JP2013190978A - Interlocking system, and host equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interlocking system capable of setting an output port on a desired peripheral device even when the IP address of the peripheral device is not known at the installing time.SOLUTION: In an interlocking system in which a peripheral device and host equipment are connected via a network, the peripheral device includes: a notification operating portion for transmitting interlocking object notification information indicating that the peripheral device is a peripheral device operating by interlocking with the host equipment; and a transmitting portion for transmitting the interlocking object notification information to the network. The host equipment includes: a monitoring portion for monitoring and waiting for the transmission of the interlocking object notification information on the network; an acquiring portion for acquiring the interlocking object notification information upon detection of the interlocking object notification information by the monitoring portion; and an installer for setting an output port for outputting information to the peripheral device which transmits the interlocking object notification information on the basis of the information specifying the peripheral device which transmits the interlocking object notification information contained in the acquired interlocking object notification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for installing a peripheral device driver in a computer device and a peripheral device connected to a network.

  When a computer device and a peripheral device such as a printer are connected in a one-to-one connection form such as a USB connection, the connected peripheral device is recognized when the peripheral device is connected to the computer device. Then, software (hereinafter referred to as device driver) for operating the peripheral device on the computer device is automatically introduced (hereinafter referred to as installation). This is so-called plug and play (hereinafter referred to as PnP).

  Furthermore, there is a universal plug and play (hereinafter, UPnP) technology that extends this connection form to the entire network and recognizes peripheral devices. As a result, the computer device and the peripheral device can automatically install device drivers for the connected peripheral devices even in a many-to-many connection form such as a network connection.

  However, when multiple peripheral devices of the same model are connected in the network, information such as an IP address assigned to the connected peripheral device can be identified to identify the peripheral device. However, for users other than the network administrator, in order to recognize the relationship between the peripheral devices in the network and the IP address, inquire to the network administrator or set the peripheral devices. It takes time to check. Therefore, a printer that searches for a communicable printer on a network, displays the searched printers as a list on the screen, and selects the printer from the list is proposed (Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-117834 A

  When installing a device driver in a computer for a network-connected peripheral device, it is necessary to set the output port by inputting the IP address of the corresponding peripheral device.

  Even in a system in which the output port setting to the device driver is automatically performed, when there are a plurality of peripheral devices of the same model on the network, the automatically set output port setting is set for the desired peripheral device. It is necessary to understand the relationship between the IP address and the peripheral device in order to recognize whether it is a thing, and it cannot be intuitively understood.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an interlocking system capable of setting an output port to a desired peripheral device without knowing the IP address of the peripheral device at the time of installation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the interlock system according to the present embodiment is a peripheral system in which a peripheral device and a host device are connected via a network, and the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device. A notification operation unit that transmits the link target notification information indicating that the link target notification information is transmitted; and a transmission unit that transmits the link target notification information to the network in response to an operation of the notification operation unit. A monitoring unit that monitors and waits for the link target notification information to be transmitted on the network; an acquisition unit that acquires the link target notification information when the monitoring unit detects the link target notification information; Based on the information specifying the peripheral device that transmitted the link target notification information included in the link target notification information, the host device transmits information to the peripheral device that transmitted the information. And installer to set the output port to force, but with a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interlocking system capable of setting an output port to a desired peripheral device without knowing the IP address of the peripheral device at the time of installation.

It is a block diagram of the network comprised by the peripheral device and computer in this embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing main elements of a computer 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main elements of the printer 20. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure for installing a printer driver. 4 is an example of a message for requesting a touch displayed on the display unit 15 of the computer 10.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network including peripheral devices (hereinafter referred to as printers) and host devices (hereinafter referred to as computers) in the present embodiment. The computer 10 and the printer 20 are connected as a network by a LAN (Local Area Network) 40. As the printer 20, a plurality of printers, for example, four printers 20a to 20d are connected on the LAN. The computer 10 can be used if any printer executes a predetermined setting. The LAN may be either a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main elements of the computer 10. The computer 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a hard disk 13, an operation input unit 14, a display unit 15, and a network IF 16. The CPU 11, the memory 12, the hard disk 13, the operation input unit 14, the display unit 15, and the network IF 16 are connected by an internal bus line (not shown).

  The CPU 11 is a control unit that reads a predetermined program from the hard disk 13 and controls the entire computer 10 according to the program. The memory 12 is composed of a high-speed RAM, and is a buffer memory that temporarily stores an operation working area or a GUI image and print data. The hard disk 13 stores programs, application software, or various data. The application software includes printer control software (printer driver) and an installer program (also referred to as a setup program, hereinafter referred to as an installer) for installing the printer control software.

