JP2013232825A - Device and method for connection confirmation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a method for connection confirmation, capable of efficiently confirming a connectable server with the distribution of a system load.SOLUTION: An MFP 100 includes: a storage unit for storing a first timeout time and a second timeout time longer than the first timeout time; a first determination unit for determining whether or not a response is received within the first timeout time after transmitting data to each print server 160-164; a first decision unit for deciding a print server from which a response other than an error notice is received, as a communicable print server; a second determination unit for determining whether or not a response is received within the second timeout time after transmitting data to each print server when no response is received from each print server 160-164 or an error notice is received; and a second decision unit for deciding a print server from which a response other than an error notice is received, as a communicable print server. By this, a connectable print server can be confirmed efficiently, and the distribution of a system load can be achieved.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connection confirmation device and a connection confirmation method capable of efficiently detecting a server computer that can be connected without concentrated access among a plurality of server computers in a short time, and that can realize load distribution in the system. .

  In recent years, a network environment has been improved, and terminals such as personal computers (hereinafter also referred to as PCs) have become widespread, and electronic data such as documents and images can be printed anytime and anywhere. .

  In addition, in many offices (company, office, etc.), an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on recording paper is introduced as one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device. . In such offices, there are many cases where a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a printer function or a copy function are connected to a network and shared by a plurality of users. A multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter, facsimile is also referred to as FAX), a network compatible printer mode, and a scanner mode. A plurality of basic operation modes are provided.

  A system configuration that provides the functions of these image forming apparatuses using a print server connected to a network is known. In a network system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a plurality of terminal apparatuses, and a plurality of print servers are connected, the system as a whole can be efficiently operated such that access is not concentrated on a specific print server. is necessary.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a client / server network system in which a client application and a server application share resources before transmitting data from the client application to the server application when the client application uses the server application. A system for confirming whether a server application is alive or not by confirming the above is disclosed. If data is transmitted without confirmation, if communication with the server application is not possible due to a crash of the server application or restarting of the server application, data is retransmitted or reconnected with the server application. It takes time to recognize, and the client application process stops.

  Regarding a service for calling a server from a terminal device or the like, a system for improving reliability by operating a plurality of servers and providing redundancy for the same service, instead of providing a service by a single server The configuration is known. In such a system having a plurality of servers, a list of servers to be called from a terminal device or the like is prepared in advance, and responses are confirmed in order to the servers based on the list, and the server that responds first is used. The use form is taken.

JP 2003-218900 A

  In the access method to the server according to the usage form as described above, since the response confirmation is performed in order from the server on the upper side of the server list, there is a problem that the load tends to concentrate on a specific server. In addition, even when there are only servers that can be connected to the lower level of the server list, since the connection confirmation is performed in order from the upper level of the server list, it takes a long time to confirm the response to the connectable server. There's a problem. In order to avoid this, there is a problem that when the timeout time at the time of confirming the response is set short, there is a high possibility that the server cannot be connected. These problems cannot be solved by the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above.

  Therefore, the present invention can efficiently detect a server computer that can be connected without concentrated access among a plurality of server computers, and a connection confirmation device and connection confirmation that can realize load distribution in the system. It aims to provide a method.

  The above object can be achieved by the following.

  That is, the connection confirmation apparatus according to the present invention is a connection confirmation apparatus that identifies a connectable server computer among a plurality of server computers. The connection confirmation device is specified by a first timeout period, a second timeout period longer than the first timeout period, a storage unit for storing information for specifying each of the plurality of server computers, and information sequentially read from the storage unit. After transmitting predetermined data to each server computer, a first determination unit that determines whether or not a response to the transmission has been received within a first timeout period, and a first timeout period by the first determination unit In response to the determination that a response that is not an error notification has been received, a first determination unit that determines a server computer that has transmitted predetermined data as a communicable server computer, and a first determination unit, No response was received from each of a plurality of server computers or an error notification was received within one timeout period. Whether or not a response to the transmission is received within the second timeout period after transmitting predetermined data to each server computer specified by the information sequentially read from the storage unit When the second determination unit and the second determination unit determine that a response that is not an error notification has been received within the second timeout period, the server computer that has transmitted the predetermined data can communicate. And a second determination unit that determines as a secure server computer.

  Preferably, the information specifying each of the plurality of server computers has a relative order used by the first determination unit, and the connection confirmation device specifies a server computer determined as a communicable server computer. And a rank setting unit for setting the relative rank of the information to the highest priority rank.

  More preferably, the connection confirmation device further includes a changing unit that changes the first timeout period depending on whether or not the first determination unit has received a response that is not an error notification from any server computer.

  More preferably, the storage unit stores information for identifying the determined server computer capable of communication, and is connectable when no response is received from any server computer or an error notification is received. Information indicating that the server computer does not exist is stored, and the connection confirmation device receives the request for information specifying the connectable server computer from the external device, and specifies the server computer capable of communication Alternatively, information indicating that there is no connectable server computer is transmitted to the external device.

