JP6447704B2 - Information processing apparatus, processing method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mechanism for facilitating setting of device information used in an information processing apparatus.

Conventionally, there is a printing system in which a plurality of printers on a network are shared by a plurality of client terminals. In such a printing system, when a printer driver is installed in each client terminal, setting of the printer driver may be left to a user who uses the client terminal, which makes it difficult to manage them. Therefore, the administrator explained the setting of the printer driver to be installed in each client terminal to the user in a document, and the user himself / herself manually performed the setting individually.
In this operation, since the burden on the user is heavy, a technique for easily introducing and setting a printer used in each client terminal is disclosed. (Patent Document 1)

JP 2010-92158 A

  However, in operation, there is a demand for easily deleting a printer (for example, printer information corresponding to a printer object displayed on a printer management screen of an operating system) installed in a client terminal.

  At this time, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to set the printer name (printer object name) of the printer to be deleted and execute the installer set on the client terminal to delete the printer.

  In addition to the above-described method for deleting a printer, there is a method for specifying a printer port (for example, the IP address of the printer). If a printer using the specified port is deleted, the printer not intended by the user is deleted. There was a problem of being.

  This is because current Windows (registered trademark) printer settings include a printer pool (2201 in FIG. 22), and a plurality of ports can be set for one printer object.

  A printer pool is used to distribute printing load. Specifically, a printer port with a different housing is assigned to one printer object, and printing is automatically distributed during printing. It is a function.

  That is, there is a problem that the printer is deleted even though there is an available port. In addition, since a plurality of ports are set, the printer cannot be deleted, resulting in an error, and there is a problem that the printer deletion process is not properly performed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can appropriately delete a device registered in a client apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus for creating a file for maintaining device information registered in a client apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention, wherein the client apparatus deletes a device by specifying port information. Port specifying means for specifying port information, definition information generating means for generating definition information including port information specified by the port specifying means, and a device including port information registered in a client device according to the definition information When the port information designated by the port designation means is set in the device information registered in the client device and a plurality of port information is set, the port designation means Executes control to cancel the setting of specified port information, and all the multiple port information And a file creation means for creating a file capable of executing a control for deleting the device information in which the plurality of port information is set when designated by the port designation means. .

  According to the present invention, a device registered in a client device can be appropriately deleted.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an information processing system 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a basic hardware configuration of client terminals 101 and 102 and a server 103. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing module configurations of client terminals 101 and 102 and a server 103. FIG. It is a figure which shows each function block of the apparatus of the client terminal 101 It is a figure showing an outline of processing of an information processing system It is a flowchart of an installer set creation process This is the initial screen of the configuration file creation tool It is the installer information setting screen of the configuration file creation tool It is a screen transition diagram from the installer information setting screen of the setting file creation tool to the printer information setting screen. It is a deletion printer information setting screen of the setting file creation tool It is a screen transition diagram from the initial screen of the configuration file creation tool to the processing information selection screen It is an option setting screen of the setting file creation tool It is a data diagram which shows an example of a definition file It is a flowchart of an installer set execution process It is a data figure showing an example of driver installer information FIG. 6 is a data diagram illustrating an example of printer installation information (before processing). 10 is a flowchart of printer deletion processing. 10 is a flowchart of printer deletion processing. It is a flowchart of port removal processing It is a data figure memorize | stored in the client terminal 102 concerning a deletion process. It is a data figure which shows an example of printer installation information (after a process) It is a screen which shows the setting of a printer pool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, each functional block of the apparatus of the client terminal 101 in this system will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. Each function is executed by the CPU, and detailed processing executed by each function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the client terminal 101 is an information processing apparatus that creates a file for maintaining device information registered in the client apparatus (102).
The port designation unit 401 is a functional unit that designates port information to be deleted by the client device in order to delete a device by specifying port information.
The definition information creating unit 402 is a functional unit that creates definition information including the port information designated by the port designating unit 401.

Further, the functional unit generates definition information including a device deletion method in accordance with designation by the port designation unit 401 or a device name designation unit 404 or a driver name designation unit 405 described later.
The definition information includes a device name in the case of designation by the device name designation unit 404, and includes a driver name in the case of the driver name designation unit 405.

  The file creation unit 403 acquires device information including port information registered in the client apparatus according to the definition information, and port information specified by the port specifying unit 401 in the device information registered in the client apparatus. Is set and a plurality of pieces of port information are set, control for canceling the setting of the port information designated by the port designation unit 401 is executed, and all of the plurality of port information is set to the port designation unit. A function unit that creates a file capable of executing control to delete device information in which the plurality of port information is set when designated in 401.

