JP2001273243A - Data processor, peripheral equipment, data processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display information peculiar for equipment set on the side of a host or information peculiar for equipment related to a network on the side of the peripheral equipment. SOLUTION: A CPU 1 in a host computer 3000 prepares peculiar name information for specifying each of peripheral equipment including address information peculiar for the network according to the identification information of a printer 1000 and transmits each of prepared peculiar name information to each of peripheral equipment including the printer 1000.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a data processing device, a peripheral device, a data processing method, and a storage medium that can communicate with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of forming a network using a computer, there is a network that forms a stepped star-type topology (connection form) as shown in FIG. 13, and a typical example is a USB (universal serial).・ Bus).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a device connection form of this type of network system.

In the figure, when forming a step-shaped star topology (connection form), each wire 1101
It is connected between the hub 1103 and the node 1104, between the hubs 1103, between the PC 1102 (hereinafter abbreviated as PC 1102) and the hub, or between the PC 1102 and the node 1104. In this case, there is only one host computer system 1102 in the network for network control. The hub 1103 having a signal repeater function is an indispensable function for forming a network because it serves as a connection point of the additional node 1104 or the hub 1103.

Each node 1104 corresponds to a computer, such as a printer 1106, a scanner (not shown), and a keyboard (not shown).

[0006] In recent years, some personal computer systems employ a technique such as plug-and-play as a method for ensuring operation even when the number of devices connectable to a network increases. The method of realizing the plug and play function (hereinafter abbreviated as PnP function) is as follows.

The PnP function refers to a device (node 11) connected according to a predetermined protocol.
04), the host system determines what is connected on the network, searches for and specifies an appropriate control driver, and installs an appropriate driver according to the information in a timely manner.

[0008] Specific examples of the driver information include a model name, a manufacturer name, power consumption, a maximum data transfer amount, and the like. Further, in order to realize the above-described PnP function with an OS having a limited program capacity, a certain degree of device classification (printer class, input device class, display class,
Image class, sound class, etc.) and drive the device with a standard driver.

[0009]

However, an increase in the number of devices that can be connected on a network may cause a situation in which a plurality of identical devices are connected, and thus there are various problems as described below. Was.

That is, a case where a plurality of the same printers exist in the same network, and a case where the same printer exists on a plurality of networks are taken as an example. ,or,
It is possible to perform complicated printing control such as separating printing depending on the type of cartridge.

However, even if printing can be individually controlled, a problem arises in that a printer to be output cannot be specified. In other words, the physical position and the PC 110
There is a possibility that the order of association between the two is different.

Further, when the PC 1102 or the printer is turned off and then turned on again, the location may change depending on network conditions.

Therefore, it is not possible to attach a physical label to the device, and it is troublesome to change the status of each printer or to connect and disconnect the cable to read and associate the status with the status change from the PC 1102.

Even if the PC 1102 assigns a number or a user-friendly unique name, the printer cannot be identified (identified) because the appearance is the same, and the user cannot know the printer to be output. (As an example,
(It is not obvious at a glance which printer can be replaced in response to a head replacement request.) Therefore, when the above situation occurs, a specific command is sent from the PC 1102 and the unique beep sound is used to adjust it. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the corresponding printer by sound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing apparatus which can control each peripheral device including network-specific address information in accordance with the identification information of the peripheral device. Since unique name information for identification is created and each created unique name information is transmitted to each peripheral device, the device-specific information set on the host side or the device unique information related to the network is stored in the peripheral device. Side, and the device-specific information set by the host or the device-specific information related to the network can be associated with the peripheral device. Also, in the data processing device, the network-specific address information according to the identification information of the peripheral device Since the unique name information set by the user to identify each peripheral device including the The device-specific information set by the user or the device-specific information related to the network can be displayed on the peripheral device side, and the device-specific information set by the host or the device-specific information related to the network can be associated with the peripheral device. What is possible, and on the peripheral device side, acquiring the unique name information created by the data processing device, storing the acquired unique name information, and displaying the stored unique name information So
The unique name information for the own device automatically created on the data processing device side can be specified to the user, and the user can reliably specify the output destination even in a network environment where a plurality of the same devices are connected. It is also possible to acquire unique name information set by the user in the data processing device, store the acquired unique name information, and display the stored unique name information. A data processing apparatus, a peripheral device, a data processing method, and a storage that can freely construct a network processing environment in which a user can clearly and easily specify unique name information for the own apparatus set by a user of the data processing apparatus. Is to provide a medium.

