JP2021174423A - Device driver and device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device driver and the like which dispense with restarting of a device in updating of the device driver, and can suppress waste of a memory.SOLUTION: A main configuration file described in a setting file 100 and one or a plurality of sub-configuration files for performing processing for each category are installed in a device 1. The main configuration file has a function of selecting a sub-configuration file to be used when a plurality of sub-configuration files in the same category having different versions exist. When sub-configuration files in the same category having different versions are newly installed therein in a state in which the main configuration file and the one or the plurality of sub-configuration files are installed in the device, the main configuration file allows the device to execute processing for selecting and using the sub-configuration file to be used from among the plurality of sub-configuration files in the same category on the basis of the function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a printer driver, other device drivers, and devices that are software for controlling a printer or the like, which are installed in a device such as a print server.

When installing the printer driver using the functions of the OS (operating system) such as a print server, specify the setting file (inf file) 200 as shown in FIG. 6 (A) and as shown in FIG. 6 (B). By installing it on the device 10 such as a server, the configuration file (DLL file) described in the configuration file 200 is installed. In the configuration file, for example, "Main It contains the main configuration file indicated by "A1.Dll" and one or more sub-configuration files for processing each category. As a sub-configuration file, in FIG. 6, a “sub” for performing drawing processing "Drawing category A1.Dll" and "Sub" for processing related to the user interface "UI category A1.Dll" is illustrated, and these main configuration files and sub-configuration files are installed.

The installed main configuration file and sub configuration file become in use depending on the OS and application, and cannot be deleted or updated. Therefore, when updating the printer driver, even if the configuration file to be updated is a sub-configuration file, the installed main configuration file and sub-configuration file are deleted by uninstalling as shown in Fig. 7 (B). After restarting (discarding the main configuration file and sub configuration file used by the OS and application), it was necessary to install the new update driver 201 shown in FIG. 7A on the device 10.

However, if the server on which the printer driver is installed coexists with the main system or is accessed frequently, it may not be possible to restart easily, so update without restarting. Providing a device driver that can be used has become an issue.

Therefore, as one of the solutions to such a problem, as shown in FIG. 8A, a setting file 202 having a different name from the first setting file at the time of update installation is used, and the main configuration file and the sub are already installed. There is a method of additionally installing the configuration file and the new sub-configuration file to be updated on the device 10 as a new configuration file group. In addition, in FIG. 8A, the “sub” for performing the processing related to the user interface UI category A2.Dll "is" sub This is a sub-configuration file after the version upgrade of "UI category A1.Dll".

However, with this method, as shown in FIG. 8B, the already installed main configuration file and sub-configuration file are also re-installed with different names, so that the old configuration file group (FIG. 8) is updated each time. In the example of (B), there is a problem that xxxA1.DLL group) is accumulated as a garbage file and memory is wasted.

In Patent Document 1, by describing an empty file for storing the plug-in in the setting file, the OS is made to recognize that it is a configuration file, and when the configuration file is added, point and print is performed. The technology that enables it to be installed on the client is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the plug-in is stored by the installer, described in the setting file of the printer driver, and restarted so that the OS recognizes that it is a configuration file and can be installed on the client by point and print. The technology to do so is disclosed.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique of comparing the versions of the old driver stored in the first storage means and the new driver stored in the second storage means and executing the new version of the driver. ..

Further, in Patent Document 4, the core part that is universal as the entire software function such as the part that transmits information with the OS and the function-dependent module that realizes a special function are divided and restarted when the function-dependent module is updated. The technology that eliminates the need for is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-149302 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-187557 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-90727 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-227990

However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1, 2 and 4 require a device restart for all or part of the driver, and are not device drivers that can be updated without restarting the device. Further, in Patent Document 3, since the old driver remains in the memory, the memory is wasted accordingly.

The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and provides a device driver and a device that do not require a device restart when updating a device driver and can suppress memory waste. The purpose.

