WO2008050438A1

WO2008050438A1 - Connection device information generation apparatus, method, program, computer readable recording medium with the program recorded therein and system

Info

Publication number: WO2008050438A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuichi Inoue
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2006-10-26
Filing date: 2006-10-26
Publication date: 2008-05-02

Abstract

A connection device information apparatus is provided with a device information holding unit (15) which holds a device information source (22) comprised of a plurality of basic device information data including basic device information data related to at least a connection device (12), a specification information acquisition unit (28) which acquires specification information (26) indicative of the specification of the connection device (12), and an extracting and generating unit (29) which extracts the basic device information in connection with the specification of the connection device (12) from the device information source (22) held at the device information holding unit (15) based on the specification information (26) and generates connection device information (29), so that it can easily collect information with respect to functions the connection device connected with an information processing device possesses and generate highly convenient information.

Description

Specification

Technical field of connected device information generating apparatus, method, program, computer-readable recording medium storing the program, and system

The present invention relates to a technology for generating connected device information related to a connected device that is communicably connected, for example, for generating a user related to a function of a connected device connected to an information processing apparatus! The present invention relates to a suitable technique.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, manuals that show in detail how to operate devices such as printers and scanners have become enormous amounts of information as the functions of the devices become more sophisticated and complicated.

In the following, a manual display system for displaying manual information stored in an information processing apparatus on a display will be described as an example of a conventional manual usage method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a conventional manual display system, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a manual text displayed on a display in the conventional manual display system.

As shown in FIG. 10, the manual display system 90 is connected to the information processing device 91 and the information processing device 91 via a communication line 92 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The connected device 93 is configured to display a manual relating to the connected device 93.

The information processing apparatus 91 is configured as a computer including an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 94, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 95, and a display 96. The HDD 94 stores manual information 97 indicating the contents of the manual and a manual display program 98.

Then, the CPU 95 executes the manual display program 98 to read the manual information 97 stored in the HDD 94 and display the manual 99 as shown in FIG. The user can use the manual 9 Various operations are performed on the connection device 93 while referring to FIG.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-248653

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] By the way, the above-mentioned connected devices may have different supported functions depending on the specifications due to the wide variety of specifications such as models and options.

In such a case, the manual information 97 is configured to include information on all specifications of the connected device 93 corresponding to various specifications of the connected device 93.

[0006] In the conventional manual display system 90, manual information 97 regarding all specifications of the connected device 93 is displayed as the manual 99 regardless of the specifications of the connected device 93 connected to the information processing device 91. Displayed in 96.

Therefore, the user 99 is necessary because the manual 99 displayed on the display 96 includes unnecessary contents and contents that cannot be implemented with respect to the connected device 93 connected to the information processing apparatus 91. There is a problem that it is difficult to find content that is difficult to use. In particular, when the manual information 97 has an enormous amount of information, it is difficult for the user to quickly acquire only the necessary information.

[0007] Conventionally, for example, manual information stored in an information processing apparatus such as a computer such as a help function can be searched for information required by a user, or as described in Patent Document 1 above. As described above, the operation manual necessary to use the device is edited as an operation manual by combining the explanation data of the operation contents at each processing step required for the request of the function corresponding to the request according to the request of the operator. By creating and outputting, various methods for effectively using a huge amount of information manuals are used.

[0008] However, in these methods, in order to acquire information required by the user, it is necessary to perform search input by itself or acquire necessary information for the OMR sheet or OCR sheet. It is complicated because it is necessary to enter a mark. Users also need to know information such as the specifications of connected devices in order to obtain the necessary information. The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and it is possible to easily collect information on functions provided by connected devices connected to an information processing apparatus, and to generate information with high convenience. With the goal.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the connected device information generating apparatus of the present invention is a connected device information generating device that generates connected device information related to a connected device that is communicably connected, and includes at least the connected device information generating device. A device information holding unit for holding a device information source configured with a plurality of basic device information including basic device information related to the connected device, and a specification information acquiring unit for acquiring specification information indicating the specification of the connected device And extracting the basic device information related to the specifications of the connected device from the device information source held in the device information holding unit based on the specification information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit. It is characterized by having an extraction and generation unit that generates connected device information.

[0010] In addition, the device information source is configured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information, and a description of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Description position information indicating a position, and association information for associating the description position information with the specification information, and the extraction generation unit acquires the specification information and the association information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit. And acquiring the description position information related to the specifications of the connected device, and extracting the basic device information related to the connected device from the text based on the acquired description position information. It is preferable to generate connected device information.

