JP2007241863A - Network device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network device capable of reducing the rate of trouble due to the suspension of access from another device accessing the storage means of the network device during the switching of a network after network settings have been changed. <P>SOLUTION: In a network device, a network module 12 temporarily limits the operation of a file sharing function in accordance with a notification from a main control module 11 if the operation of starting radio LAN settings is accepted through panel operations (Figure (3)). Thereafter, when a storage medium is connected and a setting file is read from the storage medium and if the validity of the setting file is verified, setting information is sent to the network module 12. Then the network module 12 changes network settings (Figure (11)), and cancels the limitation on the operation of the file sharing function after changes to the settings have ended (Figure (12)). While the operation of the file sharing function is limited, access to the storage medium is limited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network device having a data sharing function that allows data to be accessed from another device such as a client PC while being connected to a network.

  As this type of network device, there is an electronic device such as a PDA, a digital camera, or a printer that includes a communication interface connectable to a network such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. In the network device, the network setting can be changed to switch the connection from the currently connected network to another network. Many network devices have a file sharing function that allows files to be shared between devices on the network. In addition, in a network device such as a printer, a stand-alone type capable of reading data such as images and documents from a storage medium and performing direct printing by mounting a storage medium such as a memory card in the main body without connecting to a host computer. The device is known. In this case, since the storage medium is shared with other apparatuses on the network, it is possible to access the storage medium from other apparatuses and edit data.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically setting a network when a portable medium such as a memory card storing a setting file is connected to a thin client device as a network setting method. That is, the configuration program on the personal computer assists the user in creating configuration data including network settings for the thin client device, and writes the XML file to the portable medium. Next, when the portable medium is connected to the thin client device, the thin client device detects the portable medium and automatically loads the configuration data from the XML file. For this reason, network setting can be easily performed.
JP 2005-216292 A

  By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when changing the network setting, it is necessary to mount a portable medium for storing the setting file in the apparatus. When a portable medium mounted on a network device is shared for network setting, the portable medium can be accessed from another device, and for example, data such as images and documents can be read and written after editing. However, in the network device to which the portable medium is connected, the network is switched after a predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes) required for the setting change processing during the network setting change. If access is being made when the network is switched, the access is interrupted. Of course, if another storage medium is installed before the portable medium storing the setting file is installed, or if a sharable storage device is installed in the apparatus, it is transferred to another storage medium or storage apparatus. The write access is interrupted for the same reason.

  As described above, when changing the network setting, the user of another device does not know that the network will be switched soon, and therefore accesses the storage medium mounted for changing the network setting. As a result, the frequency of occurrence of write errors due to interruption of write access at the time of network switching increases. Unlike read access, write access is a type of access that causes problems in the system if interrupted. Therefore, if the frequency of write errors increases, the frequency of problems on the network device side may increase. .

  In addition, when an important file such as an image or a document is stored together with the setting file on the portable medium, an important file that is not desired to be accessed is also shared. In this case, there is a concern that the important file may be lost because it is accessed by another user for a predetermined time from when the network setting change is completed until the network is switched.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to suspend access from other devices accessing the storage means on the network device side when the network is switched after the network setting is changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a network device that can reduce inconvenience caused by being performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a switching operation in a network device having at least one communication interface that can be connected to a network and having a data sharing function that allows access to a storage means from another device in a network connection state. When the detection or the input is obtained, a restriction unit that restricts access to the storage unit, and a setting unit that changes the network setting according to an instruction based on the switching operation in a state where the access is restricted by the restriction unit And the summary.

  Note that the communication interface may have any one of the three types of configurations: only the wireless interface, only the wired interface, or a combination of both. Further, the network setting change by the setting means is not limited to the case where only the setting of the communication interface connection condition (for example, the IP address or the access point) is changed, but includes a setting change accompanying a change of the communication interface. The change of the network setting refers to a process for changing the network setting, and does not include a switching process for switching the network according to the changed network setting.

  According to this, when the switching operation is detected or input, the restricting means restricts the data sharing function and restricts access to the storage means. The setting unit changes the network setting according to an instruction based on the switching operation under a state where access is restricted by the restriction unit. The network is switched after the network setting is changed, but the access is restricted by the restriction means, so that the start of access to the storage means is restricted before the network switch, and this is interrupted by the network change. Access frequency is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce inconvenience due to interruption of access to the storage means from other devices when the network is switched. For example, if the type of access (for example, write access) that may cause a problem on the system when the access is interrupted can be restricted, the problem on the system due to the access error due to the interruption at the time of switching the network can be reduced.

  As an operation method for giving an instruction to start changing the network setting, there is a method of connecting a storage unit storing setting data for network setting to a network device. In this case, when the setting unit detects the switching operation in which the storage unit storing the setting data is connected to the network device by the user (detection including connection of the storage medium or detection of the setting data), the setting unit sets the storage unit. Read the data and change the network settings according to the setting data instructions. If access to the storage means is restricted at this time, other data stored together with the setting data in the storage means connected to the network device can be protected from access by other devices, and other files may be lost ( (Including modification).

  In the network device of the present invention, when the storage means is a storage medium storing setting data, the setting means changes network settings based on the setting data read from the storage medium, and the restriction means Preferably restricts access to the storage medium.

  According to this, the setting means reads the setting data from the storage medium connected to the network device, and changes the network setting according to the instruction of the setting data. Even if a storage medium is connected to a network device for the purpose of changing network settings, access to the storage medium is restricted, and there is a concern that other data stored with the setting data on the storage medium may be lost. Disappear.

  In the network device of the present invention, when the storage medium is detected to be connected to the network device, the network device further includes confirmation means for confirming whether or not the setting data exists in the storage medium, and the restriction means includes Preferably, the access is restricted when it can be confirmed that the setting data is present, and the access is not restricted when it is not confirmed that the setting data is present.

  According to this, when the restricting unit detects that the storage medium is connected to the network device, the confirmation unit confirms whether there is setting data in the storage medium. If there is setting data as a result of the confirmation, access to the storage means is restricted. For this reason, even if a storage medium is connected to change the network settings, access is restricted, so that there is no concern about loss of other data stored together with the setting data on the storage medium. On the other hand, when there is no setting data, access to the storage means is not restricted. For this reason, data editing or the like can be performed by accessing the storage medium.

  In the network device of the present invention, the communication interface includes the data sharing control unit and the setting unit as the limiting unit that controls the data sharing function and can also limit the data sharing, and the communication interface according to the network setting performed by the setting unit A network module that controls the network module, and a main control module that communicates with other devices on the network via the network module. When the main control module obtains detection or input of the switching operation, the network module Preferably, the restriction unit and the setting unit are respectively instructed to restrict access to the storage unit and to change network settings.

