JP2009134332A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, information terminal device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an information terminal device and a program for promoting the widespread use of a newly installed image forming apparatus over a network. <P>SOLUTION: When a printer device is newly installed on a network and its network environment is set by a manager or the like (S101), the printer device searches for client devices 13 on a local network (S102). The printer device then creates self-introduction information including its location, specifications, where a printer driver will be downloaded, etc., and transmits this self-introduction information to each client device found over the network. According to the self-introduction information received, the user of each client device recognizes the newly installed printer device on the network and determines the location and specifications of the printer device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an information terminal device, and a program, and more specifically, an image forming system having a plurality of image forming apparatuses connectable to a network, an image forming apparatus connectable to a network, The present invention relates to an information terminal device connectable to a network and a program for operating these image forming apparatuses or information terminal devices.

  When an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral connected to a network is used in a client terminal in the same network, driver software for the image forming apparatus is installed in the client terminal. In general, a server or database for managing driver software is provided on the network, and the user operates the client terminal to query the server or database to obtain driver software desired by the user or usable by the client terminal. Installed on the client terminal.

  Specifically, a client terminal newly connected to the network receives a network environment setting operation by the user, detects all printers already connected to the same network, and communicates with each printer to obtain printer information. Acquire and display the result. A technology in which a client terminal downloads and installs a printer driver for a printer from a management service site on a web server when a user selects a desired printer from the displayed printers and issues an instruction to install a printer driver. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Further, when a client terminal connected to the network acquires its own IP (Internet Protocol) address from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server and notifies the printer management server, the printer management server prints a printer from the database based on the IP address. Extract the information and send it to the client terminal. There is also a technique in which the client terminal receives and installs the printer driver by the printer management server extracting the printer driver of the printer selected by the user from the printer information from the database and transmitting it to the client terminal (for example, Patent Document 2).

  Further, when the user instructs printing from the client terminal, the client terminal acquires printer information from each printer on the network and displays a printer list. If the user selects a printer for printing from the printer list but the printer driver for that printer is not installed on the client terminal, the client terminal downloads the printer driver for the printer from the database on the network. There is also a technique for installation (for example, see Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-240490 JP 2006-48229 A JP 2006-134245 A

  Such a printer driver download and installation method led by the client terminal side (user side) is effective when a new client terminal is installed. That is, in an environment in which printer drivers of printers already installed on the network are managed by a server or database, in the case of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the above is always performed when a client terminal is newly installed and a printer is used. According to the procedure (initial setting), the printer driver of the existing printer can be downloaded and installed. In the case of Patent Document 3, printing is executed after the client terminal is installed, so that the printer driver of the existing printer can be downloaded and installed.

  However, this is not effective when a printer is newly installed on the network. That is, in the method led by the client terminal side, since the printer driver is not downloaded and installed unless the user knows that the printer has been newly installed, the use of the new printer does not become widespread.

  The technique of Patent Document 3 is inconvenient because it searches for a printer in the network for each printing, which increases the processing load on the client terminal and takes time to display the printer list. Furthermore, since there is a high possibility that the user will not notice that there is a new printer by simply displaying a list of printers, the use of the new printer will not be widespread.

  For example, printers newly installed in large offices or different floors (rooms) are less likely to be noticed by the user, and will not become popular unless the administrator contacts the user. In addition to notifying the user that the printer has been newly installed, if the user is provided with detailed information about the newly installed printer, such as information on the performance and functions of the printer, the installation location that affects usability, etc. Therefore, it is considered that the user's interest in the printer is increased, and it is effective in promoting the spread.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, an information terminal apparatus, and a program capable of widely disseminating a new image forming apparatus to users on a network. The purpose is that.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An image forming system having a plurality of image forming apparatuses connectable to a network,
The first image forming apparatus
A first transmission unit for transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
The second image forming apparatus
A receiving unit for receiving the device introduction information via the network;
A storage unit for storing the device introduction information received by the receiving unit;
A second transmission unit for transmitting the device introduction information to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
An image forming system comprising:

[5] An image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
A first transmitter for transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
A receiving unit for receiving the self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus via the network;
A storage unit for storing the apparatus introduction information of the other image forming apparatus received by the reception unit;
A second transmission unit that transmits the introduction information of the other image forming apparatus to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

[11] In an image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
A function of transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
A function of receiving the self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus via the network;
A function of storing the received self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus;
A function of transmitting the introduction information of the other image forming apparatus to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
A program to realize

  In the image forming system of the above invention, the first image forming apparatus has a function of transmitting its own apparatus introduction information over a network. The second image forming apparatus stores the self-introduction information of the first image forming apparatus received via the network, and receives access from the information terminal apparatus on the network to the first information forming apparatus. It has a function of transmitting self-device introduction information of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus and the program according to the above invention, the image forming apparatus receives a function of transmitting its own apparatus introduction information over a network, and receives the apparatus introduction information of the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus. And receiving the access from the information terminal device on the network, it has a function of transmitting the self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus to the information terminal device.

