JP2003157155A - Peripheral equipment, information processor, network system, communication method, device control method, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide peripheral equipment (device) in which efficient device control can be performed by providing the monitor function of the device to a user all the time. SOLUTION: The peripheral equipment 120 operationally controllable from an external part 110(x) stores attribute information (information on a function that the device has, information on the state of the device, information on a job to be processed by the device and information on an event notice that the device can issue) related to the present equipment so as to enable access from the external part 110(x) and the event notice based on the relevant stored information and a change in the present equipment is issued to the corresponding external part 110(x).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to, for example, a device (a peripheral device such as a printer, a scanner, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine (FAX)) on a network, and a device that receives a predetermined event notification from the device. Peripheral devices, information processing devices, network systems, which are used in devices or systems for controlling
Communication method, device control method, computer-readable storage medium storing program for implementing the method,
And the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "personal computer" or "PC") is activated by a device control software (peripheral device control software) so that the personal computer is connected to a network. By periodically acquiring parameters indicating the device status etc. from a device such as a printer or receiving events etc. notified from the device,
BACKGROUND ART The state of a device, jobs executed in the device, etc. are monitored and controlled.

[0003]

However, in the device control method using the conventional device control software as described above, the device control software receives an event (event notification) and uses this to monitor the state of the device or the like. We were able to provide functionality to our users
This is because the device control software was configured to recognize in advance the types of events that can be notified from the device. Therefore, in the case of device control software that does not have prior knowledge about the device, the monitoring function of the device should be provided to the user. Could not be provided.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and a peripheral device (device) capable of performing efficient device control by a structure capable of always providing a device monitor function to a user ( Device), an information processing device, a network system, a communication method, a device control method, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for implementing the same, and the program.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Under such a purpose,
A first aspect of the present invention is a peripheral device capable of communicating with the outside, and a notification unit for notifying the outside of information about the event that has occurred according to the event that has occurred in the peripheral device, and the notification unit capable of making the notification. It is characterized by having a storage means for storing information indicating the type of event and a transmission means for transmitting the information stored in the storage means to the external device in response to an inquiry from the external device.

A second invention is the same as the first invention,
It is characterized by further comprising receiving means for receiving job data including information indicating an event designated by the external device based on the information transmitted by the transmitting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when the notifying means is an event designated by the job data, the notifying means notifies information about the occurred event. Characterize.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a peripheral device for notifying information about the event to the outside according to the event that has occurred, and an inquiry means for inquiring the peripheral device of information indicating the type of the event. A display control means for displaying a screen for selecting an event on the display unit based on the information transmitted in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means, and a storage means for storing information indicating the event selected on the screen. It is characterized by having.

A fifth aspect of the invention is the same as the fourth aspect of the invention.
It is characterized by having a transmission means for transmitting job data including information indicating an event selected on the screen to the peripheral device.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a notification method in a peripheral device capable of communicating with the outside, which comprises a notification step of notifying information about the generated event to the outside in accordance with the event generated in the peripheral device, and the external device. In response to an inquiry from the transmitting device, the transmitting device transmits the information indicating the type of the event that can be notified by the notifying process to the external device.

A seventh invention is based on the sixth invention.
The method further comprises a receiving step of receiving job data including information indicating an event designated by the external device based on the information transmitted by the transmitting step.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the notifying step notifies the information about the occurred event when the occurred event is the event designated by the job data. Characterize.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a notification method in a peripheral device for externally notifying information about an event in accordance with an event that has occurred, and an inquiring step for inquiring information indicating the type of event to the peripheral device; Based on the information transmitted in response to the inquiry by the step, a display control step of displaying a screen for selecting an event on the display unit, and a storage step of storing information indicating the event selected on the screen in the storage unit. It is characterized by having.

A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the ninth aspect, there is a transmission step of transmitting job data including information indicating an event selected on the screen to the peripheral device.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a peripheral device which can be externally controlled in operation via a communication means, and which stores a property information about the device itself and a change in the property information of the memory device or the device itself. Equipped with an issuing means for issuing an event notification based on the communication means to the outside through the communication means,
The storage means is characterized in that the attribute information is stored so as to be accessible from outside via the communication means.

In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, at least one of providing, setting and changing the attribute information stored in the storage means based on an external access request via the communication means. It is characterized by comprising an information control means for executing the above.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the attribute information can be issued by the own device, such as function information of the own device, status information of the own device, information about a job to be processed by the own device. It is characterized in that it includes at least one of information regarding event notification.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the attribute information is attribute information indicating a function of the own device and is at least one of a state of the own device and a state of a job processed by the own device. An attribute indicating an event that can be issued based on a change, and an attribute that can externally instruct notification of an arbitrary event in the event that can be issued, and the issuing means, based on the attribute information,
It is characterized by issuing a corresponding event notification.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of controlling an arbitrary device via a communication means, the access means accessing the attribute information on the device held by the device, and the access means. It is characterized by further comprising: control means for giving a control instruction to the device based on the received information; and processing means for processing an event notified from the device under the control of the control means.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, the access means performs at least one of acquisition, setting, and change of the attribute information about the device. To do.

In a seventeenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, the access means obtains event notification information that can be issued by the device and is included in the attribute information about the device, and based on the obtained information, the event notification information is obtained. It is characterized in that information for instructing issuance of a corresponding event notification to the own device is set for the attribute information regarding the device.

An eighteenth invention is characterized in that, in the seventeenth invention, the access means sets the above information based on an instruction from a user.

