).
The device 10 lists conversion rules (XSLT files), definition files, and the like stored in the recording medium 40 during initialization processing at power-on (step S21).

Next, it is checked whether or not the listed contents are normal. If even one of the contents is not normal (NG in step S22), an error message is displayed on the operation panel as the process cannot be continued, and the process is interrupted. (Step S23).
On the other hand, if there is no problem in the contents (OK in step S22), login authentication is performed, and if the logged-in user is a user who does not have the authority to perform the maintenance of the conversion rule storage unit 440 ("authentication in step S24"). NG "), an authentication NG error message is displayed on the operation panel, and the process is interrupted (step S25).

  If the logged-in user is an authorized user (“authentication OK” in step S24), the format list storage unit 450 is referred to and has the same name as that recorded on the recording medium 40. The format name, version information, etc. are extracted and displayed on the operation panel in the format shown in FIG. 7 (step S26).

When the user issues an instruction to update or add one or more formats on the operation screen and the [Execute] button is pressed (YES in step S27), conversion is performed using a conversion rule or definition file of the selected name. The rule storage unit 440 and the format list storage unit 450 are updated (step S28).
On the other hand, if there is no instruction for one update or new addition (NO in step S27), an error message is displayed on the operation panel, and the process is interrupted (step S29).

  As described above, in the present invention, the software itself is not updated, and only the conversion rules and definition files are updated. Therefore, there is little waste and the risk of updating is low.

(C) Update of Conversion Rule Using Web Browser FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration when the conversion rule is registered and updated in the network device 10 from the terminal 20 using the Web browser. In the figure, the network device 10 includes a control unit 400, a format list display unit 460, a conversion rule update unit 470, a conversion rule storage unit 440, and a format list storage unit 450. 9, the same functions as those in FIGS. 3 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Among these, the format list display means 460 and the conversion rule update means 470 are different from the above-described embodiment (B) in that they operate as the Web application 204.
In this example, there is a conversion rule distribution server 50 for placing the latest conversion rule (XSLT file) and definition file for the device 10 managed by the manufacturer or distributor of the network device 10, and the URL of this server is the device URL. 10 is stored inside.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the conversion rule and the like are registered and updated in the network device 10 from the terminal 20 using a Web browser. In this description, it is assumed that the user cannot update without logging in.

When receiving a Web page display request for maintenance of the conversion rule storage unit 440 from the Web browser operating on the terminal 20, the control unit 400 analyzes the user identification information included in the request and performs login authentication. (Step S30).
Here, the control unit 400 requests the user directory service 216 to perform login authentication processing, so that the user is registered in the address book managed by the user directory service 216, and the conversion rule storage unit 440. It is determined whether the user has the authority to perform maintenance.

When the user identification information for login authentication is not included in the request from the terminal 20 (“unauthenticated” in step S30), 401 (Unauthorized) is set in the status code of the HTTP response to the terminal 20. The response is transmitted after setting, and the process is terminated (step S31).
Normally, when the web browser receives this error code, it displays a dialog window or the like for allowing the user to input user identification information. Therefore, the user may input the user identification information and send the request again. it can.

In addition, when login authentication cannot be performed because user identification information that does not have the authority to perform maintenance has been specified or the like ("authentication NG" in step S30), an error indicating that the authentication has failed with respect to the terminal 20 is displayed. Then, the process ends (step S32).
Specifically, a Web page including such an error message may be displayed, or a response is transmitted by setting 401 (Unauthorized) or 403 (Forbidden) in the HTTP response status code. It may be.

  On the other hand, when the login authentication is successful (“authentication OK” in step S30), the format list display unit 460 displays the latest conversion rule (XSLT file) for the device 10 managed by the manufacturer or the seller of the device 10. The conversion rule distribution server 50 in which the definition file or the like is placed is accessed, and a list of conversion rules and definition files held by the distribution server 50 is acquired (step S33).

  Next, the format list display means 460 responds to the request from the terminal 20 from the list of format list storage means 450 that holds the conversion rules supported by the device 10 and the conversion rules obtained in step S33. Then, a web page screen for performing the list and update operation thereof is generated, and the web page screen as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted to the terminal 20 via the control means 400 (step S34). Here, the information extracted from the format list storage unit 450 is only the same as the conversion rule acquired from the distribution server 50.

