JP5534138B2 - Terminal device and network system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device and a network system.

  Patent Document 1 is connected to a client PC so as to be capable of two-way communication, and prints out data requested for printing from the client PC at a predetermined timing by performing paper conveyance control, and displays display information regarding the paper conveyance path. An image input / output device for transferring to a PC is disclosed.

JP 2000-158769 A

  The present invention relates to a processing system related to one or more processing systems including one or more specific information for identifying one or more devices connected via a network, one or more status-related information related to the operation status of each device, and one or more devices. It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal device and a network system capable of grasping information.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 relates to specific information for identifying a plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network, and the operation status of each of the plurality of devices. Information acquisition means for acquiring processing system information relating to a configuration state of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices, and the information acquisition unit Output means for outputting the specified information, the situation related information and the processing system information. The processing system information includes information indicating whether or not the device specified by the specific information constitutes a processing system. seen, when the device specified by the specifying information constitute the processing system, the terminal apparatus characterized by further comprising information indicating the other devices constituting the processing system A.

The present invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that when the information acquisition means changes in at least one of the specific information, the situation related information and the processing system information, the specific information, the situation related information and the processing system information in which the change has occurred. a terminal device according to claim 1, wherein acquiring information to update.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instruction receiving means for receiving instructions constituting one or more processing systems for performing a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices, and the instruction receiving means accepts the instructions. One or more processing systems configured to perform a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices based on the received instruction, the specific information acquired by the information acquisition means, the situation-related information, and the processing system information a processing system setting unit for setting to a terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein further comprising a.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a part of devices constituting the one or more processing systems in which the processing system setting means performs a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices. The terminal device according to claim 3 , further comprising a configuration forcible changing unit that forcibly changes processing system information of the processing system so that the processing system information can be used in another processing system .
The present invention according to claim 5, wherein the information acquisition means, claim identifies information of a device having an image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium, and acquires the status related information and the processing system information 1 The terminal device according to any one of 4 to 4 .

The present invention according to claim 6 relates to a plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network, specific information for identifying each of the plurality of devices, and operation states of the plurality of devices. Information acquisition means for acquiring processing system information relating to a configuration state of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by a device having different functions among the situation related information and the plurality of devices, and the information acquisition unit and an output means for outputting identification information, status related information and processing system information, the processing system information, see contains information indicating whether device specified by the specifying information constitute the processing system , when the device specified by the specifying information constitute the processing system, the network characterized in that it further includes information indicating the other devices constituting the processing system Shi Is Temu.

The present invention according to claim 7 is directed to the information acquisition unit in which the specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information are changed when at least one of the specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information is changed. The network system according to claim 6, wherein information for updating is acquired.

The present invention according to claim 8, wherein the information acquiring means, according to claim 6, specific information, characterized in that to obtain the status related information and the processing system information of the device having an image forming function of forming an image on a recording medium Or a network system according to 7 .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instruction receiving means for receiving instructions constituting one or more processing systems for performing a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices, and the instruction receiving means accepts the instructions. One or more processing systems configured to perform a series of processing by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices based on the received instruction, the specific information acquired by the information acquisition means, the situation-related information, and the processing system information The network system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , further comprising processing system setting means for performing setting.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method in which the processing system setting unit includes a part of devices that constitute one or more processing systems that perform a series of processes using devices having different functions among the plurality of devices. The network system according to claim 9 , further comprising a configuration forcible change unit that forcibly changes the processing system information of the processing system so that the processing system information can be used in another processing system .

The present invention according to claim 11 is the network system according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the instruction receiving means is provided integrally with at least one of the devices.

