JP2007249351A - Printer and program installation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a printer facilitating setting for a print operable state from a terminal device, and a program installation method for installing a program for operating the printer in the terminal device. <P>SOLUTION: The printer, for printing by operation from the connected terminal device, is provided with an information recognition means for recognizing information for identifying the terminal device for controlling print operation in the printer, an identification means for identifying the terminal device based on the information, and a storage means for storing a program for operating the printer to be installed in the identified terminal device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a program installation method, and in particular, prints print information by sending character information, image information, and graphic information as print information to the printing apparatus using a terminal device. The present invention relates to a program installation method for installing a program for operating a printing device in a printing device and a terminal device that can be used.

  Conventionally, generally, in a computer terminal device, an OS (Operation System), which is basic software for efficiently operating the computer terminal device, operates, and the OS performs the use of the functions of the own system and hardware operation. Therefore, an API (Application Programming Interface) is provided for programs operating on the OS.

  In addition, when printing is performed using a printing device in a computer terminal device on which the OS is operating, a special program called a printer driver is used. The printer driver is a kind of software called from the OS. When printing is desired from a general program, a general mechanism is that the OS function is used using the above-described API, and the print function can be used when the OS calls a printer driver.

  Normally, when a printer driver is installed in a computer terminal device, information for specifying the printing device such as the model name and IP address of the printing device is required. In addition, since a printer driver exists for each model of the printing apparatus, it is necessary to acquire information on the model name and model version of the printing apparatus used by the user of the computer terminal apparatus.

  However, it is rare that the user of a general printing apparatus knows the detailed information of each printing apparatus required when installing the printer driver. Further, a burden of obtaining a printer driver suitable for the printing apparatus is generated based on detailed information of the printing apparatus. Although it is easy to physically find a printing apparatus, it is a heavy burden on the user of the printing apparatus to check and obtain the IP address, model name, and necessary printer driver of the printing apparatus.

  Nowadays, the usage frequency of printing apparatuses is very high, and the number of models is increasing exponentially. For this reason, it is desired that the user of the printing apparatus can easily obtain the detailed information of the printing apparatus and the printer driver suitable for the printing apparatus, and can be easily installed in the computer terminal device.

  As a technique for easily obtaining and installing a printer driver, for example, storage means for storing a driver that is a control program for controlling the own device, operating on a connected host device, and transferring the driver to the host device There has been proposed an information processing apparatus having a communication unit that performs communication, and a transfer protocol of the communication unit is an HTTP protocol (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, the second device monitors the first device, the second device determines whether the current device driver in the first device is the desired device driver, and the current in the first device. When the device driver is determined to be different from the desired device driver, the desired device is transmitted from the second device to the first device, and the current device driver and the desired device driver perform the operation of the first device. A control technique has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Further, there is a technique for recognizing the type of a control program that can be executed by a connected host device and controlling the device, storing the recognized type of control program in advance, and transmitting the stored control program to the host device. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2004-220552 A JP 2001-249885 A JP 2000-132378 A

  However, according to the conventional technique, the printing apparatus operates as a reaction of accessing the printing apparatus from the computer terminal apparatus in any of the methods. For this reason, it is assumed that the user of the printing apparatus has acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus in advance, and printing cannot be performed if these pieces of information are not acquired in advance. There was a problem.

  Further, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, since it is necessary to install a device driver or a similar program in a computer terminal device, it is impossible to newly install a printer driver. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a program installation that installs in a terminal device a printing device that can be easily set to a printable state from a terminal device and a program for operating the printing device The purpose is to obtain a method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus that executes printing by an operation from a connected terminal apparatus, and a terminal that controls a printing operation in the own apparatus. Information recognition means for recognizing information for specifying the device, specifying means for specifying the terminal device based on the information, and storage means for storing a program for operating the own device to be installed in the specified terminal device, It is characterized by providing.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the specifying means uses a physical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the specifying means uses a logical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the information recognition means automatically acquires information for specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising program transmission means for transmitting a program to the specified terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, further comprising automatic installation means for automatically installing the program transmitted by the program transmission means on the identified terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising copy means for automatically copying information relating to the self-printing apparatus necessary for program installation to the terminal apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 5 or 7, further comprising program selection means for selecting a program for each terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the program selection means selects a program for each terminal device based on information relating to basic software for managing control of the terminal device. .