The user instructs the name of one or more output formats on the Web page screen (see FIG. 11), gives an instruction to update or newly add, and presses the [Execute] button.
When the [execute] button is pressed, the control unit 400 calls the conversion rule update unit 470 and passes the selected name.

When there are one or more selected names (YES in step S35), the conversion rule update unit 470 converts the name specified from the conversion rule distribution server 50 managed by the manufacturer or the seller of the device 10. And the definition file are downloaded, and the conversion rule storage unit 440 and the format list storage unit 450 are updated (step S36).
On the other hand, if there is no selected name (NO in step S35), the conversion rule update unit 470 transmits a Web page including an error message to the terminal 20 and interrupts the process (step S37). .

The present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. It is an object of the present invention to program each function constituting the network device of the above-described embodiment, write it in a ROM in advance, attach this ROM to the network device, and execute these programs with a microprocessor. Needless to say, is achieved.
In this case, the state read and executed from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program and the recording medium on which the program is recorded also constitute the present invention.

Note that programs that realize such functions include semiconductor media (for example, ROM, nonvolatile memory, etc.), optical media (for example, DVD, MO, MD, CD, etc.), magnetic media (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Etc.) may be provided in any form of recording medium.
Alternatively, the program stored in the storage device may be directly supplied from the server computer via a communication network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of this server computer is also included in the recording medium of the present invention.

  When provided by such a recording medium, the function of the above-described embodiment is obtained by reading the program from the recording medium and installing the program in the internal storage device or the external storage device, and executing the installed program by the microprocessor. Is realized. Alternatively, the program recorded on the recording medium may be directly executed.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the utilization form and internal structure of the network apparatus which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the structure of the software of the network device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the network device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example when the format type is designated from the terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which transmits the information requested | required from the network device which concerns on embodiment of this invention to a terminal. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration when registering and updating a conversion rule or the like in a network device when the conversion rule or the like is recorded on a removable recording medium. It is an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation panel when the user updates the conversion rules and the like recorded on the recording medium. A processing procedure when a conversion rule or the like is updated from a recording medium by the network device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. It is a block diagram which shows a function structure when converting and updating a conversion rule etc. to a network device using a web browser from a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when registering and updating a conversion rule etc. to a network apparatus using a web browser from a terminal. It is an example of an operation screen displayed on a Web browser when a user updates a conversion rule or the like using the Web browser.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network device, 20 ... Terminal, 30 ... Network, 40 ... Recording medium, 50 ... Conversion rule delivery server, 101 ... Processor, 102 ... Work memory, 103 ... Storage device, 104 ... Device-specific hardware, 105 ... Network I / F, 106 ... Mass storage device, 201 ... Copy application, 202 ... Printer application, 203 ... Fax application, 204 ... Web application, 211 ... System service, 212 ... Engine service, 213 ... Memory service, 214 ... Fax service 215 ... Network service, 216 ... User directory service, 221 ... XSLT processor, 400 ... Control means, 410 ... Request information acquisition means, 420 ... Request analysis means, 430 ... Format conversion means, 440 ... Conversion rule storage means, 450 ... Four Ttorisuto storage unit, 460 ... format list display means, 470 ... transformation rule updating unit, 480 ... medium attachment detection unit, 490 ... operating unit.

Claims (6)

  Generates information for device management such as device settings, device status, and operation logs in response to user requests, converts the generated information using conversion rules, and provides it to the outside of the device A network device, comprising: a conversion rule storage means for storing the conversion rule; and an update means for reading the conversion rule to be corrected or newly added and updating the conversion rule storage means. .   The network device according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication unit that determines whether or not the user has authority for a processing function requested by the user, and the authentication unit determines that the user has authority. A network device characterized in that execution is permitted only for a received processing function.   3. The network device according to claim 1, wherein a removable recording medium on which one or more of the conversion rules are recorded, a selection means for selecting a conversion rule stored in the recording medium, and a selection means selected by the selection means. And an updating means for updating the conversion rule storage means with the conversion rule.   3. The network device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion rule storage unit includes a selection unit that selects a conversion rule for the device held by a distribution server designated by the device, and the conversion rule selected by the selection unit. And an updating means for updating the network device.   The program for making a computer perform the function of the network apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded.