JP2011059987A - Image processor, host computer, driver installation method, and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for easily installing a driver program in a computer for controlling an image processor. <P>SOLUTION: This image processor includes a storage section for storing an acquisition program acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition origin, and a setting file for specifying the acquisition program as a program to be executed. A host computer detects connection with the image processor, acquires the setting file from the storage section of the image processor, and acquires and starts the acquisition program specified by the setting file from the storage section. Then, the driver program is acquired from the predetermined acquisition origin by the acquisition program, and the acquired driver program is installed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing system, a host computer, an image processing apparatus, and a driver installation method. The present invention particularly relates to a technique for installing a driver for controlling an image processing apparatus in a host computer.

Image processing apparatuses such as printers, scanners, copiers, and multifunction machines are controlled by a driver program that is installed in a host computer and controls the image processing apparatus. The driver program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM packed together with the image processing apparatus at the time of shipment. The user can install the driver program in the host computer by causing the host computer to read the recording medium such as the CD-ROM (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-233647 A

In recent years, there has been a desire to stop providing users with a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which a driver program for an image processing apparatus is recorded in order to reduce manufacturing costs. In recent years, CD-RO has become smaller due to downsizing and cost reduction of host computers.
An increasing number of computers do not have a drive for reading M or the like.

If the driver program is not distributed by the recording medium, or if the host computer does not have a drive for reading the recording medium, the driver program can be downloaded from the Internet site operated by the manufacturer of the image processing apparatus and downloaded to the host computer. Can be installed.

However, it is very troublesome for the user to download and install the driver program. Users who are not familiar with computers may not be able to use the image processing device because they do not know how to download and install the driver program.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a technique for more easily installing a driver program in a computer that controls an image processing apparatus.

A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is an image processing apparatus controlled by a host computer in which a driver program is installed, and has a storage unit readable from the host computer, and the storage The acquisition program that causes the host computer to acquire the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source by being read into the host computer, and the acquisition program as a program to be executed by an apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus And setting information that specifies
It is characterized by that.

Here, in the above-described image processing device, the storage unit stores acquisition destination information that specifies the predetermined acquisition destination, and the acquisition program stores the predetermined information specified by the acquisition destination information. The host computer may be made to acquire the driver program from the acquisition source.

Further, in the image processing device, the storage unit is a storage device that the image processing device has in advance and a portable recording medium connected to the image processing device, and the acquisition program and the setting information are The acquisition source information may be stored in the storage device or the recording medium.

The image processing apparatus may include a transmission unit that transmits information for causing the host computer to recognize it as a storage device when connected to the host computer.

A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a host computer that controls an image processing apparatus by installing a driver program, and the image processing apparatus obtains the driver program from a predetermined acquisition destination. A storage unit that stores an acquisition program for acquiring from the image processing apparatus, and setting information that specifies the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing apparatus, and the host computer includes the image A connection detection unit for detecting connection with the processing device; a setting information acquisition unit for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit after connection is detected; and the acquisition unit specified by the setting information in the storage unit And starting means for acquiring and starting from the predetermined acquisition destination by the acquisition program It has a driver acquiring means for acquiring over program, and installation means for installing the driver program acquired, and characterized in that.

Here, in the host computer, the storage unit stores acquisition destination information for designating the predetermined acquisition destination, and the driver acquisition unit acquires the acquisition source information from the storage unit. The driver program may be acquired from the predetermined acquisition destination designated by the acquisition destination information.

In addition, in the above host computer, before the driver acquisition unit acquires the driver program, an installation determination unit that determines whether another driver program is installed, and the other driver program is installed Update determination means for determining whether or not there is an update of the other driver program when the other driver program is not installed, or When there is an update of the other driver program,
The driver program may be acquired from the predetermined acquisition destination.

In addition, the host computer includes a receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user whether to perform an update when the other driver program is updated, and the driver acquisition unit executes the update. When an instruction to do so is received, a driver program may be acquired from the predetermined acquisition destination.

Further, in the above host computer, the driver acquisition unit acquires the driver program from the predetermined acquisition source when the other driver program is updated and the other driver program is not being executed. , That may be characterized.

