JP2008010018A - Information processor, communication system, management device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent resetup through a network from not being allowed due to a setting error. <P>SOLUTION: In the communication system, a communication control part of a printer has a filtering function and selectively transmits specification data defined by information about an address range among pieces of data received from the outside to a task located in a lower layer. In addition, the communication control part sets an operation parameter (such as the address range) according to the content of filtering setting data stored in an NVRAM at start-up. In addition, when receiving temporary setting request data, the printer changes the operation parameter of the communication control part 25 (S440) according to the instruction content indicated by the setting request data. Then, if data can not be received from a device requesting setting within a predetermined time after change (Yes in S480), the operation parameter of the communication control part 25 is restored (S520) by determining that communication can not be normally performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a communication function, a communication system using the information processing apparatus, a management apparatus for managing the information processing apparatus, and a program used for the information processing apparatus / management apparatus. About.

Conventionally, an information processing apparatus capable of TCP / IP communication is known as an information processing apparatus having a communication function. In addition, this type of information processing apparatus has a restriction table that describes an IP (Internet Protocol) address that permits access, an IP address that prohibits access, and the like. One having a function of partially restricting access is known (see Patent Document 1). In this information processing apparatus, since unauthorized access from the outside can be prohibited, the apparatus is illegally used, and the original user cannot use the apparatus, or consumables of the apparatus are wasted. (Such as when the communication device is a printer device having a communication function) can be prevented, and access to cause an abnormality in the device can be prevented intentionally. Convenient for the user.
JP 2002-333958 A

  However, in this type of information processing apparatus, even if an incorrect IP address is registered in the restriction table, access is restricted according to the restriction table. There was a case that would limit it.

  And, in a system that can set the restriction table through the network from the management device, when the management device becomes unable to access the information processing device due to an incorrect setting operation on the restriction table, Since the administrator can no longer set the restriction table from the management apparatus through the network, the administrator has to operate the information processing apparatus directly to change the setting, which is very inconvenient.

  Of course, such a problem does not occur unless the administrator registers an incorrect IP address in the restriction table. However, in a device that allows the administrator to specify a range of permitted or prohibited IP addresses, the range of prohibited IP addresses. Even though the IP address of the management apparatus is contained in the system, the manager often did not notice it. In addition, in a device that registers an IP address that permits access based on operation information from the administrator, the administrator pays attention to an IP address registration operation for a device other than the management device, and the IP address of the management device. I often forgot the registration operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the setting of the information processing apparatus through the network from being performed again due to a setting error of the information processing apparatus.

  In order to achieve this object, the invention according to claim 1 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, and whether or not to accept data received from the device in the network is determined in advance. Communication means for selectively transmitting (downstream) the data determined to be accepted among the data received from the devices in the network, and via the communication means, An information processing apparatus that performs data processing and performs processing based on data received from a device in a network by a communication unit and transmitted from the communication unit, and includes a setting change unit, a determination unit, .

  When the setting change means receives setting request data for instructing to change the setting of the determination criterion from a device in the network via the communication means, the setting change means makes the determination to the communication means according to the instruction content indicated by the setting request data. Change the standard settings. Further, after the setting change by the setting changing unit, the determining unit determines whether or not communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data that causes the setting change to be performed can be normally performed via the communication unit.

  According to the information processing apparatus configured as described above, the setting change based on the setting request data can be invalidated as necessary based on the determination result of the determination unit. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the user operates the external management apparatus and transmits the setting request data with a wrong instruction content, transmission data from the management apparatus is subsequently accepted by the information processing apparatus. It is possible to prevent the information processing apparatus from being lost, and it is possible to prevent the setting for the information processing apparatus from being performed from the management apparatus through the network.

  For example, by providing the information restoration apparatus with the setting restoring means according to claim 2, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above problem due to a setting mistake.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 is set in the communication unit before the setting change by the setting changing unit when the determining unit determines that the communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data cannot be normally performed. And setting restoration means for resetting the determined judgment criteria for the communication means. According to this information processing apparatus, when communication cannot be normally performed due to a setting mistake, the setting is restored. Therefore, even if the user makes a setting mistake, the setting for the information processing apparatus is transmitted from the management apparatus via the network. It is possible to prevent the inability to perform.

  In the configuration in which the setting is restored by the setting restoration means and the setting change is invalidated, the fact that the setting has been restored is transmitted to the transmission source device of the setting request data, and this fact is transmitted from the transmission source device to the user. If the user is not notified, there is a possibility that the user mistakes that the setting is valid. Therefore, the information processing apparatus may be provided with means for notifying that the setting has been restored.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, when resetting by the setting restoring unit is performed, resetting notification data indicating that the resetting by the setting restoring unit has been performed to the transmission source device of the setting request data, A reset notification means for transmitting via the communication means is provided. According to the information processing apparatus configured as described above, it is possible to notify the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data that the setting has been restored, so that the transmission source apparatus and the user make the setting effective. This can prevent mistakes.

  In addition, when the information processing apparatus is configured to read a determination criterion from a non-volatile storage device (nonvolatile memory or the like) and set the determination criterion in the communication unit at the time of startup, the setting based on the setting request data Only when the communication after the change can be normally performed, the determination criterion corresponding to the setting request data may be reflected in the nonvolatile storage device.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 stores a nonvolatile storage device that stores a determination criterion set in the communication unit, and stores the communication unit in accordance with the storage contents of the storage device when the information processing device is activated. A setting unit that sets the above-described determination criterion stored in the device, and a setting change unit that determines the determination criterion stored in the storage device when the determination unit determines that communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data can be normally performed. And setting means for changing the determination criteria set for the communication means.

  According to the information processing apparatus configured as described above, after the setting change, only when the communication with the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data can be normally performed, the content of the determination criterion set at the time of starting is changed. It is possible to prevent the setting of the information processing apparatus from being performed from the management apparatus through the network even if a setting mistake of the user occurs. In other words, when the user operates the external management device to transmit the setting request data, even if the setting change instruction content is wrong, the user can restart the information processing device from the management device again through the network. Settings can be made for the information processing apparatus.

  However, with this device configuration, if this setting is performed without notification to the user, the user may feel uneasy about whether the setting is valid. It may be configured as described in claim 5.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, when a change is made by the setting unit, the setting notification data indicating that the change has been made by the setting unit to the transmission source device of the setting request data. This setting notification means for transmitting via is provided. According to this information processing apparatus, it is possible to notify the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data via the communication means that the change by the present setting means has been performed. It is possible to notify the user that this has been done. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uneasy about whether or not the setting is valid.

  Moreover, the above-mentioned determination means can be configured specifically as described in claim 6. The determination means in the information processing apparatus according to claim 6 transmits the setting request data when receiving data from the setting request data transmission source device via the communication means within a predetermined time after the setting change by the setting changing means. If it is determined that communication with the original device can be normally performed and data cannot be received from the transmission source device of the setting request data via the communication means within a predetermined time, the communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data It is configured to determine that communication cannot be performed normally.

  When the communication unit has a filtering function based on the IP address, the transmission data of the management device is discarded by the communication unit due to a setting error regarding the filtering function, and the setting change unit manages the setting request data. However, according to this information processing device, if the data cannot be received from the setting request data transmission source device after the setting is changed, the setting based on the setting request data is invalidated. Therefore, even if the user makes a setting mistake, it is possible to prevent subsequent settings for the information processing apparatus through the network from being disabled.

  The information processing apparatus described above may be provided with means for notifying the setting request data transmission source device that the setting has been changed after the setting change by the setting changing means.

  When the setting change by the setting change unit is performed, the information processing apparatus according to claim 7 sends setting change notification data indicating that the setting change by the setting change unit has been performed to the transmission source device of the setting request data. A change notification means for transmitting via the communication means is provided. According to the information processing apparatus configured as described above, by transmitting the setting change notification data, the transmission timing of the inspection data can be notified to the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data, and after the setting change by the setting changing unit Then, it is possible to urge the transmission source device of the setting request data to transmit the inspection data for determining whether or not communication can be normally performed. Therefore, according to this information processing apparatus, it is possible to smoothly determine whether or not communication can be normally performed.

  In the information processing apparatus according to claim 8, the determination criterion is defined by the address range information, and the determination criterion in which the address of the transmission source device of the data received from the device in the network is set to itself. If it is within the address range shown, it is determined to accept this data, and if the address of the transmission source device of the data received from the device in the network is outside the address range indicated by the above criteria, this data is accepted. The communication means is configured to determine that there is no.

  In the information processing apparatus including the communication unit, when the address range is set so that the user does not set the address range so as to include the address of the management apparatus (for example, the IP address), the management apparatus transfers to the information processing apparatus. However, according to the information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, the setting change can be invalidated when such a setting error occurs, so that the user setting can be made. It can be prevented that an address range cannot be set from the management apparatus to the information processing apparatus through the network due to a mistake.

  In the information processing device according to claim 9, the determination criterion is defined by the address range information, and the determination criterion in which the address of the transmission source device of the data received from the device in the network is set to itself. If it is outside the address range shown, it is judged that this data is accepted, and if the address of the transmission source device of the data received from the device in the network is within the address range indicated by the above criteria, this data is accepted. It is the structure which judges that it is not.

  According to this information processing apparatus, even when the user makes a mistake when the address range is set and the address of the management apparatus falls within the address range, this setting can be invalidated. It can be prevented that an address range cannot be set from the management apparatus to the information processing apparatus through the network due to a user setting error.

  In addition, data (program or the like) for accepting the setting change instruction of the determination criterion from the user may be provided to the user through a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. By incorporating the server function, it may be provided to the user through the network.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 receives the data for requesting a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction of the determination criterion from the user from the apparatus in the network via the communication unit, and sends the request requesting apparatus to the request source apparatus. On the other hand, the request source device can display the setting screen, and the request source device receives the setting request data indicating the instruction content of the user in accordance with the user instruction input based on the setting screen. A setting screen transmission unit configured to transmit data to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus via the communication unit.

  If the information processing apparatus configured as described above is used, it is not necessary for the user to install the determination criterion setting program through a recording medium in a personal computer or the like as a management apparatus. is there.

  In addition, as described above, as a method for determining whether or not communication can be normally performed, transmission of inspection data from the management apparatus and determination of the reception status on the information processing apparatus side allow normal communication. Although there is a method for determining whether or not it can be performed, it is more convenient to provide data (program or the like) for transmitting the inspection data from the information processing apparatus through a network.

