JP6589707B2 - Information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and program.

  By simply connecting the information processing device (PC: Personal Computer) and the printing device with a communication cable, the printer driver is automatically set up, a print queue is created on the OS (Operating System), and it is automatically ready for printing. The technology to set up is known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method for automatically constructing an optimal printing system environment when a print queue is created without the user being aware of the printing protocol. The method described in Patent Document 1 identifies a print protocol when creating a print queue, and performs bidirectional communication settings for the print queue according to the print protocol.

  In a technology for automatically setting up a printer queue on an OS and automatically setting up a printable state by simply setting a printer driver by simply connecting a conventional information processing apparatus and a printing device with a communication cable. When the environment on the OS side has changed due to version upgrade or the like, there has been a problem that the printing protocol used up to now cannot be used on the OS side. For this reason, the information processing apparatus loses communication means with the printing device, and there is a problem that printing and bidirectional communication cannot be performed from the print queue on the OS.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an information processing apparatus, system, and information processing method capable of printing from a print queue on an OS even when a printing protocol that has been used so far becomes unavailable And to provide a program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that communicates with a device connected via a network, and includes at least a first protocol indicating a communication procedure for communicating with the device. Print setting information storage means for storing the print setting information including communication, communication confirmation means for executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information and confirming communication with the device, and the communication A communication execution unit confirmation unit for confirming whether or not there is a first communication execution unit corresponding to the first protocol and performing communication when the confirmation unit cannot communicate with the device; and the communication execution unit confirmation If the means does not confirm that the first communication execution unit exists, the first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to a second protocol different from the first protocol. It includes a communication execution unit replacing means for replacing the Col the.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to print from the print queue on the OS even when the printing protocol becomes unavailable.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information in which a back end uniquely corresponding to a communication protocol is associated. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of protocol priority order. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the generation unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the generation unit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printer monitoring tool. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the printer monitoring tool. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the printer monitoring tool. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the printing system.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method, and a program will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a client PC (information processing apparatus) 10 and an MFP (device) 20. A client PC (information processing apparatus) 10 and an MFP (device) 20 are connected to each other via a network 30. The network 30 is, for example, an in-house computer network such as an in-house LAN used in a company office. Hereinafter, the client PC is referred to as “information processing apparatus”.

  In the following, a case where the device according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is a device having at least two functions among a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The device is not limited to the MFP, and may be a printer, an LP (Laser Printer), an ink jet printer, a FAX apparatus, a digital copying machine, a scanner apparatus, a projector, or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 10 performs bidirectional communication with the device 20 via the network 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 transmits data (for example, image data) and setting information to the device 20 via the network 30 to execute printing.

  The device 20 is a network device, an electronic device, for example, an MFP. In the present embodiment, an MFP will be described as an example of the device 20. The device 20 performs bidirectional communication with the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 30. For example, the device 20 receives data (image data) from the information processing apparatus 10 and performs printout (image formation) on a recording medium.

  Although FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of the information processing apparatuses 10 and the devices 20 is one each, the number of the information processing devices 10 and the devices 20 is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, a device I / F 105, A network I / F 108 is included, and these are connected to each other via a system bus 109. In addition, a display unit 106 and an operation unit 107 are connected to the device I / F 105.

  The CPU 101 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 10. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like. The HDD 104 stores files and data necessary for realizing various functions of the information processing apparatus 10.

  The device I / F 105 is an interface for connecting each of the display unit 106 and the operation unit 107 to the system bus 109. The display unit 106 is a visual user interface for displaying various types of information, and includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 107 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input various information to the information processing apparatus 10. The network I / F 108 is an interface for connecting the information processing apparatus 10 to the network 30.

  In such a hardware configuration, the software control unit is configured by the CPU 101 performing calculations in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 103 or a program loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 or an optical disk (not shown). A functional block that realizes the function of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  The program for the information processing apparatus 10 may be a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a device (MFP). As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 20 includes a controller board 210, an operation panel 221, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 222, a USB (registered trademark) Universal Serial Bus (223), an IEEE 1394 I / F 224, a print / scanner. An engine 225 and a peripheral device 226 are provided.

  The controller board 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory) 212, a flash memory 213, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive Management) 214, and an ASIC (Applied 15 Management Application). A system memory 216, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 217, and a modem 218 are provided.

  The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 20. The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 20 by executing programs stored in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214. Further, the CPU 211 implements various functions. In addition, the CPU 211 performs data calculation based on programs in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214, controls each unit of the MFP 20, and executes processing as the MFP 20.

  The SDRAM 212 is a memory that stores various programs. The SDRAM 212 is a memory used by the CPU 211 during data processing.

  The flash memory 213 is a memory that stores various programs and an OS (Operating System) image. The flash memory 213 is a memory for storing data (model number, IP address, etc.) requiring various non-volatility. The flash memory 213 is also a storage memory for realizing each function in the MFP 20.

