JP4743249B2 - Printer with web server function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer having a web server function. Note that the term “printer” in this specification means a device having at least a printing function, and is a concept including a device further having other functions (for example, a scanning function, a FAX function, etc.) in addition to the printing function. is there.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a system that publishes information such as printer print history and status on the Internet is widely known. In the system of Patent Document 1, the printer and the web server are configured separately. The web server stores various information related to the printer. When a request from a terminal device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) is received, the web server creates an HTML file and transmits a response including the file. The web browser of the terminal device displays a web page based on the HTML format file.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-269039

  The inventor is engaged in the development of a printer having a web server function. It is preferable to reduce the load required for the printer to execute the web server function. This is because it is not desirable that the web server function occupies many resources because the original function of the printer is a printing function. The present specification provides a technique capable of reducing the load required for the printer to execute the web server function.

The printer having the web server function of the present invention displays the following commands: a web page in which the first data is arranged in the first part and the second data is arranged in the second part. A first instruction, a first area in which the first data arranged in the first part is described, and a second area in which the second data arranged in the second part is described. An instruction file storage means for storing an instruction file including the first instruction including the second instruction for transmitting a request for third data; a receiving means for receiving the request; and a request for the instruction file is received. The command file transmitting means for transmitting the first response including the command file and the request for the third data are received by the receiving means on condition that the data is received by the means. And a third data transmitting means for transmitting a second response including the third data on the condition that the command file further receives the second response transmitted by the third data transmitting means. In this case, the third data included in the second response is replaced with the second data described in the second area without changing the first data described in the first area. By newly describing in the second area, the second portion is updated from the second data to the third data while maintaining the state where the first data is arranged in the first portion. A third instruction for performing the operation.
Another technique disclosed in this specification is a printer having a web server function. The printer includes a command file storage unit, a reception unit, a command file transmission unit, and a third data transmission unit. The instruction file storage means stores an instruction file. The instruction file includes at least a first instruction, a second instruction, and a third instruction. The first command is a command for displaying a web page in which the first data is arranged in the first part and the second data is arranged in the second part. The second command is a command for transmitting a request for third data. The third command is a command for updating and displaying only the second portion with the third data. Note that the first data and / or the second data may or may not be described in the first instruction. In the latter case, the first instruction may include an instruction for requesting the first data and / or the second data (ie, an external file). The second command transmits a request for the third data when a predetermined operation is executed by the user in the external device (device configured separately from the printer) to which the command file is transmitted. You may instruct. On the other hand, the second command may be an instruction to transmit a request for the third data regardless of the operation executed by the user. In the latter case, for example, the second command may be an instruction to automatically transmit a request for the third data triggered by the reading of the command file. You may instruct | indicate transmitting regularly.

  The receiving means receives the request. The instruction file transmission means transmits a response including the instruction file on condition that the request for the instruction file is received by the reception means. Note that the instruction file transmission means may transmit a response including the instruction file itself stored in the instruction file storage means. The instruction file transmission means may create a new instruction file in which other data is added to the instruction file stored in the instruction file storage means, and transmit a response including the new instruction file. This form is also equivalent to sending a response including an instruction file. The third data transmitting unit transmits a response including the third data on condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving unit. The printer may store the third data itself, or may create the third data from other data by executing a predetermined process.

  The printer transmits a response including a command file in response to a command file request from an external device. The external device executes processing according to each command included in the command file. The external device can display a web page in which the first data is arranged in the first part and the second data is arranged in the second part according to the first command. The external device can transmit the request for the third data according to the second command. Then, according to the third command, the external device can update and display only the second part with the third data without changing the first part. The printer does not need to transmit data to be displayed in the first portion when transmitting a response in response to the third data request. This is because the first part does not need to be updated. The printer does not need to transmit data for updating the entire web page, and only needs to transmit the third data necessary for updating. This reduces the load on the printer.

  In order to realize a function of updating and displaying only the second part, the following configuration may be employed. That is, the first command may include a first area in which data for determining the display content of the first part is described, and a second area in which data for determining the display content of the second part is described. . The third instruction may be an instruction for describing the third data in the second area. According to this configuration, the third data is described in the second area that determines the display content of the second portion, and as a result, only the second portion is updated to the third data and displayed.

  The first data may include a first object on which a predetermined operation is to be executed. The first object may be a text or an image. In this case, the second command may be a command for transmitting a request for the third data on condition that the above-described operation has been performed on the first object. According to this configuration, the external device can display a web page in which the first object is arranged in the first part. When the above-described operation is performed on the first object, the external device can transmit a request for third data and update only the second portion to the third data for display.

  The first data may include a plurality of first objects on which the above operation is to be executed. The second command is a command for transmitting a request for the third data corresponding to the first object on condition that the above-described operation is performed on one first object among the plurality of first objects. There may be. According to this configuration, the external device can display a web page in which a plurality of first objects are arranged in the first part. When the above operation is performed on any of the first objects, the external device transmits a request for third data corresponding to the first object on which the operation has been performed, and updates only the second portion with the third data. Can be displayed.

