JPH08115286A - Distributed i/o integrated server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide the distributed I/O integrated server which controls plural I/O devices with LAN connection functions to input and output data based on one time of indication from a client. CONSTITUTION: A distributed I/O integrated server 11 receives and analyzes the indication command, which indicates the input and output using the I/O devices with LAN connection functions, from a client 13j and controls a series of following operations. That is, an input device with LAN connection functions and an output device with LAN connection functions are occupied, and input data received from this input device by an input control part 201 is stored in a temporary file 203 through a selector and is converted to a data form adapted to the output device with LAN connection functions by an output control part 204 and is outputted from this occupied output device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server system capable of easily and efficiently utilizing a combination of functions of a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in the printing system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-326808, the scan server system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-249713, and the facsimile communication adapter sharing system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 62-257136, There is known a technique for sharing the I / O device of one or more clients.

Further, as shown in the printing system described in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-326808, the printer configuration is managed,
A technique is known that allows a user to easily find a target printer.

[0004]

Generally, each I / O device is used individually and independently. For example, data read by a scanner with LAN connection function or data received by a FAX modem with LAN connection function can be printed or
In order to perform X transmission, the user must issue at least two commands, that is, a command instructing input such as reading by a scanner and a command instructing printing or FAX transmission.

Further, even if the same image data has different compression formats, the data format of output data or input data varies depending on the I / O device. In such a case, the user must further issue a command for instructing data conversion.

That is, as described above, conventionally, each I
It was not possible to combine the functions of the / O device and provide them to the user.

Also, these I / Os with a LAN connection function
When using a device, the user needs to store device information such as the name, function, and connection location of the I / O device with LAN connection function. For example, L compatible with G4 protocol
The user must remember the information that the name of the fax modem with the AN connection function is G4FAX1 and the name of the printer with the LAN connection function that can print on A3 paper is PRINTER1.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a computer serving as a server controls input / output of a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function,
It is an object to provide a server system that can use a function that combines the functions of a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function with one instruction. In addition, a server computer that centrally manages a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function, and a user can easily and efficiently use a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function. One purpose is to provide a system.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] To achieve the above object,
The present invention comprises one or more clients connected to each other via a network, a plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function, and a server, wherein the plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function are One or more output devices with LAN connection function and one or more L connected to the network respectively
The input / output of data includes an input device with an AN connection function, and the server includes a device name of an input device with a LAN connection function used for inputting data and a device name of an output device with a LAN connection function used for outputting data. When there is an instruction for requesting a request from any of the clients, the instruction receiving means for receiving the previous instruction and the input device with the LAN connection function having the device name designated by the instruction are controlled, and the input with the LAN connection function is performed. Data receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the device, data holding means for holding the received data, and instructing the output device with the LAN connection function of the device name designated by the instruction to output the held data A distributed I / O integrated server system having a data output instruction means.

In such a distributed I / O integrated server system, the server corresponds to each device name of the output device with the LAN connection function and the data format that the output device with the LAN connection function can recognize. An attached and stored management table, a search unit that searches the management table for a data format that can be recognized by the output device with the LAN connection function having the device name designated by the instruction, and the data output instruction unit outputs the data. When giving an instruction, after converting the data format of the data held by the data holding means into a data format that can be recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function obtained by the search means, it is transferred to the output device with a LAN connection function. There is provided a distributed I / O integrated server system including a data conversion means for performing the above.

[0011]

According to the distributed I / O integrated server system of the present invention, the data receiving means of the server controls the input device with the LAN connection function having the device name designated by the instruction, and the LAN connection function concerned. Accepts data sent from the attached input device. Further, the data holding means holds the received data, and the data output instructing means instructs the output device with the LAN connection function of the device name designated by the instruction to output the held data.

As described above, according to the present invention, the server collectively controls a plurality of input / output devices having a LAN connection function in response to a single instruction received by the instruction receiving means, whereby a FAX having a LAN connection function is provided. Multi-functional processing such as printing data input from a modem or scanner with LAN connection function to a directly connected printer with LAN connection function
Can be provided for one command.

Further, a management table, a search means,
When the data conversion means is provided, the data conversion means
When the data output instruction means gives an instruction to output data,
After converting the data format of the data held by the data holding means into a data format which can be recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function obtained by the searching means, the L
Transfer to an output device with AN connection function.

Therefore, when the management table, the search means, and the data conversion means are provided, the input data input from the input device with the LAN connection function for inputting the input data format different from the output data format is input data. It is possible to output to an output device with a LAN connection function that outputs in a data format different from the format.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this embodiment, the distributed I / O integrated server provides the client with an advanced I / O function that combines the functions of the I / O devices with LAN connection function on the LAN.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the present embodiment includes an I / O device with a LAN connection function such as a scanner 121 with a LAN connection function, a FAX modem 122 with a LAN connection function, and a printer 123 with a LAN connection function. , Clients 131 to 13n and clients 131 to 1
The distributed I / O integrated server 11 that controls the input / output of each I / O device with a LAN connection function according to the instruction from 3n is L
It has a configuration connected to the AN 14.

In the figure, reference numeral 15 is a public network to which a FAX modem 122 with a LAN connection function is connected.