The above object is achieved by the following means.
(1) A device driver in which the main configuration file described in the setting file and one or more sub-configuration files for performing processing for each category are installed and used on the device, and the main configuration file is described. Has a function of selecting a sub-configuration file to be used when there are multiple sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions, and the main configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files are stored in the device. When a sub-configuration file of the same category with a different version is newly installed in the installed state, the main configuration file is used from among a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions based on the above function. A computer-readable device driver that allows the device to perform the process of selecting and using the subconfiguration file to be used.
(2) The device driver according to the preceding item 1, wherein at least one of a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category having different versions is added to the configuration file at the time of update installation.
(3) The device driver according to the preceding item 1 or 2, wherein the sub-configuration file to be used is selected by the main configuration file based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file.
(4) The device driver according to item 1 or 2 above, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the information stored in the storage means.
(5) When a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions described in the configuration file are installed on the device, at least one of the plurality of sub-configuration files is not installed. The device driver according to any one of the above items 1 to 4.
(6) The device driver according to any one of the above items 1 to 5, wherein the device driver is a printer driver.
(7) A device in which a device driver including a main configuration file described in a setting file and one or a plurality of sub-configuration files for processing for each category is installed and used, and the main configuration is described above. The file has a function of selecting the sub-configuration file to be used when there are multiple sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions, and the main configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files are devices. When a sub-configuration file of the same category with a different version is newly installed while being installed in, the main configuration file is based on the above function and is selected from a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions. A device characterized by having a processing means for selecting and using a subconfiguration file to be used.
(8) The device according to item 7 above, wherein at least one of the sub-configuration files of the same sub-category having different versions is added to the configuration file at the time of update installation.
(9) The device according to item 7 or 8 above, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file.
(10) The device according to item 7 or 8 above, which comprises a storage means, and selection of a sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the information stored in the storage means.
(11) When multiple sub-configuration files of the same sub-category with different versions described in the configuration file are installed on the device, do not install at least one of the plurality of sub-configuration files. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 7 to 10.
(12) The device according to any one of items 7 to 11 above, wherein the device driver is a printer driver.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (1) and (7), the main configuration file has a function of selecting the sub-configuration file to be used when there are a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions. , When a main configuration file and one or more subconfiguration files are installed on the device and a new subconfiguration file of the same category with a different version is installed, based on the functionality of the main configuration file, The computer of the device selects and uses the subconfiguration file to be used from a plurality of subconfiguration files of the same category with different versions. In other words, the main configuration file and sub-configuration file that existed before installation do not need to be deleted as they are, so there is no need to restart to destroy the main configuration file or sub-configuration file. Moreover, since it is not necessary to install all the main configuration files and sub-configuration files while leaving the main configuration file and sub-configuration files, memory waste can be suppressed.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (2) and (8), at least one of a plurality of subconfiguration files of the same category with different versions is added to the configuration file at the time of update installation, so that the newly added version You can use different configuration files in the same category.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (3) and (9), since the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file, a new sub-configuration file to be updated is used. By creating the files according to regularity, the updated sub-configuration file can be used selectively.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (4) and (10), since the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the information stored in the storage means, the information stored in the storage means. By changing, it is also possible to use the original subconfiguration file before the update.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (5) and (11), when a plurality of configuration files of the same category having different versions described in the configuration file are installed on the device, at least one of the plurality of configuration files is installed. Since the above configuration files are not installed, it is possible to prevent the already installed sub-configuration files from being installed.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs (6) and (11), the above-mentioned effects can be obtained with respect to the printer driver.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the print server which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a diagram showing a printer driver setting file at the time of initial installation, and (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the printer driver is installed on the print server. (A) is a diagram showing a setting file at the time of updating the sub-configuration file, and (B) is a diagram showing the state of the printer driver in the printed server after the update. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the print server at the time of installing a printer driver. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the print server when using the installed print driver. It is a figure for demonstrating the prior art, (A) shows the setting file of the device driver at the time of the first installation, and (B) is the figure which shows the state which the printer driver is installed in the device. It is a figure for demonstrating the prior art, and is the figure which shows the setting file of a new update driver, and is the figure which shows the state of a device after installation. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the prior art, and is a figure which shows the setting file of a new update driver, and is a figure which shows the state of a device after installation.