  The printer may further include fourth data transmission means. The second data may include a second object on which a predetermined operation is to be executed. Note that the second object may be text or an image. The instruction file updates the fourth instruction for transmitting the request for the fourth data and a part of the second part to the fourth data on condition that the above operation is performed on the second object. And a fifth instruction for displaying. The fourth data transmitting unit may transmit a response including the fourth data on condition that the request for the fourth data is received by the receiving unit. According to this configuration, the external device can display a web page in which the second object is arranged in the second part. When the above operation is performed on the second object, the external device can transmit a request for the fourth data according to the fourth command. Then, the external device can update and display only a part of the second portion with the fourth data in accordance with the fifth command. When the printer transmits a response in response to the request for the fourth data, data to be displayed in addition to the above part (data of the first part or data of the part other than the part of the second part) No need to send. This is because it is not necessary to update the second part other than the above part. The printer does not need to transmit data for updating the entire web page, and only needs to transmit the fourth data necessary for updating. This reduces the load on the printer.

  In addition, the content of said 3rd data is not specifically limited. For example, the third data may be setting screen data indicating printer settings. The setting screen data may be setting input screen data that allows the user to change the setting. For example, the third data may be a status of the printer when a request for the third data is received by the receiving unit. In this case, the following configuration may be employed.

  That is, the printer may further include a determination unit. The second command may be a command for transmitting a request for the third data including the status displayed on the web page. The determination means, on the condition that the third data request is received by the receiving means, the status included in the third data request matches the status of the printer when the request is received by the receiving means. It may be determined whether or not to do so. The third data transmitting unit may transmit a response not including the third data on condition that the request for the third data has been received by the receiving unit and has been positively determined by the determining unit. The third data transmitting unit may transmit a response including the third data on the condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving unit and is negatively determined by the determining unit.

  According to the above configuration, the external apparatus can transmit a request including the status of the printer displayed on the web page according to the second command. The printer transmits a response including the current status (third data) only in a situation where the status displayed on the web page is different from the current status of the printer. As a result, the external device can display the latest status of the printer. When the status displayed on the web page is the same as the current status of the printer, the printer transmits a response including no status. That is, the printer does not need to create a response including the status, and it is sufficient to send an empty response. This reduces the load on the printer.

Here, a part of the techniques described in the following examples is summarized.
(Mode 1) One of the plurality of first objects may include a character string corresponding to the first type of setting of the printer. The second command may be an instruction to transmit a request for the third data related to the first type setting on the condition that the above-described operation has been performed on the first object. Another one of the plurality of first objects may include a character string corresponding to the second type of setting of the printer. The second command may be an instruction to transmit a request for the third data related to the second type setting on the condition that the above-described operation has been performed on the first object.

(Mode 2) The first instruction may include a third area in which data for determining the display content of the part of the second part is described. The fifth instruction may be an instruction for describing the fourth data in the third area. According to this configuration, the fourth data is described in the third area that determines the display content of the part of the second part. As a result, only the part of the second part is updated to the fourth data. Will be displayed.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-function device system 2 of the present embodiment. The multi-function device system 2 includes a multi-function device 10 and a PC 70. The multi-function device 10 is connected to the Internet 90. The PC 70 is connected to the Internet 90. The multi-function device 10 and the PC 70 can communicate with each other via the Internet 90. In the multi-function device system 2 of the present embodiment, the multi-function device 10 and the PC 70 are connected by the Internet 90, but may be connected by a LAN.

(PC configuration)
The PC 70 includes a CPU 72, a hard disk 74, a work memory 80, a display unit 82, an operation unit 84, a network interface 86, and the like. The CPU 72 executes various processes according to the program 76 stored in the hard disk 74. The hard disk 74 stores a basic program 76. The basic program 76 is a program for controlling basic operations of the PC 70. The basic program 76 includes, for example, a web browser for downloading content from a site on the Internet 90 and displaying it. The hard disk 74 has a storage area 78 in which various information other than the basic program 76 can be stored.

  The work memory 80 can store data and the like generated in the process in which the CPU 72 executes processing. The display unit 82 can display various information. The operation unit 84 is configured by a keyboard and a mouse. The user can input various instructions and information to the PC 70 by operating the operation unit 84. The network interface 86 is connected to the Internet 90.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
The multi-function device 10 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 14, a RAM 26, a network interface 28, an NVRAM 30, a display panel 34, an operation unit 36, a printing unit 38, a scanning unit 40, a FAX unit 42, and the like. The CPU 12 executes various processes according to the programs 16 and 18 stored in the ROM 14. The processing executed by the CPU 12 will be described in detail later.

  The ROM 14 stores various programs 16 and 18. The basic function program 16 is a program for controlling basic operations of the multi-function device 10. The basic function program 16 includes, for example, a program for generating display data displayed on the display panel 34. The basic function program 18 includes a program for controlling the printing unit 38, the scanning unit 40, the FAX unit 42, and the like, for example. The server function program 18 is a program for functioning as a web server. Details of specific processing realized by the server function program 18 will be described in detail later. The ROM 14 stores various files 20 and 22. The file 20 is an index file. Specific contents of the index file 20 will be described in detail later. The file 22 is a file group other than the index file 20. The specific contents of the file 22 will be described later as necessary.

  The RAM 26 can store data and the like generated in the process in which the CPU 12 executes processing. The network interface 28 is connected to the Internet 90. The NVRAM 30 has a setting storage area 32. The setting storage area 32 is a storage area for storing various parameters (for example, network settings, print settings, scan settings, etc.) used when the CPU 12 executes processing according to the basic function program 16. The display panel 34 can display various information. The operation unit 36 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions and information to the multi-function device 10 by operating the operation unit 36. The printing unit 38 has a printing mechanism such as an ink jet type or a laser type. The scanning unit 40 has a reading mechanism such as a CCD or CIS. The FAX unit 42 executes various operations for executing FAX communication.

