JP4774218B2 - Data output system and connection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data output system in which an information processing device and a plurality of data output devices that receive data from the information processing device and output data are connected to a network, and information processing in the data output system The present invention relates to a connection method between a device and a data output device.

  In recent years, the range of utilization of notebook personal computers (hereinafter simply referred to as PCs) has been widely expanded. Furthermore, printers that print documents created on PCs have become widespread with the expansion of PCs. Generally, in an office, a PC and a printer are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and the printer driver of the printer that is required when using a printer connected to the PC via the LAN. Is installed.

  On the other hand, for example, there are increasing opportunities to carry a notebook computer or the like and print a document or the like on the go such as a business trip destination. When printing a document or the like at such a destination, it is necessary to set the output destination port of the printer driver to the printer connected to the output destination LAN.

  Normally, if the IP address (Internet Protocol Address) of the printer to be output is known, the output destination port can be set relatively easily, but there are the following problems.

-The printer's operation unit is generally small, and menus and other information displayed on the operation unit are miscellaneous. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to obtain the printer's IP address using the operation unit. Even if the IP address of the printer is obtained using the, the method in which the user manually inputs and sets the IP address etc. using the PC screen etc. may cause an input error. As a method for solving this problem, the output destination information (for example, IP address) of the printer to be managed is previously stored in the server as a table, and the user accesses the server using a PC, and the output destination printer from the table. There is a method of acquiring the IP address of the system (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-259097 A

  However, as described above, the method of providing the server with a table has the following problems.

・ When DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used in a network environment such as a destination, the IP address is automatically assigned by a DHCP server, so the server managing the IP address table is known. There is a possibility that the IP address has changed during a short period of time. ・ If the devices such as printers are changed frequently, it takes a lot of time for the administrator to maintain the table. A function of automatically searching for a printer that is currently in use and displaying the search results in a list is also conceivable, but has the following problems.

-Even if a list of IP addresses is displayed as a printer search result, it is not known which printer the IP address corresponds to.-The same product even if the product name (or model name) is displayed instead of the IP address. If the (or model) is connected to the same network, the printer cannot be identified. ・ Location information specifying the location where the printer is installed is stored in a table together with the IP address, for example, and the server is provided with the table. Even so, as described above, it takes a lot of time for the administrator to maintain the table, such as updating and deleting location information and IP address. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and holds data. It is an object to easily and reliably connect a processing device and a data output device for outputting data.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a data output system in which an information processing device and a plurality of data output devices that receive data from the information processing device and output data are connected to a network. The information processing apparatus transmits a request transmission unit that transmits an inquiry request related to an output destination including information on the apparatus to the plurality of data output apparatuses, and the data transmitted from the data output apparatus. Response receiving means for receiving a response corresponding to the inquiry request including information on the output device, and an output destination for determining the data output device as an output destination based on the information on the data output device included in the received response determining means, when the output destination is determined, the notification to send a notification indicating to the data output apparatus that sent the query request, to the effect that the destination has been determined It comprises a signal unit, wherein the data output device, a request receiving means for receiving the transmitted query request from the information processing apparatus, and presentation means for presenting that it has received the inquiry request, the query request A response transmission means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus a response corresponding to the inquiry request, including information on the own apparatus when an operation for selecting a connection destination via the operation unit is received after reception; and the information processing apparatus Notification receiving means for receiving a notification transmitted from the information receiving means, wherein the presenting means does not present that the inquiry request has been received after receiving the notification .

According to the present invention, there is provided a data output system in which an information processing device and a plurality of data output devices that receive data from the information processing device and output data are connected to a network, wherein the information The processing apparatus includes: a request transmission unit that transmits an inquiry request related to an output destination that includes information on the apparatus to the plurality of data output apparatuses; and information on the data output apparatus transmitted from the data output apparatus Response receiving means for receiving a response corresponding to the inquiry request, output destination determining means for determining the data output device as an output destination based on information of the data output device included in the received response, when the output destination is determined, have on the data output apparatus that sent the query request, a notification transmission unit that transmits a notification indicating that the destination has been determined, the The data output device, a request receiving means for receiving the transmitted query request from the information processing apparatus, and presentation means for presenting that it has received the inquiry request, after receiving the inquiry request, via the operation unit When an operation for selecting a connection destination is received, a response transmission unit that transmits a response corresponding to the inquiry request including information about the device itself to the information processing device and a notification transmitted from the information processing device are received. An information receiving device that holds data by not presenting that the inquiry request has been received after receiving the notification, and a data output device that outputs the data Can be connected easily and reliably.

