JP2007109213A - Equipment layout editing device, equipment layout management device, equipment layout editing system, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability of a user when editing equipment layout, and to generate and edit accurate equipment layout. <P>SOLUTION: This equipment layout editing and browing device 300 is provided with a communication control part 303 for receiving the equipment icon of input/output equipment on a network and equipment layout data including its positional information from an equipment layout management server 200 and an editing part 302 for accepting the movement operation of the equipment icon on a displayed equipment layout diagram from the received equipment icon and the equipment layout data, and for editing the equipment layout diagram by designating the position of the equipment icon based on the received movement operation, and for generating the equipment layout data including the positional information of the equipment icon after moving from the edited equipment layout diagram. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device layout editing device, a device layout management device, a device layout editing system, a method, and a program for generating and editing a device layout diagram displaying an arrangement position in an installation area of input / output devices connected to a network.

  A device layout generation system that generates a device layout map (device layout diagram) that displays an arrangement position in an installation area of an input / output device such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral connected to a network has been disclosed in Patent Document 1 conventionally. The first conventional technique, the second conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, are known.

  In these conventional technologies, an input / output device corresponding to the device icon is arranged at the position where the device icon is arranged by arranging the device icon indicating the input / output device on the screen displaying the installation area such as the floor. A device layout map is generated.

  18A to 18D are schematic diagrams illustrating display screens displayed in the device layout map generation process in the device layout generation system which is the first conventional technique. In the first conventional technique, as shown in FIG. 18A, a layout map of an installation area 2202 for which a device layout is to be created is displayed on the screen. When an arbitrary icon is moved from the device icon group 2201 at the upper part of the screen shown in FIG. 18A to an arbitrary position in the installation area 2202, a pop-up screen 2203 is displayed as shown in FIG. In 2203, a selection screen for selecting a desired input / output device from a plurality of input / output devices is displayed. On this selection screen, the device name, product name, network address, and installation location of the input / output device are displayed for each input / output device. When the user selects an input / output device to be placed on the layout map of the installation area from the input / output devices displayed on the selection screen, as shown in FIG. 18-3, the installation of the selected input / output device is performed. A device icon is arranged at a position on the installation area 2202 corresponding to the place, and a device name is added to the device icon for display. Further, when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, as shown in FIG. 18-4, a plurality of device icons are arranged and displayed at the same place.

  FIGS. 19A to 19D are schematic diagrams illustrating display screens displayed in the device layout map generation process in the device layout generation system as the second conventional technique. In the second prior art, as shown in FIG. 19A, when a layout map of an installation area 2302 for which a device layout is to be created is displayed on the screen and the EDIT MAP button is clicked on the screen, the device shown in FIG. The layout map editing screen is displayed. Here, the installation area 2302 of the device layout map is divided into grids, and device icons can be arranged only in units of grids. The user selects “ADD” of Edit Option and “Device” of Item Option on this editing screen. When an input / output device to be arranged in the device layout map is selected with reference to an input / output Mac address checked by the user in advance, and a grid corresponding to the installation location of the installation area 2302 is selected, FIG. As shown in -3, device icons are arranged in the selected grid. In addition, when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, as shown in FIG. 19-4, a plurality of device icons are arranged in a grid near the place.

"NetSpotConsole" at http://cweb.canon.jp/drv-upd/netspotsuite/console/wincon.html "WebJetAdminSoftware (Japanese version)" at http://h50221.www5.hp.com/CPO_TC/printer/wjet/sw_wjet.html “WebJetAdminSoftware” at http://h50221.www5.hp.com/CPO_TC/printer/wjet/sw_wjet.html

  However, the prior art of such a device layout generation system has the following problems.

  In the first prior art, an arbitrary icon is first selected from the device icon group 2201, but after an operation of moving the device icon to the layout map of the installation area 2202, the device is displayed on the selection screen of FIG. 18-2. Since the input / output device to be arranged is selected from the list, the device icon only serves as a trigger for selecting the input / output device. That is, in the first prior art, the movement operation of the installation area of the device icon on the layout map and the arrangement of the device icon are not related, and the device icon is displayed when the user performs the operation of generating the device layout map. May be confusing.

  Further, since the input / output device is selected after the device icon is moved to the layout map of the installation area, each device icon of the device icon group 2201 in FIG. 18A is not assigned to an actual input / output device. For this reason, when selecting a device icon for generating a device layout map, the device icon is distinguished from the device's input / output device and another company's input / output device from the device icon, or the function such as color / monochrome is known in advance. Cannot be selected, and the user's operation becomes complicated and the user may be confused.

  In addition, when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, as shown in FIG. 18-4, a plurality of device icons are displayed overlapping each other. It becomes difficult to grasp the device information added to the icon, and the operation for creating and editing the device layout map and the display operation by the user become complicated.