In a nineteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, the attribute information is function information possessed by the device,
It is characterized by including at least one of information on the status of the device, information on a job processed by the device, and information on an event notification that can be issued by the device.

A twentieth invention is a network system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected to each other via a network, and at least one device among the plurality of devices is any one of claims 11 to 14. It is characterized by having the function of the peripheral device described in (1) or the function of the information processing device according to any one of (15) to (19).

A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is a device control method for a device which is connected to an arbitrary communication medium and whose operation can be controlled from the outside via the communication medium.
A storage step of storing attribute information indicating at least one of a function of the own device, a state of the own device, an operation of a job processed by the own device, a state of the job, and an event notification that can be issued by the own device; When the access step of accessing the stored information by the step from the outside through the communication medium and the device causes an arbitrary event in the device itself, the event notification is applied based on the stored information by the storing step. And a notification step of issuing the notification to the notification destination.

In a twenty-second aspect based on the twenty-first aspect, the attribute information indicating the function of the device can be issued based on a change in at least one of the state of the own device and the state of the job processed by the own device. The second attribute information capable of externally instructing notification of an arbitrary event among the issuable events, and the notification step includes: When a predetermined event occurs, the step of notifying only the corresponding event based on the second attribute information is included.

A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is a device control method for a device which is connected to an arbitrary communication medium and whose operation can be controlled from the outside via the communication medium, wherein the device is held by the device. An access step of accessing attribute information indicating at least one of a function, a state of the device, an operation of a job processed by the device, a state of the job, and an event notification that can be issued by the device; and an access by the access step. It is characterized by including a control step of issuing an operation control command to the device based on the result, and a processing step of processing an event notification issued from the device by the control step.

In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the twenty-third aspect, the access step includes the step of:
The method further comprises the steps of inquiring information about an event that can be issued by the device, and registering with the attribute information that notification of any event among the events indicated by the inquiry result is desired. And

In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a presenting step of presenting information regarding the issuable event to a user, and the accessing step includes
A step of registering to the attribute information that an event notification instructed by a user based on the presentation information by the presenting step is desired.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is a function of the peripheral device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, a function of the information processing device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, or a network according to claim 20. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

The 27th invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device control method according to any one of claims 21 to 25 is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

A twenty-eighth invention is a function of the peripheral device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, a function of the information processing device according to any of claims 15 to 19, or a network according to claim 20. It is a program for causing a computer to realize system functions.

A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device control method according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fifth aspects.

Specifically, for example, in a peripheral device (device) whose operation can be controlled by transmitting a control command from the outside via a network or the like, the function of the own device, the state of the own device, and the job to be processed by the own device. Holds the attribute information indicating the operation of the job and the status of the job. In particular, the attribute information includes information about event notification that can be issued by the device itself, and can be acquired and set externally via a network or the like. Then, when a change occurs in the function of the device itself, the state of the device itself, the operation of a job processed by the device itself, the state of the job, or the like, the device
An event notification indicating this is notified to the outside via a network or the like. With such a configuration, the attribute information of the device can be accessed (acquired or set) from the outside.

As the attribute information indicating the function of the device, an attribute indicating an event that can be issued according to a change in the state of the own device or a state of a job processed by the own device (first
Attribute information) and an attribute (second attribute information) capable of externally instructing notification of an arbitrary event among the issuable events, and a predetermined event is set in the own device. When it occurs, only the instructed event is notified according to the attribute (second attribute information) instructing the notification.

Further, the peripheral device control software that can be activated by an apparatus or system that externally controls the operation of the device as described above acquires the attribute information of the device from the device, and sends the control command to the device based on the acquired information. When the event notification from the device is processed, the information about the event notification is acquired from the device as the attribute information of the device, and appropriate setting is performed.

Further, the above peripheral device control software inquires of the device what kind of event can be issued, and based on the result of the inquiry, the notification of the desired event is issued and the device notification is instructed. Register to the attribute.

Further, the peripheral device control software displays the result information inquiring about what event can be issued to the device to the user, and displays the event information instructed by the user based on this display. The notification of is registered in the attribute indicating the notification of the device.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is applied to, for example, a network system 100 as shown in FIG. The network system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a PC 110 (1), 1
When the device control software 10 (2) or 110 (3) is activated to monitor and control the device (peripheral device) 120 on the network 130, the PC on which the device control software is activated
On the side of 110 (x), regarding the device 120, it is possible to easily and efficiently obtain what kind of event notification is possible and what kind of event notification can be set. Further, when the event notification setting is performed, the device 120 is configured to notify the corresponding notification destination of the event for which the event notification setting is performed. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the network system 100 of this embodiment will be specifically described.

<Overall Configuration of Network System 100> In the network system 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the PC 110 (1) and the PC 110 (2) and the MFP 120 as a device control target are connected to the network 1
It is configured to be communicably connected via 30. A PC 110 (3) is connected to the MFP 120.

In PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3), M
Device control software (peripheral device control software) for controlling the FP 120 can be activated, whereby the PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3) print, scan, or scan the MFP 120 via the network 130. Job processing such as copying or facsimile transmission / reception can be requested, and the MFP 120
Can be inquired about attribute information described later.

The MFP 12 is connected via the network 130.
The device or system connected to 0 is, for example,
A workstation, other peripherals, or any other device can be applied.

<Structure of MFP 120>
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a controller 201, a communication interface 202, a scanner engine 203, a printer engine 204, a facsimile (FAX) board 205, and a user interface 206 are provided.