  In the information processing apparatus according to claim 11, when the setting change is performed by the setting changing unit, a confirmation screen for the transmission source apparatus to accept the setting instruction from the user is transmitted to the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data. Communication means that is displayable data and is used by the transmission source device to transmit inspection data to the information processing device in accordance with the setting instruction input from the user based on the confirmation screen. A confirmation screen transmitting means for transmitting the data, and the determination means sends the data for inspection from the transmission source device of the setting request data via the communication means within a predetermined time after data transmission by the confirmation screen transmitting means. Is received, it is determined that communication with the setting request data transmission source device can be normally performed, and the test data is received from the setting request data transmission source device via the communication means within a predetermined time. Failure Rukoto, in which communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data is in the configuration determined not performed normally.

  According to the information processing apparatus configured as described above, data (program or the like) for transmitting the inspection data is provided from the information processing apparatus via the network, so that the user can install the program through the CD-ROM or the like. It is convenient because the work does not need to be performed by a management device. In addition, according to the present invention, the user can cancel the setting change by not intentionally sending the inspection data without inputting the setting instruction. Therefore, according to this information processing apparatus, there is an advantage that setting change cancellation can be easily performed.

  The communication system according to claim 12 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, and determines whether or not to accept data received from the device in the network according to a preset criterion, Communication means for selectively transmitting the data determined to be received among the data received from the apparatus to the inside, and exchanges data with the devices in the network via the communication means. An information processing apparatus that executes processing based on data received from a communication device and transmitted from communication means, and the information processing apparatus configured to be able to communicate with the information processing apparatus via a network And a management apparatus for managing the information processing apparatus, wherein the information processing apparatus has the device configuration according to claim 1. Location is a setting screen display control unit, and the instruction content transmission unit is one that is in the configuration and a test data transmission unit.

  The setting screen display control means of the management device in this communication system displays a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction of the judgment criterion from the user according to the user's instruction input from the input device operable by the user. Display on the device. In addition, the instruction content transmission means follows the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user based on the setting screen displayed on the display device by the setting screen display control means, and a setting request indicating the contents of the setting change instruction Data is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. In addition, the inspection data transmission means performs an inspection for inspecting whether or not communication between the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus can be normally performed with respect to the information processing apparatus after transmission of the setting request data by the instruction content transmission means. Send data for use. Further, the determination means of the information processing apparatus in this communication system determines whether or not the communication with the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data can be normally performed based on the reception status of the inspection data.

  According to the communication system configured as described above, the setting change based on the setting request data can be invalidated as necessary based on the determination result of the determination unit, so that the user can connect the external management device. Even if there is a mistake in the content of the instruction when operating and transmitting the setting request data, it is possible to prevent transmission data from the management apparatus from being subsequently accepted by the information processing apparatus. It is possible to prevent the management apparatus from being disabled through the network. In addition, since the determination as to whether or not communication can be normally performed is performed based on the transmission / reception of the inspection data, the above determination can be performed easily and appropriately.

  In the communication system according to claim 13, when the information processing apparatus determines that the communication with the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data cannot be normally performed by the determination unit, before the setting change by the setting change unit, A setting restoring means for resetting the determination criteria set for the communication means for the communication means. According to this communication system, when communication cannot be normally performed due to a setting mistake, the setting is restored. Therefore, even if the user makes a setting mistake, the setting for the information processing apparatus can be performed from the management apparatus through the network. It can be prevented from disappearing.

  In addition, in the communication system according to claim 14, when the information processing apparatus is reset by the setting restoring unit, the information processing apparatus indicates that the setting requesting data transmission source apparatus has been reset by the setting restoring unit. A reset notification means for transmitting the reset notification data via the communication means, and when the management device receives the reset notification data from the information processing device, it indicates that the reset notification data has been received from the information processing device. A reset execution message display control means for displaying a message to be displayed on the display device.

  According to this communication system, the fact that the setting has been restored is transmitted to the management device that is the transmission source device of the setting request data, and the fact is notified from the management device to the user. Even if the change is invalidated, it is possible to prevent the user from making a mistake when the setting is valid.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system in which an information processing device communicates with a nonvolatile storage device that stores a determination criterion set in a communication unit, and the information stored in the storage device when the information processing device is activated. Setting means for setting a determination criterion stored in the storage device, and a determination criterion stored in the storage device when the determination unit determines that communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data can be normally performed. The setting means for changing the setting to the determination criteria set for the communication means by the setting change means.

  According to this communication system, only when the communication after the setting change based on the setting request data can be normally performed, the judgment criterion corresponding to the setting request data is reflected in the non-volatile storage device. Therefore, when the user operates the management apparatus to transmit the setting request data, even if the setting change instruction content is incorrect, the user can restart the information processing apparatus again through the network. Settings can be made for the device.

  Further, in the communication system according to claim 16, when the information processing device is changed by the setting unit, the setting that indicates that the setting unit has changed the setting request data transmission source device. A message indicating that the management apparatus receives the main setting notification data from the information processing apparatus when the management apparatus receives the main setting notification data from the information processing apparatus. Is displayed on the display device. The setting execution message display control means is configured to be displayed.

  According to this communication system, the user is notified of the fact that this setting has been made via the management device that is the setting request data transmission source device, so the user can determine whether the setting is valid. It can prevent feeling anxiety.

  In the communication system according to claim 17, when the determination unit receives the inspection data from the transmission source device of the setting request data via the communication unit within a predetermined time after the setting change by the setting changing unit, If it is determined that the communication with the request data transmission source device can be normally performed and the test request data cannot be received from the setting request data transmission source device via the communication means within a predetermined time, the setting request data It is determined that communication with the transmission source device cannot be normally performed.

  According to this communication system, after the setting is changed, if the information processing apparatus cannot receive the inspection data from the management apparatus that is the setting request data transmission source apparatus, the setting based on the setting request data is invalidated. Therefore, even when the communication means has a filtering function, it is possible to prevent subsequent settings for the information processing apparatus through the network from being disabled due to a user setting error.

  The communication system according to claim 18 is a confirmation screen display control in which the management device displays on the display device a confirmation screen for accepting the setting instruction from the user after transmission of the setting request data by the instruction content transmitting means. When the user inputs this setting instruction from the input device based on the confirmation screen displayed on the display device by the confirmation screen display control means, the inspection data transmission means inspects the information processing device. Is configured to transmit data for use.

  According to this communication system, the user can cancel the setting change by not inputting the setting instruction and intentionally not sending the inspection data. Therefore, according to this information processing apparatus, it is possible to easily cancel the setting change. Further, in this communication system, the test data is transmitted based on the input of this setting instruction and the setting change is validated, so that it is not necessary for the user to feel uneasy about whether or not the setting is valid. .

  Further, in the communication system according to claim 19, when the information processing apparatus performs setting change by the setting change means, the setting change means by the setting change means has been performed on the transmission source apparatus of the setting request data. A change notification unit that transmits setting change notification data to be displayed via a communication unit, and the confirmation screen display control unit displays the confirmation screen on the display device when receiving the setting change notification data from the information processing device It has been made.

  According to this communication system, the confirmation screen can be displayed reliably after the setting change by the setting changing means, so that the inconvenience that the inspection data transmission procedure and the setting changing procedure by the setting changing means are reversed occurs. Can be prevented with a simple configuration.

  The management device according to claim 20 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, and determines whether or not to accept data received from a device in the network according to a preset criterion, Communication means for selectively transmitting the data determined to be received among the data received from the apparatus, and receiving the setting request data from the apparatus in the network via the communication means, the setting request data A management apparatus for managing the information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus configured to execute the setting change of the determination criteria, the setting screen display control means, the instruction content transmission means, And legitimacy judging means and setting operation prohibiting means.

  In this management apparatus, the setting screen display control means displays a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction of the determination criterion from the user according to the instruction of the user input from the input device operable by the user. The instruction content transmission unit is configured to display the content of the setting change instruction according to the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user based on the setting screen displayed on the display device by the setting screen display control unit. The request data is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  Further, the legitimacy judging means is configured so that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user before the setting request data is sent by the instruction content sending means, the information processing apparatus When it is executed, the information processing device determines whether or not the setting change instruction has such a property that transmission data from the own device cannot be accepted. The setting operation prohibiting means is input by the user by the validity determining means. If it is determined that the setting change instruction input from the apparatus is a setting change instruction that cannot be accepted, transmission of setting request data by the instruction content transmitting unit is prohibited.

  According to the management apparatus configured as described above, if the setting change instruction content by the user is incorrect, the setting change instruction is invalidated by prohibiting transmission of setting request data indicating the instruction content. Even if the user makes a mistake in the content of the instruction, setting information based on the incorrect content of the instruction is changed in the information processing device, thereby preventing transmission data from the management device from being accepted by the information processing device. it can. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the setting for the information processing apparatus from being disabled from the management apparatus through the network.

  The management apparatus according to claim 21 is a setting change instruction having a property that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user is not accepted by the legitimacy determining means instead of the setting operation prohibiting means. If it is determined that there is a warning message display control means for displaying a warning message on the display device.

  According to the management device configured as described above, the warning message can prompt the user to reconfirm the instruction, and as a result, the setting change based on the wrong instruction content is performed in the information processing apparatus, It is possible to prevent transmission data from the management apparatus from being received by the information processing apparatus.

  It should be noted that it is more convenient if this management apparatus is provided with setting operation prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission of setting request data by the instruction content transmitting means in accordance with an instruction input by the user from the input device after the warning message is displayed. In other words, if only the warning message is displayed and the transmission of the setting request data is executed with a wrong instruction, if the communication system is not configured using the above-described information processing apparatus of the present invention, the same problem as in the prior art will occur. The warning message is displayed to the extent that it helps prevent the same setting error from occurring again. However, after the warning message is displayed, if the setting request data transmission by the instruction content transmitting means is prohibited as required according to the instruction input by the user from the input device, the setting change based on the incorrect instruction content may be made. Since it is not basically performed, it is possible to reliably prevent the transmission data from the management apparatus from being received by the information processing apparatus.

  Moreover, each means with which the information processing apparatus and management apparatus of the present invention described above can be realized by a computer by a program.

  The program according to claim 22 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, determines whether or not to accept data received from the device in the network according to a predetermined criterion, and from the device in the network. A communication means for selectively transmitting the data determined to be received among the received data, and receiving the setting request data from a device in the network via the communication means, according to the setting request data, A setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction for a judgment criterion from a user to an information processing device configured to execute the setting change of the judgment criterion from an input device operable by the user The setting screen display control means to be displayed on the display device in accordance with the input user instruction and the setting screen display control means Instruction content transmission means for transmitting setting request data indicating the contents of the setting change instruction to the information processing apparatus in accordance with a setting change instruction input by the user from the input device based on the setting screen displayed on the display device When the setting change instruction input by the user from the input device before the setting content transmitting means transmits the setting request data, the information processing apparatus executes the setting change of the determination criterion according to the setting change instruction. The apparatus determines whether the setting change instruction has a property that the transmission data from the own apparatus cannot be received by the apparatus, and the setting change instruction input from the input apparatus by the user by the validity determination means. If it is determined that the setting change instruction has a property that cannot be accepted, the setting operation prohibiting unit prohibits the transmission of the setting request data by the instruction content transmitting unit. Is a program for realizing the functions.