[0016]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network. Creation means for creating unique name information for identifying each peripheral device including information (corresponding to creation processing by the CPU 1 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2); and unique name information created by the creation means To the peripheral devices (corresponding to the NIC 8 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2).

A second invention according to the present invention is a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, wherein a user setting (set by a keyboard 9 or the like) is performed according to identification information of each peripheral device. ) Is transmitted to each peripheral device (equivalent to the NIC 8 of the host computer 3000 shown in FIG. 2).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device (an external device shown in FIG. 2). Memory 11), and the transmitting means includes:
The unique name information read from the information table based on the identification information of each peripheral device is transmitted to each peripheral device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information set for each peripheral device by a user and identification information of each peripheral device (see FIG. 2). The transmitting means transmits user-specific unique name information read from the information table to each peripheral device based on the identification information of each peripheral device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of peripheral devices that execute the same function processing can be hierarchically connected to a data processing device via a predetermined communication terminal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, each peripheral device includes a printer device, a scanner device, and a digital composite image processing device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network, wherein the unique name information created by the data processing device is provided. Acquisition means (corresponding to the acquisition processing by the USB MPU 130 shown in FIG. 3 via the NIC 18 shown in FIG. 2) and storage means for storing the unique name information acquired by the acquisition means (U
And a display unit (corresponding to the LCD panel 107 shown in FIG. 3) for displaying the unique name information stored by the storage unit.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network, wherein the unique name is set by the user in the data processing device. Acquisition means for acquiring information (Fig. 2
USB MPU 13 shown in FIG. 3 through the NIC 18 shown in FIG.
0) and storage means (corresponding to a work memory in the USB MPU 130 shown in FIG. 3) for storing the unique name information acquired by the acquisition means.
Display means for displaying the unique name information stored by the storage means.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the unique name information includes address information unique to a network set by the data processing device and a friendly name for specifying a peripheral device.

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined function processing includes a printing function processing, a scanner function processing, and a copying function processing.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method in a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, wherein address information unique to the network is stored in accordance with identification information of each peripheral device. A creation step (step (603) shown in FIG. 7) for creating unique name information for identifying each peripheral device including the above, and a transmission for sending each unique name information created in the creation step to each peripheral device (Step (604) shown in FIG. 7).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network. Transmitting the name information to each peripheral device (step (60) shown in FIG. 7).
4) A computer-readable storage medium recording a program for executing the above.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step, the unique name information created for each peripheral device and the identification information of each peripheral device are stored based on the identification information of each peripheral device. The unique name information read from the information table indicating the correspondence is transmitted to each peripheral device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step, the unique name information created for each peripheral device and the identification information of each peripheral device are stored based on the identification information of each peripheral device. The unique name information set by the user and read from the information table indicating the correspondence is transmitted to each peripheral device.

A fifteenth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network,
An acquisition step (step (409) shown in FIG. 6) for acquiring the unique name information created by the data processing device, and a display step (FIG. 8) for displaying the unique name information acquired in the acquisition step (Step (505)).

A sixteenth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network,
Acquisition step of acquiring unique name information set by the user in the data processing device (step (409) shown in FIG. 6)
And a display step of displaying the unique name information acquired in the acquisition step (step (505) shown in FIG. 8)
And

In a seventeenth aspect according to the present invention, the unique name information includes address information unique to a network set by the data processing device and a friendly name for specifying a peripheral device.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a data processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network specifies each peripheral device including network-specific address information in accordance with the identification information of each peripheral device. (Step (6) shown in FIG. 7)
03)) and a transmission step (step (604) shown in FIG. 7) of transmitting the unique name information created in the creation step to each peripheral device, which can be read by a computer. It is recorded on a medium.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network stores, in accordance with the identification information of each peripheral device, each unique name information set by the user in each peripheral device. Transmission process for transmitting to the device (FIG. 7)
The program for executing the step (604) shown in (1) is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step, the unique name information created for each peripheral device and the identification information of each peripheral device are stored based on the identification information of each peripheral device. The unique name information read from the information table indicating the correspondence is transmitted to each peripheral device.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting step, the unique name information created for each peripheral device and the identification information of each peripheral device are stored based on the identification information of each peripheral device. The unique name information set by the user and read from the information table indicating the correspondence is transmitted to each peripheral device.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network acquires unique name information created by the data processing device. A program for executing an acquisition step (step (409) shown in FIG. 6) to perform the display step (step (505) shown in FIG. 8) for displaying the unique name information acquired in the acquisition step. It is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the unique name information set by the user in the data processing device is provided to a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with the data processing device via a network. A program for executing an acquisition step of acquiring (step (409) shown in FIG. 6) and a display step of displaying the unique name information acquired in the acquisition step (step (505) shown in FIG. 8) In a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the unique name information includes network-specific address information set by the data processing device and a friendly name for specifying a peripheral device.