The host computer may include an uninstalling unit that uninstalls the driver program after disconnection is detected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, there is provided a driver installation method in an image processing system having an image processing device and a host computer that controls the image processing device by a driver program, and the image A processing device stores an acquisition program for acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source, and setting information for specifying the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing device A connection detection step for detecting connection with the image processing apparatus, a setting information acquisition step for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit after connection is detected, and the setting The acquisition program specified by information is acquired from the storage unit and started. A step, by the acquisition program, executes a driver acquiring the driver program from said predetermined acquisition source, and installation steps for installing the driver program acquired, and characterized in that.

A fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is an image processing system having an image processing device and a host computer that controls the image processing device by a driver program, wherein the image processing device includes: A storage unit for storing an acquisition program for acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source and setting information for designating the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing apparatus; The host computer is designated by the setting information, a connection detecting means for detecting a connection with the image processing apparatus, a setting information acquiring means for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit after a connection is detected, and the setting information. The acquisition program is obtained from the storage unit and started, and the acquisition program Of it has a driver acquiring means for acquiring the driver program from the acquisition source, and installation means for installing the driver program acquired, and characterized in that.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a printing system 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing system 3 related to driver installation. The figure which shows the flow of a driver installation process.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a printing system 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

A printing system 3 as an image processing system includes a printer 2 as an image processing apparatus,
A host computer 1 for controlling the printer 2. The host computer 1 and the printer 2 can be connected by USB (Universal Serial Bus).

When the host computer 1 is USB-connected to the printer 2, a printer driver program is installed and controls the printer 2 according to a procedure described later. As will be described later, the printer driver program is stored in, for example, a server 6 connected to the Internet 5 (printer driver program 60) and downloaded to the host computer 1. The server 6 is, for example, a WEB server operated by the manufacturer of the printer 2.

The host computer 1 includes, for example, a CPU 10 that performs various calculations, an auxiliary storage device 11 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores various programs and data, and a network interface that communicates with an external device via a network such as a LAN. (I / F) 12
And a USB port and USB controller that communicate with external devices via USB
B interface (I / F) 13, ROM 14 for storing programs and data necessary for activation in advance, RAM 15 for storing programs and data executed by CPU 10, input device 16 such as keyboard and mouse, and user interface screen LC to display
A general computer including a display device 17 such as D.

For example, the printer 2 includes a controller 20, a print engine 30, and an operation panel 4.
0 is a general printer.

The controller 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory control ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 24, and a print control ASI.
C25, input / output (I / O) control ASIC 26, network interface (I / O)
F) 27 and a USB interface (I / F) 28.

The CPU 21 executes a predetermined program to control the printer 2 in an integrated manner. RO
M22 is a non-volatile memory that stores data, programs, and the like, and is, for example, a flash memory. The ROM 22 may be connected to the I / O control ASIC 26 instead of the memory control ASIC 24. The RAM 23 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data, programs, and the like, and is, for example, a DDR-SDRAM.

The memory control ASIC 24 is a unit that controls access to the ROM 22 and the RAM 23. The memory control ASIC 24 is, for example, a network I / F 27 and an I
The image data to be printed sent from the external device via the / O control ASIC 26 or the USB I / F 28 and the I / O control ASIC 26 is stored in the RAM 23. Also,
For example, the image data stored in the RAM 23 is output to the print control ASIC 25.

The print control ASIC 25 generates print data that can be processed by the print engine 30,
This is a unit that controls printing by the print engine 30. For example, the print control ASIC 25 reads image data from the RAM 23 and performs predetermined image processing (for example, color conversion, compression, expansion, binarization) to generate print data. Then, the generated print data is transmitted to the print engine 30 to execute printing.

The I / O control ASIC 26 is a unit that controls the I / O device and the I / F device. In this embodiment, the I / O control ASIC 26 includes an operation panel 40 as an I / O device, and an I / F.
It is connected to a network I / F 27 and a USB I / F 28 as devices. Of course, a hard disk drive, a parallel I / F, etc. may be connected. For example, the I / O control ASIC 26 transfers data transmitted from the external device to the CPU 21 or transfers data transmitted from the CPU 21 to the external device via the network I / F 27 or the US BI / F 28. . Further, for example, a signal output from the operation panel 40 is transferred to the CPU 21, and drawing data sent from the CPU 21 is transferred to the operation panel 40.

The network I / F 27 is a unit that transmits and receives various data to and from an external device on the network such as the host computer 1. The network I / F 27 includes, for example, a network controller, a network connector, and the like.

The USB I / F 28 is a unit that transmits / receives various data to / from an external device such as the host computer 1. USB I / F 28 is, for example, a USB controller, USB
Includes connectors.