The present invention according to claim 12 is the network system according to any one of claims 6 to 11 , wherein the output means is provided integrally with at least one of the devices.
The invention according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of devices, information indicating that the device specified constitutes a processing system by said output means based on the processing system information is output, before Symbol specific information, and 13. The network system according to claim 6 , further comprising display means for displaying information indicating that a processing system is not configured for each of the plurality of devices.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, specific information for identifying a plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network, status-related information related to the operation status of each device, and a plurality of devices Among them, it is possible to grasp the processing system information relating to the configuration state of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by devices having different functions and in which processing system each device is used. I can .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first aspect, when at least one of the specific information, the situation related information and the processing system information is changed, the change is specified. Information, situation-related information, and processing system information can be updated.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the first or second aspect , one or more processing systems that perform a series of processes by a device having different functions among a plurality of devices are provided. Allows configuration to be configured.

According to the present invention of claim 4 , in addition to the effect of the present invention of claim 3 , the configuration state of the processing system can be forcibly changed.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, it is possible to output device specific information, situation-related information, and processing system information having an image forming function. it can.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, specific information for identifying a plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network, status-related information related to the operation status of each device, and a plurality of devices Among them, it is possible to grasp the processing system information relating to the configuration state of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by devices having different functions and in which processing system each device is used. I can .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the sixth aspect, when at least one of the specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information is changed, the change is specified. Information, situation-related information, and processing system information can be updated.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the sixth or seventh aspect , it is possible to output device specific information, situation-related information, and processing system information having an image forming function.

According to the present invention of claim 9 , in addition to the effect of the present invention of any of claims 6 to 8, one or more processes for performing a series of processes by a device having different functions among a plurality of devices Settings that configure the system can be made possible.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the ninth aspect , the configuration state of the processing system can be forcibly changed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the present invention according to the ninth or tenth aspect , the setting of the processing system can be performed through at least one of the devices. it can.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the present invention according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects, the specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information are output via at least one of the devices. be able to.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually grasp the configuration state of the processing system of each device.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system (network system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a configuration management apparatus. It is a chart which illustrates management table a which a configuration management device memorizes. It is a flowchart which shows the management process (S10) which a configuration management apparatus manages the apparatus connected via a network. It is a flowchart which shows the initial process (S20) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the structure management process (S30) shown in FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating a management table b created by the printing apparatus according to information transmitted by the configuration management apparatus in the management process (S10) shown in FIG. 4 is a management screen displayed on the operation panel by the printing apparatus using a management table b. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing (S40) performed by the printing apparatus to display a management screen on an operation panel. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process (S50) in which the printing apparatus creates a management table b in the process (S40) illustrated in FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing (S60) performed by the printing apparatus when a device is added to a printing line in the printing system and a new printing line is reconfigured. It is an example of a management screen displayed on the operation panel when a device is added to a print line. It is an example of a management screen in case the apparatus which was going to add to a printing line is constructing another printing line. It is the example of a management screen which displayed the apparatus classified according to the display color corresponding to the condition of an apparatus. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration forced change process (S70) performed by the printing apparatus in the process (S60) illustrated in FIG. It is an example of a configuration forced change screen displayed on the operation panel.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a printing system (network system) 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the printing system 10, for example, pre-processing devices 12-1 and 12-2, printing devices 14-1 to 14-3, post-processing devices 16-1 and 16-2, and a configuration management device 18 are mutually connected via a network 20. It is connected.
Hereinafter, when any one of a plurality of components such as the printing devices 14-1 to 14-3 is indicated without being specified, the printing device 14-1 may be simply abbreviated as “printing device 14”.

  The pre-processing devices 12-1 and 12-2 are paper feeding devices that supply, for example, unprinted roll paper (continuous paper) to any of the printing devices 14-1 to 14-3. The printing devices 14-1 to 14-3 are, for example, printing devices that print an image on roll paper, and form a color image or a monochrome image on the front or back surface of the roll paper according to a predetermined setting. The post-processing devices 16-1 and 16-2 are stack devices that store, for example, rolled paper that has been printed.