[0040]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a printer apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. It is assumed that the printer is an inkjet printer that performs printing by moving the printer and has an interface (for example, a USB connector) for connecting to a network device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer main body.
The carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 of the printer body 100 has pins (not shown). Then, it is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b.

The carriage HC has an ink tank I
T, an inkjet head IJH, and an inkjet cartridge IJC. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper holding plate, which applies paper to the platen 5 in the carriage movement direction.
Press against 000. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote photocouplers, which function as home position detection means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the drive motor 5013.

Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of the recording head. 501
Reference numeral 5 denotes suction means for sucking the inside of the cap member 5022, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade which can be moved in the front-rear direction by a member 5019. Reference numeral 5018 denotes a main body support plate that supports the above-mentioned 5017 and 5019.

Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction. The lever 5012 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaged with the carriage HC, and the driving force from the driving motor 5013 is transmitted by known transmission means such as clutch switching. Movement is controlled.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage comes to the home position side area. It is sufficient if the device is configured to perform a desired operation.

A display (not shown) typified by an LCD is attached to an exterior (not shown), and is connected to a control unit (see below) of the printer main body 100 by a cable (not shown). linked. It should be noted that the printer device as a peripheral device naturally includes the above-described inkjet printer and an electrophotographic process laser beam printer. Further, the peripheral device also includes a so-called composite image processing device including a scanner and a printer.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer control system to which a data processing apparatus and peripheral devices according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Note that if the functions of the present invention are executed, even a single device,
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or a system in which processing is performed via another network.

In the figure, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3 in the control unit 200. And a CPU 1 for executing a document processing.
The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to.

The program ROM of the ROM 3
Stores a control program of the CPU 1, a font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like used in the document processing, and a data ROM of the ROM 3 uses the font and the like for performing the document processing and the like. Various data is stored.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1. A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls a key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is C
Display (CR) with RT controller (CRTC)
T) Control the display of 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and the like, and a floppy disk (FD).

A network interface controller (NIC) 8 is connected to the printer 1000 via a network 21 such as Ethernet (registered trademark).
A communication control process with the printer 1000 is executed. In addition,
For example, the CPU 1 displays the display information R set on the RAM 2
Expansion of outline font to AM (rasterization)
The processing is executed, and WYSIWYG on the CRT 10 is enabled.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

The control unit 1001 of the printer 1000
Reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU, which controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program or the like stored in a program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program or the like stored in an external memory 14. And outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16.

The program RO in the ROM 13 is
M stores a control program of the printer CPU 12 as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data and the like used when generating the output information,
In the case of a printer without an external memory 14 such as a hard disk, the data ROM of M13 stores information used on the host computer.

The printer CPU 12 can perform communication processing with a host computer and other input / output devices via a network interface (NIC) 18, and transfers information in the printer to the host computer 3000.
Is configured to be notified.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the printer CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an additional port (not shown).

The RAM 19 has an output information development area,
Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, etc. External memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or an IC card
Are controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option, and includes font data, an emulation program,
It stores billing information, form data, and the like. Also, 101
Reference numeral 2 denotes an operation panel on which switches for operation, an LED display, and the like are arranged.

The above-mentioned external memory is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided. In addition to the built-in fonts, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages of different languages are connected. It may be configured to be able to do so. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store the printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the control system of the printer main body 100 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, a control system of the printer main body 100 includes a power supply (Power Section) 101, a panel section (Panel Section) 102, and a printer control section (Printer Control Sect).
ion) 103, motor driver (Stepping)
motor Control Section) 10
4. Print head (Print HEAD) 105,
Interface section (Interface Sectio)
n) consists of 106.

Power supply (Power Section) 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a power supply of the printer, which supplies +5 VDC for logic and +24 VDC for driving the motor from an AC power supply to each unit.

Panel section (Panel Section)
Reference numeral 102 denotes various switches for controlling the power supply, exchanging the printer head, resuming and offline control (Power,
HCHNG, RESUME) and an LCD panel 107 capable of displaying network location information, power supply status, and printer status. These controls are all performed by the printer control unit (Printer Control Se).
ctlon) 103.

Motor driver (Stepping)
(Motor control Section) 104
Is the carriage motor driver (CR MOTOR D
RV) 110 and feed motor driver (LFMOT)
OR DRV) 111. These drivers are installed in the printer control unit (Printer Control Se
The drive motors 5013 and 5030, which are stepping motors, are driven in accordance with the control signal of (action) 103.