  On the other hand, in the second prior art, since the device icons can only be arranged in a grid on the layout map of the installation area, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the device icons is lacking. In addition, since the device icons are arranged in a grid, even when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one location, the device layout map is densely located in the same location as shown in FIG. 19-4. However, the arrangement of the device icons is deviated from the actual arrangement of the input / output devices, and the device layout map becomes inaccurate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can improve user operability when generating or editing a device layout, and can generate or edit an accurate device layout. An object is to provide a device layout editing device, a device layout management device, a device layout editing system, a method, and a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a device layout editing device that is connected to a network from a display unit capable of displaying various data and a device layout management device connected to the network. Displayed on the display unit from the receiving unit that receives the device icon of the input / output device, the device layout data including the position information of the device icon, and the received device icon and the device layout data, Use the operation of moving the device icon on the device layout diagram including a device list area for displaying a device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device and a map region indicating an installation area of the input / output device The position of the device icon is specified based on the input unit received from the person and the movement operation received by the input unit Editing the device layout diagram and generating the device layout data including the position information after movement of the device icon from the edited device layout diagram; and the generated device layout data as the device A device layout editing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit to a layout management apparatus.

  The present invention also provides storage means for storing device icons of input / output devices connected to the network and device layout data including position information of the device icons, and is connected to the network to edit the device layout data. In response to a request from the device layout editing device, the requested device layout data and the device icon are read from the storage unit, and the read device layout data and the device icon are transmitted to the device layout editing device. A device layout management device comprising: a transmission unit; and a reception unit that receives the device layout data edited by the device layout editing device and stores the received device layout data in the storage unit It is.

  The present invention also provides a device layout management device that manages device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and device layout data including position information of the device icons, and is connected to the device layout management device via a network. A device layout editing system comprising a device layout editing device that edits the device layout data, wherein the device layout management device includes storage means for storing the device layout data and the device icon, and the device layout. In response to a request from the editing device, the requested device layout data and the device icon are read from the storage unit, and the read device layout data and the device icon are transmitted to the device layout editing device. And the device layout editing A second receiving unit that receives the device layout data edited by a device and stores the received device layout data in the storage unit, and the device layout editing device is capable of displaying various data. A second receiving unit that receives the device layout data from the device layout management device, and the device icon displayed on the display unit from the received device icon and the device layout data. Input for accepting a movement operation of the device icon on the device layout diagram including a device list area to be displayed in association with the device specific information unique to the output device and a map area indicating the installation area of the input / output device from the user And a position of the device icon based on the movement operation received by the input unit and the device layer Editing unit for generating the device layout data including the position information after movement of the device icon from the edited device layout diagram, and the generated device layout data as the device layout management device And a second transmitter for transmitting to the terminal.

The present invention also provides a display unit capable of displaying various data, a device icon of an input / output device connected to a network, storage means for storing device layout data including position information of the device icon, and the device icon. And the device layout data are read from the storage means, the device layout is displayed on the display unit from the read device icon and the device layout data, the device icon specific to the input / output device An input unit that receives a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a device list area to be displayed in association with the device-specific information and a map area indicating an installation area of the input / output device; and the input unit The position of the device icon is designated based on the movement operation received by the device layout diagram. An editing unit that edits and generates the device layout data including the position information after movement of the device icon from the edited device layout diagram, and stores the generated device layout data in the storage unit. A device layout editing apparatus characterized by the above.
The present invention is also a program executed by the above apparatus and system.

  According to the present invention, the device icon of the input / output device connected to the network and the device layout data including the position information of the device icon are received from the device layout management device connected to the network, and the received device icon A device layout diagram displayed on the display unit from the device layout data, a device list area for displaying device icons in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output devices, and a map region indicating the installation region of the input / output devices A device icon move operation on the device layout diagram including the above is received from the user, the device layout diagram is edited by specifying the position of the device icon based on the received move operation, and the device layout diagram is edited from the edited device layout diagram. Generate device layout data including the position information after moving the icon, and generate the generated device layout data. Data can be sent to the device layout management device, and input / output device selection and device icon placement can be specified with a simple move operation. After such operation, input / output devices can be selected from a list, etc. This eliminates the need for a device and allows the user to easily perform device layout editing operations.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by accepting from the user an operation for moving the device icon on the device list area to the map area, the position of the moved device icon on the map area is set as new position information. By editing, the device icon can be arranged at any position, so that an accurate device layout can be generated.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by accepting a movement operation for returning the device icon on the map area to the device list area from the user, the device icon is deleted from the map area and the device layout diagram is edited, whereby the device icon It is possible to delete a device icon arranged only by a simple operation that is the reverse of the arrangement of. In other words, since the device icon is associated with the device-specific information, there is no need to display another screen to select the input / output device to be deleted in order to delete the device icon. This increases the operability of the device layout generation by the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, a device icon moving operation in the device layout diagram is accepted from the user as a drag-and-drop operation, and a position specified by the moving operation by the drag-and-drop operation is specified as a device icon arrangement. By editing the device layout diagram, you can specify the input / output device selection and device icon arrangement with a simple drag and drop movement operation, and select the input / output device from a list after such operation. This eliminates the need for a device and allows the user to easily perform device layout editing operations.

  According to the present invention, the device icon in the map area can be edited at an arbitrary magnification so that the device icon can be enlarged or reduced, so that the optimum device icon size can be set with respect to the size of the device layout diagram. There is an effect.

  Further, according to the present invention, by editing the device icon in the map area into a balloon shape extending from the actual arrangement position, even when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, the input / output devices The device position can be prevented from being displayed in an overlapping manner while the actual position of the device is correctly specified in the device layout diagram, and an accurate and easy-to-view device layout diagram can be generated.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to make the device icons arranged on the device layout diagram easier to see by editing the transparency of the device icons in the map area so as to be changeable. .