The controller 201 controls the operation of the entire MFP 120, and has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 3, for example. That is, the controller 201, as shown in FIG.
M302, the user interface 2 shown in FIG. 2 above
LCD 303 and keyboard 304 functioning as 06,
ROM 305 and DISK (hard disk etc.) 31
0 together with the communication interface 20 shown in FIG.
2, scanner engine 203, printer engine 20
4 and a facsimile (FAX) board 205 are connected to the system bus 320.

In the controller 201, the MFP 12
The overall operation control of 0 is executed by the CPU 301.
The control program executed by the CPU 301 is the ROM 3
05 or DIS310. Therefore,
The CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire MFP 120 by reading the corresponding control program from the ROM 305 or the DIS 310 onto the RAM 302 as necessary and executing the control program.

In the ROM 305 and the DIS 310, in addition to the above control program, the MFP 120 and the MFP 120 are provided.
Attribute information indicating the function and state of the job processed in (1), job data to be output, and the like are stored.

The LCD 303 and the keyboard 304 are respectively the user interface 206 shown in FIG.
And is controlled by the CPU 301 (controller 201). The LCD 303 displays various data under the control of the CPU 301 (controller 201). An instruction operation is performed by the user on the keyboard 304, and the CPU 301 (controller 201)
The instruction is recognized and accepted, and the operation control based on the instruction is also performed.

The communication interface 202 is the CPU 3
01 (controller 201) controls the MFP
The communication between 120 and the outside is performed. As the communication interface 202, for example, an Ethernet (R) interface, an IEEE1284 interface, or another communication interface can be applied.

The scanner engine 203 has a CPU 301.
It operates under the control of the (controller 201). Similarly, the printer engine 204 also operates under the control of the CPU 301 (controller 201). As the printer engine 204, for example, a printer engine of a laser beam printer, an inkjet printer, or another printer can be applied.

The FAX board 205 is a FAX board for realizing a FAX function such as communication of image data,
It operates under the control of the CPU 301 (controller 201).

The MFP 120 having the above configuration
Allows the printer engine 203 to be selected from the PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3) to issue a print job. Also, the printer engine 203 and the scanner engine 203 are selected so that a copy job can be issued. Further, the printer engine 204, the scanner engine 203, and the FAX board 205 are selected so that the FAX reception job and the FAX transmission job can be issued.

In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, in the MFP 120 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the CPU 301 receives the user input from the keyboard 304 via the system bus 320, and R
AM 302, LCD 303, ROM 305, communication interface 202, scanner engine 203, printer engine 204, FAX board 205, and DISK 3
The functions of the MFP 120 are implemented by controlling 10.

<Structures of PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3)> PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3) have the same structure, and if any PC 110 (x) among them is focused, for example, 4, PC110 (x)
Is a CPU 401, RAM 402, CRT 403, keyboard 404, pointing device 405, ROM
406, DISK (hard disk etc.) 407, and communication interface 408 are connected on the system bus 420.

The CPU 401 controls the operation of the entire PC 110 (x). Specifically, the control program executed by the CPU 401 is stored in the ROM 406 or the DIS 407. Therefore, the CPU 401 is
The operation control of the entire PC 110 (x) is governed by reading the corresponding control program from the 406 or the DIS 407 onto the RAM 402 as necessary and executing it.

The CRT 403 displays various data under the control of the CPU 401. Keyboard 40
4 and the pointing device 405 are operated by the user, the CPU 401 recognizes and accepts the operation, and also performs operation control based on the operation.
The communication interface 408 communicates with the outside such as the MFP 120 under the control of the CPU 401.

In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, in the PC 110 (x) shown in FIG.
The PU 401 receives user input from the keyboard 404 or the pointing device 405 via the system bus 420, and RAM 402, CRT 403, R
OM406, communication interface 408, and DIS
By controlling K407, the function of PC 110 (x) is implemented. Further, regarding the user's instruction to the MFP 120 and the information presentation to the user, the local user interface 206 of the MFP 120 (see FIG. 2) or the PC 110 (x) as the client side.
You may do it in.

<Management of Jobs Executed by MFP 120> FIG. 5 shows data (job management data) 500 for managing information on jobs processed by the MFP 120 and monitoring the jobs.

As shown in FIG. 5, the job management data 500 is a list 51 of attributes indicating the function and status of a job.
0, and job data 520 representing data to be processed by the job are included.

The job data 520 is data to be processed by the job, such as image data, but it may not be necessary depending on the type of the job.

The attribute list 510 is "511 (1)".
~ Attribute name 511 as shown by "511 (n)",
A list of attribute values 512 corresponding to the attribute name 511 as indicated by “512 (1)” to “512 (n)”.
Indicates the function or status of the job submitted by the device control software. The attribute list 510 is “511
The attribute names are not limited to (1) "to" 511 (n) ", and, for example, an attribute identifier may be used instead of the attribute name.

Attribute 51 listed in attribute list 510
Each of 1 (1) to 511 (n) corresponds to an attribute 610 (1) to 610 (n) listed in a "job supported attribute list 600" shown in FIG.