  According to this program, a setting change based on a user's wrong instruction is performed in the information processing apparatus, and transmission data from the management apparatus is not accepted by the information processing apparatus, and the setting change through the network can be performed thereafter. It can be prevented from disappearing.

  The program according to claim 23 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, and determines whether or not to accept data received from a device in the network according to a preset criterion, Communication means for selectively transmitting the data determined to be accepted among the data received from the apparatus, and receiving the setting request data from the apparatus in the network via the communication means, the setting request data In accordance with the above, an input that allows the user to operate a setting screen for accepting an instruction to change the setting of the determination criterion from the user to a computer that can communicate with the information processing apparatus configured to execute the setting change of the determination criterion According to the user's instruction input from the device, the setting screen display control means to be displayed on the display device and the setting screen display control means Based on the setting screen displayed on the display device, in accordance with the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user, the instruction content transmitting means for transmitting the setting request data indicating the content of the setting change instruction to the information processing device When the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user before transmission of the setting request data by the instruction content transmitting means is executed by the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus executes the setting change of the determination criterion according to the setting change instruction. Validity determination means for determining whether or not the processing device cannot accept transmission data from its own device, and a setting change instruction input by the user from the input device using the validity determination means However, if it is determined that the setting change instruction has such a property that it cannot be accepted, a function as a warning message display control means for displaying a warning message on the display device is displayed. Is a program for realizing the.

  According to this program, it is possible to prompt the user to reconfirm the instruction by the warning message. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the setting change based on the wrong instruction content from being performed in the information processing apparatus and the transmission data from the management apparatus not being accepted by the information processing apparatus.

  The program according to claim 24 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, and determines whether or not to accept data received from the device in the network according to a preset criterion, A setting for instructing a computer having a communication means for selectively transmitting data determined to be accepted among data received from the apparatus from the apparatus in the network via the communication means. When the request data is received, in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the setting request data, the setting changing means for changing the setting for the above-mentioned determination criteria for the communication means, and the reason for executing the setting change after the setting change by the setting changing means Judgment whether or not communication with the transmission source device of the set request data that has become can be normally performed via the communication means Is a program for realizing the function as stage.

  According to this program, the setting change based on the setting request data can be invalidated as necessary in the procedure after the determination. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from receiving transmission data from the management apparatus thereafter even if the user makes a mistake in the content of the instruction when operating the management apparatus and transmitting the setting request data. It is possible to prevent the determination criterion from being set from the management apparatus through the network.

  Further, the program according to claim 25 is the program before the setting change by the setting changing means when the determining means determines that the communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data cannot be normally performed. Further, a program for causing a computer to realize a function as a setting restoration unit for resetting the determination criteria set for the communication unit to the communication unit is added.

  According to this program, since the procedure for returning the setting when the communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data cannot be normally performed is included, even if the user makes a setting error, the setting of the above judgment criterion is performed. It is possible to prevent the management apparatus from being disabled through the network.

  The program according to claim 26 is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, determines whether or not to accept data received from a device in the network according to a predetermined criterion, and A computer comprising: communication means for selectively transmitting data determined to be received among data received from the apparatus; and a non-volatile storage device for storing determination criteria set in the communication means. Setting means for setting determination criteria for communication means according to the storage contents of the storage device at the time of starting the computer, and setting request data for instructing the setting change of the determination criteria from the devices in the network via the communication means Is received, the setting for the determination criterion is changed for the communication means in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the setting request data. And a determination means for determining whether or not communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data that causes the setting change to be performed after the setting change by the setting changing means can be normally performed via the communication means. When the determination unit determines that communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data can be normally performed, the determination criterion stored in the storage device is changed to the determination criterion set for the communication unit by the setting change unit. This is a program for realizing the function as the setting means to be changed.

  According to this program, only when communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data can be normally performed, the procedure includes a procedure for changing the contents of the determination criteria set at the time of startup. The determination criteria can be set again from the management device through the network just by restarting the device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The communication system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a gateway device 3, a printer device 10, and a PC (personal computer) 30 connected to a wide area network. The printer device 10 and the PC 30 are each configured to be capable of TCP / IP communication. In the communication system 1, one LAN (local area network) including the printer device 10 and the PC 30 is constructed.

  The printer device 10 includes a CPU 11 that executes various programs and controls each unit in the device, a ROM 13 that stores various programs executed by the CPU 11, a RAM 15 that is used as a work area when the CPU 11 executes programs, and various settings. NVRAM 17 serving as a data rewritable nonvolatile memory for storing data, a printing unit 21 for forming (printing) an image on a paper medium, a display unit (liquid crystal monitor), and a user can be controlled by the CPU 11 A display / operation unit 23 having an operation unit (key group), a communication control unit 25 configured to perform communication control by TCP / IP method so that the device can perform TCP / IP communication, and a network interface (so-called so-called) LAN interface) 27.

  The PC 30 includes a CPU 31 that executes various programs and controls each part of the apparatus, a ROM 33 that stores a boot program executed by the CPU 31, a RAM 35 that is used as a work area when the CPU 31 executes the program, an operating system, and the like. A hard disk device 37 that stores programs such as systems and application programs and various data, a display unit 41 for displaying information including a liquid crystal monitor, and an input that can be operated by a user including a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like. Unit 43, a communication control unit 45 configured to perform communication control by the TCP / IP method and configure the apparatus to be capable of TCP / IP communication, and a network interface (so-called LAN interface) 47 connected to the LAN.

  In FIG. 1, the communication control unit 25 (communication control unit 45) and the CPU 11 (CPU 31) are shown separately, but the communication control unit 25 (communication control unit 45) is a dedicated device (for example, a dedicated microcomputer). Or may be realized by causing the CPU 11 (CPU 31) to execute a software group (protocol stack) for realizing TCP / IP communication. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the processing in the communication control unit 25 (communication control unit 45) is realized by a program.

  In the present embodiment, the printer device 10 is configured to execute a task for realizing a predetermined function (such as a network printing function) by communicating with other devices in the LAN by the CPU 11. The communication control unit 25 relays data exchanged between these tasks and other devices in the LAN. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation (reception operation) of the communication control unit 25 of the printer apparatus 10.

  The communication control unit 25 performs predetermined processing such as adding the IP address assigned to the own device as the transmission source address to the transmission data generated by the task, thereby converting the transmission data to the TCP / IP The data is converted into format data (so-called IP packet) and output to the network interface 27. On the other hand, the network interface 27 converts the transmission data generated by the communication control unit 25 into an electrical signal for transmission to the LAN, outputs this to the LAN, and converts it into an electrical signal received from the LAN. Based on this, the received signal is converted into digital data that can be received by the communication control unit 25. This is stored in a built-in buffer.

  The communication control unit 25 extracts the received data from the buffer of the network interface 27, determines a task of the transfer destination based on information such as a port number indicated by the received data, and provides the received data to the corresponding task ( Transmission).

  For example, when the port number indicated in the received data is a port number for network printing, the communication control unit 25 provides the received data to the print job registration processing task. When the print job registration processing task communicates with the PC 30 via the communication control unit 25 and the network interface 27 and receives print command data from the PC 30, the print job for the print data stored in the print command data is queued. To register. The print job registered in the queue is processed by a print control processing task (not shown). Specifically, the print control processing task executes the print jobs registered in the queue in the oldest order, and causes the printing unit 21 to print out an image based on the corresponding print data.

  In addition, when the port number indicated in the received data is a port number for setting change, the communication control unit 25 provides the received data to the setting change processing task. When the setting change processing task communicates with the PC 30 via the communication control unit 25 and the network interface 27 and receives setting request data generated by the PC 30 by an input operation on the PC 30 by the user, the setting change processing task receives the setting request data. Based on this, the own operation parameters and the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 are updated, and the setting change relating to the filtering function of the printer device 10 is performed.

  Note that the communication control unit 25 of the present embodiment has a filtering function, and during the period when the filtering function is set to ON, only the received data to which the predetermined IP address is added as the source address is supported. With respect to received data provided (transmitted) to a task and having another IP address assigned as a source address, the received data is not provided (transmitted) to the corresponding task. As is well known, in IP communication, information on the IP address of the transmission source is added to the IP packet. Therefore, the communication control unit 25 performs the above-described transmission control based on the information on the transmission source address.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 of the printer apparatus 10. The filtering setting data is data that determines the operation content of the filtering function, and includes function on / off setting data, mode setting data, and target range setting data.

  The function on / off setting data is data for switching on / off of the filtering function, and is data indicating a value of either “valid” or “invalid”. The communication control unit 25 sets a value indicated by the function on / off setting data to a corresponding operation parameter (hereinafter, this operation parameter is referred to as a parameter p_on) at the time of activation, and the function on / off setting data is set to “valid”. When the value indicates the filtering function, the filtering function is turned on. When the value “invalid” is indicated, the filtering function is turned off.

  Further, the mode setting data is data indicating a value of either “permission mode” or “prohibition mode”. The communication control unit 25 sets a value indicated by the mode setting data to a corresponding operation parameter (hereinafter, this operation parameter is referred to as a parameter p_mode) at the time of activation.

  When the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “permitted mode”, it is determined that reception data from a device to which an IP address in the address range indicated by the operation parameter corresponding to the target range setting data is assigned is received. Then, this data is provided (transmitted) to the corresponding task, and it is determined that received data from other devices is not accepted, and the operation of discarding this data without transmitting it is performed.

  Further, when the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “prohibited mode”, the communication control unit 25 receives from an apparatus to which an IP address within the address range indicated by the operation parameter corresponding to the target range setting data is assigned. It is determined that the data is not accepted, an operation for discarding the data without transmitting it is performed, and it is determined that the received data from other devices is accepted, and an operation for providing this data to the corresponding task is performed.

  The target range setting data is data indicating a range (address range) of IP addresses to be filtered. The address range is described by IP address information and mask information indicating valid address values. For example, when the IP address information is “10.134.0.0” and the mask information is “255.255.0.0”, the upper 16 bits have the value “10.134”. Address is subject to filtering.

  Note that each address range value (IP address and mask value pair) defined in the target range setting data is an operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 when the communication control unit 25 is started. An operation parameter corresponding to the range setting data (hereinafter, this operation parameter is set as a parameter p_addr) is set. The communication control unit 25 performs filtering of received data based on the parameter p_addr after activation.