Note that the file to be created includes an execution module that can delete the device. The execution module is an execution module that executes a process of deleting a device with a device name when a plurality of ports are set for the device to be deleted and all the ports of the device to be deleted are ports to be deleted. Further, for each device name, the execution module determines whether to delete the device information based on the device name or to cancel the port information of the device information corresponding to the device name without deleting the device based on the device name. It is an execution module that executes processing.
The device name designation unit 404 is a functional unit that designates a device name to be deleted by the client device in order to delete the device by specifying the device name.
The driver name designating unit 405 is a functional unit that designates a driver name to be deleted by the client device in order to delete a device by designating the driver name.
The device registration information input unit 406 is a functional unit that inputs setting information of a device to be registered in the client terminal.
Further, the definition information creation unit 402 creates definition information including device information to be registered in accordance with the setting information from the device registration information input unit 406.
The file creation unit 403 creates a file that can execute control for registering a device in the client apparatus according to the definition information.
The device is a printer.

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

The client terminal 101 executes a definition file creation tool, and receives designation of a printer driver installer and input of printer setting information registered in the client terminal 102. In the present embodiment, in particular, it is possible to designate a deletion method and make settings for deleting a printer.
When creation of an installer set is executed by the definition file creation tool, an installer set 501 is created.
The created installer set is distributed by mail, stored in the server 103 and downloaded, and stored in the client terminal 102.

  The installer set is expanded according to the execution instruction to the installer set by the user, and the printer is registered in the client terminal 102 according to the information described in the definition file. For printers that have already been registered and are designated for deletion, printer deletion and port release are executed.

  This printer registration control is controlled via the printer driver installer, but the execution module directly executes the OS API (API for creating a printer, deleting a printer, changing printer information, etc.) to register the printer. You may control.

Hereinafter, the processing in the system of the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 14, 17, 18, and 19.
In addition, about each step, CPU201 of an apparatus performs a process.

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

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

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

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

  In step S608, an input of printer information is received through a printer information setting screen by a user operation, and the input information is acquired. An example of the printer information setting screen in which the printer information is input is 904 in FIG. When an OK button 905 is pressed here, the screen returns to the installer information setting screen 900, and information is added to the processing information list 906. The input information is stored in the memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the OK button is pressed, the installer information setting screen 900 is displayed again. The specified information is stored in the memory, and information on a port to be deleted, a printer name, and a driver name are added to the processing information list 906.

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

  It should be noted that the processing from step S605 to step S608 and step S609 to step S614 is repeated for the number of times specified in the installer information setting screen 900.

Step S614 is a step showing an example of port designation processing for designating port information to be deleted by the client device in order to delete the device by designating the port information.
In step S615, the option setting screen 1201 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.
In step S616, input of option setting information is received on the option setting screen 1201, and the input information is acquired.
In step S617, the definition file creation screen 1202 is displayed, the input of the definition file creation method information is received, and the input information is acquired.
Such input information is stored in a memory.

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

  In step S619, a definition file is created based on the input information stored in the memory. An example of information described in the definition file is shown in FIG. That is, it is a process (definition information creation process) for creating definition information including port information such as the IP address specified in FIG.

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

  Step S619 is also a step showing an example of a process for creating definition information including device information to be registered in accordance with setting information obtained by inputting device registration information in the case of device addition.

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

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

  When the IP address is designated, it is possible to delete the printer information in which the designated IP address is set in the port. As described above, when a plurality of ports are set with the printer pool turned ON, the printer information is deleted if all ports are to be deleted. If is not a deletion target, the port is removed (released).

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

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

  In step S620, an installer set for controlling (adding, deleting, changing) the printer information of the client terminal 102 is created according to the created definition file. In creating an installer set, an installer set is created including a definition file, a printer driver installer specified on the installer information setting screen and stored as input information, and an execution module. That is, device information including port information of a printer (device) registered in the client terminal (client device) is acquired according to the definition information, and the specified port information is set in the device registered in the client device. If multiple port information is set, the control to release the specified port information setting is executed. If all the multiple port information is specified, the multiple port information is set. This is a process (file generation process) for creating a file capable of executing control for deleting a device.