The attribute 511 (1) indicates the identifier of the submitted job. Due to the attribute value 512 (1) corresponding to this, in FIG. 5, the “job identifier” is “1234”.
Is shown. The attribute 511 (2) indicates the name of the input job (“print”, “test print”, “copy”, etc.). Attribute value 5 corresponding to this
12 (2) indicates that the “job name” is “test print” in FIG. Attribute 5
11 (3) shows the job type of the input job.
The attribute value 512 (3) corresponding to this indicates that the "job type" is "print job" in FIG. The attribute 511 (4) indicates the status of the submitted job. The attribute value 512 (4) corresponding to this indicates that the "job status" is "developing" in FIG. The attribute 511 (5) indicates the notification destination and notification event of the event that occurs in the submitted job. By the attribute value 512 (5) corresponding to this,
In FIG. 5 above, “Notification destination and notification event” is “PC
It is shown in (1) "Notify of job status change". Information is similarly set for the attributes 511 (6) and later, if necessary. Attribute 511
(N) shows whether the printing surface of the input job is only the front surface, both surfaces, or only the back surface. The attribute value 512 (n) corresponding to this indicates that the "print surface" is the "front surface" in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the meaning of the attribute, the attribute name (or attribute identifier), and the attribute value in the job management data 500 of FIG. 5 is that the MFP 120 (peripheral device) shown in FIG. Device control software (peripheral device control software) that is not only known but is activated by the PC 110 (1) to 110 (3)
Is also known in.

FIG. 6 shows an attribute list 6 that is supported by the job among the attributes showing the functions held by the MFP 120.
00 is an example. The attribute list 600 is
In the MFP 120, for example, the ROM 305 or the DIS
It is stored in K310 (see FIG. 3 above).

In the attribute list 600, all the attributes held by the job processed by the MFP 120 are listed, and as shown in FIG. 6, "610" in the attribute name 610 is listed.
(1) ”to“ 610 (n) ”for each of the attributes of setting availability 620, change availability 630, and acquisition availability 640 (“ FALSE ”,“ TRUE ”)
Is set.

For example, regarding the arbitrary attribute 610 (x), the setting propriety 620 indicates whether the device control software is an attribute whose attribute value can be set at the time of job submission, and the change propriety 630 indicates whether the device control software The software indicates whether or not the attribute value can be changed for the job already submitted, and the acquisition availability 640 is an attribute for which the attribute value can be acquired for the job to which the device control software is submitted. Indicates whether or not. In FIG. 6 above,
The possible ones are represented by "TRUE", while the impossible ones are represented by "FALSE".

The attribute 610 (1) shows the support status of the "job identifier" attribute. In FIG. 6, the attribute cannot be set, cannot be changed, and can be acquired. The attribute 610 (2) indicates the support status of the “job name” attribute, and in FIG. 6 described above, it is an attribute that can be set, cannot be changed, and can be acquired. The attribute 610 (3) shows the support status of the “job type” attribute, and in FIG. 6 above, it is an attribute that can be set, cannot be changed, and can be acquired. The attribute 610 (4) shows the support status of the “job status” attribute, and in FIG. 6 above, it is an attribute that cannot be set, cannot be changed, and can be acquired. The attribute 610 (5) indicates the support status of the “notification destination and notification event” attribute, and in FIG. 6 above, it is an attribute that can be set, changed, and acquired. Similarly for the attributes 610 (6) and later, if necessary,
Information is set. Attribute 610 (n) is “double-sided printing”
The attribute support status is shown. In FIG. 6, the attributes are settable, changeable, and obtainable.

The attributes 61 listed in the attribute list 600 supported by the job as shown in FIG.
0 (1) to 610 (n) are not limited to the attributes shown in the figure, and may be any other attributes.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an event 700 held by the MFP 120, which can be notified by a job. The event 700 is stored in the MFP 120, for example, in the ROM 305 or the DISK 310 (see FIG. 3).

The event 700 here is the MFP 120.
The type of event that can be notified from the MFP 120 in accordance with the execution of the job processed in step 5, that is, the value 512 (5) of the “notification destination and notification event” attribute 511 (5).
As shown in FIG. 5, the attribute values that can be specified by the device control software are shown. In the present embodiment, as described above, the “notification destination and notification event” attribute 511 of the job
(5) is listed as the attribute 610 (5) in the “attribute list 600 supported by job” shown in FIG. 6 held by the MFP 120. The “notification destination and notification event” attribute 511 (5) indicates to the MFP 120
This is for instructing notification of an event that occurs during the processing of a job that is submitted by the device control software. Therefore, by setting the "notification destination and notification event" attribute 511 (5), it is possible to monitor the progress of processing of the submitted job.

As shown in FIG. 7, the event 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes the number of events 701 that can be notified by a job, job status change 702, job end 703, and jam occurrence 7
04, door open occurrence 705, and paper out occurrence 7
Each attribute value of 06 is included. The attribute value “number of events that can be notified” 701 is “notification destination and notification event” of the job.
A specific destination indicated by 511 (5) (PC in this case)
(1)) indicates the number of events that can be notified. The attribute value “job status change” 702 to the attribute value “paper out occurrence” 706 indicate the event itself that can be issued to the specific destination indicated by the job “notification destination and notification event” 511 (5). .

In this embodiment, no particular reference is made to the relationship between the event notification destination information and the event to be notified. The focus of the present embodiment is a peripheral device (MFP 120) that can notify an event that can be notified.
It is configured to be acquired from the side and set predetermined data according to the acquired event information.

<Operation of Network System 100> FIG. 8 shows that the device control software activated by the PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3) causes the MFP 120 to execute M
9 illustrates a process of inquiring information about the attributes of the FP 120. For example, PC 110 (1) to 110
In any PC 110 (x) in (3) (see FIG. 4 above), the CPU 401 activates the device control software to perform the following operation shown in FIG.