  The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage medium, and stores various management information, update firmware, and execution firmware of the target MFP 20. The HDD 214 stores image data and the like.

  The ASIC 215 supports sharing of devices to be controlled by the CPU 211, and supports high efficiency of development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. The ASIC 215 performs various image processing.

  The management system memory 216 is a memory that stores various data necessary for realizing each function of each process in the MFP 20.

  The NIC 217 is an interface connected to an external device (for example, an information processing device (client PC), a print server, etc.) via a local area network (LAN) or a network.

  The modem 218 is connected to an interface device (modem) of an external device via a public line network.

  The operation panel 221 is an interface for an operator who operates the MFP 20 and receives data input, job execution, and the like. The operation panel 221 includes various operation keys and function keys, and also includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands necessary for causing the MFP 20 to perform various operations are input from the operation keys. On the display, the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various information notified from the MFP 20 to the operator are displayed.

  The FCU 222 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line. Further, the FCU 222 exchanges facsimile control signals with an external FAX apparatus and executes G3 and G4 facsimile communication procedures.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) 223 is a serial bus for connecting to a corresponding device such as a peripheral device. For example, a USB device is connected to the USB 223, and data is exchanged with the connected USB device under the control of the CPU 211.

  The IEEE 1394 I / F 224 is used for connection with a corresponding device such as an external scanner or a plotter.

  The print / scanner engine 225 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the ASIC 215, scans the document in the main scanning / sub scanning, reads the image data of the document, and outputs it to the ASIC 215. A peripheral unit 226 such as a post-processing machine or an ADF (automatic document feeder) is connected to the printing / scanner engine 225.

  The above-mentioned program for the MFP 20 is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a printer monitoring tool 121, an application 130, and a printing system (CUPS: Common Unix (registered trademark) Printing System) 110 on an OS 120. The printing system (CUPS) 110 includes a generation unit 111, a print queue storage unit 112, a spooler 113, a conversion information storage unit 114, a conversion unit 115, and a communication execution unit 116. When printing from the application 130, print data is output to the printer (MFP) 20 via the printing system (CUPS) 110. Hereinafter, the MFP 20 is referred to as “printer 20”.

  The generation unit 111 is a program for rewriting Config Files, which is an aspect of the Autotool Tool, and is an aspect of the print queue storage unit 112 in order to create a print queue. For example, when generating the print queue, the generation unit 111 checks the IP address of the connection destination device 20, and stores correspondence information in which the IP address is associated with the print queue in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). To do. In the case of a print protocol that is not an Internet protocol, such as USB or Bluetooth (registered trademark), the generation unit 111 displays correspondence information describing that there is no IP address in the print queue. Save to Config Files). The Autosetup Tool is generally developed and provided by a printer vendor.

  The print queue storage unit 112 is an aspect of the Config Files, and stores, for example, a printing system (CUPS) 110 and printer settings including a printing protocol to be used and a connection destination address on the protocol. Further, the print queue storage unit 112 holds a printer description file (PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file) in which information for each model of the PostScript (registered trademark) printer is recorded. The printer description file (PPD file) is referred to by the PostScript printer driver at the time of printing. The print queue storage unit 112 corresponds to “print setting information storage unit” in the claims.

  The spooler 113 is an aspect of cupsd, and the format of print data output to the printer 20 described in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) from the format of print data received from the application 130 when printing is performed. Therefore, the conversion information storage unit 114 (mime.convs) is referred to form a filter pipeline with a low processing cost, and print data is sent to the filter pipeline. Note that creating a filter pipeline means arranging filters for passing print data (for example, Filter and Driver of the conversion unit 115, Backends of the communication execution unit 116) in order. The filter includes a driver and a backend. As processing cost information, for example, weighting values are assigned to items such as processing load, image quality does not deteriorate, and processing efficiency is good. Low filter pipeline.

  The conversion information storage unit 114 stores mime. It is an aspect of convs, and is information that is stored in the printing system (CUPS) 110 from the beginning as information for forming a filter pipeline. For each filter included in the printing system 110, an input data format, an output data format, processing cost information, and the like are stored. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), / usr / share / cups / mime / apple. convs and / usr / share / cups / mime / mime. convs corresponds.

  The conversion unit 115 includes Filters A to H and Drivers a to d. Filter converts the format of print data. The printing system (CUPS) 110 has various filters from the beginning in order to support various input formats and output formats. For example, there are a filter that converts PDF data to PostScript data, a filter that converts PDF data to raster data, and a filter that converts raster data to tiff data. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), the filter that the printing system (CUPS) 110 has from the beginning is stored in / usr / libexec / cups / filter /.

  The driver is generally provided by a printer vendor, and after data conversion by the filter is completed, it is converted into a print data format unique to the printer vendor, or a print command unique to the printer vendor is added to the print data. Filter. Which driver is used for printing is defined in the print queue.