  The printer driver is a program that controls the printer. The printer driver includes an application (API) setting unit, a print book execution unit, a temporary printing execution unit, a UI unit, and the like, and creates print data according to an application program set in the API setting unit. In addition, the print main execution unit converts the print data created by the API setting unit into an intermediate code corresponding to the printer 20 and transmits it to the printer 20 via the network IF 16.

  The operation input unit 14 receives an operation instruction from a user for the keyboard or mouse, and notifies the CPU 11 of a command corresponding to the instruction. The display unit 15 includes display means such as an LCD, and displays an image based on each application software, for example, a preview screen at the time of printing and a setting screen corresponding to an input instruction operation at the time of installation.

  The network IF 16 executes and manages transmission and reception of data and status information between the computer 10 and devices connected on the network. The network IF 16 transmits print data created by the printer driver to the printer 20 via the LAN 40.

  Further, the CPU 11 has an SNMP manager 112 and an installer 114 as functional units. The functions of the SNMP manager 112 and the installer 114 are realized by the CPU 11 reading and executing a predetermined program from the hard disk 13.

  The SNMP manager 112 is a management manager compliant with SNMP (Simple Network Management) which is a TCP / IP network management protocol. SNMP is a network management protocol for monitoring and controlling communication devices connected to a network such as routers, computers, and terminals in a TCP / IP network. The device to be controlled has a management information database called MIB (Management Information Base), and the device to be managed performs an appropriate setting based on the MIB of the target device.

  The SNMP manager 112 uses the monitoring means called SNMPTRAP to monitor the status of a printer compatible with the LAN 40 connected to the same LAN 40 such as a failure or job start / end via the LAN 40. An SNMP trap (SNMPTRAP) is a status notification report delivered from a terminal to be managed to a management server in network management using SNMP.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating main elements of the printer 20. The printer 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, a hard disk 23, an operation input unit 24, a display unit 25, a network IF 26, and an IC card reading unit 27. The CPU 21, the memory 22, the hard disk 23, the operation input unit 24, the display unit 25, the network IF 26, and the IC card reading unit 27 are connected by an internal bus line (not shown).

  The CPU 21 reads a predetermined program from the hard disk 23 and controls the entire printer 20 according to the read program. Further, the CPU 21 creates image data such as a bitmap from the print data transmitted from the computer 10 via the LAN 40.

  The memory 22 includes a high-speed RAM, and is used as a working area for creating image data or a memory for temporarily storing print data transmitted from the computer 10. The hard disk 23 stores a system program for the printer 20, and the CPU 21 executes processing according to this program.

  The operation input unit 24 receives an instruction from the user to the printer 20 by operating a touch panel or buttons and keys provided in the printer 20 and notifies the CPU 21 of the contents. The instruction content includes various instructions to the computer 10, power ON / OFF, reset, and the like. The instruction content includes that the user designates a printer during installation, which will be described later.

  The display unit 25 includes a display unit made up of, for example, an LCD alone or an LCD with a touch panel, and prints an operation screen corresponding to the operation input unit 24, the state of the printer 20 (the amount of paper remaining, etc.) Show progress of.

  The network IF 26 transmits / receives data to / from the computer 10 via the LAN 40, receives print data, and transmits information to the computer 10.

  The IC card reading unit 27 reads information of an IC card that is one of portable storage media, and notifies the CPU 21 of the read information. The IC card information is, for example, identification information regarding the user to be used. The IC card reading unit 27 includes a card reader unit on the body surface of the printer 20, detects that the IC card is touched or held by the operator (hereinafter abbreviated as “touch” or the like) on the card reader, and detects information on the IC card. , And notifies the CPU 21 of the read information. The card reader may be a non-contact type as well as a contact type. In addition to the IC card, the portable storage medium includes a mobile phone and a USB memory. In the present invention, the operation input unit 24 and the IC card reading unit 27 both notify the computer 10 of information indicating that it is a target printer when installing the printer driver on the computer 10 side. Therefore, the operation input unit 24 and the IC card reading unit 27 are also referred to as (interlocking target) notification operation units.

  The printer 20 corresponds to an SNMP agent on the network. In the printer 20, failure notification, job start / end, and the like are registered in advance as SNMP trap notification information. When the state specified in the registered notification information occurs, the CPU 21 broadcasts an SNMP trap as state notification information from the network IF 26 to devices connected to the network.

  As one of the SNMP trap notification information, the IC card reading unit 27 touches the IC card and the IC card information is input as the interlock target notification information. Accordingly, when the user touches the IC card reading unit 27 of any printer 20 with an IC card, an SNMP trap is output from the printer 20 to the network.