  Next, reception control processing executed by the communication control unit 25 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a reception control process executed by the communication control unit 25 immediately after the printer apparatus 10 is turned on (immediately after startup). The filtering function described above is realized by this reception control process.

  When the reception control process is executed, the communication control unit 25 first sets an operation parameter that determines the reception control process operation based on the above-described filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 as an initial setting operation. Specifically, the value indicated by the function on / off setting data of the filtering setting data is set in the parameter p_on, the value indicated by the mode setting data is set in the parameter p_mode, and the value of each address range indicated by the target range setting data is set. The parameter p_addr is set (S110).

  When this initial setting is completed, the communication control unit 25 waits until the network interface 27 receives data (IP packet) from a device in the LAN (S120), and when the network interface 27 receives data (Yes in S120). ), Based on the parameter p_on, it is determined whether the filtering function is turned on (S130). That is, when the parameter p_on indicates a value of “valid”, it is determined that the filtering function is turned on. When the parameter p_on indicates a value of “invalid”, the filtering function Is not turned on (turned off).

  If it is determined that the filtering function is not turned on (No in S130), the communication control unit 25 proceeds to S170, accepts the data received by the network interface 27, and corresponds to the port number indicated by the received data. Provide (transmit) the received data to the task. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S240, and if it is determined that the end instruction is not input from the outside (No in S240), the process proceeds to S120 and if it is determined that the end instruction is input due to a power-off operation or the like (Yes in S240). Then, the reception control process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the filtering function is turned on (Yes in S130), the communication control unit 25 proceeds to S140 and determines whether the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “permitted mode”. When the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “permitted mode”, the process proceeds to S150. When the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “prohibited mode”, the process proceeds to S210.

  After shifting to S150, the communication control unit 25 collates each address range indicated by the parameter p_addr with the transmission source address indicated by the reception data, and the transmission source address indicated by the reception data corresponds to any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr. It is determined whether or not it is included (S160).

  If it is determined that the source address indicated by the received data is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr (Yes in S160), the process proceeds to S170, and the data received by the network interface 27 is accepted. The received data is provided (transmitted) to the corresponding task. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S240.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the source address indicated by the received data is not included in any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr (No in S160), the process proceeds to S230, and the data received by the network interface 27 is changed. The received data is discarded without being provided (transmitted) to the corresponding task. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S240.

  In addition, when it is determined in S140 that the parameter p_mode does not indicate a value of “permitted mode” (in other words, when the parameter p_mode indicates a value of “prohibited mode”), the communication control unit 25 In S210, each address range indicated by the parameter p_addr is collated with the transmission source address indicated by the reception data, and the transmission source address indicated by the reception data is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr. It is determined whether or not there is (S220).

  If it is determined that the source address indicated by the received data is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr (Yes in S220), the process proceeds to S230, and the data received by the network interface 27 is The received data is discarded without being provided (transmitted) to the corresponding task. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S240.

  On the other hand, when determining that the transmission source address indicated by the received data is not included in any of the address ranges indicated by the parameter p_addr (No in S220), the communication control unit 25 proceeds to S170, and performs the network interface. 27 receives the received data and provides (transmits) the received data to the corresponding task. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S240. If it is determined that an end instruction has been input (Yes in S240), the reception control process ends. In this way, the filtering function is realized.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting change process that the CPU 11 repeatedly executes as a setting change process task.

  When executing the setting change process, the CPU 11 waits until setting inquiry data or setting request data is received from the device (PC 30) in the LAN through the communication control unit 25 (S310, S320). (Yes in S310), with reference to each value of the operation parameter set in the communication control unit 25, the current setting content of the communication control unit 25 (setting content of filtering function on / off, mode setting content, address range) The setting content disclosure data indicating the setting content) is generated (S330), and is transmitted to the inquiry source device through the communication control unit 25 (S340). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S310.

  On the other hand, when the setting request data is received from the device (PC 30) in the LAN through the communication control unit 25 (Yes in S320), the CPU 11 executes the request receiving process shown in FIG. 6 (S350), and the received setting request data is received. The update of the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 and the update of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 are executed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by.

  Note that the setting request data is generated by the corresponding device (PC 30) according to the setting operation of the user. Specifically, the setting request data includes temporary setting necessity data indicating necessity of temporary setting, function on / off setting data, mode setting data, and target range setting data. Based on these data, the communication control unit 25 updates the operation parameters of the communication control unit 25 and each value of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 and changes the setting according to the instruction content.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the request acceptance process executed by the CPU 11 in S350. When the request acceptance process is executed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the temporary setting necessity data included in the received setting request data indicates a value of “temporary setting necessary”, thereby receiving the received setting request data. Is the temporary setting request data or the main setting request data (S410).

  If the setting necessity data indicates a value of “temporary setting unnecessary”, it is determined that the received setting request data is not the temporary setting request data but the main setting request data (No in S410). ), And the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 is updated in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the received setting request data. That is, the value of each data constituting the filtering setting data is updated to a value that matches the value indicated by each data stored in the setting request data. When this processing is completed, the process proceeds to S417, and the main setting notification data indicating the completion of the main setting indicating each value of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 is transmitted to the transmission source device of the setting request data.

  In addition, when the processing in S417 is completed, the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is updated according to the instruction content indicated by the received setting request data (S420). That is, the parameter p_on is updated to a value that matches the value indicated by the function on / off setting data stored in the setting request data, the parameter p_mode is updated to a value that matches the value indicated by the mode setting data, and the target range setting data The parameter p_addr is updated to a value that matches each address range indicated by. This parameter update is executed, for example, while the communication control unit 25 shifts from S240 to S120. Further, when the process in S420 is completed in this way, the request reception process is ended.

  On the other hand, if the received setting request data indicates a value of “temporary setting required”, the CPU 11 determines that the received setting request data is temporary setting request data (Yes in S410), and proceeds to S430. Each value indicated by the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is temporarily stored in the RAM 15. That is, each value indicated by the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is backed up and saved.

  When the process in S430 is completed, the operational parameters of the communication control unit 25 are updated and the filtering function is provisionally set in the same manner as the process in S420 according to the instruction content indicated by the received setting request data (S440). ). When the processing in S440 is completed, the CPU 11 completes the temporary setting indicating the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25 (filtering function on / off setting contents, mode setting contents, and address range setting contents). The setting change notification data to the effect is generated (S450), and is transmitted to the transmission source device of the setting request data through the communication control unit 25 (S460).

  Although the details will be described later, when the setting request data transmission source device (PC 30) receives the setting change notification data, it displays the main setting confirmation screen shown in FIG. Queries the intention of When the user depresses the “setting key” and indicates the intention of the main setting, the main setting instruction data is transmitted to the printer device 10. When the user presses the “cancel key” and indicates the intention of canceling the setting, release instruction data is transmitted to the printer apparatus 10. Therefore, after transmitting the setting change notification data in S460, the CPU 11 stands by until receiving the setting instruction data or the cancellation instruction data through the communication control unit 25 in S470 to S490.

  However, when the communication control unit 25 discards the reception data from the transmission source device of the setting request data in the reception control process due to the change of the operation parameter setting based on the setting request data, the CPU 11 causes the network interface 27 to Even if the setting instruction data or the release instruction data is received, the reception of the request cannot be confirmed in the request reception process. Accordingly, in the processes in S470 to S490, the timeout process is also executed simultaneously.

  That is, when the process in S460 is completed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the main setting instruction data is received from the setting request data transmission source device via the communication control unit 25 (S470). Is determined (No in S470), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after transmission of the setting change notification data (S480). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S480), it is determined whether or not the release instruction data is received from the transmission source device of the setting request data via the communication control unit 25 (S490). If it is determined that the release instruction data has not been received (No in S490), the process proceeds to S470. By such processing, the CPU 11 receives the setting instruction data or the release instruction data via the communication control unit 25 or waits until a predetermined time elapses.

  If it is determined that the main setting instruction data is received from the setting request data transmission source device via the communication control unit 25 (Yes in S470), the CPU 11 proceeds to S500 and precedes the main setting instruction data. In accordance with the instruction content indicated by the received setting request data (or the current setting content of the communication control unit 25), the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 is updated and this setting is performed. When the processing in S500 is completed, the CPU 11 transmits main setting notification data indicating the completion of the main setting indicating each value of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 to the setting request data transmission source device (S510). After that, the request acceptance process ends.

  On the other hand, after the setting change notification data is transmitted, neither the setting instruction data nor the release instruction data is received, and it is determined that the predetermined time has passed (Yes in S480), or the communication control unit 25 within the predetermined time. When the user presses the cancel key on the setting confirmation screen to determine that the release instruction data transmitted from the setting request data transmission source device has been received (Yes in S490), the CPU 11 The process proceeds to S520, and based on the values of the operation parameters backed up and stored in S430, the values of the operation parameters of the communication control unit 25 are changed to the values before the update in S440.

  As a result, the CPU 11 invalidates the temporary setting, and then sends the setting restoration notification data indicating the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25 and indicating that the setting has been restored to the setting request data transmission source device. (S530). Then, when the process in S530 is finished, the request acceptance process is finished. In addition, when the request acceptance process in S350 is ended in this way, the CPU 11 once ends the setting change process and proceeds to S310.

  Further, a part of the PC 30 constituting the communication system 1 has a function setting program for causing the CPU 31 to execute the function setting process shown in FIG. 7 in the hard disk device 37, and by executing this function setting program. The setting inquiry data and the setting request data described above are transmitted to the printer device 10 in accordance with the user's instruction. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a function setting process executed by the CPU 31 when a function setting program execution instruction is input from the input unit 43 by a user's operation.

  When the function setting process is executed, the CPU 31 first searches for the printer device 10 in the LAN by a well-known method (for example, by broadcasting search data and obtaining reply data), and the printer device existing in the LAN. A printer device selection screen having a GUI configuration representing the list of 10 is displayed on the display unit 41 (S610). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S620, and it is determined whether one of the printer apparatuses 10 existing in the LAN is selected through the printer apparatus selection screen by the user's selection operation.

  If it is determined that it is not selected (No in S620), it waits until one of the printer devices 10 is selected by the user. If selected (Yes in S620), the printer device 10 selected by the user. In response to this, the setting inquiry data is transmitted via the communication control unit 45. As a result, the CPU 31 acquires (receives) the setting content disclosure data from the printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45 (S630).