  The communication execution unit 116 is composed of a plurality of Backends. In the example of FIG. 4, the communication execution unit 116 includes Backends USB to Backends SMB. Each Backend included in the communication execution unit 116 has a function of a communication module that performs communication with the printer 20. Each Backends included in the communication execution unit 116 is an independent execution file. Each Backends included in the communication execution unit 116 is associated with each communication protocol. That is, there is one Backend corresponding to one communication protocol. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence information in which a back end (Backends) uniquely corresponding to a communication protocol is associated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the correspondence information is information in which, for example, the protocol “usb” is associated with the back end “Backends USB”. Therefore, when the protocol is set, the back end used for communication is uniquely selected. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), Backends is stored in / usr / libexec / cups / backend /. The main protocol Backends is included in the printing system (CUPS) 110 from the beginning, but the available communication protocol may differ depending on the version of the OS 120. That is, when the OS 120 is upgraded, there is a possibility that Backends used up to now cannot be used.

  The printer monitoring tool 121 periodically confirms whether or not communication with the printer 20 is possible with respect to the print queue registered in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) on a regular basis. . For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), it is possible to communicate with the printer 20 by using the API (Application Programming Interface) of the printing system (CUPS) 110, or actually try to communicate with the printer 20. Can be confirmed. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), the periodic execution is performed by storing a setting file in which contents of the periodic execution are stored in / Library / Launch Daemons / and passing the setting file to the launchctl command. If the printer monitoring tool 121 cannot communicate with the printer 20, the printer monitoring tool 121 checks whether Backends (Backends module (executable file)) corresponding to the communication protocol set in the current print queue exists. The communication protocol is switched by switching Backends (Backends module (executable file)) according to a predetermined priority order using an IP address stored in the storage unit 112 (Config Files). The priority order is held as priority correspondence information in which a priority and a protocol are associated with each other. The priority correspondence information may be stored in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files), may be stored in the printer monitoring tool 121, or may be stored in an external file that can be read by the printer monitoring tool 121. Also good.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of protocol priority order. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the priority order is, for example, “socket”, “lpd”, and “ipp” from the highest priority. In these protocols, it is possible to specify an IP address as a value of Device URI (device URI) indicating a connection destination of the printer 20 in the print queue. Only “socket” in the order of priority is a protocol capable of bidirectional communication. “Lpd” in priority order 2 is a protocol supported by a wide range of printers 20. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), the value of DeviceURI is / etc / cups / printers. defined in conf. The Device URI (device URI) corresponds to “connection destination information” in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the printer monitoring tool 121 has a communication protocol in which the address information of the connection destination MFP 20 may be indicated by a domain name, and the IP address may change. The IP address of the MFP 20 is checked and the information in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) is updated. In other words, it periodically checks whether communication with the device 20 is possible, acquires address information (IP address) indicating the network location of the device 20 with which communication was possible, print queue, and the acquired address The correspondence information associated with the information (IP address) is updated and stored in the print queue storage unit 112. As a result, even if the printing protocol used up to now cannot be used due to the OS 120 version upgrade or the like, the printing protocol can be automatically switched using the stored IP address information. Can be printed on the street.

  The application 130 is a software program corresponding to various functions in the information processing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the generation unit. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the generation unit 111 includes a print queue generation unit 131 and an IP address confirmation unit 132.

  For each print queue, the print queue generation unit 131 generates correspondence information in which the IP address of the MFP 20 as the connection destination is associated with the print queue, and stores the correspondence information in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files).

  The IP address confirmation unit 132 acquires the value of the DeviceURI associated with the print queue from the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files), checks the IP address of the connection destination of the DeviceURI, and sends the IP address to the print queue generation unit 131. Notice.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the generation unit. When the print system (CUPS) 110 generates (adds) a print queue (step S1), the spooler 113 (cupsd) uses the print queue information as an argument, and the IP address confirmation unit 132 of the generation unit 111 (Autosetup Tool). Call. Next, the IP address confirmation unit 132 inquires of the device URI (DeviceURI) associated with the print queue to the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) (step S2), and the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). ) Responds with the device URI (DeviceURI) (step S3), and the IP address confirmation unit 132 acquires the device URI (DeviceURI). Next, the IP address confirmation unit 132 checks the connection destination of the device URI (DeviceURI) and acquires the IP address (step S4). Next, the IP address confirmation unit 132 notifies the print queue generation unit 131 of the print queue and the IP address (step S5). Next, the print queue generation unit 131 generates a print queue (step S6), generates correspondence information in which an IP address is associated with the print queue, and stores the print queue and the print queue in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). The IP address is associated and stored (step S7). That is, the print queue generation unit 131 stores correspondence information in which an IP address is associated with the generated print queue in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). Next, the print queue storage unit 112 returns a response to the print queue generation unit 131 (step S8), the print queue generation unit 131 returns a response to the IP address confirmation unit 132 (step S9), and the IP address confirmation unit 132 Returns a response to the spooler 113 (step S10).