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the program selection means determines the contents of the program for operating the self-printing apparatus that the terminal apparatus already has, and stores the program for each terminal apparatus. It is characterized by selecting.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the program selecting means automatically acquires information for selecting a program for each terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a program installation method for installing a printing operation program for performing a printing operation of the printing apparatus held in the printing apparatus in a terminal device connected to the printing apparatus, An information recognition step in which the printing device recognizes information for identifying a terminal device that controls a printing operation in the self-printing device; and a terminal device identification step in which the printing device identifies a terminal device based on the information. Features.

  The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 12, in the terminal device specifying step, a physical identifier is used as information for specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 12, in the terminal device specifying step, a logical identifier is used as information for specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 12, in the information recognition step, the device itself automatically acquires information specifying the terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claim 12, further comprising a program transmission step in which the printing apparatus transmits a program to the specified terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 16, further comprising an automatic installation step of automatically installing the program transmitted in the program transmission step in the terminal device specified by the printing apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to claim 12, further comprising a copying step in which the printing apparatus automatically copies information about the self-printing apparatus necessary for program installation to the terminal apparatus. .

  The invention according to claim 19 is the invention according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the program transmission step or the copy step includes a program selection step in which the printing apparatus selects a program for each terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the invention according to claim 19, wherein, in the program selection step, the printing device selects a program for each terminal device based on information on basic software for managing control of the terminal device. Features.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the invention according to claim 19, wherein in the program selection step, the printing apparatus determines the contents of the program for operating the self-printing apparatus that the terminal apparatus already has, and the printing apparatus It is characterized by selecting for every apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 22 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 19, in the program selection step, the printing apparatus automatically acquires information for selecting a program for each terminal device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to install a program for operating the own device with respect to the terminal device, the printing device recognizes information identifying the terminal device that controls the printing operation in the own printing device. Then, by specifying the terminal device based on the information, it is possible to provide a printing device that can be easily set to a state in which a printing operation from the terminal device can be performed. Further, according to the present invention, the above setting can be easily performed even when information for identifying the printing apparatus is not acquired in advance, and the user of the printing apparatus can easily use the printing apparatus. There is an effect that it is possible.

  According to the invention according to claim 2, in the invention according to claim 1, the specifying means can always uniquely specify the terminal device by using the physical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. There is an effect.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1, the specifying unit can easily specify the terminal device by using the logical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. There is an effect.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the information recognizing means automatically obtains information for specifying the terminal device, thereby obtaining information for specifying the terminal device as a printing device. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce the burden that the user of the user inputs to the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to claim 1, by transmitting the program to the identified terminal device, it is possible to reduce the burden of installing the program by the user of the printing apparatus. There is an effect that it is possible.

  According to the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 5, the user of the printing apparatus installs the program by automatically installing the program transmitted by the program transmission means on the identified terminal device. There is an effect that the burden can be reduced.

  According to the invention according to claim 7, in the invention according to claim 1, the user of the printing apparatus installs by automatically copying the information about the self-printing apparatus necessary for installing the program to the terminal apparatus. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the burden of searching for necessary data.

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 8, in the invention according to claim 5 or 7, there is an effect that it is possible to transmit optimal information to the terminal device by selecting a program for each terminal device. .

  Further, according to the invention according to claim 9, in the invention according to claim 8, the program selection means selects a program for each terminal device based on information about basic software for managing control of the terminal device, There is an effect that a program suitable for the OS of the terminal device can be selected.