  When the setting content disclosure data is received from the printer device 10, the CPU 31 is a screen on which the current setting content of the printer device 10 (filtering function) is written based on the setting content disclosure data. A filtering configuration screen having a GUI configuration that can accept a change instruction from the user is displayed on the display unit 41 (S640).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of this filtering setting screen. As shown in FIG. 9, the filtering setting screen includes a check box A1 for on / off setting of the filtering function, a pair of radio buttons A2 for mode setting, a check box A3 for temporary setting request, and an IP address input. A pair of input fields A4 for address range setting, which includes a field A41 and a mask information input field A42, a setting key A5 for inputting setting execution instructions, and a cancel key A6 for inputting cancellation instructions are provided. In addition, this filtering setting screen has a message display field for displaying various messages.

  In S640, the CPU 31 sets the check box A1 to the check state or the non-check state according to the current setting content indicated by the setting content disclosure data, and corresponds to the radio button A21 corresponding to the “permission mode” and the “prohibition mode”. Any one of the radio buttons A22 is marked. If an address range is set, IP address information indicating the address range is described in the input field A41, and mask information is described in the corresponding input field A42. In addition, the CPU 31 sets the check box A3 for temporary setting request to a checked state by default.

  In S640, when the filtering setting screen is displayed and output, the CPU 31 stands by until the user operation information is input from the input unit 43. When the user operation information is input (Yes in S650), It is determined whether or not the operation information is operation information indicating a pressing operation of the cancel key A6 (S660). If it is determined that the operation information is operation information indicating a pressing operation of the cancel key A6 (Yes in S660), the function setting process is performed. Exit.

  On the other hand, when determining that the operation information is not the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the cancel key A6 (No in S660), the CPU 31 determines whether the operation information is the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the setting key A5 (S670). If it is determined that the operation information is not operation information indicating the pressing operation of the setting key A5 (No in S670), a corresponding process is executed according to the input operation information (S680).

  Specifically, the operation target of the corresponding filtering setting screen is identified based on the operation information, and when the operation target is the check box A1, the check state / non-check state of the check box A1 is switched. When the operation target is the radio button A2, one of the selected radio buttons A21 and A22 is marked, and the other radio buttons A21 and A22 are put into an unmarked state. When the operation target is the check box A3, the check state / non-check state of the check box A3 is switched. In addition, when the operation target is the input field A4, the character string input from the input unit 43 is described in the corresponding input field. In S680, the filtering setting screen is updated based on the operation information in this way.

  If the CPU 31 determines that the input operation information is operation information indicating a pressing operation of the setting key A5 (Yes in S670), the CPU 31 proceeds to S690, and each input field A4 (however, a character string is input). It is determined whether or not the character string input in the input field (excluding the input field that is not) is a description indicating an IP address. If the character string is not a description indicating an IP address (No in S690), the process proceeds to S700. The message indicating that the description of the IP address is not appropriate is displayed in the message display field of the filtering setting screen. When this process is finished, the CPU 31 proceeds to S650 and waits until new operation information is input from the input unit 43.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S690 that the character string input in each input field A4 is a description indicating an IP address (Yes in S690), the CPU 31 proceeds to S710 and checks for temporary setting request. It is determined whether or not the box A3 is checked. If it is determined that the box A3 is checked (Yes in S710), the process proceeds to S740. If it is determined that the box A3 is not checked (No in S710), the process proceeds to S720. A confirmation screen (not shown) for inquiring of the user whether or not the printer device 10 may be set with the content indicated by the filtering setting screen is displayed in a separate screen while holding the filtering setting screen. Then, it is displayed on the display unit 41.

  The confirmation screen is provided with a “setting key” and a “cancel key”. After the confirmation screen is displayed in S720, the CPU 31 performs “setting” on the confirmation screen from the input unit 43 by the user's operation. When the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “key” is input, “Yes” is determined in S730, and the process proceeds to S740. On the other hand, after the confirmation screen is displayed in S720, if operation information indicating a pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the confirmation screen is input from the input unit 43 by the user's operation, it is determined No in S730 and the process proceeds to S650. .

  In step S740, the CPU 31 generates setting request data describing the values of the input fields A1 to A4 (in other words, the setting request instruction contents of the user) on the filtering setting screen. Specifically, function on / off setting data indicating a value corresponding to the state of the check box A1, mode setting data indicating a value corresponding to the state of the radio button A2, and a temporary value indicating a value corresponding to the state of the check box A3. Setting request data storing setting necessity data and target range setting data indicating a value corresponding to the state of the input field A4 is generated. Then, the setting request data is transmitted via the communication control unit 45 to the printer device 10 selected on the printer device selection screen.

  When the processing in S740 is completed in this way, the CPU 31 proceeds to S750, where the transmitted setting request data is temporary setting request data (the value of temporary setting necessity data is “temporary setting required”). If it is determined that the transmitted setting request data is not temporary setting request data (No in S750), the transmission destination printer apparatus 10 via the communication control unit 45 determines whether the transmitted setting request data is not temporary setting request data. The process waits until the above-described main setting notification data is received (S760). When the main setting notification data is received (Yes in S760), the main setting completion notification screen having the configuration shown in FIG. 10A showing a message indicating that the main setting is completed based on the received main setting notification data. Is displayed on the display unit 41 (S770).

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the setting completion notification screen. After the display of the main setting completion notification screen, when the “OK” key on the main setting completion notification screen is pressed by a user operation, the CPU 31 ends the function setting process. In this embodiment, the process is executed on the assumption that the main setting notification data can be basically received after the transition to S760, but the main setting notification data cannot be received for a predetermined time in S760. In such a case, the function setting process may be configured such that the filtering setting screen is displayed again on the display unit 41 and the process proceeds to S650.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S750 that the transmitted setting request data is temporary setting request data (Yes in S750), the CPU 31 sends setting change notification data from the destination printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45. Wait until it is received (S780), and when setting change notification data is received (Yes in S780), based on the received setting change notification data, the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25 and the fact that temporary setting has been performed FIG. 10B shows a message, a message for inquiring whether or not this setting can be executed, a “setting key” for the main setting instruction, and a “cancel key” for the temporary setting cancellation instruction. This setting confirmation screen having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 41 (S790).

  FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the setting confirmation screen. In this embodiment, the process is executed on the assumption that the setting change notification data can be basically received after the transition to S780, but the setting change notification data cannot be received for a predetermined time in S780. In such a case, the function setting process may be configured such that the filtering setting screen is displayed again on the display unit 41 and the process proceeds to S650.

  When the processing in S790 is completed, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the setting confirmation screen is input from the input unit 43 (S800). When it is determined that the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” is not input from the input unit 43 (No in S800), the process proceeds to S810, and the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” on the setting confirmation screen is performed. Is input from the input unit 43. If it is determined that the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” is not input from the input unit 43, the process proceeds to S800. In this way, the CPU 31 waits until the “cancel key” is pressed on the setting confirmation screen or until the “setting key” is pressed (S800, S810).

  When the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” is input from the input unit 43 (Yes in S810), the process proceeds to S820, and the setting instruction data is transferred to the corresponding printer device 10 to the communication control unit. 45.

  When the process in S820 is completed, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the main setting notification data is received from the corresponding printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45 (S830), and receives the main setting notification data. If it is determined that no timeout has occurred (No in S830), it is determined whether a timeout has occurred (S840). Specifically, in this embodiment, when the setting restoration notification data is received from the corresponding printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45, it is determined that a timeout has occurred, and the setting restoration notification data is not received. Determines that a timeout has not occurred. If it is determined that a timeout has not occurred (No in S840), the process proceeds to S830.

  By such processing, the CPU 31 receives the setting notification data from the printer apparatus 10 that is the transmission destination of the setting instruction data via the communication control unit 45 or waits until a timeout occurs, and transmits the setting instruction data. When the main setting notification data is received from the previous printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45 (Yes in S830), the above-described main setting completion notification screen is displayed on the display unit 41 based on the received main setting notification data. (S850). When the “OK key” on the setting completion notification screen is pressed by the user's operation, the function setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 31 determines that a timeout has occurred (Yes in S840), the CPU 31 proceeds to S860, and shows a message indicating that the setting has been restored based on the received setting restoration notification data (c). ) Is displayed on the display unit 41. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the setting restoration notification screen. When the “OK” key on the setting restoration notification screen is pressed by a user operation, the process proceeds to S870, and the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25 indicated by the setting restoration notification data are described on the display unit 41. The above filtering setting screen is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S650.

  In addition, when it is determined in S800 that operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the setting confirmation screen has been input from the input unit 43 (Yes in S800), the CPU 31 proceeds to S880 and the setting request data transmission destination The release instruction data is transmitted to the printer apparatus 10 via the communication control unit 45.

  When the processing in S880 is completed, the CPU 31 waits until setting restoration notification data is received from the printer apparatus 10 that is the release instruction data transmission destination via the communication control unit 45 (S890). Upon reception, the process proceeds to S900, and the setting restoration notification screen shown in FIG. 10C is displayed on the display unit 41 based on the received setting restoration notification data. When the “OK” key on the setting restoration notification screen is pressed by the user's operation, the CPU 31 proceeds to S910 and the current setting content of the communication control unit 25 indicated by the setting restoration notification data is displayed on the display unit 41. The above-mentioned filtering setting screen in which is written is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S650.

  The communication system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. According to the communication system 1, whether or not the communication control unit 25 accepts data received from a device in the LAN is set in advance. If it is determined that the received data is accepted (Yes in S160, No in S220), the process of S170 is executed, and the received data is transmitted to the task located in the lower layer, and is determined not to be accepted. In this case (No in S160, Yes in S220), the process of S230 is executed to perform the process of discarding the received data, thereby realizing the filtering function (corresponding to the communication means of the present invention).

  Further, the communication control unit 25 sets operation parameters (address range, etc.) related to the filtering function according to the contents of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 at the time of activation (S110: corresponding to the setting unit of the present invention), and other Until the operation parameter is changed by a task or the like, the operation related to the filtering function is performed with this setting content.

  In addition, when the printer device 10 receives setting request data indicating the change instruction content regarding the setting related to the filtering function from the device in the LAN via the communication control unit 25, the printer device 10 performs filtering according to the instruction content indicated by the setting request data. Change settings for functions (request acceptance processing). For example, when the received setting request data is temporary setting request data, the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 related to the filtering function is changed in S440 in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the setting request data (of the present invention). Equivalent to setting change means).

  In addition, after the setting change in S440, the printer device 10 transmits setting change notification data indicating that the setting change has been performed to the setting request data transmission source device via the communication control unit 25 (S460: the present invention). Equivalent to change notification means). In response to the setting change notification data, the setting request data is transmitted from the setting request data transmission source device. The printer 10 determines whether or not the setting setting data is received. Then, it is determined whether or not communication with the transmission source device of the setting request data that causes the setting to be performed can be normally performed via the communication control unit 25 (S470 to S490: corresponding to the determination unit of the present invention). .

