JPH11306115A - Peripherals, information reporting method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide peripherals an information reporting method, and a storage medium which can generate and automatically send information to a host device if a matter which should be reported is generated on the peripheral and omit information gathering and reporting by an administrator. SOLUTION: This device has a memory 3 which stores network settings, a memory 4 which stores information on computers to be informed of messages, a process part 5 which judges whether the settings in the memory 3 are effective and whether or not the settings indicate that the opposite parties stored in the memory 4 are reached, a detection part 6 which detects whether or not such a matter that a message should be reported to the opposite parties is generated in a printer, a message generation part 7 which generates the message, a communication part 8 which sends the message to the opposite parties, and a network process part 9 which performs network communication control.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a peripheral device, an information notification method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to a problem occurring in a peripheral device such as a printer or a scanner connected to a network and a request for replacement of consumables. The present invention relates to a peripheral device, an information notification method, and a storage medium suitable for registering a user or device information with a developer or a distributor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a peripheral device such as a printer or a scanner is purchased and the peripheral device is registered with a vendor or a manufacturer, the registration is carried out with attached documents or directly at the window at the time of purchase. Do. In addition, when a problem occurs in the peripheral device or when a supply or replacement of a consumable item occurs in the peripheral device, the user checks a contact address and contacts the user. There is a mechanism for notifying a computer or a user registered in the peripheral device according to the state of the peripheral device of a message, but in this case, the message is generally addressed to an administrator of the peripheral device.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. That is, in the prior art, when registering a peripheral device, there is a considerable limit to the device information that can be recorded, and in order to register detailed information, the peripheral device must be operated and more detailed operations are required. May be done. When a component of a peripheral device needs to be replaced due to wear, information on the peripheral device is also required, and it takes time to find a contact. As described above, there is also a mechanism for notifying a message to an administrator. However, in this method, the administrator needs to collect contact information and information on peripheral devices in the same manner as described above.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the event that something to be notified occurs in a peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and automatically notified to a higher-level device. A first object is to provide a peripheral device, an information notification method, and a storage medium that can omit information collection and notification work by an administrator.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and when a peripheral device is connected to a network, when the network setting is completed, for example, a device number, a network address, or the like stored in the peripheral device is stored. A second object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device, an information notification method, and a storage medium that enable information of the peripheral device to be notified to a higher-level device and omit information collection and notification work for registration by an administrator. Aim.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to notify user registration information to a higher-level device when user registration to a peripheral device is completed. Once the network settings are complete,
For example, to provide a peripheral device, an information notification method, and a storage medium that can notify information of a peripheral device such as a device number and a network address to a higher-level device and can omit a notification operation for registration by an administrator. As a third object.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device via a network, and detects whether or not a matter to be notified to the higher-level device has occurred. And a communication control unit that transmits information for notification to the higher-level device when an event to be notified to the higher-level device occurs.

In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a setting storage unit for storing network settings, a connection information storage unit for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and a device for generating the information for notification. The communication control means, when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and when there is a matter to be notified to the higher-level device, the communication control means The data is transmitted to the device.

In order to achieve the above object, a third aspect of the present invention is a peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device via a network, comprising: an input means for inputting a network setting; Communication control means for transmitting information to a higher-level device.

[0010] To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that a setting storage means for storing the input network setting, a connection information storage means for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and the information for notification. Creation means for creating the communication information. The communication control means, if the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and if the network setting is completed, sends the information for notification to the higher-level device. To be transmitted to

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network, comprising an input means for inputting user registration, and a notification device for notifying when the user registration is completed. Communication control means for transmitting information to a higher-level device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is a user storage means for storing the input user registration, a setting storage means for storing network settings, and a connection for storing connection information of a host device. An information storage unit; and a creating unit for creating the notification information, wherein the communication control unit completes the user registration when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and can communicate with the higher-level device. In this case, the notification information is transmitted to a higher-level device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the matter to be notified is a matter relating to a component / mechanism or the like provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notification is an equipment number, It is characterized by various kinds of information such as a network address and the status of the parts and mechanisms.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that the connection information of the higher-level device is information for specifying the higher-level device to be notified on the network.

To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 10 is characterized in that it can be applied to an image output device such as a printer, an image input device such as a scanner, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 11 is an information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device over a network. It has a detection step of detecting and a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when a matter to be notified to the higher-level device occurs.