  According to the invention of claim 10, in the invention of claim 8, the program selection means determines the contents of the program for operating the self-printing apparatus that the terminal apparatus already has, and the program is transmitted to the terminal apparatus. By selecting each, there is an effect that newer information can be transmitted.

  According to the invention of claim 11, in the invention of claim 8, the program selection means automatically obtains information for selecting a program for each terminal device, so that the user of the printing apparatus can print. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce a burden input to the apparatus.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, as a target for installing a print operation program for performing a print operation of the printing apparatus held in the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus controls a printing operation in the self-printing apparatus. By recognizing information for identifying the terminal device and further identifying the terminal device based on the information, it is possible to easily set the terminal device to a printable state. Further, according to the present invention, the above setting can be easily performed even when information for identifying the printing apparatus is not acquired in advance, and the user of the printing apparatus can easily use the printing apparatus. There is an effect that it is possible.

  According to the invention of claim 13, in the terminal device specifying step of the invention of claim 12, the terminal device can always be specified uniquely by using the physical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. , Has the effect.

  According to the invention of claim 14, in the terminal device specifying step of the invention of claim 12, the terminal device can be easily specified by using the logical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. There is an effect.

  According to the invention of claim 15, in the information recognition process of the invention of claim 12, the information for specifying the terminal device is obtained by automatically acquiring the information for specifying the terminal device by the own device. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce a burden that a user of the printing apparatus inputs to the printing apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 16, in the invention of claim 12, the printing apparatus transmits a program to the identified terminal device, thereby reducing the burden of the user of the printing apparatus to install the program. There is an effect that can be done.

  According to the invention of claim 17, in the invention of claim 16, the user of the printing apparatus can install the program transmitted in the program transmission process on the terminal device specified by the printing apparatus, so that the user of the printing apparatus can There is an effect that the burden of installing can be reduced.

  According to the invention of claim 18, in the invention of claim 12, the printing apparatus uses the printing apparatus by automatically copying the information related to the self-printing apparatus necessary for program installation to the terminal apparatus. It is possible to reduce the burden of searching for data necessary for the user to install.

  According to the invention of claim 19, in the invention of claim 16 or 18, the program transmission step or the copy step includes a program selection step in which the printing device selects a program for each terminal device. There is an effect that optimum information can be transmitted to the apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 20, in the program selection step of the invention of claim 19, the printing device selects a program for each terminal device based on information about basic software for managing control of the terminal device. As a result, it is possible to select a program suitable for the OS of the terminal device.

  According to the invention of claim 21, in the program selection step of the invention of claim 19, the printing apparatus determines the contents of the program for operating the self-printing apparatus that the terminal apparatus already has, and the printing apparatus executes the program. By selecting each terminal device, there is an effect that newer information can be transmitted.

  According to the invention of claim 22, in the program selection step of the invention of claim 19, the printing apparatus automatically acquires information for selecting a program for each terminal apparatus, so that the user of the printing apparatus Is able to reduce the burden of input to the printing apparatus.

  Exemplary embodiments of a printing apparatus and a program installation method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus system according to the first embodiment is configured by connecting a computer terminal apparatus 101 and a printing apparatus 103 via a network 102.

  The computer terminal apparatus 101 and the printing apparatus 103 are connected by Ethernet (registered trademark) using the TCP / IP protocol, and an IP address is assigned to each of the computer terminal apparatus 101 and the printing apparatus 103. The network 102 is preferably connected to the Internet.

  As the computer terminal device 101, for example, a general personal computer terminal device is used. As the OS, for example, Windows XP (registered trademark) of Microsoft (registered trademark) is installed. As a standard function of the OS, remote desktop (registered trademark) is provided as a remote operation function enabling remote operation with other devices. ), And a communication function using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) as a communication function with other devices.