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a device layout diagram having a desired size for the user by editing the size of the map area so as to be changeable.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the map area is printed separately from the device list area, thereby preventing the unnecessary area displayed on the screen from being printed and improving the convenience of the user. .

  Further, according to the present invention, in response to a request from a device layout editing apparatus that is connected to a network and edits device layout data, the requested device layout data and device icon are read from the storage unit, and the read device layout By sending data and device icons to the device layout editing device, receiving the device layout data edited by the device layout editing device, and storing the received device layout data in the storage unit, the device layout by the device layout editing device There is an effect that data editing can be supported.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the storage device stores the device icon of the input / output device connected to the network and the device layout data including the position information of the device icon, and the device icon and the device layout data are stored from the storage device. A device layout area that is read and displayed on the display unit from the read device icon and device layout data, and displays the device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device and the input / output device The device icon on the device layout diagram including the map area showing the installation area is accepted from the user, and the device layout diagram is edited by specifying the position of the device icon based on the accepted move operation. Generate device layout data including location information after moving the device icon from the device layout diagram By saving the device layout data generated in the storage unit, it is possible to select the input / output devices and specify the placement of device icons with a simple move operation. There is no need to select, and the user can easily perform the device layout editing operation.

  Exemplary embodiments of a device layout editing device, a device layout management device, a device layout editing system, a method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of the device layout editing browsing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the device layout editing / viewing system according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a device layout editing / viewing device 300 and a device layout management device 200 are connected to a network 101 such as the Internet.

  The device layout management device 200 is a server device that generates and stores a device layout diagram, generates a device layout diagram in response to a request from the device layout editing / viewing device 300, and transmits the device layout diagram to the device layout editing / viewing device 300. Here, the device layout diagram is image data or the like indicating an arrangement position in an installation area of the input / output device connected to the network 102, and image data of a map displayed from XML format device layout data to be described later. It is.

  The device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 serves as a client of the device layout management apparatus 200, and requests the device layout management apparatus 200 for a device layout diagram to display, edit, and input the device layout diagram.

  A network 101 is connected to a network 102 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to which a plurality of printers 102 and a multi-function peripheral 103 are connected by a relay device 110 such as a router or a gateway. In FIG. 1, two networks 102 are connected to the network 101 via the relay device 110. However, this network configuration is an example, and a configuration in which an arbitrary number of networks 102 are connected may be used. it can. The relay device 110 corresponds to, for example, a router or a gateway.

  In FIG. 1, each of the MFP 104 and the printer 103 on the network holds an MIB (Management Information Base) that is an item managed by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). In this MIB, device-related data, device-specific data, and the like of its own device are registered.

  Here, the device-specific data is a MAC address or the like that is data specific to its own device (printer 103, multifunction device 104, etc.).

  The device-related data is the function information of the own device (printer 103, multifunction device 104, etc.), the data of the manufacturer, etc. In this embodiment, as the device-related data, printing color / monochrome ( Monochrome), manufacturer, and model name.

  Next, details of the device layout management apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the device layout management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the device layout management apparatus 200 mainly includes a device information collection unit 201, a search unit 202, a communication control unit 205, a device layout database 208, and an icon management database 206.

  The device information collection unit 201 requests MIB information from a device (printer 103, multifunction device 104, etc.) connected to the network 102, and receives device specific information (MAC address) and device related data (printer / MFP). (Multifunction machine), color / black and white (monochrome) function and manufacturer).

  The search unit 202 uses the device-related data (functions and manufacturer of the printer, multifunction device, etc.) collected by the device information collection unit 201 as a key from the icon management database 206 (to be described later). It is a processing part for searching for a device icon corresponding to. Here, the device icon is an icon of an input / output device such as the printer 103 or the multifunction peripheral 104. The icon refers to an icon in which various data and processing functions are displayed as pictures or pictograms on the display screen. In this embodiment, device icons of input / output devices are displayed on the display screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and icons, various data and processing functions are displayed by symbols, character strings, and the like. You may display the symbol containing.

  The communication control unit 205 controls transmission / reception of data to / from the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 via the network 101.

  The icon management database 206 is a database in which device icons and device-related data are associated with each input / output device of the printer 103 or the multifunction device 104. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the icon management database 206. As shown in FIG. 4, the icon management database 206 includes an icon file name and an icon image as device icons, a manufacturer, monochrome (monochrome) / color, printer / MFP (multifunction peripheral), and printer name as device-related data. Registered for each input / output device. The manufacturer, black and white (monochrome) / color, and printer / MFP (multifunction peripheral) in the device related data are registered in the image type of the device layout data. Also, the user registers the printer name of the device layout data based on the model name in the device related data. The icon management database 206 is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  The device layout database 208 is a database that registers device layout data generated by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 for each installation area. The device layout data includes information such as the location of the device icon, that is, the map area of the layout where the input / output device is installed and the location of the device icon in the device list region for displaying a list of device icons. The data is described for each, and is in XML format. A device layout diagram, which is a map image, is displayed on the display device from the XML device layout data. Here, the installation area is an area in which input / output devices (printers, multifunction devices, etc.) to be displayed in the device layout diagram are installed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the device layout data. In FIG. 5, the device layout data is shown in a table format, but is actually described in an XML format.