In order to achieve the above object, a twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a setting storing step of storing network settings, a connection information storing step of storing connection information of a higher-level device, and a step of creating the information for notification. In the communication control step, if the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and if there is a matter to be notified to the higher-level device, the information for notification is stored in the upper-level device. The data is transmitted to the device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 13 is an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network, wherein the input step for inputting a network setting and the network setting are performed. A communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when the process is completed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 14 is a setting storage step for storing the input network setting, a connection information storage step for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and the notification information. The communication control step, when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and can communicate with the higher-level device, and when the network setting is completed, the information for notification is stored in the higher-level device. To be transmitted to

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 15 is an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network, wherein the input step for inputting user registration and the user registration are performed. A communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when the process is completed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 16 provides a user storage step for storing the input user registration, a setting storage step for storing network settings, and a connection for storing connection information of a higher-level device. An information storage step; and a creation step of creating the notification information. In the communication control step, the user registration is completed when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and can communicate with the higher-level device. In this case, the notification information is transmitted to a higher-level device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the matter to be notified is a matter relating to a component / mechanism or the like provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notification is a device number, It is characterized by various kinds of information such as a network address and the status of the parts and mechanisms.

[0024] To achieve the above object, the invention of claim 18 is characterized in that the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 19 is characterized in that the connection information of the higher-level device is information for specifying a higher-level device to be notified on a network.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 20 is applicable to an image output device such as a printer, an image input device such as a scanner, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 21 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device via a network. The information notification method includes: a detection step of detecting whether or not a matter to be notified to a higher-level device has occurred; and a communication control for transmitting notification information to the higher-level device when a matter to be notified to the higher-level device has occurred. And a step.

[0028] In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 22 is a storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network. The information notification method includes an input step of inputting network settings, and a communication control step of transmitting notification information to a higher-level device when the network settings are completed.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 23 is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of being connected to a host device via a network. The information notification method includes an input step of inputting user registration, and a communication control step of transmitting notification information to the higher-level device when the user registration is completed.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1] First Embodiment In the first embodiment of the present invention, specific examples of the present invention described in claims 1 and 2 in the claims will be described. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given below by taking a printer as an example of a peripheral device as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a printer, and various peripheral devices such as a scanner may be used. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the peripheral device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer as an example of a peripheral device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a memory 3, a memory 4, a processing unit 5, a detection unit 6, a message generation unit 7, a communication unit 8, and a network processing unit 9. In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a network to which the printer 1 is connected.

The configuration of each part of the printer 1 will be described in detail. The memory 3 stores the network settings of the printer 1 set by the administrator. The memory 4 stores the printer 1
The information of the other computer to which the message is notified from is stored. The processing unit 5 determines whether the setting in the memory 3 is valid or whether the setting reaches the destination stored in the memory 4 and controls the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. . The detection unit 6 detects whether or not a matter to be notified of a message to the destination indicated in the memory 4 has occurred inside the printer 1, and controls the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. The message generator 7
Generate a message to be notified. The communication unit 8 transmits the message generated by the message generation unit 7 to the destination indicated by the memory 4. The network processing unit 9 controls network communication between the printer 1 and the network 2.

The processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 (common to the second and third embodiments described later) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the printer 1. Processing unit 5 (processing unit 85 of printer 81, processing unit 115 of printer 111), detection unit 6 of printer 1 (input unit 86 of printer 81, input unit 11 of printer 111)
6), the message generator 7 of the printer 1 (the printer 81
, The message generation unit 117 of the printer 111, and the communication unit 8 of the printer 1 (the printer 81).
, The communication unit 118 of the printer 111) and the network processing unit 9 of the printer 1 (the network processing unit 89 of the printer 81 and the network processing unit 119 of the printer 111).

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connected computer information and network setting information held in the memories 3 and 4 of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows information held in the memory 4, which has a logical address on the network of the computer to which the connection is made. FIG. 2B shows information held in the memory 3, which is a logical address on the network of the printer 1, a mask (netmask) of an address indicating an external / internal address division, a connection to the outside, and an external connection. And has the address of the gateway that acts as an internal switch.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
Flowchart, FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIG.
8 and FIG. 9 will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the task processing of the printer 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the route confirmation processing of the printer 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the state detection process of the printer 1. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the abnormality detection storage method. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in the abnormality notification packet.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, after the printer is started (step S30), the communication unit 8 executes the processing unit 5 as an initial process.
A request to confirm whether or not the message can be sent is issued (step S31). The processing flow in the processing unit 5 is shown in FIG.
Shown in

5 and 6, when the route confirmation process starts (step S41), it is first confirmed whether there is a network address set in the printer 1 (step S42). (Step S4)
3). If the setting is valid, then it is checked whether there is a gateway address set in the printer 1 (step S44). If there is a gateway address, it is evaluated whether the setting is valid (step S4).
5).

If the setting is valid, the information of the connection destination computer is acquired from the memory 4 to check whether the network can reach the connection destination computer, test notification data is sent, and the arrival path is reached. Is confirmed (step S46). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it has arrived (step S47). If it has arrived, then it is checked whether it has been reached within the specified time (step S4).
8). If it has arrived within the specified time, the printer 1 determines that it can send a message to the connected computer normally (step S49), and ends the route confirmation processing (step S492).