(An example of a web page)
Next, an example of a web page displayed by the web browser of the PC 70 will be described. Note that how the web page is created will be described in detail after the content of the web page is described. The user can input the URL of the website of the multi-function device 10 into the PC 70 by operating the operation unit 84 of the PC 70. As a result, a GET request is transmitted from the PC 70 to the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 transmits a response. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC 70 displays the web page 120 on the display unit 82. The web page 120 includes a menu unit 102, a main unit 103, and a footer unit 104. The menu unit 102 includes a plurality of character strings 106 to 112. The main unit 103 includes a character string 122 “FAX Settings” and a plurality of character strings 124 and 126. In the web page 120, nothing is displayed in the part 128 in the main part 103. The footer unit 104 includes a description 116 regarding copyright.

  The user can click one of the character strings 124 and 126 by operating the operation unit 84 while the web page 120 is displayed on the display unit 82. As a result, a GET request is transmitted from the PC 70 to the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 transmits a response. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the PC 70 displays the web page 130 on the display unit 82. 3 is a web page displayed when the character string 126 including the character string “Report Settings” is clicked.

  The web page 130 is the same as the web page 120 except for the portion 128 in the main unit 103. The web page 130 differs from the web page 120 only in the part 128 in the main part 103. In the portion 128, setting input screen data 132 is displayed. The setting input screen data 132 includes a character string 134, setting data 136, a cancel key 138, and a submit key 140. The character string 134 is a character string “Report Settings” corresponding to the character string 126 clicked on the web page 120 of FIG. The setting data 136 is data related to settings currently set in the multi-function device 10. The setting data 136 indicates that a FAX communication record report is output every 50 FAX communications. When the character string 124 is clicked on the web page 120 in FIG. 2, setting input screen data corresponding to the character string 124 is displayed in the portion 128 of the main unit 103. Also in this case, only the portion 128 is updated, and the display contents of the other portions are not changed.

  The user can change the setting data 136 and click the submit key 140 by operating the operation unit 84 while the web page 130 is displayed. As a result, a POST request is transmitted from the PC 70 to the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 transmits a response. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the PC 70 displays the web page 150 on the display unit 82.

  The web page 150 is the same as the web page 130 with respect to the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104. The web page 150 is different from the web page 130 only in the main part 103. The main part 103 includes a character string 152 “OK”. This means that a positive response has been received from the multi-function device 10 in response to the POST request. Note that a negative response from the multi-function device 10 may be received in response to the POST request. In this case, the character string “error” (not shown) is displayed on the main portion 103 (the other portions 102 and 104 do not change).

  The user operates the operation unit 84 in a state in which the web page 120 of FIG. 2 (or the web pages 130 and 150 of FIG. 3 or 4) is displayed on the display unit 82, whereby the character string of the menu unit 102 is displayed. Any one of 106 to 112 can be clicked. As a result, a GET request is transmitted from the PC 70 to the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 transmits a response. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the PC 70 displays the web page 170 on the display unit 82. The web page 170 in FIG. 5 is a web page displayed when the character string 110 “Copy Settings” is clicked. When another character string 106, 108, 112 is clicked, a web page corresponding to the clicked character string 106, 108, 112 is displayed. When the character string 108 is clicked, the web page 120 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.

  The web page 170 is the same as the web page 120 with respect to the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104. The web page 170 differs from the web page 120 only in the main part 103. The main part 103 of the web page 170 includes setting input screen data 190. The setting input screen data 190 includes a character string 172, setting data 174, 176, a cancel key 178, and a submit key 180. The character string 172 is a character string “Copy Settings” corresponding to the character string 110 clicked on the web page 120 in FIG. 2. The setting data 174 and 176 are data relating to copy settings currently set in the multi-function device 10. The setting data 174 indicates that the resolution is “XXX”. The setting data 176 indicates that the paper size is “A4”.

  The user can change the setting data 174 and / or 176 and click the submit key 180 by operating the operation unit 84 while the web page 170 is displayed. As a result, a POST request is transmitted from the PC 70 to the multi-function device 10, and the multi-function device 10 transmits a response. As a result, the PC 70 displays a web page (for example, the web page 150 in FIG. 4) in which the character string (OK or error) corresponding to the response is arranged in the main unit 103.

(Commands communicated between PC and multi-function device)
Next, a command communicated to display the web pages 120, 130, 150, and 170 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 on the PC 70 will be described. Each command is transmitted when the CPU 72 of the PC 70 executes processing according to the basic program 76 and the CPU 12 of the multi-function device 10 executes according to the server function program 18.

  As described above, the user can input the URL of the website of the multi-function device 10 to the PC 70 by operating the operation unit 84 of the PC 70. The PC 70 transmits a GET request corresponding to the URL input by the user. Upon receiving the GET request, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the index file 20.

(Contents of index file)
FIG. 6 shows an example of the contents of the index file 20. The index file 20 has a file name “index.html” and is described in the HTML format. The index file 20 includes instructions 202, 204, and 206 for acquiring three external files. The fact that the instructions 202, 204, and 206 are included in the index file 20 is equivalent to the contents of the above three external files being described in the index file 20. The extension of the three external files is “js”. This means that it is described in JavaScript (registered trademark). The contents of the above three external files will be described in detail later.