  The connection confirmation method according to the present invention is a connection confirmation method for identifying a connectable server computer among a plurality of server computers, which is executed by a digital device. The connection confirmation method includes a first timeout period, a second timeout period longer than the first timeout period, and each server computer identified by information sequentially read from a storage unit that stores information identifying each of the plurality of server computers. In addition, after transmitting predetermined data, a first determination step for determining whether or not a response to the transmission has been received within the first timeout time, and an error within the first timeout time by the first determination step. In response to determining that a response that is not a notification has been received, a first determination step of determining a server computer that has transmitted predetermined data as a communicable server computer, and a first determination step, within a first timeout period A response was not received from each of the plurality of server computers or an error occurred. In response to determining that the notification has been received, after transmitting predetermined data to each server computer specified by the information sequentially read from the storage unit, a response to the transmission is received within the second timeout period. A server computer that has transmitted predetermined data in response to a determination that a response that is not an error notification has been received within the second timeout period by the second determination step and the second determination step. A second determination step of determining as a communicable server computer.

  According to the present invention, since two timeout periods (first and second timeout periods) having different lengths are used, it is first determined whether or not the server computer can be connected with a short timeout period (first timeout period). If there is a server computer with a small load, it can be detected in a short time. Even if there is no server computer in a state where the load is small, it is determined whether or not connection is possible with a long timeout period (second timeout period), so that there is a high possibility that a connectable server computer can be detected. As a result, it is possible to preferentially use a server computer with a small load and a short response time, so that the load is avoided by concentrating the load on a specific server computer among a plurality of server computers. Distribution can be realized and the efficiency of the entire system can be improved.

  Further, by changing the priority of access to the server computer depending on whether or not a response that is not an error notification has been received from the server computer, the connectable server computer can be detected in a shorter time. For example, by increasing the priority at the time of confirming the connection of server computers that have been connected, connectable server computers can be detected in a shorter time.

  Further, by changing the short time-out period depending on whether or not a response that is not an error notification has been received from the server computer, the connectable server computer can be detected in a shorter time or more reliably. That is, when a response that is not an error notification can be received from the server computer within a short timeout period, a connectable server computer can be detected in a shorter period of time by shortening the short timeout period. Further, when a response that is not an error notification cannot be received from the server computer within a short timeout period, the connectable server computer can be detected more reliably by increasing the short timeout period.

  Further, by storing information on connectable server computers, information on connectable server computers can be provided immediately in response to a request from an external device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing data stored in an HDD of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for realizing a print function, which is executed in the MFP shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for realizing a connection confirmation function, which is executed in the MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen containing an error message. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit of the MFP in FIG. 1. 7 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for realizing a connection confirmation function executed in the MFP shown in FIG. 1, which is different from FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program for realizing a connection confirmation function executed in the MFP shown in FIG. 1, which is different from FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a state in which a connection confirmation result storage unit is provided in the HDD of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system in which a connection confirmation function is realized by an external device (connection confirmation device) of an MFP. 13 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed in the MFP shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed in the connection confirmation apparatus shown in FIG.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an MFP, a terminal device, and a plurality of print servers (hereinafter also simply referred to as servers) connected to each other via a network. The MFP is a digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system according to the present embodiment includes MFP 100, first print server 160, second print server 162, third print server 164, terminal device 170, and network 180 to which these are connected. It has. The first print server 160 to the third print server 164 and the terminal device 170 are, for example, computers. First print server 160 to third print server 164 allow the user to operate terminal device 170 to form (print) an image using MFP 100.

  In addition to the MFP 100, the present image forming system can include a digital multi-function peripheral having the same function as this, but only one unit is shown in FIG. Similarly, the image forming system can include a terminal device in addition to the terminal device 170, but FIG. 1 representatively shows only one device.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that controls MFP 100 as a whole, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 for storing a program, and a RAM (Random) that is a volatile storage device. (Access Memory) 106 and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 which is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is cut off. The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the MFP 100.

  The MFP 100 further includes a timer 110, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 112, a document reading unit 120, an image forming unit 122, an image processing unit 124, an image memory 126, an operation unit 130, and a bus 114. In addition to these, the MFP 100 performs a FAX communication connected to a paper feed unit that stores recording paper for forming an image, a paper discharge unit (discharge tray) that discharges the recording paper on which the image is formed, and a telephone line. For example, a fax modem is provided.

  The CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, HDD 108, timer 110, NIC 112, document reading unit 120, image forming unit 122, image processing unit 124, image memory 126, and operation unit 130 are connected to the bus 114. Data (including control information) is exchanged between the units via the bus 114. The CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 114, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, CPU 102 controls each part of MFP 100 in accordance with a program stored in ROM 104 to realize each function of MFP 100.

  In response to a request from the CPU 102, the timer 110 provides information indicating the current time (hereinafter referred to as the current time) to the CPU 102.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the operation unit 130 includes a touch panel display 132 and an operation key unit 134. The touch panel display 132 includes a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. In FIG. 3, the basic screen of MFP 100 is displayed on touch panel display 132 (display panel) of operation unit 130. On the basic screen, keys for instructing each function such as printing and copying are displayed.