  In addition, the printing apparatus 103 performs printing using, for example, a touch panel as an external input unit that can input information from the outside, or Remote Desktop (registered trademark) that is a standard function of Windows XP (registered trademark) of Microsoft (registered trademark). HYPERLINK "http://e-words.jp/w/Windows.html" from device 103 Remote control means for remotely controlling Windows, access means capable of accessing shared folder of computer terminal device 101, computer in network Communication means capable of automatically detecting a terminal device and communication means capable of communication by SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) are provided.

  Further, the printing apparatus 103 holds a printer driver for using the self apparatus in a storage unit such as an internal HDD as one piece of information regarding the use of the self apparatus.

  However, a personal computer terminal device, a remote operation function, an external information input means, an automatic detection function of a computer terminal device in a network, a communication function, information on use of a printing device, a storage form of information on use of a printing device, a network The type of protocol and the connection form of each device does not limit the present invention. Therefore, in the following description, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified.

  The computer terminal apparatus and printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied can be generalized as a computer terminal apparatus 101g and a printing apparatus 103g having configurations as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main schematic configuration of a computer terminal apparatus 101g that is generalized to be applicable to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 103g that is generalized to be applicable to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer terminal device 101g includes an OS 201 having a remote operation function unit 203 and a communication function unit 205, and a storage unit 207 that stores various data and programs. In the present embodiment, the remote operation function unit 203 and the communication function unit 205 are actually functions of the OS and are realized by programs. The storage unit 202 also includes a shared folder that can be accessed by the printing apparatus 103 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 103g includes an external input unit 301 such as a touch panel, a remote operation unit 303 that remotely operates the OS of the computer terminal apparatus 101g from the printing apparatus 103g, and a storage unit of the computer terminal apparatus 101g. 202, an access unit 305 that can access 202, a communication unit 307 that can automatically detect computer terminal devices in the network, and a communication unit 307 that can communicate by SNMP, a storage unit 309 that stores various data and programs, and a process for various data And a data processing unit 311 for performing the configuration. In the present embodiment, the remote operation unit 303, the access unit 305, the communication unit 307, and the data processing unit 311 are actually realized by a program.

  Note that the remote operation unit 303 and the access unit 305 provided in the printing apparatus 103g are not necessarily provided. The same applies to the external input unit 301 (information input means from the outside) and the automatic detection function of the computer terminal device in the communication unit 307.

  FIG. 4 shows processing for transmitting information related to use of the printing apparatus 103 from the printing apparatus 103 to the computer terminal apparatus 101 in order to make the printing apparatus 103 usable from the computer terminal apparatus 101 in the operating environment as described above. The description will be given with reference. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the printing apparatus system according to the present embodiment.

  In the following, as a specific example of processing for transmitting information related to use of the printing apparatus 103g to the computer terminal apparatus 101, the printer driver of the printing apparatus 103g is transferred to the computer terminal apparatus 101 in order to use the printing apparatus 103g from the computer terminal apparatus 101. The installation process will be described.

  First, a user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. When the identification information is input, the data processing unit 311 of the printing apparatus 103g acquires and recognizes the input identification information (step S101), and identifies the corresponding computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identification information (step S102). ).

  Here, for example, a physical identifier or a logical identifier is used as the identification information for identifying the computer terminal device 101g. In the present invention, the physical identifier is a fixed identifier such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address. The logical identifier is an identifier that may change depending on the environment or conditions, such as an IP address or a host name. By using a physical identifier as information for specifying the computer terminal device 101g, the computer terminal device can always be specified uniquely. Further, the computer terminal device 101g can be easily specified by using a logical identifier as information for specifying the computer terminal device 101g.

  Next, the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs information regarding the computer terminal apparatus 101g such as the OS type and version of the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g. By using information related to the OS of the computer terminal device 101g, a program suitable for the OS of the computer terminal device 101g can be selected.

  If a printer driver for the printing apparatus 103g is already installed in the specified computer terminal apparatus 101g, the user of the printing apparatus 103g uses the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g to print information about the printer driver 103g. To enter. Newer information can be transmitted by determining the content of information regarding the use of the printing apparatus 103g that has already been sent to the computer terminal apparatus 101g.