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

In this embodiment, the case where the device driver is a printer driver for controlling a printer or the like which is a peripheral device and the device on which the printer driver is installed is a print server will be described. It may be a user's terminal device including a personal computer or the like. Further, the driver is not limited to the printer driver, and may be another device driver such as a scanning driver or a sending driver for e-mail or facsimile.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer server 1. The printer server 1 is composed of a personal computer, includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a storage unit 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, a network interface unit (network I / F unit) 16, and the like, and is connected to each other via a system bus 17. ing.

The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the entire print server 1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 13 or the like. In particular, in this embodiment, the printer driver is installed and the control process after the installation is performed, and the details will be described later.

The RAM 12 is a storage medium that provides a work area when the CPU 11 operates according to an operation program.

The storage unit 13 is composed of a storage medium such as a hard disk, stores various data, application programs, and the like, and the installed printer driver is also stored in the storage unit 13.

The display device 14 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display device, and the like, and displays various messages, an input reception screen, a selection screen, and the like.

The input device 15 is used for an input operation by a user, and includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

The network interface unit 16 functions as a communication means for transmitting and receiving data via a network with an external device such as a printer or a user's terminal device.

Next, installation of the printer driver according to this embodiment on the printer server 1 will be described.

FIG. 2A shows a printer driver setting file (inf file) 100 at the time of initial installation, and a plurality of configuration files (DLL files) are installed on the print server 1. In this embodiment, the configuration file contains, for example, "main". It contains the main configuration file indicated by "A1.Dll" and one or more sub-configuration files for processing each category. As a sub-configuration file, "sub" for drawing processing "Drawing category A1.Dll" and "Sub" for processing related to the user interface "UI category A1.Dll" is illustrated, and these main configuration files and sub-configuration files are installed. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the printer driver is installed on the print server 1.

Next, one of the sub-configuration files, "sub" If there is a problem with "UI category A1.Dll" and it needs to be updated, as shown in Fig. 3 (A), the problem is fixed in the same inf file 101 as the installed printer driver. Add "UI category A2.Dll" (subconfiguration files of the same category with different versions) and perform update installation (overwrite installation) on print server 1.

In the print server 1, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the already installed configuration file "main" A1.Dll "," Sub Drawing category A1.Dll "and" sub "UI category A1.Dll" is a sub-configuration file of the new version with bug fixes that is not updated (overwritten) because the OS or application is in use. UI category A2.Dll "is installed in the form of being added.

In this embodiment, the main configuration file "main" "A1.Dll" is a "sub" that is multiple sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions. UI categories A1.Dll "and" sub A function to determine which sub-configuration file to select and use from "UI category A2.Dll" is built in in advance. In this embodiment, the subconfiguration file to be used is selected based on the regularity of the subconfiguration file. Specifically, each subcategory has a built-in function to use the subconfiguration file with the largest number at the end of the file name. Therefore, in this embodiment, the UI category is "sub". UI category A2.Dll "is used. As for the drawing category, since there is only one sub-configuration file, "sub" Drawing category A1.Dll "is used.

The regularity of the sub-configuration file may be determined based on the modification date and time of the sub-configuration file, or may be determined based on other regularity.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file, a new sub-configuration file to be updated is created according to the regularity. This allows the updated subconfiguration file to be used selectively.

In the above example, "subs" are multiple sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions. UI categories A1.Dll "and" sub It was decided based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file which sub-configuration file to select and use from "UI category A2.Dll", but the result of the judgment is temporarily stored (described) in the registry. After that, it is possible to make a judgment by referring to the registry. For example, "sub When it is decided to use "UI category A2.Dll", "Sub" Store information about "UI category A2.Dll" in the registry. After that, by referring to the registry, "sub Use UI category A2.Dll selectively. In addition, "sub You may also store "UI category A1.Dll" in the registry.