  The configuration management device 18 identifies devices (preprocessing devices 12-1 and 12-2, printing devices 14-1 to 14-3, and postprocessing devices 16-1 and 16-2) connected via the network 20. Specific information (for example, the IP address or ID of the device) and status-related information related to the operation status of the device are acquired from each device, and information on the acquired result is transmitted to each device. ing. The configuration management device 18 transmits information about the results obtained from each device to the printing devices 14-1 to 14-3, and the preprocessing devices 12-1 and 12-2 and the postprocessing devices 16-1 and 16 are transmitted. -2 may not be transmitted.

  In the network 20, for example, each device is connected to each other using an IP address of each device, and information can be transmitted and received between the devices.

  In the printing system 10, the preprocessing device 12, the printing device 14, and the postprocessing device 16 can be arbitrarily combined to form a printing line. For example, the printing system 10 is set so that the pre-processing device 12-1, the printing device 14-1, and the post-processing device 16-1 constitute the printing line A. In the printing line A, a series of processes in which the printing device 14-1 performs image formation (printing) on the roll paper supplied by the preprocessing device 12-1, and the post-processing device 16-1 winds up the printed roll paper. It is a processing system that performs.

Next, the printing device 14 and the configuration management device 18 will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing apparatus 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 14 includes an operation panel (UI apparatus) 30, an image forming unit 32, and a control unit 34. The operation panel 30 is composed of, for example, a touch panel capable of color display, and accepts an instruction input by an operator and displays (outputs) information related to the printing system 10. The operation panel 30 may be provided with an input device (not shown) such as a mouse, or may include a mouse function that accepts a double click or the like. The image forming unit 32 forms an image on the front surface or the back surface of roll paper, for example.

  The control unit 34 includes a host I / F unit 36, a communication I / F unit 38, a configuration information management unit 40, a memory 42, a CPU 44, a panel I / F unit 46, a storage device 48, and an engine I / F unit 50. The units are connected to each other via the control bus 52. The host I / F unit 36 is an interface device that performs communication with a host device (not shown) such as an external PC (Personal Computer). The communication I / F unit 38 is an interface device that communicates with each unit constituting the printing system 10 via the network 20, and is an information acquisition unit that acquires specific information, situation-related information, and processing system information, which will be described later. Parts. The configuration information management unit 40 manages each unit constituting the printing system 10 using a management table b (see FIG. 8) described later. The memory 42 stores a program executed by the CPU 44, for example. The CPU 44 controls each unit constituting the printing apparatus 14. Panel I / F unit 46 is an interface device that performs communication between CPU 44 and operation panel 30. The storage device 48 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that stores the management table b and the like. The engine I / F unit 50 is an interface device that performs communication between the CPU 44 and the image forming unit 32.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the configuration management device 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration management device 18 includes a control unit 60 and a storage device 62, and each unit is connected to each other via a control bus 64.

  The control unit 60 includes a communication I / F unit 65, a CPU 66, a configuration information management unit 67, and a memory 68, and each unit is connected to each other via a control bus 69. The communication I / F unit 65 is an interface device that communicates with each unit constituting the printing system 10 via the network 20, and is an information acquisition unit that acquires specific information, situation-related information, and processing system information, which will be described later. Parts. The CPU 66 controls each unit constituting the configuration management device 18. The configuration information management unit 67 manages each unit constituting the printing system 10 using a management table a (see FIG. 4) described later. The memory 68 stores a program executed by the CPU 66, for example.

  The storage device 62 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. For example, a device list including predetermined information such as a device name connected to the printing system 10, a device version, and an IP address, and will be described later with reference to FIG. The management table a to be stored is stored. The device list may be acquired from the printing devices 14-1 to 14-3 connected to the configuration management device 18 via the network 20, or information for identifying each device connected to the network 20. Etc. may be acquired by the configuration management apparatus 18 by transmitting them to the configuration management apparatus 18.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a management table a stored in the configuration management apparatus 18.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the management table “a”, a device name 72, a state 74, a configuration state 76, and a detail 78 are associated as information for each ID 70 that identifies a device connected to the printing system 10.

