JP2009077281A - Client apparatus, server apparatus and data processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a client apparatus capable of preventing multiple processing to the same data even if the same data respectively transmitted from a plurality of communication interfaces concerned with a server apparatus is overlappedly received. <P>SOLUTION: The client apparatus includes: a communication means for communicating with the server apparatus having the plurality of communication interfaces; a storage means for storing information indicating validity that is related to the identification information of the plurality of communication interfaces and identification information indicating a prescribed communication interface; a determination means for determining whether identification information indicating a communication interface to be a communication source which is included in receiving data received by the communication means coincides with identification information corresponding to the information indicating the validity which is stored in the storage means or not; and a data processing means for receiving the receiving data only when coincidence of two pieces of identification information data is determined by the determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a client device, a server device, and a data processing program.

  There is a network system in which a network device and a server computer are connected via a bidirectional interface, and a server computer and a client computer are connected via a network. In this network system, network devices are connected to a network via a server computer. As a result, communication between the network device and the client computer becomes possible (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  When a facsimile apparatus capable of G3 facsimile communication and G4 facsimile communication performs facsimile communication with another facsimile apparatus, a G3 FAX line (analog line for G3 facsimile communication) or a G4 facsimile FAX line (digital line for G4 facsimile communication). ) Learn which line should be used in the flash memory, and use the line learned in the flash memory for the next facsimile communication with the other facsimile machine. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In a system in which a facsimile server and a network device (printer, storage device, etc.) are connected via a computer network, the computer network is used when the facsimile server distributes received data to the network device via the computer network. The network devices connected to the network are registered in the user type classification client table or client type classification client table that is classified and registered according to the processing attribute of the data to be received, and the data is transferred to these registered devices. (See, for example, Patent Document 3).

In addition, there are coupling modules that allow communication between electronic devices on different networks. As this coupling module, for example, one described in Patent Document 4 is known.
JP 2001-256154 A JP-A-6-54160 JP 2002-94737 A JP-T-2005-520389

  The present invention relates to a client device and a data processing capable of preventing multiple processing on the same data even when the same overlapping data transmitted from each of a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device is received. The purpose is to provide a program.

  In addition, the present invention provides a server device and a data processing program that can transmit data to a client device using a single interface even when a plurality of communication interfaces communicate with the client device. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the client device according to claim 1 is connected to a server device having a plurality of communication interfaces via a communication line, and communicates with the server device. Storage means for storing identification information indicating each of the plurality of communication interfaces and information indicating validity associated with identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces; and the communication It is determined whether or not the identification information indicating the communication interface as the transmission source included in the received data received by the means matches the identification information corresponding to the information indicating that it is valid stored in the storage means The received data is accepted only when it is determined by the determining means that the two identification information matches. When the two identification information is determined not to be matched by the determination means is characterized by having a discarding data processing means said received data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined job data is transmitted toward one communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces, and thus the plurality of the plurality of job data are transmitted. When the communication means receives a response to the predetermined job data notified from each of the communication interfaces, the plurality of communication interfaces are determined to correspond to the same server device, and the plurality of communication interfaces And a control means for determining the predetermined communication interface from the above.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the storage unit includes, for each server device of the plurality of server devices, identification information indicating each of the plurality of communication interfaces, and the plurality of the plurality of communication interfaces. Information indicating that the communication interface is valid associated with the identification information indicating the communication interface to be valid in the communication interface, and the plurality of communication interfaces related to the predetermined server device among the plurality of server devices. After sending job data having a specific job name to one of the communication interfaces, the job history is requested to the plurality of server devices, and the plurality of communications is caused by requesting the job history. When the communication means receives the job history including the specific job name notified from each of the interfaces, The plurality of communication interfaces that have notified the job history including the specific job name are determined to correspond to the same server device, and the predetermined communication interface is selected from the plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device. And a control means for determining the communication interface.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a server device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of communication interfaces that are connected to a client device via a communication line and communicate with the client device, and the plurality of communications. Storage means for storing the identification information indicating the communication interface that has received the data transmitted from the transmission source client device in the interface and the identification information indicating the transmission source client device, and the transmission destination client When transmitting transmission data to a device, a communication interface to be used is specified based on identification information indicating the destination client device and the storage contents of the storage means, and the transmission data is specified for the specified communication interface. Transmission control means for performing a control to transmit.

  In order to solve the above problem, a data processing program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes identification information indicating each of a plurality of communication interfaces related to a server device, and a predetermined communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces. A storage process for storing information indicating that it is valid associated with the identification information to be indicated, and identification information indicating a communication interface as a transmission source included in the received data received by the storage process. A determination processing step for determining whether or not the identification information corresponding to the information indicating that the two pieces of identification information coincide with each other, and only when the two identification information are determined to match by the determination processing step If it is determined that the two pieces of identification information do not match in the determination process, the received data is discarded. Characterized in that to execute a data processing process, to the computer.

  In order to solve the above problem, the data processing program of the present invention according to claim 6 is an identification indicating a communication interface that has received data transmitted from a client device of a transmission source among a plurality of communication interfaces related to a server device. A storage process for storing information and identification information indicating the transmission source client device in association with each other; and when transmitting transmission data to the transmission destination client device, identification information indicating the transmission destination client device; The computer executes a transmission control processing step for specifying a communication interface to be used based on the stored contents stored in the storage processing step and performing control for transmitting the transmission data to the specified communication interface. It is characterized by making it.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent multiple processing for the same data even when the same duplicate data transmitted from each of the plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device is received. it can.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, based on a response from the server device to predetermined job data, a predetermined communication interface is determined among a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device, and the server device is related to the predetermined job data. The predetermined processing can be performed only on the data received by the communication interface.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, based on a response from the server apparatus to a predetermined job history request, a predetermined communication interface is determined among a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server apparatus, and the server apparatus A predetermined process can be performed only on data received by a predetermined communication interface.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when a plurality of communication interfaces for communicating with a client device are provided, data can be transmitted to the client device using one interface.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided software for preventing multiple processing for the same data even when the same overlapping data transmitted from each of the plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device is received. Can be provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide software that allows a client device to transmit data using one interface even when it has a plurality of communication interfaces that communicate with the client device. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

  (Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a network system including a client device according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a client device 10 and a plurality of server devices 20, 30, and 40 connected via a communication line 50.

  The client device 10 includes a communication unit 11 that transmits and receives data. The communication unit 11 communicates with a plurality of server devices 20, 30, and 40 via a communication line 50.

  The server apparatus 20 includes a plurality of communication interfaces (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 21, 222, 23, and 24. These communication I / Fs 21 to 24 are connected to the client apparatus 10 via the communication line 50. Communicate with.

  The communication I / F 21, the communication I / F 22, the communication I / F 23, and the communication I / F 24 are, for example, “192.168.1.10”, “192.168.1.11”, “192.168.1. .12 "and" 192.168.1.13 "addresses (IP addresses) are assigned.

  The server device 30 has a plurality of communication I / Fs 31 and 32, and these communication I / Fs 31 and 32 communicate with the client device 10 via the communication line 50.

  For example, addresses (IP addresses) of “192.168.1.20” and “192.168.1.21” are assigned to the communication I / F 31 and the communication I / F 32, respectively.

  The server device 40 has a communication I / F 41, and the communication I / F 41 communicates with the client device 10 via the communication line 50.

  For example, an address (IP address) of “192.168.1.30” is assigned to the communication I / F 41.

  Examples of the communication line 50 include a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wired communication line such as a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, and a combination of these communication lines. It is done.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the client device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the client device 10 includes a host list control unit 110, a host group table control unit 120, a duplication determination unit 130, an information management application 140, a storage unit 150, and a transmission / reception unit 160.

  The host list control 110 generates a host list by the following generation methods (A1) and (A2).

  (A1) While searching for a device (device), for example, a server device by SNMP, the address of the device (server device) that responded by this search is added to the host list, and further for the device (server device) that responded Set the trap.