  If this setting instruction data can be received within a predetermined time, it is determined that the communication can be normally performed (Yes in S470), and the NVRAM 17 stores the value corresponding to the setting content of the communication control unit 25. The filtering setting data is updated to perform the main setting (S500: corresponding to the main setting unit of the present invention). When this setting is performed, the setting notification data indicating that the setting has been completed is transmitted to the transmission source device of the setting request data via the communication control unit 25 (S510: the setting of the present invention). Equivalent to notification means).

  On the other hand, if the main setting instruction data (or cancellation instruction data) cannot be received within a predetermined time, the printer 10 determines that communication cannot be performed normally (Yes in S480), and changes the setting in S440. The value of the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is changed to the previous value (S520: equivalent to the setting restoration means of the present invention).

  When the setting is restored in S520, the setting restoration notification data (corresponding to the resetting notification data of the present invention) indicating that the setting has been restored is transmitted to the setting request data via the communication control unit 25. It is transmitted to the original apparatus (S530: equivalent to resetting notification means of the present invention).

  That is, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user sets the filtering function through the PC 30 (particularly when the address range is set), the setting destination PC 30 (management device) to the setting destination printer device 10. When a setting that makes it impossible to access the URL is set, processing for invalidating the setting change is performed.

  Therefore, according to the communication system 1, even if the user makes a setting mistake, it is possible to prevent the printer device 10 from being continuously accessible from the setting source PC 30 (management device). can do. Therefore, according to this communication system 1, when the user makes a setting mistake, it is prevented from accessing the setting destination printer device 10 again from the setting source PC 30 and setting the filtering function. can do. In particular, since mistakes are likely to occur when setting an address range, if the printer device 10 is provided with a function for invalidating the setting as in this embodiment, the printer device 10 and the communication system that are easy for the user to handle. 1 can be provided.

  Further, in the printer device 10 of this embodiment, every time the setting is changed regardless of temporary setting / main setting, notification data to that effect is transmitted to the setting request data transmission source device, and a message indicating that the setting has been changed. Can be displayed for users. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from making mistakes in the setting contents of the communication control unit 25 by changing the setting regardless of the user's intention, such as the setting change after determining Yes in S480. it can.

  The management apparatus of the present invention corresponds to the PC 30 having a function setting program, and the setting screen display control means corresponds to the process of S640 executed by the CPU 31. Further, the instruction content transmission unit is realized by the process of S740, and the inspection data transmission unit is realized by the process of S820 for transmitting the setting instruction data. The resetting execution message display control means is realized by the process of S860, the setting execution message display control means is realized by the process of S850, and the confirmation screen display control means is realized by the process of S790. ing.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the main setting instruction data can be received from the setting request data transmission source device, it is determined that communication can be normally performed, and the main setting is performed. If the temporary setting is invalidated, the problem that the setting source PC 30 cannot access the setting destination printer apparatus 10 is solved. The above problem can also be solved by determining whether or not the content is appropriate at the time of transmission (second embodiment).

  The communication system 1 of the second embodiment described below is a modification of the function setting program of the first embodiment, and the contents of the function setting process executed by the CPU 31 based on the function setting program are different. Except for this, the configuration is basically the same as the communication system 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, only the function setting process of the second embodiment executed by the CPU 31 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the function setting process which CPU31 performs based on the function setting program in the communication system 1 of 2nd Example.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU 31 executes the function setting process shown in FIG. 11 when an instruction to execute the function setting program is input from the input unit 43 by the user's operation.

  When this function setting process is executed, the CPU 31 executes the processes from S610 to S690 as in the first embodiment. However, in S640, the filtering setting screen that describes the current setting contents of the printer device 10 (filtering function) and that does not include the check box A3 is displayed on the display unit 41. That is, the filtering setting screen of the second embodiment is configured not to include the check box A3 in the filtering setting screen of the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 31 determines NO in S690, it proceeds to S700 and executes the same processing as in the first embodiment. If it determines YES in S690, it proceeds to S1000 and the content inspection process shown in FIG. Execute. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a content inspection process executed by the CPU 31.

  When the content inspection process is executed, the CPU 31 first identifies the IP address of its own device set in the communication control unit 45 in S1001, and then refers to the radio button A2 on the filtering setting screen in S1002. It is determined whether or not “permission mode” is selected on the filtering setting screen. If it is determined that “permitted mode” is selected (Yes in S1002), it is determined whether or not the IP address of the own device is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the values in the input fields A4. Judgment is made (S1003).

  If it is determined that the IP address of the own device is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the values of the input fields A4 (Yes in S1003), the CPU 31 determines that the value of the input field A4 is In step S1004, a setting permission determination is made to permit transmission of setting request data and the determination result is output (S1004). Thereafter, the content inspection process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1003 that the IP address of the own device is not included in any of the address ranges indicated by the values of the input fields A4 (No in S1003), the CPU 31 determines the values of the input fields A4. However, it is determined that the access to the setting destination printer apparatus 10 is inhibited from the own apparatus, a setting prohibition determination is performed to prohibit transmission of the setting request data, and the determination result is output as a return value (S1009). ). Thereafter, the content inspection process ends.

  In addition, when it is determined in S1002 that “permitted mode” is not selected (in other words, “prohibited mode” is selected) (No in S1002), the CPU 31 determines in S1006 the IP address of its own device. Is included in one of the address ranges indicated by the values in the input fields A4.

  If it is determined that the IP address of the own device is included in any of the address ranges indicated by the values of the input fields A4 (Yes in S1006), the value of the input field A4 is changed from the own device to the setting destination. Assuming that access to the printer apparatus 10 is hindered, a setting prohibition determination is made to prohibit transmission of setting request data, and the determination result is output as a return value (S1009). Thereafter, the content inspection process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1006 that the IP address of the own device is not included in any of the address ranges indicated by the values in the input fields A4 (No in S1006), the CPU 31 determines the values in the input fields A4. However, assuming that the access from the own apparatus to the setting destination printer apparatus 10 is not obstructed, a setting permission determination is made to permit transmission of setting request data, and the determination result is output as a return value (S1007). ). Thereafter, the content inspection process ends.

  When the content inspection process in S1000 is completed in this way, the CPU 31 proceeds to S1010 and determines whether or not the determination made in the previous content inspection process is a “setting permission determination”. If it is determined that the determination made is not “setting permission determination” (in other words, “setting prohibition determination”) (No in S1010), the CPU 31 displays the IP address of its own device in the message display field of the filtering setting screen. A message indicating that the address is not a permission address (a type of IP address accepted by the printer 10) is displayed. At this time, the IP address of the own apparatus is displayed in the message display field together with the message (S1020). Thereafter, the CPU 31 proceeds to S650.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1010 that the determination is “setting permission determination” (Yes in S1010), the CPU 31 may set the printer apparatus 10 with the content indicated by the filtering setting screen. A confirmation screen (not shown) for making an inquiry to the user is displayed on the display unit 41 as a separate screen while holding the filtering setting screen (S1030).

  The confirmation screen is provided with a “setting key” and a “cancel key”. After the confirmation screen is displayed in S1030, the CPU 31 performs “setting” on the confirmation screen from the input unit 43 by the user's operation. When the operation information indicating the operation of pressing the “key” is input, it is determined that the execution instruction is input, “Yes” in S1040, and the process proceeds to S1050. On the other hand, after the confirmation screen is displayed in S1030, if the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the confirmation screen is input from the input unit 43 by the user's operation, it is determined that the cancel instruction is input. And the process proceeds to S650.

  In step S1050, the CPU 31 generates setting request data describing the values of the input fields A1, A2, and A4 on the filtering setting screen (in other words, the setting request instruction contents of the user). Specifically, function on / off setting data indicating a value corresponding to the state of the check box A1, mode setting data indicating a value corresponding to the state of the radio button A2, and an object indicating a value corresponding to the state of the input field A4 Setting request data storing range setting data is generated. Then, the setting request data is transmitted via the communication control unit 45 to the printer device 10 selected on the printer device selection screen. In the second embodiment, since the temporary setting necessity data referred to in the first embodiment is not stored in the setting request data, the printer apparatus 10 is configured to always determine No in S410 of the request receiving process. .

  After completing the processing in S1050, the CPU 31 waits until receiving the setting notification data from the setting request data transmission destination printer device 10 via the communication control unit 45 (S1060). When the main setting notification data is received from the printer device 10, the main setting notification screen shown in FIG. 10A is displayed on the display unit 21 (S1070). When the “OK key” on the setting completion notification screen is pressed by the user's operation, the function setting process ends.

  The communication system 1 according to the second embodiment has been described above. According to the communication system 1, when an instruction to execute the function setting program is input from the input unit 43 by a user operation, the PC 30 is changed to FIG. In step S640, a filtering setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction related to the filtering function from the user is displayed on the display unit 41 (corresponding to the setting screen display control unit of the present invention).

  Further, the PC 30 operates the input unit 43 based on the filtering setting screen, and according to the setting change instruction input from the input unit 43 as operation information, the input fields A1, A2 on the filtering setting screen. , A4 value is changed, and the setting key is pressed, setting request data describing the values of the input fields A1, A2, A4 of this filtering setting screen is generated and transmitted to the printer device 10 ( Equivalent to the instruction content transmitting means of the present invention).

  In addition, the PC 30 executes the content inspection process before sending the setting request data (S1050), and compares the address range indicated by each value in the input field A4 with the IP address of its own device. When the printer device 10 is set with the instruction content indicated by the filtering setting screen, the printer device 10 determines whether or not transmission data from the PC 30 cannot be accepted (S1000: the validity determination unit of the present invention). Equivalent). If it cannot be accepted, “setting prohibition determination” is performed (S1009).

  Further, when “setting prohibition determination” is made in the content inspection processing, it is determined No in S1010 and a warning message is displayed on the display unit 41 (S1020: equivalent to the warning message display control means of the present invention). In step S650, the setting request data is not transmitted (corresponding to the setting operation prohibiting unit of the present invention).

  As described above, in the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment, the PC 30 determines whether or not the setting change instruction input from the user is appropriate. By not transmitting data, the printer device 10 is not set.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the user inputs a wrong value in the input field A4, the filtering function is set with incorrect contents, and the setting source PC 30 transfers to the setting destination printer apparatus 10. It is possible to prevent access from becoming impossible. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the setting for the printer apparatus 10 from being performed from the PC 30 through the network.

  In the above embodiment, a system in which the function setting program is installed in the PC 30 is assumed. However, the communication system is configured so that data replacing the function setting program is transmitted from the printer device 10 to the PC 30 through the web server. 1 may be configured (third embodiment).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the communication system 101 according to the third embodiment.