  In step S620, device information including port information registered in the client apparatus is acquired according to the created definition information, and the specified port information (definition information) is stored in the device information registered in the client apparatus. ) Is set and multiple port information is set, control to release the setting of the specified port information (described in the definition information) is executed, and all the multiple port information is specified. In this case, it is a step showing an example of a file creation process for creating a file capable of executing control for deleting device information for which a plurality of port information is set.

  Note that the created file contains an execution module that can delete the device. The execution module has multiple ports for the device to be deleted, and all the ports of the device to be deleted are the ports to be deleted. Can be paraphrased as an execution module that executes processing for deleting a device based on the device name. Further, for each device name, a process for determining whether to delete the device information based on the device name or to cancel the port information of the device information corresponding to the device name without deleting the device based on the device name is executed. It is an execution module.

  Note that step S620 is also a step showing an example of processing for creating a file capable of executing control for registering a device in the client apparatus according to the definition information when adding a device.

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

In step S1401, the installer set is executed according to a user operation, and the execution module in the installer set is executed. The following is processing executed by the execution module. There may be a configuration in which there are a plurality of execution modules, and each execution module executes each step.
In step S1402, the setting value is read from the definition file in the installer set and stored in the memory.
In step S1403, a folder is created in accordance with the work folder path described in the setting value.
In step S1404, the definition file and the printer driver installer file are copied to the created folder.

In step S1405, printer information installed and registered in the client terminal 102 is acquired and stored in the memory. This printer information is information relating to PRINTER_INFO obtained by EnumPrinters, which is an API, for example. When there are a plurality of printer objects in the client terminal 102, the printer information for the number of printer objects can be acquired. The printer information stored in the memory is referred to as printer installation information (FIG. 16).
That is, it is a step showing an example of an acquisition control process for acquiring device information including port information registered in the client apparatus.

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

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

  In step S1408, the printer is deleted or the port is released according to the information of the deleted printer information 1301. Details of the processing in step S1408 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

Specifically, the printer driver installer is started using the driver installer relative path 1303 described in the definition file shown in FIG. Here, the printer driver installer exists in the same location as the execution module. However, the printer driver installer on the network can be activated by using the printer driver installer path 1303 as a network path. Next, the activated printer driver installer installs a printer driver based on the definition file, and adds printers for the additional printer information. As a result, the printer object is displayed on the printer management screen of the OS.
Note that the processing order of step S1408 and step S1410 may be reversed. Perform deletion after adding.
In step S1411, the work folder created in step S1403 is deleted.
Here, the printer installation information of the client terminal 102 before the processing of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 shows information obtained according to the printer information of the printer registered in the client PC.

  The driver information of the currently installed printer driver is 1601. The printer information of each printer object is 1602. Also, 1603 is all port information assigned to the printer object.

  When a printer is added or deleted (including port cancellation) by the processing of FIG. 14, the printer registered in the client terminal 102 becomes printer installation information shown in FIG. The printer installation information in FIG. 21 will be described later.

Next, a flowchart of the printer deletion process of FIG. 17 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1408. The description will be made with reference to FIG.
In step S1701, the deletion method set in the definition file is acquired. Specifically, the setting value of the deletion method of the deleted printer information 1301 is acquired.

  In step S1702, the acquired deletion method is determined. If the deletion method is “2”, that is, if the host name / IP address is specified, the process proceeds to step S1705. If the deletion method is “0” or “1”, the process proceeds to step S1703. Move processing to.

In step S1703, a deletion target list is created. An example of the deletion target list is 2002. Here, as information to be described in the deletion target list, when the deletion method is “0”, the printer name of the setting value to be deleted in the deletion printer information 1301 is described. When the deletion method is “1”, a printer name that matches the driver name of the setting value to be deleted in the deleted printer information 1301 is acquired and described.
In step S1704, the printer name in the deletion target list is notified to the corresponding printer driver installer.
In step S1705, a deletion target list and a deletion type list are created. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1706, the port is removed (released). This process will be described later with reference to FIG. Of the printer names described in the deletion type list 2003, the port having the value of the port name described in the deletion target list 2002 of the printer whose flag value is “1” (“Printer 4” in 2003 in FIG. 20) is assigned to the printer. 4 is removed (cancelled). As a result, the printer 4 is not deleted, the port to be deleted is released, and the printer information of the printer 4 in which the necessary port is set remains.

  In step S1706, a plurality of pieces of port information set in the acquired device information are set, and the plurality of pieces of port information are not all specified in the port information included in the definition information (the port information in the deletion target list). (In a case where part of port information of a plurality of port information is a port to be deleted) is a step showing an example of a release control process for releasing a port included in the definition information.