  According to this, when the main control module obtains the detection or input of the switching operation, it instructs the data sharing control unit of the network module to restrict data sharing and restricts access to the storage means. The setting unit is instructed to change the network setting. The data sharing control unit of the network module restricts data sharing according to the instruction and restricts access to the storage unit. The network module setting means changes the network setting according to the instruction.

  In the network device of the present invention, it is preferable that the setting unit performs a setting content writing process for writing setting content information obtained by examining the setting data read from the storage medium to the storage medium.

  According to this, the setting means performs setting content writing processing for writing setting content information (for example, device information file) obtained by examining setting data read from the storage medium to the storage medium. The restricting means temporarily cancels the access restriction during the setting content writing process. For this reason, for example, the user can check the setting content information written in the storage medium on a monitor such as a personal computer to check whether the network setting has been performed correctly.

In the network device of the present invention, it is preferable that the restriction unit restricts access to the storage unit to read-only.
According to this, since it is limited to read only, data can be read while restricting write access, so that data in the storage medium can be read and used.

In the network device of the present invention, it is preferable that the restriction unit prohibits access to the storage unit.
According to this, since access is prohibited, it is possible to avoid a troubled access error (for example, write error) due to access being interrupted during subsequent network switching. Further, since the data stored in the storage means can be protected from access, it is possible to prevent the loss of other data stored together with the setting data.

  In the network device of the present invention, the restriction by the restricting unit is such that writing to the storage unit by the setting unit is permitted and at least write access to the other device is impossible. It is preferable to perform data sharing control to be notified.

  According to this, the restricting means performs data sharing control for notifying other devices that at least write access is impossible. As a result, the write access from other devices can be reduced or eliminated, and the storage device can be accessed as an internal operation of the network device. Therefore, the necessary access to the storage medium by the setting device is performed. be able to. For example, setting data can be read and setting contents information can be written.

  In the network device of the present invention, it is preferable that the restricting unit hides the display of the network drive of the network device by canceling the provision of the data sharing service.

  According to this, since the display of the network drive of the network device is hidden from the monitor of the other device by the restriction unit canceling the provision of the data sharing service by the data sharing function, the user of the other device can store the storage unit (or The storage medium) cannot be accessed.

  In the network device according to the present invention, when the input of the switching operation is obtained, a determination unit that determines whether or not the storage unit is being accessed, and the determination unit determines that the storage unit is being accessed. A notification means for notifying other devices during the access to the completion of the access, and the restriction means preferably restricts the access to the storage means when the completion of the access is detected. .

  According to this, when the switching operation is detected or input, it is determined whether or not the storage means is being accessed. If it is determined that the storage means is being accessed, a notification is made to urge other devices that are accessing to complete the access. For this reason, the user of another apparatus can terminate the access correctly, and can perform the writing if necessary. The restricting means restricts access to the storage means when detecting completion of access. For this reason, interruption of access due to network switching can be reduced.

  In the network device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the restriction unit removes the access restriction when the network is switched after the change of the network setting is completed.

  According to this, when the network is switched after the change of the network setting is completed, the access restriction is released. That is, since there is no possibility of interruption of access after switching to a new network, access to the storage means is permitted after network switching. By restricting access until the network is switched, the interruption of access can be effectively reduced, and the access to the storage means can be made promptly after the network is switched, so that convenience is enhanced.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the network device according to the present embodiment.

  The OLE_LINK2 network device 10 has ports that can be connected to an OLE_LINK2 wired LAN and a wireless LAN, and has a network setting function that can change network settings by a user operation. Further, the network device 10 has a file sharing function, and when the storage medium 18 is connected to the main body, the storage medium 18 can be accessed from another device (client PC) on the network.

  A network device 10 having a network setting function and a file sharing function includes a main control module 11, a network module 12 (wired / wireless module), a liquid crystal panel module 13, a wireless interface (hereinafter referred to as “wireless I / F 14”), a wired It includes an interface (hereinafter referred to as “wired I / F 15”), a memory interface portion (hereinafter referred to as “memory I / F portion 16”), and a memory access lamp 17. Each functional portion constituting the network device 10 Operates under the control of the main control module 11.

  The main control module 11 is a part that controls the network module 12, the liquid crystal panel module 13, the memory I / F unit 16, and the memory access lamp 17, and also has a function of instructing the network module 12 to perform various processes related to the network. In order to realize this function, the main control module 11 includes a network setting instruction unit 21 for instructing a change in network settings, an operation restriction instruction unit 22 for instructing an operation restriction of the file sharing function, and a memory connected to the memory I / F 16. A state management unit 23 that manages the access state of the medium 18 is provided.

  The network module 12 operates in response to an instruction from the main control module 11 and is a part that mediates communication between the main control module 11 by reflecting the instructed network settings, a file sharing service, and another device (client PC or the like). is there. In order to realize these functions, the network module 12 includes a network setting unit 25, a file sharing control unit 26, and a notification processing unit 27.

  The liquid crystal panel module 13 is a part for displaying an operation for starting the network setting by the user and the progress of the network setting. The screen portion of the liquid crystal panel module 13 has a thin plate-like touch panel device, and the screen surface layer portion is an operation portion 13a having a plurality of input portions. When a button on the setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal screen is operated, a signal corresponding to the position coordinate of the operation position of the operation unit 13a is input to the main control module 11, so that various setting operations including a network setting start operation can be performed. It is possible. On the setting screen, wireless LAN setting and wired LAN setting are possible as network settings.

  The memory I / F unit 16 is a part for attaching the storage medium 18 to the network device 10. In the present embodiment, the storage medium 18 is composed of, for example, a USB memory or a memory card. The memory I / F unit 16 includes a USB interface if the storage medium 18 is a USB memory, and includes a memory card reader / writer if the storage medium 18 is a memory card. In the case of a memory card reader / writer, the memory card reader / writer is configured to be electrically connectable to a memory card inserted into a card slot provided in the main body of the network device 10. By connecting the storage medium 18 to the memory I / F 16, the main control module 11 can read data from the storage medium 18 and write data to the storage medium 18.

  In the first embodiment, the storage medium 18 stores a wireless LAN setting file (hereinafter simply referred to as “setting file 19”). Here, the setting file 19 is a data file in which network setting information is described, and includes various setting information necessary for wireless LAN setting. This setting information includes, for example, the SSID (wireless network group name) of the access point, and WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (WiFi Protected Access) encryption key as security information for preventing eavesdropping. When the wireless LAN setting is started from the panel operation by the operation unit 13a, the storage medium 18 is connected to the memory I / F unit 16 in order to read the setting file 19.