  The operation key unit 134 includes, as hardware keys, a home key 136, a power key 138 for turning on / off the power of the MFP 100, and a function for switching the MFP 100 to the power saving state or returning from the power saving state to the normal state. A power saving key 140 and an LED lamp 142 that is turned on when the power is turned on are arranged. The screen displayed on touch panel display 132 changes variously (screen transition) depending on the state of MFP 100. Home key 136 is a key for returning the screen displayed on touch panel display 132 to the basic screen. That is, when the home key 136 is pressed, the basic screen is displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  The NIC 112 is connected to an external network 180 and is an interface for allowing the MFP 100 to communicate with an external device via the network 180. MFP 100 is connected to an external telephone line (not shown), and includes a FAX modem (not shown) which is an interface for MFP 100 to perform FAX communication with an external device via the telephone line.

  The document reading unit 120 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for reading an image, and a document detection sensor that detects a document set on a document table, an automatic document feeder (ADF), or the like. To input image data. Image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 126. The image processing unit 124 executes various image processes on the read image data. The image forming unit 122 prints image data on a recording sheet. The image data is stored in the HDD 108 as necessary.

  A paper feeding unit (not shown) accommodates recording paper for image formation. The MFP 100 also includes a manual paper feed tray (not shown) that is a tray for manually feeding recording paper.

  Operation unit 130 accepts an input such as an instruction to MFP 100 by the user. The user checks the state of MFP 100 and the job processing status on the screen displayed on touch panel display 132. By selecting a key displayed on the touch panel display 132 on the touch panel overlaid on the display panel (touching a corresponding part on the touch panel), function setting and operation instruction of the MFP 100 can be performed.

  The first print server 160 to the third print server 164 and the terminal device 170 are provided with a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, and a NIC, like a general-purpose computer.

  Hereinafter, each mode for executing the functions (printer function, copy function, scanner function, and facsimile function) installed in MFP 100 will be briefly described.

(Printer mode)
When the MFP 100 is used as a printer, the image data received via the NIC 112 is output from the image forming unit 122 via the image memory 126 or the like.

  For example, when the terminal device 170 instructs the MFP 100 to print directly, the NIC 112 receives image data from the terminal device 170 connected to the network 180. When printing is instructed via any one of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164, the image data is transmitted from the terminal device 170 to any one of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164. Memorized. Thereafter, when the user selects a job (image data) displayed on the operation unit 130 of the MFP 100 and instructs printing, the NIC 112 receives the corresponding image data from any of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164. Receive.

  The received image data is sent as output image data to the image memory 126 for each page, and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the image memory 126. Then, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 122 in synchronization with the timing of image formation in the image forming unit 122.

  In the paper feeding unit, the recording paper is pulled out by a pickup roller and conveyed to the image forming unit 122 by a plurality of conveying rollers. The image forming unit 122 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum by exposing the charged photosensitive drum according to the input image data. After the toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photosensitive drum, the toner image is transferred onto the conveyed recording paper via the transfer belt. Thereafter, the recording paper is heated and pressurized (this fixes the image on the recording paper), and is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

(Copy mode)
When MFP 100 is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by document reading unit 120 is output as a copy from image forming unit 122.

  An image of the original set at the reading position can be electronically read by the CCD provided in the original reading unit 120. The read image data is completed as output data (printing data) on the image memory 126 and then stored in the HDD 108. When there are a plurality of documents, this reading operation and storage operation are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 130, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the image memory 126. As in the printer mode described above, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 122 and image formation is performed.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of read image data, it is similarly stored as output data in the HDD 108 in units of pages, sent from the HDD 108 to the image memory 126, and repeated for the number of output sheets, and the image is matched with the timing of image formation. It is transmitted to the forming unit 122.

(Scanner mode)
When the MFP 100 is used as, for example, a network scanner, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 120 is transmitted from the NIC 112 to a computer or the like (for example, the terminal device 170) via the network 180. Also in this case, the original is electronically read by the CCD provided in the original reading unit 120. The read image data of the original is completed as output data on the image memory 126 and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the image memory 126, and after communication with the transmission destination designated via the operation unit 130 is established, the image data is transmitted from the NIC 112 to the designated transmission destination.

(Facsimile mode)
The MFP 100 can perform FAX transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone line network.

  When the MFP 100 is used as a facsimile apparatus, data received by FAX from the facsimile apparatus is formed as image data on the image memory 126, and stored in the HDD 108 and printed by the image forming unit 122 as described above. it can. In addition, the MFP 100 can read image data from the HDD 108, convert it into a data format for FAX communication, and send it to an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone line network.

  Hereinafter, in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1, when the user uses the print function of MFP 100, the function of MFP 100 confirming the connection state with first print server 160 to third print server 164 will be specifically described. To do.