  Then, the CPU 21 includes agent address information for specifying the printer 20 in the transmitted SNMP TRAP packet (interlocking target notification information). In the computer 10, the SNMP manager 112 can analyze the information of the SNMP trap, acquire device information (IP address) on which the IC card is touched, etc., and specify the printer 20. Note that the SNMP manager 112 functions as an information acquisition unit because it acquires information (notification information) on events that have occurred in the printer 20 from the SNMP trap analysis.

  Then, the installer 114 monitors the printer 20 touched with the IC card during a predetermined period at the time of installation. When the printer 114 with the IC card touched by the user is detected by the user, the installer 114 selects the printer 20 as a peripheral device targeted for the driver, and sets an output port for the printer 20.

  Note that the IC card information does not have to be special information, and is a unique ID number for identifying the card such as a UID (Unique Identification) of Mifare (MIkron FARE-collection System) or an IDm of FeliCa (registered trademark). Information can be used.

  Further, the input for specifying the printer 20 is not limited to the input by touching the IC card or the like. A predetermined specific operation (link target notification) for notifying and transmitting information indicating that the printer is a target printer to the notification operation unit (operation input unit 24 and IC card reading unit 27) of the printer 20 Operation) Input only needs to be made, so that the input is not limited to the IC card, but may be a specific input to the operation input unit 24, such as a button on the operation panel, a barcode reader, a touch panel, or the like. For example, when a specific icon is touched on the touch panel of the printer, the installer 114 may set the printer as an output port.

  That is, when the computer 10 receives event information (link target notification information) indicating that a specific input (link target notification operation) has been performed on the printer 20, the printer 20 is targeted for the driver. This is because it is possible to specify the printer 20 on the network without using an IC card. This is because the SNMP manager 112 of the computer 10 only has to wait for an SNMP trap related to information on a predetermined event (linked object notification operation).

  Note that the IC card for selecting the printer 20 may be limited to a specific IC card. That is, referring to the identification number of the detected IC card, the installer 114 installs an operation such as touching the IC card only when the touched IC card matches the specific person who is performing the installation work. You may make it admit that it is designation | designated of the printer for use. This is because there is a possibility that another person may access another printer 20 with an IC card during the installation process.

  Next, processing when the printer driver is installed will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure for installing a printer driver. In response to a user operation instruction, the computer 10 reads the installer program (installer) from the hard disk 13 and starts the installer (step S10). The CPU 11 functions as the installer 114. A printer driver that can be used in advance is prepared in the hard disk 13 or in a storage medium for setup owned by the user of the computer 10. If the prepared printer driver does not match the printer you want to use, it can be handled by downloading the appropriate printer driver from the Internet and installing it on the computer.

  The installer 114 searches for a printer model supported by the printer driver prepared in advance (step S12). That is, the installer 114 searches for a device connected to the network IF 16 and uses a protocol such as SNMP, TELNET, or hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) to connect the printer 20 connected to the LAN 40. Specify the model. In addition, the computer 10 displays a list of the printers 20 that are retrieved and become candidates on the display unit 15 of the computer 10.

  The computer 10 displays a message for requesting the user to touch the IC card (step S14). FIG. 5 is an example of a message for requesting a touch displayed on the display unit 15 of the computer 10. The computer 10 displays on the display unit 15 of the computer 10 a message (FIG. 5) requesting the user to touch the IC card to the printer 20 having the IC card reading unit 27 in order to determine the output port of the printer driver. . By instructing the next operation, even beginners will not get lost. After displaying the message in step S14, the SNMP manager 112 of the computer 10 starts monitoring by SNMP with respect to the printer driver compatible model (SNMP agent) to be installed by the installer 114.

  The computer 10 determines whether an IC card touch operation has been detected (step S16). The user follows the message shown in FIG. 4 and goes to the desired printer 20 and touches his IC card on the IC card reading unit 27 of the printer 20 (performs an interlocking target notification operation). The printer 20 whose IC card is touched by the user on the IC card reading unit 27 transmits an SNMP trap indicating an event that the IC card is touched (interlocking target notification operation) to the network LAN 40 via the network IF 26. The SNMP trap is broadcast to each device connected to the LAN 40.

  The SNMP manager 112 receives the transmitted SNMP trap at the network IF 16. The SNMP manager 112 analyzes the contents of the SNMP trap packet. If the SNMP manager 112 detects an event that an IC card touch operation (interlocking target notification operation) has been made in the contents of the SNMP trap, the SNMP manager 112 determines that an IC card touch operation has been detected (YES in step S16), and proceeds to step S18. . Here, the identification number of the IC card used may be confirmed, and the process may proceed to step S18 only when the identification number of the IC card matches the identification number of the user's own IC card.