  When information related to the computer terminal device 101g such as the type and version of the OS is input, the data processing unit 311 acquires and recognizes information related to the computer terminal device 101g (step S103), and specifies the information based on the information. The optimum printer driver (transmission information) for the computer terminal device 101g is selected (step S104). By selecting the information to be transmitted to the computer terminal device 101g for each computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to transmit the optimum information to the computer terminal device 101g.

  Next, the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs the specified login instruction information to the computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. The remote operation unit 303 of the printing apparatus 103g logs in to the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g according to the login instruction information by using a remote desktop (remote operation function) (step S105).

  The login instruction information includes a user name and a password for logging in to the computer terminal apparatus 101g, and a user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs them to the printing apparatus 103g using the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g. The authority of the user who logs in is preferably an Administrator authority.

  After logging in to the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g, the printing apparatus 103g automatically transmits the printer driver file selected in step S104 to the computer terminal apparatus 101g using the communication unit 307, and transmits the printer driver to the computer terminal apparatus. Install in 101g (step S106). Thereby, it is possible to make the printing apparatus 103g usable from the computer terminal apparatus 101g. The printer driver can be automatically installed on the computer terminal device 101g by the printing device 103g, for example, by using a batch file describing a procedure for the printing device 103g to install a printer driver.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the own printing apparatus 103g, and operates the own printing apparatus 103g with respect to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. By transmitting a program for performing the printing, it is possible to easily set to a state in which a printing operation from the computer terminal device 101g is possible. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically installs a program (printer driver) relating to the use of its own apparatus in the computer terminal apparatus 101g, so that the user of the printing apparatus 103 can install the program on the computer terminal apparatus. It is possible to reduce the burden of installing on 101g.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, as a second embodiment, a case will be described in which information regarding the use of the printing apparatus itself is copied to a folder in the computer apparatus. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the printer driver download source address necessary for using the printing apparatus 103g and the IP address of the printing apparatus 103g itself are stored in the storage unit 207 of the computer terminal apparatus 101g. A case of copying to the folder will be described.

  First, a user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. When the identification information is input, the data processing unit 311 of the printing apparatus 103g acquires and recognizes the input identification information (step S201), and identifies the corresponding computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identification information (step S202). ).

  Here, for example, a physical identifier or a logical identifier is used as the identification information for identifying the computer terminal device 101g. In the present invention, the physical identifier is a fixed identifier such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address. The logical identifier is an identifier that may change depending on the environment or conditions, such as an IP address or a host name.

  Next, the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs information regarding the computer terminal apparatus 101g such as the OS type and version of the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g. By using information related to the OS of the computer terminal device 101g, a program suitable for the OS of the computer terminal device 101g can be selected.

  If a printer driver for the printing apparatus 103g is already installed in the specified computer terminal apparatus 101g, the user of the printing apparatus 103g uses the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g to print information about the printer driver 103g. To enter. Newer information can be transmitted by determining the content of information regarding the use of the printing apparatus 103g that has already been sent to the computer terminal apparatus 101g.

  When information related to the computer terminal device 101g such as the type and version of the OS is input, the data processing unit 311 acquires and recognizes information related to the computer terminal device 101g (step S203), and specifies the information based on the information. The optimum printer driver (transmission information) for the computer terminal device 101g is selected (step S204). By selecting the information to be transmitted to the computer terminal device 101g for each computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to transmit the optimum information to the computer terminal device 101g.

  Next, the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs, to the printing apparatus 103g, the acquisition instruction information for access authority to the specified folder in the computer terminal apparatus 101g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. The printing apparatus 103g uses the access unit 305 to acquire access authority to the folder in the computer terminal apparatus 101g according to the access authority acquisition instruction information (step S205).

  The user name and password are included in the specified instruction information for acquiring access authority to the folder in the computer terminal device 101g, and the user of the printing device 103g inputs them to the printing device 103g using the touch panel of the printing device 103g. To do. At this time, it is preferable that the user's authority to access is fully accessible.