The print engine 30 is a unit that prints data supplied from the print control ASIC 25 on a print medium. The print engine 30 is, for example, a laser engine having a toner cartridge, a photosensitive drum, a laser light irradiation mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a paper feed mechanism, a paper supply / discharge mechanism, and the like. Of course, the print engine 30 is not limited to the laser system, and may be an inkjet system.

The operation panel 40 is an input / output interface between the user and the printer 2.
This is a unit provided in the casing of the printer 2. The operation panel 40 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (Electro-Luminescen).
ce Display), a touch panel, a hard switch, and the like.

The configurations of the host computer 1 and the printer 2 described above are the main configurations in describing the features of the present invention, and are not limited to the above. In addition, other configurations included in a general computer and a printer are not excluded.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing system 3 related to driver installation. This figure shows a state before installation of the printer driver is started.

The host computer 1 includes a storage unit 100 and an OS (Operating System) unit 110. The OS unit 110 includes a USB control unit 120 and an automatic execution unit 130 unit. The printer driver acquisition program 2 read from the printer 2 into the storage unit 100
30, the OS unit 110 includes a printer driver acquisition unit 140. Further, the OS unit 110 includes a printer driver unit 150 by the printer driver program 60 downloaded from the server 6 to the storage unit 100.

The storage unit 100 is realized by, for example, the auxiliary storage device 11, the RAM 15, and the like. The OS unit 110, the USB control unit 120, and the automatic execution unit 130 are realized, for example, when the CPU 11 executes an OS program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 11 to the RAM 15. In the printer driver acquisition unit 140, for example, the CPU 11 stores the RAM 1 from the auxiliary storage device 11.
This is realized by executing the printer driver acquisition program 230 loaded in the program 5. In the printer driver unit 150, for example, the CPU 11 performs R to R from the auxiliary storage device 11.
This is realized by executing the printer driver program 60 loaded in the AM 15.

The USB control unit 120 controls the USB I / F 13 to provide USB settings (so-called plug and play function) and USB communication.

For example, when a device is connected to the USB I / F 13, the USB control unit 120 detects the device. In addition, communication with the connected device is performed, and information on the device (device class ID and the like) is acquired. The device class ID is a device type (for example, human interface device class, communication device class, printer class, m
ass storage class). Also, the USB control unit 120 sets a driver corresponding to the acquired device class ID for the connected device. The USB control unit 120 has a standard driver for controlling each device class in advance. After setting the driver, the USB control unit 120 provides communication with a device using the driver to other functional units.

In the present embodiment, when detecting the connection of the printer 2, the USB control unit 120 acquires a device class ID (mass storage class) included in the device information 210 of the printer 2. Then, the device class driver is set as the driver of the printer 2. As a result, the host computer 1 can recognize the printer 2 as a storage and read / write data from / to the storage.

After the communication with the USB device becomes possible, the automatic execution unit 130 refers to the setting file stored in the device and executes a process (so-called autorun function) according to the contents of the setting file.

In the present embodiment, the automatic execution unit 130 acquires the setting file 220 from the storage unit 200 of the printer 2 recognized as a storage. Then, the printer driver acquisition program 230 is executed according to the setting file 220. That is, the printer driver acquisition program 230 is acquired and stored in the storage unit 100, and the printer driver acquisition program 230 (printer driver acquisition unit 140) is activated.

The printer driver acquisition unit 140 is activated by the automatic execution unit 130 and acquires a printer driver program from a predetermined acquisition destination.

In the present embodiment, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 acquires the connection destination information 240 from the storage unit 200 of the printer 2 recognized as a storage. Then, it connects to the server 6 indicated by the connection destination information 240 via the network I / F 12, acquires the printer driver program 60, and stores it in the storage unit 100. Then, the printer driver program 60 (printer driver unit 150) is activated.

The printer driver unit 150 is activated by the printer driver acquisition unit 140 and provides various settings such as installation, and provides a print function after installation. In this embodiment, when the printer driver unit 150 is first activated, the printer driver unit 150 searches for and recognizes the printer 2, and performs initialization processing and various setting processing.

The printer 2 includes a storage unit 200 and a main control unit 250. The main control unit 250
An SB control unit 260 and a print control unit 270 are included.