[0011] It should be noted that the basic device information may be a manual, or the description position information may be a page number in the text. In addition, the specification information should be structured as a structured document.

The connected device information generation method of the present invention is a connected device information generation method for generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to an information processing apparatus, and is at least a basic related to the connected device. A device information holding step in which the information processing apparatus holds a device information source configured with a plurality of basic device information including device information; a specification information acquiring step in which specification information indicating the specification of the connected device is acquired; The specification information Based on the specification information acquired in the acquisition step, the basic device information related to the specifications of the connected device is extracted from the device information source held in V in the device information holding step. And an extraction generation step for generating the connected device information.

[0012] In addition, the device information source is configured as a structured document and includes a text including the plurality of basic device information, and a description of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Description position information indicating a position and association information for associating the description position information with the specification information, and in the extraction generation step, the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step Based on the information! /, Acquire the described position information related to the specifications of the connected device, and based on the acquired described position information V, the basic device related to the connected device It is preferable to extract the information from the main text and generate the connected device information.

[0013] Note that the described position information may be a page number in the text, or the basic device information may be a manual. In addition, the specification information should be structured as a structured document.

A connected device information generation program according to the present invention is a connected device information generation program for causing a computer to execute a function of generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to a computer. A specification information acquisition step for acquiring specification information indicating the specification of the device, and a plurality of basic information including at least basic device information related to the connected device based on the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step. Causing the computer to execute an extraction generation step of extracting the basic device information related to the specification of the connected device from the device information source configured with the device information and generating the connected device information. It is a feature.

[0014] In addition, the device information source is structured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information, and a description of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Description position information indicating a position and association information for associating the description position information with the specification information, and in the extraction generation step, the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step Based on the information! / The description position information related to the specification of the device is acquired, and based on the acquired description position information, the basic device information related to the connection device is extracted from the body text and the connection device is extracted. It is preferable to run the computer to generate information.

[0015] A computer-readable recording medium of the present invention records the above-described connected device information generation program.

The connected device information generation system of the present invention is a connected device information generation system that generates connected device information related to a connected device that is communicably connected to an information processing apparatus, and at least basic device information related to the connected device A device information holding unit that holds a device information source configured with a plurality of basic device information including a specification information requesting unit that requests specification information indicating the specifications of the connected device from the connected device, In response to a request from the specification information request unit, a transmission unit that transmits the specification information to the information processing apparatus, and a device information holding unit that holds the specification information based on the specification information transmitted from the transmission unit An extraction generation unit that extracts the basic device information related to the specifications of the connected device from the device information source thus generated and generates the connected device information is provided.

[0016] In addition, the device information source is structured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information, and a description of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Description position information indicating a position, and association information for associating the description position information with the specification information, and the extraction generation unit acquires the specification information and the association information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit. And acquiring the description position information related to the specifications of the connected device, and extracting the basic device information related to the connected device from the text based on the acquired description position information. It is preferable to generate connected device information.

[0017] It should be noted that the described position information may be a page number in the text, or the basic device information may be a manual. In addition, the specification information should be structured as a structured document.

The invention's effect

[0018] According to the present invention, there is at least one of the following effects or advantages.

(1) Based on the specification information indicating the specifications of the connected device, the device information source power By extracting basic device information related to connected devices, it is possible to easily create connected device information that matches the specifications of connected devices.

(2) Since the connected device information does not include basic device information not related to the connected device, it is possible to improve convenience.

[0019] (3) The connected device information can be generated by easily extracting only the necessary basic device information from the device information source.

(4) A manual that matches the specifications of the connected device can be generated easily.

(5) Since the specification information is a structure document, basic device information related to connected devices can be easily collected.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a connected device information generation system as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of mail information used in the connected device information generation system as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram specifically showing a configuration example of mail information used in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of specification notification information used in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing of a specification information request unit in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing of a transmission unit in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing of the extraction generation unit in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a connected device manual output by an output control unit in the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying connected device information by the connected device information generation system as one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a manual display system as a conventional example.

[Fig. 11] A manual display system as a conventional example.