  The communication system 101 of this embodiment changes the printer device 10 of the first embodiment to a printer device 110 having an embedded web server (EWS) 19 and interprets a web page provided by the embedded web server 19. A web browser (program) for causing the CPU 31 to execute processing for displaying a screen corresponding to the web page on the display unit 41 is installed in the hard disk device 37 of the PC 30.

  In the third embodiment, instead of executing the setting change process shown in FIG. 5 by the CPU 11, the printer apparatus 110 is configured to execute the setting change process shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 by the built-in web server 19. Since the communication system 110 is configured to display various setting screens through a web browser instead of the function setting program, the PC 30 and the first embodiment of the printer device 110 and the PC 30 will be described below. The description of the parts having the same configuration as in FIG. 2 will be omitted, and the processing operation of the embedded web server 19 and the processing operation of the PC 30 realized by the web browser will be mainly described.

  In FIG. 13, the embedded web server 19 and the CPU 11 are shown separately. However, the embedded web server 19 may be configured by a dedicated device (for example, a dedicated microcomputer). It may be realized by executing a program corresponding to the CPU 11. In this embodiment, the embedded web server 19 is handled in the same manner as the above-described task executed by the CPU 11 from the communication control unit 25 side, and the data addressed to the embedded web server 19 received by the network interface 27 is used. Is provided to the embedded web server 19 by the communication control unit 25 through the above-described processing (reception control processing). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the processing in the embedded web server 19 is realized by a program.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the setting change process executed by the embedded web server 19. When the embedded web server 19 receives connection request data for the setting change processing program under the embedded web server 19 from the device (PC 30) in the LAN via the communication control unit 25, FIG. 14 and FIG. The setting change process shown in FIG.

  When the setting change process is executed, the embedded web server 19 first executes a login process to obtain authentication information such as a login ID from a device in the LAN that has requested connection (S1110). Based on the information, it is determined whether or not the user is a legitimate user. If the user is a legitimate user, it is determined that login is OK (Yes in S1120), and the process proceeds to S1130. If the user is not a valid user, it is determined as login NG (No in S1120), and the setting change process is terminated.

  When the process proceeds to S1130, the embedded web server 19 causes the connection request source apparatus (PC 30) to display a selection screen for selecting various services (including logout service) provided by the apparatus as an initial screen. Initial screen data (web page: for example, data in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format) is transmitted to the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25, and then the service selected by the user through this initial screen is transmitted. It waits until the request data is transmitted from the connection request source device (S1140). When the request data is received (Yes in S1140), it is determined whether or not the request data is request data on the filtering setting screen (S1150). If the request data is not request data on the filtering setting screen, (No in S1150) After executing the process corresponding to the request data (S1160), the setting change process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the received request data is the request data for the filtering setting screen (Yes in S1150), the embedded web server 19 performs filtering setting screen data (web) describing the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25. Page) is generated (S1170), and this filtering setting screen data is transmitted to the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25 (S1180).

  The filtering setting screen data is data for displaying the filtering setting screen in the format shown in FIG. 9 on the web browser of the connection request source apparatus. When this data is generated in the HTML format, for example, a check box type input tag is described as a tag for displaying the input field A1 in the form tag, and a tag for displaying the input field A2 A radio type input tag is described for each radio button, a check box type input tag is described as a tag for displaying the input field A3, and a text is displayed as the tag for displaying the input field A4. Type input tag is described for each input field, the submit type input tag is described as a tag for displaying the setting key A5, and the link information to the initial screen as a tag for displaying the cancel key A6 Button tag (for sending request data for the initial screen) Tag) describes, it is possible to generate a filtering setting screen data.

  In addition, as a method of reflecting the current setting contents to the filtering setting screen data, a value for controlling the initial display contents is attached to the corresponding input tag, and the current setting contents are described in the filtering setting screen data. There is a way to do it. For example, a value CHECKED instructing the check box to be checked is attached to a check box type input tag as necessary, and the currently set IP address is attached to the parameter VALUE in the text type input tag.

  In addition, when the filtering setting screen data reflecting the current setting content is generated and transmitted to the connection request source device in this way, the embedded web server 19 proceeds to S1190, and the filtering setting screen data is added to the filtering setting screen data. Based on the filtering setting screen displayed by the web browser, the data sent from the connection request source device (the initial screen request data or the input result storage data) when the user presses the setting key or the cancel key. ) Until it is received via the communication control unit 25. When the above data is received (Yes in S1190), it is determined whether the received data is request data for the initial screen (S1200).

  If it is determined that the received data is the initial screen request data (Yes in S1200), the embedded web server 19 proceeds to S1130, and transmits the initial screen data to the connection request source apparatus in response to the request. . Thereafter, the processing after S1140 is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the received data is input result storage data indicating the input contents to the input fields A1 to A4 on the filtering setting screen (No in S1200), the embedded web server 19 determines that the received input result storage data is Whether the character string input in each input field A4 (except for the input field in which no character string is input) on the filtering setting screen is a description indicating an IP address based on the value of each input field A4 shown If it is determined whether it is not a description indicating an IP address (No in S1210), the process proceeds to S1220.

  Then, when the process proceeds to S1220, the embedded web server 19 sends a message indicating that the description of the IP address is not appropriate, which is filtering setting screen data reflecting the input contents of the user's current filtering setting screen. Filtering setting screen data to which a character string to be displayed on the web browser is added is generated and transmitted to the connection request source apparatus via the communication control unit 25. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1190.

  If it is determined in S1210 that the character string input in each input field A4 is a description indicating an IP address (Yes in S1210), the embedded web server 19 is stored in the input result storage data. It is determined whether or not the value of the check box A3 is a value indicating a check state (S1230). If it is determined that the value is not a value indicating a check state (in other words, a value indicating a non-check state) (No in S1230), the process proceeds to S1240, and settings may be made with the contents input on the filtering setting screen. Confirmation screen data (web page) for displaying a confirmation screen with a message confirming to the user on the web browser is transmitted to the connection request source device (S1240).

  In the confirmation screen data, information for displaying on the web browser a “setting key” for transmitting the value of execution OK and a “cancel key” for transmitting the value of execution NG ( For example, a button tag that transmits a value of execution OK when the key is pressed and a button tag that transmits a value of execution NG when the key is pressed are included. When the “setting key” is pressed, data including a value of execution OK is transmitted from the connection request source device, and when the user presses the “cancel key” through the confirmation screen, the connection request source device executes the execution NG. Data including the value of is sent.

  Therefore, the embedded web server 19 sends the data including the value of execution OK or the data including the value of execution NG from the connection request source device to the communication control unit in S1250 executed after transmission of the confirmation screen data. If the data is received, it is determined whether or not the received data is data including a value of execution OK (S1260).

  Then, if it is determined that the received data is not data including the value of execution OK (No in S1260), the embedded web server 19 performs filtering setting reflecting the user's input contents on the filtering setting screen up to now. Screen data is generated and transmitted to the connection request source apparatus via the communication control unit 25 (S1280). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1190.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the received data is data including a value of execution OK (Yes in S1260), the embedded web server 19 determines whether the communication control unit 25 performs the process according to the input content indicated by the input result storage data received earlier. The operation parameter is updated (S1270). When this processing is finished, the process proceeds to S1360, and the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 is updated according to the input contents indicated by the input result storage data (or the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25), and the filtering function Change the setting.

  When the processing in S1360 is finished, the embedded web server 19 is data (web page) indicating each value of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17, and the above-described setting notification screen is displayed on the web browser. The setting notification screen data to be displayed is transmitted to the connection request source device (S1370). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1400, and when the user presses the “OK key” on the setting notification screen described above and receives the initial screen request data transmitted from the connection request source device (Yes in S1400). In step S1130, initial screen data is transmitted to the connection request source apparatus.

  On the other hand, when the embedded web server 19 determines that the value of the check box A3 stored in the input result storage data is a value indicating a check state (Yes in S1230), the embedded web server 19 proceeds to S1290 and the communication control unit 25 Each value indicated by the operation parameter is temporarily stored in the RAM 15, and each value indicated by the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is backed up and saved.

  When the processing in S1290 is completed, the operational parameters of the communication control unit 25 are updated according to the input content indicated by the received input result storage data, and the filtering function is provisionally set (S1300). When the processing in S1300 is finished, the embedded web server 19 shows the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25 (filtering function on / off setting contents, mode setting contents, address range setting contents). Data (web page), the main setting confirmation screen data for displaying the above-mentioned main setting confirmation screen (see FIG. 10B) on the web browser is generated (S1310), and this is generated as a connection request source device. (S1320).

  When the processing in S1320 is completed, the embedded web server 19 determines whether or not the main setting instruction data has been received from the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25 (S1330). If it is determined that data has not been received (No in S1330), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed after transmission of the setting confirmation screen data (S1340). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S1340), it is determined whether or not the release instruction data is received from the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25 (S1350), and the release instruction data is determined. Is determined not to have been received (No in S1350), the process proceeds to S1330. By such processing, the embedded web server 19 receives the setting instruction data or the release instruction data from the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25 or waits until a predetermined time elapses.

  If it is determined that the setting request data is received from the connection request source device via the communication control unit 25 (Yes in S1330), the embedded web server 19 proceeds to S1360 and precedes the setting setting data. The filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 is updated according to the instruction content indicated by the received input result storage data (or the current setting content of the communication control unit 25). When the processing in S1360 is completed, the embedded web server 19 transmits main setting notification screen data (web page) indicating each value of the filtering setting data stored in the NVRAM 17 to the connection request source device (S1370). ), And then the process proceeds to S1400.

  On the other hand, after the transmission of the main setting confirmation screen data, neither the main setting instruction data nor the release instruction data is received, and it is determined that a predetermined time has passed (Yes in S1340), or within the predetermined time, the communication control unit 25, if it is determined that the release instruction data has been received from the connection request source device (Yes in S1350), the embedded web server 19 proceeds to S1380 and is based on the values of the operation parameters backed up in S1290. Then, each value of the operation parameter of the communication control unit 25 is changed to the value before updating in S1300. As a result, the embedded web server 19 invalidates the temporary setting, and thereafter data (web page) indicating the current setting content of the communication control unit 25, and the above-described setting restoration notification screen (FIG. 10C). The setting restoration notification screen data for displaying (see) on the web browser is transmitted to the connection request source apparatus (S1390). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1400.

  Next, a description will be given of a process realized by the CPU (CPU 31 of the PC 30) of the connection request source device using the web browser when the filtering setting screen data and the main setting confirmation screen data are received via the communication control unit 45. . 16 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 31 after receiving the filtering setting screen data, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 31 after receiving the setting confirmation screen data. .