  As a result, when a user who uses the information terminal device receives the introduction information from the image forming apparatus when accessing an existing image forming apparatus that can be used on the network, the user is newly connected to the network. That there is an image forming apparatus can be recognized from the self-introduction information. Furthermore, it is also possible to grasp various types of information relating to the newly established image forming apparatus, such as the specifications of the image forming apparatus, from the contents of the self-introduction information.

  As described above, when a new image forming apparatus is connected to the network, the self-introduction information of the newly installed image forming apparatus is automatically notified to the user information terminal apparatus via the existing image forming apparatus on the network. Therefore, the new image forming apparatus can be widely spread to users on the network.

[6] An image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information on own device introduction to an information terminal device on the network.

[12] In an image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
A program for realizing a function of transmitting own device introduction information to an information terminal device on the network.

  In the image forming apparatus and the program of the above invention, the image forming apparatus has a function of transmitting its own device introduction information to the information terminal device on the network. Accordingly, when the user using the information terminal device receives the device introduction information, the user can recognize from the device introduction information that there is an image forming apparatus newly connected to the network. Furthermore, it is possible to grasp various types of information related to the newly formed image forming apparatus from the contents of the self-device introduction information.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus is newly connected to the network, the introduction information of the new image forming apparatus is automatically notified to the information terminal device of the user on the network. Can be widely spread to users on the network.

[2] The image forming system according to [1], wherein the first image forming apparatus further includes an information creating unit that creates the device introduction information.

[7] The image forming apparatus according to [5] or [6], further including an information creating unit that creates the self-device introduction information.

[13] The program according to [11] or [12] for causing the image forming apparatus to further realize a function of creating the device introduction information.

  In the above invention, the introduction information can be created on the image forming apparatus, so that the administrator or operator of the network newly installing the image forming apparatus introduces information useful for the user and guidance (advertisement) that prompts the user to use the apparatus. It can be arbitrarily added to information. As a result, the user's interest in the newly formed image forming apparatus is increased, and the spread can be promoted.

[3] The first image forming apparatus further receives a processing request for enabling the first image forming apparatus to be used by the information terminal apparatus from the information terminal apparatus. The image forming system according to [1] or [2], comprising:

[8] The information processing apparatus further includes a processing unit that executes the process when a request for the process for enabling the image forming apparatus to be used by the information terminal apparatus is received from the information terminal apparatus. [7] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [7].

[14] A function for realizing the function of executing the processing when the image forming device further receives a processing request for enabling the image forming device to be used by the information terminal device from the information terminal device [11] Thru | or the program of any one of [13].

  In the above invention, the image forming apparatus (first image forming apparatus) connected to the network executes the process when receiving a request for processing for enabling the own apparatus in the information terminal apparatus from the information terminal apparatus. . As a result, for example, it is not necessary to provide a server or the like on the network for performing processing for enabling the newly installed image forming apparatus to be used in the information terminal device, or it is necessary to provide such a function to the server on the network. The network system configuration can be simplified.

[4] The second image forming apparatus determines whether or not to transmit the own device introduction information based on a transmission history of the own device introduction information to the information terminal device. The image forming system according to any one of [1] to [3].

[9] Any one of [5] to [8], wherein it is determined whether to transmit the device introduction information based on a transmission history of the device introduction information to the information terminal device. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

[15] [11] to [11] for realizing the function of determining whether to transmit the device introduction information based on the transmission history of the device introduction information to the information terminal device in the image forming apparatus [14] The program according to any one of [14].

  In the above invention, whether or not to transmit the own device introduction information is determined, for example, by determining that the own device introduction information is transmitted to an information terminal device that has not transmitted the own device introduction information before. For example, it is determined that the device introduction information is not transmitted to the information terminal device that is transmitting the machine introduction information, based on the transmission history of the device introduction information for the information terminal device. Thereby, it is possible to avoid omission of transmission of the own device introduction information to the information terminal device, duplicate transmission, and the like.

[10] An information terminal device connectable to a network,
A receiving unit that receives the self-device introduction information of the image forming apparatus transmitted over the network;
A display unit for displaying the device introduction information received by the receiving unit;
An operation unit that receives an operation for requesting the image forming apparatus to perform processing for enabling the image forming apparatus in the information terminal device;
A control unit that requests the image forming apparatus to perform the processing when the operation unit receives the operation;
An information terminal device comprising:

[16] To an information terminal device connectable to a network,
A function of receiving the self-device introduction information of the image forming apparatus transmitted on the network;
A function of displaying the received device introduction information;
A function of accepting an operation for requesting the image forming apparatus to enable the image forming apparatus to be used in the information terminal device;
A function of requesting the processing to the image forming apparatus upon accepting the operation;
A program to realize

  In the above-described invention, the information terminal device displays the information when the image forming device introduction information transmitted over the network is received. When the user confirms the self-introduction information displayed on the information terminal device and performs a predetermined operation on the information terminal device, the information terminal device performs processing for enabling the image forming device on the information terminal device. Request to forming equipment.

  Since the information terminal device has such a function, a user who uses the information terminal device recognizes that there is an image forming apparatus newly connected to the network from its own introduction information, or the newly installed image. Various types of information regarding the forming apparatus can be grasped from the contents of the self-introduction information. Therefore, the new image forming apparatus can be widely spread to users on the network.