The ID 70 is a unique ID number preset for each device in the management table a, and is a serial number assigned in ascending order from 1 for example. The device name 72 is information indicating a name unique to each device connected to the printing system 10. The state 74 is information indicating the state of each device classified into, for example, power on, power off, or error. The configuration state 76 is information indicating whether each device configures a print line (processing system) by classifying it as either in configuration or not configured. The detail 78 is information indicating the details of the processing system indicated that the configuration state 76 is being configured. For example, when the print line A described above is configured in the printing system 10, the details 78 include information indicating other devices set to configure the print line A.
As described above, the management table a includes, for example, identification information for identifying each device such as the ID 70 and the device name 72, status-related information such as the status 74 related to the operation status of each device identified by the identification information, And processing system information such as configuration status 76 and details 78 regarding the print line (processing system).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a management process (S10) in which the configuration management apparatus 18 manages devices connected via the network 20.
As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration management apparatus 18 first performs an initial process S20 (detailed with reference to FIG. 6).

  Next, the configuration management apparatus 18 performs configuration management processing S30 (detailed with reference to FIG. 7).

In step 100 (S100), the configuration management apparatus 18 determines whether or not a setting for ending the management process (for example, a setting when receiving an instruction to turn off the power of the configuration management apparatus 18) has been made. If the setting for ending is not made, the process proceeds to S20, and if the setting for ending is made, the management process is finished.
In other words, the configuration management device 18 continues the management process until a setting for ending the management process is made by an operator or the like.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the initial process (S20) shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, in step 200 (S200), when the power is turned on, the configuration management apparatus 18 determines whether or not it is an initial startup, and proceeds to the processing of S202 if it is not the initial startup. If it is the initial activation, the process proceeds to S206.

  In step 202 (S202), the configuration management apparatus 18 determines whether or not there is a new device (newly connected device) in the above-described device list. If there is a new device, the process proceeds to S204. If there is no new device, the process is terminated.

  In step 204 (S204), the configuration management device 18 secures an area for adding information related to the new device to the management table a stored in the storage device 62.

  In step 206 (S206), the configuration management device 18 secures an area for storing the management table a in the storage device 62.

  In step 208 (S208), the configuration management apparatus 18 refers to the device list and creates, for example, a management table a indicating the ID and device name (status and configuration status not acquired).

  In step 210 (S210), the configuration management apparatus 18 acquires information corresponding to the status 74, the configuration status 76, and the details 78 from each device connected via the network 20. That is, the configuration management apparatus 18 acquires status related information related to the operating status of each device.

  In step 212 (S212), the configuration management apparatus 18 includes the unacquired device status and configuration status in the management table a, or the new device status and configuration status in the management table a. The management table a reflecting the status and configuration status of the device currently connected to the network 20 is created (update of the management table a).

  In step 214 (S214), the configuration management apparatus 18 transmits information included in the management table a to each device connected via the network 20.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the configuration management process (S30) shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, in step 300 (S300), the configuration management device 18 receives a print system 10 from a device connected via the network 20 such as one of the printing devices 14-1 to 14-3. It is determined whether or not an instruction to execute the management operation is transmitted (whether or not the instruction is received). If the instruction is transmitted, the process proceeds to S302, and if the instruction is not transmitted. Ends the process.

  In step 302 (S302), the configuration management apparatus 18 determines whether or not a change in information included in the management table a has been received from, for example, any of the printing apparatuses 14-1 to 14-3 (determined in the process of S300). Whether or not the instruction is an instruction indicating a change in information). If the information change is received, the process proceeds to S312. If the information change is not received, the process proceeds to S304.

  In step 304 (S304), the configuration management apparatus 18 has received an acquisition request for information included in the management table a from, for example, any of the printing apparatuses 14-1 to 14-3 (determined in the process of S300). If the information acquisition request is received, the process proceeds to S306. If the information acquisition request is not received, the process proceeds to S308. Proceed to processing.

  In step 306 (S306), the configuration management apparatus 18 transmits the information included in the management table a to the request source that requested the information acquisition.