  As a premise, it is assumed that the user instructs the first print server 160 to the third print server 164 to print from the terminal device 170. A print job including image data for which the user has instructed printing is transmitted from the terminal device 170 to one of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164, for example, the first print server 160. Stored in HDD. The first print server 160 transmits the received print job to another print server, that is, the second print server 162 and the third print server 164. The second print server 162 and the third print server 164 store the received print job in each HDD. As described above, the print jobs are appropriately communicated between the first print server 160 to the third print server 164, and the same print job is stored in each HDD of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164. The Instead of communicating print jobs in this way, only the print job list may be appropriately communicated between the first print server 160 and the third print server 164.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the HDD 108 includes an address list storage unit 150, a first timeout time storage unit 152, and a second timeout time storage unit 154. The address list storage unit 150 stores the IP addresses of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164. In FIG. 4, local addresses are stored as the IP addresses of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164. First timeout time storage unit 152 stores in advance a first timeout time used by MFP 100 for connection confirmation described later. Second timeout time storage unit 154 stores in advance a second timeout time longer than the first timeout time used by MFP 100 for connection confirmation. Here, it is assumed that the first timeout time is 10 seconds and the second timeout time is 60 seconds.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step 300 of the control structure of the program for realizing the print function executed in MFP, CPU 102 displays the basic screen shown in FIG. 3 on touch panel display 132, It is determined whether any key has been operated. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 302. Otherwise, step 300 is repeated.

  In step 302, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 300 is a print key. If it is determined that the key is a print key, control proceeds to step 400. Otherwise, control passes to 304.

  In step 304, the CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the operated key. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324.

  In step 324, the CPU 102 determines whether or not there is an end instruction. If there is no end instruction, the CPU 102 returns to step 300. The end instruction is, for example, that the power key 138 is pressed. If it is determined that an end instruction has been received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 300.

  When the print key is operated, the connection confirmation process in step 400 is executed. Specifically, the connection confirmation process is a process of steps 402 to 420 shown in FIG.

  In step 402, the CPU 102 sets a short timeout period used for communication. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads the first timeout period (10 seconds) from the first timeout period storage unit 152 of the HDD 108 and sets it as the timeout period.

  In step 404, the CPU 102 sets the initial value of the counter k of the iterative process to “0”.

  In step 406, the CPU 102 reads the kth IP address stored in the address list storage unit 150 of the HDD 108 and transmits predetermined data to the IP address. For example, a ping command of the Internet Control Notification Protocol (ICMP) is executed, and an “echo request” packet is transmitted. Further, the CPU 102 acquires the current time from the timer 110 and stores it as time information in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example.

  In step 408, the CPU 102 determines whether a response to the data transmitted in step 406 has been received. Specifically, it is determined in step 406 whether or not “echo reply” has been received from the IP address that transmitted the “echo request” packet. If it is determined that it has been received, control proceeds to step 412. Otherwise control passes to step 410. Note that “response” means a normal response. Therefore, the case where the response cannot be received includes not only the case where the normal response cannot be received but also the case where the error notification is received. The same applies hereinafter.

  In step 410, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission in step 406. Specifically, the CPU 102 obtains the current time from the timer 110 and compares it with time information stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, and a timeout time (here, 10 seconds that is the first timeout time) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the control proceeds to step 414. Otherwise, control returns to step 408.

  In step 412, the CPU 102 determines the print server that has received the response as a connectable server, and stores information (for example, an IP address) specifying the print server in the RAM 106, for example. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 306 in FIG.

  In step 414, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the counter k is smaller than the upper limit value kmax (the number of IP addresses stored in the address list storage unit). If it is determined that the IP address is smaller, that is, if there is an IP address not yet used for communication in the address list storage unit 150 of the HDD 108, the control proceeds to step 416. Otherwise, that is, when all IP addresses stored in the address list storage unit 150 of the HDD 108 are used, the control proceeds to step 418.

  In step 416, the CPU 102 sets a value obtained by adding “1” to the current counter k as a new counter k. Control then returns to step 406.

  In this way, by setting the first timeout time as the timeout time and executing steps 404 to 416, a print server capable of communicating in a good communication state that returns a response within the timeout time is determined. be able to.

  In step 418, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the currently set timeout time is a short timeout time. For example, the CPU 102 reads the first timeout time from the first timeout time storage unit 152 and compares it with the current timeout time. If they are the same, it is determined that the current timeout period is a short timeout period. If it is determined that the current time-out time is a short time-out time (that is, if processing using the long time-out time has not yet been executed), the control moves to step 420. Otherwise, that is, if the process using the long timeout time is completed, the control shifts to step 306 in FIG.

  In step 420, the CPU 102 sets a long timeout period used for communication. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads out the second timeout time (60 seconds) from the second timeout time storage unit 154 of the HDD 108 and sets it as the timeout time. Thereafter, the control returns to step 404, and steps 404 to 416 are executed as described above. In step 410, a response from the print server is awaited for 60 seconds. As described above, if it is determined in step 408 that a response has been received, a connectable print server is determined in step 412.

  After step 400, in step 306, the CPU 102 determines whether a print server capable of communication is determined. For example, the CPU 102 determines whether or not information (IP address) specifying the print server determined in step 412 is stored in the RAM 106. If it is determined that it is stored (the print server has been determined), the control proceeds to step 310. Otherwise, that is, if the response is not received even if Step 404 to Step 416 are repeated a total of two times at the first timeout time and the second timeout time, the control proceeds to Step 308.

