JP2017058712A - Information processing device, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device that facilitates the installation-related work of setting the other parties of communication.SOLUTION: An information processing device executes an installer set in which are integrated device information including a host name that is used when installing a device driver for output devices and a device driver discretionarily set by a file creator. After the device drivers included in the installer set are installed, the host name used in installing the same is acquired (S1502), and an input acceptance screen is displayed that accepts input of an IP address used in communication with a device correlated to the acquired host name (S1504). When an IP address is inputted (including editing) on the input acceptance screen (S1505) and an OK button is pressed (S1506), it is written, in correlation to the inputted host name, into management information managed by an operating system (S1507).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanism for facilitating communication destination setting work related to device driver installation in an information processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, when a printer is set in a client terminal, there is a technique for easily installing a printer driver using a setting by an administrator.

  In this technique, an information file set by an administrator and a printer driver are generated as an executable file. By executing this file on the client terminal, the printer driver is installed with unified printer settings, so that the printer can be easily introduced. For example, Patent Document 1.

JP 2010-92158 A

  However, by using the technique of Patent Document 1, while the burden on the user of the client terminal that introduces the printer can be reduced, the printer information introduced by the administrator, particularly the IP address of the printer, It is necessary to generate a setting file for each pudding, which increases the burden on the administrator.

  In particular, in a company having many bases and many printers, it is difficult to manage information of all the printers, and it is sometimes difficult to cope with the conventional technology.

  In addition, after installing the printer driver, each user selects a printer installed on the client terminal and changes the setting information (for example, printer selection → printer property selection → port tab selection → port selection → IP address change) This is an operation that is not used in normal printing, and it may be difficult for each user to deal with.

  In particular, even if a single printer (the same printer in terms of hardware) is installed, a printer having different setting information (for example, paper size, paper type, page layout) set by the printer driver is the basis. It is necessary to generate a printer driver for each setting (A4-2in1-double-sided, A3-1in1-single-sided,...) Using a printer driver. For this reason, each printer driver is installed on the client terminal.

  In this case, it is necessary to open the setting screen (for example, printer selection → printer property selection) for all printer objects (printer icons) generated after installing each printer driver and change the printer-specific information such as the IP address. Occurs.

  Furthermore, when printing a print job of a higher system with a predetermined print setting, a printed object may be designated and printed, and a plurality of printer objects need to be generated for each setting. When a plurality of printer objects are generated in this way, it is difficult to change printer-specific information (communication destination setting).

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for facilitating setting work of a communication destination related to installation.

  Information processing apparatus that executes a file that combines a device driver of an output device for achieving the object of the present invention and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by a file creator And after executing the file and installing the device driver included in the file, the host name acquisition means for acquiring the host name used for the installation, and the host name acquisition means Display means for displaying an input reception screen for receiving input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name, and first communication identification received on the input reception screen displayed by the display means The information is associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means, Characterized in that it comprises a writing means for writing the management information I ring system manages.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the communication destination setting operation | work which concerns on installation can be made easy.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an information processing system 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a basic hardware configuration of client terminals 101 and 102 and a server 103. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing module configurations of client terminals 101 and 102 and a server 103. FIG. It is a figure which shows each function block of the apparatus of the client terminal 102 It is a figure showing an outline of processing of an information processing system It is a flowchart of an installer set creation process This is the initial screen of the configuration file creation tool It is the installer information setting screen of the configuration file creation tool It is a screen transition diagram from the installer information setting screen of the setting file creation tool to the printer information setting screen. It is a deletion printer information setting screen of the setting file creation tool It is a screen transition diagram from the initial screen of the configuration file creation tool to the processing information selection screen It is an option setting screen of the setting file creation tool It is a data figure which shows an example of a setting file. It is a flowchart of an installer set execution process It is a flowchart of an object module starting process It is a flowchart of designated host name confirmation processing It is a data figure which shows the outline of a setting file and a hosts file. It is a flowchart of an input screen display process It is various data figures memorize | stored in the client terminal 102. It is a flowchart of an IP address edit process. It is a data diagram when an IP address is input to a temporary host name and saved. 3 is a data diagram showing an outline of printer information registered in a client terminal 102. FIG. It is an image figure which shows an example of an input screen (dialog) It is a flowchart of the process which deletes data from a hosts file.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of client terminals 101 and 102, a server 103, and printers 104 and 105 are connected to each other via a network 106 such as a LAN. Has been. The client terminals 101 and 102 and the server 103 are configured by an information processing apparatus such as a computer. The printers 104 and 105 may be apparatuses having only a print function, or may be a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as printing, scanning, and FAX transmission / reception. Note that the types of devices (devices) constituting the information processing system are not limited to those described above and illustrated examples, and the number of devices is not limited.
In this embodiment, the client terminal 101 is described as an administrator device (information processing device), and the client terminal 102 is described as a general user device.

  In this embodiment, the processing is divided into an administrator client terminal 101 and an ordinary client terminal. However, a file created on the administrator client terminal 101 is executed on the administrator client terminal 101. Therefore, the processing of the general client terminal 102 may be the processing of the administrator client terminal 101.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a basic hardware configuration of the client terminals 101 and 102 and the server 103 in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a CPU 201 comprehensively controls a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a memory 211, and various controllers described later, which are connected to a system bus 204. The memory 211 includes a hard disk (HD), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), or a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

  The RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The ROM 202 or the memory 211 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an operating system (OS) that are control programs of the CPU 201. The ROM 202 or the memory 211 stores various programs necessary for realizing the functions of the server 103 or the client terminals 101 and 102. The various programs include a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like.