  In step 308 (S308), the configuration management apparatus 18 terminates the management process (S10) for managing devices connected via the network 20, for example, from any of the printing apparatuses 14-1 to 14-3. It is determined whether or not an instruction has been received (whether or not the instruction determined in the process of S300 is an end process instruction). If an end process instruction is received, the process proceeds to S310, and the end process instruction is received. If not, the process ends.

  In step 310 (S310), the configuration management apparatus 18 performs a setting for ending the management process (S10) (for example, setting when receiving an instruction to turn off the power of the configuration management apparatus 18: end setting).

  In step 312 (S312), the configuration management apparatus 18 updates the information included in the management table a in accordance with the instruction determined to be received in the process of S300.

  In step 314 (S314), the configuration management apparatus 18 transmits the information included in the management table a updated in the process of S312 to each device connected via the network 20.

  As described above, the configuration management device 18 performs at least one of the information included in the management table a such as the status related information and the processing system information of each device connected to the network 20 during the management process (S10). When a change occurs, the information included in the management table a in which the change has occurred is dynamically updated, and the management process is continued until a setting is made to end the management process.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating a management table b created by the printing apparatuses 14-1 to 14-3 according to the information transmitted by the configuration management apparatus 18 by the management process (S <b> 10) illustrated in FIG. 5.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the management table b, the device name 72, the state 74, the configuration state 76, the display color 80, and the details 78 are associated as information for each ID 70 that identifies a device connected to the printing system 10. ing.
In the management table b shown in FIG. 8, parts that are substantially the same as the parts constituting the management table a shown in FIG.

  The display color 80 indicates the color displayed for each device in the management screen 82 (see FIG. 9) when the printing apparatus 14 displays information about the device connected to the network 20 on the operation panel 30 (FIG. 2). Information. In the display color 80, for example, gray is information for indicating a state of a device that is currently configuring a specific processing system (print line), and black is a device that does not currently configure a specific processing system (unconfigured). The red color is information for indicating that the printing apparatus 14 is in one of the following states. For example, the printing apparatus 14 whose display color 80 is red does not constitute a processing system with another device and is in a power-off state, does not constitute a processing system with another device, and is a network. It is assumed that the connection setting for 20 is not completed, or that no processing system is configured with other devices and some error is indicated.

FIG. 9 shows a management screen 82 displayed on the operation panel 30 by the printing apparatus 14 using the management table b.
The management screen 82 includes a configuration display unit 84 that displays information on one or more print lines and devices configured in the printing system 10. The configuration display unit 84 includes a device list display unit 85, a selected device display unit 86, a line display unit 87, a first instruction input unit 88, a second instruction input unit 89, and the like.

  The device list display unit 85 displays information about devices connected to the network 20 using the management table b, the device list, and the like. For example, the device list display unit 85 displays the vendor (supplier), type, and printing device name of each device in a color corresponding to the display color 80 of the management table b.

  The selected device display unit 86 is an area for displaying a symbol (a simple graphic indicating a device) indicating the selected device when any of the devices is selected in the device list display unit 85 (see FIG. 13). .

The line display unit 87 is an area for displaying an outline of a print line including the printing device 14 using the symbols of the devices that currently constitute the printing line together with the printing device 14 displaying the management screen 82. is there. Further, the line display unit 87 drags and drops the symbol displayed on the selected device display unit 86, for example, to reconstruct the print line with the symbol of the device that is a candidate for the print line to be reconfigured. It is also possible to display it as a configuration preparation.
Note that when a predetermined input is made to a first instruction input unit 88 described later with respect to a print line plan displayed by the line display unit 87, the print line displayed on the line display unit 87 in the printing system 10 is displayed. Settings that are actually configured (reconfigured) are made.

  The first instruction input unit 88 is a button provided so that the operator can perform a predetermined operation on the contents displayed on the device list display unit 85 and the line display unit 87, for example, a device list. A display update button for associating the content displayed on the display unit 85 with the current management table b, and a setting button for setting the actual print line according to the print line plan displayed on the line display unit 87 Etc.