  (A2) A job MIB request is broadcast to search for a device (server device), and the address of a device (server device) that has responded by this search is added to the host list.

  SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a protocol (network management protocol) used in UDP (User Datagram Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol). MIB (Management Information Base) means information exchanged by SNMP.

  In addition to the above generation methods (A1) and (A2), the host list is generated by the following generation method (A3).

  (A3) The user creates a host list in advance using an editor.

  Therefore, as described above, the host list is generated by any one of the three generation methods (A1) to (A3). The generated host list is stored in the storage unit 150.

  The host group table control unit 120 generates the host group table by any one of the following three generation methods (B1) to (B3).

  (B1) A job that causes a PDL (Page Description Language) error is transmitted to a device such as a server device to create a host group table.

  (B2) A job MIB acquisition request is transmitted to the apparatus (server apparatus), and a host group table is created based on the acquired job MIB (job history).

  (B3) The host group table is created based on the already acquired job history without actively transmitting a Job MIB acquisition request to the apparatus. That is, every time a job is transmitted, the job history is acquired, and when creating a host group, the job history is acquired from a host that has not been acquired.

  That is, in the first embodiment, when the host list control unit 110 generates (temporarily generates) a host list or the user generates a host list by an editor, the host group table control unit 120 displays the generated host list. A host group table is created based on this. The host group table generated in this way is stored in the storage unit 150.

  The host list has a data structure as shown in FIG. The host list 200 includes a host registration number area 210 and an address registration area 220 in which actual address information is registered, and is stored in the storage unit 150.

  In the address registration area 220, as indicated by reference numeral 221, addresses (IP addresses) related to the four communication interfaces of the server apparatus 20 (server apparatus A) and as indicated by reference numeral 222, the server apparatus 30 (server apparatus B). As shown by reference numeral 223, addresses (IP addresses) related to one communication interface of the server device 40 (server device C) are respectively registered. In the item of the host registration number area 210, the number “7” of addresses registered in the address registration area 220 is registered.

  The host group table has a data structure as shown in FIG. The host group table 300 includes items of a valid host address 310 and a discard target host address 320 and is stored in the storage unit 150.

  In the host group table 300, addresses related to the four communication interfaces of the server device 20 (server device A) in the host list 200 are registered in the row indicated by reference numeral 321 (first row).

  In the row indicated by reference numeral 322 (the second row), addresses related to the two communication interfaces of the server device 30 (server device B) in the host list 200 are registered.

  Furthermore, an address related to one communication interface of the server device 40 (server device C) of the host list 200 is registered in a row indicated by reference numeral 323 (third row).

  In the first embodiment, the identification information indicating each of the plurality of communication interfaces is an address (IP address) assigned to a single or a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device. The information indicating that the information is valid associated with the identification information indicating the communication interface is the effective host address 310 of the host group table 300.

  For example, when attention is paid to the server device 20 of the host group table 300 (when attention is paid to the row indicated by reference numeral 321), one address registered in the valid host address 310 and the target host address 320 to be discarded are registered. Each of the three addresses corresponds to identification information indicating a communication interface.

  Further, this is information indicating that the valid host address 310 (item information thereof) is valid associated with identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface. Therefore, one address registered in the effective host address 310 is identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface. In other words, one address (IP address) registered in the effective host address 310 means an address (IP address) assigned to a predetermined communication interface.

  Again, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The duplication determination unit 130 determines whether the responses are from the same host based on the host group table (duplication determination), and returns a single response to the information management application (application software) 140.

  The storage unit 150 stores a host list, a host group table, transmission data to be transmitted, and received reception data.

The transmission / reception unit 160 performs the function of the communication unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 and transmits / receives data to / from the communication interface of the server device via the communication line 50.
In the first embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 160 corresponds to the communication unit, the storage unit 150 corresponds to the storage unit, the duplication determination unit 130 corresponds to the determination unit and the data processing unit, and the host group table control unit 120 controls. Corresponds to the means.

  Next, host list generation processing by the host list control unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host list generation processing by the generation method (A1) will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the generation processing.

  In the network system shown in FIG. 6A (network system 1 shown in FIG. 1), in the client device 10, the host list control unit 110 initializes the host list 200 as shown in FIG. 0) (step S101), and the search packet is broadcast by SNMP as shown in FIG. 7A (step S102).

  The host list control unit 110 determines whether or not the response to the search packet is timed out (step S103). If the result of this determination is not time-out, it is determined whether or not there is a response to the search packet ( In step S104), if there is no response as a result of this determination, the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if there is a response, the source address (host address) is acquired from the response packet (step S105).

  The host list control unit 110 adds the acquired transmission source address (host address) to the host list 200 (step S106), and increments the count of the host registration number (host number) in the host list 200 (step S107). Thereafter, a trap is set in the responding server device (host) (step S108).

  Note that in the case of timeout in step S103, the host list control unit 110 ends this processing.

  Here, a specific example of registering an address in the host list 200 will be described.

  After the host list control unit 110 transmits a search packet by SNMP as shown in FIG. 7A, a response packet is sent from the server device 20 (server device A) to the client device 10 as shown in FIG. 8A. In the client device 10, the host list control unit 110 receives the response packet, and based on the response packet, the source address (host address), that is, “192.168.1.10”. , “192.168.1.11”, “192.168.1.12”, and “192.168.1.13”.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the host list control unit 110 sequentially registers these addresses (host addresses) in the address registration area 220 of the host list 200 and increments the value of the address registration number 210 item. To do. Here, since four addresses (host addresses) are registered as indicated by reference numeral 221, the value of the address registration number 210 changes from “0” to “4”.

  9A, when a response packet is transmitted from the server device 30 (server device B) to the client device 10, in the client device 10, the host list control unit 110 receives the response packet. Then, based on the response packet, the source address (host address), that is, “192.168.1.20” and “192.168.1.21” are acquired, as shown in FIG. These addresses (host addresses) are sequentially registered in the address registration area 220 of the host list 200, and the value of the item of the number of registered addresses 210 is incremented. Here, since two addresses (host addresses) are registered as indicated by reference numeral 222, the value of the address registration number 210 changes from “4” to “6”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, when a response packet is transmitted from the server device 30 (server device B) to the client device 10, the host list control unit 110 also performs the same process as described above. As shown in (b), the acquired address (host address) is registered in the address registration area 220 of the host list 200, and the value of the item of address registration number 210 is incremented. In this case, since one address (host address) is registered as indicated by reference numeral 223, the value of the address registration number 210 changes from “6” to “7”.

  Next, another host list generation process by the host list control unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host list generation processing by the generation method (A2) will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the generation processing.

  The host list control unit 110 initializes the host list 200 (number of hosts = 0) (step S201) and broadcasts a Job MIB request (step S202), as in the generation process shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not a response to the JobMIB request has timed out (step S203).

  If the host list control unit 110 determines in step S203 that there is no timeout, the host list control unit 110 determines whether there is a response to the Job MIB request (step S204). If the result of this determination is that there is no response, step S203. On the other hand, if there is a response, the source address (host address) is acquired from the response packet (step S205).

  The host list control unit 110 adds the acquired transmission source address (host address) to the host list 200 (step S206) and increments the count of the number of registered hosts (host number) in the host list 200 (step S207).

  Note that in the case of timeout in step S203, the host list control unit 110 ends this processing.

  Also in the host list generation processing by the generation method (A2) described above, a response packet is sent from the server device 20 (server device A), server device 30 (server device B), and server device 40 (server device C) to the client device 10. When the message is transmitted toward, the host list 200 has the contents shown in FIG.

  Finally, still another host list generation process will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host list generation processing by the generation method (A3) will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the generation processing.

  A user operates the client device 10 to create a host list file with an editor. Alternatively, the user activates an application for creating a host list, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and creates a host list using the GUI (step S301).

  Then, the host list control unit 110 initializes the host list 200 (number of hosts = 0) (step S302), and then loads the host list file into the host list (step S303).