Print head (Print HEAD)
Reference numeral 105 mainly includes a heater (not shown) for controlling vaporization and discharge of ink or a scanner, and is configured in the IJC. These control signals are sent to a printer control unit (Pr) through a cable (not shown) and a connector (not shown).
inter Control Section) 103
Is connected to

The printer control unit (Printer Con)
A control section 103 mainly controls a printer, a microprocessor (MPU) 121 performs main control of the printer, a ROM 122 which is a nonvolatile memory as a control memory for performing main control of the printer, and D which is a readable and writable memory
RAM 123, oscillators 125 and 126, sensor 500
7,5008,124 and the like.

The printer control ROM 122 stores control programs, print fonts and display fonts (CG), and other control data such as motor control and head drive control of the printer for storing fixed data. A microprocessor (MPU) 121 that performs main control of the printer executes a code in a printer control ROM 122 and controls a printer control circuit 120.

A microprocessor (MP) that performs the main control of the printer in accordance with the code of the printer control ROM 122
U) 121 is an interface unit (Interface).
The print command and data transmitted from the section 106 are exchanged via the data signal line PFD7-0 and the handshake signal line IN_CONTROL.
The data line PFD7-0 is a bidirectional signal, and the direction of the signal can be changed according to a predetermined protocol.

A DRA which is a readable / writable memory
M123 is a memory having a work area used as a register, a line buffer for storing print data for one line, a dot development buffer re-developed into dots, a buffer for transmission and reception from the interface IF, and the like.

The DRAM 123 also functions as a display memory (referred to as VRAM) of the LCD panel 107 for display. The printer control circuit 120 has an LCD control function that can sequentially read data as a dot image from the VRAM area of the DARM 123 and control transfer to the LCD panel 107 as display data.

The MPU 121 writes the display font in the VRAM area in the DARM 123 at an appropriate time and controls the LCD control function in the printer control circuit 120 to display the font in accordance with the code in the printer control ROM 122.

The interface unit (Interface)
Section 106 has a USB external interface. USB CN13 which is a USB connector
4. USB MPU 130, U for converting USB to bus
FL in which control code of SB MPU 130 is stored
ASH MEM132, interface unit (Inter
crystal 136, the USBMPU 130, and the printer control unit 10, which are the source vibrations of the face section 106.
Interface circuit (Interface)
(Controller) 131.

The USB MPU 130 interprets the protocol according to the control code in the FLASH MEM 132, converts the data into serial / parallel data inside the MPU, and stores it in an internal register.

Data stored in the USB MPU 130 is transferred to the interface circuit (I
interface controller) 131, and outputs the data to the data signal line PFD7-0. Further, a signal line IN_CONTROL for handshake is controlled via a register to control a printer control unit (Printer Control Section).
Communicate with 103. By doing so, it is possible to instruct the printer control unit 103 about print data, control commands from the PC 1102, and the state of the interface.

The USB MPU 130 interprets the protocol, and the USB MPU 130 interprets the interface circuit (interface control) through the CPUBUS.
controller) 131 to the data signal line PFD7-0
And the state of the signal line IN_CONTROL is read and stored in the MPU internal register. The serial conversion of the data stored in the MPU internal register is performed, and the serial data is output to the USB.

FIG. 4 shows the interface unit 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a detailed circuit block diagram of a main part 06, which corresponds to a USB signal line and its driver / receiver peripheral circuit. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 4, the universal serial
The bus (USB) is composed of signal lines data1 and data2, and power supplies VBUS and GND.
It is connected to CN134 as shown.

Each signal line is connected to the USB MPU 130 having a built-in driver receiver to enable data exchange. Note that the resistors R2 and R3 are connected to the respective signal lines, thereby preventing the signal lines from becoming high impedance.

The resistor R1 is connected to the signal line data1 and is connected at + 5V. This resistor R
1 indicates that the printer 110 is of a high-speed data communication type with respect to the PC 1102 and that the printer main body 100 is connected to an interface. USB MPU130
The driver receiver incorporated in the device comprises a differential amplification type input / output device and an input / output port, and the signal lines data1, data
The electric signal of a2 is controlled.

In this embodiment, when no signal is exchanged, the signal line data1 is in the high state (+5 V) and the signal line data2 is in the low state, it indicates that the printer main body 100 is connected to the USB. Signal line da
When ta1 is in the low state and the signal line data2 is in the low state, it indicates that the device is not USB-connected.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic command set request in the network control device according to the present invention, which is for controlling a network.