  In step 308, the CPU 102 executes error processing. For example, the CPU 102 displays an error screen on the operation unit 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a sub screen 500 including an error message is displayed on the basic screen. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324. In FIG. 7, when the OK key 502 is touched, the sub screen 500 is deleted.

  In step 310, the CPU 102 requests print job information from the print server determined to be communicable in step 412, and displays the received print job information on the operation unit 130. The print server that has received the request transmits, for example, information on the file name and the reception time (time when the print job is received) to the MFP 100 as information on the print job currently stored in the HDD. The received print job information is displayed as an unprocessed print job list 522 on a screen 520 as shown in FIG. As will be described later, when a user touches and selects a displayed print job and then touches a start key 524, printing is executed. In FIG. 8, the reverse display of the second job indicates that the second job is selected.

  In step 312, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the touch panel display 132 has been operated. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 314. Otherwise, step 312 is repeated.

  In step 314, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 312 is the cancel key 526. When it is determined that the key is the cancel key 526, the CPU 102 deletes the screen 520 shown in FIG. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 324. Otherwise, control passes to 316.

  In step 316, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 312 is the start key 524. If it is determined that the key is the start key 524, the control proceeds to step 320. Otherwise, control passes to 318.

  In step 318, the CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the operated key, and the control returns to step 312. For example, when the user touches a print job displayed in the print job list 522, the print job is selected, and the touched line is highlighted. When the highlighted line is touched, the selection of the corresponding print job is canceled, and the touched line returns from the highlighted display to the original display. Multiple rows may be selectable. If the number of print jobs is large, the user operates the scroll bar displayed on the right side of the print job list 522 to scroll the print job display.

  In step 320, the CPU 102 determines whether or not a print job to be printed has been determined. The confirmation of the print job can be determined by whether or not the row of the print job list 522 is highlighted. If it is determined that it has been confirmed, control proceeds to step 322. Otherwise, control returns to 312.

  As described above, in steps 310 to 320, the user can select a print job to be printed from the displayed print jobs and touch the start key 524 to instruct printing.

  When printing is instructed, in step 322, the CPU 102 executes print processing. Specifically, the CPU 102 sends information for specifying the selected print job (for example, the selected file name and reception time) and a command for requesting data of the print job in step 310. Is sent to the print server that received the information. Upon receiving this, the print server transmits the corresponding print job data to the MFP 100. Based on the received print job, the CPU 102 controls the image forming unit 122, the image processing unit 124, the image memory 126, and the like to execute printing. If the printing is completed, the control proceeds to step 324, and the above-described processing is repeated until an end is instructed.

  As described above, when printing is performed by operating the MFP 100 after the user instructs printing from the terminal device, can a response from the print server be received using a short timeout time (first timeout time) first? If a response cannot be received, a necessary print job is obtained by determining whether the response from the print server can be received using a long timeout time (second timeout time). The print server that can be used can be determined in a short time and reliably.

(Modification 1)
In the above description, the case where the IP address registered in the address list storage unit 150 of the MFP 100 is fixed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, since the load states of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164 change from moment to moment, in order to cope with this, the order of the IP addresses registered in the address list storage unit 150 (connection confirmation is performed). It is preferable to change the order of priority. An example is shown in FIG. 9 is different from the flowchart of FIG. 6 only in that step 430 is added. In the steps of FIG. 9 assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6, the same processing as in FIG. 6 is executed, and therefore, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  When a response is received from any of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164, after a connectable print server is determined in step 412, in step 430, the CPU 102 stores the print server stored in the HDD 108. Change the ranking. Specifically, the CPU 102 moves the address of the print server determined as a connectable server in the address list storage unit 150 to a position having the highest priority. For example, when the connection confirmation process is executed with the registration order of the address list storage unit 150 shown in FIG. 4 and a response is received from the second print server, the address “192.168..x. 4 ″ is moved to the top row, and the other addresses are moved to the second and lower rows while maintaining the order. Thereafter, when printing is instructed, the changed address list storage unit 150 is used in the connection confirmation processing with the first print server 160 to the third print server 164.

  Normally, the change in the load state of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164 does not change greatly in a short time. Therefore, once the printing is instructed by changing the address list storage unit 150 as described above. For a while, the time required for connection confirmation processing when printing is instructed (determination time of a print server capable of communication) can be shortened. In addition, since it is possible to always cope with changes in the load state of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164, the time required for the connection confirmation process can be shortened even for a long period of time.

(Modification 2)
The case where the first and second timeout times are fixed has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. Since the load states of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164 change from moment to moment, in order to cope with this, it is preferable to change the first and second timeout times. An example is shown in FIG. In the following, since the same processing as in FIG. 6 is executed in the step of FIG. 10 assigned the same reference number as FIG. 6, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  When a response is received from any of the first print server 160 to the third print server 164 in step 408, in step 440, the CPU 102 takes the time required to receive the response from data transmission (hereinafter referred to as “connection time”). Is also stored in the RAM 106. Specifically, the CPU 102 obtains the current time from the timer 110, obtains the difference from the time information (stored in step 406) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, and sets it as the connection time.