The storage unit 200 is realized by the ROM 22, for example. Of course, I / O control ASI
It may be realized by a hard disk drive or the like connected to C26. Main control unit 250
, USB control unit 260, print control unit 270, CPU 21 from the ROM 22, for example, RA
This is realized by executing a predetermined program loaded in M23.

The storage unit 200 stores device information 210, a setting file 220, a printer driver acquisition program 230, and connection destination information 240. These data are
Recorded when the printer 2 is manufactured.

The device information 210 is information used for setting related to USB connection, for example, a descriptor such as a device ID, a device class ID, and a vendor ID. In this embodiment, mass storage class is set in the device information 210 as a device class ID transmitted when connected to the host computer 1. Device information 2
10 may be recorded in a memory in the USB I / F 28 or the like.

The setting file 220 is, for example, an xxx.inf file in which a file name to be activated, a storage location, and the like are described as a script. In the present embodiment, the name of the printer driver acquisition program 230 is described in the setting file 220.

The printer driver acquisition program 230 is executed on the host computer 1,
This is a program for the host computer 1 to acquire a printer driver program for controlling the printer 2.

The connection destination information 240 is information indicating the acquisition destination of the printer driver program for controlling the printer 2, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet.
It is. In this embodiment, the connection destination information 240 is a URL indicating the printer driver program 60 of the server 6.

The USB control unit 260 controls the USB I / F 28 to provide settings related to the USB device and communication by USB.

For example, when the USB I / F 28 is connected to the host computer, the USB control unit 260 transmits device information or sets a device address according to a request from the host computer. Also, various information stored in the storage unit 200 is transmitted to the host computer.

In the present embodiment, when receiving a request for device information from the host computer 1, the USB control unit 260 reads part or all of the device information 210 from the storage unit 200 and transmits it. In addition, after the setting of the USB device is completed, the setting file 220, the printer driver acquisition program 230, the connection destination information 24 are requested in response to a request from the host computer 1.
Send 0.

The print control unit 270 controls the print control ASIC 25 and the print engine 30 to execute printing on the print medium. For example, the print control unit 270 stores the print job sent from the host computer in the RAM 23. Also, the print job is read from the RAM 23 and sent to the print control ASIC 25.

The above components are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configurations related to driver installation of the host computer 1 and the printer 2. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configurations of the host computer 1 and the printer 2 can be classified into more components depending on the processing contents. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of driver installation processing realized by the host computer 1 and printer 2 described above.

In S10, when the printer 2 and the host computer 1 are connected by a USB cable, the USB control unit 120 detects the connection of the printer 2, requests transmission of device information, and receives a device class ID (mass storage class). Get device information including. The USB control unit 260 reads device information 210 including a device class ID (mass storage class) from the storage unit 200 in response to a request from the host computer 1 and transmits the device information 210 to the host computer 1.

In S20, the USB control unit 120 sets a standard driver corresponding to the device class (mass storage class) as a driver of the printer 2 based on the device class ID acquired in S20. As a result, the USB control unit 120 provides access to the printer 2 as a storage to other function units.

In S30, the automatic execution unit 130 accesses the printer 2 as a storage,
The setting file 220 is read from the storage unit 200.

In S40, the automatic execution unit 130 refers to the setting file 220 read in S30,
Printer driver acquisition program 23 described as a program to be started
Start 0. That is, the automatic execution unit 130 accesses the printer 2 as a storage, reads the printer driver acquisition program 230, and stores it in the storage unit 100. Then, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 is activated by the printer driver acquisition program 230 stored in the storage unit 100.

In S50, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 acquires the printer 2 as a storage.
To access the connection destination information 240.

In S60, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 first determines the printer driver unit 1
It is determined whether or not 50 (printer driver program 60) has been installed. If it is already installed, the connection destination information 240 read in S50 is referred to, the server 6 indicated by the connection destination information is connected via the network I / F 12, and the latest version information of the printer driver program 60 is acquired. To do. Then, the version number of the installed printer driver program 60 is compared with the acquired latest version number to determine whether or not an update is necessary.

When the printer driver program 60 has been installed and the printer driver program 60 does not need to be updated (S60: YES), the printer driver acquisition unit 140 ends the process. On the other hand, if the printer driver program 60 has not been installed or if the installed printer driver program 60 needs to be updated (S60: NO), the process proceeds to S70.

In S70, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 connects the connection destination information 2 read in S50.
40, the server 6 indicated by the connection destination information is connected to the server 6 via the network I / F 12, and the latest printer driver program 60 is downloaded and stored in the storage unit 100.