The clients 131 to 13n and the distributed I / O integrated server 11 include at least one central processing unit, at least one storage device, at least one input / output device, and LAN connection device. , A computer equipped with a standard OS and the like. Further, an I / O device with a LAN connection function can be realized by using a device having a computer with a LAN connection function and an input / output device such as a scanner, a printer, or a FAX modem integrated therein.
The I / O device with the AN connection function does not have to include the display, the keyboard, the OS, and the auxiliary storage device. Also,
In particular, it is not necessary to consider the performance of the CPU or the capacity of the storage device.

As will be described later, the distributed I / O integrated server 11 has a function of controlling input / output of I / O devices 121 to 123 with a LAN connection function and clients 131 to 13n in response to requests from the clients 131 to 13n. It has a function of transferring and accumulating data in accordance with the above requirement and a function of converting data into an appropriate data format.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the distributed I / O integrated server according to this embodiment. However, these are realized as a process on a computer used as a distributed I / O integrated server or as data stored in a storage space of the computer.

In FIG. 2, 210 is the client 13.
A command analysis unit 209 for analyzing an instruction command sent from 1 to 13n to the distributed I / O device integration server 11
Is a control unit that controls the blocks 201 to 214 other than itself according to the command command analyzed by the command analysis unit 210, and 211 is a function of all I / O devices with LAN connection functions managed by the distributed I / O integrated server 11. I / O device integrated management table that holds the specification and status, 212 is I / O
The client 1 by searching the O device integrated management table 211
The specification conforming I / O device search unit 213 for obtaining the I / O device name conforming to the functions and specifications of the I / O device requested from 31 to 13n is transmitted from each I / O device with LAN connection function. A state change receiving unit that receives a change in the state of the I / O device itself with the LAN connection function and reflects it in the I / O device integrated management table 211, and 214 communicates with other devices connected to the LAN. Is a communication unit for.

Reference numeral 201 denotes an I / O with a LAN connection function.
An input control unit for receiving input data from the device, 203 is a temporary file for temporarily storing the input data, 205
Is an input data pool for storing the input data file until it is needed, and 202 is a selector for switching between storing the input data received by the input control unit in the temporary file 203 or the input data pool 205. The input data pool 205 side is selected. Reference numeral 204 denotes an output control unit that outputs data to an I / O device with a LAN connection function, and 206 displays a list of data file names and the like stored in the input data pool 205 on a display device included in the client according to an instruction from the client. Input data file name list display / selection unit 207, which is in charge of processing for allowing the user to select data to be operated
Input the contents of the input data file to the clients 131 to 1
Client 1 after converting to a data format that can be displayed by 3n
31 to 13n, the input data display unit 208 is L
The I / O device occupying unit occupies the I / O device with the AN connection function so as not to temporarily access another computer.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the input device 3 with a LAN connection function according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 is an input engine for image input and FAX reception, 32 is a control section for controlling each section of an input device with a LAN connection function, and 33 is a distributed I / O for detecting its own status change. A state change reporting unit that reports to the integrated server, and a communication unit 34 that communicates with other devices connected to the LAN 14. Here, when the input device with LAN connection function 3 is configured using a computer, some of these are realized as processes on the computer. It should be noted that one input device with a LAN connection function may have a plurality of input functions.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the output device 4 with a LAN connection function according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 4, 31 is an output engine 41 for performing printing and FAX transmission, 42 is a control section for controlling each section of the output device with LAN connection function, 33 is a status change of itself, and distributed I / O. A state change reporting unit that reports to the integrated server, and a communication unit 34 that communicates with other devices connected to the LAN 14. Here, when the output device with LAN connection function 4 is configured using a computer, some of these are realized as processes on the computer. One output device with LAN connection function may realize a plurality of output functions.

The I / O device with LAN connection function is
You may comprise so that both the input function of the input device with a LAN connection function shown in FIG. 3 and the output function of the output device 4 with a LAN connection function shown in FIG. 4 may be provided.

The operation of the system according to this embodiment will be described below.

In the system according to this embodiment, data input / output processing can be performed in real time or asynchronously.

FIG. 5 shows an input / output data path when the data input / output processing is performed in real time, and FIG. 6 shows an input / output data path when the data input / output processing is performed asynchronously.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, 11 is a distributed I / O.
Integrated server, 121 is a scanner with LAN connection function, 1
221, 1222 are FAX modems with a LAN connection function,
123 is a printer with LAN connection function, 13i, 13
Reference numerals j and 13k are computers serving as clients, 201 is an input control unit, 203 is a temporary file, 204 is an output control unit, and 205 is an input data pool.

Before describing the details of the data input / output processing through the paths shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the command and data formats used in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 shows the format of an instruction command for the client to instruct the distributed I / O integrated server to control the input / output of the I / O device with the LAN connection function.