  By executing the above processing, the IP address of the MFP 20 can be stored in association with each other when the print queue is created. For this reason, when the print protocol that has been used until now can no longer be used, another print protocol that can communicate with the MFP 20 is checked using the IP address associated with the print queue, and a different print protocol that can be communicated is determined. By switching, printing and bidirectional communication can be performed from the print queue on the OS 120.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the printer monitoring tool. The printer monitoring tool 121 includes a print queue list 122, a device URI analysis unit 123, a printer connection confirmation unit 124, a back end confirmation unit 125, a back end replacement unit 126, an IP address confirmation unit 127, and a print queue update. Part 128.

  The print queue list 122 acquires a list of print queues registered in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) from the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). The print queue list 122 transfers the print queue list to the device URI analysis unit 123. At this time, the print queues may be delivered one by one. The print queue list 122 can also request the device URI analysis unit 123 to analyze the device URI (DeviceURI) for each print queue, using the print queue as an argument.

  The device URI analysis unit 123 uses the print queue list to display the device URI (device URI) value corresponding to the print queue for the print queue registered in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). Obtained from the storage unit 112 (Config Files). Then, the device URI analysis unit 123 analyzes a device URI (device URI) character string and determines whether the printer 20 is connected via IP. The device URI analysis unit corresponds to “analysis means” in the claims.

  The printer connection confirmation unit 124 actually confirms whether communication with the printer 20 is possible by attempting communication with the printer 20. That is, the printer connection confirmation unit 124 confirms whether communication with the printer 20 is possible by executing communication according to the first protocol indicating the protocol included in the print queue. When the printer connection confirmation unit 124 cannot communicate with the printer 20, the printer connection confirmation unit 124 executes communication according to the second protocol indicating the protocol of the next priority in accordance with the priority order stored (set) in advance. It is confirmed again whether it can communicate with 20. The printer connection confirmation unit 124 repeatedly performs confirmation until communication with the printer 20 is performed or until confirmation is performed using all protocols in order of priority. The printer connection confirmation unit corresponds to “communication confirmation unit” and “communication reconfirmation unit” in the claims.

  When the printer connection confirmation unit 124 cannot communicate with the printer 20, the back-end confirmation unit 125 selects the first communication execution unit 116 (Backends module (execution file) corresponding to the communication protocol set in the current print queue. )) Exists. The back-end confirmation unit corresponds to “communication execution unit confirmation unit” in the claims.

  The back-end replacement unit 126 includes a first communication execution unit 116 (Backends module (execution file)) corresponding to the protocol included in the print queue, which is stored in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). If this is not confirmed, the first protocol included in the print setting information is replaced with a second protocol different from the first protocol. That is, when it is not confirmed that the first communication execution unit 116 (Backends module (execution file)) corresponding to the protocol included in the print queue exists, the printer connection confirmation unit 124 uses the print queue storage unit. Using the IP address held in 112 (Config Files), the second protocol indicating the protocol of the next priority is determined according to the priority order (see FIG. 6) stored (set) in advance, and determined. It is confirmed again whether communication with the printer 20 can be performed by executing communication according to the second protocol. If communication is possible, the first communication execution unit 116 (Backends module (execution file) included in the print queue) ), The second communication execution unit 116 (Back) that executes communication corresponding to the second protocol. Replace the nds of the module (executable file)). By switching the protocol according to the priority order stored (set) in advance, the communication execution unit 116 (Backends module (execution file)) is replaced when communication is possible. When communication according to the second protocol is executed, an IP address associated with the print queue is designated as a DeviceURI (device URI) value indicating the connection destination of the printer 20. It can communicate with the device 20. The back-end replacement unit corresponds to “communication execution unit replacement unit” in the claims.

  The IP address confirmation unit 127 executes communication according to the protocol included in the print queue by the printer connection confirmation unit 124, and when communication with the printer 20 is possible, address information (IP address) indicating the position of the printer 20 on the network. To get. For example, it can be obtained from address information of a connection destination when communication is possible, address information from a DNS server, or the like. Further, for example, the IP address of the printer 20 can be acquired from the information of the DeviceURI. The IP address confirmation unit corresponds to “address information acquisition means” in the claims.

  The print queue update unit 128 updates the correspondence information in which the print queue is associated with the acquired address information (IP address) and stores the updated correspondence information in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). The print queue update unit corresponds to “print setting information update unit” in the claims.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the printer monitoring tool. The printer monitoring tool 121 determines whether or not the printing protocol to be used is IP (Internet protocol) (step S11). That is, the device URI analysis unit 123 acquires a list of print queues registered in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files), and uses the acquired print queue list to correspond to the print queue for each print queue. The character string of the device URI (device URI) to be analyzed is analyzed to determine whether the printer 20 is connected via IP. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), the Device URI stored in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) is dnssd, http, https, ipp, ipps, ippusb, lpd, mdns, smb, socket. Can be determined to be IP. In addition, if it is Bluetooth, usb, it can be determined that it is not IP.