On the other hand, the above steps S43 and S4
5. If the condition is not satisfied in any of steps S47 and S48, it is determined that the route cannot be established,
Assume that the message cannot be sent (step S4
91).

Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the communication unit 8 performs the operation based on the result obtained in step S492 in FIG. 5 and FIG.
It is determined whether or not a route is secured (step S32). If the message can be transmitted normally, a request to confirm the current state of the printer 1 is issued to the detection unit 6 (step S33). If the message cannot be transmitted normally, the process ends (step S392). FIG. 7 shows a processing flow in the detection unit 6.

In FIG. 7, as the state confirmation of the printer 1, in this embodiment, for example, the jam rate and the number of times the drum has been used are confirmed. Note that these are merely examples, and are not limited to the jam rate or the number of times the drum has been used. When the state detection process starts (step S51), a jam occurrence rate is obtained (step S52). It is determined whether or not the acquired value is within the specified range (step S53). If the obtained value is outside the specified range, the fact that an abnormality has been detected is stored (step S5).
4) Then, the evaluation of the number of times of use of the drum is started. The number of times the drum has been used is obtained (step S55), and it is determined whether the obtained value is less than a specified value (step S56). .

A memory is temporarily used for storing the above-mentioned abnormality detection, and is stored, for example, in a structure shown in FIG. B in the figure
0 to b7 are 1-bit information. If the bit is 1, it indicates that an abnormality has been detected at the corresponding location. In steps S54 and S57, a process of setting these bits to 1 is performed. Although not described in the flowchart in the present embodiment, it is needless to say that all of these bits are set to 0 in step S41 in FIGS.
To be. When the state detection processing is completed (step S5
8) Return to the processing of FIGS.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication unit 8 receives the previously stored abnormality record from the detection unit 6 and determines whether or not there is an abnormality (step S34). Compare with the record (step S3
5) Evaluate whether a new abnormality has occurred (step S)
36). If a new abnormality has occurred, the abnormality is stored as an abnormality record for the next comparison (step S3).
7). Thereafter, a request is made to the message generator 7 to create a message packet for abnormality notification (step S38).

FIG. 9 shows an example of packet information generated by the message generator 7. This is only an example, and there is a variety of information required other than the above information. The present invention is characterized in that a packet including necessary information is generated and transmitted, and FIG. 9 is only a reference example. In the example of FIG. 9, a product name, an internal version, a product number, a product specification, a setting address, and a symptom are recorded, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

After step S38, when the communication unit 8 receives the packet from the message generation unit 7, it sends the packet to the computer described in the connection destination information of the memory 4 (step S39). The packet transmission method at this time is a general method, and is omitted in the present embodiment. If a series of these processes is completed, or if no abnormality is detected or if the detected abnormality is the same as the previous abnormality, the CPU is opened to perform another process (step S391).
Wait for CPU assignment again. When the CPU assignment is completed, the operation is restarted from the state abnormality detection.

As shown in the first embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has information on a connection destination computer in a peripheral device such as a printer, and the peripheral device is connected to a network and set up normally. If an error occurs in the peripheral device under the specified conditions, a message is automatically sent to the connected computer, so that the service center can notify the error before the administrator detects the error. Creates the advantage of not having to check or collect information for managers.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, IP (Internet Pr
The same IP environment information was used as the network setting of the printer, and a jam error and the number of times the drum was used were used as abnormal examples. These are only examples, and the connection information http (hy
per text transfer protocol
l) There are various methods such as an address and an NDS method provided by Novell, and any method can be used as long as it can identify and connect to a partner on a network. In addition, there are various examples of abnormal cases depending on the type and structure of the peripheral device. In addition to the abnormalities, time can be used as an evaluation criterion to periodically transfer information.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the method of sequentially judging the abnormality judging method has been described, but bits are electrically operated by hardware, and the abnormality detecting method and the reference value are described. By using the script file in a method of confirming an abnormality while referring to the script file, an inspection method that can be applied can be applied, for example, the inspection location can be freely changed. Even if these methods are adopted, the effect of the present invention is exhibited, as is the feature of the present invention in that an abnormality is detected and automatically notified to a connection destination computer.

As described above, according to the printer as the peripheral device according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
A memory 3 for storing network settings set by the administrator, a memory 4 for storing information of a destination computer for notifying a message, and a destination for storing whether the settings of the memory 3 are valid or not. A processing unit 5 for determining whether the setting is reachable; a detection unit 6 for detecting whether or not a matter to be notified of the message to the destination indicated in the memory 4 has occurred in the printer; and generating a message to be notified. A communication unit 8 for transmitting a message to a destination indicated in the memory 4, and a network processing unit 9 for performing network communication control. To control the transmission of a message to the computer when something to be notified to the computer occurs when communication is possible An effect as described below.