  A program for executing processing to be described later is stored in the memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. In addition, various data and various tables used by the CPU 201 when executing processing to be described later are also stored in the memory 211.

  The input controller 205 controls input from an operation input device (KB / PD) configured by a keyboard (KB), a pointing device (PD) such as a mouse, and the like. The video controller 206 controls display on the display 210. The display 210 is composed of a CRT, liquid crystal, or the like. The CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by, for example, executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203. In addition, the CPU 201 can accept an instruction from a user (or an administrator) with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

  The memory controller 207 controls access to the memory 211. A communication I / F controller 208 controls connection and communication with an external device such as the printer 104 via the network 106. The communication I / F controller 208 can perform, for example, Internet communication using TCP / IP.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the module configuration of the client terminals 101 and 102 and the server 103.

  In FIG. 3, a client terminal 101 (administrator apparatus) includes an OS 301 (operating system), a setting file creation tool 302 (generation program), and a printer driver installer (device driver installed) as a configuration related to the embodiment of the present invention. Including device driver installer) 303. On the other hand, each client terminal 102 (general person's apparatus) includes an OS 304 and an installer set / self-extracting file 305 as functional configurations related to the present invention. Note that the file may be a normal compressed file instead of a self-extracting file. In the case of a normal compressed file, the user decompresses and executes the executable file in the folder.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the setting file creation tool is executed on the client terminal 101 to create the installer set. However, a configuration realized by the server 103 may be used.

  The OS 301 is an OS that runs on the client terminal 101, and is, for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). The setting file creation tool 302 executes a process shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, and creates a setting file (installation information) and an installer set / self-extracting file 305 transmitted from the client terminal 101 to the client terminal 102. Software module. The “setting file” is used, for example, when installing and uninstalling the printer driver shown in FIG. 13 and outputs values set at the time of installing and uninstalling the printer driver as a file. “Values set at the time of printer driver installation (for example, values managed by the operating system corresponding to the printer object (printer icon) displayed on the printer management screen)” (setting information) include the printer name, host name, or There are IP address, port name, protocol, LPR setting, location, comment and folder name, default printer, and the like. The printer name, host name or IP address, port name, protocol, LPR setting, location, and comment can be set on the display screen of the display 210 in FIG. Further, the folder name, default printer, and the like can be set on the display screen of the display 210 of 1202 in FIG.

  The “installer set” is composed of a printer driver installer, a module, and a setting file as indicated by reference numeral 501 in FIG. A “self-extracting file” is a file obtained by compressing a plurality of files into one executable file (Setup.exe). When a self-extracting file is executed, a plurality of files are automatically decompressed and a general file format having a function of starting a previously specified execution file.

  The printer driver installer is a software module for installing the printer driver in the client terminal 102 or the like, and stores the printer driver therein. The printer driver installer is a software module that can execute installation and printer setting update. When the printer driver installer 303 is executed, a printer driver stored therein is installed in the client terminal 102, for example. The printer driver installer is used when the setting file creation tool 302 creates the installer set / self-extracting file 305.

  Here, the “printer driver” is a device driver for controlling a printer having an INF file as driver information and a printer driver module. The “INF file” is a setting file necessary when installing the printer driver in the client terminal 102 or the like, and describes which driver uses which file and where the file is stored. The description method of the INF file conforms to the INI file format.

  The OS 304 is an OS that operates on the client terminal 102, and includes, for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). The installer set / self-extracting format file 305 is a self-extracting format file for installing a predetermined printer driver on the client terminal 102 according to a setting desired by the administrator, installing it, and changing printer information settings. The installer set / self-extracting file 305 is created by the client terminal 101, transmitted to the client terminal 102, and stored in the RAM 203 or the memory 211.

  In other words, the setting file creation tool 302 generates a file that combines a device driver of an output device and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by the file creator. In other words.

  The client terminal 102 is an information processing apparatus that performs installation of a device driver. Specifically, device information including a device driver of the output device and a host name (to be described later, a temporary host name) used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by the file creator (described later, a configuration file) ) Is an information processing apparatus that executes a file (executable file).

  Next, each functional block of the apparatus of the client terminal 102 in this system will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. Each function is executed by the CPU, and detailed processing executed by each function will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIG.

  The client terminal 102 is an information processing apparatus that executes a file that combines a device driver of an output device and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by the file creator. This file contains a program to be executed after installation of the device driver. This program acquires a host name and displays an input reception screen.

  The host name acquisition unit 401 is a functional unit that executes a file and acquires a host name used for installation after installation of a device driver included in the file is executed.

  The display unit 402 is a functional unit that displays an input reception screen that receives input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401. In addition, the function unit displays information generated by the input information generation unit 408, which will be described later, and the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401 in association with each other on the input reception screen. In addition, the function unit displays a list of host names and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition unit 409, which will be described later, and host names acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401 on the input reception screen. Furthermore, it is a functional unit that displays the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition unit 409 and the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401 in an identifiable manner. A function unit that controls the input of the first communication identification information associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401 while suppressing the change of the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition unit 409. is there.