Yes

It is a figure which shows an example of a manual text. Explanation of symbols

Connected equipment information generation system

11 Information processing device (connected device information generation device)

12, 93 Connected equipment

13, 92 Communication line

14, 95 CPU

15, 94 HDD (Device information holding unit)

16 RAM

17 ROM

18, 96 displays

19 Printer

20 keyboard

21 MANIYUANORE Display Program

22 Manual information (device information source)

22a L Body

22b Association information

22b— 1, 22b-2, 22b— 3, 22b— 4 pieces Additional U association † Blueprint

22c, 22c— 1, 22c— 2, 22c— 3, 22c— 4 Location information

22d-l, 22d- 2, 22d— 3, 22d-4, 22d— 5, 22d— 6, 22d— 7, 22d— 8 Basic Manual information (basic device information)

22e, 22e- l, 22e— 2, 22e— 3, 22e ~ 4

23 MPU

24 memory

25 Response program

26 Specification Information 261 Specification Notification Information

27 Specification Information Request Section

28 Specification Information Acquisition Department

29 Extraction generator

30 Output controller

31 Receiver

32 Transmitter

33 Request signal

34 Device / PLC Manual (Device / PLC Information)

90 Manual display system

91 Information processing equipment

97 Manual Information

98 Manual display program

99 Manual

P1 to P8 Page number

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a connected device information generation system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention.

The connected device information generation system 10 generates a manual related to the connected device 12 that is communicably connected to the information processing device (manual generation device; connected device information generation device) 11 and displays the manual on the display 18. Thus, a manual related to the connected device 12 is generated by combining basic manual information (basic device information) regarding the functions supported by the connected device 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the connected device information generation system 10 includes an information processing device 11 and the information processing device 11 via a communication line 13 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or USB (Universal Serial Bus). It consists of connected devices 12 connected.

[0023] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the connected device 12 is a model or an option (software option) ), There are multiple types of specifications, and in particular, the case where the specifications are model A, software option a, and software option j8 will be described as an example.

The information processing apparatus 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 16, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 17, a display 18, and a printer. It is configured as a computer with 19 and keyboard 20.

[0024] The CPU 14 performs various numerical calculations, information processing, device control, etc. on the information processing device 11, and executes a manual display program (connected device information generation program) 21 described later. By doing so, it functions as a specification information request unit 27, a specification information acquisition unit 28, an extraction generation unit 29, and an output control unit 30. Details of these functions will be described later.

[0025] The HDD 15 is a storage device that stores various programs and data including an OS (Operating System). The HDD 15 stores (holds) a manual display program 21, and also stores manual information (device information source). Store (hold) 22 Details of the function of the manual display program 21 will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the manual information 22 used in the connected device information generation system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram specifically showing the configuration example.

[0026] Manual information (device information source) 22 is information for generating an explanatory text or the like indicating the operation method of the device connectable to the information processing apparatus 11 in each language such as Japanese or English. As shown in Fig. 2, multiple (8 in the example in Fig. 2) basic manual information (basic device information; contents of the manual information) 22d- 1, 22d- 2, 22d- 3, 22d-4 , 22d—5, 22d—6, 22d-7, 22d—8, and association information (model and option individual information) 22b.

[0027] Basic manual information 22d—l to 22d—8 are information on how to use various commands in the connected device 12, and various specifications related to the connected device 12 (models and options (software options)) ) Includes information on the command corresponding to), and is not used by the connected device 12 (model A) connected to the information processing device 11. Basic manual information is also included!

[0028] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the basic manual information 22d-l to 22d-3 is a force that is information about a command used in the connection device 12 (model A) connected to the information processing apparatus 11. Basic manual information 22d-4 to 22d-6 is not used in model A, but is used in model B. The basic manual information 22d-7 is information related to commands used in the software option α, and the basic manual information 22d-8 is information related to commands used in the software option β.

[0029] It should be noted that, hereinafter, as a code indicating basic manual information, when it is necessary to specify one of a plurality of basic manual information, the force using the codes 22d-l to 22d-8 Any basic manual information The symbol 22d is used when referring to.

Further, in the text 22a, description position information 22c indicating the description positions of the respective basic manual information 22d-1 to 22d-8 is given. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the manual information on "aaa command" in the main text 22a (basic manual information) 22d-1 is the page number PI, and the basic manual information on "bbb command" 22d-2 Is the page number P2, the basic manual information about the "ccc command" 22d-3 is the page number P3, the basic manual information about the "ddd command" 22d-4 is the page number P4, the "eee command" Basic manual information 22d—5 is page number P5, Basic manual information about “fff command” 22d—6 is page number P6, Basic manual information about “ggg command” 22d—7 is page number P7 The basic manual information 22d-8 regarding the “hhh command” is described on page number P8.

[0030] Then, the page numbers P1 to P8 function as the description position information 22c of the basic manual information 22d in the main body 22a.