  Thereafter, after a connectable print server is determined in step 412, in step 442, the CPU 102 determines that the timeout time used for determining the connectable print server is the first timeout time (short timeout time). It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that it is the first timeout period, the control proceeds to step 444. Otherwise, control passes to step 446. This determination can be made by comparing the connection time stored in the RAM 106 with the first timeout time stored in the HDD 108.

  In step 444, the CPU 102 shortens the first timeout time stored in the first timeout time storage unit 152 of the HDD 108. Specifically, the CPU 102 compares the connection time stored in the RAM 106 with the current first timeout time, and changes the current first timeout time. For example, it is assumed that the current first timeout time is 30 seconds, and the connection time is 10 seconds as a result of executing the connection confirmation process using the first timeout time (30 seconds). In this case, a value (15 seconds) obtained by adding a predetermined safety time (for example, 5 seconds) to the connection time (10 seconds) is determined as a new first time-out time, and is overwritten on the first time-out time stored in the HDD 108. To do. However, if the new first timeout time becomes larger than the current first timeout time, the new first timeout time is discarded. That is, the calculated value is used as the first timeout time when the connection time is shorter than the current first timeout time by a safe time or more. The safety time is a time margin provided for confirming the connection more stably.

  In step 446, the CPU 102 increases the first timeout time stored in the first timeout time storage unit 152 of the HDD 108. Specifically, the CPU 102 compares the connection time stored in the RAM 106 with the current first timeout time, and changes the current first timeout time. For example, the current first and second timeout times are 10 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively. As a result of executing the connection confirmation process using the first timeout time (10 seconds), a response cannot be received, As a result of executing the connection confirmation process using the 2 timeout period (60 seconds), it is assumed that a response can be received and the connection time is 30 seconds. In this case, a value (35 seconds) obtained by adding a predetermined safety time (for example, 5 seconds) to the connection time (30 seconds) is determined as a new first time-out time, and is overwritten on the first time-out time stored in the HDD 108. To do. However, when the new first timeout time becomes larger than the current second timeout time, the new first timeout time is discarded. In other words, the calculated value is used as the first timeout time when the connection time is shorter than the current second timeout time by a safe time or more.

  Although the case where the safety time is 5 seconds has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. The safety time may be 0 seconds (that is, no safety time is provided).

  The method of determining a new first timeout time is not limited to the method of adding a predetermined safety time to the above connection time. For example, a value obtained by increasing the connection time by a predetermined ratio a (for example, a = 1.1), that is, connection time × a may be set as the new first timeout time. In addition, a new first timeout time may be determined according to the difference between the current first timeout time and the connection time.

  When the first timeout period is shortened, the second timeout period may be shortened. For example, the second timeout time is shortened by the same time as the first timeout time is shortened. Further, when the first timeout period is increased, the second timeout period may be increased. For example, the second timeout time is increased by the same time as the first timeout time is increased.

(Modification 3)
A limit may be provided for the amount of change of the first timeout time. For example, an upper limit value may be provided when determining a new first timeout period in step 446 of FIG. The current first and second timeout times are 10 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively. As a result of executing the connection confirmation process using the first timeout time (10 seconds), the response cannot be received and the second timeout As a result of executing the connection confirmation process using time (60 seconds), it is assumed that a response can be received and the connection time is 27 seconds. Further, it is assumed that 5 seconds is stored in the HDD 108 as the safety time and 30 seconds is the upper limit value of the first timeout time. In this case, in step 446 of FIG. 10, the CPU 102 obtains 32 seconds (27 seconds + 5 seconds) as a new first timeout time candidate (connection time + safety time). Since the obtained value (32 seconds) exceeds the upper limit value (30 seconds), the CPU 102 determines the upper limit value (30 seconds) as a new first timeout time.

  When the first timeout time is the upper limit value, the first timeout time may not be used in the next connection confirmation process. In that case, the CPU 102 uses only the second timeout period in the connection confirmation process. Thereafter, in step 444 of FIG. 10, when a short connection time is obtained and a new first time-out time that is smaller than the upper limit value is determined, the first and second time-out times are used in the next connection confirmation process. May be used. For example, the current first timeout time is the upper limit of 30 seconds, the second timeout time is 60 seconds, and a response is received as a result of executing the connection confirmation process using only the second timeout time (60 seconds). Suppose that the connection time is 10 seconds. In this case, in step 444 of FIG. 10, the connection time + safety time, which is a new first timeout time candidate, is 15 seconds (10 seconds + 5 seconds). Accordingly, the first timeout period is set to 15 seconds, and the CPU 102 uses the first and second timeout periods in the next connection confirmation process.

  Further, when the first timeout time is the upper limit value, in the next connection confirmation process, the first timeout time is not used, but the second timeout time and the longer third timeout time are used. May be. For example, if the second timeout time is 60 seconds, the third timeout time can be set to 90 seconds. Even in this case, when a shorter first connection time is obtained in step 444 in FIG. 10 and a new first time-out time smaller than the upper limit value is determined, The second timeout time may be used.