  In step S1707, the printer name of the printer name in the deletion type list 2003 is notified to the printer driver corresponding to the printer name having the flag value “0”.

  In step S1708, the uninstaller that has received the notification executes printer uninstallation (printer information deletion) in order to delete the printer information corresponding to the printer name. The printer information may be deleted by using an API of the OS (for example, Delete Printer) by the execution module without using the printer driver.

  In step S1708, when a plurality of pieces of port information set in the acquired device information are set and all the port information included in the definition information is specified for the plurality of port information (the port information in the deletion target list). In the case where all of the device information is included, the device information is deleted.

  In the present embodiment, even when the printer has a plurality of deletion printer information 1301, only one deletion method can be selected. Therefore, the process is shifted to YES or NO in step S1702. For this reason, a plurality of deletion printer information 1301 are processed in a batch to create a deletion target list.

  In addition to the above-described embodiment, the process may be repeated for each deleted printer information 1301, and a deletion target list may be created for each deleted printer information to delete the printer. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which deleted printer information having the same deletion method is processed collectively, a deletion target list is created for each deletion method, and the printer is deleted.

Next, a flowchart of the printer deletion process of FIG. 18 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1705. The description will be made with reference to FIG.
In step S1801, a deletion candidate port list is created. An example of the deletion candidate port list is 2001.

  When the IP / host name in the port information 1603 of the printer installation information in FIG. 16 matches the IP / host name specified as the deletion target in the deletion printer information 1301 in the definition file, the IP address is added to the deletion candidate port list 2001. / Enter the host name.

  In step S1802, it is determined whether processing for the number of printer names in the printer information 1602 has been performed. If all have been processed, the process proceeds to step S1803. If all have been processed, the process ends.

In step S1803, it is determined whether the driver name of the printer information is in the driver name of the driver installer information (FIG. 15). The driver installer information may have a configuration set in the driver installer setting of the definition file.
If there is a driver name, the process proceeds to step S1804. If there is no driver name, the process returns to step S1802.

  In step S1804, it is determined whether the set port name of the printer information 1602 is in the deletion candidate port list 2001. If it is in the deletion candidate port list 2001, the process returns to step S1802. If it is not in the deletion candidate port list 2001, the process moves to step S1805 to add it to the deletion target list 2002.

  In step S1805, “printer name” and “port name” of the printer information currently being processed corresponding to the port name that matches the deletion candidate port list 2001 are added to the deletion target list. A diagram illustrating an example of the deletion target list is 2002.

  In step S1806, the deletion target list 2002 is referred to, and it is determined whether all the setting port names corresponding to the printer name of the printer information of the printer installation information are stored in the deletion target list 2002.

  If it is determined that all the set port names are stored in the deletion target list 2002, it can be determined that the printer information can be deleted by the printer name, and the process proceeds to step S1807. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the set port names are not stored in the deletion target list 2002 (for example, when one port name is stored in the deletion target list among a plurality of set port names), Since it is necessary to remove (cancel) the port without deleting the printer information, the process proceeds to step S1808.

  In step S1807, since the printer information can be deleted by the printer name, “printer name” and “printer deletion (0)” are associated and added to the deletion list.

In step S1808, if the printer name is deleted, even the printer information at the port that does not need to be deleted is deleted, so “printer name” and “remove port (1)” are associated with each other and added to the deletion type list.
An example of the deletion type list is 2003.

  Next, the flowchart of the port removal process in FIG. 19 will be described. This flowchart is a flowchart showing details of step S1706. The description will be made with reference to FIG.

  In step S1901, the deletion target list 2002 is read, and the printer name stored in the deletion target list is acquired. A flag (“0” or “1”) is acquired from the deletion type list 2003 using the printer name as a key.

  In step S1902, it is determined whether the acquired flag is port removal (1). If the port is disconnected, the process proceeds to step S1903. If the port is not disconnected, the process ends. In step S1707, deletion processing based on the printer name is performed.

  In step S1903, the port name corresponding to the printer name of port removal (1) is acquired from the deletion target list, and the port name is removed (released) from the setting of the printer information corresponding to the printer name.

  In the deletion type list 2003 of FIG. 20, the port removal (1) is “printer 4”, and the port to be deleted in the printer 4 is “10.1.1.2”. This port is removed from the printer information (FIG. 16). Specifically, the setting of 1602 is cancelled.