  The index file 20 includes instructions 212 specified by the menu tag 210. This command 212 is a command for instructing the display contents of the menu unit 102 (see FIG. 2). That is, the command 212 is a command for instructing to display the character strings 106 to 112 in FIG. The command 212 includes a command 214 for instructing to display a character string 108 “FAX Settings”, and a command 216 for instructing to display a character string 110 “Copy Settings”. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the command 212 is also a command for instructing to display other character strings 106 and 112 (“Configuration TCP / IP”, “Status Information”, “MENU”, etc.). Contains.

  The index file 20 includes an instruction 222 specified by the main tag 220. This command 222 is a command for instructing display contents of the main unit 103 (see FIG. 2). That is, the command 222 is a command for instructing to display the character strings 122, 124, and 126 in FIG. The instruction 222 includes an instruction 224 for instructing to display the character string 124 “Set Auto Dial” and an instruction 226 for instructing to display the character string 126 “Report Settings”. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the command 222 includes a command for instructing to display another character string 122 (“FAX Settings”). The instruction 222 also includes an instruction 232 specified by the setting tag 230. This command 232 is a command for instructing the display contents of the portion 128 in the main unit 103 (see FIG. 2). In the web page 120 of FIG. 2 of the present embodiment, nothing is displayed in the portion 128. Therefore, the command 232 indicates that nothing is displayed.

  The index file 20 includes an instruction 242 specified by the footer tag 240. This command 242 is a command for instructing display contents of the footer unit 104 (see FIG. 2). Although not shown in FIG. 6, the instruction 242 includes an instruction for instructing to display the description 116 (see FIG. 2) regarding the copyright.

  The PC 70 can display the web page 120 shown in FIG. 2 according to the index file 20. Specifically, the PC 70 can display the menu unit 102 in which the character strings 106 to 112 are arranged according to the commands 214 and 216 and the like. Further, the PC 70 can display the main part 103 in which the character strings 122, 124, 126 are arranged according to the instructions 224, 226 and the like. Further, the PC 70 can display the footer unit 104 in which the description 116 is displayed according to the command 242.

  As described above, in the state where the web page 120 of FIG. 2 (or the web pages 130, 150, and 170 of FIGS. 3 to 5) is displayed on the display unit 82, the user can select the character strings 106 to Any of 112 can be clicked. In this case, the PC 70 executes a function specified by the character string “loadMain” in accordance with the instructions 214 and 216 of the index file 20 of FIG. This function is described in an external file (hereinafter referred to as “load file”) having a file name “load.js” acquired in accordance with the instruction 202.

(Load file contents)
FIG. 7 shows an example of the contents of the load file 250. The load file 250 is described according to JavaScript (registered trademark). JavaScript (registered trademark) indicates the principle of processing to be executed. In FIG. 7, each command is simply shown, but error processing, a script for supporting each browser, and the like may be included. For example, the load file 250 may include a script such as the instruction 332 shown in FIG. The load file 250 includes a low domain instruction 260 and a display main instruction 270. The raw domain instruction 260 is specified by the character string “loadMain”, and is executed according to the instructions 214 and 216 in FIG. The low domain instruction 260 includes an instruction 262 for instructing to send an XMLHttp request and an instruction 264 for instructing to execute the display main instruction 270. The display main command 270 includes a command 272 that instructs to display a response to the XMLHttp request. This instruction 272 instructs to write (write) the above response in the instruction 222 (instruction for instructing the display contents of the main unit 103) in FIG.

  For example, when the character string 110 (Copy Settings) in FIG. 2 is clicked, the PC 70 executes the low domain instruction 260 in FIG. 7 according to the instruction 216 in FIG. The PC 70 transmits a request for a file having the file name “copy_settings.html” described in the instruction 216 according to the instruction 262 included in the low domain instruction 260. That is, the PC 70 transmits a request including the character string “copy_settings.html”. As a result, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the above file. The PC 70 executes the display main command 270 in accordance with the command 264 of FIG. That is, the PC 70 writes the data (response data) included in the file in the instruction 222 of FIG. 6 according to the instruction 272 included in the display main instruction 270. As a result, the PC 70 displays the setting input screen data 190 (see FIG. 5) on the main unit 103 in accordance with the data written in the command 222. The PC 70 updates and displays only the main unit 103 without changing the contents of the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104. Thereby, the web page 170 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  As described above, the user can click one of the character strings 124 and 126 while the web page 120 in FIG. 2 (or the web page 130 in FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 82. In this case, the PC 70 executes a function specified by the character string “loadSettings” in accordance with the instructions 224 and 226 of the index file 20 of FIG. This function is described in the load file 250 of FIG.

  The load file 250 includes a load setting instruction 280 and a display setting instruction 290. The load setting command 280 is specified by the character string “loadSettings”, and is executed according to the commands 224 and 226 of FIG. The load setting instruction 280 includes an instruction 282 for instructing to send an XMLHttp request, and an instruction 284 for instructing to execute the display setting instruction 290. The display setting command 290 includes a command 292 instructing to display a response to the XMLHttp request. This command 292 instructs to write (write) the above-described response in the command 232 in FIG. 6 (a command for instructing the display content of the portion 128 of the main unit 103).