  Next, host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host group table generation processing by the generation method (B1) will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the generation processing.

  In the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 holds the host list (X units) 200 (step S 401), initializes the host group table 300 (step S 402), and then has a relationship of “X = 0”. It is determined whether or not the equation holds (step S403).

  Here, it is assumed that the number of addresses registered in the host list 200 is X.

  The host group table control unit 120, which has determined that the relational expression “X = 0” is not established in step S403, sends PDL to the server apparatus (host) corresponding to the first address (host address) in the host list 200. An error job (Job) is transmitted (step S404), and it waits (waits for trap notification reception) until it receives a trap notified from the server device (step S405).

  When the communication interface of the server device (host), that is, the first address (host address) of the host list 200 transmits a response to the job (Job) to the client device 10, the client device 10 includes a host group table control unit. Upon receiving the response via the transmission / reception unit 160, 120 registers the first address of the host list 200 in the effective host (group) of the host group table 300, that is, the effective host address 310 (Step S120). In step S406, the first address (host address) is deleted from the host list 200 (step S407), and the number of addresses X is set to “X−1”, that is, “X = X−1” is calculated (step S407). Step S408).

  When a trap is notified from the server device (host) to the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 returns the same trap as the response from the server device at the first address in the host list 200. The number of host addresses related to the communication I / F of the server apparatus (host) that has recognized (host) and returned a trap is set to “Y” (step S409).

  The host group table control unit 120 registers the host address of the server device (host) that returned the trap in the discard target host address 320 of the host group table 300 (step S410), and the address registered in the discard target host address 320 (Host address) is deleted from the host list 200 (step S411), and the number of addresses X is set to “XY”, that is, “X = XY” is calculated (step S412), and then step S430. Return to.

  If the relational expression “X = 0” is satisfied in step S403, the host group table control unit 120 ends this process.

  Here, a specific example of the generation processing of the host group table 300 by the generation method (B1) will be described.

  In the network system shown in FIG. 14A (network system 1 shown in FIG. 1), in the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 holds a host list (X units) 200 as shown in FIG. 14B. At the same time, the host group table 300 is initialized as shown in FIG. Here, the address number X is “7”.

  (1) Registration of host addresses related to server device 20 (server device A) in host group table 300

  In this case, in the host list 200 shown in FIG. 14B, the address number X is “7”. Therefore, since the number X of addresses is “X = 7”, the host group table control unit 120 has the first host address “192.168.1.10” in the host list 200 as shown in FIG. ”Is sent to the job that causes the PDL error.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the client apparatus 10 responds to the response (PDL error) transmitted from the communication I / F 21 (host address “192.168.1.10”) of the server apparatus 20 (server apparatus A). In response to receiving the response via the transmission / reception unit 160, the host group table control unit 120 receives the first response in the host list 200 as shown in FIG. The address “192.168.1.10” is registered in the effective host (group) of the host group table 300, that is, the effective host address 310.

  The host group table control unit 120 deletes the first address “192.168.1.10” of the host list 200 from the host list 200 and sets “X−1” as the new address number X.

  In this case, the new address number X is “X = X−1 = 7-1 = 6”.

  Further, the communication I / F 22 (host address “192.168.1.11”), the communication I / F 23 (host address “192.168.1.12”), and the communication I of the server device 20 (server device A). / F24 (host address “192.168.1.13”) and a response transmitted from the communication I / F 21 (host address “192.168.1.10”) as shown in FIG. When traps having the same contents are returned to the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 recognizes those server devices (hosts) and sets the communication I / F of the server device (host) that has returned the traps. Let the number of host addresses involved be “Y”.

  Here, the number Y of host addresses related to the communication I / F of the server apparatus 20 (server apparatus A) that has returned the trap is “3”.

  Next, the host group table control unit 120, as shown in FIG. 15B, the host address of the server apparatus (host) that returned the trap, that is, the host address “192.168.1.11”, the host address “ 192.168.1.12 ”and host address“ 192.168.1.13 ”are registered in the discard target host address 320.

  Further, the host group table control unit 120 deletes these three host addresses from the host list 200.

  In this case, since the number Y of host addresses related to the communication I / F of the server apparatus (host) that has returned the trap is “3”, the new number X of addresses is “X = X−Y = 6−3 =”. 3 ”.

  When the processing so far is completed, the host list 200 changes from the content shown in FIG. 15C (equivalent to the content of the host list 200 in FIG. 14B) to the content shown in FIG. It is in the state. Further, the host group table 300 is in a state where the content shown in FIG. 14C is changed to the content shown in FIG.

  (2) Registration of host addresses related to server device 30 (server device B) in host group table 300

  Since the new address number X is “X = 3”, the host group table control unit 120, as shown in FIG. 16A, the host list 200 shown in FIG. 16B (in FIG. 15D). A job causing a PDL error is transmitted to the first host address “192.168.1.20” in the host list 200 (equivalent to the host list 200). In this case, a job that causes a PDL error is transmitted to the communication I / F 21 (host address “192.168.1.20”) of the server apparatus 30 (server apparatus B).

  Then, as in the case of the server device 20 (server device B), as shown in FIG. 17A, the communication I / F 31 (host address “192.168.1.20” of the server device 30 (server device B)). )), A response to the job that causes the PDL error is returned to the client device 10, and the host group table control unit 120 sets the host address “192.168.1.20” as shown in FIG. Registered in the effective host address 310 of the host group table 300.

  In addition, the host group table control unit 120 deletes the first address “192.168.1.20” of the host list 200 from the host list 200.

  In this case, the new address number X is “X = X−1 = 3-1 = 2”.

  Next, from the communication I / F 32 of the host address “192.168.1.21” of the server apparatus 30 (server apparatus B), as shown in FIG. 17A, the communication I / F 31 (host address “192. When the trap having the same content as the response transmitted from "168.1.20") is returned to the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 returns the trap as shown in FIG. The host address of the server apparatus (host), that is, the host address “192.168.1.21” is registered in the discard target host address 320.

  Further, the host group table control unit 120 deletes the host address “192.168.1.21” from the host list 200.

  Here, since the number Y of host addresses related to the communication I / F of the server apparatus 30 (server apparatus B) is “1”, the new number of addresses X is “X = X−Y = 2-1 = 1”. It becomes.

  In the state where the processing so far is completed, the host list 200 shown in FIG. 17C is in a state where the content is changed to the content shown in FIG. Further, the host group table 300 is in a state where the content shown in FIG. 16C is changed to the content shown in FIG.

  (3) Registration of host addresses related to server device 40 (server device C) in the host group table 300

  Since the new address number X is “X = 1”, the host group table control unit 120, as shown in FIG. 18A, the host list 200 shown in FIG. 18B (see FIG. 17D). A job causing a PDL error is transmitted to the first host address “192.168.1.30” of the host list 200 (equivalent to the host list 200). In this case, a job that causes a PDL error is transmitted to the communication I / F 31 (host address “192.168.1.30”) of the server apparatus 40 (server apparatus C).

  Then, as in the case of the server device 20 (server device A), as shown in FIG. 19A, the communication I / F 41 (host address “192.168.1.30” of the server device 40 (server device C)). )), A response to the job that causes the PDL error is returned to the client device 10, and the host group table control unit 120 sets the host address “192.168.1.30” as shown in FIG. Registered in the effective host address 310 of the host group table 300.

  Further, the host group table control unit 120 deletes the first address “192.168.1.30” of the host list 200 from the host list 200.

  In this case, the new address number X is “X = X−1 = 1−1 = 0”.

  By the way, since the server apparatus 40 (server apparatus C) has only one communication I / F 41, the server apparatus 40 (server apparatus C) sends a communication I / F 31 (host address “192.168.1.1. 20 ”) is not sent back to the client device 10.

  That is, since the number Y of host addresses related to the communication I / F of the server apparatus 40 (server apparatus C) that has returned the trap is “0”, the new address number X is “X = X−Y = 0−”. 0 = 0 ".