  In the device layout data, as shown in FIG. 5, the map name, icon size, map transparency, icon transparency, and mode (whether user mode or not) of the device layout diagram are set, and for each printer displayed in the device layout diagram. , Display area (device list area or map area), printer name, printer IP address, icon image type, icon position coordinates on the map (X coordinate, Y coordinate), icon arrow angle, icon The length of the arrow, the color of the icon frame, whether to blink the icon, system status display, copy status display, FAX status display, and scanner status display are set. These settings are determined by the device layout editing / browsing device 300 described later by an operation such as icon arrangement in the device layout diagram displayed on the display device. When the device layout diagram is saved, the device layout data in the XML format is used. Generated by converting to. This device layout data is transmitted from the device layout editing / viewing apparatus to the device layout management apparatus 200.

  On the other hand, when the device layout data is displayed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300, the device layout data is displayed as a device layout diagram including a device list area and a map area.

  The icon management database 206 and the device layout database 208 are stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

  Next, details of the device layout editing / viewing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the device layout editing / viewing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 includes a display control unit 301, an editing unit 302, a communication control unit 303, a browsing unit 308, a display device 304 such as a display device, and a pointing device such as a mouse. And an input device 305 such as a device or a keyboard.

  The display control unit 301 is a processing unit that performs display control on the display device 304 of various data such as device layout data, and is specifically a display driver.

  The editing unit 302 displays a device layout diagram from the device icon and device layout data received from the device layout management apparatus 200, and displays the device layout diagram in an editable device list area. In addition, the editing unit 302 receives a drop and drag operation by the user who moves the device icon in the device list area of the device layout diagram displayed on the display device 304 to the map region from the input device 305, and arranges the device icon. Is specified.

  In addition, the editing unit 302 receives an operation for returning the device icon arranged in the map area to the original position in the device list area by dragging and dropping from the input device 305, and edit processing for deleting the apparatus icon on the map area. An operation for enlarging or reducing the arranged device icon at an arbitrary magnification is accepted from the input device 305, editing processing for enlarging or reducing the device icon, and actual arrangement of the device icon arranged in the map area layout An operation for transforming a balloon shape extending from a position with a mouse or the like is accepted, and processing for editing a device icon into a designated balloon shape, processing for enlarging or reducing the size of the map area, and the like are performed.

  Specifically, the editing unit 302 manages device layout data in XML format based on software Flash technology (Flash technology) developed by Adobe (R), and edits the device layout data as a device layout diagram on the display device 304. It is displayed as possible. Therefore, the device layout diagram displayed from the device layout data is reduced or enlarged in the icon or map area, the map area is displayed in full screen, the transparency of the icon or map area, and the device layout diagram by the function of the Flash technology (Flash technology). Various browsing functions such as printing the map area can be realized.

  Here, the drag-and-drop operation is an operation of continuously performing drag and drop by an operation method using a mouse or the like. Moving the pointer while pressing a button such as a mouse is referred to as “drag”, and the operation of releasing the button such as a mouse at the drag destination is referred to as “drop”.

  The browsing unit 308 is a processing unit that displays the device layout data received from the device layout management apparatus 200 on the display device 304 via the display control unit 301. Specifically, the browsing unit 308 manages XML device layout data based on software Flash technology (Flash technology) developed by Adobe®, and displays the device layout data on the display device 304 as a device layout diagram. is doing. Therefore, the device layout diagram displayed from the device layout data is reduced or enlarged in the icon or map area, the map area is displayed in full screen, the transparency of the icon or map area, and the device layout diagram by the function of the Flash technology (Flash technology). Various browsing functions such as printing the map area can be realized.

  Next, a device list area when device layout data is displayed as a device layout diagram will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device list area. In the device list area, as shown in FIG. 6, an IP address such as “192.168.100.1” and a device icon are displayed in association with each device icon.

  Internally, each device icon is associated with a MAC address that is device-specific data by the editing unit 302. Note that the IP address of each device is an IP address corresponding to each device by referring to the address database by previously associating the IP address of the device on the network with the model name, MAC address, etc. What is necessary is just to comprise so that an address may be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, device-related data such as “in-house (monochrome) printer P-PRT” is further associated with a device icon. By displaying the device-specific data and the device icon in association with each other on the screen of the device list area, an input / output device having what function at which installation location by the user is arranged as a device icon on the device layout diagram. The user can easily understand the correspondence between the device icon and the actual input / output device. In addition, as a result, once a device icon is selected and placed on a device layout diagram, a device list screen of a plurality of input / output devices associated with device names and network addresses as shown in FIG. 18-3 of the prior art. Therefore, it is not necessary to select a desired input / output device to be assigned to the selected device icon. In addition, in the screen shown in FIG. 19-2 of the prior art, it is not necessary for the user to memorize and input the device name and network address of the input / output device assigned to the selected device icon in advance, and the device layout can be generated by the user. The operability is improved.

  Next, device layout editing processing by the device layout editing / viewing system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. The device layout editing process in the present embodiment is executed by both the server-side device layout management device 200 and the client-side device layout editing / viewing device 300.

  FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a device layout generation process performed by the device layout management apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7-2 is a flowchart of a device layout editing process performed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment.

  In the device layout management apparatus 200, the device information collection unit 201 requests MIB information from the devices (printer 103, multifunction device 104, etc.) connected to the network 102 at regular intervals, and the device layout management device 200 Information (MAC address) and device-related data (functions and manufacturer such as printer / MFP (multifunction machine), color / monochrome (monochrome), etc.) are received.