  According to the image forming system, the image forming apparatus, the information terminal apparatus, and the program according to the present invention, the new image forming apparatus can be widely spread to users on the network.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a network system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The network system 10 is configured as a printer system (image forming system) in which a plurality of printer apparatuses 11 and 12 and a plurality of client apparatuses 13 are connected to a network 14 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The devices can communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the printer apparatus 11 is a newly installed printer apparatus newly installed and connected to the network 14, and the printer apparatus 12 has been installed previously and is already operating on the network 14. This is an existing printer device.

  The printer apparatuses 11 and 12 have a scanner function for optically reading a document, a scan to FTP function for transferring and storing image data obtained by the reading to an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server (not shown) on the network 14, A copy function for forming and printing out image data obtained by reading on paper, print data input from an external terminal such as the client device 13 is converted into image data, and the converted image data is printed on the paper. A printer function that forms and prints out, a facsimile function that transmits and receives image data to and from an external device via a public line (Fax function), and an Internet facsimile that transmits and receives image data as an attached file to an external device via an IP network. Function (IFax function), by department, As a digital multi-function peripheral equipped with a box function (BOX function) for storing and managing image data etc. in the box by setting a box as a data storage location in the device by categorizing by individual and by case It is configured.

  The client device 13 is configured as an information processing device such as a general-purpose personal computer (PC), and has a function of transmitting jobs such as printing and Internet facsimile to the printer devices 11 and 12.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printer device 11 and the client device 13 in the network system 10. Since the configuration of the printer device 12 is basically the same as that of the printer device 11, detailed illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

  The printer device 11 includes a system control unit 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a hard disk device 23 (shown as HDD; Hard Disk Drive in the figure), a nonvolatile memory 24, and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 25. A scanner unit 26, a printer unit 27, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit 28, an input unit 29, and a communication I / F (Interface) 30.

  The system control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the printer device 11, and when the printer device 11 is connected to the network 14, the printer device 11 is connected to a predetermined device (client device 13 or printer device 12) on the network 14. It has a function of transmitting 11 self introduction information. Here, the “self-introduction information” is information for the printer apparatus 11 to introduce the user (self) to the user, and is synonymous with “self-introduction information”. Furthermore, notification information for notifying the user that the printer apparatus 11 is newly installed, guidance information for guiding the specification (function or performance) of the printer apparatus 11, or the like, The information may include information such as advertisement information for advertising a feature or the like to the user, and may also play a role such as notification, guidance, or advertisement.

  The ROM 22 functions to store various control programs executed by the system control unit 21. The hard disk device 23 is installed in an operating system (Operating System; OS) that controls the operation of the printer device 11, application programs that operate on the OS, data in a fixed format, various storage data, and the client device 13. It fulfills the functions of storing driver software 31 for enabling various functions of the device 11 and information about the printer 11 itself. The driver software 31 is a control program that causes the printer device 11 to execute an operation (function) in accordance with an instruction from an application program on the client device 13 or the like. For example, a printer driver, a PCFax driver, a TWAIN (Tool Without An Interesting Name) A plurality of types are prepared corresponding to a plurality of types of functions of the printer 11 such as a driver.

  The non-volatile memory 24 functions to store the serial number of the printer 11 and various software parameters. The DRAM 25 functions as an image memory that temporarily stores image data read by the scanning operation.

  The scanner unit 26 functions to read an original and acquire image data. The scanner 26 illuminates the original, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor that reads the original for one line in the width direction, and an analog image output from the image sensor. An A / D converter for converting the signal into digital image data is provided. Although not shown in the drawings, a moving mechanism that moves the reading position of the line unit by the image sensor in the length direction of the document, and an optical component that includes a lens or a mirror that guides reflected light from the document to the image sensor and forms an image. Etc.

  The printer unit 27 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a sheet by an electrophotographic process. The printer unit 27 includes a paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) that is controlled to be lighted according to input image data, and a laser beam emitted from the LD. Is configured as a so-called laser printer having a scanning unit that scans a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. Instead of an LED printer that irradiates a photosensitive drum with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser beam, other types of printers may be used.

  The LCD display unit 28 and the input unit 29 constitute a display operation panel and input keys. The LCD display unit 28 has a function of performing various displays related to the function mode, operation, warning, error, and the like of the printer device 11. The input unit 29 has a function of accepting an input operation from an operator.

  The communication I / F 30 has a function of controlling communication and data transfer with an external device including the client device 13 connected via the network 14.

  The client device 13 composed of a general-purpose PC or the like is equipped with an OS and various application programs that run on the OS. The client device 13 has a function for creating a document or an image by the application program, a document or an image, and the like. It has a function of transmitting a print job (print data) to the printer devices 11 and 12 via the network 14 when printing. The client device 13 includes driver software 32 for the existing printer device 12, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and a communication I / F 35.

  The driver software 32 is a control program that causes the printer device 12 to execute an operation (function) in accordance with an instruction from an application program, similarly to the driver software 31 described above. For example, a plurality of types of driver software prepared corresponding to a plurality of types of functions of the printer device 12 such as a printer driver and a PCFax driver are installed in the client device 13. In the following description, it is assumed that the driver software 31 of the newly installed printer apparatus 11 has not been installed in the client apparatus 13 yet.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD or the like, and includes a display screen for operating and setting the OS and application programs, and a function for displaying various images and videos. The input unit 34 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and has a function of accepting user operations and inputs.