The computer 10 waits for a certain period in step S16 until an IC card touch operation is detected (NO in step S16). However, if the certain period has elapsed, predetermined error processing may be executed as an error.
The SNMP manager 112 analyzes the received SNMP trap packet, and specifies the IP address of the printer on which the touch operation (interlocking target notification operation) of the IC card that is the transmission source has been performed (step S18).

  The installer 114 specifies the analyzed IP address of the transmission source. Then, the installer 114 sets the output port of the printer driver to the IP address (step S20). Thereafter, predetermined processing is performed, and the installer 114 completes installation of the printer driver (step S22). After completing the installation of the printer driver, the computer 10 ends the installer 114 (step S24).

  As described above, when installing a printer driver to a computer in an environment where a plurality of printers of the same model are connected on the LAN, the user knows information such as an IP address that identifies an individual printer of the same model. There is no need to do it. Even a user other than the network administrator can intuitively install a printer driver for a desired printer. Further, since existing information called SNMP trap is used, it is not necessary to develop a new protocol. Since the IP address is included in the SNMP trap packet, the analysis is easy. In addition, the operation can be easily learned by inputting the touch of the IC card.

  Note that the printer 20 is not limited to a device having only a printing function, and is a composite device (such as a facsimile device, a facsimile communication function, a copy function, a facsimile communication function, a data communication function, and a wireless communication function). MFP) or the like.

In addition, the IC card used for designating the printer to be used is preferably a card that has been authenticated by the user in advance, but is not limited to this, and any IC card may be touched. In addition to the IC card, any specific input registered in advance in the notification operation unit may be used, and the present invention can be applied to a printer having no IC card.
Further, since the IC card is also used for user authentication, an operation of depressing the IC card in combination with a specific key input of the operation input unit may be defined as an interlocking target notification operation. Further, instead of using an IC card, a method may be used in which a dedicated key for a linked object notification operation is provided.

Further, since the functions of the SNMP manager 112 and the installer 114 are functions executed by the CPU 11 that has read the program, the programs also constitute the SNMP manager 112 and the installer 114 functions. Furthermore, the functions of the SNMP manager 112 and the installer 114 are not limited to software functions by the CPU 11, and a part or all of them may be realized by hardware.
Further, in the description of the above embodiment, the procedure for installing the driver in relation to the host computer and the printer is shown. However, the procedure is not particularly limited to the printer, and is not limited to the printer. The system of the present invention can be applied to a system device including a driven peripheral device that installs and uses a driver in a host device such as a device or a video device.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present patent application will be added.

Appendix 1
In linked systems where peripheral devices and host devices are connected via a network,
The peripheral device is
A notification operation unit for transmitting link target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device;
In response to an operation of the notification operation unit, a transmission unit that transmits the synchronization target notification information to the network;
With
The host device is
A monitoring unit that monitors and waits for the link target notification information to be transmitted on the network;
An acquisition unit that acquires the synchronization target notification information when the monitoring unit detects the synchronization target notification information;
An installer for setting an output port for the host device to output information to the peripheral device that has transmitted the information based on information that identifies the peripheral device that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information included in the acquired synchronization target notification information;
The interlocking system characterized by comprising.

Appendix 2
The acquisition unit
An SNMP manager for monitoring the status of peripheral devices connected to the network based on an SNMP trap;
The peripheral device which is an SNMP agent outputs the synchronization target notification information as the SNMP trap,
The interlocking system according to appendix 1, wherein the SNMP manager identifies by using the SNMP trap which peripheral device has transmitted the interlocking target notification information.

Appendix 3
The interlocking system according to appendix 2, wherein the peripheral device includes an IP address of the peripheral device in a packet of the SNMP trap.

Appendix 4
The installer acquires device information by the SNMP from the agent address information included in the SNMP trap packet.
The interlocking system according to Supplementary Note 2, characterized by:

Appendix 5
The peripheral device includes a reading unit that reads information of a portable recording medium as the notification operation unit,
The interlocking system according to appendix 1, wherein the interlocking target notification information is transmitted in response to reading of information on a portable recording medium by the reading unit.

Appendix 6
The host device includes a display unit,
The interlocking system according to appendix 1, wherein the host device displays a message for requesting an operation of transmitting interlocking target notification information in a peripheral device desired to be installed on the display unit.

Appendix 7
The interlocking system according to any one of appendices 1, 2, 5, and 6, wherein the interlocking target notification information is broadcasted on the network.