  The second instruction input unit 89 is a button for displaying a configuration forced change screen 90 for performing a forced configuration change which will be described later with reference to FIG. The management screen 82 also displays other buttons for operating the printing apparatus 14 and can accept instructions for other operations.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process (S40) performed by the printing apparatus 14 to display the management screen 82 on the operation panel 30.
As shown in FIG. 10, in step 400 (S400), the printing apparatus 14 checks whether it is connected to the configuration management apparatus 18 via the network 20, and if not connected, the process proceeds to S402. If it is confirmed that it is connected, the process proceeds to S50.

  In step 402 (S402), the printing apparatus 14 performs a predetermined error process.

  In step 50 (S50), the printing apparatus 14 creates the management table b by performing the processing shown in FIG.

  In step 404 (S404), the printing apparatus 14 displays the management screen 82 on the operation panel 30 according to the management table b created in the process of S50 (device status display process).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process (S50) in which the printing apparatus 14 creates the management table b in the process (S40) shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, in step 500 (S500), the printing apparatus 14 sets initial values so that a variable D_C and a variable D_ID are set to 1, respectively.

  In step 502 (S502), the printing apparatus 14 secures an area for storing the management table b in the storage device 48.

  In step 504 (S504), the printing apparatus 14 acquires information necessary for creating the management table b from the configuration management apparatus 18.

  In step 506 (S506), the printing apparatus 14 stores the information acquired in the process of S504 in the management table b.

  In step 508 (S508), the printing apparatus 14 sets the value of the variable D_C to the number of devices that have acquired information in the processing of S504.

  In step 510 (S510), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether the state of the device in the management table b having the same ID as the value of the variable D_ID is waiting, being configured, or an error of the printing apparatus 14. If it is waiting, the process proceeds to S512. If it is being configured, the process proceeds to S514. If an error occurs, the process proceeds to S516.

  In step 512 (S512), the printing apparatus 14 sets the display color of the device whose state is determined in the process of S510 to be displayed on the configuration display unit 84 of the operation panel 30 to black.

  In step 514 (S514), the printing apparatus 14 sets the display color to be displayed on the configuration display unit 84 of the operation panel 30 to gray for the device whose state is determined in the process of S510.

  In step 516 (S516), the printing apparatus 14 sets the display color to be displayed on the configuration display unit 84 of the operation panel 30 to red for the device whose state is determined in step S510.

  In step 518 (S518), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether or not the value of the variable D_ID and the value of the variable D_C are the same. If they are not the same, the process proceeds to S520. End the process.

  In step 520 (S520), the printing apparatus 14 sets a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the variable D_ID to a new value of the variable D_ID, and proceeds to the process of S510.

Next, processing performed by the printing apparatus 14 when reconstructing a printing line in the printing system 10 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process (S60) performed by the printing apparatus 14 when a device is added to the print line in the print system 10 to newly reconfigure the print line.
As shown in FIG. 12, in step 600 (S600), the printing apparatus 14 displays the configuration display unit 84 on the operation panel 30 in accordance with the operator's operation.

  In step 602 (S602), the printing apparatus 14 selects a device to be added to the print line from the management table b in accordance with the operation of the operator. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when an operator selects a device to be added in the device list display unit 85 of the operation panel 30, the symbol of the device to be added is displayed on the selected device display unit 86 and displayed. Is dragged and dropped to the line display section 87, the printing apparatus 14 selects a device to be added to the print line from the management table b.

  In step 604 (S604), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether or not the device selected in the process of S602 is on standby. If the apparatus is on standby, the process proceeds to S610. Proceed to the process.

  In step 606 (S606), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether the device selected in the process of S602 is configuring a print line. If the apparatus is configured, the process proceeds to the process of S608. Then, the process proceeds to S612. For example, if the device selected in the process of S602 has already configured a print line, the printing apparatus 14 displays a message to that effect (other print lines are being configured) as illustrated in FIG. ) Is displayed. As shown in FIG. 15, the operation panel 30 may display the devices on the device list display unit 85 in the order (by color) classified according to the information shown in the display color 80. .