In the figure, GET STATUS is a request and returns the status for the specified receiver. CLEAR_FETURE [Feature (function) clear]
Is used in requests to clear or disable specific network features (such as support for suspend functions). SET FETU
REs are used in requests to set or enable specific features. SET ADDRE
The SS sets the device address in the request for the upcoming device access.

GET DESCRIPITOR is a request and returns a specific descriptor (described later). GET
CONFIGURATION is a request and returns the current device configuration state (value). If the return value is zero, the device has not been configured. SET CO
NFIGRATION is a request to set the device configuration. If this value is zero, the device is in an unconfigured state. S
ET_FRIENDLY_NAME is a request and is used to transmit a peripheral device-specific friendly name generated by a driver of a peripheral device running on the host to the peripheral device. Hereinafter, the descriptor will be described.

In the network control device according to the present invention, the attribute can be reported by using the descriptor. A descriptor is a data structure having a defined format. Each descriptor starts with a byte-width field containing the total number of bytes in the descriptor, followed by a byte-width field indicating the descriptor type. By using descriptors, the attributes of each configuration can be indicated. The main attributes are descriptor size,
About the combination of manufacturer name, product ID, power supply capacity, transfer size, and supported channels,
Includes the transfer width of each channel, including the types of supported drivers, the number of supported channels, the types of supported channels, and the supported combinations of channels.
These pieces of information can be read by a Get Descriptor command.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first communication processing procedure in the network control device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a communication processing procedure of the USB MPU 130 up to the normal printing standby related to the interface shown in FIG. Corresponding. Note that (401) to (411) indicate each step.

The USB MPU 130 is reset when the power is turned on, and initializes various registers in step 401 according to the control code of the Flash MEM 132. In step 402, the USB MPU
130 waits for a bus reset signal from the USB cable. When the USB MPU 130 receives the bus reset, it determines that the cable connection has been made upstream on the network, and proceeds to the next step 403.

Then, at step 403, the USB M
The PU 130 waits for a descriptor read command (Get Descriptor) from the PC 1102. Next, in step 404, the USB MPU 130 causes the USB MPU 130 to issue a descriptor read command (Get Descriptor) from the PC 1102.
According to r), basic information is transmitted to the PC 1102. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the information from the maker name to the transfer size is transmitted first.

Then, in step 405, the USB MP
The U 130 is a command (Set Addresses) for setting a unique address of the network which is set in the order in which the PC 1102 recognizes the device of each node.
Wait for s).

If an address set command is received in step 405, the address (03h for convenience) designated by the command is set in an internal register in step 701, and the USB MP
U130 comes to communicate with the command sent at this address (03h).

The data converted into the character code of the set address is stored in the work area (Work 0) in the USB MPU 130.

Next, in step 407, U is read to read all the descriptors held by the printer.
The SB MPU 130 waits for a descriptor read command (Get Descriptor) from the PC 1102, and upon receiving the descriptor read command, in step 408, the USB MPU 130 executes the descriptor read command (Get Descriptr) from the PC 1102.
In accordance with the IPC, all information (in the present invention) from the maker name to the transfer width of each channel is set to PCl10.
Send to 2.

Next, at step 409, the USB MPU
130 is a command (SET CONFIGURUR) for notifying that the PC 1102 has set a device-specific driver and is ready for use, and that enables the channel.
ATTION), and upon receiving the command,
In step 410, channel 1 for normal printing and channel 2 for scanner back channel data transfer are enabled, and in step 702, USB MP
U130 is a command SET_FRIENDL that sets user-friendly unique data that is set in the order in which the PC 1102 recognizes the device of each node.
Waiting for Y_NAME, command SET_FRIENDL
If Y_NAME is received, in step 703, user-friendly unique data (character code of USBPRTO2 for convenience) specified by the command is stored in the work area, and the USB MPU 130 further stores the CP in the work area.
Interface circuit (Interfac) through U bus
e Controller 131 and controlling the PFD 7
−0 and a signal line IN_CONTROL for handshake by a printer control unit (Printer Control S).
) 103 is notified of user-friendly unique character code data (USBPRT02).

Then, in step 411, a configuration command (Set Configuration) is received.
The fact that all the channels have been set is notified to the interface circuit (Interface Connec- tion) through the CPU bus.
controller 131, and a printer control unit (Printer Control Secti) is connected to the PFD 7-0 and the signal line IN_CONTROL for handshake.
on) Notify 103. Then, the process shifts to printer standby for waiting for reading of print data or scanner data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second communication processing procedure in the network control apparatus according to the present invention. In step 410 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that a configuration command (Set Configuration) has been received. After enabling the channel 1 for normal printing and the channel 2 for transferring back channel data for the scanner, this corresponds to the communication processing procedure executed by the host. In addition, 601 to 605 indicate each step.