  Moreover, it is good also as a connection method as a means for solving the said subject.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information processing apparatus holding data and the data output device which outputs data can be connected easily and reliably.

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a data output system. As shown in FIG. 1, in the data output system according to the present invention, at least one or more PCs 1 and a plurality of printers 2 are connected to a network 5. The PC 1 may be a desktop personal computer instead of a notebook personal computer. The printer 2 may be a fax machine, a scanner, a copier, a multifunction machine, or the like.

  The PC 1 transmits an inquiry request for connection including information of the PC 1 to the plurality of printers 2 and determines the printer 2 that has transmitted a response corresponding to the inquiry request as a connection destination. On the other hand, the printer 2 receives the inquiry request from the PC 1, stores the information of the PC 1 included in the inquiry request in the memory of the printer 2, and selects one of the inquiry request source PCs 1 by the user. A response corresponding to the inquiry request is transmitted to the received PC 1.

  An example of the hardware configuration of the PC 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a PC. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 1 has, as a hardware configuration, an input device 11, a display device 12, a drive device 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, and a RAM that are mutually connected by a bus. (Random Access Memory) 16, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17, interface device 18, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19 are included.

  The input device 11 includes a keyboard and / or mouse operated by the user of the PC 1 and is used to input various operation signals to the PC 1. The display device 12 includes a display used by the user of the PC 1 and displays various types of information. The interface device 18 is an interface that connects the PC 1 to the network 5 or the like.

  The program for controlling the operation of the PC 1 is installed in the PC 1 from the time of shipment of the PC 1, is provided to the PC 1 by a recording medium 14 such as a CD-ROM, or is downloaded through a network. The recording medium 14 is set in the drive device 13, and the program is installed from the recording medium 14 to the HDD 19 via the drive device 13.

  The ROM 15 stores data and the like. The RAM 16 reads and stores programs and the like from the HDD 19 when the PC 1 is activated, for example. The CPU 17 executes processing according to a program or the like read and stored in the RAM 16. The HDD 19 stores programs, image (or document) data, and the like.

  An example of the hardware configuration of the printer 2 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a printer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 2 has, as a hardware configuration, an input / display device 21, a drive device 22, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, a CPU 26, and an interface device 27 that are mutually connected by a bus. An HDD 28 and a printing device 29.

  The input / display device 21 inputs various operation signals to the printer 2 and displays various information on the operation unit of the input / display device 21 in response to a request from the user. The interface device 27 is an interface for connecting the printer 2 to the network 5 or the like.

  A program for controlling the operation of the printer 2 is installed in the printer 2 from the time of shipment of the printer 2, is provided to the printer 2 by a recording medium 23 such as an SD memory card, or is downloaded through a network. The recording medium 23 is set in the drive device 22, and the program is installed from the recording medium 23 to the HDD 28 via the drive device 22.

  The ROM 24 stores data and the like. For example, the RAM 25 reads and stores programs and the like from the HDD 28 when the printer 2 is activated. The CPU 26 executes processing according to a program or the like read and stored in the RAM 25.

  The printing device 29 prints image (or document) data received from the PC 1 via the network 5 and stored in the HDD 28 or the like in response to a request from the CPU 26 or the like.

  Hereinafter, an example of connection processing with the printer 2 by the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a connection process with a printer by a PC.

  In step S10, the PC 1 determines whether there is a connection destination setting request from the user. If the PC 1 determines that there is a connection destination setting request from the user (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the PC 1 determines that there is no connection destination setting request from the user (NO in step S10), the process of step S10 repeat.

  Here, an example of a screen 30 related to the connection with the printer 2 displayed on the PC 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen related to connection with a printer.