The processing command 71 for input / output in real time is composed of a command name 711, an input device name 712, an output device name 713, attached information 714, and a command end code 715 indicating the end of the command in each command. Here, the attached information 714 is attached information regarding the input / output device, and is, for example, a FAX transmission destination telephone number or the like. The processing command 72 for instructing to display a list of input data file names in the input data pool 205 includes a command name 721 and a command end code 722. The processing command 73 for instructing to display the input data in the input data pool 205 includes a command name 731, a file name 732 for identifying the input data, and a command end code 733. Input data pool 20
The processing command 74 for instructing the output device 4 with the LAN connection function to output the data in 5 is a command name 741, a file name 742 for identifying input data, an output device name 743, auxiliary information 744, and a command end code 745.
Consists of The processing command 75 for instructing deletion of the input data in the input data pool 205 includes a command name 751 and a file name 75 for identifying the input data.
2. The command end code 753. The processing command 76 for instructing a search for an I / O device conforming to the function and specifications is a command name 761 and a function 76 of the I / O device.
2. User specified I / O device specifications 7631 to 763
n, a command end code 764.

FIG. 8 shows a format of input data from the input device with the LAN connection function. In FIG. 8, 8
Reference numeral 1 is an area for storing the data format of input data. Here, the data format of the input data is uncompressed format image data, MH compressed format image data, MR compressed format image data, MMR compressed format image data, ES
Data formats such as C / P, LIPS, and PostScript are available, and ESC / P, LIPS, and PostScript are available.
t is a printer control command name or a page description language name. Reference numeral 82 is an area for storing attached information, and 83 is an area for storing actual contents of input / output data according to the data format 81.

As described above, in this embodiment, by using the format command and data shown in FIGS.
Real-time or asynchronous data input / output processing is realized by the data paths shown in FIGS. The details will be described below.

First, the case of performing the data input / output processing in real time will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Referring to FIG. 2, the client 131 of FIG.
13n of FIG. 5, which is one of the I.about.13n, executes the processing command 71 for input / output in real time among the instruction commands for instructing the input / output control of the I / O device with the LAN connection function shown in FIG. When sent to the / O integrated server 11, the command analysis unit 210 receives it via the LAN 14 and the communication unit 214. The command analysis unit 210 analyzes the command and transmits the command code to the control unit 209, and the control unit 209 performs a series of operations corresponding to the command code. That is, the control unit 209 first selects the selector 20.
2 is switched to the temporary file 203 side, and the input device with LAN connection function 3 and the output device name of the command shown in FIG. 3 which is the data input source indicated by the command input device name 712 to the I / O device occupation unit 208 An instruction to occupy the output device 4 with the LAN connection function shown in FIG. 4, which is the data output destination instructed in 713, is issued. If these can be occupied, the input device 3 with the LAN connection function
To the input control unit 2
01 is instructed to receive input data from the input device 3 with the LAN connection function. When the input data from the LAN connection function-equipped input device 3 arrives at the input control unit 201, it is temporarily stored in the temporary file 203 through the selector 202. The input control unit 201 also sends a FAX to the above command.
If the attached information such as the telephone number at the time of transmission is included, it is also added to the head of the input data and stored. On the other hand, when the input device 3 with the LAN connection function is requested to transmit the input data, the input data (for example, image data captured by the scanner) input from the input engine 31 is displayed first in FIG. As shown, the data format of the input data is added and the input data is distributed I / O.
It is transmitted to the integrated server 11.

Now, when the input data is stored in the temporary file, the output control unit 204 reads the input data in the temporary file 203 and outputs it to the LA which is the output destination.
The data is converted into a data format that can be recognized by the output device 4 with the N connection function, and is transmitted to the previously occupied output device with the LAN connection function. Details of the output control unit 204 will be described.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the output control unit 204 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, 91 is input data, 92 is a data format determination unit, 93 is output data, and 94 is an output device obtained by searching the I / O device integrated management table 211 from the output device 713 in the command code. Is the data format of data that can be recognized.

Here, the I / O equipment integrated management table 21
1 has the configuration shown in FIG. 15, and the LAN in FIG.
The specification table 1504 for the device type with connection function is shown in FIG.
It has the configuration shown in. The details of these tables will be collectively described later.

Now, referring to FIG. 9, the data format determination unit 9
2 retrieves an element whose device name 1506 matches the output device name 713 of the above command from the group 1505 shown in FIG. 15, obtains its model number 1507, and then retrieves the matching element of model number 1502 from the 1501 table group. , Its specifications 15
04, and the output device input data format 94 is obtained from the specification table shown in FIG. In this embodiment, FIG.
No. 7 scanner specification table 1701 input data format 1705, FAX specification table 1707 data compression format 1711, printer specification table 1713
PDL1717 corresponds to the output device input data format.

Next, the data format determination unit 92 uses the output device input data format 94 and the data format 81 added to the input data 91, and the data format conversion unit 95.
An appropriate data format conversion unit is selected from 1 to 95n. After that, the selected data format conversion unit converts the input data into a data format that can be recognized by the output device 4 with the LAN connection function, generates output data 93, and transmits the output data 93 to the previously occupied output device with the LAN connection function. .

The conversion of the data format of the input data performed at this time may be performed by a block other than the output control unit 204, for example, the input control unit 201.

On the other hand, the output device 4 with the LAN connection function receives the input data transmitted and outputs it from the output engine.

Now, in the distributed I / O integrated server, LA
When the output of the output data 93 to the output device 4 with the N connection function is completed, the control unit 209 switches the selector 202 to the input data pool 205 side, and the I / O device occupation unit 20.
8 is instructed to release the occupation of the input device 3 with the LAN connection function and the output device 4 with the LAN connection function, and when the occupation is released, the process ends.