Appendix 8
In a host device connected to a peripheral device via a network and outputting data to the peripheral device,
The host device is
A monitoring unit that monitors and waits for synchronization target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device to be transmitted from the peripheral device to the network;
An acquisition unit that acquires the synchronization target notification information when the monitoring unit detects the synchronization target notification information;
An installer for setting an output port for the host device to output information to the transmitted peripheral device based on information specifying the peripheral device that is included in the acquired synchronization target notification information and that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information;
A host device comprising:

Appendix 9
The acquisition unit has an SNMP manager that performs status monitoring of peripheral devices connected to the network based on an SNMP trap,
The SNMP manager identifies in which peripheral device the synchronization target notification information is transmitted by the SNMP trap including the synchronization target notification information output from the peripheral device which is an SNMP agent. The host device according to appendix 8.

Appendix 10
In an installation method for installing a driver for controlling a peripheral device to a host device connected to the peripheral device via a network and outputting data to the peripheral device.
The link target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device is transmitted from the peripheral device to the network,
In the above host device,
Monitor and wait for the link target notification information to be transmitted on the network,
When the monitoring unit detects the link target notification information, the link target notification information is acquired,
An output port from which the host device outputs data is installed in the transmitted peripheral device based on information specifying the peripheral device that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information included in the acquired synchronization target notification information. How to install.

10 Computer 11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Hard Disk 14 Operation Input Unit 15 Display Unit 16 Network IF
20 Printer 21 CPU
22 memory 23 hard disk 24 operation input unit 25 display unit 26 network IF
27 IC card reader 40 LAN
112 SNMP Manager 114 Installer

Claims (10)

In linked systems where peripheral devices and host devices are connected via a network,
The peripheral device is
A notification operation unit for transmitting link target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device;
In response to an operation of the notification operation unit, a transmission unit that transmits the synchronization target notification information to the network;
With
The host device is
A monitoring unit that monitors and waits for the link target notification information to be transmitted on the network;
An acquisition unit that acquires the synchronization target notification information when the monitoring unit detects the synchronization target notification information;
An installer for setting an output port for the host device to output information to the peripheral device that has transmitted the information based on information that identifies the peripheral device that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information included in the acquired synchronization target notification information;
The interlocking system characterized by comprising. The acquisition unit
An SNMP manager for monitoring the status of peripheral devices connected to the network based on an SNMP trap;
The peripheral device which is an SNMP agent outputs the synchronization target notification information as the SNMP trap,
2. The interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the SNMP manager identifies by using the SNMP trap whether the peripheral object notification information is transmitted from which peripheral device. The interlocking system according to claim 2, wherein the peripheral device includes an IP address of the peripheral device in a packet of the SNMP trap. The installer acquires device information by the SNMP from the agent address information included in the SNMP trap packet.
The interlocking system according to claim 2 characterized by things. The peripheral device includes a reading unit that reads information of a portable recording medium as the notification operation unit,
The interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking target notification information is transmitted in response to reading of information on a portable recording medium by the reading unit. The host device includes a display unit,
The interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the host device displays a message requesting an operation for transmitting interlocking target notification information in a peripheral device desired to be installed on the display unit.   The interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking target notification information is broadcasted on the network. In a host device connected to a peripheral device via a network and outputting data to the peripheral device,
The host device is
A monitoring unit that monitors and waits for synchronization target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device to be transmitted from the peripheral device to the network;
An acquisition unit that acquires the synchronization target notification information when the monitoring unit detects the synchronization target notification information;
An installer for setting an output port for the host device to output information to the transmitted peripheral device based on information specifying the peripheral device that is included in the acquired synchronization target notification information and that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information;
A host device comprising: The acquisition unit has an SNMP manager that performs status monitoring of peripheral devices connected to the network based on an SNMP trap,
The SNMP manager identifies in which peripheral device the synchronization target notification information is transmitted by the SNMP trap including the synchronization target notification information output from the peripheral device which is an SNMP agent. The host device according to claim 8. In an installation method for installing a driver for controlling a peripheral device to a host device connected to the peripheral device via a network and outputting data to the peripheral device.
The link target notification information indicating that the peripheral device operates in conjunction with the host device is transmitted from the peripheral device to the network,
In the above host device,
Monitor and wait for the link target notification information to be transmitted on the network,
When the monitoring unit detects the link target notification information, the link target notification information is acquired,
An output port from which the host device outputs data is installed in the transmitted peripheral device based on information specifying the peripheral device that has transmitted the synchronization target notification information included in the acquired synchronization target notification information. How to install.