  As described above, the host addresses related to the communication I / Fs of the server device 20 (server device A), the server device 30 (server device B), and the server device 40 (server device C) are effective hosts in the host group table 300. When registered in the address 310 or the discard target host address 320, the host list 200 shown in FIG. 19C is in a state of transition to the contents shown in FIG. 19D. Further, the host group table 300 is in a state where the content shown in FIG. 18C is changed to the content shown in FIG.

  As apparent from the host list 200 shown in FIG. 19D, the new address number X is “0” (since no host address is registered in the host list 200), so the host group table. The control unit 120 ends the host group table generation process.

  Next, another generation process of the host group table by the host group table control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host group table generation process by the generation method (B2) will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the generation processing.

  In the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 holds the host list (X units) 200 (step S 501), initializes the host group table 300 (step S 502), and then has a relationship of “X = 0”. It is determined whether or not the equation is established (step S503).

  Here, the number of addresses registered in the host list 200 is “X”.

  The host group table control unit 120 that has determined that the relational expression of “X = 0” is not established in step S503, for the server device (host) corresponding to the first address (host address #) in the host list 200, A job (Job) is transmitted (step S504), and then a job (Job) history is requested from the server device, and a response (job history) to the job (Job) history request from the server device is received (Job History) ( Step S505).

  Upon receiving the job history via the transmission / reception unit 160, the host group table control unit 120 sets the first address in the host list 200 to the valid host (group), that is, the valid host address 310 in the host group table 300. At the same time as registration (step S506), the first address (host address) is deleted from the host list 200 (step S507), and the number of addresses X is set to “X−1”, that is, “X = X−1”. Is calculated (step S508).

  The host group table control unit 120 determines whether or not the relational expression “X = 0” is satisfied (step S509). As a result of the determination, if the relational expression “X = 0” is not satisfied, p = 1 is set (step S510), a job (Job) history is requested to the server apparatus (host) corresponding to the p-th host address in the host list 200, and a job (Job) history request from the server apparatus is requested. A response (job history) is received (step S511).

  Upon receipt of the job history via the transmission / reception unit 160, the host group table control unit 120 receives the server history of the first host address # (host address # in step S504) before being deleted from the host table 200. It is determined whether the job history from the host) matches the job history from the server device (host) of the p-th host address (step S512).

  The host group table control unit 120 that has determined that the two job histories match in step S512 registers the pth host address in the discard target host address 320 of the host group table 300 (step S513), and the pth host. The address is deleted from the host list 200 (step S514).

  After completing step S514, the host group table control unit 120 sets the new address number X to “X−1” (step S515), and determines whether the relational expression “p> X” is satisfied (step S516). On the other hand, if the relational expression “p> X” is not satisfied as a result of this determination, the process returns to step S511, whereas if the relational expression “p> X” is satisfied, the process returns to step S503.

  The host group table control unit 120 that determines that the two job histories do not match in step S512 sets the new “p” to “p + 1” (step S517), and then proceeds to step S516.

  When the relational expression “X = 0” is established in step S503, and the relational expression “X = 0” is established in step S509, the host group table control unit 120 ends this processing.

  Here, a specific example of the generation processing of the host group table 300 by the generation method (B2) will be described.

  (1) Registration of host addresses related to server device 20 (server device A) in host group table 300

  (1-1) The host group table control unit 120 sets the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200 shown in FIG. The job is transmitted to the server device 20 having the job, and then the job history request is sent to the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200. And a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  This first host address “192, 168.1.10” is registered in the effective host address 310 of the host group table 300.

  Also, the first host address “192, 168.1.10” is deleted from the host list 200. In this case, the host list 200 transitions from the content shown in FIG. 21A to the content shown in FIG. At this time, the address number X is “X = X−1 = 7-1 = 6”. P is defined as “p = 1”.

  (1-2) The host group table control unit 120 includes a communication I / F 22 corresponding to the p-th = 1st host address 192,168.1.11 in the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 20, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-3) Job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, and pth = 1st Is matched with the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 22 corresponding to the host addresses 192, 168.1.11 ”.

  (1-4) The host group table control unit 120 registers the pth = 1st host address 192,168.1.11 ”in the host group table 300 as the discard target host address 320, and the pth = 1st. The host addresses 192 and 168.11 ”are deleted from the host list 200. In this case, the host list 200 transitions from the content shown in FIG. 21B to the content shown in FIG. At this time, the address number X is “X = X−1 = 6-1 = 5”. Further, p remains “p = 1”.

  (1-5) The host group table control unit 120 includes a server having the communication I / F 23 corresponding to the p-th = 1st host address 192, 16.1.12 in the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 20, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-6) Also in this case, the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, and p Is matched with the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 23 corresponding to the “th = first host address 192, 168.1.12”.

  (1-7) The host group table control unit 120 registers the pth = 1st host address 192,168.1.12 in the host group table 300 as the discard target host address 320, and the pth = 1st. The host addresses 192 and 168.1.12 ”are deleted from the host list 200. In this case, the host list 200 transitions from the content shown in FIG. 21C to the content shown in FIG. At this time, the address number X is “X = X−1 = 5-1 = 4”. Further, p remains “p = 1”.

  (1-8) The host group table control unit 120 has a communication I / F 24 corresponding to the p-th = 1st host address 192, 168.1.13 ”of the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 20, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-9) Also in this case, the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, and p Is matched with the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 24 corresponding to the first host address 192,168.1.13.

  (1-10) The host group table control unit 120 registers the pth = 1st host address 192,168.1.13 ”in the host group table 300 as the discard target host address 320, and the pth = 1st. The host addresses 192 and 168.1.13 ”are deleted from the host list 200. In this case, the host list 200 transitions from the content shown in FIG. 21D to the content shown in FIG. At this time, the address number X is “X = X−1 = 4-1 = 3”. Further, p remains “p = 1”.

  (1-11) The host group table control unit 120 is a server having a communication I / F 31 corresponding to “pth = 1st host address 192,168.1.20” of the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 30, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-12) In this case, the job history from the server apparatus 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, p Is not matched with the job history from the server device 30 having the communication I / F 31 corresponding to the “th = first host address 192, 161.8.20”.

  In this case, p is defined as “p + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2”.

  (1-13) The host group table control unit 120 has a communication I / F 32 corresponding to the p-th = 2nd host address 192,168.1.21 in the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 30, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-14) In this case, the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, p Is not matched with the job history from the server device 30 having the communication I / F 31 corresponding to the “th = first host address 192,168.1.21”.

  In this case, p is defined as “p + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3”.

  (1-15) The host group table control unit 120 has a communication I / F 41 corresponding to the p-th = third host address 192, 168.1.30 in the host list 200 shown in FIG. A job history request is transmitted to the apparatus 40, and a response (job history) to the job history request is received.

  (1-16) In this case, the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200, p The job history from the server apparatus 40 having the communication I / F 41 corresponding to the “th = third host address 192, 168.1.30” does not match.

  In this case, p is defined as “p + 1 = 3 + 1 = 4”.

  As described above, the job history from the server device 20 having the communication I / F 21 corresponding to the first host address # = host address “192, 168.1.10” in the host list 200 shown in FIG. And matching processing with the job history from the server apparatus having the communication I / F corresponding to the second host address to the seventh host address shown in FIG.

  In this case, the job history from the server device having the communication I / F corresponding to the host address “192, 168.1.10”, the host address “192, 168.11”, the host address “192, 168”. Since the job history from the server apparatus having the communication I / F corresponding to each of “.1.12” and the host addresses “192, 168.13” is matched, the following is shown in FIG. Based on the host list 200 (equivalent to the host list shown in FIG. 21 (e)), that is, the host address related to the server device 30 registered in the host list 200 and the host address related to the server device 40, (1-1) The subsequent processing is performed.