  First, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 designates an installation area by the user and transmits a request for device layout data to the device layout management apparatus 200 (step S21). When the device layout management apparatus 200 receives a request including the designation of the installation area (step S11: Yes), the device received from the icon management database 206 using the device-related data as a key when the first device layout diagram is generated. A device icon associated with the related data is searched (step S12). The search unit 202 searches for device icons for each device-related data.

  Next, when the first device layout diagram is generated, the search unit 202 registers the searched device icon and the device-specific data corresponding to the device icon in association with the device layout data (step S24). . In the present embodiment, device related data corresponding to the device icon is further registered in the device layout data. The processing in step S13 is repeated for all device-related data corresponding to the searched device icon (step S14: No).

  Then, the device layout management apparatus 200 reads the device layout data of the designated installation area from the device layout database 208, and the device layout database 208 and the searched device icon and device related data are stored in the device layout editing / viewing device 300. Transmit (step S15). Here, when editing the existing device layout data instead of generating the device layout diagram for the first time, the above-described steps S12 and S13 are not performed, and the icon registered in the read device layout data is displayed. It is transmitted to the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 together with the device layout data.

  In the case of a request for generating the first device layout diagram, device layout data for which there is no information such as icon position designation is transmitted to the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300. Thereafter, the device layout management apparatus 200 waits to receive the edited device layout data from the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 (step S16).

  Next, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 receives device layout data, device icons, and device-related data (step S22). The browsing unit 308 displays the device layout data on the display device 305 as a device layout diagram (step S23).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device layout diagram screen displayed on the display screen of the display device 304. As shown in FIG. 8, the editing mode is entered by designating the installation area in the group display column and designating “edit” with the “edit” tag.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device layout diagram during editing. As shown in FIG. 9, a device list area 501 is displayed on the left side of the map area 802.

  Here, the user of the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 performs a device icon drag and drop operation on the device list area 501 and the map area 802 displayed on the display device 304 using a mouse or the like. Is moved from the device list area 501 to a desired position on the map area 802, arranged, the size of the arranged device icon is enlarged or reduced, or a balloon extending from the position where the arranged device icon is actually arranged Change the shape, change the transparency of the device icon, change the map transparency, scale the size of the map region, or drag and drop the device icon placed on the map region 802 to map region 802 Create / edit device layout diagrams, such as deleting from the device list area 501 Carry out the work. The editing unit 302 receives an event from the input device 305 by the creation / editing operation, and creates / edits a device layout diagram by reflecting the display by each operation on the map area 802 (step S24). Such creation / editing processing is performed until the user completes the creation / editing operation of the device layout diagram and receives a save event by clicking the save button with a mouse or the like (step S25: No).

  10 and 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which the device layout diagram is being edited. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, device icons are arranged by moving device icons from the device list area 501 to the map area 802 by a drag-and-drop operation. At this time, since the device icon corresponding to the input / output device has already been selected in the device list area 501, a plurality of input / output devices associated with the device name and network address as shown in FIG. There is no need to select a desired input / output device to be assigned to the selected device icon from the device list screen of FIG. 19, and the input / output device to be assigned to the selected device icon is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. There is no need for the user to remember and input the device name and network address in advance.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a region controlled by the flash technology (flash technology), and the device list region and the map region are controlled by the flash technology (flash technology).

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the device icons are arranged on the map area 802 in a balloon shape. For this reason, even when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, the device icons do not overlap as shown in FIG.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, at the bottom of the map area 802, a “map size” button for specifying the edit size of the device layout diagram, an “icon size” button for specifying the size of the device icon, A bar for specifying the transparency of the map area 802 of the device layout diagram and a bar for specifying the transparency of the device icon are displayed. By operating each button and bar, the display size of the device layout diagram, the size of the device icon (enlargement / reduction), the designation of the transparency of the installation area, and the designation of the transparency of the device icon can be performed.

  When the user completes the creation / editing operation of the device layout diagram and clicks the save button and receives a save event by the editing unit 302 (step S25: Yes), the edited contents of the device layout diagram are saved as device layout data. Then, the communication control unit 303 transmits the device layout data in which the creation / editing and the device icons are arranged to the device layout management apparatus 200 (step S26).

  When the device layout management apparatus 200 receives the device layout data in which the device icon is arranged from the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 (step S16: Yes), the received device layout data is stored in the device layout database 208 (step S16). Step S17).

  Next, a device layout diagram viewing process performed by the device layout editing / viewing system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300, the user selects an installation area to be browsed from the group display on the screen shown in FIG. 8, and clicks a “display” button displayed on the map area 802 screen. Accordingly, the device layout data in the XML format is read by the Flash technology (Flash technology) and displayed on the display device 304.

  At this time, the device icon and map area 802 are displayed in the size, transparency, balloon shape, color, etc. set in the device layout data by the device layout diagram generation / editing process.

  12 to 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which the device layout diagram is being browsed. FIG. 12 shows a viewing state of the device layout diagram when the device layout data is generated and edited by performing the editing shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a viewing state of the device layout diagram when the device layout data is generated and edited by performing the editing shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, even when a plurality of input / output devices are concentrated in one place, the device icons are displayed without overlapping as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows a state where the device layout diagram is enlarged and displayed. FIG. 15 shows a display example when the transparency of the map area 802 is increased.