Step S801: The CPU 401 determines the MF
The attribute list 600 is obtained by requesting P120 to obtain the "attribute list 600 supported by the job" shown in FIG.

Step S802: The CPU 401 determines whether or not the “attribute list 600 supported by the job” acquired in step S801 includes an attribute (attribute A) indicating a function required by the device control software. Determine whether. As a result of this determination, the attribute list 6
If attribute 00 is included in 00, the next step S8
If the attribute A is not included in the attribute list 600, the process ends.

Step S803: As a result of the determination in step S802, if the attribute list 600 includes the attribute A, the CPU 401 determines the attribute A (attribute 610 (x)) in the attribute list 600 acquired in step S801. , Setting availability 620, change availability 630 corresponding thereto,
And a setting value for the acquisition availability 640 (“TRUE” or “F
ALSE "), the device control software determines whether or not the attribute A can be set when the job is submitted. As a result of this determination, if the attribute A can be set, the process proceeds to the next step S804. If the attribute A cannot be set, this processing ends.

Step S804: As a result of the determination in step S802, if the device control software can set the attribute A at the time of submitting the job, the CPU 401 causes the MF
By issuing P120 (attribute access command, etc.) to the attribute value that can be set for the attribute A and the information of "event 700 that can be notified by job" shown in FIG. finish.

By the above-described processing, the device control software on the PC 110 (x) side holds what attribute the job processed by the MFP 120 holds, and what attribute value can be specified for each attribute. Further, it is possible to acquire what value each attribute has.

FIG. 9 shows PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3).
The device control software activated by the
When submitting a job to 0, the “event 70 that can be notified by job” acquired in step S804 of FIG.
This is a process for causing the user to specify a notification event based on the information "0". For example, PC
Any PC 110 in 110 (1) to 110 (3)
In (x) (see FIG. 4 above), the CPU 401 activates the device control software, and
The following operation indicated by is executed.

Step S901: The CPU 401 sends CR
For T403, for example, a setting screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

The setting screen 1000 shown in FIG.
A screen for setting the "event setting" attribute, that is, M
When submitting a job to the FP 120, the user
9 is a screen for setting attributes of “notification destination and notification event 700” of a job. Specifically, for example, the CPU 40
1 recognizes the settable attribute value information based on the information of “event 700 that can be notified by job” acquired in step S804 of FIG. 8 above, and based on this information, generates and displays the setting screen 1000. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the setting screen 1000 is provided with a title 1001, a check section 1002, an OK button 1004, and a cancel button 1005. The title 1001 is for showing a brief description of the setting screen 1000, and here it is indicated that the setting screen 1000 is for specifying the value of the “notification destination and notification event” attribute, “event setting”. It is shown by the character string. The check unit 1002 obtains event items (here, “state change”, “end”, “jam”, “door / door / door / door / event” obtained from the information of “event 700 that can be notified by job” acquired in step S804 of FIG. An event desired by the user (an event desired to be notified) can be selected ("re") from "Open" and "no paper" OK button 1
A button 004 is a button for determining that the event selected by the user in the check unit 1002 is set in the job to be submitted. The cancel button 1005 is a button for the user to interrupt the operation on the setting screen 1000 and return to the screen immediately before the display of the setting screen 1000.

Step S902: The CPU 401 determines whether or not the OK button 1004 is pressed by the user on the setting screen 1000 shown in FIG. If the result of this determination is that the OK button 1004 has been pressed, the flow proceeds to the next step S903, and if the OK button 1004 has not been pressed, this processing ends.

Step S903, Step S904: As a result of the discrimination in Step S902, the OK button 1 from the user.
When 004 is pressed, the CPU 401 causes the above-mentioned FIG.
The event item selected by the user is recognized by the check unit 1002 of the setting screen 1000 (step S903), the event setting content is held (step S904), and the process ends. The event settings stored here are
When the job is submitted to the MFP 120, it is set for the attribute 511 (5) of “notification destination and notification event”.

FIG. 11 shows PCs 110 (1) to 110.
The device control software started in (3) is MF
9 illustrates processing when a job is submitted to P120. For example, in any PC 110 (x) among the PCs 110 (1) to 110 (3) (see FIG. 4 above), the CPU 401 activates the device control software so that the following items shown in FIG. Perform an action.

Steps S1101 to S110
4: The CPU 401 issues a job submission command to the MFP 120, and sets the attributes necessary for the job processing (job instructed by the user) desired by the device control software until transmission and completion are completed in step S11.
The processing from 01 to step S1104 is repeatedly executed.

Specifically, the CPU 401, in accordance with the job processing desired by the device control software, the attribute list 51 of the job management data 500 shown in FIG.
Job attributes 511 (1) to 511 as shown in FIG.
The parameter of the attribute setting command is set for (n) (step S1102). Here, job attribute 5
Among 11 (1) to 511 (n), the attribute that can be set by the CPU 401 is the step S80 of the processing shown in FIG.
4. The attribute acquired in step 4 (the attribute is listed in the “attribute list 600 supported by the job” in FIG. 6 above) and the attribute setting possibility 620 is “TRUE”, which indicates that the attribute can be set. ). And CPU
401 is the attribute 511 set in step S1102
The information (x) is transmitted to the peripheral device (here, the MFP 120) which is about to submit the job (step S1103).