Specifications 22e-1 to 22e-4 are hardware and software specifications such as configurations, functions, versions, and options (soft options and hardware options) for various devices including the connected device 12. In the example shown in Fig. 2, models (A, B) and soft options (a, j8) are shown. Specifically, specification 22e-1 is model A, specification 22e-2 is model B, Specification 22e-3 shows soft option α, and specification 22e-4 shows soft option j8. [0031] It should be noted that, hereinafter, as a code indicating a specification, when one of a plurality of specifications needs to be specified, a force using the codes 22e-1 to 22e-4 is used. Use.

The association information 22b is information for associating the description position information 22c (page numbers P1 to P8) in the main body 22a with the device specification 22e. In the example shown in FIG. 2, as the individual association information 22b-1, The page numbers P1 to P3 are associated with the specification 22e-1 of the model A, and the page numbers P4 to P6 are associated with the specification 22e-2 of the model B as the individual association information 22b-2. The page number P7 is associated with the specification 22e-3 of the software option α as the individual association information 22b-3, and the page number of the specification 22e-4 with the software option β as the individual association information 22b-4. P8 is associated. That is, the association information 22b includes a plurality of individual association information 22b-1 to 22b-4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the association information 22b is specifically configured as an XML document (extensible markup language; structured document). In the individual association information 22b-1 of (Specification 22e-l), the specification code "machine-A" indicating the model A (Specification 22e-1) is tagged as "machine-option>" and the tag "〈/ ma chine- option>"It is enclosed in (clipped), and this specification code" machine-A "is tagged, and in the line below it, values indicating page numbers PI, P2, P3" 1,2, 3 These values "1,2,3" are tagged by enclosing "with tag"page>"andtag"</page>". In addition, in the individual association information 22b-2 of model B (specification 22e-2), the specification code "machine-B" indicating the model B (specification 22e-2) is tagged "machine-option>" and tag. <// machine-option> This specification code "machine-B" is tagged by enclosing it with "/ machine-option". These values "4,5,6" are tagged by enclosing them with the tag "page>" and the tag "</ page>". Furthermore, in the individual association information 22b-3 of the soft option α (specification 22e-3), the specification code "option-a" indicating the soft option e (specification 22e-3) is tagged with the "machine-option>" And this specification code "option-a" is tagged by enclosing it with the tag "ku / machine-option>", and the value "7" indicating page number P7 is tagged in the line below it. page>"and This value "7" is tagged by enclosing it with "</ page>". In the individual association information 22b-4 of the software option β (specification 22e-4), the specification code "option-b" indicating the soft option (specification 22e-4) is added to the tag "machine-option>" and the tag This specification code "option-b" is tagged by enclosing it with "</ ma chine-option>", and the value "8" indicating page number P8 is tagged in the line below it. This value "8" is tagged by enclosing it with "<page>" and tag "</ page>".

[0033] That is, the manual information 22 is configured as an XML document, and the specification code indicating the device specification 22e is enclosed by a tag "machine-option>" and a tag "</ machine-option>". Therefore, the specification code of this device is tagged, and in the line below it, the numerical value indicating one of the page numbers P1 to P8 is added to the tag "page>" and tag "</ page>". By enclosing it with ", the number indicating the page number is tagged. Thus, the description position information 22c is associated with the device specification 22e.

[0034] The RAM 16 is for temporarily expanding and storing data and programs when the CPU 14 performs various arithmetic processes. The ROM 17 stores programs and various data to be processed by the CPU 14. Is.

The display (output unit) 18 is a display device that displays various types of information. In addition to displaying various types of information for the user, the generated connection device manual (connection device information; see FIG. 8, see below for details) 34 is displayed (output).

[0035] The printer (output unit) 19 is a printing device that prints various kinds of information, and prints various kinds of information according to user operations and the like. (Output) can also be done! /

The keyboard 20 is an input device for inputting various information and instructions to the information processing device 11 by a user performing key input.

The connection device 12 is a device such as a printer or a scanner that can be connected to the information processing apparatus 11 via a communication unit (not shown) (for example, an input / output interface or a LAN card), as shown in FIG. In addition, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 23 and a memory 24 are provided.

MPU23 has various numerical calculations, information processing, equipment control, etc. in connected equipment 12. It is configured to function as a receiving unit 31 and a transmitting unit 32 by executing a response program 25 described later. Details of these functions will be described later.

[0037] The memory 24 is composed of, for example, a ROM or a non-volatile RAM, stores a program to be executed and processed by the MPU 23, various data, and a response program described later.