  In the present embodiment, since the device layout data is edited and viewed using the flash technology (Flash technology) in the editing unit 302 and the browsing unit 308, the device layout is edited by a browser function using Java (R) or the like. Compared with browsing, the following functions can be realized.

  That is, it is possible to reduce or enlarge only the map area (including full-screen display that is enlarged to the maximum with respect to the window size of only the map area), move, and print only the map area. Also, unlike the browser function printing, which prints only the device icons in the area displayed on the display screen when printing the map area, all device icons registered in the device layout data are printed, that is, handled by the device layout data. It is possible to print the entire map area.

  Also, unlike conventional devices that enlarge the area for displaying device icons by enlarging the size of the map area, the device layout diagram (equipment layout data displayed in the map area with the map area size fixed) The image of the map displayed from the above can be moved by operating the mouse or the like to change the layout of the device icons displayed in the map area. For this reason, there is no need to provide a scroll bar for moving the map area.

  As described above, in the device layout editing / viewing system according to the present embodiment, the device layout management apparatus 200 acquires device-related data and device-specific data from devices on the network to which the input / output devices are connected, and A device icon corresponding to the acquired device-related data is searched from the icon management database, and device layout data of all the searched device icons is transmitted to the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300. In the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300, the device icons included in the displayed device list area are dropped and dragged on the map area 802 to specify the arrangement of the device icons and edit the device layout diagram, that is, the device layout data. Then, the data is transmitted to the device layout management apparatus 200. As a result, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 side displays the device-specific data of the input / output device and the device icon in association with each other, so that only the drag-and-drop operation selects the input / output device and places the device icon. It is not necessary to select an input / output device from a list or the like after a drag-and-drop operation, and a user's device layout generation operation can be easily performed. In the map area 802 displayed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300, device icons can be arranged at arbitrary positions, so that an accurate device layout diagram can be generated.

  In the present embodiment, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 receives the device layout data from the device layout management apparatus 200, generates and edits the device layout diagram, and the edited device layout data is used as the device layout management apparatus. 200, the device layout editing / browsing apparatus 300 edits only the position and display mode of the device icon, and transmits the edited contents of the device layout data to the device layout management device 200 for device layout management. The apparatus 200 may be configured to reflect the edited contents of the device layout data.

  In this embodiment, the icon search process is performed on the device layout management apparatus 200 side. However, the icon search process may be performed on the apparatus layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 side.

  In addition, the device layout diagram is held in the device layout management apparatus 200 in an image format, and the device layout diagram in the image format is transmitted from the device layout management device 200 to the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300, so that the image format device layout is displayed. You may comprise so that a figure may be edited with the apparatus layout edit browsing apparatus 300. FIG.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the device layout diagram is generated by the device layout editing / viewing system including the device layout management device and the device layout editing / viewing device. However, in the second embodiment, the device layout editing / viewing device uses a single device layout editing / viewing device. A layout diagram (device layout data) is generated.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the device layout editing / viewing apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment includes a device information collection unit 201, a search unit 202, an editing unit 2004, a browsing unit 2005, a display control unit 2006, and a communication. A control unit 205, an icon management database 206, a device layout database 208, a display device 304 such as a display device, and a pointing device such as a mouse and an input device 305 such as a keyboard are mainly provided. Here, the device information collection unit 201, the search unit 202, the communication control unit 205, the icon management database 206, the device layout database 208, the display device 304, and the input device 305 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The editing unit 2004 displays a device layout diagram from the device icon and device layout data, and displays it in the device list area so that it can be edited. Other editing functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the editing unit 2004 also generates device layout data in XML format based on the software Flash technology (Flash technology) developed by Adobe (R). It is managed and displayed on the display device 304 as a device layout diagram so that it can be edited.

  The browsing unit 2005 is a processing unit that displays the device layout data on the display device 304 via the display control unit 301, and, similarly to the first embodiment, software Flash technology (Flash technology) developed by Adobe (R). The device layout data in the XML format is managed on the basis of (), and the device layout diagram is displayed on the display device 304.

  Next, device layout editing processing by the device layout editing browsing apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a device layout editing / viewing process performed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000 according to the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, in the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000, MIB information is transmitted to the devices (printer 103, multifunction device 104, etc.) connected to the network 102 at regular intervals by the device information collection unit 201. And device-specific information (MAC address) and device-related data (functions / manufacturers such as printer / MFP (multifunction device), color / monochrome (monochrome), etc.) are received.

  First, the received device related data is acquired, and the device layout data of the designated installation area is acquired from the device layout database (step S31). When the first device layout diagram is generated, the device icon associated with the device-related data received from the icon management database 206 is searched using the device-related data as a key (step S32).

  Next, when the first device layout diagram is generated, the search unit 202 registers the searched device icon and device specific data corresponding to the device icon in association with the device layout data (step S33). . The processing in step S33 is repeated for all device-related data corresponding to the searched device icon (step S34: No).

  Here, when editing the existing device layout data instead of generating the device layout diagram for the first time, the above steps S32 and S33 are not performed, and the icon registered in the read device layout data is displayed. It is acquired from the icon management database 206.

  Next, the browsing unit 2005 displays the device layout data on the display device 305 as a device layout diagram (step S35). The displayed device layout diagram is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Then, as in the first embodiment, the event of various editing operations by the user is received, and the device layout diagram is created / edited by reflecting the display by each operation on the map area 802 (step S36). . This creation / editing process is performed until the user completes the creation / editing operation of the device layout diagram and receives a save event by clicking the save button with a mouse or the like (step S37: No).