In a peripheral device such as a printer connected to the network, when something to be notified occurs in the peripheral device, the information set in the network and the information of the computer to be connected stored in advance are used. Then, it is determined whether the network setting is valid or not and whether or not the connection to the computer is possible. If the connection to the computer is possible, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to the computer. As a result, it is possible to automatically notify the computer of the information on the peripheral device, and it is possible to omit the information collection and notification work by the administrator.

[2] Second Embodiment In a second embodiment of the present invention, based on the first embodiment, the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention are described in the claims. As a specific example of the present invention, an example in which network setting information is automatically notified to a computer when network setting is completed will be described. In the second embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given below by exemplifying a case where a printer is used as a peripheral device. However, the present invention is not limited to a printer. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the peripheral device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer as an example of a peripheral device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The printer 81 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a memory 83, a memory 84, a processing unit 85, an input unit 86, a message generation unit 87, a communication unit 88, and a network processing unit 89. In the figure, reference numeral 82 denotes a network to which the printer 81 is connected.

The configuration of each section of the printer 81 will be described in detail. The memory 83 stores network settings set in the printer 81 by an administrator. The memory 84 stores information on a computer to which a message is notified from the printer 81. The processing unit 85 determines whether the settings in the memory 83 are valid or whether the settings are stored in the memory 84 and reach the destination. The input unit 86 is for inputting network settings. After the input is completed, the input unit 86 has a function of notifying the communication unit 88 that the input has been completed, and controls the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. The message generator 87 generates a message to be notified. The communication unit 88 transmits the message generated by the message generation unit 87 to the destination indicated by the memory 84. The network processing unit 89 includes a printer 81 and a network 82.
And performs network communication control between them.

Next, the operation of the printer 81 according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and FIG. FIG.
1 is a flowchart showing a setting input process of the printer 81. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in the network information notification packet.

In FIG. 11, after the printer is started, the network setting is started from the panel of the printer 81 or the remote (step S90). The input unit 86 controls the input processing and writes the input result to the memory 83 (Step S91). When the input process is completed (step S9
2) To determine whether the set value is a valid value and whether connection to a computer described in the memory 84 is possible,
A confirmation process is requested to the processing unit 85 (step S93).
The processing in the processing unit 85 is the same as the processing in the processing unit 5 in the first embodiment, and the processing flow is omitted in the present embodiment.

The communication unit 88 determines whether or not a route is secured based on the result of the processing unit 85 (step S94). If the message can be transmitted normally, the message generation unit 87 creates a message packet for notifying the completion of network setting to the message generation unit 87. Request (step S95).

FIG. 12 shows an example of information of a packet generated by the message generator 87. This is only an example, and there is a variety of information required other than the above information. The present invention is characterized in that a packet including necessary information is generated and transmitted, and FIG. 12 is only a reference example. In the example of FIG. 12, a product name, an internal version, a product number, a product specification, and a setting address are recorded, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

When receiving the packet from the message generator 87, the communication unit 88 sends the packet to the computer described in the connection destination information of the memory 84 (step S9).
6). The packet transmission method at this time is a general method, and is omitted in the present embodiment. After ending these series of processes, the input process is completed (step S97).

As shown in the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has information of a connection destination computer in a peripheral device such as a printer, and the peripheral device is connected to a network and network setting is performed. Upon completion,
The feature is to automatically send a message to the connected computer, which eliminates the need for the administrator to register the device in the service center, and to register the device without changing the setting when the setting is changed. Make it possible.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first
As in the embodiment, the IP address is used as the computer information of the connection destination, and the information of the same IP environment is also used as the network setting of the printer. However, these are only examples, and the http information and the Novell are used as the connection information. There are various methods, such as the NDS method provided by the Internet, and any method may be used as long as it can identify and connect to a partner on a network.

As described above, according to the printer as the peripheral device according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
A memory 83 for storing the input network settings;
Whether the settings of the memory 84 for storing the information of the destination computer for notifying the message and the memory 83 are valid,
A processing unit 85 for determining whether the setting reaches the destination stored in the memory 84; an input unit 86 for inputting network settings; a message generating unit 87 for generating a message to be notified; A communication unit 88 for transmitting to the indicated destination, and a network processing unit 89 for performing network communication control. When the network setting satisfies the connection information of the computer and can communicate with the computer, and the network setting is completed. Since the control for transmitting the message to the computer is performed, the following effects are obtained.

In a peripheral device such as a printer connected to the network, when the peripheral device is connected to the network, the network setting is performed. When the setting is completed, the completion is detected, and the information set in the network is stored in advance. Based on the information of the connected computer, it is determined whether the network setting is valid and whether the computer can be connected.If the computer can be connected, the information of the device held in the peripheral device is stored in the computer. Can be notified. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, it becomes possible to automatically notify the computer of the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network. Information collection and notification work can be omitted.