25 and specification information 26 indicating the specifications of the connected device 12 are stored. The specification information 26 may be stored in the memory 24 in advance.For example, the specification information 26 is generated when the connected device 12 is shipped from the factory and stored in the memory 24, or when the specification of the connected device 12 is changed (for example, the version). It may be stored (updated) in the memory 24 anew when uploading or adding options. Alternatively, the MPU 23 or the like may automatically generate the specification information 26 and store it in the memory 24 after receiving a request signal 33 from the specification information request unit 27 described later.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the capacity for storing the response program 25 and the specification information 26 in the memory 24 is not limited to this, and is stored in another storage device such as a hard disk drive. Also good.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the specification notification information 261 used in the connected device information generation system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The specification notification information 261 is information for notifying the specification information 26 indicating the specification 22e of the connected device 12, and is configured as an XML document as shown in FIG. It is generated by (MPU23)! /

As shown in FIG. 4, the specification notification information 261 according to the present embodiment is a specification of the connected device 12 † Takes machine-A, option-a and option-b 'which are the machine information 26, machine-status> and tag " By enclosing with </ machine-status> ", the machine specification information 26" machine-A "," option-a ", and" option-b "are tagged. As a result, the specification of the connected device 1 2 is specified!

[0040] For example, in the connected device 12, the MPU 23 acquires the specification information 26 from the memory 24, and generates the specification notification information 261 by enclosing the specification information 26 with tags as described above. It has become. The specification notification information 261 may be generated in advance. For example, the specification notification information 261 may be generated when the connected device 12 is shipped from the factory and stored in the memory 24. It may be newly stored (updated) in the memory 24 when the specification of the device 12 is changed (for example, when version upgrade or option addition is performed). In addition, the connected device 12 may generate the specification notification information 261 as necessary.

[0041] Hereinafter, functions of the manual display program 21 and the response program 25 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the specification information requesting unit 27 in the connected device information generating system 10 as one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the transmitting unit 32, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the extraction generation unit 29, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the connected device manual output by the output control unit 30.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the manual display program 21 causes the CPU 14 to realize the functions as the specification information request unit 27, the specification information acquisition unit 28, the extraction generation unit 29, and the output control unit 30, The response program 25 causes the MCU 23 to realize the functions as the reception unit 31 and the transmission unit 32.

The specification information request unit 27 requests the specification information 26 from the connected device 12 and generates a request signal 33 as shown in FIG. 5 by executing the CPU 14 power display program 21. Then, the data is transmitted to the connection device 12 via the communication line 13.

The receiving unit 31 receives the request signal 33 transmitted from the specification information requesting unit 27. As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission unit 32 transmits the specification information 26 (specification notification information 261) to the information processing device 11. In the present embodiment, the reception unit 31 receives the request signal 33. Then, the specification information 26 indicating that the connected device 12 has the specifications of model A, software option α and software option β is transmitted as specification notification information 261 to the information processing apparatus 11 via the communication line 13. Become! /

[0044] The specification information acquisition unit 28 acquires the specification information 26 transmitted from the transmission unit 32. The specification information acquisition unit 28 acquires the specification information 26 from the received specification notification information 261, and extracts and generates the acquired specification information 26. It will be sent to Part 29.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the extraction generation unit 29 determines whether the HDD 15 is based on the specification information 26 transmitted from the specification information acquisition unit 28 and the association information 22b held in the HDD 15. The basic material information 22 d— 1, 22d- 2, 22d- 3, 22d- 7, 22d— 8 related to the specifications of the connected device 12 is extracted from the text 22a held in Information (connected device information) 34 is generated (manual information 22 is modified).

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the extraction generation unit 29 performs a character string of the specification information 26 included in the specification notification information 261 (in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, “machine-A”, “option -a "and" option-b ") and the association information 22b (22b—l to 22b—4) and compare these strings" machine -A "," option-a "and" option-b " Select (extract) the association information 22b including at least one of (see 22b—1, 22b—3 and 22b—4 in the example shown in FIG. 7; see arrows A, B, and C), and then extract these The description position information 22c in the associated information 22b is extracted. In the example shown in FIG. 7, page numbers P1 to P3, P7, and P8 are acquired. The basic force 22d—1, 22d—2, 22d—3, 22d—7, 22d—8 is also extracted (collected) (see arrows D, E, F in Fig. 7) and combined. The connected equipment manual 34 shown in Fig. 8 is generated!