  The communication I / F 35 has a function of controlling communication and data transfer with external devices including the printer apparatuses 11 and 12 connected via the network 14.

  In the printer 11 configured as described above, the flow from the input to the output of image data in the copy operation and the print operation is as follows.

  In the case of a copy operation, when the scanner unit 26 of the printer apparatus 11 reads a document image, image data is sequentially output from the scanner unit 26 and input to the DRAM 25 via the system control unit 21. This image data is temporarily stored in the DRAM 25 and further transferred from the DRAM 25 to the hard disk device 23 via the system control unit 21 and stored therein.

  In the case of a print operation, when the communication I / F 30 of the printer apparatus 11 receives print data from the client apparatus 13 via the network 14, the system control unit 21 expands the print data into image data. This image data is temporarily stored in the DRAM 25 as in the copying operation, and transferred from the DRAM 25 to the hard disk device 23 and stored therein.

  In both the copying operation and the printing operation, the image data stored in the hard disk device 23 is read by the system control unit 21 at the time of output and output to the printer unit 27. The printer unit 27 performs various kinds of image processing on the input image data, and then controls the lighting of the LD according to the image data to form an image on paper and print it out.

  Next, a process for transmitting the own machine introduction information by the printer apparatus 11 will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows the flow of the own device introduction information transmission process executed by the printer apparatus 11. The present embodiment is an example in which the newly installed printer device 11 directly introduces (notifies / guides / advertises) its own device to the client device 13 on the network 14.

  When the printer device 11 is newly installed on the network 14 (start), the network environment is set by an administrator (operator) or the like (step S101). When the network environment setting is completed, the printer device 11 searches for the client device 13 on the local network 14 (step S102). This search is performed, for example, by searching for an address range in which the upper 4 digits of the IP address set in the printer apparatus 11 are the same and the lower 4 digits.

  When the search for the client device 13 on the network 14 is completed, the printer device 11 creates its own device introduction information (step S103). The self-device introduction information is created, for example, when an administrator or the like inputs characters for manually introducing the printer device 11 to the user on the network 14 from the input unit 29 of the printer device 11. Is called. More specifically, information such as the installation location and specifications of the printer 11 and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the download destination of the printer driver is created by a manager or the like as a character string. Also, the created device introduction information is stored and saved in the hard disk device 23 in the printer device 11.

  When the creation of the own device introduction information is completed, the printer device 11 transmits the own device introduction information to each client device 13 searched on the network 14 (step S104), and ends this processing (END).

  The device introduction information is transmitted using, for example, a general-purpose instant messenger application program that allows devices running the same application program on the IP network to send and receive character strings and transfer files. Is called. The transmission timing may be set at the time of installation of the printer device 11 or a periodic timing by time setting.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of the own device introduction information 40 received from the newly installed printer device 11 displayed on the display unit 33 of the client device 13.

  As shown in FIG. 4, greeting information 41 is inserted at the beginning of the device introduction information 40, and further includes installation location information 42, specification information 43, and printer driver storage location information 44.

  The greeting 41 includes, for example, the model name of the printer 11 (for example, “C-450”) and the installation date (for example, “today”) in the greeting. The installation location information 42 indicates the installation location (for example, “1-401 room”) of the printer apparatus 11. The specification information 43 is a specification of the printer device 11 (for example, “full color / 45 ppm / email can be transmitted / with HDD storage function / with fax function / with IF function / with printer function / with stable function / Etc.) ”. The printer driver storage location information 44 indicates the storage location of the printer driver of the printer device 11 (for example, URL information such as “http: // ********** / *** / **”). Yes. In this embodiment, the storage destination of the printer driver is the hard disk device 23 in the printer device 11 (see FIG. 2).

  The user can recognize that the printer device 11 is newly installed on the network 14 by checking the self-device introduction information 40 displayed on the display unit 33 of the client device 13. Further, it becomes possible to grasp the model name, installation date, installation location, specifications (function and performance), and the like of the printer apparatus 11. When using the printer device 11, the user downloads the printer driver (driver software 31) of the printer device 11 from the storage location indicated by the printer driver storage location information 44 and installs it on the client device 13. Make various settings for. As a result, the user's client device 13 can perform print output by the newly installed printer device 11.

  Although the printer driver has been described as an example here, by including storage destination information such as a PCFax driver and a TWAIN driver in the self-device introduction information, the user downloads the driver software from the storage destination in the same manner, and the client device 13 can also be installed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the printer device 11 is newly installed on the network 14, the device introduction information is voluntarily transmitted to the client device 13 on the network 14 without receiving a request from the user, and is sent to the user. Introduce yourself (notification / guidance / promotion). As a result, the user of the client device 13 can recognize that there is a printer device 11 newly installed on the network 14 from the received device introduction information. Therefore, the newly installed printer device 11 can be widely spread to users on the network 14.