Here, FIG. 14 is a flow chart summarizing the flow of the above processing in the distributed I / O integrated server.

In the distributed I / O integrated server, the client at 1401 receives the I / O with the LAN connection function shown in FIG.
The communication unit 214 receives the command 71 for instructing a request to input / output the device in real time, analyzes the command received by the command analysis unit 210 in 1402, and
In 403, the I / O device occupying unit occupies the input device with the LAN connection function as the input source. Here, if occupancy has failed, 1411 pauses for a certain period of time, and the process is re-executed from 1403. If the occupancy is successful, the I / O device occupying unit occupies the output device with the LAN connection function as the output destination at 1405. Here, if the occupation fails, the process is paused at 1412 for a fixed time, and the process is restarted from 1405. If the occupation is successful, the control unit 209 switches the selector 202 to the temporary file side in 1407, inputs the data from the input device with the LAN connection function in 1408, and stores the data in the temporary file. After that, in 1409, the output control unit 204 outputs the data to the output device with the LAN connection function, and when the output is completed, the I / O device occupation unit releases the input device with the LAN connection function in 1410, and the I / O device in 1411. The occupant releases the output device with the LAN connection function.

With such a series of processing, the data input from the device with the LAN connection function and the data output from the device with the LAN connection function can be immediately executed by one command, so the copy function for printing immediately after the scanner input is made. ,
It is possible to realize a function of transmitting a fax immediately after the scanner is input.

As described above, I with various LAN connection functions
By utilizing the functions of the / O device in combination, this system can have the same function as a copier or plain paper FAX. Therefore, if this system is constructed, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive copying machine or plain paper FAX. In addition, these functions are provided by a plurality of clients 131 to 13n.
You can share with.

Although the temporary file is used in this embodiment, a queue may be used instead of the temporary file. When using a queue, I / O devices with LAN connection function on the input side and I / O devices with LAN connection function on the output side
Even if there is a difference in processing speed between the O device and the O device, the processing can be performed efficiently. If a queue is provided for each I / O device with a LAN connection function, throughput can be improved.

Details of the case of asynchronously performing the data input / output processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

First, FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the input data display unit 207 of FIG. 2, which is used when the data input / output processing is performed asynchronously.

In the figure, 101 is the input data in the input data, 102 is the data format determination unit, 103 is the display data,
Reference numerals 1041 to 104n denote a data format 1 display section to a data format n display section.

Data that has been asynchronously input beforehand from the input device 3 with a LAN connection function as shown in FIG. 3 is input through the input control unit 201 to the input data pool 20.
5 is stored. Here, the asynchronous means the output control unit 204
It means that data is input regardless of the operation of.
To store the input data from the input device 3 with the LAN connection function in the input data pool 205, for example, an asynchronous input command for instructing the input device name and the input data file name is received from the client, and according to this, Similarly to the control of the input device 3 with the LAN connection function in the case of performing the data input / output processing in real time described above, the input device 3 with the LAN connection function is controlled, and the received input data is controlled by the selector 202. It may be stored in the pool 205. Alternatively, the input data received from the input device 3 with the LAN connection function may be stored in the input data pool 205 by controlling the selector 202 in response to the request from the input device 3 with the LAN connection function.

FIG. 11 shows the structure of the input data pool 205 in which the input data is stored.

In the figure, input data file name list 111
Is a list of input data file names indicating what kind of data is stored in the input data pool.

Input data file name list 11 of FIG.
Each element of No. 1 has the format shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, 1201 is an area for storing the name of the input device that has input the main input data, 1202 is an area for storing the date and time when the main input data was input, 120
Reference numeral 3 is an area in which auxiliary information such as sender information at the time of FAX reception is stored. Input data 1 (1121 in FIG. 11) to input data n in the input data pool shown in FIG.
Each input data is stored as a file in the area indicated by (112n in FIG. 11), and 1204 corresponds to the file name. When the input data is stored as a file in the input data pool 205, the corresponding input data file name is added as an element of the input data file name list 111 shown in FIG. 11 in the format shown in FIG.

Now, in the case where the user requests the output of the input data accumulated in the input data pool 205, FIG.
The input pool data list display command 72 shown in
Issued from the client to the / O integrated server 11. The distributed I / O integrated server 11 sends the command to the communication unit 214.
And the command analysis unit 210 analyzes. After that, the control unit 209 instructs the input pool input data pool list display / selection unit 206 to display the input file name list input, and the user shown in FIG. 6 uses the input data file name list in the input data pool 205. It is transferred to the existing client 13j. Total client 1
3j displays a list of the input data file name list transferred to the provided display device. The user selects the input data file name whose contents are to be displayed from the list,
When the display of the selected input data file is issued by issuing the input data display command 73 shown in FIG.
The O-integrated server 11 receives the above command by the communication unit 214, analyzes it by the command analysis unit 210, and then inputs the input data file in the input data pool 205 corresponding to the file name selected by the instruction of the control unit 209. To the input data display unit 207.

In the input data display section 207, the data format determination section 102 of FIG.
Data format 1 to n according to the data format 81 in 1
Appropriate data format i display unit 1 from 041 to 104n
Select 04i. After that, the selected data format i display unit 104i converts the input data 101 into a data format that can be displayed on the display device of the client 13j, creates display data 103, and transfers it to the client 13j.
Display on the display device. Since the data format that can be displayed on the display device of each client is common, it is not necessary to manage the data format for each client.