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the extraction generation unit 29 uses the device specification 22e-1 on the basis of the individual association information 22b-1, so that “a command that can be input on the model A” is t. This manual is followed by the basic manual information 22 d— 1 to 22 d— 3 extracted from the main body 22a. Generate part 22a— 1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, the extraction generation unit 29 uses the device specification 22e-3 on the basis of the individual association information 22b-3, and says that "commands that can be input when option a is installed" Along with generating this sentence and combining the basic manual information 22d-7 extracted from the main body 22a in parallel with this sentence, the manual part 2 2a-2 for the commands that can be entered with option a Generate. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the extraction generation unit 29 uses the specification 22e-4 of the device based on the individual association information 22b-4 to read the sentence “What commands can be input when option j8 is installed”. The manual part 22a-3 for the commands that can be entered in option 13 is generated by combining the basic manual information 22d-8 extracted from the main body 22a in parallel with this sentence. To do. [0047] It is desirable that the text corresponding to the above-mentioned device specification 22e is prepared in advance according to the device specification 22e.

The output control unit 30 outputs the connected device manual 34 generated by the extraction generating unit 29. For example, the output control unit 30 performs display control for displaying the connected device manual 34 as shown in FIG. Or print control for output to the printer 19 is performed.

[0048] Note that the program (manual display program 21) for realizing the functions as the specification information request unit 27, the specification information acquisition unit 28, the extraction generation unit 29, and the output control unit 30 described above is, for example, a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD—RW, etc.), DV D (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD—RW, DVD + RW, etc.), magnetic disk, optical disk, It is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk. Then, the computer reads the recording medium power program, transfers it to an internal storage device (for example, HDD 15 or RAM 16) or an external storage device, and uses it. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and provided from the storage device to a computer via a communication path.

In addition, when realizing the functions as the specification information request unit 27, the specification information acquisition unit 28, the extraction generation unit 29, and the output control unit 30, an internal storage device (in this embodiment, RAM 16 or ROM 17) A program (a manual display program 21) stored in the computer is executed by a microcomputer (CPU 14 in this embodiment) of the computer. At this time, the computer should read and execute the program (manual display program 21) recorded on the recording medium.

[0050] Further, a program (response program 25) for realizing the functions as the receiving unit 31 and the transmitting unit 32 described above is, for example, a flexible disk, CD (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.) , For computer-readable recording media such as DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DV D-RW, DVD + RW, etc.), magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, etc. Provided in recorded form. Then, the computer reads the recording medium power program and reads the internal storage device (for example, the memory 24) or the external storage device. It is transferred to a partial storage device and stored. The program may be recorded on a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and the storage device power may be provided to the computer via a communication path.

[0051] When realizing the functions as the reception unit 31 and the transmission unit 32, the program (response program 25) stored in the internal storage device (memory 24 in the present embodiment) is stored in the microprocessor of the computer ( In this embodiment, it is executed by the MPU 23). At this time, the computer should read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium (response program 25).

In the present embodiment, the computer is a concept including hardware and an operating system, and means a hardware that operates under the control of the operating system. In addition, when an operating system is not required and hardware is operated by an application program alone, the hardware itself corresponds to a computer. The hardware includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and a means for reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 11 and the connection device 12 are each a computer. It has this function.

[0053] Further, as the information processing apparatus 11, for example, a computer that functions on an OS (Operating System) such as Windows (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark) can be used.

Further, as the recording medium in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned flexible disk, CD, DVD, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, ROM cartridge, magnetic tape, punch card, internal storage of computer Various computer-readable media such as devices (memory such as RAM and ROM), external storage devices, and printed matter on which codes such as barcodes are printed can be used.

Here, the procedure for displaying the connected equipment manual 34 by the connected equipment information generating system 10 as one embodiment of the present invention will be described according to the flowchart (steps A10 to A16) shown in FIG.

Vendors who provide users or information processing devices 11 and connected devices 12 The user) holds manual information 22 related to the device connectable to the information processing apparatus 11 in the HDD 15 in advance (step A10; device information holding step). As this manual information 22, it is desirable to retain various devices that may be connected to the information processing device 11.

[0055] Then, when the user executes the manual display program 21 by operating the keyboard 20 or the like, the specification information requesting unit 27 generates a request signal 33 and transmits it to the connected device 12 via the communication line 13 (step Al l).

In the connected device 12, when the receiving unit 31 receives the request signal 33, the transmitting unit 32 transmits the specification notification information 261 to the information processing apparatus 11 (step A12).

[0056] In the information processing apparatus 11, the specification information acquisition unit 28 transmits the specification notification information 261 from the transmission unit 32. option—a and “option-b” are extracted and acquired as specification information 26 (step A13; specification information acquisition step), and the acquired specification information 26 is transmitted to the extraction generation unit 29.