  The main control module 11 sends setting information (SSID, security information, etc.) obtained by decoding the setting file 19 to the network module 12 to instruct execution of network setting. The network module 12 performs network setting by writing the received setting information in a predetermined setting area (setting area (memory area) in the protocol stack or driver). Further, the main control module 11 writes a device information file (setting content information) describing setting contents obtained by decoding the setting file 19 in the storage medium 18.

  In the present embodiment, the network device 10 is an electronic device such as a printer, a scanner, a multifunction device, a projector, or a digital camera. The liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13 is limited to a setting screen for performing various setting operations and the like. Can only display information. For this reason, the description contents of the device information file are displayed on the monitor of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), thereby confirming that the network setting has been performed correctly. The network module 12 performs the network setting after the change of the network setting. After this confirmation, the network module 12 gives an instruction from the PC, or gives an instruction through the panel operation of the network device to switch to the network based on the network setting. Also good.

  The network module 12 exclusively controls the wireless I / F 14 and the wired I / F 15 and sets only one of them to a valid (activated) state. When the main control module 11 receives an instruction from the PC or receives an instruction by panel operation, the main control module 11 notifies the network module 12 and switches to the network based on the network setting. That is, the network module 12 validates (activates) the wireless I / F 14 and connects to the access point specified by the set SSID. As a result, the network device 10 is connected to the wireless LAN via the access point.

  The memory access lamp 17 blinks when the storage medium 18 is connected to the memory I / F unit 16 and there is an access (read or write) to the storage medium 18, and lights when there is no access. When the storage medium 18 is not connected, the light is turned off.

Next, the network setting instruction unit 21, the operation restriction instruction unit 22, and the state management unit 23 that are provided in the main control module 11 and perform processing related to the network will be described.
The network setting instruction unit 21 decodes the setting file 19 and sends the setting information acquired to the network module 12 to instruct execution of network setting.

The operation restriction instructing unit 22 is a part that gives an instruction to the file sharing control unit 26 to restrict or release the operation of the file sharing function.
The state management unit 23 is a part that performs state management of the network device 10. The wireless I / F 14 and the wired I / F 15 are enabled / disabled, the file sharing function status (sharing / restriction, etc.), the access status to the storage medium 18, ie, open (OPEN) or closed (CLOSE). I manage. Whether or not there is an access to the storage medium 18 from another device (such as a client PC) via the network can be known from the state managed by the state management unit 23.

  Next, the network setting unit 25, the file sharing control unit 26, and the notification processing unit 27, which are provided in the network module 12 and perform processing related to the network in accordance with instructions from the main control module 11, will be described.

The network setting unit 25 performs network setting based on the setting information received from the network setting instruction unit 21.
The network setting unit 25 changes the network setting by writing the setting information in a predetermined setting area. For example, when changing the wired LAN setting, setting information including the IP address is written in the setting area, and when changing the wireless LAN setting, setting information including the SSID of the access point, security information, and the like is written in the setting area.

  The file sharing control unit 26 is a part that controls the file sharing service, and performs operation restriction / restriction of the file sharing function according to an instruction from the operation restriction instruction unit 22. The file sharing control unit 26 has a function of setting an attribute in the network drive (memory I / F 16), and can switch attributes such as “read / write” and “read only (read only)”. In the present embodiment, a method of changing file attributes is adopted as an example of restricting the operation of the file sharing function. That is, setting the attribute to “read only” restricts the file sharing function to read-only, and setting the attribute to “read / write” releases the restriction on the file sharing function.

  Here, in the access restriction in the present embodiment in which the attribute is set to “read only”, the network module 12 is a process that makes it appear that the network module 12 is restricted (unwritable) when viewed from other client PCs. 10 can be written as the internal operation. Therefore, the main control module 11 can write the setting contents without temporarily releasing the access restriction. As another method for restricting the file sharing function, a method of hiding the display of the network drive of the network device 10 from the network management screen displayed on the monitor of the client PC by canceling the provision of the file sharing service is also adopted. . A detailed method for limiting the file sharing function will be described later.

  The notification processing unit 27 transmits and receives communication commands used when communicating between the main control module 11 and other devices (client PC or the like) on the network. Transmission / reception of communication commands is performed via one of the wireless I / F 14 and the wired I / F 15 which is in a valid (activated) state at that time. Communication commands include requests from other devices (requests) and responses (replies) to other devices.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a wireless network (wireless LAN). The network device 10 is connected between the wireless network WLN1 whose connection destination is the access point A1 and the wireless network WLN2 whose connection destination is the access point A2 by changing the wireless LAN setting (network setting). Switching between wireless networks is possible.

  When the storage device 18 storing the setting file 19 (wireless LAN setting file) is connected, the network device 10 can read the setting file 19 from the storage medium 18 and perform wireless LAN setting. Taking the figure as an example, after setting up a wireless LAN using a wireless LAN configuration file (SSID: AP2), the wireless network WLN1 (SSID: AP1) being connected is automatically or by giving a predetermined switching instruction. To the wireless network WLN2 (SSID: AP2). When the connection destination is switched, the client PC 33 under the environment of the wireless network WLN2 can communicate with the network device 10, but the client PCs 30 and 31 under the environment of the wireless network WLN1 cannot communicate with the network device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the user connects the storage medium 18 storing the setting file 19 to the network apparatus 10 to switch the connection from the wireless network WLN1 to which the network apparatus 10 is connected to the wireless network WLN2, the storage medium 18 Are shared in the environment of the wireless network WLN1. For example, it is assumed that data writing is started from the client PC 30 in the environment of the wireless network WLN1 to the storage medium 18 of the network device 10 in which the file is shared. In this case, when the connection to the wireless network WLN2 is switched after setting the wireless LAN, if the writing to the storage medium 18 is not completed in the environment of the wireless network WLN1, the write access is interrupted. In this case, data is not written to the storage medium 18 to the end and a write error occurs, which may cause a problem in the system. For this reason, the network device 10 applies an operation restriction to the file sharing function in the period before and after the network setting change for the kind of access (write access in this example) that causes trouble if interrupted by the network switching. Configured to prohibit.

FIG. 3 is a transaction diagram of network setting change processing.
In this example, the wireless LAN setting is started from the panel operation of the network device 10. When the wireless LAN setting is started from the panel operation, the storage medium 18 is not yet mounted, and the operation to start the wireless LAN setting is performed, and the storage medium is instructed by the display on the liquid crystal screen of the network device 10. 18 is installed. The wireless LAN setting start operation is performed in an environment where the storage medium 18 is not connected and the file is not shared. A predetermined setting file 19 is stored in the storage medium 18 in advance.