[3] Third Embodiment In a third embodiment of the present invention, as a specific example of the present invention described in claims 5 and 6 in the claims, a network setting An example in which the processing at the time of completion is replaced at the time of completion of the user registration processing will be described. In the third embodiment of the present invention, a description will be given below by taking a printer as an example of a peripheral device as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a printer, and various peripheral devices such as a scanner may be used. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the peripheral device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer as an example of a peripheral device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The printer 111 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a memory 113, a memory 114, and a processing unit 11.
5, input unit 116, message generation unit 111, communication unit 1
18, network processing unit 119, user registration storage unit 1
110 is provided. In the figure, reference numeral 112 denotes a network to which the printer 111 is connected.

The configuration of each section of the printer 111 will be described in detail. The memory 113 stores the network settings set in the printer 111 by the administrator. Memory 114
Stores information on a destination computer to which a message is notified from the printer 111. The processing unit 115 determines whether the setting in the memory 113 is valid or whether the setting is stored in the memory 114 and reaches the destination. Input unit 1
Numeral 16 is for inputting user registration. After the registration is completed, it has a function of notifying the communication unit 118 that the input has been completed, and controls the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. The message generation unit 117 generates a message to be notified. The communication unit 118 includes the message generation unit 1
The message generated in step 17 is transmitted to the destination indicated in the memory 114. The network processing unit 119 controls network communication between the printer 111 and the network 112. The user registration storage unit 1110
Holds registered data.

Next, the operation of the printer 111 according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the user registration process of the printer 111. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in the user registration notification packet.

In FIG. 14, after the printer is started, user registration is started from the panel of the printer 111 or the remote (step S120). The input unit 116 controls the input processing, and stores the input result in the user registration storage unit 1110.
(Step S121). When the input processing is completed (step S122), it is determined whether the network setting value of the printer 111 set in the memory 113 is a valid value.
In addition, in order to determine whether connection to a computer described in the memory 114 is possible, a request is made to the processing unit 115 for confirmation processing (step S123). The processing in the processing unit 115
This is the same process as the processing unit 5 of the first embodiment,
In the present embodiment, the processing flow is omitted.

The communication unit 118 determines whether or not the route is secured based on the result of the processing unit 115 (step S124). If the message can be transmitted normally, the message generation unit 1
17 is requested to create a message packet for notifying the completion of network setting (step S125). The message generation unit 117 generates a user registration notification packet based on the user information registered in the user registration storage unit 1110.

FIG. 15 shows an example of information of a packet generated by the message generator 117. This is only an example, and there is a variety of information required other than the above information. The present invention is characterized in that a packet including necessary information is generated and transmitted, and FIG. 15 is merely a reference example. In the example of FIG. 15, a product name, an internal version, a product number, a product specification, a user name, and a user address are recorded, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

Receiving the packet from message generating section 117, communication section 118 sends the packet to the computer described in the connection destination information of memory 114 (step S126). The packet transmission method at this time is a general method, and is omitted in the present embodiment. After ending these series of processes, the input process is completed (step S12).
7).

As shown in the above-described third embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has information of a connection destination computer in a peripheral device such as a printer, and the peripheral device is connected to a network and network setting is performed. Upon completion,
When user registration is completed, a message is automatically sent to the connected computer when user registration is completed. This eliminates the need for the user to register the user in the service center and changes the user registration. It is possible to perform user registration at the point of time when the same work is not performed.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the first
As in the embodiment, the IP address is used as the computer information of the connection destination, and the information of the same IP environment is also used as the network setting of the printer. However, these are only examples, and the http information and the Novell are used as the connection information. There are various methods, such as the NDS method provided by the Internet, and any method may be used as long as it can identify and connect to a partner on a network.

As described above, according to the printer as the peripheral device according to the third embodiment of the present invention,
A memory 113 for storing network settings set by an administrator, a memory 114 for storing information of a destination computer for notifying a message, and a destination for which the settings of the memory 113 are valid or not. A processing unit 115 for determining whether the setting is reached; an input unit 116 for inputting user registration; a message generation unit 117 for generating a message to be notified; and a communication unit for transmitting the message to the destination indicated in the memory 114 118,
Network processing unit 119 that performs network communication control
User registration storage unit 11 for storing user registration data
In the case where the network setting satisfies the connection information of the computer and the computer can communicate with the computer and the user registration is completed, the control for transmitting the message to the computer is performed.