The extraction and generation unit 29 reads the manual information 22 stored in the HDD 15, reads the specification information 26 “machie-A”, “option-a”, and “option-b” transmitted from the specification information acquisition unit 28 and acquired. The character string "machie-A", "machie-B", "option-a" enclosed in "ku-machine-option>" in the association information 22b (22b-l to 22b-4) And "option-b" are compared, and individual associations with character strings that match the character strings "machie-A", "option-a", and "option-b" in the specification information 26 from the association information 22b Extract information 22b—1, 22b—3, 22b—4. The extraction generation unit 29 then sets the numerical values “1,2” corresponding to the page numbers surrounded by “<page>” in the extracted individual association information 22b—1, 22b—3, 22b—4. , 3, 7, 8 "are recorded in HDD 15 or RAM 16 (step A14; extraction generation step).

[0057] Then, the extraction generating unit 29 acquires the description position information 22c in the manual information 22 based on the numerical value corresponding to the recorded page number, and the manuals 22d-l, 22d-2, 2 2d — 3, 22d- 7, 22d— 8 is collected and reconfigured to generate the connected equipment manual 34 consisting only of manuals related to the functions supported by the connected equipment 12 (step A15; extraction generation step) ). The output control unit 30 displays the connected device manual 34 generated (collected; reconfigured) by the extraction generating unit 29 on the display 18 (step A16), and ends the process.

Thus, according to the connected device information generation system 10 as an embodiment of the present invention, the specification information 26 indicating the specification of the connected device 12 connected to the information processing apparatus 11 is acquired, and the acquired specification Based on information 26, from the main text 22a, the specifications related to the connected equipment 12 22e—1, 22 e—3, 22e—4 related to the manual 22d—1, 22d—2, 22d—3, 22d—7, 22d — Since 8 is extracted and the connected device manual 34 is generated, the connected device information can be created easily.

[0059] Since the connected device manual 34 does not include basic manual information 22d-4, 22d-5, 22d-6, which is not related to the connected device 12 connected to the information processing device 11, the information processing device 11 Connected devices connected to 11 can generate a connected device manual 34 consisting only of the functions supported by the connected device 12 and can improve convenience. Text 22a composed of multiple basic manual information 22d—l to 22d—8, and page numbers P1 to P8 (indicating the location of basic manual information 22d—1 to 22d-8 in this text 22a) Descriptive position information 22c) and association information 22b associating this descriptive position information 22c with the specification 22e are generated, and the connected device manual 34 is generated based on the extraction generation unit 29, the specification information 26, and the association information 22b. Information processing equipment The connected equipment manual 34 that matches the specifications of the connected equipment 12 connected to 11 can be easily generated.

[0060] Further, since the manual information 22 and the specification information 26 are configured as a structure document, only necessary portions can be extracted from the manual information 22 easily and at high speed. Furthermore, by providing the description position information 22c in the body 22a, only the necessary part can be extracted more easily from the manual information 22.

Further, since the specification information 26 is a structure document, the basic manual information 22d regarding the connected device 12 can be easily collected.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the manual information 22 and the specification information 26 are shown as an example of an XML document. The mark information is not limited to this, but other markup languages or structures such as SGML and HTML. The manual information 22 may be configured as a database that associates the basic manual information 22d-l to 22d-8 with the device specification 22e.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, in the text 22a, the force comprising the basic manual information 22d-4, 22d-5, 22d-6, which is not related to the connected device 12, Basic material information related to at least the connected equipment 12 that is not limited 2 2d— 1, 22d- 2, 22d— 3, 22d— 7, 22d— 8; t and j ^! Re ί GOOD!

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the specification information request unit 27 generates the request signal 32 by executing the manual display program 21, but the connection device 12 is not limited to this. It may be automatically generated at the same time as being connected to the information processing apparatus 11, or arbitrarily generated by the user operating the keyboard 20 or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example using a manual relating to the device is shown, but the information processing apparatus 11 that can use information other than the manual that is not limited thereto is communicably connected. It may also be used for various information related to the specifications of the connected device 12.

[0064] If each embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, the present invention can be implemented and manufactured by those skilled in the art.

Industrial applicability

In addition to a manual, the present invention can be applied to various types of information related to a connected device that is communicably connected to an information processing apparatus.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A connected device information generation device that generates connected device information related to a connected device that is communicably connected.

A device information holding unit for holding a device information source configured with at least a plurality of basic device information including basic device information related to the connected device;

A specification information acquisition unit for acquiring specification information indicating the specifications of the connected device;

Based on the specification information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit, the basic device information related to the specification of the connected device is extracted from the device information source held in the device information holding unit, and the connected device is extracted. A connected device information generation apparatus comprising an extraction generation unit for generating information.