The writing unit 403 writes the first communication identification information received on the input reception screen displayed on the display unit 402 in association with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit 401 in the management information managed by the operating system. It is a functional part.
The installation determination unit 404 is a functional unit that determines whether or not the device driver installation has been completed.
The program execution unit 405 is a functional unit that executes a program when the installation determination unit 404 determines that the installation is complete.

The device communication identification information acquisition unit 406 is a functional unit that acquires second communication identification information from the device information of a device already registered in the information processing apparatus by installing a device driver.
The information processing device communication identification information acquisition unit 407 is a functional unit that acquires third communication identification information of the information processing device.

The input information generation unit 408 is a functional unit that generates information that assists the input of the communication identification information on the input reception screen, using the acquired second communication identification information and third communication identification information.
The management information acquisition unit 409 is a functional unit that acquires a host name and communication identification information from the management information.

  Next, an outline of processing in this system will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The client terminal 101 executes a setting file creation tool and receives designation of a printer driver installer and input of printer setting information (port information, etc.) registered in the client terminal 102. In the present embodiment, a program set by the administrator when the installation of the printer is completed at the user terminal in which the temporary host name is set as the output destination IP / host name at the administrator terminal and the printer is installed. This is characterized in that the IP address corresponding to the temporary host name is input by the user and stored in the hosts file.

  The hosts file is one of operation system (OS) files. This is a text file (corresponding data) that records the correspondence between the IP address and host name on the TCP / IP network. If there is a host name and an IP address in the hosts file, the OS performs name resolution (host name → IP address) during communication and communicates with the connection destination.

When creation of an installer set is executed by the setting file creation tool, an installer set 501 is created. The installer set corresponds to a file in which a device driver of an output device and device information (setting file) including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by the file creator are collected.
The created installer set is distributed by mail, stored in the server 103 and downloaded, and stored in the client terminal 102.

  The installer set is expanded by the execution instruction to the installer set by the user, the execution program included in the installer set executes the printer driver installer, and uses the temporary host name according to the information described in the setting file. Is installed. As a result, the printer is registered in the client terminal 102. For example, the printer icon is displayed on the printer management screen.

When the execution program detects that the printer driver installation has been completed, the program set by the administrator (in this case, the hosts editing module) is automatically started, the temporary host name at the time of printer driver installation is displayed, and the user The IP address of the printer corresponding to is input. That is, the file created by the client terminal 101 of the administrator includes a program that is executed after installation of the device driver.
The input IP address and temporary host name are written to the hosts file.
For printers that have already been registered and are designated for deletion, printer deletion and port release are executed.

Hereinafter, the processing in the system of the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 24.
In addition, about each step, CPU201 of each apparatus performs a process.

First, the flowchart of the installer set creation process in FIG. 6 will be described. The description will be made with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13 and FIG. The process of FIG. 6 is a process executed by the client terminal 101 (administrator apparatus).
In step S601, the setting file creation tool is activated in accordance with a user instruction. When activated, the initial screen of the setting file creation tool of FIG. 7 is displayed.
In step S602, when the add button 701 on the initial screen in FIG. 7 is pressed, an installer information setting screen 800 in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  In step S603, the installer button is received by pressing the reference button 801 on the installer information setting screen 800 in FIG. 8 and designating the installer stored in the client terminal 101 by the user.

  In step S604, when the add button 802 in FIG. 8 is pressed, the creation of a new printer or the deletion of an existing printer can be selected, and it is determined whether creation of a new printer or deletion of an existing printer is selected. The selection of “create new printer” and “delete existing printer” is displayed as indicated by reference numerals 901 and 902 in FIG. 9 and can be selected. If it is determined that “Create New Printer 901” has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S605. If it is determined that “Delete Existing Printer 902” has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S609.

In step S605, the driver name is acquired from the setting file included in the installer. Specifically, the driver name is acquired from the setting file included in the installer shown in FIG. Note that a printer model name is generally set as the driver name. That is, by selecting the driver name, the model to be added can be determined.
In step S606, the acquired driver name is set to be displayed on the printer information setting screen 903 in FIG.
In step S607, a printer information setting screen 903 in FIG. 9 is displayed.

In step S608, an input of printer information is received through a printer information setting screen by a user operation, and the input information is acquired. An example of the printer information setting screen in which the printer information is input is 904 in FIG. A temporary host name 906 is entered on the printer information setting screen 904. Since this host name is a temporary name, even if a printer driver is installed with this host name, printing is not executed from the corresponding printer.
When installing the printer driver, it is necessary to specify an IP address or a host name as an output destination as a port setting.

  When printing data is output directly from a client terminal to a printer with a network printer as the output destination (for example, when not outputting to a shared printer managed by a server), it is necessary to specify the IP address of the printer. In this embodiment, since it is difficult to manage and input the IP addresses of all printers on the administrator side to be created, the temporary host name is input on the administrator side and the client terminal side to be installed is installed. The IP address is input.

  When an OK button 905 is pressed, the screen returns to the installer information setting screen 900, and information including the temporary host name is added to the processing information list 906. The input information is stored in the memory.