In the case of new installation, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 stores the storage unit 10.
The printer driver program 15 stored in 0 causes the printer driver unit 15
Start 0. In the case of update installation, the printer driver program 60 that has already been installed is activated to perform uninstallation. Thereafter, the printer driver unit 150 is activated by the printer driver program 60 stored in the storage unit 100.

In S80, when activated, the printer driver unit 150 searches for and recognizes the printer 2, and performs initialization processing and various setting processing. Note that functions related to installation may be performed not by the printer driver unit 150 but by, for example, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 or other functional units.

Each processing unit in FIG. 3 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the host computer 1 and the printer 2. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the host computer 1 and the printer 2 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a technique for more easily installing a driver program in a computer that controls the image processing apparatus.

That is, in the present embodiment, an acquisition program for the host computer to acquire the driver program and information indicating the acquisition destination of the driver program are recorded in the image processing apparatus in advance. When the image processing apparatus is connected to the host computer, the acquisition program is automatically read by the host computer. Thereafter, the host computer downloads and installs the driver program from a predetermined acquisition destination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is not used, when the image processing apparatus and the host computer are connected, the driver program is automatically downloaded from the network and is downloaded to the host computer. Installed.

The above embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, the connection destination information 240 may be included in the printer driver acquisition program 230 itself. Further, the connection destination information 240 may be described in the setting file 220. Further, the connection destination information 240 may be appropriately described in the setting file 220 or prepared as an independent file, and the printer driver acquisition program 230 may search for the connection destination information.

Further, for example, two or more USB ports are provided in the USB I / F 28 of the printer 2, a cable for connecting to the host computer 1 is connected to one port, and the other 1
In addition, a recording medium (portable external recording medium) storing device information, a setting file, a printer driver acquisition program, and connection destination information may be connected. In this case, the host computer 1 recognizes the external recording medium as a storage, and executes the printer driver acquisition program using the setting file as in the first embodiment described above. This external storage medium can be shipped together with the printer 2.

Here, when using the above external recording medium, the setting file and the connection destination information may be separately stored in the storage unit 200 or the external recording medium. in this case,
The setting file and the printer driver acquisition program are preferably stored in the same location. The printer driver acquisition program searches the storage unit 200 and the external storage medium to acquire connection destination information. Note that the connection destination information stored in the external storage medium may be appropriately rewritten by the user.

For example, when the printer driver program needs to be updated (S6 in FIG. 6).
0) The printer driver acquisition unit 140 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to continue the update via a dialog or the like, and performs processing when receiving an instruction to continue the update.
You may make it advance to 0. If an instruction not to continue the update is received, the process ends. When the printer driver unit 150 is being used by the user, the update check may not be performed.

Further, for example, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 may perform only an installation check in S60 without checking for an update of the printer driver program. In this case, the update may be checked at other timing (for example, periodically). However, when the printer driver unit 150 is being used by the user, the update check may not be performed.

Further, for example, the printer driver acquisition unit 140 includes a printer driver unit 150.
After installation, the execution of the print job may be monitored, and after completion of printing a predetermined number of times (for example, once), the printer driver unit 150 may be instructed to uninstall. Uninstallation may be performed when the USB connection is disconnected or when the printer driver unit 150 is terminated by the user after executing the print job.

For example, when the automatic execution unit 130 activates the printer driver acquisition unit 140, the automatic execution unit 130 receives an instruction to start the program from a user via a dialog or the like, and receives the instruction to start the program. You may start program startup.

Further, for example, the setting file may have a write prohibition limit so that it cannot be modified by the user.

Further, for example, a simple printer driver program for executing a basic function may be stored in the storage unit 200, and the storage unit 200 may be set as a connection destination indicated by the connection destination information 240.

The various modifications and variations described above may be combined as appropriate. In the above description, U
Although SB is used for connection, other connection methods having the same functions as plug and play and autorun may be used. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a printer but also to an apparatus that requires a dedicated driver program, such as a scanner, a copier, and a multifunction machine.