  Further, since the self introduction information includes detailed information (model name, installation date, installation location, specifications, printer driver storage location, etc.) regarding the newly installed printer device 11, the user can see details of the printer device 11. Information can be grasped together. As a result, the user's interest in the newly installed printer device 11 is enhanced, and the spread can be promoted.

  In addition, the printer device 11 has a function of executing the processing when the client device 13 receives a request for processing (downloading of the driver software 31) for enabling the own device to be used by the client device 13. It is not necessary to provide a server for performing such processing on the network 14, and the configuration of the network system can be simplified.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the network system 50 and the information communication flow according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As in the first embodiment, the network system 50 is configured by connecting a new printer device 11, an existing printer device 12, and a plurality of client devices 13 to a network 14. However, in the case of the present embodiment, the newly installed printer device 11 is introduced to the client device 13 through the existing printer device 12 on the network 14, and the client device 13 that receives the introduction of the printer device 11 from the printer device 12 is the printer. It has a function of requesting the device 11 to download driver software.

  Such a function is realized by a control program installed in the printer apparatuses 11 and 12 or driver software 32 of the printer apparatus 12 installed in the client apparatus 13. Therefore, the network system 50 is configured in the same manner as the network system 10 according to the first embodiment except that the control program and the driver software 32 are different (see FIG. 2). Therefore, detailed description regarding the configuration of the printer apparatuses 11 and 12 and the client apparatus 13 is omitted here, and the entire operation (information communication) of the network system 50 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of operations of the printer apparatuses 11 and 12 and the client apparatus 13 in the network system 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 5, when the newly established printer device 11 is connected to the network 14, it searches for a printer device already installed and operated in the local network 14 (P1 and P2 / Fig. 5). 5 (1)), the apparatus introduction information of the printer 11 is transmitted to the searched existing printer 12 (P3 / (2) in FIG. 5). In addition to the installation location of the printer 11 and the specification information described in the first embodiment, the self-introduction information includes the IP address of the printer 11 and the types of usable driver software (printer driver, PCFax Drivers, TWAIN drivers, etc.) are also added.

  When the existing printer device 12 receives the own device introduction information from the newly installed printer device 11, the existing printer device 12 stores and stores the own device introduction information in the hard disk device 23 ((3) in FIG. 5). When the printer device 12 receives a job from the client device 13 on the network 14 (P4 / (4) and (5) in FIG. 5), the printer device 12 stores the self introduction information of the printer device 11 stored in the hard disk device 23. The job is sent to the client device 13 that submitted the job (P5 / (6) in FIG. 5).

  Upon receiving the own device introduction information from the printer device 12, the client device 13 displays the own device introduction information on the display unit 33 ((7) in FIG. 5). An instruction for the user of the client device 13 to check his / her device introduction information, and to register settings for using various functions (box function, Internet facsimile function, scan to FTP function, etc.) of the printer device 11 and to download necessary driver software. (8 in FIG. 5), the client device 13 sends the setting registration and download request to the printer device 11 based on the IP address of the printer device 11 added to the received own device introduction information. Transmit (P6).

  When receiving the setting registration and download request from the client device 13 ((9) in FIG. 5), the printer device 11 executes the request processing. When the setting registration for using the various functions of the printer device 11 requested by the user is completed ((10) in FIG. 5), the setting registration is performed in the client device 13 based on the IP address of the client device 13 that transmitted the request. The completion is notified (P7). Further, the requested driver software is transmitted to the client device 13 (P8 / (11) in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print dialog box 60 displayed on the display unit 33 when a print instruction is issued from the application program on the client device 13.

  When the user of the client device 13 issues a print instruction from the application program, the driver software 32 installed in the client device 13 displays a print dialog box 60 illustrated in FIG. 7A on the display unit 33 of the client device 13. Display.

  The print dialog box 60 includes a printer name display unit 61 for displaying the name of the printer device 12 (for example, “XXXX Corporation C-550”), a cancel button 62 for accepting a print instruction cancel operation, and execution of the print instruction. An execution button 63 for receiving an operation is provided.

  When the cancel button 62 is clicked by the user's operation of the mouse (input unit 34), the driver software 32 of the client device 13 accepts the cancellation of the print instruction and deletes the print dialog box 60 displayed on the display unit 33. . When the execution button 63 is clicked, the driver software 32 of the client device 13 accepts execution of the print instruction and transmits a print job to the printer device 12.

  If the printer introduction information of the new printer (printer device 11) is returned from the printer device 12 after the print job is transmitted, the driver software 32 of the client device 13 performs the process based on the received device introduction information. 7B, an icon button 65 (for example, an icon button 65 for displaying the new printer guide information 64 (for example, “new printer has been installed”) and the detailed information of the new printer is displayed in the print dialog box 60. "I" etc.) is additionally displayed.