The above operation is repeated to find the input data file that the user wants to output, and the distributed I / O integrated server 1
When the input data output command shown in FIG. 7 requesting the output of the input data is issued to 1, the distributed I / O integrated server 11 outputs the specified input data in the input data pool 205 to the output shown in FIG. The control unit 204 converts the data format into a data format that can be recognized by the output device with the LAN connection function as the output destination, and then requests the output device 4 with the LAN connection function for output. The conversion of the data format at this time is performed in the same manner as in the case of performing the data input / output processing in real time.

By asynchronously inputting / outputting data in this manner, the user can print or fax-transmit FAX data or scanner input received during another work.

As described above, a single-function LAN such as a scanner with a LAN connection function, a FAX modem with a LAN connection function, a printer with a LAN connection function, etc. can be obtained by inputting / outputting input data through the path shown in FIG. 5 or 6. I / O with connection function
Using a complex I / O function, such as reading data from a scanner with a LAN connection function or FAX-received data using a device, printing it on a printer with a LAN connection function, or sending a FAX using a FAX modem with a LAN connection function. Execution and sharing by multiple clients can be realized.

By the way, in the real-time or asynchronous input / output processing as described above, the user has a LAN connection function-equipped I / I having a function and specifications according to its purpose.
It is necessary to specify the device name of the O device in the command as the device name of the I / O device with the LAN connection function that inputs or outputs the input data. However, each user has a LAN connection function corresponding to its function and specifications.
It is inconvenient if you have to remember and check the device name of the / O device. Also, the LAN specified
When the I / O device with the connection function is in a state where it cannot perform the requested input / output operation, it is necessary to start over from the creation of the command.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the distributed I / O integrated server centrally manages the functions, specifications and states of the I / O equipment with LAN connection function, and the desired specifications and functions notified by the user. According to the specifications and functions notified, and
By notifying the user of the device name of the I / O device with the LAN connection function that can perform the desired input / output operation, the user is supported to select the I / O device with the LAN connection function.

Therefore, in the system according to the present embodiment, the distributed I / O integrated server holds an I / O device information such as the function and use of the I / O device with LAN connection function.
O device integrated management table and I / E with each LAN connection function
A function for receiving a status change report of an O device and reflecting the reported status change in the I / O device integrated management table, and using the held I / O device integrated management table, the user of any user on the clients 131 to 13n LA that meets your requirements
A function to search for I / O devices with N connection function and optimal L
It has a function of accepting selection of an I / O device with an AN connection function. In addition, I / O devices with LAN connection function
It has the function of constantly monitoring its own status and reporting to the distributed I / O integrated server.

With such a system, the user can
It is possible to determine whether each I / O device with a LAN connection function is currently usable without storing device information such as the name and connection location of the I / O device with an N connection function. An optimal I / O device with a LAN connection function having desired functions and specifications can be selected without visiting the place where the device is installed, and the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

Hereinafter, in the system according to the present embodiment,
The operation of supporting the selection of the I / O device with the LAN connection function by such a user will be described.

First, as described above, the details of the I / O equipment integrated management table 211 will be described.

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a specification-model number table for obtaining a model number of an I / O device with a LAN connection function that satisfies the functions and specifications instructed by the user.
Area 1 for storing the model number of I / O devices with LAN connection function
502, image input, printing, fax transmission, fax reception, data reception from a computer, data transmission to a computer, etc.
Area 15 for storing functions of I / O devices with AN connection function
03, resolution, speed, paper size, and the like, an area 1504 for storing specifications of the I / O device with a LAN connection function is held.

The area 15 for storing the specifications of FIG.
04 has a structure as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17, reference numeral 1701 denotes a structure of an area for storing the specifications for the scanner, which is an area 1 for storing the scanning speed.
702, an area 1703 for storing a resolution, an area 1704 for storing a paper size, an area 1705 for storing an input data format, an area 1706 for storing the number of colors, and the like. Here, the scan speed is a value indicating how many sheets can be read in one minute, the resolution is a value indicating how many pixels can be recognized in one inch, and the input data format is the data input by the scanner. Is a code indicating whether the format is raw image data, MH compression format, MR compression format, or MMR compression format image data. Reference numeral 1707 denotes a configuration of an area for storing specifications for FAX. An area 1708 for storing a communication speed, an area 1709 for storing a resolution, an area 1710 for storing a paper size, an area 1711 for storing a data compression format, and a communication protocol are stored. A region 1712 to be operated is included. Here, the communication speed is a value indicating how many minutes can be sent for one sheet, and the data compression format is the MH compression format, the MR compression format, or the M compression format.
The communication protocol is a code indicating one of the MR compression formats, and the communication protocol is a code indicating whether the communication protocol is G3 or G4. Reference numeral 1713 denotes a configuration of an area for storing printer specifications. An area 1714 for storing a printing speed, an area 1715 for storing a resolution, and an area 1 for storing a paper size.
716, area 17 for storing PDL (page description language)
17, an area 1718 for storing double-sided / single-sided printing, and the like are included. Here, the printing speed is a value indicating how many characters can be printed per second, how many lines per minute, or how many pages can be printed per minute. PDL is a printer control command or page description language is ESC / P. Or LIPS or PostScri
pt, and double-sided / single-sided printing is a code indicating whether double-sided printing is possible or not. In each specification of the scanner, FAX, and printer, the set of scan speed, communication speed, and print speed, resolution, set of input data format, data compression format, and PDL can be treated as common items. 1505 is an I / O with each LAN connection function
An area 1506 for storing a device name for identifying an I / O device with a LAN connection function and a type of the I / O device with a LAN connection function in the configuration of the I / O device integrated management main table for managing the device Area 150 for storing the model number
7, an area 1508 for storing an occupied state indicating whether or not the distributed I / O integrated server 11 is occupied, an area 1509 for storing an error state indicating whether or not a failure has occurred in an I / O device with a LAN connection function, LAN to 1510
It holds an area 1510 for storing a resource state indicating a resource currently connected to an I / O device with a connection function.