When a peripheral device such as a printer connected to the network is connected to the network, user registration is performed on the peripheral device, and when the registration is completed, the completion is detected and the peripheral device is set. Based on the network information that is stored and the information of the computer to be connected that is stored in advance, whether the network setting is valid,
It is determined whether or not connection to the computer is possible. If connection to the computer is possible, it is possible to notify the computer of information on user registration. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, it becomes possible to automatically notify the computer of the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the control in the third embodiment of the present invention and the control in the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, more detailed information and user registration in a peripheral device such as a printer can be obtained. There is an effect that the information and the network information can be combined and registered in the service center.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS and the like running on the computer are actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0082]

As described above, according to the peripheral device of the first aspect of the present invention, it is a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device via a network, and the occurrence of a matter to be notified to the higher-level device has occurred. And a communication control means for transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when an event to be notified to the higher-level device occurs, the following effects are obtained.

When any matter to be notified occurs in the peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, a setting storage means for storing network settings, a connection information storage means for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and a device for creating the information for notification The communication control means, when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and when there is a matter to be notified to the higher-level device, the communication control means The transmission to the device has the following effects.

When any matter to be notified occurs in a peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device via a network, and an input means for inputting a network setting, and a notifying device for notifying when the network setting is completed. Since the communication control means for transmitting information to the host device is provided, the following effects are obtained.

When connecting a peripheral device to a network,
When the network setting is completed and the information is completed, the information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a setting storage means for storing the input network settings, a connection information storage means for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and the notification information Creation means for creating the communication information. The communication control means, if the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and if the network setting is completed, sends the information for notification to the higher-level device. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

When connecting a peripheral device to a network,
When the network setting is completed and the information is completed, the information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device via a network, wherein the input means for inputting user registration and a notification means for notifying the user when the user registration is completed. Since the communication control means for transmitting information to the host device is provided, the following effects are obtained.

User registration is performed in the peripheral device, and upon completion, the user registration information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the inventions of the third and fourth aspects and the invention of the fifth aspect, more detailed information in the peripheral device, user registration information and network information are combined and registered in the service center. It also has the effect that it becomes possible.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, the user storage means for storing the input user registration, the setting storage means for storing the network settings, and the connection for storing the connection information of the host device. An information storage unit; and a creating unit for creating the notification information, wherein the communication control unit completes the user registration when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and can communicate with the higher-level device. In such a case, the information for notification is transmitted to the higher-level device, so that the following effects are obtained.

User registration is performed on the peripheral device, and upon completion, the user registration information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the inventions according to the third and fourth aspects and the invention according to the sixth aspect, more detailed information in the peripheral device, user registration information and network information are combined and registered in the service center. It also has the effect that it becomes possible.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, the matter to be notified is a matter relating to parts, mechanisms, etc. provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notification is an equipment number, Since the information is various information such as the network address and the status of the parts and mechanisms, the following effects are obtained.

As in the first and second aspects of the present invention, there is an effect that information collection and notification work by the administrator can be omitted.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, since the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address, the following effects are obtained.

Similarly to the above-mentioned inventions, information collection and notification work for registration by the administrator can be omitted, and more detailed information on the peripheral device, user registration information and network information can be combined. Thus, there is an effect that it is also possible to register with the service center.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, since the connection information of the higher-level device is information for specifying the higher-level device to be notified on the network, the following effects can be obtained. Play.

As in the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, information collection and notification work by the administrator can be omitted, and information collection and notification work for registration by the administrator can be omitted.
Furthermore, there is an effect that it is also possible to combine more detailed information in the peripheral device, user registration information and network information, and register the information in the service center.

According to the peripheral device of the present invention, since it can be applied to an image output device such as a printer and an image input device such as a scanner, the following effects can be obtained.

When any matter to be notified occurs in a peripheral device such as an image output device such as a printer or an image input device such as a scanner, information to be notified is created, and the information is notified to a host device such as a computer. It is possible to do. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

When connecting an image output device such as a printer or the like and a peripheral device such as a scanner to a network, network setting is performed, and upon completion, information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device is stored in a computer or the like. It becomes possible to notify the host device. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, it is possible to perform user registration with the above-mentioned image output device such as a printer and peripheral devices such as a scanner, and to notify the user registration information to a higher-level device such as a computer when the registration is completed. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

In addition, it is possible to register more detailed information in peripheral devices such as an image output device such as a printer and an image input device such as a scanner, and user registration information and network information, and to register them in a service center. There is.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, it is an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device over a network. And a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when a matter to be notified to the higher-level device occurs,
The following effects are obtained.

When any matter to be notified occurs in a peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, a setting storage step for storing network settings, a connection information storage step for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and the notification information are created. Creating step, wherein in the communication control step, if the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and there is a matter to be notified to the higher-level device, the information for notification is transmitted. The transmission to the higher-level device has the following effects.

When any matter to be notified occurs in a peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, the information notification method is applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a higher-level device via a network. And a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when the communication is completed.

When connecting a peripheral device to a network,
When the network setting is completed and the information is completed, the information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, a setting storing step of storing the input network setting, a connection information storing step of storing connection information of a higher-level device, Creating the information, and in the communication control step, when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is communicable with the higher-level device, and when the network setting is completed, the information for notification is The transmission to the device has the following effects.