  Upon receiving the filtering setting screen data, the CPU 31 displays the filtering setting screen on the screen (web page) display area of the web browser based on the received filtering setting screen data (S1510), and then the operation on the filtering setting screen. It waits until information is input from the input unit 43 (S1520).

  When the operation information is input, it is determined whether or not the operation information is operation information indicating a pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the filtering setting screen (S1530), and the pressing operation of the “cancel key” is performed. If it is determined that the operation information is indicated (Yes in S1530), the request data of the initial screen is transmitted to the embedded web server 19 via the communication control unit 45 (S1540).

  On the other hand, when determining that the operation information is not operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” (No in S1530), the CPU 31 determines that the input operation information indicates that the “setting key” is pressed on the filtering setting screen. If it is determined whether the input operation information is the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” (Yes in S1550), the currently displayed filtering information is determined. Input result storage data storing the values of the input fields A1 to A4 on the setting screen is generated and transmitted to the embedded web server 19 via the communication control unit 45 (S1560).

  If it is determined that the input operation information is not the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” on the filtering setting screen (No in S1550), the CPU 31 executes a corresponding process based on the operation information. The filtering setting screen is updated in the same manner as in S680 (S1570). Then, when the process in S1570 is completed, the process proceeds to S1520.

  In addition, when the main setting confirmation screen data is received, the CPU 31 executes the current setting contents of the communication control unit 25, a message indicating that temporary setting has been performed, and the main setting based on the received main setting confirmation screen data. 10B, the main setting confirmation of the configuration shown in FIG. 10B, in which a message for inquiring whether or not to accept, a “setting key” for the main setting instruction, and a “cancel key” for the temporary setting cancellation instruction The screen is displayed on the display unit 41 (S1610).

  In addition, when the processing in S1610 is completed in this way, the CPU 31 inputs the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” on the main setting confirmation screen from the input unit 43 or the “setting” on the main setting confirmation screen. The process waits until operation information indicating a key press operation is input from the input unit 43 (S1620, S1630).

  When the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “setting key” is input from the input unit 43 (Yes in S1630), this setting instruction data is sent to the connection request destination printer device 10 (embedded web server 19). It transmits through the communication control part 45 (S1640). On the other hand, when the operation information indicating the pressing operation of the “cancel key” is input from the input unit 43 (Yes in S1620), the CPU 31 sends the release instruction data to the connection request destination printer device 10 (embedded web server 19). The data is transmitted through the communication control unit 45 (S1650).

  The communication system 101 according to the third embodiment has been described above. According to the communication system 101, the embedded web server 19 of the printer apparatus 110 has a filtering setting for accepting a setting change instruction related to the filtering function from the user. When data for requesting a screen is received from the PC 30 via the communication control unit 25, the PC 30 can display the filtering setting screen through the web browser (web page), and the PC 30 performs the processing shown in FIG. 16 through the web browser. The filtering setting screen data to be executed is transmitted to the requesting PC 30 via the communication control unit 25 (S1140, S1150, S1170, S1180: corresponding to the setting screen transmitting means of the present invention).

  Further, the embedded web server 19 is data (web page) that can display the setting confirmation screen through the web browser on the requesting PC 30 when the provisional setting is performed in S1300. Then, the setting confirmation screen data for the PC 30 to execute the processing shown in FIG. 17 through the web browser is transmitted to the requesting PC 30 via the communication control unit 25 (S1310, S1320: confirmation screen transmitting means of the present invention) Equivalent).

  Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user does not need to install the above-described function setting program on the PC 30 that performs the setting operation, and the function setting program is installed using any PC 30 equipped with a web browser. A setting operation similar to that of the mounted PC 30 can be performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the operability of the setting operation can be improved, and a communication system that is easy for the user to use can be provided.

  The input result storage data of this embodiment corresponds to the setting request data of the present invention, and the inspection data corresponds to the setting instruction data.

  Although the communication systems 1 and 101 of the first to third embodiments have been described above, the information processing apparatus, the communication system, the management apparatus, and the program of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various Can be adopted.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the communication system that does not provide the temporary setting request check box A3 has been described. However, in the communication system of the second embodiment, the filtering setting screen also includes the temporary setting request check box A3. Alternatively, temporary setting necessity data may be stored in the setting request data, and Yes / No determination may be made in S410 based on the temporary setting necessity data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer device 10 having the filtering function at the time of reception has been described. However, in the same manner as at the time of reception, the transmission control unit 25 sets the address range information at the time of transmission to the PC 30. When the printer apparatus 10 is configured to discard the transmitted data other than that addressed to the specific PC 30, the transmission can be normally performed when the setting change notification data or the main setting confirmation screen data is transmitted after provisional setting. The printer apparatus 10 may be configured to detect a communication abnormality due to temporary setting by determining whether or not the temporary setting is detected, and to cancel the temporary setting when the abnormality is detected.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the function as the information processing apparatus of the present invention is installed in the printer apparatus 10 has been described. However, the function of the information processing apparatus of the present invention is the imaging of a scanner device, a facsimile device, a camera, etc. It can be installed in various types of devices that process data received from a network, such as devices, storage devices, and digital multi-function peripherals that include one or more of these devices.

  In the third embodiment, the example in which the web server is incorporated in the printer apparatus 110 has been described. However, the web server may be provided separately from the printer apparatus. When the printer device and the web server are configured separately, when a setting change instruction is input to the web server from the web browser of the PC 30 operated by the user, the web server follows the setting change instruction and the printer When the setting value is transmitted to the apparatus, and a setting inquiry instruction is input from the web browser of the PC 30, the web server acquires the setting value from the printer apparatus according to this instruction, and the filtering setting that reflects this acquired information What is necessary is just to comprise a system so that screen data may be transmitted to PC30.

It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the communication system 1 of a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the receiving operation of the communication control part 25. FIG. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of filtering setting data. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a reception control process executed by a communication control unit 25. It is a flowchart showing the setting change process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the request | requirement reception process which CPU11 performs. It is a flowchart showing the function setting process which CPU31 of PC30 performs. It is a flowchart showing the function setting process which CPU31 of PC30 performs. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of a filtering setting screen. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of this setting completion notification screen (a), this setting confirmation screen (b), and a setting restoration notification screen (c). It is a flowchart showing the function setting process which CPU31 performs in a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart showing the content inspection process which CPU31 performs in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the communication system 101 of a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart showing the setting change process which the embedded web server 19 performs. It is a flowchart showing the setting change process which the embedded web server 19 performs. It is the flowchart which showed the process which CPU31 performs after reception of filtering setting screen data. It is the flowchart which showed the process which CPU31 performs after reception of this setting confirmation screen data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Communication system, 3 ... Gateway apparatus, 10, 110 ... Printer apparatus, 11, 31 ... CPU, 13, 33 ... ROM, 15, 35 ... RAM, 17 ... NVRAM, 19 ... Embedded web server, 21 ... Print unit, 23 ... Display operation unit, 25, 45 ... Communication control unit, 27, 47 ... Network interface, 30 ... PC, 37 ... Hard disk device, 41 ... Display unit, 43 ... Input unit

Claims (4)

It is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, determines whether to accept data received from a device in the network according to a predetermined criterion, and accepts data received from devices in the network Communication means for selectively transmitting the determined data to the inside, and when setting request data is received from a device in the network via the communication means, the setting change of the determination criteria is executed according to the setting request data An information processing apparatus configured to
A management apparatus for managing the information processing apparatus capable of communicating with
A setting screen display control means for causing a display device to display a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction for the determination criterion from a user according to a user instruction input from an input device operable by the user;
Based on the setting screen displayed on the display device by the setting screen display control means, the setting request data indicating the contents of the setting change command is sent to the information processing device according to the setting change command input from the input device by the user. Instruction content transmission means for transmitting to
When the setting change instruction input by the user from the input device before the setting content transmitting means transmits the setting request data, the information processing apparatus executes the setting change of the criterion according to the setting change instruction. A legitimacy judging means for judging whether or not the information processing apparatus is a setting change instruction having a property that transmission data from the own apparatus cannot be accepted;
When it is determined by the validity determining means that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user is a setting change instruction having the property that it cannot be accepted, transmission of setting request data by the instruction content transmitting means is performed. Setting operation prohibition means to prohibit,
A management apparatus comprising: Instead of the setting operation prohibiting means,
When the validity determining means determines that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user is a setting change instruction having the property of not being accepted, a warning message display for displaying a warning message on the display device The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit. It is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, determines whether to accept data received from a device in the network according to a predetermined criterion, and accepts data received from devices in the network Communication means for selectively transmitting the determined data to the inside, and when setting request data is received from a device in the network via the communication means, the setting change of the determination criteria is executed according to the setting request data An information processing apparatus configured to
On a computer that can communicate with
A setting screen display control means for causing a display device to display a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction for the determination criterion from a user according to a user instruction input from an input device operable by the user;
Based on the setting screen displayed on the display device by the setting screen display control means, the setting request data indicating the contents of the setting change command is sent to the information processing device according to the setting change command input from the input device by the user. Instruction content transmission means for transmitting to
When the setting change instruction input by the user from the input device before the setting content transmitting means transmits the setting request data, the information processing apparatus executes the setting change of the criterion according to the setting change instruction. A legitimacy judging means for judging whether or not the information processing apparatus is a setting change instruction having a property that transmission data from the own apparatus cannot be accepted;
When it is determined by the validity determining means that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user is a setting change instruction having the property that it cannot be accepted, transmission of setting request data by the instruction content transmitting means is performed. A program that realizes the function of the prohibited setting operation. It is configured to be communicable with a device in the network, determines whether to accept data received from a device in the network according to a predetermined criterion, and accepts data received from devices in the network Communication means for selectively transmitting the determined data to the inside, and when setting request data is received from a device in the network via the communication means, the setting change of the determination criteria is executed according to the setting request data An information processing apparatus configured to
On a computer that can communicate with
A setting screen display control means for causing a display device to display a setting screen for accepting a setting change instruction for the determination criterion from a user according to a user instruction input from an input device operable by the user;
Based on the setting screen displayed on the display device by the setting screen display control means, the setting request data indicating the contents of the setting change command is sent to the information processing device according to the setting change command input from the input device by the user. Instruction content transmission means for transmitting to
When the setting change instruction input by the user from the input device before the setting content transmitting means transmits the setting request data, the information processing apparatus executes the setting change of the criterion according to the setting change instruction. A legitimacy judging means for judging whether or not the information processing apparatus is a setting change instruction having a property that transmission data from the own apparatus cannot be accepted;
When the validity determining means determines that the setting change instruction input from the input device by the user is a setting change instruction having the property of not being accepted, a warning message display for displaying a warning message on the display device A program for realizing functions as control means.