Steps S605 to S608 are steps showing an example of device registration information input processing for inputting setting information of a device to be registered in the client apparatus.
Here, a case where the existing printer deletion 902 is pressed on the installer information setting screen 900 will be described.
In step S609, when the existing printer deletion 902 is pressed, the deletion printer information setting screen 1001 in FIG. 10 is displayed.

  In step S610, designation of a deletion method is accepted by a user operation. The designation of the deletion method includes “printer name” and “driver name” of the printer object to be deleted, and “host name / IP address” for specifying the port and deleting the printer.

  In step S611, the selected deletion method is determined according to the designation of the deletion method from the user. If the deletion method is “printer name”, the process proceeds to step S612. If the deletion method is “driver name”, the process proceeds to step S613. If the deletion method is “host name / IP address”, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S612, designation (input) of the printer name is accepted with “printer name” as the designated state. That is, this is a step showing an example of a device name designation process for designating a device name to be deleted in the client apparatus in order to delete the device by designating the device name.

  In step S613, designation (input) of the driver name is accepted with “driver name” as the designated state. That is, this is a step showing an example of a driver name designation process for designating a driver name to be deleted in the client device in order to delete the device by specifying the driver name.

  In step S614, designation (input) of the host name or IP address is accepted with “host name / IP address” designated. The example of 1001 is a deleted printer information setting screen in a state where “host name / IP address 1002” is designated and the IP address of the port destination is designated. The designation of “host name / IP address 1002” designates unused port information.

  Step S614 is a step showing an example of port designation processing for designating port information to be deleted by the client device in order to delete the device by designating the port information.

  When the OK button is pressed, the installer information setting screen 900 is displayed again. The specified information is stored in the memory, and information on a port to be deleted, a printer name, and a driver name are added to the processing information list 907.

  Next, processing when the OK button is pressed on the installer information setting screen 900 will be described. When the OK button is pressed, the screen returns to the initial screen of the setting file creation tool. When the initial screen 1101 in FIG. 11 is pressed, a selection screen 1102 for processing information registered by “create new printer” and “delete existing printer” is displayed. When 1103 is pressed, an option setting screen 1201 is displayed.

It should be noted that the processing from step S605 to step S608 and step S609 to step S614 is repeated for the number of times specified in the installer information setting screen 900.
In step S615, the option setting screen 1201 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

In step S616, input of option setting information is received on the option setting screen 1201, and the input information is acquired. In the option setting screen 1201, a program to be executed on the user's client terminal is specified in a setting 1204 for starting other software after printer installation. In this embodiment, a program (hosts editing module) for inputting information to be written in the hosts file is designated.
In step S617, the setting file creation screen 1202 is displayed, the input of the setting file creation method information is received, and the input information is acquired.
Such input information is stored in a memory.

  In step S618, it is determined whether the creation button 1203 is pressed on the setting file creation screen 1202. If the creation button 1203 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S619 to execute creation of an installer set. When the cancel button is pressed, the setting file creation tool is terminated. It may be configured to return to the initial screen.

  In step S619, a setting file is created based on the input information stored in the memory. An example of information described in the setting file is shown in FIG. That is, it is a process (definition information creation process) for creating definition information including port information such as the host name designated at 904 in FIG. 9 and the host name in FIG.

  Step S619 is a step showing an example of definition information creation processing for creating definition information including specified port information. Further, it is a step showing an example of processing for creating definition information including a device deletion method according to designation by port designation, device name designation or driver name designation. Further, the definition information includes a device name in the case of designation by device name designation, and includes a driver name in the case of designation of a driver name.

Reference numeral 1300 in FIG. 13 is a data diagram showing the entire data of the setting file. 1301 is a data diagram showing the deleted printer information input in the existing printer deletion 902 → 1001, and is a diagram showing the details of the deleted printer information 1300. FIG. Reference numeral 1302 denotes a data diagram showing the additional printer information input in the new printer creation 901 → 904, and shows details of the additional printer information 1300.
A plurality of deleted printer information 1301 and additional printer information 1302 can be provided, and the number of processing information lists 906 in FIG. 9 is set.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the deletion printer information 1301 indicates a case where the host name / IP address can be specified by “deletion method = 2” and can be deleted, and the specified host name is stored as the deletion target. doing.

  When the host name is designated, it is possible to delete the printer information in which the designated host name is set for the port. Further, after deleting the printer information, the host name record stored in the hosts file is deleted.

  In addition, “deletion method = 0” is a case where the printer name is specified for deletion, and the specified printer name (printer object name) is stored as the deletion target. When a printer name is specified, individual printer information managed by the OS can be deleted.

  Further, “deletion method = 1” is a case where the driver name is specified for deletion, and the specified driver name is stored as a deletion target. When the driver name is specified, it is possible to delete all the printers using the driver with the specified driver name (the printer information with the matching driver name).

  In step S620, an installer set for controlling (adding, deleting, changing) the printer information of the client terminal 102 is created according to the created setting file. In creating an installer set, an installer set is created including a setting file, a printer driver installer specified on the installer information setting screen and stored as input information, and a hosts editing module. An execution module for executing the hosts editing module for executing the installation of the printer driver is also included.

  Next, a flowchart of the installer set execution process of FIG. 14 will be described. The process of FIG. 14 is a process executed by the client terminal 102 (general person's apparatus).