FIG. 21 shows the result of the printer deletion process based on the deletion target list 2002 and the deletion type list 2003 in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of printer installation information of the client terminal 102 obtained as a result of the printer addition processing and deletion processing from FIG.
In the present embodiment, the target device is a printer, but the present invention may be applied to a multifunction device or other input / output device in which a port is set.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately delete a device registered in the client apparatus.
In addition to adding a device, a device deletion method can be arbitrarily selected, and the deletion of a device can be efficiently deleted.

  Furthermore, addition and deletion of devices can be arbitrarily selected, and since the operator can select a method familiar to the deletion method at the time of deletion, the workload on the operator can be reduced.

  In particular, the files created by the definition file creation tool are distributed to the general public, and when the general person executes this file on the client terminal, in addition to adding devices, it is possible to delete devices all at once. Maintenance of device information registered in the device can be easily performed.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

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

  Further, the program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6, 14, 17, 18, and 19. The storage medium may be configured to store a program capable of executing the processing methods of FIGS. 6, 14, 17, 18, and 19 by a computer. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS. 6, 14, 17, 18, and 19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

101 Client terminal (administrator)
102 Client terminal (general person)
103 Server 104 Printer 105 Printer 106 Network 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
211 Memory (HD, FD)
302 Definition file creation tool 401 Port designation unit 402 Definition information creation unit 403 File creation unit 404 Device name designation unit 405 Driver name designation unit 406 Device registration information input unit

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus for creating a file for controlling setting of device information registered in a client apparatus,
And the port input means for receiving an input of port information,
Device information including port information registered in the client apparatus is acquired according to definition information including information regarding the port information input by the port input means and the device to be controlled, and the device information registered in the client apparatus Whether to delete the device information or to cancel the setting of the port information input by the port input means from the device information based on the plurality of port information set in the port information and the port information included in the definition information the information processing apparatus; and a file creating means for Rukoto be determined to create a file as possible. Device name to be deleted on the client device, or driver name to be deleted by the client device, or a setting screen displaying means for receiving a setting of the port information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: definition information creating means for creating definition information including a device deletion method according to the setting received by the setting screen display means . Device registration information input means for inputting setting information of a device to be registered in the client device;
The definition information creating means creates definition information according to the setting information by the device registration information input means,
The file creation means deletes device information registered in the client device or cancels the setting of port information according to the definition information, and registers device information using a device driver of the device to be registered in the client device. the information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that to create a file that can and this to. The device information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the information about the printer. A processing method of an information processing apparatus for creating a file for controlling setting of device information registered in a client apparatus,
And the port input step of accepting the input of the port information,
Device information including port information registered in the client apparatus is acquired in accordance with definition information including information regarding the port information input in the port input step and the device to be controlled, and the device information registered in the client apparatus Whether to delete the device information or to cancel the setting of the port information input in the port input step from the device information based on the plurality of port information set in the port information and the port information included in the definition information processing method characterized by comprising a file generating step of file creation Rukoto be determined to create a file as possible. A program for an information processing apparatus for creating a file for controlling setting of device information registered in a client apparatus,
The information processing apparatus;
And the port input means for receiving an input of port information,
Device information including port information registered in the client apparatus is acquired according to definition information including information regarding the port information input by the port input means and the device to be controlled, and the device information registered in the client apparatus Whether to delete the device information or to cancel the setting of the port information input by the port input means from the device information based on the plurality of port information set in the port information and the port information included in the definition information program for functioning as a file creating means for creating a file that can you to determine. A client device that stores device information,
An acquisition means for acquiring device information including port information registered in the client device, based on a file created according to definition information including input port information and information on a device to be controlled ;
And port information set in the acquired device information by the acquisition unit, based on the port information is the input, or the setting of the port information or deletes the device information to release from the device information client terminal; and a determining means that determine the. A processing method of a client device for storing device information,
An acquisition step of acquiring device information including port information registered in the client device based on a file created according to definition information including input port information and information on a device to be controlled ;
And port information set in the device information acquired by the acquisition step, based on the port information is the input, or the setting of the port information or deletes the device information to release from the device information processing method characterized by comprising a determination step that determine the. A client device program for storing device information,
The client device;
An acquisition means for acquiring device information including port information registered in the client device, based on a file created according to definition information including input port information and information on a device to be controlled ;
And port information set in the acquired device information by the acquisition unit, based on the port information is the input, or the setting of the port information or deletes the device information to release from the device information program for functioning as a determining means that determine the.

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