  In step 608 (S608), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether or not to forcibly change the configuration of the print line so that the device selected in the process of S602 is released from the print line. In the case of carrying out the determination, the process proceeds to S70, and in the case of not implementing it, the process proceeds to S612.

  In step 70 (S70), the printing apparatus 14 performs a forced configuration change process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, and proceeds to the process of S610.

  In step 610 (S610), the printing apparatus 14 displays the candidate print line configuration (print line plan with additional devices) on the line display unit 87 of the operation panel 30.

  In step 612 (S612), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether or not the selection of the additional device for the print line has been completed according to the operator's operation. If not, the process proceeds to the process of S602. If completed, the process proceeds to S614.

  In step 614 (S614), the printing apparatus 14 performs a print line configuration change process in accordance with the operator's operation, and performs settings for configuring a new print line to which the selected device is added.

  In step 616 (S616), the printing apparatus 14 transmits information related to the newly configured print line to the configuration management apparatus 18.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the forced configuration change process (S70) performed by the printing apparatus 14 in the process (S60) shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, in step 700 (S700), the printing apparatus 14 acquires information on each device constituting the printing line from the configuration management apparatus 18. However, if it is clear that the management table b is the latest information, the process of S700 may not be performed.

  In step 702 (S702), the printing apparatus 14 displays the management screen 82 on the operation panel 30, thereby displaying information on each device constituting the printing line.

  In step 704 (S704), the printing apparatus 14 selects a device (target device) to be released from the currently configured print line in accordance with the operator's operation. For example, when the operator double-clicks and selects a device displayed in gray on the device list display unit 85, the printing apparatus 14 selects the double-clicked device as a target device.

  In step 706 (S706), the printing apparatus 14 displays the configuration forced change screen 90 shown in FIG. 17 on the operation panel 30 as a pop-up screen, thereby acquiring an instruction to open the target device by the operator. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the configuration forced change screen 90 includes a target device display unit 92 that displays a symbol corresponding to each target device, and an instruction reception symbol 94 for acquiring an instruction to open the target device. Is displayed. The configuration forced change screen 90 is configured to acquire an instruction to release the target device by dragging and dropping the symbol of the target device displayed on the target device display unit 92 to the instruction reception symbol 94.

  In step 708 (S708), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether the target device instructed to be released in the process of S706 is in operation (operating) by performing communication via the network 20. If it is not in operation, the process proceeds to S710. If it is in operation, the process ends.

  In step 710 (S710), the printing apparatus 14 updates the management table b. For example, the printing apparatus 14 updates the configuration state 76, details 78, and display color 80 in the management table b so that the target device is in a state where the print line is not configured.

  In step 712 (S712), the printing apparatus 14 determines whether or not an instruction to open another device from the current print line is acquired according to the operation of the operator, and acquires an opening instruction for the other device. If so, the process proceeds to S708. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S714.

  In step 714 (S714), the printing apparatus 14 reflects the update result of the management table b in the printing system 10. That is, the printing apparatus 14 releases the target device from the print line according to the update result of the management table b, and also displays a management screen 82 (such as the configuration display unit 84) on the operation panel 30 according to the update result of the management table b. indicate.

  In step 716 (S716), the printing apparatus 14 transmits the updated management table b information to the configuration management apparatus 18.

  In the printing system 10, an operator operates the operation panel 30 on which the configuration display unit 84 is displayed, so that an arbitrary printing line can be reconfigured in the printing system 10 including configuration and change. Has been. For example, in the printing system 10, an operator inputs input for setting a print line after deleting a symbol of a device in the line display unit 87 displayed on the operation panel 30 of the printing apparatus 14 by a predetermined operation. This makes it possible to remove unnecessary devices from the current print line and make a new print line configuration.