In step S1401, the installer set is executed according to the user's operation, the execution module in the installer set is activated, and the following processing is executed. The following is processing executed by the execution module. There may be a configuration in which there are a plurality of execution modules, and each execution module executes each step.
In step S1402, the setting value is read from the setting file in the installer set and stored in the memory.

In step S1403, a folder is created in accordance with the arbitrarily set work folder path. For example, a folder is created in the same hierarchy as the hierarchy where the installer set is stored.
In step S1404, the setting file and the printer driver installer file are copied to the created folder.

  In step S1405, printer information installed and registered in the client terminal 102 is acquired and stored in the memory. This printer information is information relating to PRINTER_INFO obtained by EnumPrinters, which is an API, for example. When there are a plurality of printer objects in the client terminal 102, the printer information for the number of printer objects can be acquired.

  In step S1406, it is determined whether all the set driver information has been processed. The driver information is the number of driver installer settings shown in FIG. If all have been processed, the process proceeds to step S1411. If there is unprocessed driver information, the process proceeds to step S1407.

In step S1407, it is determined whether there is a deletion process setting in the driver information. Specifically, it is determined whether there is deleted printer information 1301. The deletion process may be determined by looking at other information such as a deletion flag.
If there is a deletion process setting, the process proceeds to step S1408. If there is no deletion process setting, the process proceeds to step S1409.

  In step S1408, the printer is deleted according to the information of the deleted printer information 1301. The target printer object is deleted from the printer management screen. When deleting here, the host name set by the IP / host name of the deleted printer is stored in a memory or an external file.

In step S1409, it is determined whether there is an additional processing setting. Specifically, it is determined whether there is additional printer information 1302. The determination of the additional process may be performed by looking at other information such as an additional flag.
If there is an additional process setting, the process proceeds to step S1410. If there is no additional process setting, the process proceeds to step S1406.
In step S1410, a printer is added according to the additional printer information 1302.

Specifically, the printer driver installer is activated using the driver installer relative path 1303 described in the setting file shown in FIG. Here, the printer driver installer exists in the same location as the execution module. However, the printer driver installer on the network can be activated by setting the driver installer relative path 1303 as a network path. Next, the activated printer driver installer installs a printer driver based on the setting file, and adds printers for the additional printer information. As a result, the printer object is displayed on the printer management screen of the OS. For example, as indicated by 502 in FIG. 5, the printer 1-1, the printer 1-2, the printer 1-3, and the printer 2 are registered and displayed.
Note that the processing order of step S1408 and step S1410 may be reversed. Perform deletion after adding.
In step S1411, when the execution program detects that the printer driver installation has been completed, it determines whether there is another activation software setting.
The detection that the printer driver installation has been completed is an example of an installation determination process that determines whether the installation of the device driver has been completed.

  The processing in step S1411 will be specifically described. When the tool activation setting flag 1300 is “0”, it is determined that there is other activation software setting. If it is determined that there is another activation software setting, the process proceeds to step S1412. If it is determined that there is no other activation software setting, the process proceeds to step S1413. That is, it is a step showing an example of a program execution process for executing a program (hosts editing module) when it is determined that the installation is completed.

In step S1412, the set software (tool) is executed. It is assumed that the target module is executed by executing the tool execution command set in 1300. Details of the processing in step S1413 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step S1413, the work folder created in step S1403 is deleted.

  Here, the printer information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 shows information obtained according to the printer information of the printer registered in the client terminal 102, and the printer information of each printer object. Also, port information is assigned to the printer object.

  When a printer is added or deleted (including port cancellation) by the processing of FIG. 14, the printer registered in the client terminal 102 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 shows printer information corresponding to the printer object displayed at 502 in FIG.

  Next, the flowchart of the target module activation process of FIG. 15 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1412.

  In step S1501, the hosts editing module, which is set software (tool), is activated. By this activation (execution), the host name is acquired and the input reception screen (dialog) is displayed.

  In step S1502, the host names (for example, printer_1 and printer_2) specified in the setting file are acquired and stored in the array. Details of the processing in step S1502 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in the steps showing an example of host name acquisition processing for executing the file generated by the client terminal 101 and acquiring the host name used for the installation after the installation of the device driver included in the file is executed. is there.

  In step S1503, the data set in the hosts file managed by the OS is acquired and stored in the array. Details of the processing in step S1502 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1504, an input screen (dialog) for inputting an IP address as a communication destination is displayed. Details of the processing in step S1504 will be described with reference to FIG. In other words, an example of display processing for displaying an input reception screen for receiving input of first communication identification information (described as an IP address in the present embodiment) used for communication with the device associated with the host name acquired in step S1502. It is a step which shows.
In step S1505, IP address input (including editing) is executed on an input screen (dialog). Details of the processing in step S1505 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1506, it is determined whether or not the OK button is pressed on the input screen of FIG. 23 and writing into the hosts file is performed. If it is determined that the OK button has been pressed and the host file is to be written, and if the OK button has not been pressed, an IP address input waiting state is entered. If cancel is pressed, the process is terminated.