In step 410 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that a configuration command (Set Configuration) has been received, and channel 1 for normal printing and channel 2 for scanner back channel data transfer are enabled. The host clears the counter C to “0”, determines in step 602 whether or not an enable channel exists. If the determination is NO, the host ends the process. If the determination is YES, the host generates a friendly name in step 603. , In step 604, SET_FR
Issue IENDLY_NAME and go to step 605
Then, the counter is incremented by "1", and step 6
Return to 02.

In FIG. 6, "USBPRT"
Is a base name serving as a base of a friendly name used for convenience, and is a character string uniquely determined for a peripheral device model.

Hereinafter, the port state transition will be described with reference to FIG.

When the connection to the port is detected, the PC 11
02 enables the port, and the port resets the connected device. Then, the connected device transits through the following three states and becomes a functional state.

[Default State] When the device receives the reset in this way, the device can be addressed to the default address. At this time, the first information of the descriptor is read, and the PC 1102 can recognize basic information.

[Address assignment state (corresponding to steps 405 to 409 shown in FIG. 6)] The device uses the default address immediately after power-on or after reset. After connection or reset, the device is assigned to a unique address by the PC 1102. Then, the PC 1102 can read the information of all the descriptors and recognize information necessary for the PnP function and information necessary for controlling the device.

[Config state (Step 4 shown in FIG. 6)
09 to 411)] In order for the device to be functional, it must be configured. From the perspective of the device, config means setting a value in the device config register. As a normal process, PC
1102 requests configuration information from the device to know the device capability. According to this information, the PC 1102 sets the configuration in the device and, if necessary, sets the maximum packet size for the channel requesting the limitation.

In the present invention, channel 0 is used for the basic command.
(For default), channel 1 for normal printing, and channel 2 for scanner back channel data transfer. Therefore, in the configuration state, the channels 1 and 2 can be newly used.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the third communication processing procedure in the network control device according to the present invention, and corresponds to the communication processing procedure by the MPU 121 until the normal printing standby. In addition, 501-505 show each step.

First, the MPU 121 is reset when the power is turned on, and initializes various registers and memories in the printer control circuit 120 in step 501 according to the control code of the ROM 122. The display does not display anything in this state.

Then, at step 502, the MPU 121
Waits for an address notification from the USB MPU 130, and upon receiving an address set command, proceeds to step 503.
Then, the set character-coded address is expanded in the display memory. That is, the set character code is expanded and converted into bitmap data, and is expanded in the VRAM area.

At step 504, the MPU 121 sets the US
The MPU 121 receives a network configuration command (Set Configuratlon) from the MPU 130, waits for an address notification (configuration notification) indicating that all channels have been set, and receives the address notification.
When the display of the set display memory is started by controlling the LCD control function in the “0”, the “Online” is set at the time of transition to the standby as shown in FIG.
"Address-USBPRT02" is displayed together with the status.

Then, the process shifts to printer standby for waiting for reading of print data or scanner data.

FIG. 9 shows the LCD panel 107 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the printer address and status displayed in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the display state of LCD panel 107 is the display state when the system has shifted to standby.
The number 02 in the figure corresponds to 02h designated for convenience as described above. Therefore, if the value set in the PC 1102 is 06h, the number 02 becomes the number 06.

As described above, the address set on the network can be displayed.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Since the user-friendly name is determined in the order in which the peripheral devices are enabled, the case where the user-friendly name of the peripheral device may be changed every time the host is started has been described. The system may be configured so as not to be changed every time. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of assigning friendly names in the network control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 11 corresponds to the case of assigning the friendly name shown in the first embodiment.
This corresponds to a case where a friendly name is assigned to the acquired identifier as physical hardware arrangement information as described later.

In the second embodiment, a peripheral device needs an identifier unique to one peripheral device. The identifier is
What is necessary is just a serial number, a MAC address, an IP address, and the like that are sufficient to specify the peripheral device.

Then, it is assumed that the host driver can obtain the identifier of the peripheral device by a new command GET_DEVICE_IDENTIFIER.

In the network control device configured as described above, the peripheral device driver on the host is used for the first time.
A user-friendly name is assigned to each peripheral device according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, for each peripheral device, GET_DEVICE_IDENTIF
Sends the IER and obtains the identifier of each peripheral device. At this time, the host driver stores a table TBL (not shown) that associates the user friendly name with the device identifier in a file on the hard disk.