When connecting a peripheral device to a network,
When the network setting is completed and the information is completed, the information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, the information notification method is applied to a peripheral device that can be connected to a higher-level device via a network. And a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when the communication is completed.

User registration is performed on the peripheral device, and upon completion, the user registration information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the inventions of claims 13 and 14 and the invention of claim 15,
There is an effect that it is also possible to register in the service center by combining more detailed information on the peripheral device, user registration information and network information.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, a user storing step of storing the input user registration, a setting storing step of storing network settings, and storing connection information of a host device. A connection information storage step; and a creation step of creating the notification information. In the communication control step, user registration is performed when the network setting satisfies connection information of a higher-level device and communication with the higher-level device is possible. When the process is completed, the notification information is transmitted to the higher-level device, so that the following effects are obtained.

User registration is performed on the peripheral device, and upon completion, the user registration information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the inventions of claims 13 and 14 and the invention of claim 16,
There is an effect that it is also possible to register in the service center by combining more detailed information on the peripheral device, user registration information and network information.

According to the information notifying method of the present invention, the matter to be notified is a matter relating to a component / mechanism etc. provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notifying is a device number. Since it is various information such as the network address, the status of the parts and mechanisms, etc., the following effects can be obtained.

As in the eleventh and twelfth aspects of the present invention, there is an effect that information collection and notification work by the administrator can be omitted.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, since the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address, the following effects are obtained.

As in the above-mentioned inventions, information collection and notification work for registration by the administrator can be omitted, and more detailed information on the peripheral device, user registration information and network information can be combined. Thus, there is an effect that it is also possible to register with the service center.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, since the connection information of the higher-level device is information for specifying the higher-level device to be notified on the network,
The following effects are obtained.

Similarly to the above-mentioned invention, the information collection and notification work by the administrator can be omitted, and the information collection and notification work for registration by the administrator can be omitted. There is an effect that it is also possible to register in the service center by combining the more detailed information in the above, the user registration information and the network information.

According to the information notification method of the present invention, since it can be applied to an image output device such as a printer and an image input device such as a scanner, the following effects can be obtained.

When any matter to be notified occurs in a peripheral device such as an image output device such as a printer or an image input device such as a scanner, information to be notified is created, and the information is notified to a host device such as a computer. It is possible to do. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

When connecting peripheral devices such as the image output device such as the printer and the image input device such as the scanner to the network, the network setting is performed, and upon completion, the peripheral device held in the peripheral device is set. Information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

It is also possible to perform user registration with peripheral devices such as an image output device such as a printer and an image input device such as a scanner, and notify the user registration information to a host device such as a computer upon completion. Becomes as a result,
When the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, such as the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network, can be automatically notified to a higher-level device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification operation can be omitted.

Further, it is also possible to register more detailed information in peripheral devices such as an image output device such as the printer and an image input device such as a scanner, user registration information and network information, and to register them in a service center. There is.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network. hand,
The information notification method includes a detection step of detecting the occurrence of a matter to be notified to a higher-order device, and a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to the higher-order device when a matter to be notified to the higher-order device has occurred. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

When something to be notified occurs in the peripheral device, information to be notified can be created and the information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, information on the peripheral device can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer, and there is an effect that information collection and notification work by an administrator can be omitted.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network. hand,
Since the information notification method includes an input step of inputting network settings and a communication control step of transmitting notification information to a higher-level device when the network settings are completed, the following effects are obtained.

When connecting a peripheral device to a network,
When the network setting is completed and the information is completed, the information of the peripheral device held in the peripheral device can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that information collection and notification work for the user can be omitted.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device which can be connected to a host device via a network. hand,
Since the information notification method includes an input step of inputting user registration and a communication control step of transmitting notification information to a higher-level device when the user registration is completed, the following effects are obtained.

User registration is performed on the peripheral device, and upon completion, the user registration information can be notified to a host device such as a computer. As a result, when the network setting of the peripheral device is completed, the information of the peripheral device, for example, the device number and the address of the peripheral device on the network can be automatically notified to a host device such as a computer. There is an effect that the notification work for the user can be omitted.