  In step S1507, the IP address and host name input in FIG. 23 are stored (written) in the hosts file. As indicated by 2102 in FIG. 21, the hosts data of elements 6 and 7 is stored in the hosts file. That is, the first communication identification information received in the displayed dialog (input reception screen) is written in management information (in the present embodiment, a hosts file) managed by the operating system in association with the acquired host name. It is a step which shows an example of a process.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily set the communication destination information (IP address) of the printer registered by the installation. In particular, when registering a plurality of printer objects for the same printer, the administrator may set one temporary host name. Further, the IP address of the printer to be used by the installing user can be input corresponding to the temporary host name, and the printer can be easily registered in the PC. In addition, the burden on both the administrator and the user (user) can be reduced, the setting load can be reduced, and efficient printer registration becomes possible.

  Next, the designated host name confirmation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1502. The flowchart will be described using the setting file 1701 in FIG.

  In step S1601, it is determined whether the setting file has been opened. A setting file shown in simplified form in FIG. 13 is 1701 in FIG. This will be described using the 1701 setting file.

  If the setting file can be opened, the process proceeds to step S1603. If the setting file cannot be opened, the process proceeds to step S1602.

  In step S1602, since the setting file could not be opened, an error log such as error contents (name of setting file that could not be opened) and error date / time is recorded in the log file. It is assumed that errors other than the opening of the configuration file are also written in the error log.

  In step S1603, the port information (PORT_IP in 1701) stored in the setting file is acquired. It is determined whether the acquired port information is a host name. Whether it is a host name is determined by whether or not it is in the IP address format (xx.xx). If it is not the IP address format, it is determined that the host name is used, and the process proceeds to step S1604. In the case of the IP address format, it is not necessary to write in a hosts file, which will be described later, so the process moves to step S1605.

  Whether or not the host name is used may be configured such that when the setting file is created, the flag “0” is written in the IP address format, and the flag “1” is written in the host name format. The flag may be determined to determine whether it is a host name or an IP address.

In step S1604, the designated host name array 1620 is created on the memory, and the host name acquired in step S1603 is stored in the designated host name array 1620. The specified host name array 1620 stores host names acquired from all setting files. An example of the designated host name array 1620 is an array in which the host names of printer_1 and printer_2 of the setting file 1701 are stored.
In step S1605, the opened setting file is closed.

  In step S1606, if all setting files have been processed, the process ends. If there is another setting file that has not been processed, the process moves to step S1601, and the next setting file is opened.

  Next, the host data acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1503. The flowchart will be described with reference to the hosts file 1702 in FIG.

In step S1610, it is determined whether or not the hosts file managed by the OS has been opened. If the hosts file could not be opened, the process proceeds to step S1611. If the hosts file could be opened, the process proceeds to step S1612. A diagram showing an outline of the hosts file is a hosts file 1702, in which an IP address and a host name are stored in association with each other.
In step S1611, since the hosts file could not be opened, an error log such as error contents and error date / time is recorded in the log file.

  In step S1612, the host data is acquired from the opened hosts file. That is, this is a step showing an example of management information acquisition processing for acquiring a host name and communication identification information from management information (in the present embodiment, a hosts file).

In step S1613, a hosts data array is created on the memory, and the acquired hosts data is stored. An example of storing the host data in the hosts data array is a hosts data array 1630. The IP address and host name, which is the host data, already written in the hosts file are stored.
In step S1614, the hosts file is closed.

  Next, the flowchart of the input screen display process of FIG. 18 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1504. The flowchart will be described using various data shown in FIG.

In step S1801, a list of printer ports managed by the client terminal 102 is acquired. The printer port information is acquired by executing the OS API by the hosts editing module. An example of printer port information is 1901.
In step S1802, port information for one record is read into the memory.

  In step S1803, it is determined whether the port type is “Standard TCP / IP Port”. If it is determined that it is “Standard TCP / IP Port”, the process proceeds to step S1804. If it is determined that it is not “Standard TCP / IP Port”, the process proceeds to step S1806.

  In step S1804, it is determined whether the “IP address / host name” is in the IP address format. If it is in the IP address format, the process proceeds to step S1805. If it is not in the IP address format, the process proceeds to step S1806.

  In step S1805, the acquired IP address is stored in the IP address array. An example stored in the IP address array is 1902. That is, device communication identification information acquisition that acquires second communication identification information (IP address in this embodiment) from device information of a device that is already registered in the information processing apparatus that is the client terminal 102 by installing a device driver. It is a step which shows an example of a process.

  In step S1806, it is determined whether all port information has been processed. If all port information has been processed, the process proceeds to step S1807. If there is other port information that has not been processed, the process returns to step S1802 to process the next port information.

  In step S1807, the IP address set in the client terminal 102 is acquired. That is, this is a step showing an example of information processing device communication identification information acquisition processing for acquiring third communication identification information (in this embodiment, an IP address) of the information processing device which is the client terminal 102.

  In step S1808, the IP address in the IP address array 1902 is compared with the IP address of the client terminal 102 acquired in step S1807. A comparison method will be described. The comparison determines how many digits from the top match. Specifically, when the IP address of the client terminal 102 is “10.5.1.25”, in the first line of the IP address array 1902, “10.1.1.1” and “10.5. Compare 1.25 ”. This comparison is repeated for the number of rows.