  After acquiring the access authority, the printing apparatus 103g uses the remote operation unit 303 and the communication unit 307 to obtain the download address of the printer driver stored in the storage unit 309 and the IP address of the printing apparatus 103g. Copy to a folder in the computer terminal device 101g (step S206).

  The user of the printing apparatus 103g downloads the printer driver from the printer driver download source address copied from the printing apparatus 103g to the folder in the computer terminal apparatus 101g. Similarly, the printer driver is installed using the IP address of the printing apparatus 103g itself delivered from the printing apparatus 103g. Thereby, it is possible to make the printing apparatus 103g usable from the computer terminal apparatus 101g.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the self-printing apparatus 103g, and the printing apparatus 103g provides data on information regarding the use of the self-apparatus. By copying to the computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to easily set the printer terminal 101g so that a printing operation can be performed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, it is necessary for the user of the printing apparatus 103g to install the printing apparatus 103g by copying the data regarding the information related to the use of the own apparatus to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. Can reduce the burden of searching for data.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g is input using the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g has been described. In the third embodiment, the identification information is printed. A case where the apparatus 103g automatically acquires will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the third embodiment.

  First, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g connected to the network 102 (step S301). Then, the data processing unit 311 identifies the computer terminal device 101g based on the automatically acquired recognition information (step S302).

  For example, a broadcast function that transmits data to an unspecified number of devices connected to the network 102 with the printing apparatus 103g using the communication unit 307 and acquires the IP address of the computer terminal device in the network 102 from the reply Are used to collectively identify computer terminal devices in the network 102.

  In the present embodiment, among the steps shown in FIG. 6, steps S303 to S306, which are steps subsequent to the identification of the computer terminal device 101g (step S302), are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since it is the same as step S103-step S106, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here as reference is made to said description.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the own printing apparatus 103g, and operates the own printing apparatus 103g with respect to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. By transmitting a program for performing the printing, it is possible to easily set to a state in which a printing operation from the computer terminal device 101g is possible. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically installs a program (printer driver) relating to the use of its own apparatus in the computer terminal apparatus 101g, so that the user of the printing apparatus 103 can install the program on the computer terminal apparatus. It is possible to reduce the burden of installing on 101g.

  Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g, so that the information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g is stored in the printing apparatus 103g. It is possible to reduce a burden that a user inputs to the printing apparatus 103g.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the second embodiment described above, the case where the identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g is input using the touch panel of the printing apparatus 103g has been described. In the fourth embodiment, the identification information is printed. A case where the apparatus 103g automatically acquires will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the fourth embodiment.

  First, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g connected to the network 102 (step S401). Then, the data processing unit 311 identifies the computer terminal device 101g based on the automatically acquired recognition information (step S402).

  For example, a broadcast function that transmits data to an unspecified number of devices connected to the network 102 with the printing apparatus 103g using the communication unit 307 and acquires the IP address of the computer terminal device in the network 102 from the reply Are used to collectively identify computer terminal devices in the network 102.

  In the present embodiment, among the steps shown in FIG. 7, steps S403 to S406, which are steps subsequent to the identification of the computer terminal device 101g (step S402), are the same as those in the second embodiment. Since it is the same as step S203-step S206, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here as reference is made to said description.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the self-printing apparatus 103g, and the printing apparatus 103g provides data on information regarding the use of the self-apparatus. By copying to the computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to easily set the printer terminal 101g so that a printing operation can be performed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, it is necessary for the user of the printing apparatus 103g to install the printing apparatus 103g by copying the data regarding the information related to the use of the own apparatus to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. Can reduce the burden of searching for data.

  Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g, so that the information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g is stored in the printing apparatus 103g. It is possible to reduce a burden that a user inputs to the printing apparatus 103g.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, a case has been described in which information related to the specified computer terminal device 101g is input using the touch panel of the printing device 103g. In the fifth embodiment, information related to the computer terminal device 101g is input. A case where the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the fifth embodiment.