  When the user who sees the guide information 64 is interested in the new printer and operates the mouse to click the icon button 65, the driver software 32 of the client device 13 causes the display unit 33 to display a new printer information dialog box.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a new printer information dialog box 70 displayed on the display unit 33 of the client device 13 when the icon button 65 in the print dialog box 60 is clicked.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the new printer information dialog box 70 includes a greeting 71, installation location information 72, spec information 73, as in the self-machine introduction information 40 shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. Is displayed. Further, a printer driver request selection tab 74 for accepting a selection operation for downloading or not downloading driver software for a new printer, a box registration number input field 75 for inputting a box registration number when using the box function, and box registration A box registration name input field 76 for inputting a name, an abbreviated address input field 77 for inputting an abbreviated mail address when using the Internet facsimile function, and an FTP server folder (when using the scan to FTP function). IP address input field 78 for inputting the IP address of the directory), user ID input field 79 for inputting the user ID (Identification) used for access authentication to the folder of the FTP server, and password Pa Word input column 80, a registration button 81 for accepting setting registration operation of the selection items and input items, such as closing button 82 accepts an operation of closing the new printer information dialog box 70 is provided.

  The user is interested in the new printer by looking at the greeting 71, the installation location information 72, the spec information 73, etc. of the new printer information dialog box 70, and operates the mouse when using the new printer on the client device 13. Then, “download” is selected on the printer driver request selection tab 74 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, registration information is input into each input field as needed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, “No 1” is entered in the box registration number input field 75, “Registration name weekly report” is entered in the box registration name entry field 76, “XXX @ CCCC”, IP In the address input field 78, “IP 0.0.0.1” or the like is input. In the user ID input field 79 and the password input field 80, an arbitrary user ID and password ("***") are input.

  When the registration button 81 is clicked by operating the mouse after completion of the selection and input operation, the driver software 32 of the client device 13 transmits a setting registration and download request to the printer device 11.

  Next, the operation of the network system 50 will be described with reference to the processing flow viewed from the printer device 11 and the printer device 12.

  FIG. 9 shows the flow of the own device introduction information transmission process executed by the printer apparatus 11 according to this embodiment.

  When the printer device 11 is newly installed on the network 14 (start), the network environment is set by an administrator or the like (step S111). When the setting of the network environment is completed, the printer device 11 searches for the printer device 12 already operated on the local network 14 (step S112). The existing printer device 12 is searched by searching for a printer device of the same manufacturer from MIB (Management Information Base) information for managing communication devices on the network 14, or by the client device 13 in the first embodiment. Similar to the search, it is performed by searching only from the IP address.

  When the search for the existing printer device 12 on the network 14 is completed, the printer device 11 creates its own device introduction information as in the first embodiment (step S113).

  When the creation of the device introduction information is completed, the printer device 11 adds the IP address of the printer device 11 and the type of usable driver software to the existing printer device 12 searched on the network 14. Is transmitted (step S114), and this processing is terminated (END).

  FIG. 10 shows the flow of the own device introduction information transfer process executed by the printer device 12 according to this embodiment.

  The printer device 12 monitors the reception of a job from the client device 13 on the network 14 (step S121). When the printer device 12 receives the job (step S121; Yes), the printer device 12 executes the job (step S122).

  Here, if the printer device 12 does not have the own printer introduction information of the new printer (printer device 11) (step S123; No), the process returns to step S121 and the job reception monitoring is continued. When own device introduction information of the new printer is owned (step S123; Yes), the transmission history of own device introduction information to the client device 13 that has received the current job is confirmed (step S124).

  If there is a transmission record (step S124; Yes), since the own device introduction information has been transmitted to the client device 13, the own device introduction information is not transmitted to the client device 13, and step S121 is performed. Return to and continue receiving jobs. If there is no transmission record (step S124; No), the device introduction information of the new printer is transmitted to the client device 13 because the device introduction information has not been transmitted to the client device 13 (step S125). Then, the transmission record of the own device introduction information in the client device 13 is saved (step S126), and the process returns to step S121 to continue monitoring the job reception.

  The new printer introduction information stored in the printer device 12 may be discarded when the storage period (time) reaches a predetermined time.

  FIG. 11 shows a flow of request processing (setting registration and driver software transmission processing) from the client device 13 executed by the printer device 11 according to the present embodiment.

  The printer device 11 monitors the reception of the setting registration and download request from the client device 13 on the network 14 (step S131). When the request is received (step S131; Yes), a setting registration request or driver software is received in the request. It is analyzed whether or not a download request is included (step S132).

  As a result of the analysis, if there is no setting registration request (step S133; No), the process proceeds to step S135. If there is a request for setting registration (step S133; Yes), processing for setting registration is executed (step S134), and the process proceeds to step S135. For example, when a request for setting registration exemplified in the new printer information dialog box 70 in FIG. 8 is received, registration of a user-specific box, registration of a destination shortened mail address in the Internet facsimile, and transfer and storage of scan data Registration of the IP address of the FTP server folder and the user ID and password used for authentication of access to the FTP server are performed.