   (1) When the user starts the wireless LAN setting by operating the operation unit 13a on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13, (2) the main control module 11 instructs the network module 12 to restrict file sharing operation. Make a notification. (3) The network module 12 temporarily restricts the operation of the file sharing function.

  In this embodiment, as an example of the operation restriction of the file sharing function, when the network setting is changed, the file sharing storage medium 18 is set to read only (read only) so that write access is not allowed. Alternatively, the network PC is hidden from the client PC 30 on the network and the file sharing function is temporarily restricted in operation.

  (4) When the main control module 11 receives the notification of the operation restriction completion of the file sharing function, it notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 of the storage medium connection instruction. As a result, an instruction to connect the storage medium is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13. After this storage medium connection instruction is displayed, (5) the user attaches the storage medium 18 to the network device 10.

  (6) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the connection of the storage medium from the memory I / F 16 instructs the memory I / F 16 to confirm the storage of the setting file and to start reading. When the memory I / F 16 confirms the storage of the setting file, the memory I / F 16 reads the setting file and transfers it to the main control module 11. (7) When the main control module 11 completes the reading of the setting file from the memory I / F 16, the main control module 11 checks the validity of the setting file. (8) When the validity is confirmed, the main control module 11 starts writing the device information file. (9) When the writing of the device information file is completed, the main control module 11 transmits setting information to the network module 12. (10) The main control module 11 notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 of the completion of the wireless LAN setting, and displays on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13 that the wireless LAN setting is completed. The user can know the completion of the wireless LAN setting by viewing the display.

  On the other hand, (11) the network module 12 writes the setting information in a predetermined setting area to change the network setting. Then, (12) when the network setting change is completed, the network module 12 releases the operation restriction of the file sharing function. Thereafter, the network module 12 notifies the main control module 11 that it has connected to a new network. In the present embodiment, the network setting is changed in the above (11), so that the network connected to the new network (wireless LAN) is switched. For this reason, the operation restriction on the file sharing function in (12) is canceled when the network is switched. The process for connecting to a new network is performed after the change of the network settings is completed, after the user confirms the device information file on the PC monitor and confirms that the network settings are correct, for example, an operation from the PC. It may be performed when an instruction from the display or panel operation of the network device 10 is received. In this case, the operation restriction of the file sharing function is canceled when the network is switched to the new network or the connection of the storage medium 18 is not detected. If the operation restriction of the file sharing function is to be read-only, the operation restriction of the file sharing function is temporarily released when the device information file is written in (8) above, and the device information file is stored in the storage medium 18. Write. Then, after the writing is completed, the file sharing function is restricted again.

  FIG. 4 is a transaction diagram showing the flow of commands during execution of operation restriction of the file sharing function. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the operation restriction of the file sharing function is prohibited from writing, and FIG. 4B shows an example in which the operation restriction of the file sharing function is read only.

  First, the flow of commands when a write request is made to the memory shown in FIG. This figure shows communication processing by a file sharing protocol performed between the client PC 30 and the network device 10 (network module 12). Here, an example using, for example, the SMB / CIFS protocol used in Windows (R) OS (Microsoft Corporation) as the file sharing protocol will be described.

  First, the client PC 30 makes a file write request. The SMB command name “SMB_COM_WRITE (REQUEST)” (SMB command number = 0x0b) means “file write” request (request), and the error class = 0x00 means “no error”. The error class represents a general classification of errors, and the error code represents the actual error content. If there is no error code, “00” is set.

  In response to this request, the network module 12 responds with a file write error. Here, the SMB command name: SMB_COM_WRITE (Reply) (SMB command number = 0x0b) is the reply (response) of “write file”, error class = 0x03 means “hard error”, error code = 19 ( ERRnowrite) means "I am trying to write to a write-protected medium". In the client PC 30 that has received this reply, an error message indicating a write error is displayed on the monitor. As described above, in this example in which the operation restriction of the file sharing function is prohibited from being written, a write error response is made to the write request by setting the storage medium 18 to write protection.

Next, a command flow when the disk information shown in FIG. 4B is requested will be described.
First, the client PC 30 requests acquisition of disk information. Here, the SMB command name “SMB_COM_QUERY_INFORMATION_DISK (REQUEST) (SMB command number = 0x80) is a disk information acquisition request. In response to this request, the network module 12 responds to the disk information acquisition. The SMB command name “SMB_COM_QUERY_INFORMATION_DISK (Reply)” (SMB command number = 0x0b) is a reply for acquiring information. The attribute is returned as “read only” by information reply. For example, the attribute “read only (R)” is described in the word byte data portion of the SMB / CIFS packet.

  When the network setting is changed in this way, the file access attribute from all the client PCs sharing the file on the network is set to “read only” during the setting period before and after the setting period. Write access from is not allowed.

  FIG. 5 shows screen display contents on the client PC side. The client PC 30 that has received the command replied by the command processing shown in FIG. 4B displays the network management screen 35 shown in FIG. 5A on the monitor based on the acquired disk information. On the network management screen 35, network drives and files can be viewed in a tree shape. In the drive display column 35a in the network management screen 35, the storage medium 18 (“storage medium of network device” in the figure) is displayed on the network drive of the network device 10, and is displayed in the file display column 35b. All files in the storage medium 18 are displayed with the attribute “read only” (“R” in the figure). Other users who see this see that it is read-only and do not have at least write access to the file.

  Further, if the operation of restricting the operation by setting the file attribute to “read only” on the client PC 30 side is executed, the result of the command processing similar to FIG. An error message 36 shown in (b) is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is an example in which the network drive of the storage medium 18 is hidden from the client PC on the network. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the file is shared, the storage medium 18 of the network device 10 is visible in the drive display field 37a in the network management screen 37, and the file displayed in the file display field 37b is displayed. Is accessible. When changing the network settings, the operation restriction of the shared file function is executed so that the network drive cannot be seen from other client PCs on the network during the setting period before and after that. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display of the network drive of the network device 10 disappears. As a result, since the storage medium 18 to be accessed cannot be seen from other client PCs, access to the files stored in the storage medium 18 is restricted. For example, data indicating that there is no network drive of the storage medium 18 is written in the data part of the SMB / CIFS packet to be sent at the time of reply of “acquire disk information”. Note that not only the network drive of the storage medium 18 but all the network drives of the network device 10 may not be visible.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When an instruction to start changing the network settings is received, the file sharing function is temporarily restricted, and the network settings are changed in a state where access to the storage medium 18 from another client PC 30 or the like is restricted. For this reason, write access to the storage medium 18 cannot be started for a predetermined period before the network is switched. Therefore, the frequency of write access interruption at the time of network switch is reduced, and the frequency of occurrence of write errors that may cause problems in the system is reduced. Can be reduced.