Next, the area 1509 for storing the error status shown in FIG. 15 has the structure shown in FIG.

An area 1802 for storing the number of errors,
Areas 1803 to 180n for storing error codes corresponding to the number of errors held in 1802 are held. The error codes are roughly classified into recoverable errors such as paper out error and paper jam error, and unrecoverable errors such as hardware failure of each I / O device.

The area 1510 for storing the resource status shown in FIG. 15 has the structure shown in FIG.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 1901 denotes an area for storing the resource status for the scanner, which holds an area for storing the compression routine. The compression routine is a non-compression routine, MH compression routine, MR compression routine, MMR
R is a routine for compressing input data such as a compression routine.
It can be attached and detached using an OM cartridge or the like. 1902 is FA
It holds the area for storing the compression / expansion routine for X. The compression / expansion routine is a routine for compressing data during FAX transmission and expanding data during FAX reception, such as MH compression / expansion routine, MR compression / expansion routine, and MMR compression / expansion routine. It is removable. An area 1903 stores a resource state for a printer, and an area 190 that stores a paper size.
4, area 1905 for storing fonts, area 1906 for storing PDL processing routines, area 19 for storing formats
Holds 07 etc. Here, the paper size means the size of the paper such as A3, B4, etc., and the paper can be attached / detached in a paper cassette or the like, and the font means the font bitmap data such as Mincho or Gothic, or the font vector data. ,
The PDL processing routine is a printer control command such as ESC / P, LIPS, or PostScript, or a page description language, and can be attached and detached with a ROM cartridge or the like. It should be noted that specifications, error states, and resource states that are not described here and peculiar to each device can be handled in the same way.
In addition, a scanner other than a scanner with a LAN connection function, a FAX modem with a LAN connection function, and a printer with a LAN connection function
A table can be similarly defined for an I / O device with an AN connection function. Here, the relationship between the specifications and the resource status will be described by taking the paper size of the printer as an example. The specified paper size means all the paper sizes that can be printed as the performance of the printer. The paper size in the resource state is a paper size in which a cassette is currently mounted and which can be actually printed.

The user I / O with LAN connection function will be described below.
The details of the device selection support operation will be described.

First, the distributed I / O integrated server operates the LANs.
The operation of monitoring the I / O device with the connection function will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, the status change reporting unit 33 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of each I / O device with LAN connection function includes a current status inquiry unit 1301, a latest status table 1302, and a reporting unit 1303. I have it.

The status change reporting unit 33 of each I / O device with a LAN connection function periodically inquires of the input engine 31 of FIG. 3 and the output engine 41 of FIG. 4 about its own status.
Compare with the latest state table 1302. Then, only when there is a mismatch, that is, only when a state change occurs, the latest state table 1302 is updated to the changed state,
The reporting unit 1303 reports the changed state to the state change receiving unit 213 shown in FIG. 2 of the distributed I / O integrated server.

On the other hand, the status change receiving unit 213 of the distributed I / O integrated server reflects the reported status in the error status 1509 of the I / O equipment integrated management table of FIG. By doing this, the distributed I / O integrated server will always have the latest L
The state of the I / O device with the AN connection function is held in the I / O device integrated management table, and the currently available LAN connection suitable for the user's request is obtained by searching the I / O device with the LAN connection function described below. Enable to search for I / O devices with functions.

The status of the I / O device with the LAN connection function is sent to the distributed I / O integrated server 11 by periodically inquiring from the distributed I / O integrated server 11 each I / O device with the LAN connection function. You may collect it.

Next, the distributed I / O server uses the I / O device integrated management table to search for an I / O device with a LAN connection function suitable for the functions and specifications requested by the user. The operation of performing and notifying the user will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the user conforms to the specifications I
I / O device search command 76 issued, specifications conformance I
The / O device search unit 21 uses the L sent from the client.
Using the function and specification 1601 of the I / O device with the AN connection function as a key, the specification-model number table 1501 is searched at 1602, and the model number group 160 conforming to the requested function and specification is obtained.
Get 3. Further, using the obtained compatible model number group 1603 as a key, the I / O device integrated management main table is searched at 1604 to obtain a compatible I / O device name group 1605. At this time, the occupation status 1508, the error status 1509, and the resource status 1 registered in the I / O device integrated management main table
Considering each state of 510, I / O devices with LAN connection function that are currently unavailable are excluded, and sorting is performed in order of speed or order of proximity. And the resulting conformance I
A list of the / O device names is transmitted to the client 13j, and the list is displayed on the display device of the client.