Step S1105: The CPU 401 uses the information of the attribute list 510 shown in FIG.
When the transmission to 0 is completed, following the job data transmission command, as job data 520, data to be subjected to job processing in the MFP 120, such as image data created by an arbitrary application or the like, is transmitted to the MFP 120. Step S1106: the CPU 401 transmits a job submission completion notification command indicating completion of transmission up to the job data 520 to the MFP 120, and ends this processing.

The series of processes described above (steps S1101 to S1101)
By the processing of step S1106), the MFP 120 can obtain the device management data 500 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, the MFP 120 has a CPU 110.
It shows processing when a command such as a job submission command transmitted from the CPU 110 (x) is received by starting the device control software in (x). For example, in the MFP 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 above), the controller 201 (CPU 301)
However, the following operation is performed by executing the processing program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1201: Controller 201
Analyzes the command and parameters received from the PC 110 (x) and holds the analysis result.

Step S1202: Controller 201
Determines whether the received command is the attribute information (attribute setting command) following the job submission command, based on the analysis result in step S1201. As a result of this determination,
If it is an attribute setting command, the process proceeds to step S1203, and if it is not the attribute setting command, step S12.
Proceed to 07.

Step S1203: Step S1202
If the command from the PC 110 (x) is attribute information (attribute setting command) following the job submission command, the controller 201 determines in step S1201.
It is determined whether or not the attribute indicated by the attribute setting command can be set, based on the result of the analysis described above and the "attribute list 600 supported by the job" shown in FIG. As a result of this determination, if the attribute can be set, the process proceeds to step S1204, and if the attribute cannot be set, the process proceeds to step S1206.

Step S1204: Step S1203
As a result of the determination, if the attribute indicated by the reception attribute setting command can be set, it is determined whether the designated attribute value is an appropriate value. Specifically, when the reception attribute setting command is for the "notification destination and notification event" attribute, the "event 7 which can be notified by job" shown in FIG.
Check whether it is one listed in "00". If it is determined to be appropriate, the process proceeds to step S1205, and if it is determined to be inappropriate, the process proceeds to step 1206. Step S1205: As a result of the determination in step S1204, if the attribute indicated by the reception attribute setting command and the attribute value to be set are appropriate, the controller 201
The attribute value setting process for the attribute is executed, and this process ends. Step S1206: When the attribute indicated by the reception attribute setting command is not settable as a result of the determination in step S1203, or when it is determined that it is not an appropriate setting value as a result of the determination in step S1204, the controller 201 Since the attribute cannot be set, the information indicating this is notified (error notification) to the PC 110 (x), and this processing ends.

Step S1207: Step S1202
If the received command from the PC 110 (x) is not the attribute information (attribute setting command) following the job submission command, the controller 201 determines whether the received command is a job data transmission command following the attribute setting command. Determine whether or not. If the result of this determination is that it is a job data transmission command, step S1208
If the command is not the job data transmission command, the process proceeds to step S1209.

Step S1208: Step S1202
If the command from the PC 110 (x) is a job data transmission command, the controller 201
Receives the job data 520 received following the job data transmission command from the RAM 302 or the DISK 310.
(See FIG. 3 above), and this processing ends.

Step S1209: Step S1202
When the received command from the PC 110 (x) is not the job data transmission command as a result of the determination of the
01 determines whether or not the received command is the job input completion notification command of the job data 520. If the result of this determination is a job submission completion notification command,
It is determined that the job input is completed, and this processing ends. If it is not a job submission completion notification command, step S1
Proceed to 210.

Step S1210: Step S1209
If the received command from the PC 110 (x) is not the job submission completion notification command, the controller 201 recognizes that the received command is another command, and executes the process corresponding to the received command. , This process ends.

As described above, the notification event designated by the PC 110 (x) is transmitted to the PC 110 (x) by M
When issued from the FP 120, specifically, for example, P
C110 (x) has the "Notification destination and notification event" attribute 51
"Job status change" with the value 512 (5) of 1 (5)
When the status of the MFP 120 is changed to “expanding” and the MFP 120 notifies the PC 110 (x) of the event indicating “expanding” indicating the status change,
In C110 (x), for example, the event notification screen 14 as shown in FIG.
00 is displayed. Event notification screen 1400
Includes a title 1401 and a content portion 1402, as shown in FIG. The title 1401 indicates the type of the notified event. The content part 1402 shows the content of the notified event.

The PC 110 notified of the event
In (x), the method of presenting the contents of the event notification to the user may be a method of displaying one event notification screen for one event notification, as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a method of displaying the contents of a plurality of event notifications on one screen may be used. Further, the displayed contents are not limited at all.

In FIG. 14, the PC 110 (x) is the same as the one shown in FIG.
"The list of attributes supported by the job 60
Based on “0”, a process for issuing a command for accessing (setting, changing, and acquiring) an attribute related to a job submitted to the MFP 120 and receiving the command is shown in the MFP 120. For example, in the MFP 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 above), the controller 201 (C
The PU 301) executes the following operation by executing the processing program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1501: Controller 201
Analyzes the command and parameters received from the PC 110 (x) and holds the analysis result.

Step S1502: Controller 201
Determines whether the received command is an attribute acquisition command based on the analysis result in step S1501. If the result of this determination is that it is an attribute acquisition command, processing proceeds to step S1503, and if it is not an attribute setting command, processing proceeds to step S1507.

Step S1503: Step S1502
If the command from the PC 110 (x) is the attribute acquisition command as a result of the determination, the controller 201 displays the analysis result in step S1501 and the “attribute list 600 supported by the job” shown in FIG. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the attribute indicated by the attribute acquisition command can be acquired. As a result of this determination, if the attribute can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1504, and if the attribute cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1506.