  (2) Since the access to the storage medium 18 is restricted almost simultaneously when the storage medium 18 storing the setting file 19 is connected to the network device 10, the setting file 19 is saved together with the setting file 19. You can protect important photographic images, documents and other files from other users' access. Therefore, even if the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10 for changing the network settings, the loss of other important files stored together with the setting file 19 can be prevented. In addition, since there is no concern about the loss of other files, the network setting can be changed using the storage medium 18 storing the image and document files, so a storage medium 18 dedicated to the setting file is prepared. There is no need to do.

  (3) When a configuration in which the attribute of the storage medium 18 is read-only is adopted as an access restriction method, write access to the storage medium 18 from the client PC 30 or the like can be prevented, and other users such as the client PC 30 can These data can be read from the storage medium 18 and used. In addition, since access permitted by other client PCs 30 and the like is read access, there is no fear of system problems even if the access is interrupted when the network is switched.

  (4) When the configuration of hiding the display of the network drive of the network device 10 from the network management screen 37 displayed on the monitor of the client PC 30 or the like is adopted as the access restriction method by canceling the provision of the file sharing service, Access to the storage medium 18 from the client PC 30 or the like can be eliminated, and a device information file can be written to the storage medium 18.

  (5) The access restriction employed in the present embodiment is a process that makes the network module 12 appear to be access-restricted (not writable or inaccessible) when viewed from another client PC. Writable. Therefore, when writing the device information file to the storage medium 18 after decoding the setting file 19 and confirming its validity, the device information file can be written without removing the restriction of the file sharing function. Further, by confirming the device information file written in the storage medium 18 with a monitor such as a personal computer, it is possible to check whether or not the network setting of the network device 10 has been performed correctly.

  (6) The access restriction was removed when the network was switched. Therefore, the frequency of occurrence of write errors can be effectively reduced, and the client PC 33 in a new network environment can be quickly accessed after the network is switched and the convenience of other users is enhanced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, in an environment where the storage medium 18 (for example, a USB memory) is not connected to the network device 10 and the file is not shared, the storage medium 18 storing the setting file 19 is wirelessly connected to the network device 10. It is an example which employ | adopts the method of starting LAN setting. In the first embodiment, the switching operation for instructing the implementation of the network setting is a panel operation. In this embodiment, the operation for connecting the storage medium 18 to the memory I / F 16 of the network device 10 corresponds to the switching operation. To do.

  FIG. 7 is a transaction diagram of network setting change processing. (1) The user connects the storage medium 18 storing the setting file 19 to the network device 10. (2) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the connection of the storage medium 18 from the memory I / F 16 notifies the memory I / F 16 to confirm the storage of the setting file 19. The memory I / F 16 checks whether the setting file 19 is stored in the storage medium 18. (3) The main control module 11 receives a notification that the setting file 19 has been confirmed from the memory I / F 16, thereby detecting a switching operation in which the user connects the storage medium 18 to switch the network. 12 is instructed to limit the operation of the file sharing function. (4) The network module 12 temporarily restricts the operation of the file sharing function. (5) When the main control module 11 receives a notification from the network module 12 that the operation restriction on the file sharing function has been completed, it instructs the memory I / F 16 to start reading the setting file 19. The memory I / F 16 reads the setting file and transfers it to the main control module 11. (6) Validity of setting file, (7) Device information file writing start, (8) Transmission of setting information, (9) Wireless LAN setting completion notification, (10) Network setting change, (11) File Perform each process of releasing the restriction on the shared function. These processes (6) to (11) are the same as the processes (7) to (12) in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

  Here, in (3) in FIG. 7, when the main control module 11 receives a notification from the memory I / F 16 that the setting file 19 has not been confirmed, the main control module 11 instructs the network module 12 to restrict the operation of the file sharing function. The process is terminated as it is. That is, it is determined that the storage medium is not connected for network setting, and the file sharing function is not limited. For example, when a user connects a storage medium to the network device 10 for printing or the like, files in the storage medium are shared, and data can be read and written by accessing the storage medium from the client PC 30 or the like. It becomes possible. In the process of (3) in FIG. 7, the confirmation means is constituted by the main control module 11 that instructs to confirm the storage of the setting file and the memory I / F 16 that confirms whether the setting file is stored according to the instruction. Is done. In response to the result of the confirmation means, the main control module 11 that instructs operation restriction of the file sharing function when there is a setting file and does not instruct operation restriction of the file sharing function when there is no setting file and its The network module 12 that restricts the operation of the file sharing function according to the instruction constitutes a restricting means.

  Thus, also in 2nd Embodiment, the effect similar to the said 1st Embodiment can be acquired. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the wireless LAN setting can be performed only by connecting the storage medium 18 to the network device 10 without performing a panel operation. Furthermore, the following effects can also be obtained.

  (7) When it is detected that the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10, it is confirmed whether or not the setting file 19 is stored. If the storage of the setting file 19 is confirmed, If access is restricted and storage of the setting file is not confirmed, access to the storage medium 18 is not restricted. Therefore, when the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10 for the purpose of changing the network settings, the occurrence of a write error can be reduced due to the access restriction, and other than being stored together with the setting file 19 in the storage medium 18 Can protect files. Further, when the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10 for the purpose of direct printing or the like without changing the network settings, access is not restricted, so the client PC 30 or the like accesses the storage medium 18 to edit data. It can be carried out.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment is an example of changing the IP address of the wired LAN setting. This is a case where the setting of the IP address of the wired LAN setting is changed from the panel operation in the file sharing environment where the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10. However, the setting file 19 is not stored in the storage medium 18, and an image or document file for printing or the like is stored.

  FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a wired network (wired LAN). In the figure, a network device 10 having a file sharing function to which a storage medium 18 can be attached is file-shared with other client PCs 40 and 41 on the network.

  The network device 10 is connected to the client PCs 40 and 41 via a network hub NH by wire. For example, when the network device 10 is set to the IP address “192.168.11.3”, the client PCs 40 and 41 can communicate with the network device 10 in a wired LAN environment.