  First, a user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. When the identification information is input, the data processing unit 311 of the printing apparatus 103g acquires and recognizes the input identification information (step S501), and identifies the corresponding computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identification information (step S502). ).

  Next, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information related to the computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g using a standard communication method (step S503).

  For example, a standard computer terminal device or printing device has a communication function by SNMP. SNMP is a protocol for monitoring and controlling devices connected to a network such as computer terminal devices and printing devices in a TCP / IP network. A device equipped with SNMP has a management information database called MIB (Management Information Base), for example, and data described in this database can be acquired and set by SNMP communication.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using the SNMP communication using the function of the communication unit 307, the printing apparatus 103g designates the IP address of the computer terminal apparatus 101g, thereby specifying the OS of the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g. Get the name automatically.

  In addition, the printer driver already installed in the computer terminal device 101g describes its version information in the MIB, so that the printing device 103g can automatically acquire the information from the computer terminal device 101g.

  Next, the printing apparatus 103g selects the optimum printer driver (transmission information) for the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g based on the automatically acquired information regarding the computer terminal apparatus 101g (step S504). By selecting the information to be transmitted to the computer terminal device 101g for each computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to transmit the optimum information to the computer terminal device 101g.

  In the present embodiment, steps S505 and S506, which are subsequent to the selection of the printer driver (transmission information) (step S504), are the same as steps S105 and S106 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted here with reference to the above description.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the own printing apparatus 103g, and operates the own printing apparatus 103g with respect to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. By transmitting a program for performing the printing, it is possible to easily set to a state in which a printing operation from the computer terminal device 101g is possible. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically installs a program (printer driver) relating to the use of its own apparatus in the computer terminal apparatus 101g, so that the user of the printing apparatus 103 can install the program on the computer terminal apparatus. It is possible to reduce the burden of installing on 101g.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information related to the computer terminal apparatus 101g, thereby reducing the burden that the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs to the printing apparatus 103g.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the second embodiment described above, the case where information relating to the specified computer terminal device 101g is input using the touch panel of the printing device 103g has been described. In the sixth embodiment, information relating to the computer terminal device 101g is input. A case where the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing in the sixth embodiment.

  First, a user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs identification information for specifying the computer terminal apparatus 101g to the printing apparatus 103g using the external input unit 301 of the printing apparatus 103g such as a touch panel. When the identification information is input, the data processing unit 311 of the printing apparatus 103g acquires and recognizes the input identification information (step S601), and identifies the corresponding computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identification information (step S602). ).

  Next, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information related to the computer terminal apparatus 101g from the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g using a standard communication method (step S603).

  For example, a standard computer terminal device or printing device has a communication function by SNMP. SNMP is a protocol for monitoring and controlling devices connected to a network such as computer terminal devices and printing devices in a TCP / IP network. A device equipped with SNMP has a management information database called MIB (Management Information Base), for example, and data described in this database can be acquired and set by SNMP communication.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using the SNMP communication using the function of the communication unit 307, the printing apparatus 103g designates the IP address of the computer terminal apparatus 101g, thereby specifying the OS of the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g. Get the name automatically.

  In addition, the printer driver already installed in the computer terminal device 101g describes its version information in the MIB, so that the printing device 103g can automatically acquire the information from the computer terminal device 101g.

  Next, the printing apparatus 103g selects the optimum printer driver (transmission information) for the identified computer terminal apparatus 101g based on the automatically acquired information regarding the computer terminal apparatus 101g (step S604).