In the second and subsequent friendly name assignment stages, GET_DEVICE_IDENTI
FIER is issued, and based on the obtained identifier, SET_FRIENDLY_N
What is necessary is just to send AME to a peripheral device.

[Other Embodiments] In this embodiment,
Although a system in which each network device is connected to a network in a star type has been described as an example, the present invention can be realized in another network such as a peer-to-peer type. Also,
Although the printer has been described, it is obvious that the device type is not limited.

Further, in the above embodiment, USBPRN ** (* is optional) has been described as a user-friendly name, but it is not specified as character information.
Needless to say, for example, USB1, USB2, BJC3, and BJC4 can be made flexible.

In the above embodiment, the recognition process has been described using the communication protocol of the network. However, it is needless to say that the present embodiment can be applied even after the recognition process.

Therefore, it is also possible to associate with a friendly name before running the job of the user who is going to print.

It is also apparent that the user can give an arbitrary friendly name by rewriting the TBL of the second embodiment by software.

According to each of the above embodiments, device-specific information set by the host or device-specific information relating to the network can be displayed on the device side.

Therefore, device-specific information set by the host or device-specific information relating to the network can be associated with the peripheral device. Therefore, information set by the user on the host can be associated with the peripheral device.
Therefore, the arrangement and connection order (configuration) of physical peripheral devices
It is no longer necessary to make the user aware of.

Further, the user can directly recognize the output destination by looking at the display of the device, which eliminates the need for troublesome operations and improves the usability. further,
The unique information can be displayed after the communication of the network is established.

Further, a friendly name freely named by the user can be assigned to the peripheral device and displayed. Further, peripheral devices can be specified before executing the application.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a network system to which the network control device according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by a network system to which the network control device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs on a computer or a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside.
In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

[0135]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the twenty-fourth to twenty-fourth, in the data processing device, unique name information for specifying each peripheral device including address information unique to the network is created according to the identification information of the peripheral device, and the created unique name is created. Since the information is sent to each peripheral device, the device-specific information set on the host side or the device-specific information related to the network can be displayed on the peripheral device side, and the device-specific information set on the host side or the device related to the network The unique information can be associated with the peripheral device.

Further, in the data processing device, unique name information set by the user for specifying each peripheral device including address information unique to the network is transmitted to each peripheral device according to the identification information of the peripheral device. The device-specific information set by the user on the host side or the device-specific information related to the network can be displayed on the peripheral device side, and the device-specific information set on the host side or the device-specific information related to the network can be associated with the peripheral device. it can.

Therefore, since the information set by the user on the host side can be associated with the peripheral device, it is not necessary for the user to be conscious of the physical arrangement of the peripheral device and the connection order (form), and the user has requested processing. Peripheral devices can now be recognized directly, eliminating the need for troublesome operations and greatly improving convenience.

On the other hand, on the peripheral device side, the unique name information created by the data processing device is acquired, the acquired unique name information is stored, and the stored unique name information is displayed. Therefore, the unique name information for the own device automatically created on the data processing device side can be clearly indicated to the user, and even in a network environment where a plurality of the same devices are connected, the output destination can be reliably determined by the user. Can be specified.

Further, the unique name information set by the user in the data processing device is acquired, the acquired unique name information is stored, and the stored unique name information is displayed. The unique name information for the own device set by the user on the processing device side can be clearly indicated by the user in a friendly way, and even in a network environment where a plurality of the same devices are connected, the user can reliably output the destination. Can be identified.

Therefore, even when a plurality of the same or different peripheral devices are connected in a network environment, the user recognizes the only selected peripheral device and compares it with the unique information displayed on each peripheral device. This makes it possible to freely construct a network processing environment in which a single peripheral device can be specified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a printer device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a data processing apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system to which peripheral devices can be applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a print control apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed circuit block diagram of a main part of an interface unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a basic command set request in the network control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first communication processing procedure in the network control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second communication processing procedure in the network control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third communication processing procedure in the network control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a printer address and status displayed on the LCD panel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of assigning friendly names in a network control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of assigning friendly names in a network control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a network system to which the network control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device connection mode of this type of network system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 4 System bus 5 Keyboard controller 6 CRT controller 7 Memory controller 8 Network interface controller 9 Keyboard 10 Display 11 External memory 12 CPU 13 ROM 14 External memory 15 System bus 16 Printing unit I / F 17 Printing unit 18 Network Interface controller 19 RAM 20 Memory controller 21 Network 1000 Printer 1012 Operation panel 3000 Host computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP07 HH03 HK08 HN05 HN15 HN26 HQ07 5B014 EA01 EB03 GC07 GD33 HB02 HB06 5B021 AA01 BB04 CC03 EE02 5B089 GA21 JA35 JB15 KA13 KB04 KB06 KC15 LB14