  The wired setting of the network device 10 can be changed from the panel operation of the network device 10 or the operation from the client PC 40 equipped with the network setting tool. Here, the network setting tool is an application that can change the network setting on the client PC 40. For example, when the wired setting change is performed to change the IP address “192.168.11.3” to which the network device 10 is connected to a different IP address “192.168.11.5”, after the completion of the wired setting (IP address change), The connection is switched to the changed IP address, and communication is started with the changed IP address. When the connection is switched to the changed IP address, the client PCs 40 and 41 cannot access the network device 10. For example, it is assumed that another user starts writing a data file from the client PC 41 to the storage medium 18 of the network device 10 at the same time as changing the IP address and starting the wired setting change. In this case, if the writing to the storage medium 18 is not completed with the IP address before the change because the IP address is switched after completion of the wired setting (IP address change), communication becomes impossible during the writing and the data is stored. It cannot be stored in the medium 18. For this reason, even in the case of a wired setting change, the network device 10 restricts the file sharing function in the period before and after the network setting change for an access that causes an access error that is a problem if the network is disconnected and interrupted. Is configured to be prohibited.

  FIG. 9 is a transaction diagram of network setting change processing. This embodiment is an example of changing the setting of the IP address of the wired LAN from a panel operation. Hereinafter, the wired LAN setting changing process for changing the IP address from the panel operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) The user starts setting for changing the IP address of the wired LAN of the network device 10 from the panel operation. (2) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the start of the wired LAN setting from the liquid crystal panel module 13 sends a notification that instructs the network module 12 to restrict the operation of file sharing. (3) The network module 12 temporarily restricts the operation of the file sharing function. (4) When the main control module 11 receives a notification of the completion of the file sharing operation restriction, the main control module 11 notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 to instruct the IP address input screen display. As a result, an IP address input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13.

  (5) The user inputs the IP address to be changed on this IP address input screen. (6) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the IP address value from the liquid crystal panel module 13 transmits setting information to the network module 12. (7) The main control module 11 notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 of completion of IP address setting, and displays on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13 that IP address setting is completed. The user can know the completion of the IP address setting by looking at the display. On the other hand, (8) the network module 12 writes the setting information in a predetermined setting area to change the network setting. In the present embodiment, the network setting change is performed until the network connected to the new IP address is switched. When (12) network setting change (that is, connection to a new IP address) is completed, the network module 12 releases the operation restriction on the file sharing function. Thereafter, the network module 12 notifies the main control module 11 that a new IP address is connected.

  Even when the IP address of the wired LAN is changed and set as described above, there is a difference between the setting change of the wireless LAN and the change setting of the IP address of the wired LAN, and the storage medium 18 subject to access restriction is stored in the setting file. However, the effects (1) to (3), (5), and (6) in the first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner. That is, the effect (1) the effect of reducing the frequency of occurrence of write errors, (2) the effect of protecting the file in the storage medium 18, (3) the effect of being able to read and access the read only, and (5) the effect of stopping the provision of the file sharing service (6) It is possible to obtain an effect obtained by releasing the access restriction when the network is switched.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is an example in which the setting of the IP address of the wired LAN setting is changed by an operation from the client PC. This is a case where, in a file sharing environment where the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10, the setting of the IP address of the wired LAN setting is changed from the client PC 40 on the network (see FIG. 8) using the network setting tool. .

  FIG. 10 is a transaction diagram of network setting change processing. Hereinafter, the wired LAN setting changing process for changing the IP address from the client PC 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) The user transmits the wired LAN IP address change setting information from the network setting tool of the client PC 40 on the network. (2) The network module 12 that has received the IP address change setting information temporarily restricts the operation of the file sharing function. (3) The network module 12 writes the IP address change setting information in a predetermined setting area to change the network setting. In the present embodiment, the network setting change is performed until the network connected to the new IP address is switched. When (4) network setting change (that is, connection to a new IP address) is completed, the network module 12 releases the operation restriction on the file sharing function. Thereafter, the network module 12 notifies the main control module 11 that a new IP address is connected. As described above, even when the IP address of the wired LAN is changed and set from the network setting tool of the client PC 40, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is an example in which network settings are changed during memory access to the storage medium 18 in a file sharing environment in which the storage medium 18 is connected to the network device 10. If the network setting change is started during the memory access and the file sharing is restricted, if the access is a write access, the file data cannot be saved and there is a possibility that a system error may occur due to a write error. The present embodiment solves the inconvenience caused when the network setting change is started during such memory access. The characteristic configuration of the present embodiment can be applied to either a wireless LAN setting change or a wired LAN setting change. However, in the following embodiment, the case of a wired LAN setting change will be described as an example. When applied to a wireless LAN setting change, if the network device has only one connection port of the storage medium 18, the wireless LAN setting change is performed from a panel operation. In the case where a plurality of storage media 18 (USB memory and memory card) can be connected, for example, in an environment where the memory card is file-shared, a USB memory storing the setting file 19 is connected to change the wireless LAN setting. Assuming that the memory card is accessing the memory, etc.

  FIG. 11 is a transaction diagram of the network setting change process. In the following, a process when a wired LAN setting change is started from a panel operation of the network device 10 during memory access will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) The user starts setting for changing the IP address of the wired LAN of the network device 10 from the panel operation. (2) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the start of the wired LAN setting from the liquid crystal panel module 13 determines whether or not the storage medium 18 sharing the file is being accessed (memory is being accessed). That is, the main control module 11 inquires of the state management unit 23 and confirms the access state to the storage medium 18, that is, which state is open (OPEN) or closed (CL0SE). In this embodiment, it is determined that the memory is being accessed when it is in the open state. Of course, if the main control module 11 can recognize that it is currently reading or writing through communication with the client PC, the state management unit 23 is not inquired, and the state management is performed only when it is not reading or writing. It is also possible to adopt a method of inquiring the unit 23 and determining that it is being accessed when it is in an open state. If it is determined that the memory is being accessed, it means that the memory is being accessed. The main control module 11 that performs the determination process (2) constitutes a determination unit that determines whether or not the storage unit is being accessed.

  (3) When the main control module 11 detects that the memory is being accessed, the main control module 11 notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 that the wired LAN setting cannot be changed because the memory is being accessed and an instruction to display on the screen a notification prompting completion of the memory access. . (4) At the same time, the network module 12 is notified of an instruction to display on the monitor of the client PC 41 that is accessing the memory, the notification that prompts the completion of memory access. The user who sees the warning message prompting the completion of the access displayed on the monitor in this way ends the access to the storage medium 18. The main control module 11 that issues the instruction (4) and the notification processing unit 27 that notifies the client PC 41 that is accessing the memory in accordance with the instruction constitute notification means that prompts other devices that are accessing to complete the access. Is done.