  If it is not IP (step S11: No), the process is terminated. If it is IP (step S11: Yes), the printer connection confirmation unit 124 confirms whether communication with the printer 20 is possible using the current printing protocol (step S12). That is, the communication with the printer 20 is actually tried and confirmed. Note that the API of the printing system (CUPS) 110 can be used to check whether communication with the printer 20 is possible. When communication is possible (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. If communication is not possible (step S12: No), the back-end confirmation unit 125 determines whether the Backends module (execution file) corresponding to the communication protocol set in the current print queue exists on the file system (whether it exists). ) Confirm (step S13). For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), a Backend module is stored in / usr / libexec / cups / backend /. If the Backends module is, for example, “ipp”, the module with the file name “ipp” is the corresponding module.

  If there is a Backends module (executable file) (step S13: Yes), the process is terminated. In this case, although the Backends module (execution file) of the printing system (CUPS) 110 is normal, it is possible that communication could not be performed because the printer 20 is not turned on. When there is no Backends module (execution file) (step S13: No), the printer connection confirmation unit 124 determines that the Backends module (execution file) of the next priority is in accordance with the order of priorities stored in advance (see FIG. 6). It is confirmed whether it exists (step S14). That is, as shown by the correspondence information in FIG. 5, there is a unique back end (Backends module (executable file)) associated with the protocol. Therefore, in practice, it is confirmed whether there is a protocol of the next priority according to the priority order shown in FIG.

  If there is no Backends module (execution file) of the next priority (step S14: No), the process is terminated. If there is a Backends module (executable file) of the next priority (step S14: Yes), the printer connection confirmation unit 124 sets the Backends of the next priority to the IP address acquired from the print queue storage unit 112. It is confirmed whether the module (executable file) can communicate (step S15). That is, as described above, it is checked whether or not communication with the printer 20 is possible using the protocol of the next priority with respect to the IP address acquired from the correspondence information held in the print queue storage unit 112 in practice. That is, the communication with the printer 20 is actually tried and confirmed. Note that the API of the printing system (CUPS) 110 can be used to check whether communication with the printer 20 is possible.

  When communication is not possible (step S15: No), it returns to step S14 and continues the process. When communication is possible (step S15: Yes), the back-end replacement unit 126 supports the first Backends (Backends module (executable file)) included in the print queue in accordance with the second protocol having the next priority. The second Backends (Backends module (execution file)) for executing communication is replaced (Step S16). Next, the IP address confirmation unit 127 acquires address information (IP address) indicating the network location of the printer 20 that can communicate. Next, the print queue update unit 128 updates the IP address of the print queue (step S17). That is, the print queue update unit 128 updates the correspondence information in which the print queue is associated with the acquired address information (IP address) and stores the updated correspondence information in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files). Specifically, the value of the device URI (device URI) in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) is replaced with one corresponding to the new protocol. For example, a description of a device URI (device URI) of a protocol that can be connected by an IP address is expressed as follows.

  “Socket: //192.168.11.10”, “ipp // 192.168.11.10 / printer”, “lpd: ///192.168.11.10/printer”

  In the description of the device URI, the “socket”, “ipp”, and “lpd” portions correspond to the protocol, and the “192.168.11.10” portion corresponds to the IP address. One print queue is associated with one protocol, and one back end (Backends) is associated with one protocol.

  Since the “192.168.11.10” portion is an IP address, this IP address portion may be rewritten to the corresponding IP address. For example, in the case of Mac OS X (registered trademark), among the printing protocols supported as standard, the following three types “socket”, “ipp”, and “lpd” can estimate the DeviceURI from the IP address. is there.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the printer monitoring tool. The print queue list 122 makes a request for the print queue list to the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) (step S21), and the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) responds with the print queue list (step S22). The print queue list 122 acquires a list of print queues registered in the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) (step S23).

  Next, the device URI analysis unit 123 acquires the print queue from the print queue list 122 (step S24), requests the print queue storage unit 112 (Config Files) for the device URI (step S25), and the print queue storage unit. 112 (Config Files) responds with the device URI (step S26). Next, the device URI analysis unit 123 acquires a device URI (step S27). Next, the device URI analysis unit 123 analyzes the character string of the device URI (step S28), determines the communication protocol, and determines whether the printer 20 is IP-connected.

  In the case of IP connection, the device URI analysis unit 123 sends a printer connection confirmation request to the printer connection confirmation unit 124 using the print queue, Device URI, and communication protocol as arguments (step S29). Next, the printer connection confirmation unit 124 checks whether communication with the printer 20 is possible by actually attempting communication with the printer 20 (step S30).