Step S1504: Step S1503
As a result of the determination, if the attribute indicated by the received attribute acquisition command can be acquired, the controller 201 acquires the attribute value for the attribute. Step S1505:
The controller 201 sets the attribute value acquired in step S1504 to the parameter of the reply command, and the PC1
The reply command to the attribute acquisition command from 10 (x) is transmitted to the PC 110 (x), and this processing ends.

Step S1506: Step S1503
As a result of the determination, if the attribute indicated by the received attribute acquisition command is not acquirable, the controller 201 notifies the PC 110 (x) of the information indicating that the attribute cannot be acquired (error notification). ) And ends this processing.

Step S1507: Step S1502
If the received command from the PC 110 (x) is not the attribute acquisition command, the controller 201
Based on the analysis result in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the received command is an attribute change command. As a result of this determination, if the command is an attribute change command, the process proceeds to step S1508, and if it is not the attribute change command, the process proceeds to step S1511.

Step S1508: Step S1507
If the command from the PC 110 (x) is the attribute change command as a result of the determination, the controller 201 displays the analysis result in step S1501 and the “attribute list 600 supported by the job” shown in FIG. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the attribute indicated by the attribute change command can be changed. As a result of this determination, if the attribute can be changed, the process proceeds to step S1509, and if the attribute cannot be changed, the process proceeds to step S1512.

Step S1509: Step S1508
As a result of the determination, if the attribute indicated by the reception attribute change command can be changed, the controller 201 changes the attribute value for the attribute to the designated attribute value based on the analysis result in step S1501. Step S151
0: The controller 201 executes a process of notifying the MFP 120 that the attribute value change was successful, and ends this process.

Step S1512: Step S1508
As a result of the determination, if the attribute indicated by the reception attribute change command is not changeable, the controller 201 notifies the PC 110 (x) of the information indicating that the attribute cannot be changed (error notification). ) And ends this processing.

Step S1511: Step S1207
If the received command from the PC 110 (x) is not the attribute change command, the controller 201
Recognizing that the received command is another command, the process corresponding to the received command is executed, and this process ends.

The object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the present embodiment to a system or apparatus, and to supply the computer (or the computer of the system or apparatus). C
It is needless to say that this can be achieved also by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the PU or MPU. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the present embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code and the program code constitute the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. can be used. Further, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized by executing the program code read by the computer, but also the OS or the like running on the computer actually performs the processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where a part or all of the above is performed and the processing realizes the functions of the present embodiment is also included. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted in the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, the extended function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the CPU provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of this embodiment are realized by the processing.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a peripheral device (device) whose operation is controllable from the outside through a communication means (network or the like), the attribute information (function information of the device, device Status information,
The information about the job processed by the device, the information about the event notification that can be issued by the device, and the like) are stored so as to be accessible from the outside (the side that controls the operation of the device). Thereby, for example, attribute information indicating what kind of event notification can be performed from the outside regarding a target device such as a monitor, what kind of event notification can be set, etc. can be easily and efficiently performed. The attribute information can be acquired, and more appropriate desired attribute information can be set. Also, the device side, when the event notification is set from the outside, based on the setting,
A corresponding event notification can be issued to a corresponding notification destination. Therefore, according to the present invention, the device monitor function can be provided to the user at all times, and efficient device control from the outside can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a peripheral device (MF) of the network system
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of P).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller of the peripheral device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC of the network system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of management data regarding a job processed by the peripheral device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a list of attributes held by a job processed by the peripheral device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of an event that can be notified by a job held by the peripheral device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the PC inquires the peripheral device of the attribute information of the peripheral device by the peripheral device control software.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a process for causing a user to specify a notification event when the PC submits a job to the peripheral device by device control software.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the designation screen.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the PC submits a job to the peripheral device by device control software.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process when the peripheral device receives a command such as a job input command transmitted from the PC.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an event notification screen displayed on the PC as a result of execution of processing when the job submission completion notification command is received.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining a process in the peripheral device which issues a command for accessing an attribute related to a job submitted to the peripheral device in the PC and receives the command.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 network system 110 (1) to 110 (3) PC 120 peripherals (MFP) 130 network 201 controller 202 communication interface 203 Scanner engine 204 printer engine 205 FAX board 206 user interface 301 CPU 302 RAM 303 LCD 304 keyboard 305 ROM 310 DISK 320 system bus 401 CPU 402 RAM 403 CRT 404 keyboard 405 pointing device 406 ROM 407 DISK 408 communication interface 420 system bus

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA05 AA19 BB10                       CC05                 5B089 GA11 GA13 JA35 JB16 KA01                       KA13 KC28 LB14                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA13 AA35 AB38                       AC34 AF14