  As a result of the analysis, if there is no request for downloading the driver software (step S135; No), the process returns to step S131 to continue receiving the request. If there is a request for downloading the driver software (step S135; Yes), the desired driver software is transmitted to the client device 13 (step S136), and the process returns to step S131 to continue monitoring the reception of the request. For example, as illustrated in the new printer information dialog box 70 of FIG. 8, when a printer driver download request is received, the printer driver is transmitted to the client device 13.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the printer device 11 is newly installed on the network 14, the device introduction information is spontaneously transmitted to the existing printer device 12 on the network 14 without receiving a request from the user. The printer apparatus 12 is requested to introduce the device (notification / guidance / advertisement) to the user. Then, by transferring the own device introduction information of the printer device 11 received by the printer device 12 to the client device 13, the user of the client device 13 can recognize the newly installed printer device 11 on the network 14 from the received own device introduction information. It becomes possible to recognize that there is. Therefore, the newly installed printer device 11 can be widely spread to users on the network 14.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the detailed information (installation location, specifications, etc.) regarding the newly installed printer device 11 is added to the own device introduction information, so that the user of the newly installed printer device 11 can obtain the user information. The interest will be raised and the spread will be promoted. Further, the printer device 11 is provided with a function for executing request processing (setting registration and driver software 31 download request processing) from the client device 13 so that a server or the like that performs request processing from the client device 13 can be provided. There is no need to provide it separately, and the configuration of the network system can be simplified.

  In addition, by transmitting the introduction information of the new printer device 11 by the existing printer device 12 based on the transmission history of the introduction information of the own device to the client device 13, the transmission information of the introduction information of the own device is not transmitted or transmitted. Duplication etc. can be avoided.

  In addition, for example, there is a general-purpose technology such as push installation in which a printer device searches for a client device on the network, sends driver software, and installs. In this case, the client device side must always be in a communicable state. For this reason, means for constantly receiving data, specifically, a resident application program or the like is required, and there is a drawback in that the burden on the client device increases.

  However, in the case of this embodiment, the newly installed printer device 11 does not directly communicate with the client device 13, but the newly installed printer device 11 transfers information to the already installed printer device 12. When the requested printer apparatus 12 receives the print instruction (access) from the client apparatus 13, the information is transferred (provided) to the client apparatus 13. That is, the client device 13 does not know the IP address of the newly installed printer device 11, but it does not need to search for the printer device on the network 14, and the client device 13 uses a known access address (the IP address of the existing printer device 12). The information of the newly installed printer device 11 that wants to be informed of its own machine can be obtained simply by accessing.

  As described above, since the client device 13 can obtain information of the newly installed printer device 11 only by normally accessing the existing printer device 12, the client device 13 is not always in a communicable state (a state where a resident application program or the like is activated). It will be better and the burden will be reduced.

  In addition, since the user can arbitrarily select whether or not to use the newly installed printer device 11, it is possible to avoid installing driver software for a printer device that is not desired to be used in the client device 13. Furthermore, since it is possible to arbitrarily select only a function to be used from among a plurality of types of functions provided in the printer apparatus 11, it is possible to avoid that driver software having an unnecessary function is installed in the client apparatus 13.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, the self introduction information is created by an administrator (operator) or the like entering and creating the printer apparatus 11 on the printer apparatus 11 when the printer apparatus 11 is installed, but is not limited to the manually created information created by such manual input. . The printer apparatus 11 uses pre-created information created in advance and stored in the printer apparatus 11 (such as the hard disk device 23 and the non-volatile memory 24) or information unique to the apparatus stored in the ROM 22 or the like. Automatically created information (for example, the specification information 43 and printer driver storage location information 44 in FIG. 4, the specification information 73 in FIG. 8 and the like), or an operator or the like in these pre-made information or automatically created information Further, it may be edit creation information that is created by adding appropriate information such as the installation location.

  Furthermore, when the apparatus configuration is changed due to additional mounting of optional parts, the apparatus introduction information may be transmitted again to the client apparatus 13 or the existing printer apparatus 12. In this case, the administrator or the like manually creates information such as the added configuration or function, or edits and creates the information based on already created information or previously created manual / automatic created information, or transmits the information. However, it is also possible to automatically detect a change in the device configuration and automatically create and transmit the change.

  Further, the transmission timing of the self-introduction information is not limited to the periodic timing when the printer apparatus 11 described in the first embodiment is installed or by time setting. In addition to these, manual transmission is performed at the time of setting operation by an administrator, etc., or manual / automatic transmission is performed when the device configuration is changed as described above (addition / deletion of optional parts, etc.), or an information transmission mode is provided. During the mode operation (during the setting period), automatic transmission may be performed periodically or by specifying the number of transmissions.

  In the second embodiment, the existing printer device 12 transmits its own device introduction information based on the transmission history to the client device 13. Such a function will be described in the first embodiment. The newly installed printer device 11 may be provided.

  In the second embodiment, the existing printer device 12 transmits its own device introduction information when a job is input from the client device 13. It may be triggered by being accessed. For example, the client device 13 may periodically poll the existing printer device 12 to acquire the device introduction information.

  In addition, the display format and display method of the own device introduction information by the client device 13 are not limited to those described in the embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, guidance information 64 and icon buttons 65 are additionally displayed on the print dialog box 60. However, these guidance information, icon buttons, and the like appear separately from the print dialog box 60. It may be displayed in a dialog box that has been displayed, or may be displayed in a pop-up at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 33 or the like.