  When connection is not possible (when communication is not possible), the printer connection confirmation unit 124 uses the print queue, the device URI, and the communication protocol as arguments to the first Backends (corresponding to the communication protocol set in the print queue to the back-end confirmation unit 125. A request is made to confirm whether a Backends module (executable file) is present (step S31). Next, the back end confirmation unit 125 confirms the back end (step S32). That is, it is confirmed whether the first Backends (Backends module (execution file)) corresponding to the communication protocol exists.

  When the first Backends (Backends module (executable file)) does not exist, the printer connection confirmation unit 124 follows the second protocol indicating the protocol of the next priority according to the priority order stored (set) in advance. If the communication is executed and the printer 20 can be communicated, the back-end confirmation unit 125 corresponds the first Backends (Backends module (execution file)) included in the print queue to the second protocol. Then, a backend replacement request is made to the backend replacement unit 126 to replace with the second Backends (Backends module (execution file)) that executes communication (step S33). Next, the back-end replacement unit 126 makes a back-end replacement request to the print queue update unit 128 (step S34). Next, the print queue update unit 128 changes the first protocol included in the print queue to the second protocol, and updates the print queue (step S35). Next, the print queue storage unit 112 stores a print queue in which Backends (Backends module (execution file)) associated with the protocol is replaced (Step S36). That is, the print queue after changing the protocol included in the print queue is updated and stored. Thereafter, the print queue storage unit 112 returns a response to the print queue update unit 128 (step S37), the print queue update unit 128 returns a response to the back-end replacement unit 126 (step S38), and the back-end replacement unit 126 A response is returned to the end confirmation unit 125 (step S39), and the back end confirmation unit 125 returns a response to the printer connection confirmation unit 124 (step S40).

  When the connection is established (when communication is possible), the printer connection confirmation unit 124 makes an IP address confirmation request to the IP address confirmation unit 127 using the print queue and the DeviceURI as arguments (step S41). For example, the IP address confirmation unit 132 acquires the IP address of the printer 20 from the information of the DeviceURI (step S42). Next, the IP address confirmation unit 127 makes an IP address update request to the print queue update unit 128 using the print queue and the IP address as arguments (step S43). Next, the print queue update unit 128 performs IP address update (step S44). That is, the print queue updating unit 128 updates the correspondence information in which the print queue is associated with the acquired address information (IP address). Next, the print queue storage unit 112 updates and stores the IP address associated with the print queue (step S45). That is, the print queue storage unit 112 updates and stores the IP address in the correspondence information. Thereafter, the print queue storage unit 112 returns a response to the print queue update unit 128 (step S46), the print queue update unit 128 returns a response to the IP address confirmation unit 127 (step S47), and the IP address confirmation unit 127 receives the printer. A response is returned to the connection confirmation unit 124 (step S48).

  The processes in steps S24 to S48 are repeated for all print queues listed in the print queue list. In addition, the printer monitoring tool 121 repeatedly executes the processing sequence described above (the processing in steps S21 to S48) at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is arbitrary.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment holds the IP address of the device 20 in association with the print queue, and confirms whether communication with the device 20 is possible periodically. If communication with the device 20 is not possible, it is checked whether there is a module for controlling communication called Backends (Backends module (executable file)) corresponding to the print protocol set in the print queue. If Backends (Backends module (execution file)) corresponding to the print protocol does not exist, the device is used in accordance with the print protocol of the next priority in the order of preset priority using the held IP address. Check whether communication to 20 is possible. When communication with the device 20 can be performed, a module for controlling communication called Backends (Backends module (executable file)) corresponding to the print protocol is replaced by replacing the print protocol set in the print queue. Switch. This makes it possible to print from the print queue on the OS 120 even when the printing protocol that has been used so far can no longer be used.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 10 acquires address information (IP address) indicating the position on the network of the device 20 that can communicate, and associates the print queue with the acquired address information (IP address). The information is updated and stored in the print queue storage unit 112. Then, it periodically checks whether communication with the device 20 is possible. If communication is possible, the IP address of the device 20 corresponding to the print queue is updated. As a result, even when communication according to the printing protocol is not possible, it is possible to communicate with the device 20 by designating an IP address as a device URI (device URI) value indicating the connection destination of the printer 20 in the print queue. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence of the printing system (CUPS). The application 130 makes a print request including the print data in PDF format, the print queue selected as the print destination, and the print settings set in the print dialog to the spooler 113 (step S61). Next, the spooler 113 makes a print queue setting request to the print queue storage unit 112 (step S62). The print queue storage unit 112 sets the print queue including the format of print data to be finally passed to the printer 20 (PostScript data in this example), the driver associated with the print queue, and the device URI for communicating with the printer 20. A response is made (step S63). Next, the spooler 113 acquires the print queue setting (step S64). Next, the spooler 113 forms a filter pipeline (step S65). Next, the spooler 113 requests conversion information (filter information) held in the conversion information storage unit 114 (held in advance by the printing system) (step S66). Next, the conversion information storage unit 114 responds with conversion information (filter information) including the order in which the filters are arranged (step S67).