  For example, when the character string 126 (Report Settings) in FIG. 2 is clicked, the PC 70 executes the load setting command 280 in FIG. 7 according to the command 226 in FIG. The PC 70 transmits a request for a file having a file name “report_settings.html” described in the instruction 226 in accordance with the instruction 282 included in the load setting instruction 280. That is, the PC 70 transmits a request including the character string “report_settings.html”. As a result, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the above file. The PC 70 executes the display setting command 290 according to the command 284. That is, the PC 70 writes the data (response data) included in the file in the instruction 232 of FIG. 6 according to the instruction 292 included in the display setting instruction 290. As a result, the PC 70 displays the setting input screen data 132 (see FIG. 3) on the portion 128 of the main unit 103 in accordance with the data written in the command 232. The PC 70 updates and displays only the portion 128 without changing the display contents other than the portion 128. Thereby, the web page 130 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

  As described above, the user can change the setting data 136 and click the submit key 140 while the web page 130 of FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 82. Further, the user can change the setting data 174 and / or 176 and click the submit key 180 while the web page 170 of FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 82. When the submit keys 140 and 180 are clicked, the PC 70 follows the external file with the file name “post.js” (hereinafter referred to as “post file”) acquired according to the instruction 206 of the index file 20 in FIG. Execute the process. In the index file 20 of FIG. 6, a command for instructing execution of processing according to the post file when the submit keys 140 and 180 are clicked is not shown. Actually, the index file 20 includes an instruction (an instruction for instructing execution of processing according to the post file) specified by a tag of a character string “form”.

(Content of post file)
FIG. 8 shows an example of the contents of the post file 300. The post file 300 is described in accordance with JavaScript (registered trademark). The post file 300 includes a FAX setting post instruction 310 and a copy setting post instruction 320. In FIG. 8, post instructions corresponding to other settings (for example, TCP / IP settings) are not shown.

  The FAX setting post instruction 310 is executed when a submit key is clicked in setting input screen data relating to FAX. For example, it is executed when the submit key 140 is clicked in the setting input screen data 132 of FIG. The FAX setting post instruction 310 instructs to create data (hereinafter referred to as “setting change data”) including the setting data 136 (setting data changed by the user) currently displayed on the setting input screen data 132. And an instruction 314 for instructing to execute a function designated by a character string “post_request”.

  The copy setting post instruction 320 is executed when the submit key is clicked in the setting input screen data relating to copying. For example, the copy setting post instruction 320 is an instruction for instructing creation of setting change data including setting data 174 and 176 (setting data changed by the user) currently displayed in the setting input screen data 190 of FIG. 322 and an instruction 324 for instructing execution of a function designated by the character string “post_request”. The function specified by the instruction 314 of the FAX setting post instruction 310 or the instruction 324 of the copy setting post instruction 320 is an external file (hereinafter referred to as “post_request.js”) acquired in accordance with the instruction 204 of the index file 20 in FIG. Is called “post request file”).

(Contents of post request file)
9 and 10 show an example of the contents of the post request file 330. FIG. FIG. 10 is a continuation of FIG. The post request file 330 is described in accordance with JavaScript (registered trademark). As shown in FIG. 9, the post request file 330 includes an instruction 332 for instructing to transmit a POST request, an instruction 334 for instructing to execute a function (get_response) when a response is received, and a POST. And an instruction 336 for instructing to include the setting change data in the request. As will be described in detail later, the multi-function device 10 determines whether the setting change data included in the POST request is compatible with the multi-function device 10, and changes the response according to the determination result. When receiving this response, the PC 70 executes the command 340 shown in FIG.

  Instruction 340 includes an instruction 350 that is executed when a positive response is received, and an instruction 352 that is executed when a negative response is received. The instruction 350 instructs to display a positive response (result). “Id” specified in the instruction 350 is “main” specified in the instructions 314, 324 and the like in FIG. That is, the instruction 350 instructs to write (write) the positive response in the instruction 222 (an instruction for instructing display contents of the main unit 103) in FIG. When executing the instruction 350, the PC 70 writes data for displaying the character string 152 “OK” in the instruction 222 of FIG. 6. As a result, the web page 150 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The PC 70 updates and displays only the main unit 103 without changing the contents of the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104. The command 352 instructs to display a negative response (error). “Id” specified in the instruction 352 is also “main” specified in the instructions 314, 324 and the like in FIG. That is, the instruction 352 instructs to write (write) the negative response in the instruction 222 (instruction for instructing the display content of the main unit 103) in FIG. When executing the instruction 352, the PC 70 writes data for displaying the character string “error” (not shown) in the instruction 222 of FIG. Also in this case, the PC 70 updates and displays only the main unit 103 without changing the contents of the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104.

(Processes executed by multi-function devices)
Next, processing executed by the multi-function device 10 will be described. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the multi-function device 10. The multi-function device 10 monitors whether a GET request is received (S2). If a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received as a result of the URL of the website of the multi-function device 10 being input, YES is determined in S2. Also, if a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received in accordance with the instructions 262 and 282 in FIG. 7, it is determined YES in S2.

  If YES in S2, the multi-function device 10 determines whether or not the request is for the index file 20 (S4). If a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received as a result of the URL of the website of the multi-function device 10 being input, YES is determined in S4. In this case, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the index file 20 (S6).