  As a result, the host list 200 is changed from the content shown in FIG. 22A to the content shown in FIG. 22B, and further changed from the content shown in FIG. 22B to the content shown in FIG. The

  Finally, the processing from the above (1-1) is executed based on the host address related to the server device 40 registered in the host table 200 shown in FIG.

  Finally, the host list 200 has the contents shown in FIG. 19D, and the host group table 300 has the contents shown in FIG. 19B.

  Next, still another host group table generation process by the host group table control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the host group table generation processing by the generation method (B3) will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the generation processing.

  In the client device 10, the host group table control unit 120 holds the host list (X units) 200 (step S 601), initializes the host group table 300 (step S 602), and then has a relationship of “X = 0”. It is determined whether or not the equation is satisfied (step S603).

  Here, it is assumed that the number of addresses registered in the host list 200 is X.

  The host group table control unit 120, which has determined that the relational expression “X = 0” is not satisfied in step S603, performs a job related to the server device (host) corresponding to the first address (host address #) in the host list 200. (Job) The history is loaded (step S604).

  After completing step S604, the host group table control unit 120 registers the first address of the host list 200 in the valid host (group) of the host group table 300, that is, the valid host address 310 (step S605), and the first address. Are deleted from the host list 200 (step S606), and the number of addresses X is set to "X-1", that is, "X = X-1" is calculated (step S607).

  The host group table control unit 120 determines whether or not the relational expression “X = 0” is satisfied (step S608). As a result of the determination, if the relational expression “X = 0” is not satisfied, p = 1 is set (step S609), and a job (Job) history related to the server apparatus (host) corresponding to the p-th host address in the host list 200 is loaded (step S610).

  The host group table control unit 120 includes a job history relating to the server device (host) of the first host address # (host address # in step S604) before deletion from the host table 200, and the server device of the pth host address. It is determined whether or not the job history related to (host) matches (step S611).

  The host group table control unit 120 that has determined that the two job histories match in step S611 registers the pth host address in the discard target host address 320 of the host group table 300 (step S612), and the pth host. The address is deleted from the host list 200 (step S613).

  After completing step S613, the host group table control unit 120 sets the new address number X to “X−1” (step S614), and determines whether or not the relational expression “p> X” is satisfied (step S615). On the other hand, if the relational expression “p> X” is not satisfied as a result of this determination, the process returns to step S610. On the other hand, if the relational expression “p> X” is satisfied, the process returns to step S603.

  The host group table control unit 120 that determines that the two job histories do not match in step S611 sets the new “p” to “p + 1” (step S616), and then proceeds to step S615.

  When the relational expression “X = 0” is established in step S603, and the relational expression “X = 0” is established in step S608, the host group table control unit 120 ends this processing.

  For a specific example of the generation process of the host group table 300 by the generation method (B3), refer to the specific example of the generation process of the host group table 300 by the generation method (B2).

  As shown in FIG. 24, the client apparatus 10 selects one host list generation method from the three host list generation methods ((A1) to (A3)) (step S710), and the selected generation method However, in the case of the generation method (A1), the generation method is executed (step S711). In the case of the generation method (A2), the generation method is executed (step S712), and the generation method (A3) In this case, the generation method is executed (step S713).

  Here, Step S711 and Step S712 are performed by the host list control unit 110. Step S713 is performed by an editor or a GUI that performs processing according to a user operation.

  When step S711 is completed, when step S712 is completed, or when step S713 is completed, the client apparatus 10 selects one host group from among the three generation methods ((B1) to (B3)) of the host group table. A table generation method is selected (step S720). If the selected generation method is the generation method (B1), the generation method is executed (step S721). If the generation method is (B2), the generation method is selected. The generation method is executed (step S722), and in the case of the generation method (B3), the generation method is executed (step S723).

  Here, steps S721 to S723 are performed by the host group table control unit 120.

  In the first embodiment, the host list generation method ((A1) to (A3)) and the host group table three generation methods ((B1) to (B3)) are combined (nine ways) according to the host list table. A group table is created, or the host group table is updated by a combination of generation methods.

  Next, the overlap determination process for responses from the same host by the overlap determination unit 130 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the duplication determination processing.

  The duplication determination unit 130 waits for reception of a packet until it receives a packet transmitted from the server device via the transmission / reception unit 160 (step S801). When a packet is received, the duplication determination unit 130 includes a transmission source included in the packet. It is determined whether or not the address matches the host address registered in the valid host address 310 of the host group table 300 (step S802). As a result of the determination, if the two addresses match, information management is performed. Packet data is passed to the application 140 (step S803). On the other hand, if the two addresses do not match, the packet data is discarded (step S804).

  If step S803 is completed, or if step S804 is completed, the process returns to step S801.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, when the client device 10 transmits an inquiry 1 # to the communication I / F 21 of the server device 20, the server device 20 includes a plurality of communication I / Fs 21, 22, 23, and 24. Each of the plurality of communication I / Fs transmits a response 1 @ to the inquiry 1 # to the client device 20 while receiving the inquiry 1 #.

  In this case, in the client device 20 that has received a plurality of responses 1 @, a response from, for example, the communication I / F 21 as a predetermined communication I / F is processed as a response by the overlap determination processing of the overlap determination unit 130. Responses from other communication I / Fs are discarded.

  As described above, when notifications of duplicate identical information (accounting information knowledge, file by file transfer, status information by status notification, etc.) arrive at the client device from each of the plurality of communication I / Fs of the server device Even so, in the client device, only information notified from one communication I / F among a plurality of communication I / Fs is processed, and information notified from other communication I / Fs is discarded. To do. This prevents duplicate processing, thereby preventing adverse effects such as double charging.

  FIG. 27 shows the hardware configuration of the client device 10 of the network system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the client device 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 101, a storage device 102, a ROM (read only memory) 103, a RAM (random read / write memory) 104, an input device 105, a display device 106, A communication I / F 107 is provided.

  The storage device 102 includes (a) a program corresponding to the processing procedure of the host list generation processing described above (see FIGS. 5 and 11), and (b) the processing procedure of the host group table generation processing described above (FIG. 13. A data processing program 102A including a program corresponding to (FIG. 20, FIG. 23) and (c) a program corresponding to the above-described duplication determination processing procedure (see FIG. 25) is stored. The storage device 102 stores an information management application and a host group table.

  The program (a) is also a program for realizing the function of the host list control unit 110. The program (b) is also a program for realizing the function of the host group table control unit 120. Further, the program (c) is a program for realizing the function of the duplication determination unit 130.

  The data processing program 102A includes at least the following processing steps (1) to (3).

  (1) Stores identification information indicating each of a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device and information indicating that the information is valid associated with identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces. Amnestic process.

  (2) Whether or not the identification information indicating the communication interface as the transmission source included in the received data matches the identification information corresponding to the information indicating that the communication interface is valid stored in the storage process. Judgment process for determining.

  (3) The received data is accepted only when it is determined that the two identification information matches in the determination process, and the reception data is determined when the two identification information does not match in the determination process. Data processing process to discard.

  The ROM 103 stores parameters and data necessary for data processing.

  The RAM 104 stores a data processing program 102A read from the storage device 102. The RAM 104 also stores received data received (host address, trap, job history, etc.), transmission data to be sent (jobs that cause PDL errors, Job MIB acquisition requests, etc.), and the like. Furthermore, a work area (work area) for executing host list generation processing by the host list control unit 110 and host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit 120 is allocated to the RAM 104.

  The input device 105 and the display device 106 operate as a user interface. The communication I / F 107 corresponds to the transmission / reception unit 160 (see FIG. 2).

  The CPU 101 performs data processing by reading and executing the data processing program 102A from the ROM 102 to the RAM 103. The CPU 101 realizes the function of the host list control unit 110, the function of the host group table control unit 120, and the function of the duplication determination unit 130 by performing the data processing. The CPU 101 controls the entire client device 10.

  (Embodiment 2)

  FIG. 28 shows a configuration of a network system including a server device according to the second embodiment.