  In the second embodiment, the function of the printer apparatus 11 and the function of the printer apparatus 12 are described separately. However, one printer apparatus has only one function, or both functions are provided. You may make it combine. However, since it is desirable that the newly installed printer device 11 can play the same role as the printer device 12 after the installation is completed, it is preferable that one printer device has both functions.

  The present invention is not limited to the digital multi-function peripheral described in the embodiment, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a digital printer. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to an image forming system having the image forming apparatus and a program for operating the image forming apparatus.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a printer device and a client device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for transmitting own device introduction information by the newly installed printer device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the self-machine introduction information guidance of the printer apparatus displayed on the client apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the network system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement sequence by the network system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the print dialog box displayed on the client apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the new printer information dialog box displayed on the client apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for transmitting own device introduction information by a new printer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a transfer process of own device introduction information by an existing printer device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the request process from the client apparatus by the new printer apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10. Network system (image forming system)
11: Printer device (first image forming apparatus / image forming apparatus)
12. Printer apparatus (second image forming apparatus / image forming apparatus)
13: Client device (information terminal device)
14 ... Network 21 ... System control unit (information creation unit / processing unit)
22 ... ROM
23. Hard disk device (storage unit)
24 ... Non-volatile memory 25 ... DRAM
26: Scanner unit 27 ... Printer unit 28 ... LCD display unit 29 ... Input unit (information creation unit)
30 ... Communication I / F (first transmission unit / second transmission unit / transmission unit / reception unit)
31 ... Driver software 32 ... Driver software (control unit)
33 ... Display unit 34 ... Input unit (operation unit)
35 ... Communication I / F
40 ... Self-introduction information 41 ... Greeting text 42 ... Installation location information 43 ... Specification information 44 ... Printer driver storage location information 50 ... Network system (image forming system)
60 ... Print dialog box 61 ... Printer name display section 62 ... Cancel button 63 ... Execute button 64 ... Guidance information 65 ... Icon button 70 ... New printer information dialog box 71 ... Greeting text 72 ... Installation location information 73 ... Spec information 74 ... Printer Driver request selection tab 75 ... Box registration number input field 76 ... Box registration name input field 77 ... Short address input field 78 ... IP address input field 79 ... User ID input field 80 ... Password input field 81 ... Registration button 82 ... Close button

Claims (16)

An image forming system having a plurality of image forming apparatuses connectable to a network,
The first image forming apparatus
A first transmission unit for transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
The second image forming apparatus
A receiving unit for receiving the device introduction information via the network;
A storage unit for storing the device introduction information received by the receiving unit;
A second transmission unit for transmitting the device introduction information to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
An image forming system comprising: The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first image forming apparatus further includes an information creating unit that creates the device introduction information. The first image forming apparatus further includes a processing unit that executes the process when receiving a request for a process for enabling the first image forming apparatus to be used by the information terminal apparatus from the information terminal apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The second image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image forming apparatus determines whether or not to transmit the apparatus introduction information based on a transmission history of the apparatus introduction information to the information terminal apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1. An image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
A first transmitter for transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
A receiving unit for receiving the self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus via the network;
A storage unit for storing the apparatus introduction information of the other image forming apparatus received by the reception unit;
A second transmission unit that transmits the introduction information of the other image forming apparatus to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
An image forming apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus connectable to a network,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information on own device introduction to an information terminal device on the network. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an information creating unit that creates the self-introduction information. 8. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a processing unit that executes the process when receiving a request for a process for enabling the image forming apparatus to be used in the information terminal apparatus from the information terminal apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The image formation according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein whether or not to transmit the device introduction information is determined based on a transmission history of the device introduction information to the information terminal device. apparatus. An information terminal device connectable to a network,
A receiving unit that receives the self-device introduction information of the image forming apparatus transmitted over the network;
A display unit for displaying the device introduction information received by the receiving unit;
An operation unit that receives an operation for requesting the image forming apparatus to perform processing for enabling the image forming apparatus in the information terminal device;
A control unit that requests the image forming apparatus to perform the processing when the operation unit receives the operation;
An information terminal device comprising: For image forming devices that can be connected to a network,
A function of transmitting the device introduction information on the network;
A function of receiving the self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus from another image forming apparatus via the network;
A function of storing the received self-introduction information of the other image forming apparatus;
A function of transmitting the introduction information of the other image forming apparatus to the information terminal device upon receiving access from the information terminal device on the network;
A program to realize For image forming devices that can be connected to a network,
A program for realizing a function of transmitting own device introduction information to an information terminal device on the network.   The program according to claim 11 or 12, for causing the image forming apparatus to further realize a function of creating the device introduction information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a function of executing the process when receiving a request for a process for enabling the image forming apparatus to be used by the information terminal apparatus from the information terminal apparatus. The program according to any one of the above items.   15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a function of determining whether or not to transmit the device introduction information based on a transmission history of the device introduction information to the information terminal device. The program according to item 1. Information terminal devices that can be connected to the network
A function of receiving the self-device introduction information of the image forming apparatus transmitted on the network;
A function of displaying the received device introduction information;
A function of accepting an operation for requesting the image forming apparatus to enable the image forming apparatus to be used in the information terminal device;
A function of requesting the processing to the image forming apparatus upon accepting the operation;
A program to realize

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