  (5) When the main control module 11 detects completion of memory access (closed state in this example), (6) notifies the network module 12 of an instruction to restrict file sharing. (7) The network module 12 temporarily restricts the operation of the file sharing function. (8) When the main control module 11 receives a notification of the completion of the file sharing operation restriction, the main control module 11 notifies the liquid crystal panel module 13 to instruct the IP address input screen display. As a result, an IP address input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal panel module 13.

  (9) Input of IP address by user, (10) Transmission of setting information, (11) Notification of completion of IP address setting, (12) Change of network setting of network module 12, (13) Operation limitation of file sharing function Perform each release process. These processes (9) to (13) are the same as the processes (5) to (9) in FIG. 9 of the third embodiment. If a predetermined time has elapsed without completing the access in (5) above, the process of (6) is performed to instruct the network module 12 to restrict file sharing even if the access completion cannot be detected. I have to. In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration that waits until the completion of access is detected when writing, and instructs file sharing restriction when a predetermined time elapses when accessing other than being written (reading).

As described above, even when the network setting change is started from the panel operation during the memory access, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects in the respective embodiments.
(8) When the memory access is detected at the start of the network setting change, the client PC 41 that is accessing the memory is notified to complete the memory access, and when the memory access completion is detected, the access is restricted. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the failure of data storage to the storage medium 18 and the occurrence of a write error that may occur when the configuration in which the access restriction is forcibly started immediately after the start of the network setting change is adopted. it can.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example in which the same network setting change as that in the fifth embodiment is performed not from the panel operation but from the client PC 40. That is, in this example, when the setting change is started from the network setting tool of the client PC 40 during the memory access, the network device 10 notifies the client PC 41 that is accessing the memory that the memory access is completed.

  FIG. 12 is a transaction diagram of network setting change processing. In the following, the processing when the wired LAN setting change is started from the client PC 40 during memory access will be described with reference to FIG.

  (1) The user transmits the wired LAN IP address change setting information from the network setting tool of the client PC 40 on the network. (2) The network module 12 notifies the main control module 11 of the start of wired LAN setting (IP address change setting). At this time, the IP address change setting information is also passed along with the start notification.

  (3) The main control module 11 that has received the notification of the start of the wired LAN setting determines whether or not the storage medium 18 that is sharing the file is being accessed (memory is being accessed). When detecting that the memory is being accessed, (4) the main control module 11 causes the network module 12 to display a notification prompting the completion of the memory access on each monitor of the client PC 40 that is changing the setting and the client PC 41 that is accessing the memory. Notice. The user who sees the warning message displayed on the monitor in this manner terminates access to the storage medium 18.

  (5) When the main control module 11 detects completion of memory access (closed state in this example), (6) notifies the network module 12 of an instruction to restrict file sharing. Then, the network module 12 performs processing of (7) temporary operation restriction of the file sharing function, (8) network setting change of the network module 12, and (9) operation restriction release of the file sharing function. These processes (7) to (9) are the same as the processes (2) to (4) in FIG. 10 of the fourth embodiment. As described above, even when the network setting change is started by an operation from the client PC 40 during the memory access, the same effect as the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, it is not limited to each said embodiment, You may employ | adopt the modification of the following aspects.
(Modification 1) In the first embodiment, as in the fifth and sixth embodiments, when an instruction to start changing the network setting is received, it is determined whether or not the memory is being accessed. If it is in the middle, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which access restriction is started after completion of memory access. That is, in the first embodiment, when the main control module 11 receives a wireless LAN setting start instruction by input from the panel operation in the process (1) in FIG. Is accessed (memory accessing), and if it is determined that the memory is being accessed, the client PC that is accessing the memory is notified of the completion of the access, and then the completion of the memory access is detected. In the configuration (2) in FIG. 3, the file sharing operation restriction is instructed.

  (Modification 2) In each of the above embodiments, as one of the access restriction methods, a process of hiding the display of the network drive and making it appear that the network drive of the network device does not exist on the network is adopted. The process of making it appear that access is restricted (including inaccessibility) to other client PCs is not limited to the method of hiding the display of the network drive. For example, instead of the configuration in which the attribute is read-only in the first embodiment, when the access restriction mode is set, the attribute in the data (word / byte data portion) of the disk information acquisition response to the disk information acquisition request is set in the storage medium 18 It may be configured to always be read-only regardless of the actual attribute. In the access restriction mode, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a write prohibition response is always made in response to a write request, although the write prohibition is not actually prohibited. Also with these configurations, access from the client PC can be reduced or prevented, and access (reading and writing) to the storage medium 18 necessary for network setting processing can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to read the setting file and write the device information file while restricting access to the storage medium 18 from the client PC.

  (Modification 3) In each of the embodiments described above, the access restriction is canceled when the network is switched. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the access restriction is not released while the storage medium is connected so that other files stored together with the setting file are not accessed even after the network is switched. In this case, since the network setting completion is notified (for example, the processing of (10) in FIG. 3 or (7) in FIG. 9), if the storage medium is removed immediately after knowing the completion of the network setting, the access restriction is performed. The network device can be restored to an accessible state early by being released.

  (Modification 4) In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the case of changing the access point while the wireless I / F 14 is activated or changing the IP address while the wired I / F 15 is activated. The present invention can also be applied to network settings when switching the network to the I / F 14 or from the wireless I / F 14 to the wired I / F 15. For example, the present invention can be applied when the wireless LAN setting is changed when connected to the wired LAN, or when the wired LAN setting is changed when connected to the wireless LAN.

  (Modification 5) In each of the above embodiments, the access restriction period is from when the network setting change start instruction is detected or input until the network is switched. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the access restriction period may be from when the device information file is written until the network is switched. The access restriction period is from when the network setting change start instruction is detected or entered until the network setting is changed, and then accessed before the network is switched after receiving an instruction from the PC or panel operation. The restriction may be lifted.

  (Modification 6) In the first and second embodiments, in the case of a network device configured to include other storage means for file sharing in addition to the storage medium 18 for storing the setting file 19, If connection is no longer detected, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which access restriction is canceled even before network switching. According to this configuration, the file can be protected until the user removes the storage medium 18 after the network setting change is completed. In addition, since access is restricted for a certain period, access that is interrupted when the network is switched is reduced.

  (Modification 7) The network device can be applied not only to electronic devices such as digital cameras, printers, scanners, multifunction devices, projectors, but also to devices mounted on mobile objects such as home appliances and vehicles. The storage means is not limited to a USB memory or a memory card, and may be other storage media such as a CD-ROM, DVD, MO, and an external hard disk. Further, the storage means is not limited to a storage medium, and may be a storage device targeted for file sharing, such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk mounted in a network device.