  In the network system 2 shown in FIG. 28, the server device 500 is connected to a communication line 610 and a communication line 620. The client device 600 is connected to the communication line 610. Server device 500 and client device 600 are connected via communication line 610.

  The communication lines 610 and 620 include a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wired communication line such as a telephone line, a wireless communication line such as a wireless LAN, and a combination of these communication lines. Is mentioned. Here, the communication lines 610 and 620 employ a network.

  In the second embodiment, the server apparatus is a network-compatible image forming apparatus (device) such as a printing apparatus having a plurality of communication interfaces, a network scanner apparatus, or a network multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) having a printer function or a scanner function. ) Is assumed. The client device is assumed to be a computer (host). That is, the server device means a device, and the client device means a host.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the server device 500 includes an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F unit”) 510, a communication protocol processing unit 520, an association setting unit 530, a storage device 540, a job processing unit 550, a status parameter. A processing unit 560, a network application unit, a transmission processing unit 580, and a clock 590 are provided.

  The I / F unit (interface unit) 510 includes a plurality of communication interfaces (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / Fs”) 510-1, 510-2,... As network interfaces for performing communication with the client device (host). ., 510-n. Each of these communication I / Fs is assigned a unique address (IP address).

  When communication (printing, setting, reference, etc.) with a client device (host) occurs, the communication protocol processing unit 520 extracts the address of the host (hereinafter referred to as “host address”), and a plurality of server devices. A communication I / F that is communicating with the host is extracted from the communication I / F.

  The association setting unit 530 instructs the storage device 540 to output the host address and communication I / F extracted by the communication protocol processing unit 520 and store (save) the information in association with each other.

  The storage device 540 stores an access I / F table 541, an overwrite priority order table 542, effective storage time information 543, new access level information 544, default transmission I / F information 545, and a destination address book 546.

  The access I / F table 541 holds a correspondence table (table) indicating the correspondence between host addresses and communication I / Fs.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the access I / F table 541 includes items of an address 541a, a packet type 541b, an encryption 541c, a last access time 541d, and an access I / F identifier 541e.

  In the item of the address 541a, the host address of the accessing host (source), that is, the Internet protocol address (IP address) is registered.

  In the item of the packet type 541b, the type of a packet transmitted from the host, that is, a packet (reception packet) received by the communication I / F is registered.

  In the item of encryption 541c, information indicating the presence or absence of encryption is registered.

  The last accessed time (access time) is registered in the item of last access time 541d.

  In the item of the access I / F identifier 541e, identification information (hereinafter referred to as “I / F identifier”) indicating the communication I / F that has received the packet transmitted from the host is registered.

  In the second embodiment, the access level 541 # is included in the access I / F table 541 (see FIG. 29), but this is provided for explanation of this table. In the actual access I / F table 541, the access level 541 # does not exist, and the access level corresponding to the packet type cannot be known from the access I / F table 541.

  Therefore, based on the packet type 541b and the encryption 541c of the access I / F table 541, the access level is known (obtained) from the overwrite priority table 542 described later. Note that the packet type 542 and the encryption 541c may be deleted, and the value of the access level 541 # may be stored instead. Also in this case, the function of the access I / F table 541 is maintained.

  The update of the access I / F table 541 is rewritten to the communication I / F used when the access level is high based on the overwrite priority order table for each IP address.

  The value registered in the item of the access level 541 is obtained by multiplication with the overwrite priority table. Other values registered in the items of address 541a, packet type 541b, encryption 541c, last access time 541e, and access I / F identifier 541f are stored values.

  In the second embodiment, the access I / F table 541 is automatically created. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user can store arbitrary data using a predetermined user interface. Processing operations such as deletion and editing may be performed.

  Again, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The overwrite priority order table 542 is for assigning priorities by the received protocol or the like even at the same address.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the overwrite priority order table 542 includes access level 542a, packet type 542b, and whether or not encryption is performed or is not used as a determination material (hereinafter referred to as “encryption presence / absence”) 542c. Yes.

  Basically, it is not necessary to dynamically change the overwrite priority order table 542. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 31, the values registered in the above items are stored as initial values.

  In the second embodiment, the initial value is stored in each item of the access level 542a, the packet type 542b, the presence / absence of encryption, etc. 542c of the overwrite priority table 542 (see FIG. 31). Without being limited thereto, the user may be able to perform processing operations such as adding, editing, and deleting arbitrary data using a predetermined user interface.

  Again, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The effective storage time information 543 is information (setting value) indicating a period (time) in which information (row data) in which the host address registered in the access I / F table 541 is associated with the communication I / F is stored. ). When the difference time between the last access time (date and time) and the current time (date and time) exceeds the storage valid time information 543, the row data related to the last access time in the access I / F table 541 is discarded. It is like that.

  The new access level information 544 is a minimum level (set value) related to a packet as a reference for determining that a packet type should be registered in the access I / F table 541. When the minimum level value is increased, the packet type received by the communication I / F among the limited types of packets is stored in the access I / F table 541. When the minimum level value is decreased, Of the various types of packets, the types of packets received by the communication I / F are stored in the access I / F table 541. Corresponding to the type of the packet, the address information of the transmission source that transmitted the packet is stored in the access I / F table 541.

  The default transmission I / F information 545 is information (line) in which the host address of the transmission destination does not exist in the access I / F table 541 when transmitting transmission data, that is, the host address and the communication I / F are associated with each other. This is information (setting value) indicating a communication I / F to be used when there is no data.

  The transmission destination address book 546 stores transmission destination address data.

  The job processing unit 550 processes the received job. The processing of this job is executed in parallel regardless of the address association.

  The status / parameter processing unit 560 performs device parameter reference and management processing. These processes are executed in parallel regardless of the address association.

  The network application unit 570 performs job transmission processing using a predetermined user interface, and transmits predetermined event information generated therein to transmit event information such as trap transmission. Here, the trap transmission means that information is spontaneously transmitted from the server apparatus (device) side to the client apparatus (host). In the second embodiment, information to be transmitted is not particularly defined, but information related to billing in the server device (device) is assumed.

  The transmission processing unit 580 determines a corresponding communication I / F with reference to the access I / F table 542 of the storage device 540 based on the transmission destination address extracted by the network application unit 570. If there is no address in the access I / F table 542, one communication I / F based on the default transmission I / F information 545 is selected.

  The clock 590 measures time. The clock 590 may be a timer.

  In the second embodiment, the I / F unit 510 corresponds to a communication unit, the plurality of communication I / Fs 510-1, 510-2, 510-3, and 510-n correspond to a plurality of communication interfaces, and the storage device 540. (Access I / F table 541) corresponds to a storage unit, and the transmission processing unit 580 corresponds to a transmission control unit.

  Next, access I / F table creation processing by the server apparatus (device) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the creation processing.

  A process for creating an access I / F table by the device when an access from the host to the device occurs will be described. This creation processing includes packet (network packet) monitoring and access I / F table creation and update processing.

  In the I / F unit 510, the plurality of communication I / Fs 510-1, 510-2, 510-3,..., 510-3 each monitor a packet transmitted from a client device (host) on the network ( Monitoring), and when the packet arrives for the server apparatus (device), the received packet is transferred to the communication protocol processing unit 520 (step S901, see P11 in FIG. 34).

  The packet includes a packet including information transmitted by broadcast (information related to printing such as print data) and a packet including a print instruction. In step S901, since the purpose of the I / F unit 510 is to extract host address information, packets addressed to other devices can be captured (data capture) and used.

  The communication protocol processing unit 520 extracts a host address from the packet passed from the I / F unit 510, and also extracts the extracted host address, identification information indicating the accessed communication I / F, and the type of the packet (protocol Type), the presence / absence of encryption, and the reception time, and these pieces of information are passed to the association setting unit 530 as packet information (step S902, see P12 in FIG. 34).

  The association setting unit 530 determines (acquires) the access level of the received packet from the overwrite priority order table 542 stored in the storage device 540 based on the received packet information (step S903, see P13 in FIG. 34).