  Also in Modification 3, the safety time may be a value other than 5 seconds. The safety time may be 0 seconds (that is, no safety time is provided).

(Modification 4)
Similar to the third modification, a limit is provided for the change amount of the first timeout time, but a lower limit value may be provided instead of or in addition to the upper limit value. For example, in step 444 in FIG. 10, a lower limit value is provided when determining a new first timeout period. The current first and second timeout times are 30 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively. As a result of executing the connection confirmation process using the first timeout time (30 seconds), a response can be received and the connection time is Suppose that it was 3 seconds. Further, it is assumed that the HDD 108 stores 5 seconds as the safety time and 10 seconds as the lower limit value of the first timeout time. In this case, in step 444 of FIG. 10, the CPU 102 obtains 8 seconds (3 seconds + 5 seconds) as a new first timeout time candidate (connection time + safety time). Since the obtained value (8 seconds) is less than the lower limit value (10 seconds), the CPU 102 determines the lower limit value (10 seconds) as a new first timeout time.

  Also in the modified example 4, the safety time may be a value other than 5 seconds. The safety time may be 0 seconds (that is, no safety time is provided).

(Modification 5)
As shown in FIG. 11, a connection confirmation result storage unit 156 may be provided in the HDD 108 to store past connection times. For example, in step 440 of FIG. 10, the CPU 102 adds the calculated connection time to the connection confirmation result storage unit 156 of the HDD 108. When the first timeout time is changed in step 444 or 446 in FIG. 10, the CPU 102 calculates the average value of the connection times (for example, the average value of the past 10 times) stored in the connection confirmation result storage unit 156. The calculated value is used as the connection time in the calculation of the new first timeout time candidate described above.

(Modification 6)
In the above description, the case where the MFP 100 executes the connection confirmation process has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a connection confirmation device 172 that receives a request from the MFP 100 and executes a connection confirmation process may be connected to a network 180.

  The control structure of the program executed by MFP 100 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5, and may be any control structure as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 differs from FIG. 5 only in that step 400 in FIG. 5 is changed to step 450. In the step of FIG. 13 assigned the same reference number as FIG. 5, the same processing as that of FIG. 5 is executed, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step 450, the CPU 102 requests the connection confirmation device 172 to execute connection confirmation processing. Specifically, the CPU 102 transmits a predetermined command to the connection confirmation device 172 via the network 180. The connection confirmation device 172 that has received the command executes connection confirmation processing as will be described later, and transmits the result to the MFP 100 via the network 180.

  The connection confirmation device 172 is, for example, a computer and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, HDD, and NIC. Similar to FIG. 4, the HDD of the connection confirmation device 172 is provided with an address list storage unit 150, a first timeout time storage unit 152, and a second timeout time storage unit 154. Upon receiving a request from the MFP 100, the CPU of the connection confirmation device 172 executes, for example, a program similar to that shown in FIG. 6, 9, or 10, and transmits the resulting information to the MFP 100. For example, the control structure of the program similar to FIG. 6 executed by the CPU of the connection confirmation device 172 may be a control structure as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 differs from FIG. 6 only in that step 460 is executed before step 402 in FIG. 6 and step 462 is executed after step 418. In the step of FIG. 14 assigned the same reference number as FIG. 6, the same processing as that of FIG. 6 is executed, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step 460, the CPU of the connection confirmation device 172 determines whether or not a command for instructing execution of the connection confirmation process has been received. If it is determined that it has been received, the control proceeds to step 402, and the processing after step 402 (connection confirmation processing) is executed. Otherwise, step 460 is repeated.

  After the connection confirmation processing is completed, in step 462, the CPU of the connection confirmation device 172 transmits the result of the connection confirmation processing to the MFP 100 that has received the command in step 460. The information to be transmitted is the address of the print server when a response is received from the print server, and error information indicating that when no response is received from any print server.

  With such a system configuration, the MFP 100 can acquire the address of the print server that should request data from the connection confirmation device 172 when the execution of printing is instructed by the user. Therefore, the MFP 100 may not have a function of specifying a connectable print server. When a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals are connected to the network 180, each digital multi-function peripheral does not need to have a function for specifying a connectable print server, so a general digital multi-function peripheral is used almost as it is. System operation becomes easier.

(Modification 7)
In Modification 6, the connection confirmation device 172 receives the request from the MFP 100 and executes the connection confirmation processing. However, the connection confirmation device 172 periodically executes the connection confirmation processing even when there is no request from the MFP 100. May be. The system configuration is the same as in FIG. For example, the connection confirmation device 172 periodically executes connection confirmation processing every time a predetermined time elapses or when a preset time is reached, and the result is stored in the HDD or RAM of the connection confirmation device 172. Remember. The stored information is the address of the print server when a response is received from the print server, and data indicating that connection is not possible when the response is not received from any print server.