[2] The device information source is configured as a structured document, and includes the text composed of the plurality of basic device information and the description position of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Including the described position information and association information for associating the described position information with the specification information,

Based on the specification information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit and the association information, the extraction generation unit acquires the description position information related to the specification of the connected device, and acquires the description position. 2. The connected device information generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connected device information is generated by extracting the basic device information related to the connected device based on the information and also extracting the body power.

[3] The connected device information generation device according to [2], wherein the described position information is a page number in the text.

[4] The connected device information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the basic device information is a manual.

[5] The connected device information generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specification information is structured as a structured document.

[6] A connected device information generation method for generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to an information processing device,

It contains at least a plurality of basic device information including basic device information related to the connected device. A device information holding step for holding the device information source configured by the information processing apparatus;

The specification information acquisition step for acquiring the specification information indicating the specification of the connected device, and the device information holding step based on the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step. A connected device information generation method comprising: an extraction generation step of extracting the basic device information related to the specification of the connected device from the device information source and generating the connected device information.

[7] The device information source is configured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information and a description position of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Including the described position information and association information for associating the described position information with the specification information,

In the extraction and generation step, the description position information related to the specification of the connected device is acquired based on the specification information and the association information acquired in the specification information acquisition step. The connected device according to claim 6, wherein the connected device information is generated by extracting the basic device information related to the connected device from the body based on the acquired description position information. Information generation method.

8. The connected device information generation method according to claim 7, wherein the described position information is a page number in the text.

[9] The connected device information generation method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the basic device information is a manual.

[10] The connected device information generation method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the specification information is structured as a structured document.

[11] A connected device information generation program for causing a computer to execute a function of generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to a computer, the specification information indicating the specification of the connected device A specification information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of basic device information including at least basic device information related to the connected device based on the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step. The basic device information related to the specifications of the connected device is extracted from the device information source configured A connected device information generation program causing the computer to execute an extraction generation step for generating the connected device information.

[12] The device information source is configured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information and a description position of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Including the described position information and association information for associating the described position information with the specification information,

In the extraction and generation step, the description position information related to the specification of the connected device is acquired based on the specification information and the association information acquired in the specification information acquisition step. And executing the converter so that the basic device information related to the connected device is extracted from the body text based on the acquired description position information and the connected device information is generated. 12. The connected device information generation program according to claim 11, characterized in that:

[13] A computer-readable recording medium recording a connected device information generation program for causing a computer to execute a function of generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to a computer,

The connected device information generation program is

A specification information acquisition step for acquiring specification information indicating the specifications of the connected device, and at least basic device information related to the connected device based on the specification information acquired in the specification information acquisition step! An extraction and generation step of extracting the basic device information related to the specifications of the connected device from a device information source configured with a plurality of basic device information including A computer-readable recording medium on which a connected device information generation program is recorded.

[14] The device information source is configured as a structured document and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information and a description position of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Including the described position information and association information for associating the described position information with the specification information,

In the extraction and generation step, based on the specification information and the association information acquired in the specification information acquisition step, the description position information related to the specification of the connected device. The computer is configured to extract the basic device information related to the connected device based on the acquired description position information and generate the connected device information based on the acquired body position information. The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the connection apparatus information generation program of Claim 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.

[15] A connected device information generation system for generating connected device information related to a connected device communicably connected to an information processing device,

A specification information requesting unit for requesting specification information indicating the specification of the connected device to the connected device;

A transmission unit that transmits the specification information to the information processing device in response to a request from the specification information request unit;

Based on the specification information transmitted from the transmission unit, the basic device information related to the specification of the connected device is extracted from the device information source held in the device information holding unit to obtain the connected device information. A connected device information generation system comprising an extraction generation unit for generation.

[16] The device information source is configured as a structured document, and includes a text composed of the plurality of basic device information and a description position of the basic device information related to the connected device in the text. Including the described position information and association information for associating the described position information with the specification information,

Based on the specification information acquired by the specification information acquisition unit and the association information, the extraction generation unit acquires the description position information related to the specification of the connected device, and acquires the description position. 16. The connected device information generation system according to claim 15, wherein the connected device information is generated by extracting the basic device information related to the connected device also based on the information and also extracting the body power.

17. The connected device information generation system according to claim 16, wherein the described position information is a page number in the text.

[18] The device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the basic device information is a manual. Displacement force The connected device information generation system according to item 1.

19. The connected device information generation system according to claim 15, wherein the specification information is configured as a structured document.