In this way, by using the registry, in addition to being able to selectively use the updated subconfiguration file, if the subconfiguration file is updated or the subconfiguration file is degraded, the registry is not updated before the update. Sub-configuration file (in the example of FIG. 3, "sub" By rewriting to UI category A1.Dll "), it can be operated as an old version.

In addition, prepare an installer for the printer driver, and at the time of update installation, the sub-configuration file before the update (for example, "sub" It is also possible to decide whether to perform a new installation based on whether UI category A1.Dll ") is installed, and to not install the sub-configuration file before the update. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary installation of the sub-configuration file before the update.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 1 when the printer driver is installed. This process is executed when the CPU 11 of the print server 1 operates based on the OS or the like of the print server 1.

In step S01, the setting file 100 to be installed is selected, and a new installation is performed. In step S02, it is determined whether or not the printer driver needs to be updated. If it is not necessary (NO in step S02), the process ends. If necessary (YES in step S02), in step S03, the update setting file 101 to which the sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions are added is selected, and the update installation is performed. For the subfile added to the update setting file 101, the number at the end of the file is increased so as to correspond to the regularity for the subconfiguration file selection determination function of the main configuration file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print server 1 when the installed print driver is used. This process is executed by operating the CPU 11 of the print server 1 based on the printer driver.

In step S11, the main configuration file (main DLL) is executed, and in step S12, it is determined whether or not there is a description of the sub-configuration file to be used in the registry.

If there is a description in the registry (YES in step S12), the subconfiguration file described in the registry is executed in step S15.

If there is no description in the registry in step S12 (NO in step S12), the sub-configuration file to be used for each sub-category is determined in step S13, for example, according to regularity, and the sub-configuration file to be used is determined in step S14. After writing the information about the above in the registry, the process proceeds to step S15.

In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the sub-configuration file used for the registry is described, and the process of selecting the sub-configuration file to be used by referring to the registry is shown, but the sub-configuration file used for the registry is not described. , Each time the main configuration file is executed, the sub-configuration file to be used may be selected according to the regularity.

1 Print server 11 CPU
12 RAM
13 Storage unit 14 Display device 15 Input device 16 Network interface 100, 101 Setting file

Claims (12)

A device driver that is used by installing the main configuration file described in the configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files for processing for each category on the device.
The main configuration file has a function of selecting a sub-configuration file to be used when there are a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions.
When the main configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files are installed on the device and new sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions are newly installed, the main configuration file is based on the above function. A computer-readable device driver that allows a device to perform the process of selecting and using a subconfiguration file to be used from multiple subconfiguration files of the same category with different versions. The device driver according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a plurality of subconfiguration files of the same category having different versions is added to the configuration file at the time of update installation. The device driver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file. The device driver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the information stored in the storage means. When multiple sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions described in the configuration file are installed on the device, the claim is characterized in that at least one or more sub-configuration files of the plurality of sub-configuration files are not installed. Item 4. The device driver according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The device driver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device driver is a printer driver. A device in which a device driver containing the main configuration file described in the configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files for processing for each category is installed and used.
The main configuration file has a function of selecting a sub-configuration file to be used when there are a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions.
When the main configuration file and one or more sub-configuration files are installed on the device and new sub-configuration files of the same category with different versions are newly installed, the main configuration file is based on the above function. A device characterized in that it is provided with a processing means for selecting and using a sub-configuration file to be used from a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same category having different versions. The device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the sub-configuration files of the same sub-category having different versions is added to the configuration file at the time of update installation. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the regularity of the sub-configuration file. Equipped with storage means
The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the selection of the sub-configuration file to be used by the main configuration file is performed based on the information stored in the storage means. When a plurality of sub-configuration files of the same sub-category having different versions described in the configuration file are installed on the device, at least one of the plurality of sub-configuration files is not installed. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the device driver is a printer driver.

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