  Next, the spooler 113 converts the print data received from the application 130 into final print data by converting the data format, imposing (2 in 1 or the like), or adding a print command. . In order to realize this, it is necessary to pass the print data through various filters in an appropriate order. Information for determining an appropriate filter order is held in the conversion information storage unit 114 (mime.convs), and the format of the print data input from the application 130 and the format of the print data output to the printer 20 are input. Then, the conversion information storage unit 114 (mime.convs) returns an appropriate filter order (corresponding to the processing in steps S66 and S67 described above). The spooler 113 calls the filter according to the filter order of the conversion information (filter information) and performs data conversion or communication with the printer 20.

  Next, the spooler 113 performs data conversion of the PDF data by the filter 1 (converter 115) in accordance with the order of the filter of the conversion information (filter information) (step S68). Filter 1 is a filter named cgpdftops, converts PDF data to PostScript data (step S 69), and returns PostScript data (step S 70). Next, the spooler 113 performs data conversion of PostScript data with the filter 2 (conversion unit 115) (step S71). Filter 2 is a filter named cgpstops, adds a PostScript print command (for example, double-sided printing or stapling) to PostScript data according to the print settings (step S72), and returns PostScript data and the added print command (step S73). . Next, the spooler 113 performs data conversion of the PostScript data and the print command with the driver (conversion unit 115) (step S74). Driver is a filter provided by the printer vendor, and adds a print command or the like of a function uniquely implemented by the vendor to the print data according to the print setting that cannot be processed by cgpstops (step S75), PostScript data, print command, and implementation function Is returned (step S76). Next, the spooler 113 issues a print request including PostScript data, print settings (print command, print command for mounting function), and device URI (DeviceURI) to the back end (communication execution unit 116) (step S77). Next, the back end (communication execution unit 116) communicates with the printer 20 indicated by the device URI (DeviceURI) in accordance with the printing protocol, and executes printing of PostScript data (step S78). The printer 20 executes printing (step S79). Thereafter, the printer 20 returns a response to the back end (communication execution unit 116) (step S80), and the back end (communication execution unit 116) returns a response to the spooler 113 (step S81).

  By executing the above processing, the printing system (CUPS) 110 can perform various data conversions on the print request from the application 130 and cause the printer 20 to execute printing.

  Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  A program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 is an installable or executable file in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Stored and provided as a computer program product.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 may be provided via a network such as the Internet without being downloaded.

  The program of the information processing apparatus 10 may be configured to be provided by being preinstalled in the ROM 103 or the like.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus 10 includes the function blocks described above (printer monitoring tool 121 (print queue list 122, device URI analysis unit 123, printer connection confirmation unit 124, back end confirmation unit 125, back end replacement unit 126). , IP address confirmation unit 127, print queue update unit 128) and printing system 110 (generation unit 111, print queue storage unit 112, spooler 113, conversion information storage unit 114, conversion unit 115, communication execution unit 116)) It has a configuration. As the actual hardware, each functional block is loaded onto the RAM 102 when the CPU 101 reads a program from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 and executes it. That is, each functional block is generated on the RAM 102.

  Note that some of the functional blocks of the information processing apparatus 10 described above may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) without being realized by software.

  It should be noted that the system configuration in which the information processing apparatus 10 and the device 20 of the present embodiment are connected is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on the application and purpose.

1 System 10 Information processing device (client PC)
20 devices (MFP, printer)
30 network 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
104 HDD
105 Device I / F
106 Display Unit 107 Operation Unit 108 Network I / F
109 System Bus 110 Printing System (CUPS)
111 Generation Unit 112 Print Queue Storage Unit 113 Spooler 114 Conversion Information Storage Unit 115 Conversion Unit 116 Communication Execution Unit 120 OS
121 Printer Monitoring Tool 122 Print Queue List 123 Device URI Analysis Unit 124 Printer Connection Confirmation Unit 125 Back End Confirmation Unit 126 Back End Replacement Unit 127 IP Address Confirmation Unit 128 Print Queue Update Unit 130 Application 131 Print Queue Generation Unit 132 IP Address Confirmation Unit 210 Controller board 211 CPU
212 SDRAM
213 Flash memory 214 HDD
215 ASIC
216 Management system memory 217 NIC
218 Modem 221 Operation panel 222 FCU
223 USB
224 IEEE1394 I / F
225 Printing / scanner engine 226 Peripheral machine