Further, by combining the invention described in claim 22 and the invention described in claim 23, more detailed information in the peripheral device, user registration information and network information can be combined and registered in the service center. There is a possible effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of information held in a memory of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing connected computer information, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing network setting information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating task processing in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating task processing in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a path confirmation process in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a path confirmation process in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a state detection process in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality detection storage method in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in an abnormality notification packet in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a setting input process in a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in a network information notification packet in the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a user registration process in a printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data included in a user registration notification packet in the printer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 81, 111 Printer 2, 82, 112 Network 3, 4, 83, 84, 113, 114 Memory 5, 85, 115 Processing unit 6 Detecting unit 7, 87, 117 Message generating unit 8, 88, 118 Communication unit 9 , 89, 119 Network processing unit 86, 116 Input unit 1110 User registration storage unit

Claims (23)

[Claims] A peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device via a network, detecting means for detecting the occurrence of a matter to be notified to the higher-order device, and notifying when a matter to be notified to the higher-order device occurs. Communication control means for transmitting information for use to a higher-level device. 2. A communication apparatus, comprising: a setting storage unit that stores network settings; a connection information storage unit that stores connection information of a higher-level device; and a creation unit that creates the information for notification. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and the upper-level device can communicate with the higher-level device, when the information to be notified to the higher-level device occurs, the notification information is transmitted to the higher-level device. Peripheral device as described. 3. A peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device via a network, comprising: input means for inputting network settings; and communication control means for transmitting information for notification to the higher-level device when network settings are completed. A peripheral device comprising: 4. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting storage unit configured to store the input network setting, a connection information storage unit configured to store connection information of a host device, and a creation unit configured to create the notification information. 4. The control unit according to claim 3, wherein the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is communicable with the higher-level device, and transmits the notification information to the higher-level device when the network setting is completed. Peripherals. 5. A peripheral device capable of being connected to a host device via a network, comprising: input means for inputting user registration; and communication control means for transmitting notification information to the host device when user registration is completed. A peripheral device comprising: 6. A user storage unit for storing the input user registration, a setting storage unit for storing network settings, a connection information storage unit for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and creating the notification information. Creating means for
The communication control unit transmits the information for notification to a higher-level device when user registration is completed when the network setting satisfies connection information of the higher-level device and communication with the higher-level device is possible. Item 6. The peripheral device according to item 5. 7. The matter to be notified is a matter relating to a part / mechanism or the like provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notification includes a device number, a network address, a status of the part / mechanism or the like. 3. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is various information. 8. The peripheral device according to claim 3, wherein the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address. 9. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the connection information of the host device is information for specifying a notification destination host device on a network. 10. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is applicable to an image output device such as a printer and an image input device such as a scanner. 11. An information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device over a network, comprising: a detecting step of detecting whether or not a matter to be notified to the higher-level device has occurred; A communication control step of transmitting notification information to a higher-level device when a problem occurs. 12. A communication apparatus, comprising: a setting storage step of storing network settings; a connection information storage step of storing connection information of a higher-level device; and a creation step of creating the notification information. 12. When the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is communicable with the higher-level device, and when a matter to be notified to the higher-level device occurs, the information for notification is transmitted to the higher-level device. Information notification method described. 13. An information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of network connection with a higher-level device, comprising: an input step of inputting network settings; and, when the network settings are completed, notification information to the higher-level device. A communication control step of transmitting the information. 14. The communication method, comprising: a setting storing step of storing the input network setting; a connection information storing step of storing connection information of a higher-level device; and a creating step of creating the notification information. 14. The control step, wherein when the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is communicable with the higher-level device and the network setting is completed, the information for notification is transmitted to the higher-level device. Information notification method. 15. An information notification method applied to a peripheral device that can be connected to a higher-level device via a network, comprising: an inputting step of inputting user registration; A communication control step of transmitting the information. 16. A user storage step for storing the input user registration, a setting storage step for storing network settings, a connection information storage step for storing connection information of a higher-level device, and creating the notification information. The communication setting step, wherein the network setting satisfies the connection information of the higher-level device and is capable of communicating with the higher-level device, and when the user registration is completed, the information for notification is transmitted to the higher-level device. The information notification method according to claim 15, wherein the information is transmitted. 17. The matter to be notified is a matter relating to a component / mechanism or the like provided in the peripheral device main body, and the information for notification includes a device number, a network address, a status of the component / mechanism or the like. 13. The information notification method according to claim 11, wherein the information is various information. 18. The information notification method according to claim 13, wherein the information for notification is various information such as a device number and a network address. 19. The information notification method according to claim 11, wherein the connection information of the higher-level device is information for specifying a higher-level device to be notified on a network. 20. The information notification method according to claim 11, wherein the information notification method is applicable to an image output device such as a printer, an image input device such as a scanner, and the like. 21. A storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device connectable to a higher-level device over a network, the information notification method comprising: A storage medium, comprising: a detection step of detecting whether a matter to be performed has occurred; and a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to a higher-order apparatus when a matter to be notified to a higher-order apparatus has occurred. 22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of being connected to a higher-level device over a network, wherein the information notification method includes inputting a network setting. And a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to a higher-level device when network setting is completed. 23. A storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing an information notification method applied to a peripheral device capable of network connection with a higher-level device, wherein the information notification method includes inputting a user registration. And a communication control step of transmitting information for notification to a higher-level device when user registration is completed.