  In this case, the MFP 100 requests the connection confirmation apparatus 172 for an address of a print server that can be connected, and the connection confirmation apparatus 172 that has received the request stores the print server address in the HDD or RAM. Transmits the address to MFP 100. When data indicating that connection is not possible is stored in the HDD or RAM, the connection confirmation device 172 transmits information indicating that connection to any print server cannot be established to the MFP 100.

  In this way, the MFP 100 does not need to wait for the time for the connection confirmation device 172 to execute the connection confirmation process after requesting the address of the communicable print server from the connection confirmation device 172. The address of a print server that can communicate can be acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the case where the user can freely use MFP 100 has been described. However, when MFP 100 is used, user login authentication may be executed.

  In the above description, a case where an error screen is displayed when no response is received from any print server has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to displaying an error screen, a predetermined message (for example, a message indicating that no print server can be connected) may be transmitted to a preset e-mail address such as an administrator.

  In the above description, the case where the ping command is used to confirm the communication state with the print server has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The data (communication command or the like) transmitted by MFP 100 to confirm the connection with the print server may be data that promptly returns a response to the received data from the print server to the data transmission source. .

  The first to third timeout periods are not limited to the above values, and can be set as appropriate according to the system configuration, the system operation policy, and the like.

  Although the case where the three first print servers 160 to the third print server 164 are connected to the network 180 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of print servers may be connected to the network.

  In the above description, the case where the digital multifunction peripheral determines a print server that can be connected to provide a print service has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of FTP servers for sharing image files may be connected to the network instead of a plurality of print servers or in addition to a plurality of print servers. In this case, the digital multifunction peripheral can determine a connectable FTP server by executing a connection confirmation process in the same manner as described above when the scanned image data is transmitted to the FTP server by the scanner function. .

  In addition, when not only a digital multi-function peripheral but also a general digital device is connected to a network and it is necessary to communicate with one of a plurality of server computers connected to the network in order to execute the function of the digital device. There may be. If a digital device executes a connection confirmation process for a plurality of server computers in the same manner as described above, a server computer capable of communication can be determined more reliably and more efficiently in a shorter time than in the past. Can do.

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

100 MFP
102 CPU
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 Timer 112 NIC
114 Bus 120 Document Reading Unit 122 Image Forming Unit 124 Image Processing Unit 126 Image Memory 130 Operation Unit 132 Touch Panel Display 134 Operation Key Unit 160 First Print Server 162 Second Print Server 164 Third Print Server 170 First Terminal Device 180 Network

Claims (5)

A connection confirmation device for identifying a connectable server computer among a plurality of server computers,
Storage means for storing a first timeout period, a second timeout period longer than the first timeout period, and information for identifying each of the plurality of server computers;
First determination for determining whether a response to the transmission is received within the first timeout period after transmitting predetermined data to each server computer specified by the information sequentially read from the storage means Means,
When the first determination means determines that a response that is not an error notification is received within the first timeout period, the server computer that has transmitted the predetermined data is determined as a communicable server computer. First determining means for
When the first determination unit determines that a response has not been received from each of the plurality of server computers or an error notification has been received within the first time-out period, the storage unit sequentially reads from the storage unit. Second determination means for determining whether a response to the transmission is received within the second timeout period after transmitting predetermined data for each server computer specified by the information;
When the second determination means determines that a response that is not an error notification is received within the second timeout period, the server computer that has transmitted the predetermined data is determined as a communicable server computer. And a second determining means. The information for identifying each of the plurality of server computers has a relative order used by the first determination means,
2. The connection confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising rank setting means for setting the relative rank of the information for specifying a server computer determined as a communicable server computer to a highest priority rank. .   3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit that changes the first timeout period according to whether the first determination unit receives a response that is not an error notification from any of the server computers. The connection confirmation device described in 1. Means for storing information identifying the determined server computer capable of communication;
Means for storing information indicating that no connectable server computer exists in response to no response being received from any of the server computers or an error notification being received;
Upon receiving a request for information specifying a connectable server computer from an external device, the information specifying the connectable server computer or the information indicating that there is no connectable server computer The connection confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection confirmation apparatus transmits the information to the external apparatus. A connection confirmation method for identifying a connectable server computer among a plurality of server computers executed by a digital device,
For each server computer specified by the information sequentially read out from the storage means for storing the first timeout time, the second timeout time longer than the first timeout time, and information specifying each of the plurality of server computers, A first determination step of determining whether a response to the transmission is received within the first timeout period after transmitting predetermined data;
When the first determination step determines that a response that is not an error notification is received within the first timeout period, the server computer that has transmitted the predetermined data is determined as a communicable server computer. A first determining step to:
When the first determination step determines that a response has not been received from each of the plurality of server computers or an error notification has been received within the first timeout period, the storage unit sequentially reads out the response. A second determination step of determining whether a response to the transmission is received within the second timeout period after transmitting predetermined data for each server computer specified by the information;
When the second determination step determines that a response that is not an error notification is received within the second timeout period, the server computer that has transmitted the predetermined data is determined as a communicable server computer. A connection determination method comprising: a second determination step.

Images