Hereinafter, the technical idea grasped from the embodiment and each modification will be described.
(1) In a network device having at least one communication interface that can be connected to the network and having a data sharing function that allows access to the storage means from another device in a network connection state, when a switching operation is detected or input, Setting means for changing network settings in accordance with an instruction based on the switching operation, and restriction means for restricting access to the storage means during a restriction period including at least a part of a processing period in which the setting means changes network settings And the summary. Therefore, it is possible to reduce inconvenience due to interruption of access to the storage means from other devices when the network is switched after the network setting is changed.

  (2) In the network device according to any one of (1) to (11), the operation unit for inputting the switching operation, a display unit, and the display indicating that the change of the network setting has been completed. It further comprises display notification means for displaying on the section. According to this, when the switching operation is performed by the operation unit, the setting unit changes the network setting according to the input instruction. When the change of the network setting is completed, a message to that effect is displayed. When the user knows that the network setting has been changed, the user takes necessary measures such as removing the storage medium. If the storage medium is removed promptly upon notification of completion, it is possible to avoid leaving the storage medium in an accessible state as much as possible. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the access restriction is not released while the storage medium is connected even after the network is switched. However, if the storage medium is quickly removed by notification of completion, other storage means of the network device can be quickly It becomes accessible.

  (3) The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to 8 to 11, wherein the restricting means restricts an access having trouble if interrupted. According to this, since interruption of access having troubles is reduced when interruption is caused at the time of network switching, troubles caused by interruption of access can be easily avoided.

  (4) In claim 10, the restriction means restricts access to the storage means when the completion of the access is detected or when a predetermined time elapses without the access being completed. According to this, the user who is accessing can write data within a predetermined time by the notification prompting the completion of access. Further, even if left in the access state, after a predetermined time elapses, the access to the storage means can be restricted and the network setting change can be started.

  (5) A setting change method in a network device having at least one communication interface connectable to the network and having a data sharing function that allows access to the storage means from another device in the network connection state, and detecting a switching operation Or an access restriction step for restricting access to the storage means by restricting the data sharing function when an input is obtained; and a setting change step for changing a network setting according to an instruction based on the switching operation under the access restriction. It is provided with.

  (6) In the setting change method in the network device described in the technical idea (5), a connection detection step of detecting that the storage unit is connected to the network device, and whether or not the storage unit has setting data In the confirmation step for confirming whether or not the setting data is present, the access is restricted when the existence of the setting data is confirmed, and the access is not restricted when the existence of the setting data is not confirmed. It is characterized by that.

  (7) A program for changing a network setting by a computer of a network apparatus that has at least one communication interface that can be connected to a network and has a data sharing function that allows access to a storage means from another apparatus in a network connection state. An access restriction step for restricting access to the storage means by restricting the data sharing function when the switching operation is detected or input to the computer, and an instruction based on the switching operation under the access restriction A program for executing a setting change step for changing the network setting according to the steps.

The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the network device in 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows a wireless network structure. The transaction figure which shows a network setting change process. (A), (b) The transaction figure explaining command processing. (A), (b) The screen figure at the time of operation restriction | limiting of a file sharing function. Each of (a) a file sharing state and (b) an access restricted state screen view. The transaction figure which shows the network setting change process of 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the wired network structure in 3rd Embodiment. The transaction figure which shows a network setting change process. The transaction figure which shows the network setting change process of 4th Embodiment. The transaction figure which shows the network setting change process of 5th Embodiment. The transaction figure which shows the network setting change process of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Network apparatus, 11 ... Main control module which comprises confirmation means, Judgment means, 12 ... Restriction means, Network module which comprises setting means, 13 ... Liquid crystal panel module, 13a ... Operation part, 14 ... Wireless as communication interface DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS I / F, 15 ... Wired I / F as communication interface, 16 ... Memory I / F part, 17 ... Memory access lamp, 18 ... Storage medium as storage means, 19 ... Setting file as setting data, 21 ... Setting Network setting instruction unit constituting means, 22 ... operation restriction instruction part constituting restriction means, 23 ... state management part, 25 ... network setting part constituting setting means, 26 ... data sharing control part constituting restriction means File sharing control unit, 27... Notification processing unit constituting notification means, 35... Network management Surface, 37 ... network management screen as a data sharing management screen.

Claims (11)

In a network device having at least one communication interface that can be connected to a network and having a data sharing function that allows access to a storage means from another device in a network connection state,
When obtaining the detection or input of the switching operation, limiting means for limiting access to the storage means,
A network device comprising: setting means for changing network settings in accordance with an instruction based on the switching operation in a state where the access is restricted by the restriction means. The network device according to claim 1,
If the storage means is a storage medium storing setting data, the setting means changes the network setting based on the setting data read from the storage medium,
The network device characterized in that the restricting means restricts access to the storage medium. The network device according to claim 2, wherein
When it is detected that the storage medium is connected to a network device, the storage medium further comprises confirmation means for confirming whether the setting data exists in the storage medium,
The network device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting unit restricts the access when it is confirmed that the setting data is present, and does not restrict the access when the presence of the setting data is not confirmed. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A network module that realizes the data sharing function and includes the data sharing control unit and the setting unit as the limiting unit capable of limiting the data sharing function and controls the communication interface;
A main control module that communicates with the other device via the network module;
When the main control module obtains the detection or input of the switching operation, the main control module instructs the restriction unit and the setting unit of the network module to restrict access to the storage unit and change the network setting, respectively. Feature network device. The network device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The network apparatus, wherein the setting means performs a setting content writing process for writing setting content information obtained by examining the setting data read from the storage medium to the storage medium. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The network device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting means restricts access to the storage means to read-only. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The network device characterized in that the restricting means prohibits access to the storage means. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The restriction of the access by the restriction means is to perform data sharing control for notifying that the other apparatus is at least write-accessible while permitting writing to the storage means by the setting means. Feature network device. The network device according to claim 7 or 8,
The network device characterized in that the restricting means hides the display of the network drive of the network device by canceling the provision of the data sharing service. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A determination means for determining whether or not the storage means is being accessed when an input of the switching operation is obtained;
A notification means for notifying the other device during the access to complete the access when the determination means determines that the storage means is being accessed;
The network device according to claim 1, wherein when the completion of the access is detected, the restriction unit restricts access to the storage unit. The network device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The network device according to claim 1, wherein the restriction unit releases the access restriction when the network is switched after the change of the network setting is completed.

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