  The PC 1 creates and displays a screen 30 relating to connection with the printer as shown in FIG. 5 in response to a request from the user. The PC 1 selects, for example, “Ricoh Mobile Port” in the “Available Port Types” on the screen 30 relating to the connection with the printer as shown in FIG. 5, and presses the “New Port” button 31. If it is determined, it is determined that there is a connection destination setting request from the user.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S11, the PC 1 transmits a connection inquiry request including a connection inquiry packet 100, which is a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packet, to all the printers 2 in the network 5, for example. An example of the connection inquiry packet 100 is shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inquiry packet related to connection.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the connection inquiry packet 100 includes a header that is information about the data itself added to the head of the data, a signature that is information about the user, and a user of the PC 1 when logging in to the PC 1. The login ID used, the machine name of the PC 1, and the IP address of the PC 1 are included.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, the process proceeds to step S12 following step S11, and the PC 1 creates and displays a response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2. Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of a response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2 displayed on the PC 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for waiting for reception of a response from the printer.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2 includes operation information to be performed by the printer 2 to which the user wants to connect. The response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2 further includes a “cancel” button 41 that is pressed by the user when canceling the connection process with the printer 2.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, in step S13, the PC 1 determines whether or not a response corresponding to the connection inquiry request transmitted in step S11 has been received from the printer 2. If the PC 1 determines that a response is received from the printer 2 (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15. If the PC 1 determines that no response is received from the printer 2 (NO in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the PC 1 determines whether the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user. If the PC 1 determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user (YES in step S14), the PC 1 ends the connection process with the printer 2 and determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has not been canceled by the user. (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S13. For example, when the PC 1 determines that the user has pressed the “cancel” button 41 on the response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2 illustrated in FIG. 7, the PC 1 determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the PC 1 that has returned (or transmitted) the response corresponding to the connection inquiry request transmitted in step S11 is set as the connection-destination printer 2.

  Progressing to step S16 following step S15, the PC 1 creates and displays a connection destination setting completion screen 50 including the information based on information related to the printer 2 included in the response corresponding to the connection inquiry request. An example of the connection destination setting completion screen 50 displayed on the PC 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection destination setting completion screen.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the connection destination setting completion screen 50 includes information related to the connection destination printer 2, for example, the IP address of the connection destination printer 2, the device name of the connection destination printer 2, and remarks ( For example, the installation location of the connected printer 2 is included.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, the process proceeds to step S17 following step S16. The PC 1 transmits connection completion data indicating that the connection is completed to the printer 2 in the network 5, and ends the connection process with the printer 2. When the PC 1 transmits the connection completion data to the printer 2 in the network 5, the printer 2 that has received the connection completion data, particularly the printer 2 that has not been selected as the connection destination printer 2 by the user selects the PC 1. It is possible to quickly return from the possible operation mode to the normal operation mode, that is, to quickly terminate the connection destination selection thread described later. Note that the PC 1 may transmit connection completion data only to the printer 2 that has not transmitted a response corresponding to the inquiry request among the transmission destination printers 2 that have transmitted the inquiry request.

  Hereinafter, an example of connection processing with the PC 1 by the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a connection process with a PC by a printer. The printer 2 starts the following processing when the user turns on the power.

  In step S20, the printer 2 determines whether connection completion data has been received from the PC 1. If the printer 2 determines that the connection completion data has not been received from the PC 1 (YES in step S20), the process proceeds to step S21. If the printer 2 determines that the connection completion data has been received from the PC 1 (NO in step S20), step Proceed to S24.

  In step S <b> 21, it is determined whether the printer 2 has received a connection inquiry request from the PC 1. If the printer 2 determines that a connection inquiry request has been received from the PC 1 (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the printer 2 determines that it has not received a connection inquiry request from the PC 1 (NO in step S21), step Return to S20.

  In step S22, the printer 2 uses the inquiry source user and / or PC1 information (hereinafter simply referred to as inquiry source information) included in the inquiry request as shown in FIG. Save to. When the printer 2 stores the inquiry source information in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 of the printer 2, for example, the stored date and time information is added to the inquiry source information and stored.

  Progressing to step S23 following step S22, the printer 2 activates a connection destination selection thread, and returns to step S20. The processing of the connection destination selection thread is shown in FIG.

  In step S24, the printer 2 deletes (clears) all inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 of the printer 2, and the process returns to step S20. As described above, when the printer 2 receives the connection completion data from the PC 2, it deletes all the inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28, so that the user is not particularly selected as the connection destination. In this case, the connection destination selection process by the connection destination selection thread to be described later can be quickly terminated.