  When the user completes the creation / editing operation of the device layout diagram and clicks the save button and receives a save event by the editing unit 302 (step S37: Yes), the edited contents of the device layout diagram are saved as device layout data. (Step S38).

  Next, a device layout diagram viewing process performed by the device layout editing / viewing system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000, the user selects an installation area to be browsed from the group display on the screen shown in FIG. 8, and clicks a “display” button displayed on the map area 802 screen. Accordingly, the device layout data in the XML format is read by the Flash technology (Flash technology) and displayed on the display device 304.

  Also in the present embodiment, since the device layout data is edited and viewed using the flash technology (Flash technology) in the editing unit 2004 and the browsing unit 2005, the functions that can be realized are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000 according to the present embodiment, device-related data and device-specific data are acquired from the network connected to the input / output device, and the device corresponds to the acquired device-related data. Icons are searched from the icon management database 206, and a device layout diagram is displayed on the display device from all the searched device icons and device layout data. Then, the device icons included in the displayed device list area 501 are edited on the map area 802 by specifying the arrangement of the device icons by drop-and-drag operation, determining the position of the device icon, and generating the device layout diagram To do. As a result, the device-specific information of the input / output device and the device icon are displayed in association with each other. Therefore, it is possible to select the input / output device and specify the arrangement of the device icon simply by dragging and dropping. It becomes unnecessary to select an input / output device from a list or the like after an AND drop operation, and a user's device layout generation operation can be easily performed. In the displayed map area 802 screen, device icons can be arranged at arbitrary positions, so that an accurate device layout can be generated.

  The device layout editing / viewing device and device layout management device according to the first and second embodiments include a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, A display device such as a display device and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse are provided, and the hardware configuration uses a normal computer.

  The device layout editing / viewing program executed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus and the device layout management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments is an installable format or executable format file, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  In addition, the device layout editing / browsing program executed by the device layout editing / browsing apparatus and the device layout management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide. In addition, the program executed in the apparatus of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the device layout editing / browsing program executed by the device layout editing / browsing apparatus and the device layout management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The device layout editing / viewing program executed by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus and the device layout management apparatus according to the first and second embodiments includes the above-described units (device information collection unit, search unit, editing unit, browsing unit, display control unit, As a real hardware, the CPU (processor) reads out the device layout generation program program from the storage medium and executes it to load each unit on the main storage device. A device information collection unit, a search unit, an editing unit, a browsing unit, a display control unit, and a communication control unit are generated on the main storage device.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a device layout editing / viewing system according to a first exemplary embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a device layout management apparatus 200 according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a device layout editing / viewing apparatus according to a first embodiment; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the icon management database. It is explanatory drawing of apparatus layout data. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an apparatus list area | region. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of device layout editing browsing processing by the device layout management apparatus 200 according to the first exemplary embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of device layout editing / viewing processing of the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen of a map area 802 when generating a device layout displayed on the display screen of the display device 304. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a device list area and a map area 802 are displayed. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is editing the apparatus layout figure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is editing the apparatus layout figure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is browsing the apparatus layout figure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is browsing the apparatus layout figure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is browsing the apparatus layout figure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the state which is browsing the apparatus layout figure. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the apparatus layout edit browsing apparatus concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of device layout editing / viewing processing by the device layout editing / viewing apparatus 2000 according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is 1st prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is 1st prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is 1st prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is 1st prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is a 2nd prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is a 2nd prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is a 2nd prior art. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display screen displayed by the apparatus layout map production | generation process in the apparatus layout edit browsing system which is a 2nd prior art.

Explanation of symbols

101, 102 Network 103 Printer 104 Multifunction machine 110 Relay device 200 Device layout management server 201 Device information collection unit 202 Search unit 205, 303 Communication control unit 206 Icon management database 208 Device layout database 300, 2000 Device layout editing browsing device 301, 2006 Display control unit 302, 2004 Editing unit 304 Display device 305 Input device 308, 2005 Viewing unit

Claims (17)