By doing so, even if the user does not store the device information such as the name of the I / O device with the LAN connection function and the connection location, the user can use it at present, and the optimum function and the desired specifications can be obtained. I / O device name with a LAN connection function can be selected. Then, input / output can be executed after confirming the specifications such as speed, location and load of the input device with LAN connection function and the output device with LAN connection function.

Further, the distributed I / O integrated server may be stored in advance with information on the arrangement relationship between each client and each I / O device with LAN connection function, or the distributed I / O integrated server may be connected to each I / O device with LAN connection function. By monitoring the load of the device and storing the information, the optimum location or input / output for the client that sent the command can be selected from the compatible I / O device name group obtained by the search described above. I / O with a LAN connection function that has the optimum load to perform
The device can also be automatically selected using the stored information.

That is, the user uses the commands (FIGS. 771 and 74) for instructing input, output, and input / output, instead of the name of the I / O device with the LAN connection function, the I / O with the LAN connection function to be used. Specify device specifications and functions. Variance I
The I / O integrated server automatically selects from the compatible I / O device name group obtained by the above-mentioned search based on the information stored in the I / O device with the LAN connection function at the optimum location or load. Causes the input, output, or input / output specified by the command.

By doing so, the user
If you specify the functions and specifications of the input device with LAN connection function and the output device with LAN connection function, the data read from the input device with LAN connection function that is currently available and is optimal for location and load is the optimum location. Alternatively, the load can be output to an output device having a LAN connection function. As a result, the user can efficiently perform input / output processing without issuing many commands. Here, as the load, the amount of input / output processing accumulated in the queue corresponding to each device, such as the number of pages, can be used.

This is the end of the description of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0093]

According to the server system of the present invention, it is possible to combine the functions of a plurality of I / O devices with a LAN connection function and to use each I / O device with a LAN connection function separately. The function can be brought out.

Further, it is possible to provide the user with an efficient and easy use method of the plurality of I / O devices with the LAN connection function and reduce the operational burden on the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram that is the basis of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a distributed I / O integrated server.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an input device with a LAN connection function.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an output device with a LAN connection function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing during real-time processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing when an input data pool is used.

FIG. 7 is a list of instruction commands from the computer to the distributed I / O integrated server.

FIG. 8 is an input data format.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an output control unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an input data display unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an input data pool.

FIG. 12 is a format of one entry in the input data file name list.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a status change reporting unit.

FIG. 14 is a processing flowchart at the time of real-time processing.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an I / O device integrated management table.

FIG. 16 is a system diagram of a specification conforming I / O device search system.

FIG. 17 is a detailed diagram of each part of the I / O device integrated management table.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Distributed I / O integrated server. 121-123 ...
-I / O equipment with LAN connection function. 131-13n ...
·calculator. 14 ... LAN. 15 ... Public network. 20
1 ... Input control unit. 202 ... Selector. 203
..Temporary files. 204 ... Output control unit. Two
05 ... Input data pool. 206 ... Input data pool list display / selection unit. 207 ... Input data display section. 208 ... I / O device occupation section. 209 ... Control unit. 210 ... Command analysis unit. 211 ... I /
O device integrated management server. 212 ... Specification conforming I / O device search unit. 213 ... Status change receiving unit. 3 ... LA
Input device with N connection function. 31 ... Input engine. Three
2 ... Control unit. 33 ... Status change reporting section. 34 ...
-Communication section. 4 ... Output device with LAN connection function. 41
... Output engine. 42 ... Control unit.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Takuya Shimakawa 1099 Ozenji, Aso-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Hitachi Ltd. System Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Takahiro Shiotani 5030 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Hitachi, Ltd. Software Development Division (72) Inventor Naomi Tamura 810 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa Stock Company, Hitachi Office Systems Division