  In step S1809, candidate IP addresses are specified by comparing IP addresses. Specifically, as a result of the comparison on the first line, the number of matching digits is the upper “1 digit (10)”, and “10.1.1.1.11” and “maximum number of digits = 1 digit” are set as candidate IP addresses. Save to memory. The comparison in the second line is a comparison between “10.5.5.27” and “10.5.1.25”, and the candidate IP address is “10.5.27”. 5.5.27 ”and“ maximum number of digits = 2 digits ”are stored in the memory. If this is repeated, the candidate IP address is specified as “10.5.1.80”. Also, “maximum number of digits = 3 digits”.

  As a result, the IP address of a nearby printer among the printers currently used by the client terminal 102 can be specified. The fact that the candidate IP address can be specified is particularly likely to be an IP address close to that of a nearby printer when a new printer is introduced. Therefore, it becomes easy to input an IP address corresponding to a host name described later.

  In step S1810, a display IP address is generated from the candidate IP address and the maximum number of digits. Specifically, a value up to the maximum number of digits (third digit) of the candidate IP address is acquired, and a display IP address combined with “input” is generated.

  For example, “10.5.1. In addition, when an IP address for display cannot be generated or not, “Enter IP address” is used.

  That is, using the acquired second communication identification information and the acquired third communication identification information, the communication identification information (IP address in this embodiment) on the input reception screen (dialog in this embodiment) It is a step which shows an example of the input information production | generation process which produces | generates the information used as input assistance.

  In step S1811, the IP address and host name are acquired from the hosts data array 1903, and Item data is generated. Item data is 1904, for example. When generating Item data, background color, character color, editability, number of lines, and change flag parameters are set. This setting is set based on information described in the INF file referred to by the hosts editing module. Whether or not to allow editing is arbitrarily specified by the user when executing the hosts editing module, and control is performed so that data stored in advance in the hosts file on the screen of FIG. 23 cannot be input.

  That is, the first communication identification information (IP) associated with the host name acquired from the configuration file by suppressing the change of the host name and communication identification information (IP) acquired from the hosts file by the management information acquisition process. IP address) is permitted to be input.

  In step S1812, the Item data generated in step S1811 is stored in the array created on the memory. Item data 1903 to 1-5 are stored in the array.

  In step S1813, data (host name) is acquired from the specified host name array 1905. Item data is generated using the display IP address generated in step S1810 and the acquired host name. An example of the generated Item data is 1906. Here, the editability flag is set as “editable”.

In step S1814, the Item data generated in step S1813 is stored in the array created on the memory. Item data 1905 to Element 2 are stored in the array.
In step S1815, data is acquired from Item data.

In step S1816, data (IP address, host name) is set in the display list. When setting data, it is set according to the number of lines of Item data.
In step S1817, a dialog is displayed using the set display list. At this time, display is performed according to the background color, character color, and editability flag.

  An example of the dialog display is shown in FIG. An example of displaying “10.5.1. Input” is 2301. The configuration may be such that candidate IP addresses are displayed by pull-down. Further, 2302 is an example in which “Please enter an IP address” is displayed when there is no candidate IP address.

  Like 2301, the data (record) acquired from the hosts file and the data (record) of the host name acquired from the setting file are displayed in an identifiable manner. In particular, the host name data acquired from the setting file is identified and displayed by highlighting.

  That is, an example of a process for displaying the information generated as input assistance in the input information generation process in association with the host name acquired in the host name acquisition process is shown.

In addition, an example of processing for displaying a list of the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition processing and the host name acquired by the host name acquisition processing on the input reception screen is shown.
“Input” and “Enter IP address” are deleted from the input area when the input focus is given.

  Next, the flowchart of the IP address editing process of FIG. 20 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1505.

  In step S2000, data input is accepted in response to a user operation on the dialog. An example of the input is 2303 in FIG. The input of the IP address includes a form in which the IP address of the printer used by the user is input after confirming the printer list file managed at each base (business office or the like). If the IP address sticker is attached to the printer, the IP address written on the sticker is input.

In step S2001, when an input on the dialog is accepted, the data of the changed line that accepted the input is acquired. For example, the IP address “105.1.90” “printer_1”
In step S2002, Item data corresponding to the changed row is acquired from the Item array.

  In step S2003, the Item data and the changed line data are compared, and if it is determined that the IP address has been changed, the process proceeds to step S2004. If the IP address has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S2005. In the present embodiment, the Item data and the changed line data are compared to determine whether the changed data is an IP address. However, the hosts editing module stores the changed items input by the user. It may be determined whether the changed item is an IP address.

  In step S2004, the Item data change flag is updated to TRUE, and the IP address of the Item data is updated with the changed IP address. At this time, the hosts data array is stored as element 6 and element 7 as 2101.

In step S2005, the Item data and the changed line data are compared, and if it is determined that the host name has been changed, the process proceeds to step S2006. If the host name has not been changed, the process ends. In the present embodiment, the Item data and the changed line data are compared to determine whether the changed data is a host name. However, the hosts editing module stores the changed items input by the user. It may be determined whether the changed item is a host name.
In step S2006, the item data change flag is updated to TRUE, and the host name of the item data is updated with the changed host name.

In the above description, the IP address and the host name can be changed. However, when the hosts editing module is configured to edit only the IP address of the host name to be added this time, steps S2000 to S2002 and step S2004 are performed. It is assumed that the following process is executed.
In this case, the IP address and host name are not input to the new record with the add button.

  In the present embodiment, the target device is a printer, but the present invention may be applied to a multifunction device or other input / output device in which a port is set.