A display unit capable of displaying various data;
A receiving unit for receiving device icons of input / output devices connected to the network and device layout data including position information of the device icons from a device layout management device connected to the network;
A device layout area displayed on the display unit from the received device icon and the device layout data, and a device list area for displaying the device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device; An input unit for accepting a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a map region indicating an installation region of the input / output device from a user;
The device including the position information after the device icon is moved from the edited device layout diagram by editing the device layout diagram by designating the position of the device icon based on the moving operation received by the input unit. An editing unit for generating layout data;
A transmission unit that transmits the generated device layout data to the device layout management device;
A device layout editing apparatus comprising:   The editing unit accepts, from a user, a movement operation of the device icon on the device list area to the map region as a position of the moved device icon on the map region as new position information. The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout diagram is edited.   The editing unit receives a movement operation for returning the device icon on the map area to the device list area from a user, thereby deleting the device icon from the map area and editing the device layout diagram. The apparatus layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The input unit accepts a movement operation of the device icon in the device layout diagram from a user as a drag-and-drop operation. The editing unit displays a position specified by the movement operation by the drag-and-drop operation of the device icon. 2. The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device layout diagram is edited by designating the layout.   2. The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit edits the device icon in the map area so that the device icon can be enlarged or reduced at an arbitrary magnification.   2. The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit edits the device icon in the map area into a balloon shape extending from an actual arrangement position.   2. The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit edits the transparency of the device icon in the map area so as to be changeable.   The device editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit edits the size of the map area so that the size of the map area can be changed.   The device layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit prints the map area separately from the device list area. Storage means for storing device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and device layout data including position information of the device icons;
In response to a request from a device layout editing apparatus that is connected to a network and edits the device layout data, the requested device layout data and the device icon are read from the storage unit, and the read device layout data and the read A transmission unit for transmitting a device icon to the device layout editing device;
A receiving unit that receives the device layout data edited by the device layout editing apparatus, and stores the received device layout data in the storage unit;
A device layout management apparatus comprising: A device layout management device that manages device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and device layout data including position information of the device icons, and is connected to the device layout management device via a network, and the device layout data is A device layout editing system comprising a device layout editing device for editing,
The device layout management device includes:
Storage means for storing the device layout data and the device icon;
In response to a request from the device layout editing device, the requested device layout data and the device icon are read from the storage unit, and the read device layout data and the device icon are transmitted to the device layout editing device. A first transmitter that
A second receiving unit that receives the device layout data edited by the device layout editing device, and stores the received device layout data in the storage unit;
The device layout editing device includes:
A display unit capable of displaying various data;
A second receiving unit for receiving the device layout data and the device icon from the device layout management device;
A device layout area displayed on the display unit from the received device icon and the device layout data, and a device list area for displaying the device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device; An input unit for accepting a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a map region indicating an installation region of the input / output device from a user;
The device including the position information after the device icon is moved from the edited device layout diagram by editing the device layout diagram by designating the position of the device icon based on the moving operation received by the input unit. An editing unit for generating layout data;
A second transmitter that transmits the generated device layout data to the device layout management device;
A device layout editing system characterized by comprising: A display unit capable of displaying various data;
A storage means for storing device icons of input / output devices connected to the network and device layout data including position information of the device icons;
The device icon and the device layout data are read from the storage means, and the device icon is displayed on the display unit from the read device icon and the device layout data. An input unit that accepts a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a device list area that is displayed in association with device-specific information unique to the device and a map area that indicates an installation area of the input / output device;
The device including the position information after the device icon is moved from the edited device layout diagram by editing the device layout diagram by designating the position of the device icon based on the moving operation received by the input unit. An editing unit that saves the device layout data generated by generating layout data in the storage unit;
A device layout editing apparatus comprising: A device layout management device that manages device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and device layout data including position information of the device icons, and is connected to the device layout management device via a network, and the device layout data is A device layout editing method executed by a device layout editing system including a device layout editing device for editing,
In response to a request from the device layout editing device, the device layout management device reads the requested device layout data and the device icon from the storage unit, and reads the read device layout data and the device icon. A first transmission step of transmitting to the device layout editing device;
Receiving the device layout data edited by the device layout editing device by the device layout management device, and storing the received device layout data in the storage unit;
Receiving the device layout data and the device icon from the device layout management device by the device layout editing device;
FIG. 6 is a device layout diagram displayed on a display unit from the received device icon and the device layout data by the device layout editing apparatus, and associates the device icon with device-specific information unique to the input / output device. Receiving a movement operation of the device icon on the device layout diagram including a device list region to be displayed and a map region indicating an installation region of the input / output device from a user;
The device layout editing apparatus edits the device layout diagram by designating the position of the device icon based on the received movement operation, and the position information after the device icon is moved from the edited device layout diagram. An editing step for generating the device layout data including:
Transmitting the device layout data generated by the device layout editing device to the device layout management device;
A device layout editing method comprising: A device layout editing method executed by a device layout editing device connected to a device layout management device via a network,
Receiving, from the device layout management device, device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and device layout data including position information of the device icons;
A device layout area displayed on the display unit from the received device icon and the device layout data, and a device list area for displaying the device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device; Receiving a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a map area indicating an installation area of the input / output device from a user;
The device layout diagram is edited by designating the position of the device icon based on the accepted movement operation, and the device layout data including the position information after the device icon is moved is generated from the edited device layout diagram. And steps to
Transmitting the generated device layout data to the device layout management device;
A device layout editing method comprising: A device layout management method executed by a device layout editing device that edits device layout data including position information of device icons of input / output devices connected to a network and a device layout data management device connected by a network,
In response to a request from the device layout editing device, reading the requested device layout data and the device icon from the storage unit, and transmitting the read device layout data to the device layout editing device. When,
Receiving the device layout data edited by the device layout editing device, and storing the received device layout data in the storage unit;
A device layout management method comprising: A device layout editing method executed by a device layout editing device,
Reading out device icons of input / output devices connected to the network and device layout data including position information of the device icons from the storage unit;
FIG. 4 is a device layout diagram displayed on the display unit from the read device layout data and the device icon, and the device list displays the device icon in association with device-specific information unique to the input / output device. Receiving a movement operation of the device icon on a device layout diagram including a region and a map region indicating an installation region of the input / output device from a user;
Editing the device layout diagram by designating the position of the device icon based on the accepted movement operation;
Storing the device layout data generated by generating the device layout data including the position information after movement of the device icon from the edited device layout diagram, and storing the device layout data in the storage unit;
A device layout editing method characterized by comprising:   The program which makes a computer perform the method as described in any one of Claims 14-16.

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