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. Connected to each other through a network.
The client, the plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function, and the server are provided, and the plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function are respectively connected to the network with one or more LAN connection functions. The server includes an output device and at least one input device with a LAN connection function, and the server sets the device name of the input device with a LAN connection function used for data input and the device name of the output device with a LAN connection function used for data output. Including, when an instruction for requesting data input / output is from any of the clients, an instruction receiving unit that receives a previous instruction, and an input device with a LAN connection function having a device name designated by the instruction are controlled, A data receiving unit that receives data transmitted from the input device with the LAN connection function, and a data receiving unit that holds the received data. And holding means, distributed I / O, characterized in that it comprises a data output instruction means for instructing the output of the data described above held in the LAN connection function output device specified device name by said instruction
Integrated server system. 2. One connected to each other via a network.
The client, the plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function, and the server are provided, and the plurality of input / output devices with a LAN connection function are respectively connected to the network with one or more LAN connection functions. The server includes an output device and at least one input device with a LAN connection function, and the server sets the device name of the input device with a LAN connection function used for data input and the device name of the output device with a LAN connection function used for data output. Including, when an instruction for requesting data input / output is from any of the clients, an instruction receiving unit that receives a previous instruction, and an input device with a LAN connection function having a device name designated by the instruction are controlled, A data receiving unit that receives data transmitted from the input device with the LAN connection function, and a data receiving unit that holds the received data. Holding means, data output instructing means for instructing the output device with LAN connection function of the device name designated by the instruction to output the held data, each device name of the output device with LAN connection function, and the LAN A search for searching a management table in which a data format recognized by an output device with a connection function is stored in association with each other, and a data format recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function of the device name designated by the instruction from the management table Means, and the data output instruction means, when instructing the output of data,
After converting the data format of the data held by the data holding means into a data format which can be recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function obtained by the searching means, the L
A distributed I / O integrated server system, comprising: a data conversion means for transferring to an output device with an AN connection function. 3. The distributed I / O integrated server system according to claim 2, wherein when the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction requesting data input from any of the clients, the server receives the instruction. Data that controls an input device with a LAN connection function with the device name specified by, and that receives the data sent from the input device with a LAN connection function, to which the information specifying the data format is added, asynchronously with the data output A receiving unit and a second holding unit that holds the data received asynchronously with the output, the data output instructing unit is provided for the data held by the second data holding unit from any of the clients. When there is an instruction to request output, the second data storage device is output to the output device with the LAN connection function having the device name specified by the instruction. Instructing the output of the data held by the holding means, the search means is the LAN of the device name designated by the instruction to request the output of the data from the management table.
The data conversion means searches for a data format that can be recognized by the output device with a connection function, and the data conversion means determines the data format of the data held by the second data holding means when the data output instruction means instructs the data output. A distributed I / O integrated server system, wherein the distributed I / O integrated server system converts the data format obtained by the searching means into a data format that can be recognized by an output device with a LAN connection function and then transfers the data format to the output device with a LAN connection function. 4. The distributed I / O integrated server system according to claim 2, wherein any of the clients includes a display device, and the second data holding unit of the server holds the data as a file. The stored file name is stored in the server, and the server stores the file name stored in the second data storage unit when the instruction receiving unit receives a list display instruction from any of the clients. Of the specific file name included in the list from the client that sent the list of file names to the client and display the list on the display device of the client. A file with the name of the specific file held by the second data holding means when a file display instruction is received Converts the data format of the data on the display device to display a data format with the said client, distributed I / O integrated server system comprising: a means for transferring to the client. 5. The distributed I / O integrated server system according to claim 2, wherein the server is a LAN for each of the input / output devices with a LAN connection function.
A capability management table in which the device name of the input / output device with a connection function and the capability of the input / output device with a LAN connection function are described in association with each other, and the instruction receiving means receives a search instruction from an arbitrary client. In the case of the above, the searching means for searching and outputting the device name of the input / output device with the LAN connection function, which refers to the capacity management table and matches the capacity designated by the instruction, and the device name output by the searching means. And a display unit that sends the list of the above to the client and displays it on the display device of the client. 6. The distributed I / O integrated server system according to claim 5, wherein the server monitors a status of a status management table and the status of each input / output device with a LAN connection function,
And a monitoring means for describing the latest status of the input / output device with the AN connection function in the status management table in association with the device name of the input / output device with the LAN connection function, and searching means for the server. Instead of outputting the device name of the I / O device with LAN connection function that matches the capability specified by the instruction, instead of outputting the device name of the I / O device with LAN connection function that matches the capability specified by the retrieved command , A distributed I / O characterized in that the status described in association with the status management table is not error
Integrated server system. 7. The distributed I / O integrated server system according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the data reception means is configured to transmit the data format transmitted from the input device with a LAN connection function. The data conversion unit receives the data to which the information to be designated is added, and when the data output instruction unit instructs the data output, the data format of the data held by the data holding unit is added to the data. The data format designated by the information is converted into a data format that can be recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function obtained by the searching means, and then transferred to the output device with a LAN connection function. / O integrated server system. 8. Connected to one or more clients, one or more input devices with LAN connection function, and one or more output devices with LAN connection function via a network, and used for data input. A previous instruction when an instruction for requesting data input / output is received from any of the clients, including the device name of the input device with LAN connection function and the device name of the output device with LAN connection function used for data output. An instruction receiving unit that receives the data, a data receiving unit that controls the input device with the LAN connection function of the device name designated by the instruction, and receives the data transmitted from the input device with the LAN connection function, and the received data. Data holding means for holding the output of the held data to an output device with a LAN connection function having a device name designated by the instruction. A data output instructing means for instructing, a management table in which the device names of the output devices with LAN connection function, and a data format that can be recognized by the output device with LAN connection function are stored in association with each other; Searching means for searching a data format that can be recognized by the output device with LAN connection function having the device name designated by the instruction; and when the data output instructing means gives an instruction to output data,
After converting the data format of the data held by the data holding means into a data format which can be recognized by the output device with a LAN connection function obtained by the searching means, the L
A server having a data conversion means for transferring to an output device with an AN connection function. 9. The server according to claim 8, wherein the data accepting unit accepts data transmitted from the input device with a LAN connection function, to which data specifying a data format is added, The data conversion means, when the data output instruction means gives an instruction to output data, selects the data format of the data held by the data holding means from the data format designated by the information added to the data. A server, which is converted to a data format obtained by the means and can be recognized by an output device with a LAN connection function, and then transferred to the output device with a LAN connection function.