  Next, in addition to the above-described embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which data in the hosts file is deleted when the printer is deleted at the client terminal 102.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of data deletion processing of the hosts file.
Since other processes are the same as the above-described processes, description thereof is omitted.

If there is an instruction to write the hosts file in step S1506, the host name 1301 in FIG. 13 is acquired. A record having this host name is identified from the hosts file and deleted. Data deletion from the hosts file is executed using the API of the OS.
Further, the record to be deleted is displayed so that the user can recognize that the printer is deleted because the printer has been deleted as in the input screen 2304.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to facilitate the communication destination setting work related to installation.
In particular, it is possible to improve both the work of the administrator who sets the installation information and the work related to the installation of the user who executes the installation.

  In addition, when the administrator uses a temporary host name, an installer set can be easily created, and a highly convenient mechanism can be realized. In addition, the location of the temporary host name, that is, the IP address to be set by the user is highlighted, so that even a user who performs the installation, especially an unfamiliar user, can reduce mistakes, and can easily input the printer. It becomes possible to introduce.

  Further, by simply executing the distributed file, complicated installation work can be reduced by installing a printer driver and the like, and the introduction becomes easy. In particular, if you do not set the port properly, you will not be able to print, so if you install with a temporary host name, you will need an IP address to communicate with the printer. By associating this IP address with the host name (temporary host name) and inputting it into the hosts file, it is possible to create an environment that can execute printing. In this embodiment, since the program for inputting an IP address (in this embodiment, the hosts editing module) can be automatically executed following installation, the user inputs the IP address to be worked on later, and maintains the hosts file. It is possible to prevent leakage and easily build an environment where printing can be executed.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose. For example, in the present embodiment, the IP address is used. However, the configuration is not limited to the IP address in the case where the operating system can communicate with the individual identification number that can specify the output destination.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device. For example, the structure implement | achieved in a cloud environment may be sufficient. In this case, the configuration file creation tool is executed on the server on the cloud environment.

  Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 24. The storage medium may be configured to store a program capable of executing the processing method of FIGS. 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 24. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS. 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 24.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.
In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

101 Client terminal (administrator)
102 Client terminal (general person)
103 Server 104 Printer 105 Printer 106 Network 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
211 Memory (HD, FD)
302 Setting file creation tool

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus that executes a file that combines a device driver of an output device and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by a file creator,
Host name acquisition means for executing the file and acquiring the host name used for the installation after the installation of the device driver included in the file is executed;
Display means for displaying an input reception screen for accepting input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means;
Write means for writing the first communication identification information received on the input reception screen displayed on the display means in association with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means to management information managed by the operating system. An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The file includes a program to be executed after installation of the device driver,
Installation determination means for determining whether installation of the device driver is completed;
A program execution unit that executes the program when the installation determination unit determines that the installation is complete;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a host name is acquired and an input reception screen is displayed by executing a program by the program execution unit. Device communication identification information acquisition means for acquiring second communication identification information from device information of a device already registered in the information processing apparatus by installing a device driver;
Information processing device communication identification information acquisition means for acquiring third communication identification information of the information processing device;
Using the acquired second communication identification information and the third communication identification information, further comprising input information generating means for generating information for assisting the input of the communication identification information on the input reception screen;
3. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the information generated by the input information generation unit in association with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit on the input reception screen. The information processing apparatus described. Management information acquisition means for acquiring a host name and communication identification information from the management information is further provided. The display means is acquired by the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition, and the host name acquisition means. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the host names are displayed in a list on the input reception screen.   5. The information according to claim 4, wherein the display means displays the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition and the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means in an identifiable manner. Processing equipment.   The display unit suppresses a change in the host name and communication identification information acquired by the management information acquisition unit, and enables input of first communication identification information associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is controlled. A processing method of an information processing apparatus that executes a file that combines a device driver of an output device and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by a file creator,
After executing the file and installing the device driver included in the file, a host name acquisition step of acquiring the host name used for the installation;
A display step for displaying an input reception screen for receiving input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name acquired in the host name acquisition step;
A writing step of writing the first communication identification information received on the input reception screen displayed in the display step into management information managed by the operating system in association with the host name acquired in the host name acquisition step. A processing method characterized by the above. It is a file that summarizes the device driver of the output device and the device information including the host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by the file creator, and is a program that can be executed by the information processing apparatus,
Information processing device
Host name acquisition means for executing the file and acquiring the host name used for the installation after the installation of the device driver included in the file is executed;
Display means for displaying an input reception screen for accepting input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means;
The first communication identification information received on the input reception screen displayed by the display unit is associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit, and functions as a writing unit that writes the management information managed by the operating system. A program characterized by that. A generation program that generates a file that combines a device driver of an output device and device information including a host name used when installing the device driver arbitrarily set by a file creator,
An information processing apparatus that has executed the file, a host name acquisition unit that executes the file and acquires a host name used for the installation after the installation of the device driver included in the file is executed;
Display means for displaying an input reception screen for accepting input of first communication identification information used for communication with a device associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition means;
The first communication identification information received on the input reception screen displayed by the display unit is associated with the host name acquired by the host name acquisition unit, and functions as a writing unit that writes the management information managed by the operating system. A program that generates files.

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