  In addition, the association setting unit 530 obtains existing information (host address, packet type, last access time, etc.) from the access I / F table 541 stored in the storage device 540 (step S904, P14 in FIG. 34). It is determined whether or not the host address included in the received packet information exists at the host address registered in the item of the address 541a of the access I / F table 541 (step S905).

  In step S905, when determining that the host address included in the received packet information exists in the access I / F table 541, the association setting unit 530 determines from the access I / F table 541 packet type information and encryption corresponding to the host address. And the access level (the access level corresponding to the currently registered packet type) is acquired from the overwrite priority table 542 based on the acquired information (step S906).

  The association setting unit 530 acquires the current time information (date / time information) from the clock 590 (see P154 in FIG. 34), and stores the time of the difference between the current time (date / time) and the last access time (date / time). It is determined whether it is within the set value (storage effective period) of the storage effective period information 543 stored in the device 540 (step S907).

  The association setting unit 530 that has determined that the difference time is within the set value (storage effective period) of the storage effective period information 543 in step S907 indicates that the access level (access level of the received packet) acquired in step S903 is It is determined whether or not it is equal to or higher than the value of the access level acquired in S906 (the access level corresponding to the currently registered packet type) (step S908).

  In step S908, the association setting unit 530, which has determined that the access level of the received packet is equal to or higher than the value of the access level corresponding to the currently registered packet type, from the access I / F table 541, The information (row data) corresponding to the access level corresponding to the type is deleted, and new information in the access I / F table 541, that is, the host address, the packet type, the presence / absence of encryption, the last access time, and the I / F identifier are displayed. Overwriting is updated by writing (see step S909, P16 in FIG. 34).

  That is, when the access I / F table 541 is updated, the access type (broadcast, parameter reference (parameter type), parameter setting, time elapsed since printing or previous access, presence / absence of encryption, etc.) is used as the access level. Each is leveled, the access level of the existing information is compared with the newly received access level based on the overwrite priority table 542, and if it is determined that overwriting is possible, the access I / F table 541 is updated.

  In step S909, if the two access levels are the same, the I / F identifier and the last access time are updated.

  When step 909 is completed, the association setting unit 530 searches the access I / F table 541 and determines old information that exceeds the set value (storage effective period) of the storage effective period information 543 stored in the storage device 540 ( Line data) is deleted (step S910), and then the process returns to step S901.

  Incidentally, in step S905, the association setting unit 530 that has determined that the host address included in the received packet information does not exist in the access I / F table 541 has the access level (access level of the received packet) acquired in step S903. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or higher than the set value (new access level) of the new access level information 544 stored in the storage device 540 (step S911).

  In step S911, the association setting unit 530 that has determined that the access level of the received packet is equal to or higher than the new access level stores the host address, the packet type, the presence / absence of encryption, the last access time, and the I / F in the access I / F table 541. The F identifier is registered (see step S912, P16 in FIG. 34), and then the process proceeds to step S910.

  If it is determined in step S911 that the access level of the received packet is less than the new access level, the process proceeds to step S910.

  Meanwhile, in step S907, the association setting unit 530 that has determined that the time of the difference exceeds the set value (storage effective period) of the storage effective period information 543, sets the corresponding host address from the access I / F table 541. Corresponding information (row data) is deleted (step S913), and then the process proceeds to step S911.

  Next, data transmission processing by the server apparatus (device) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the data transmission processing.

  When a transmission request from a user is issued from an application or a transmission request such as a trap is issued due to an event occurring in the server apparatus (device), the transmission request is passed to the network application unit 570 (step). (See S1001, P21 in FIG. 34).

  The network application unit 570 acquires the transmission address of the transmission destination host from the transmission address book 546 stored in the storage device 540 (see P22 in FIG. 33), and acquires the acquired transmission address and necessary data (trap information and transmission). Data) is transferred to the transmission processing unit 580 (see step S1002, P23 in FIG. 34).

  The transmission processing unit 580 acquires the access I / F table 541 stored in the storage device 540 (see P24 in FIG. 34), and acquires and passes the acquired access I / F table 541 and the network application unit 570. Based on the transmission destination address, processing for determining a communication I / F to be used is started (step S1003).

  That is, the transmission processing unit 580 determines whether or not the transmission destination address (IP address) exists in the host address (IP address) registered in the access I / F table 541 (the item of the address 541a) ( In step S1004), as a result of this determination, if there is a host address that matches the destination address, the I / F identifier and the last access time corresponding to the host address are acquired.

  Next, the transmission processing unit 580 acquires the current time (date and time) from the clock 590, and the time difference between the current time (date and time) and the last access time (date and time) is stored in the storage device 540. It is determined whether it is within the set value (storage effective period) of the stored effective period information 543 (step S1005).

  In step S1005, the transmission processing unit 580 that has determined that the difference time is within the set value (storage effective period) of the storage effective period information 543, the communication I / F corresponding to the acquired I / F identifier is Necessary data (trap information and transmission data) is passed and transmission control is performed so as to transmit data (see step S1006, P25 in FIG. 34). Thereby, necessary data (trap information and transmission data) is transmitted from the designated I / F to the transmission destination.

  In step S1004, the transmission processing unit 580 that has determined that there is no host address that matches the transmission destination address determines whether or not an address of another host that seems to be the same network exists in the access I / F table 541. (Step S1007).

  In step S1007, the access I / F table 541 is searched for an address in the same subnet as the destination address or in the same DNS (Domain Name System) domain.

  That is, when the transmission destination address does not exist in the access I / F table 541, other host information registered in the access I / F table 541 is referred to. The communication I / F associated with the may be used. This is effective when a part of FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) is matched.

If it is determined in step S1007 that there is an address of another host that seems to be the same network, the communication processing unit 580 proceeds to step S1005, while there is no address of another host that seems to be the same network. Is determined, the setting value (I / F identifier) of the default transmission I / F information 545 stored in the storage device 540
And necessary data (trap information and transmission data) is passed to the communication I / F corresponding to the acquired I / F identifier, and transmission control is performed so as to transmit data (step S1008).

  As described above, when a server device (device) has a plurality of communication I / Fs that can reach a predetermined client device (host), the server device (device) is connected to the predetermined client device (host). When transmitting information to be transmitted to (for example, information related to charging), it is possible to prevent the same information from being transmitted from the communication I / F of the server apparatus (device). Therefore, in the client device (host), it is possible to prevent multiple processing for transmission information (information related to charging) transmitted from the server device (device).

  In the second embodiment, only one access I / F table is stored in the server apparatus (device). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used.

  That is, an access I / F table is provided for each communication I / F (a plurality of access I / F tables are provided in the server device), and the server device (device) refers to the plurality of access I / F tables, The communication I / F corresponding to the transmission destination address is determined. In this case, even when the number of communication I / Fs is large, the consumption of server device resources due to an increase in communication I / F can be suppressed to the minimum, and the server device resources can be used effectively.

  In the second embodiment, the access I / F table is automatically created and updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user uses a user interface such as a workstation (EWS) or a computer. Thus, the access I / F table may be edited. Thereby, the access I / F table can be customized according to the user's preference.

  Further, in the second embodiment, regarding the access I / F table, (1) all addresses are stored within the range allowed by the storage device, (2) those after a predetermined time are deleted, (3) existing (3-1) Save only the addresses registered in the address book, (3-2) Register communication I / F information in the address book, etc. You may make it implement.

  Further, in the second embodiment, an access I / F table related to information on the transmission destination address may be provided for each communication protocol.

  That is, when accessed by a predetermined communication protocol such as the SNMP protocol, at the time of SNMP transmission to the host, the communication I / F corresponding to the host address of the host is referred to by referring to the access I / F table corresponding to the SNMP. Is selected and data is transmitted using the selected communication I / F. Thereby, when the trap notification destination address or the like is set by SNMP, the trap information can be reliably transmitted by using the communication I / F used at that time.