  On the other hand, if NO in S4, the multi-function device 10 determines whether it is a request for setting input screen data (S8). If a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received in accordance with the instructions 262 and 282 in FIG. 7, YES is determined in S8. In this case, the multi-function device 10 executes the following processing based on the file name included in the request. The contents of the processing will be described on the assumption that the file name “copy_settings.html” (see the instruction 216 in FIG. 6) is included in the request. The file 22 stored in the ROM 14 of the multi-function device 10 includes a file having a file name “copy_settings.html”. That is, the ROM 14 stores a character string “copy_settings.html” and setting input screen data relating to copying (see reference numeral 190 in FIG. 5) in association with each other. The setting storage area 32 of the NVRAM 30 of the multi-function device 10 stores current settings relating to copying. The multi-function device 10 writes the current settings relating to copying (resolution “XXX” and paper size “A4” in the example of FIG. 5) to the file “copy_settings.html”. Next, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the file “copy_settings.html” (S10).

  For example, when the file name “report_settings.html” (see the instruction 226 in FIG. 6) is included in the request, the multi-function device 10 executes the following processing. The file 22 stored in the ROM 14 of the multi-function device 10 includes a file having a file name “report_settings.html”. That is, the ROM 14 stores a character string “report_settings.html” in association with setting input screen data (see reference numeral 132 in FIG. 3) relating to a FAX report. The setting storage area 32 of the NVRAM 30 of the multi-function device 10 stores current settings relating to FAX reports. The multi-function device 10 writes the current setting relating to the FAX report (“Every 50 FAXes” in the example of FIG. 3) to the file “report_settings.html”. Next, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the file “copy_settings.html” (S10).

  If NO in S8, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including data corresponding to the GET request (S12). For example, the file 22 in the ROM 14 includes requests for the load file 250, the post file 300, and the post request file 330. When the requests for these files 250, 300, and 330 are received, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the files 250, 300, and 330 in S12.

  The multi-function device 10 monitors whether a POST request is received (S14). If a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received in accordance with the instruction 332 (see FIG. 9) of the post request file 330, YES is determined in S14. In this case, the multi-function device 10 determines whether the setting change data included in the POST request is compatible with the multi-function device 10 (S16). For example, if a resolution exceeding the maximum resolution that can be executed by the multi-function device 10 is input in the setting input screen data 190 of FIG. 5 and that resolution is included in the POST request, NO is determined in S16. There are various criteria for the determination in S16. For example, if the POST request includes a size other than the size of the printing paper that can be printed by the multi-function device 10, NO is determined in S16. In addition, regarding settings related to FAX, settings related to TCP / IP, and the like, if setting change data that does not conform to the multi-function device 10 is included in the POST request, NO is determined in S16.

  If NO in S16, the multi-function device 10 transmits an error response (S22). As a result, the PC 70 displays a character string “error” on the main unit 103 in accordance with the instruction 352 of FIG. 10. On the other hand, if YES in S16, the multi-function device 10 updates the stored contents of the setting storage area 32 to the setting change data included in the POST request received in S14 (S18). Thereby, the multi-function device 10 uses the setting data newly stored in the setting storage area 32 when executing the process in the future. When S18 ends, the multi-function device 10 transmits an OK response that is a response different from the error response transmitted in S22 (S20). As a result, the PC 70 displays the character string “OK” on the main unit 103 in accordance with the instruction 350 in FIG. 10 (see FIG. 4).

  The multi-function device system 2 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. According to this embodiment, the PC 70 can update and display only the main unit 103 without changing the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104 in accordance with the display main command 270 (see FIG. 7) of the load file 250. it can. The multi-function device 10 needs to transmit data corresponding to the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104 when transmitting a response in response to a request transmitted from the PC 70 in accordance with the instruction 262 (see FIG. 7) of the load file 250. Absent. The multi-function device 10 does not need to transmit data for updating the entire web page, and only needs to transmit data necessary for updating. For this reason, the load on the multi-function device 10 can be reduced.

  The PC 70 can update and display only the part 128 of the main unit 103 in accordance with the display setting command 290 (see FIG. 7) of the load file 250. When the multi-function device 10 transmits a response in response to a request transmitted from the PC 70 in accordance with the command 282 (see FIG. 7) of the load file 250, the multi-function device 10 transmits data necessary for updating a portion other than the portion 128. There is no need. The multi-function device 10 does not need to transmit data for updating the entire web page, and only needs to transmit data necessary for updating. For this reason, the load on the multi-function device 10 can be reduced.

  The correspondence between the terms in the claims and the terms in the first embodiment is described below. It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this description. The technical scope of the present invention is objectively determined according to the description of the claims. The “command file” in the claims corresponds to the index file 20. The “first part” in the claims corresponds to the menu unit 102 and the footer unit 104. The “second portion” in the claims corresponds to the main portion 103. The “first data” in the claims corresponds to the character strings 106 to 112 and the description 116 (see FIG. 2) displayed according to the command 212 and the command 242 of FIG. The “second data” in the claims corresponds to the character strings 122 to 126 (see FIG. 2) displayed according to the instruction 222. The “first instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instructions 212, 222, and 242 in FIG. The “second instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 262 of FIG. 7 executed according to the instructions 214 and 216 of FIG. The “third data” in the claims corresponds to “fax_settings.html”, “copy_settings.html”, etc. requested in accordance with the instructions 214 and 216 in FIG. The “third instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 272 in FIG. 7.