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, wherein a unique name for identifying each peripheral device including address information unique to the network in accordance with identification information of each peripheral device. A data processing apparatus comprising: a creating unit that creates information; and a sending unit that sends each unique name information created by the creating unit to each peripheral device. 2. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, wherein the transmitting unit transmits user-specific unique name information to each peripheral device according to identification information of each peripheral device. A data processing device comprising: 3. A storage unit for storing an information table indicating a correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device, wherein the transmitting unit identifies each peripheral device. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein unique name information read from the information table is transmitted to each peripheral device based on the information. 4. A storage unit for storing an information table indicating a correspondence between unique name information set by a user for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device, wherein the transmission unit includes: 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein user-specific unique name information read from the information table based on identification information is transmitted to each peripheral device. 5. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of peripheral devices executing the same function processing can be hierarchically connected to the data processing device via a predetermined communication terminal.
5. The data processing device according to any one of 4. 6. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein each peripheral device includes a printer device, a scanner device, and a digital composite image processing device. 7. A peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network, wherein the obtaining unit obtains unique name information created by the data processing device; A peripheral device comprising: storage means for storing the unique name information acquired by the acquisition means; and display means for displaying the unique name information stored by the storage means. 8. A peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network, and acquiring means for acquiring unique name information set by a user in the data processing device; A peripheral device comprising: storage means for storing the unique name information obtained by the obtaining means; and display means for displaying the unique name information stored by the storage means. 9. The unique name information according to claim 7, wherein the unique name information includes network-specific address information set by the data processing device and a friendly name for identifying a peripheral device. Peripheral equipment. 10. The peripheral device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined function process includes a print function process, a scanner function process, and a copy function process. 11. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, the method comprising: identifying each peripheral device including address information unique to the network according to identification information of the peripheral device. A data processing method, comprising: a creation step of creating unique name information of the above; and a transmission step of sending each unique name information created by the creation step to each peripheral device. 12. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network, wherein each unique name information set by a user is assigned to each peripheral device in accordance with the identification information of each peripheral device. A data processing method comprising a transmitting step of transmitting. 13. The transmitting step is performed by reading from an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device stored based on identification information of each peripheral device. 12. The data processing method according to claim 11, wherein unique name information is transmitted to each peripheral device. 14. The transmitting step is performed by reading an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device stored based on identification information of each peripheral device. The unique name information set by the user is transmitted to each peripheral device.
Data processing method described. 15. A data processing method in a peripheral device capable of executing a predetermined function process by communicating with a data processing device via a network, wherein the obtaining includes obtaining unique name information created by the data processing device. And a display step of displaying the unique name information obtained in the obtaining step. 16. A data processing method for a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with a data processing device via a network, wherein unique name information set by a user in the data processing device is acquired. A data processing method comprising: an acquiring step; and a displaying step of displaying the unique name information acquired in the acquiring step. 17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the unique name information includes address information unique to a network set by the data processing device and a friendly name for specifying a peripheral device. Data processing method. 18. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network transmits unique name information for specifying each peripheral device including address information unique to the network according to identification information of each peripheral device. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a creating step of creating and transmitting a unique name information created in the creating step to each peripheral device. 19. A data processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of peripheral devices via a network executes a transmission step of transmitting user-specific unique name information to each peripheral device in accordance with the identification information of each peripheral device. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the program. 20. The transmitting step is performed by reading from an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device stored based on identification information of each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device. 19. The storage medium according to claim 18, wherein the unique name information is transmitted to each peripheral device. 21. The transmitting step is performed by reading out from an information table indicating correspondence between unique name information created for each peripheral device and identification information of each peripheral device stored based on identification information of each peripheral device. 20. The unique name information set by the user is transmitted to each peripheral device.
The storage medium according to the above. 22. An acquiring step of acquiring unique name information created by the data processing device in a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with the data processing device via a network; And a display step of displaying the unique name information obtained by the computer. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the program. 23. An acquiring step of acquiring unique name information set by a user in the data processing device to a peripheral device capable of executing predetermined function processing by communicating with the data processing device via a network; And a display step for displaying the unique name information obtained in the step. 24. The method according to claim 15, wherein the unique name information includes address information unique to a network set by the data processing device and a friendly name for specifying a peripheral device. Storage medium.