1: Host computer 2: Printer 3: Printing system 5: Internet
6: server, 10: CPU, 11: auxiliary storage device, 12: network I / F, 13:
USB I / F, 14: ROM, 15: RAM, 16: input device, 17: display device, 20
: Controller, 21: CPU, 22: ROM, 23: RAM, 24: Memory control A
SIC, 25: Print control ASIC, 26: I / O control ASIC 26, 27: Network I / F, 28: USB I / F, 30: Print engine, 40: Operation panel, 60: Printer driver program,
100: storage unit, 110: OS unit, 120: USB control unit, 130: automatic execution unit, 140
: Printer driver acquisition unit, 150: Printer driver unit, 200: Storage unit, 2
10: Device information, 220: Setting file, 230: Printer driver acquisition program, 240: Connection destination information, 250: Main control unit, 260: USB control unit, 270: Print control unit

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus controlled by a host computer on which a driver program is installed,
A storage unit readable from the host computer;
In the storage unit,
An acquisition program that causes the host computer to acquire the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source by being read by the host computer;
Setting information for specifying the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing device is stored;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the storage unit,
The acquisition destination information that specifies the predetermined acquisition destination is stored,
The acquisition program is
Causing the host computer to acquire the driver program from the predetermined acquisition destination specified by the acquisition destination information;
An image processing apparatus. The image treatment device according to claim 2,
The storage unit
A storage device that the image processing apparatus has in advance and a portable recording medium connected to the image processing apparatus;
The acquisition program and the setting information are stored in the storage device,
The acquisition destination information is stored in the storage device or the recording medium.
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When connected to the host computer, it has transmission means for transmitting information for causing the host computer to recognize it as a storage device.
An image processing apparatus. A host computer that controls the image processing apparatus by installing a driver program;
The image processing apparatus includes:
A storage unit that stores an acquisition program for acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source and setting information that specifies the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing apparatus; ,
The host computer is
Connection detection means for detecting connection with the image processing apparatus;
After connection is detected, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit;
Starting means for acquiring and starting the acquisition program specified by the setting information from the storage unit;
Driver acquisition means for acquiring the driver program from the predetermined acquisition destination by the acquisition program;
Installation means for installing the obtained driver program;
A host computer characterized by that. The host computer according to claim 5,
In the storage unit,
The acquisition destination information that specifies the predetermined acquisition destination is stored,
The driver acquisition means includes
Acquiring the acquisition source information from the storage unit, and acquiring a driver program from the predetermined acquisition destination specified by the acquisition destination information;
A host computer characterized by that. A host computer according to claim 5 or 6,
Installation determination means for determining whether or not another driver program is installed before the driver acquisition means acquires the driver program;
Update determination means for determining whether or not there is an update of the other driver program when the other driver program is installed;
The driver acquisition means includes
When the other driver program is not installed, or when the other driver program is updated, the driver program is acquired from the predetermined acquisition destination.
A host computer characterized by that. A host computer according to claim 7,
When there is an update of the other driver program, it has a receiving means for receiving an instruction from the user whether to execute the update,
The driver acquisition means includes
A driver program is acquired from the predetermined acquisition source when an instruction to execute the update is received;
A host computer characterized by that. A host computer according to claim 7,
The driver acquisition means includes
If there is an update of the other driver program and the other driver program is not being executed, the driver program is acquired from the predetermined acquisition destination.
A host computer characterized by that. A host computer according to any one of claims 5 to 9,
An uninstall means for uninstalling the driver program after disconnection is detected;
A host computer characterized by that. A driver installation method in an image processing system having an image processing apparatus and a host computer that controls the image processing apparatus by a driver program,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A storage unit that stores an acquisition program for acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source and setting information that specifies the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing apparatus; ,
The host computer is
A connection detection step of detecting a connection with the image processing device;
After a connection is detected, a setting information acquisition step for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit;
A startup step of acquiring the acquisition program designated by the setting information from the storage unit and starting the program;
A driver acquisition step of acquiring the driver program from the predetermined acquisition destination by the acquisition program;
An installation step of installing the obtained driver program;
A driver installation method characterized by that. An image processing system comprising: an image processing apparatus; and a host computer that controls the image processing apparatus using a driver program,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A storage unit that stores an acquisition program for acquiring the driver program from a predetermined acquisition source and setting information that specifies the acquisition program as a program to be executed by a device connected to the image processing apparatus; ,
The host computer is
Connection detection means for detecting connection with the image processing apparatus;
After connection is detected, setting information acquisition means for acquiring the setting information from the storage unit;
Starting means for acquiring and starting the acquisition program specified by the setting information from the storage unit;
Driver acquisition means for acquiring the driver program from the predetermined acquisition destination by the acquisition program;
Installation means for installing the obtained driver program;
An image processing system characterized by that.

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