  FIG. 35 shows the hardware configuration of the server device 500 of the network system 2.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the server 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a storage device 502, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 503, a RAM (A Read / Write Memory as needed) 504, an operation panel 505, an image output device 506, and A communication device 506 is provided.

  In the storage device 502, (a) a program corresponding to the processing procedure of the access I / F table creation process described above (see FIG. 32) and (b) a processing procedure of the data transmission process (see FIG. 33) described above are supported. Data processing program 102A including a program to be executed, an application program (information management application), a program for executing a communication protocol, a communication protocol processing unit 520, an association setting unit 530, a job processing unit 550 shown in FIG. A predetermined program such as a program corresponding to each function of the parameter processing unit 560 is stored.

  Further, the storage device 502 has the function of the storage device 540 (see FIG. 29), and stores, for example, an access I / F table 541, an overwrite priority table 542, and the like.

  The data processing program 502A includes at least the following processing steps (1) and (2).

  (1) The identification information indicating the communication interface that has received the data transmitted from the transmission source client device among the plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device is associated with the identification information indicating the transmission source client device. Memory processing process to memorize.

  (2) When transmitting transmission data to a transmission destination client device, a communication interface to be used is specified based on identification information indicating the transmission destination client device and the stored contents stored in the storage process. And a transmission control process for performing control to transmit the transmission data to the specified communication interface.

  The ROM 503 stores parameters and data necessary for performing the image forming process.

  The RAM 504 stores predetermined programs including the data processing program 502A read from the storage device 502, and parameters and data read from the ROM 503. The RAM 504 stores various data such as data (received packets, transmitted data, etc.) transmitted / received via the communication device 507.

  The operation panel 505 operates as a user interface, and the image output device 506 performs an image forming process (printing process) based on the print data, and outputs a result of the printing process (printed material).

  The communication device 507 corresponds to the I / F unit 510 (see FIG. 29), and has a plurality of communication interfaces (communication I / F) 507-1, 507-2,. ing. These communication I / Fs are, for example, a wired LAN interface or a wireless LAN interface.

  The CPU 101 performs data processing by reading and executing the data processing program 502A from the storage device 502 to the RAM 504, and at the same time, the communication protocol processing unit 520, the association setting unit 530, the job processing unit 550, and the status shown in FIG. Implement each function of the parameter processing unit 560.

  In this specification, each function of the client device (see FIG. 27) or the server device (see FIG. 35) is realized, and a predetermined program such as the data processing program 102A or the data processing program 502A is stored as a recording medium. Although described as an embodiment for recording, it is also possible to provide the predetermined program as follows.

  That is, the predetermined program may be stored in the ROM, and the CPU may load the program from the ROM to the main storage device and execute it.

  The predetermined program may be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), flexible disk, or the like. In this case, after the client device or the server device installs the program recorded on the recording medium, the CPU executes the program. As an installation destination of this program, there is a memory such as a RAM or a storage device such as a hard disk. Then, the client device or the server device loads the program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  Further, the client device or the server device is connected to a computer such as a file server device or a host computer via a communication line (for example, the Internet), and the client device or the server device is connected to the predetermined server from the file server device or the computer. After downloading the program, the program may be executed. In this case, the download destination of the program includes a memory such as a RAM and a storage device (recording medium) such as a hard disk. Then, the client device or the server device loads the program stored in the storage device into the main storage device and executes it as necessary.

  The present invention can be applied to a server apparatus having a plurality of network interfaces such as a wireless LAN interface and a wired LAN interface, and a client apparatus that communicates with the server apparatus.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system including a client device according to a first embodiment. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a client device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a host list generated by a host list control unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a host group table generated by a host group table control unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host list generation processing by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of another host list generation process performed by the host list control unit according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of still another host list generation process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of host group table generation processing by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of another generation process of the host group table by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating transition of a host list referred to in a specific example of another generation process of a host group table by a host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating transition of a host list referred to in a specific example of another generation process of a host group table by a host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of still another generation process of the host group table by the host group table control unit according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of host group table generation processing (overall flow) by the client device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of overlap determination processing by the overlap determination unit according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating processing of the client device in response to a response from the server device when the client device according to the first embodiment makes an inquiry to one communication interface of the server device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a client device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system including a server device according to a second embodiment. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the access I / F table which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the overwrite priority order table which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of access I / F table creation processing by the server device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data transmission processing by the server device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of an access I / F table creation process and a data transmission process performed by the server device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a client device according to a second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10, 600 Client device 20, 30, 40, 500 Server device 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 41, 107, 507-1, 507-2, 507-n, 510-1, 510-2, 510-3, 510-n Communication interface 50 Communication line 101, 501 CPU
102, 502 Storage device 102A, 502A Data processing program 103, 503 ROM
104,504 RAM
110 Host list control unit 120 Host group table control unit 130 Duplicate determination unit 150 Storage unit 160 Transmission / reception unit 200 Host list 300 Host group table 510 Interface unit 520 Communication protocol processing unit 530 Association setting unit 540 Storage device 541 Access I / F table 542 Overwrite priority order 580 transmission processing unit 610, 620 network

Claims (6)

A communication unit connected to a server device having a plurality of communication interfaces via a communication line and communicating with the server device;
Storage means for storing identification information indicating each of the plurality of communication interfaces, and information indicating that the information is valid associated with identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces;
Whether or not the identification information indicating the communication interface as the transmission source included in the received data received by the communication means matches the identification information corresponding to the information indicating that it is valid stored in the storage means Determining means for determining
Data processing that accepts the received data only when the determination means determines that the two identification information matches, and discards the reception data when the determination means determines that the two identification information does not match Means,
A client device comprising: A response to the predetermined job data notified from each of the plurality of communication interfaces due to the transmission of the predetermined job data to one communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces. The control means for determining that the plurality of communication interfaces correspond to the same server device and determining the predetermined communication interface from the plurality of communication interfaces;
The client apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage means
Each server device of a plurality of server devices indicates that it is valid associated with identification information indicating each of the plurality of communication interfaces and identification information indicating a valid communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces. Remember information,
After transmitting job data having a specific job name to one communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces related to a predetermined server device among the plurality of server devices, a job is transmitted to the plurality of server devices. When the communication means receives a job history that includes the specific job name notified from each of the plurality of communication interfaces due to requesting the job history, The plurality of communication interfaces that have notified the job history including the specific job name are determined to correspond to the same server device, and the predetermined communication interface is selected from the plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device. Control means for determining the communication interface of
The client apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of communication interfaces connected to the client device via a communication line and communicating with the client device;
Storage means for storing the identification information indicating the communication interface that has received the data transmitted from the transmission source client device among the plurality of communication interfaces and the identification information indicating the transmission source client device in association with each other;
When transmitting transmission data to a destination client device, a communication interface to be used is specified based on identification information indicating the destination client device and the storage content of the storage unit, and the specified communication interface Transmission control means for controlling the transmission data to be transmitted;
The server apparatus characterized by having. A storage processing step for storing identification information indicating each of a plurality of communication interfaces related to the server device and information indicating that the information is valid associated with identification information indicating a predetermined communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces When,
It is determined whether or not the identification information indicating the communication interface as the transmission source included in the received data matches the identification information corresponding to the information indicating that the communication interface is valid stored in the storage process. Judgment process,
The received data is accepted only when it is determined that the two identification information matches in the determination process, and the received data is discarded when it is determined that the two identification information does not match in the determination process. Data processing process,
A data processing program for causing a computer to execute. Storage that associates and stores identification information indicating a communication interface that has received data transmitted from a transmission source client device among a plurality of communication interfaces related to a server device, and identification information indicating the transmission source client device Process,
When transmitting transmission data to a destination client device, the communication interface to be used is specified based on the identification information indicating the destination client device and the stored contents stored in the storage processing step. A transmission control process for performing control to transmit the transmission data to the identified communication interface;
A data processing program for causing a computer to execute.

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