  In the present embodiment, steps S605 and S606, which are steps subsequent to the selection of the printer driver (transmission information) (step S604), are the same as steps S205 and S206 in the second embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted here with reference to the above description.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g specifies the computer terminal apparatus 101g that controls the printing operation in the self-printing apparatus 103g, and the printing apparatus 103g provides data on information regarding the use of the self-apparatus. By copying to the computer terminal device 101g, it is possible to easily set the printer terminal 101g so that a printing operation can be performed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the user of the printing apparatus 103g has not previously acquired information for identifying the printing apparatus 103g, the above setting can be easily performed, and the printing apparatus 103g The user can easily use the printing apparatus.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, it is necessary for the user of the printing apparatus 103g to install the printing apparatus 103g by copying the data regarding the information related to the use of the own apparatus to the computer terminal apparatus 101g. Can reduce the burden of searching for data.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 103g automatically acquires information related to the computer terminal apparatus 101g, thereby reducing the burden that the user of the printing apparatus 103g inputs to the printing apparatus 103g.

It is a figure which shows an example of the connection structure of the computer terminal device and printing apparatus in the printing apparatus system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the computer terminal device which generalized this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus that is generalized to which the present invention can be applied. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the printing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing flow of the printing apparatus concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing flow of the printing apparatus concerning Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing flow of the printing apparatus concerning Embodiment 6 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Computer terminal apparatus 101g Computer terminal apparatus 102 Network 103 Printing apparatus 103g Printing apparatus 202 Storage part 203 Remote operation function part 205 Communication function part 207 Storage part 301 External input part 303 Remote operation part 305 Access part 307 Communication part 309 Data processing part 309 Storage unit 311 Data processing unit

Claims (22)

A printing device that executes printing by an operation from a connected terminal device,
Information recognition means for recognizing information identifying the terminal device that controls the printing operation in the device;
Identifying means for identifying the terminal device based on the information;
Storage means for storing a program for operating the own device to be installed in the identified terminal device;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit uses a physical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit uses a logical identifier as information for specifying the terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information recognition unit automatically acquires information for specifying the terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a program transmission unit that transmits the program to the identified terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an automatic installation unit that automatically installs the program transmitted by the program transmission unit in the identified terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a copy unit that automatically copies information about the self-printing apparatus necessary for installing the program to the terminal apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a program selection unit that selects the program for each terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the program selection unit selects the program for each terminal device based on information related to basic software that manages control of the terminal device. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the program selection unit determines the content of a program for operating the self-printing apparatus that the terminal apparatus already has and selects the program for each terminal apparatus. . The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the program selection unit automatically acquires information for selecting the program for each terminal device. A program installation method for installing a printing operation program for performing a printing operation of the printing apparatus held in the printing apparatus on a terminal device connected to the printing apparatus,
An information recognition step for recognizing information for identifying the terminal device for controlling the printing operation in the printing device;
A terminal device specifying step in which the printing device specifies the terminal device based on the information;
A program installation method comprising: The program installation method according to claim 12, wherein, in the terminal device specifying step, a physical identifier is used as information for specifying the terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 12, wherein in the terminal device specifying step, a logical identifier is used as information for specifying the terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 12, wherein in the information recognition step, the device itself automatically acquires information for specifying the terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 12, further comprising a program transmission step in which the printing apparatus transmits the program to the identified terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 16, further comprising an automatic installation step in which the printing apparatus automatically installs the program transmitted in the program transmission step on the specified terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 12, further comprising: a copying step in which the printing apparatus automatically copies information about the self-printing apparatus necessary for installing the program to the terminal apparatus. The program installation method according to claim 16 or 18, wherein the program transmission step or the copy step includes a program selection step in which the printing apparatus selects the program for each terminal device. The program installation method according to claim 19, wherein, in the program selection step, the printing apparatus selects the program for each terminal apparatus based on information on basic software for managing control of the terminal apparatus. The said program selection process WHEREIN: The content of the program for operating the self-printing apparatus which the said terminal apparatus already has is judged, The said printing apparatus selects the said program for every terminal apparatus. The program installation method described. The program installation method according to claim 19, wherein, in the program selection step, the printing apparatus automatically acquires information for selecting the program for each terminal device.

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