  The “first region” in the claims corresponds to the instructions 212 and 242 in FIG. The “second region” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 222 in FIG. The “first object” in the claims corresponds to the character strings 106 to 112 in FIG. 2. The “predetermined operation” in the claims corresponds to a click. The “second object” in the claims corresponds to the character strings 124 and 126 in FIG. The “fourth data” in the claims corresponds to “set_audio_dial.html”, “report_settings.html”, etc. requested in accordance with the instructions 224 and 226 of FIG. The “fourth instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 282 of FIG. 7 executed in accordance with the instructions 224 and 226 of FIG. The “fifth instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 292 in FIG. “Part of the second part” in the claims corresponds to the part 128 of FIG.

(Second embodiment)
Subsequently, a second embodiment will be described. First, an example of a web page displayed by the web browser of the PC 70 will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of a web page 400 displayed on the PC 70. The menu part 102 and footer part 104 of the web page 400 are the same as in the first embodiment. The content of the main part 103 is different from that of the first embodiment. The main unit 103 includes a portion 410 for displaying the status of the multi-function device 10. In the example of FIG. 12, a character string 412 “sleep” is displayed in the portion 410.

  The main part 103 includes an icon 420 for automatically updating the display content of the part 410. The user can click on the icon 420. When the icon 420 is clicked, the PC 70 periodically transmits a status GET request. The multi-function device 10 transmits a response including a status in response to the GET request. As a result, the PC 70 can display another status (a character string 432 indicating “printing” in FIG. 13) as shown in the web page 430 of FIG. 13. The PC 70 does not change the contents of the parts other than the part 410, and updates and displays only the part 410 with the status included in the response.

(Contents of status file)
Next, contents of a file (hereinafter referred to as “status file”) necessary for the PC 70 to display the web pages 400 and 430 of FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described. FIG. 14 shows an example of the status file 500. In this embodiment, a status file 500 is used instead of the index file 20.

  The status file 500 has a file name “status.html” and is described in the HTML format. The status file 500 includes instructions 510, 520, and 530 written in accordance with JavaScript (registered trademark). The instruction 510 is an instruction for instructing timing for executing a get status instruction 520 described later. Hereinafter, the instruction 520 is referred to as a “get status instruction”, and the instruction 530 is referred to as a “display status instruction”.

  The get status instruction 520 includes an instruction 522 for instructing to send an XMLHttp request, and an instruction 524 for instructing to execute the display status instruction 530. The display status instruction 530 includes an instruction 532 for instructing to display a response to the XMLHttp request. This command 532 instructs to write (write) the above-described response in a command 540 (a command for instructing display contents of the portion 410 of the main unit 103) described later. Note that the status file 500 includes an instruction 540 specified by the status tag. This command 540 is a command for instructing display contents of the portion 410 of the main unit 103. Although not shown in FIG. 14, the status file 500 displays a command for instructing the display contents of the menu unit 102 (a command corresponding to the command 212 in FIG. 6) and the icon 420 of the main unit 103. And an instruction for instructing display contents of the footer unit 104 (an instruction corresponding to the instruction 242 in FIG. 6).

  The PC 70 periodically executes the get status instruction 520 in accordance with the timing described in the instruction 510. The PC 70 transmits a request for status (status.txt) according to the instruction 522 of the get status instruction 520. As a result, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the current status. The PC 70 executes the display status command 530 according to the command 524. That is, the PC 70 writes the status included in the response in the command 540 in accordance with the command 532 included in the display status command 530. As a result, only the part 410 of the main part 103 is updated and displayed with the status included in the response. The PC 70 updates and displays only the portion 410 without changing the contents other than the portion 410. Thereby, the web page 430 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed.

  The multi-function device system 2 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. According to the present embodiment, the PC 70 can update and display only the portion 410 of the main unit 103 in accordance with the display status command 530 (see FIG. 14) of the status file 500. When the multi-function device 10 transmits a response in response to a request transmitted in accordance with the command 522 (see FIG. 14) of the status file 500, it is necessary to transmit data necessary for updating a portion other than the portion 410. Absent. The multi-function device 10 does not need to transmit data for updating the entire web page, and only needs to transmit data necessary for updating. For this reason, the load on the multi-function device 10 can be reduced.

  The correspondence between the terms in the claims and the terms in the second embodiment is described below. The “command file” in the claims corresponds to the status file 500. The “first portion” in the claims corresponds to a portion other than the portion 410 (the menu portion 102, the footer portion 104, etc.). The “second part” in the claims corresponds to the part 410. The “first data” in the claims corresponds to the character strings 106 to 112, the description 116, the icon 420, etc. (see FIG. 12) displayed according to the command specified by the “body” tag in FIG. “Second data” in the claims corresponds to the character string 412 (see FIG. 12) displayed in accordance with the command 540 of FIG. The “first instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction specified by the “body” tag. The “second instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 522 in FIG. The “third data” in the claims corresponds to “status.text” requested in accordance with the instruction 522 in FIG. The “third instruction” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 532 in FIG. The “first region” in the claims corresponds to a part other than the instruction 540 in the instruction specified by the “body” tag in FIG. 14. The “second region” in the claims corresponds to the instruction 540 in FIG.

(Third embodiment)
Subsequently, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the contents of the status file. FIG. 15 shows an example of the status file 500a of this embodiment. The status file 500a is different from the second embodiment in the instruction 526. The instruction 526 instructs to include the status displayed on the web page (for example, “sleep” in the case of FIG. 12) in the request transmitted according to the instruction 522. The status file 500a differs from the second embodiment in the instruction 536. The instruction 536 instructs to execute the instruction 532 if the response content is not empty. That is, the instruction 536 instructs not to execute the instruction 532 when the response content is empty.