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A peripheral device capable of communicating with an external device, wherein the notification device externally notifies information about an event that has occurred in response to an event that has occurred in the peripheral device, and an event that can be notified by the notification device. A peripheral device, comprising: a storage unit that stores information indicating the type of the storage device; and a transmission unit that transmits the information stored in the storage unit to the external device in response to an inquiry from the external device. 2. The peripheral according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit that receives job data including information indicating an event designated by the external device based on the information transmitted by the transmitting unit. machine. 3. The notification means is configured such that an event that occurs is
The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein when the event is the event designated by the job data, information about the event that occurred is notified. 4. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a peripheral device, which notifies information about an event to the outside according to an event that has occurred, and an inquiry means for inquiring information indicating the type of event to the peripheral device, and the inquiry. A display control means for displaying a screen for selecting an event on a display unit based on information transmitted in response to an inquiry by the means; and a storage means for storing information indicating the event selected on the screen. Information processing device. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits job data including information indicating an event selected on the screen to the peripheral device. 6. A notification method in a peripheral device capable of communicating with an external device, comprising: a notification step of notifying information about an event that has occurred to an external device in response to an event that has occurred in the peripheral device; Accordingly, there is provided a transmission step of transmitting, to the external device, information indicating the type of event that can be notified by the notification step. 7. The communication according to claim 6, further comprising a receiving step of receiving job data including information indicating an event designated by the external device based on the information transmitted by the transmitting step. Method. 8. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein in the notifying step, when the generated event is an event designated by the job data, information regarding the generated event is notified. . 9. A notification method in a peripheral device for externally notifying information about an event according to an event that has occurred, comprising: an inquiry step for inquiring information indicating the type of event to the peripheral device; and an inquiry by the inquiry step. A display control step of displaying a screen for selecting an event on the display unit based on the information transmitted in response, and a storage step of storing information indicating the event selected on the screen in the storage unit. And communication method. 10. The communication method according to claim 9, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting job data including information indicating an event selected on the screen to the peripheral device. 11. A peripheral device which can be operation-controlled from the outside via a communication means, a storage device for storing attribute information about the device itself, and an event notification based on a change in the attribute information of the storage device or the device itself. Is provided to the corresponding outside via the communication means, and the storage means stores the attribute information so as to be accessible from outside via the communication means. Peripheral equipment. 12. An information control means for executing at least one of providing, setting, and changing attribute information stored in the storage means based on an access request from the outside via the communication means. The peripheral device according to claim 11, which is characterized in that. 13. The attribute information includes at least one of function information of the own device, status information of the own device, information about a job processed by the own device, and information about event notification that can be issued by the own device. The peripheral device according to claim 11, further comprising: 14. The attribute information, which is attribute information indicating a function of the own device, is an attribute indicating an event that can be issued based on a change in at least one of a state of the own device and a state of a job processed by the own device, And an attribute capable of externally instructing notification of an arbitrary event among the issuable events, and the issuing means issues a corresponding event notification based on the attribute information. The peripheral device according to claim 11. 15. An information processing apparatus capable of controlling an arbitrary device via a communication means, comprising: access means for accessing attribute information related to the device held by the device; and information obtained by the access means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that gives a control instruction to the device based on the above; and a processing unit that processes an event notified from the device under the control of the control unit. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the access unit executes at least one of acquisition, setting, and change of the attribute information regarding the device. 17. The access unit acquires event notification information that can be issued by the device, which is included in the attribute information about the device, and based on the acquisition information, the corresponding event notification for the attribute information about the device. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein information for instructing issuance to the own apparatus is set. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the access means sets the information based on an instruction from a user. 19. The attribute information includes at least one of function information of the device, status information of the device, information about a job processed by the device, and information about event notification that can be issued by the device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: 20. A network system in which a plurality of devices are communicatively connected to each other via a network, wherein at least one device among the plurality of devices is according to any one of claims 11 to 14. A network system having a function of a peripheral device or a function of an information processing device according to any one of claims 15 to 19. 21. A device control method of a device connected to an arbitrary communication medium and capable of externally controlling operation via the communication medium, wherein the device comprises the function of the own device, the state of the own device, and the self device. A storage step of storing attribute information indicating at least one of an operation of a job processed by the device, a status of the job, and an event notification that can be issued by the device itself, and storage information by the storage step, via the communication medium. And an access step of externally accessing the device, and a notification step of issuing an event notification to a corresponding notification destination based on the stored information by the storage step when the device causes an arbitrary event in the device itself. A device control method characterized by the above. 22. The attribute information indicating the function of the device is first attribute information indicating an event that can be issued based on a change in at least one of a state of the own device and a state of a job processed by the own device, And second attribute information capable of externally instructing notification of an arbitrary event among the issuable events, and the notification step includes: when a predetermined event occurs in the device; 22. The device control method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of notifying only a corresponding event based on the attribute information of 2. 23. A device control method of a device which is connected to an arbitrary communication medium and can be operation-controlled from the outside via the communication medium, the function of the device being held by the device,
An access step for accessing attribute information indicating at least one of the status of the device, operation of a job processed by the device, status of the job, and event notification that can be issued by the device, and an access result by the access step. On the basis of,
A device control method comprising: a control step of issuing an operation control command to the device; and a processing step of processing an event notification issued from the device by the control step. 24. The access step includes a step of inquiring of the device about information about an event that can be issued by the device, and a notification of any event among the events indicated by the inquiry result. 24. The device control method according to claim 23, further comprising: 25. A presentation step of presenting information about the issuable event to a user, wherein the access step indicates that the event information instructed by the user based on the presentation information by the presentation step is desired. 25. The device control method according to claim 24, further comprising: 26. The function of the peripheral device according to claim 11, the function of the information processing device according to claim 15, or the function of the network system according to claim 20. A computer-readable storage medium recording a program to be realized by a computer. 27. A computer-readable storage medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device control method according to claim 21. 28. The function of the peripheral device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, the function of the information processing device according to any of claims 15 to 19, or the function of the network system according to claim 20. A program to be realized by a computer. 29. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps of the device control method according to claim 21.