JP 2014-032647 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a device connected via a network,
Print setting information storage means for storing print setting information including at least a first protocol indicating a communication procedure for communicating with the device;
Communication confirmation means for confirming whether communication with the device can be performed by executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information;
A communication execution unit confirmation unit that confirms whether or not there is a first communication execution unit that performs communication corresponding to the first protocol, when the communication confirmation unit cannot communicate with the device;
When the communication execution unit confirmation unit does not confirm that the first communication execution unit exists, the first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to a second protocol different from the first protocol. A communication execution unit replacement means for replacing,
Information processing device. The communication execution unit replacement means determines the second protocol indicating the next priority according to a priority order stored in advance.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. A communication reconfirming means for reconfirming whether communication with the device can be performed by executing communication according to the second protocol;
The communication execution unit replacement means replaces the second protocol when the communication reconfirmation means confirms that communication with the device is possible.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. If the communication reconfirmation means executes communication according to the second protocol and can communicate with the device, address information acquisition means for acquiring address information indicating the position of the device on the network;
The first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to the second protocol, and correspondence information in which the changed print setting information and the acquired address information are associated with each other is the print setting information storage unit. A print setting information update means to be stored in
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. When the communication confirmation unit executes communication according to the first protocol and can communicate with the device,
The address information acquisition means acquires the address information of the device,
The print setting information update unit updates and stores the correspondence information in which the print setting information and the acquired address information are associated;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The print setting information storage means further holds priority correspondence information in which the priority and the protocol are associated;
When the communication confirmation unit cannot communicate with the device by executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information,
The communication reconfirming means refers to the priority correspondence information and executes communication according to the second protocol of the next priority;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The print setting information further includes connection destination information indicating a connection destination defined by the protocol,
The communication reconfirmation means refers to the correspondence information, specifies the address information as the connection destination information, and executes communication according to the second protocol of the next priority.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The print setting information further includes connection destination information indicating a connection destination defined by the protocol,
Analyzing means for analyzing whether the connection destination information is information to be connected via the Internet, further comprising:
If the information is connected without going through the Internet,
The communication confirmation unit does not confirm whether communication with the device is possible,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The communication confirmation unit confirms whether or not communication with the device is possible using the address information included in the correspondence information for each of the print setting information stored in the print setting information storage unit at a predetermined interval. If you can communicate with the device,
The address information acquisition means acquires the address information,
The print setting information update unit updates the correspondence information using the acquired address information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. An information processing device and a device, which are connectable via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Print setting information storage means for storing print setting information including at least a first protocol indicating a communication procedure for communicating with the device;
Communication confirmation means for confirming whether communication with the device can be performed by executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information;
A communication execution unit confirmation unit that confirms whether or not there is a first communication execution unit that performs communication corresponding to the first protocol, when the communication confirmation unit cannot communicate with the device;
When the communication execution unit confirmation unit does not confirm that the first communication execution unit exists, the first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to a second protocol different from the first protocol. A communication execution unit replacement means for replacing;
Address information acquisition means for acquiring address information indicating a position on the network of the device that has been able to communicate by executing communication according to the second protocol;
The first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to the second protocol, and correspondence information in which the changed print setting information and the acquired address information are associated with each other is the print setting information storage unit. Print setting information updating means for storing
The equipment is
Comprising communication means for communicating with the information processing apparatus;
system. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus that communicates with a device connected via a network,
A print setting information storing step for storing print setting information including at least a first protocol indicating a communication procedure for communicating with the device;
A communication confirmation step of confirming whether communication with the device can be performed by executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information;
If communication with the device is not possible in the communication confirmation step, a communication execution unit confirmation step for confirming whether there is a first communication execution unit that performs communication corresponding to the first protocol;
When it is not confirmed in the communication execution unit confirmation step that the first communication execution unit exists, the first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to a second protocol different from the first protocol. A replacement communication execution unit replacement step;
An address information acquisition step of acquiring address information indicating a position on the network of the device that has been able to communicate by executing communication according to the second protocol;
The first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to the second protocol, and the correspondence information in which the changed print setting information is associated with the acquired address information is updated to print setting information. A print setting information update step to be stored in the storage means,
Information processing method. Information processing devices that communicate with devices connected via a network
A print setting information storing step for storing print setting information including at least a first protocol indicating a communication procedure for communicating with the device;
A communication confirmation step of confirming whether communication with the device can be performed by executing communication according to the first protocol included in the print setting information;
If communication with the device is not possible in the communication confirmation step, a communication execution unit confirmation step for confirming whether there is a first communication execution unit that performs communication corresponding to the first protocol;
When it is not confirmed in the communication execution unit confirmation step that the first communication execution unit exists, the first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to a second protocol different from the first protocol. A replacement communication execution unit replacement step;
An address information acquisition step of acquiring address information indicating a position on the network of the device that has been able to communicate by executing communication according to the second protocol;
The first protocol included in the print setting information is changed to the second protocol, and the correspondence information in which the changed print setting information is associated with the acquired address information is updated to print setting information. A print setting information update step to be stored in the storage means;
A program for running

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