  Processing executed by the multi-function device 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the multi-function device 10 of this embodiment. The multi-function device 10 monitors whether a status GET request is received (S40). When a request transmitted from the PC 70 is received in accordance with the command 522 of FIG. 15, YES is determined in S40. As described above, this request includes the status displayed on the PC 70 when the request is transmitted.

  In the case of YES in S40, the multi-function device 10 acquires its current status (S42). Next, the multi-function device 10 determines whether or not the status included in the request received in S40 matches the status acquired in accordance with S42 (S44). In the case of YES here, the multi-function device 10 transmits an empty response (S46). That is, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response that does not include a status. In this case, the PC 70 does not execute the instruction 532 because it does not match the instruction 536 of FIG. That is, the part 410 of the web pages 400 and 430 is not updated. On the other hand, if NO in S44, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the status acquired in S42 (S48). In this case, the PC 70 executes the instruction 532. As a result, the part 410 of the web pages 400 and 430 is updated to the status included in the response.

  According to this embodiment, the PC 70 can transmit a request including the status displayed on the web page according to the command 526. The multi-function device 10 transmits a response including the current status only in a situation where the status displayed on the web page and its current status are different (S48 in FIG. 16). If the status displayed on the web page is the same as the current status, the multi-function device 10 transmits a response that does not include the status (S46 in FIG. 16). That is, when there is no change in status, the multi-function device 10 does not need to create a response including the status, and only needs to send an empty response. For this reason, the load on the multi-function device 10 can be reduced. Note that data having a large size such as an image can be used as data indicating the status included in the response from the multi-function device 10. The multi-function device 10 does not need to send large data when there is no change in status. The technology of this embodiment is also effective from the viewpoint of the network load between the multi-function device 10 and the PC 70.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(1) Instructions described in the index file 20 (for example, instructions 212, 222, 242) may be included in the external file. That is, the index file 20 may include an instruction instructing transmission of a request for an external file in which the instruction is described, instead of a specific description of the instruction. Further, the load file 250 and / or the post file 300 and / or the post request file 330 may not be external files. That is, specific instructions for these files 250, 300, and 330 may be described in the index file 20.

(2) The instructions described in the status files 500 and 500a (for example, the instructions 520 and 530) may be included in the external file.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The configuration of the multi-function device system is shown. An example of a web page is shown. An example of a web page is shown. An example of a web page is shown. An example of a web page is shown. An example of the contents of an index file is shown. An example of the contents of the load file is shown. An example of the contents of a post file is shown. An example of the contents of a post request file is shown. The continuation of FIG. 9 is shown. The flowchart of the process which a multi-function device performs is shown. An example of a web page is shown (second embodiment). An example of a web page is shown. An example of the contents of the status file is shown. An example of the contents of the status file is shown (third embodiment). The flowchart of the process which a multi-function device performs is shown.

Explanation of symbols

2: Multi-function device system, 10: Multi-function device, 20: Index file, 70: PC, 120, 130, 150, 170, 400, 430: Web page, 102: Menu portion, 103: Main portion, 104: Footer Part, 410: part, 412: character string

Claims (6)

A printer having a web server function;
Each of the following instructions:
A first command for displaying a web page in which the first data is arranged in the first part and the second data is arranged in the second part, the first instruction being arranged in the first part The first instruction including a first area in which data is described; and a second area in which the second data arranged in the second part is described ;
A second instruction for sending a request for third data ;
An instruction file storage unit for storing an instruction file containing,
Receiving means for receiving the request;
Instruction file transmission means for transmitting a first response including the instruction file on the condition that a request for the instruction file has been received by the reception means;
A third data transmitting unit configured to transmit a second response including the third data on the condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving unit ;
The instruction file further includes:
When the second response transmitted by the third data transmitting means is received, the second data described in the second area without changing the first data described in the first area. Instead of data, the third data included in the second response is newly described in the second area, thereby maintaining the state where the first data is arranged in the first portion. Including a third instruction for updating and placing two portions from the second data to the third data
A printer characterized by that . The first data includes a first object on which a predetermined operation is to be executed,
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second command is a command for transmitting a request for the third data on condition that the operation is performed on the first object. The first data includes a plurality of first objects on which the operation is to be executed,
The second instruction is for transmitting a request for the third data corresponding to the first object on condition that the operation is performed on one first object of the plurality of first objects. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the printer is an instruction. A fourth data transmission means;
The second data includes a second object on which a predetermined operation is to be executed,
The instruction file is
A fourth command for transmitting a request for fourth data on the condition that the operation is performed on the second object;
And a fifth command for updating and displaying only a part of the second part in the fourth data,
4. The fourth data transmitting means transmits a response including the fourth data on condition that the request for the fourth data has been received by the receiving means. 5. Printer. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the third data is a status of the printer when the request for the third data is received by a receiving unit. A judgment means,
The second command is a command for transmitting the request for the third data including the status displayed on the web page.
The determining means is provided on the condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving means, the status included in the request for the third data, and the status of the printer when the request is received by the receiving means. To see if they match,
The third data transmitting means transmits a response not including the third data on the condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving means and has been positively determined by the determining means,
The third data transmitting means transmits the second response including the third data on condition that the request for the third data is received by the receiving means and negatively determined by the determining means. The printer according to claim 5.

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