  In the above embodiment, the network system according to the present invention has been described by taking the printing system 10 as an example. However, the network system is not limited to this, and the network system includes a plurality of devices connected via a network. Any device having one or more processing systems including one or more devices may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing system 12-1, 12-2 Pre-processing apparatus 14-1 to 14-3 Printing apparatus 16-1, 16-2 Post-processing apparatus 18 Configuration management apparatus 20 Network 30 Operation panel 32 Image forming part 34 Control part 38 Communication I / F unit 40 Configuration information management unit 44 CPU
48 storage device 60 control unit 62 storage device 65 communication I / F unit 66 CPU
67 configuration information management unit 82 management screen 84 configuration display unit 85 device list display unit 86 selected device display unit 87 line display unit 88 first instruction input unit 89 second instruction input unit 90 configuration forced change screen 92 target device display unit 94 Instruction acceptance symbol

Claims (13)

Specific information for specifying a plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network, status-related information related to the operation status of each of the plurality of devices, and the plurality of devices having different functions Information acquisition means for acquiring processing system information relating to the configuration state of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by the device;
And output means for outputting the specific information acquired by the information acquisition means, the situation related information and the processing system information,
The processing system information, when the device specified by the specifying information see contains information indicating whether constitute the processing system, device specified by the specifying information constitutes a processing system A terminal device further comprising information indicating other devices constituting the processing system . The information acquisition means includes
Specific information, when at least changed in any situation related information and the processing system information occurs, the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein acquiring information to update certain information change occurs, the status related information and processing system information. An instruction receiving means for accepting an instruction that constitutes one or more processing systems that perform a series of processes by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices;
Based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit, the specific information acquired by the information acquiring unit, the situation-related information, and the processing system information, one of the plurality of devices that performs a series of processing by different devices. A processing system setting means for setting the above processing system;
Terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein further comprising a. The processing system setting means includes:
Among the plurality of devices, in order to make a part of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by devices having different functions available to other processing systems , The terminal device according to claim 3 , further comprising a configuration forcible change unit that forcibly changes the processing system information. The information acquisition means includes
5. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein specific information of a device having an image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium, situation-related information, and processing system information are acquired. A plurality of devices including devices having different functions connected via a network;
One or more processing systems for performing a series of processing by devices having different functions among the specific information for identifying each of the plurality of devices, the status related information related to the operation status of each of the plurality of devices, and the plurality of devices Information acquisition means for acquiring processing system information relating to the configuration state of
And output means for outputting the specific information acquired by the information acquisition means, the situation related information and the processing system information,
The processing system information, when the device specified by the specifying information see contains information indicating whether constitute the processing system, device specified by the specifying information constitutes a processing system The network system further includes information indicating other devices constituting the processing system. The information acquisition means includes
The network system according to claim 6 , wherein when at least one of the specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information is changed, the information for updating the changed specific information, the situation related information, and the processing system information is acquired. The information acquisition means includes
8. The network system according to claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that identification information, status related information, and processing system information of a device having an image forming function for forming an image on a recording medium is acquired. An instruction receiving means for accepting an instruction that constitutes one or more processing systems that perform a series of processes by a device having a different function among the plurality of devices;
Based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit, the specific information acquired by the information acquiring unit, the situation-related information, and the processing system information, one of the plurality of devices that performs a series of processing by different devices. A processing system setting means for setting the above processing system;
The network system according to claim 6 , further comprising: The processing system setting means includes:
Among the plurality of devices, in order to make a part of one or more processing systems that perform a series of processing by devices having different functions available to other processing systems , The network system according to claim 9 , further comprising configuration forcible change means for forcibly changing processing system information. The instruction receiving means includes
The network system according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the network system is provided integrally with at least one of the devices. The output means includes
The network system according to claim 6 , wherein the network system is provided integrally with at least one of the devices. The plurality of devices are:
Based on the processing system information output from the output means, information indicating that the device specified by the specific information constitutes a processing system, and information indicating that the processing system does not constitute the processing system The network system according to any one of claims 6 to 12, further comprising display means for displaying each one.

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