  Hereinafter, an example of the connection destination selection process by the connection destination selection thread will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the connection destination selection process by the connection destination selection thread.

  In step S30, the connection destination selection thread displays a character string or the like indicating that the inquiry request has been received on an operation unit (for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) of the operation unit). When the connection destination selection thread displays a character string indicating that the inquiry request has been received on the operation unit, the user can confirm that the printer 2 has received the inquiry request from the PC 1.

  Progressing to step S31 following step S30, the connection destination selection thread determines whether or not a selection operation has been performed by the user on the operation unit or the like. When it is determined that the connection destination selection thread has been selected and operated by the user on the operation unit or the like (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32, and when it is determined that the user has not performed a selection operation on the operation unit or the like (NO in step S31). The connection destination selection process ends.

  The connection destination selection thread, for example, keeps pressing the “Menu” button displayed on the operation unit until “Settsusaki” is displayed by the user, and if the user determines that the IP address of the PC 1 is selected by the arrow key, It is determined that a selection operation has been performed on the operation unit or the like.

  In step S32, the connection destination selection thread is stored first based on the stored date and time information added to the inquiry source information in the inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 or the like. Select the inquiry source information.

  In step S33 following step S32, the connection destination selection thread determines whether the selected inquiry source information is information within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) after being stored in the RAM 25, the HDD 28, or the like.

  If the connection destination selection thread determines that the selected inquiry source information is information within a predetermined time after storage in the RAM 25 or HDD 28 (YES in step S33), the process proceeds to step S37, where the selected inquiry source information is stored. If it is determined that the information is not within the predetermined time after being stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 (NO in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the connection destination selection thread deletes the selected inquiry source information from the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 or the like. In step S35 following step S34, the connection destination selection thread refers to the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 and determines whether or not the information of the next inquiry source is stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 or the like.

  If the connection destination selection thread determines that the next inquiry source information is stored in the RAM 25 or HDD 28 (YES in step S35), the process proceeds to step S36, and the next inquiry source information is already stored in the RAM 25 or HDD 28. If it is determined that the connection destination is not stored (NO in step S35), the connection destination selection process is terminated.

  In step S36, the connection destination selection thread is stored next on the basis of the stored date and time information added to the inquiry source information in the inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 or the like. The inquiry source information is selected, and the process returns to step S33.

  On the other hand, in step S37, the connection destination selection thread displays all or part of the selected inquiry source information (for example, a login ID and a machine name as shown in FIG. 6) on the operation unit. When the connection destination selection thread displays all or part of the selected inquiry source information on the operation unit, for example, a login ID that is familiar to the user, a machine name, and the like are displayed. It is possible to determine whether or not the PC 1 has transmitted the request.

  Progressing to step S38 following step S37, the connection destination selection thread determines whether or not the button of the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). If the connection destination selection thread determines that the button on the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (YES in step S38), the process proceeds to step S39 and determines that the button on the operation unit has not been pressed by the user within the predetermined time. Then (NO in step S38), the connection destination selection process ends.

  In step S39, the connection destination selection thread determines whether or not the button pressed by the user is an “Enter” button. If it is determined that the button pressed by the user is the “Enter” button (YES in step S39), the connection destination selection thread proceeds to step S40 and determines that the button pressed by the user is not the “Enter” button ( In step S39, NO), the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S40, the connection destination selection thread determines the inquiry source information displayed in step S37 as connection destination information. In step S41 following step S40, the connection destination selection thread transmits a response to the inquiry request to the transmission source PC 1 that has transmitted the inquiry request. The response includes the IP address of the printer 2, the device name, and remarks (for example, the installation location of the connection destination printer 2).

  In the first embodiment described above, the connection process between the PC 1 and the printer 2 has been described by taking the case where a character string or the like can be displayed on the operation unit of the printer 2 as an example. Some models cannot display character strings. Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, as described above, a model that cannot display a character string or the like on the operation unit (for example, a model that does not have an LCD and has an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) is connected to the network 5. 2 shows processing in the PC 1 and processing in the small printer 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as the printer 2).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the connection process with the printer by the PC.

  In step S50, the PC 1 determines whether or not there is a connection destination setting request from the user. If the PC 1 determines that there is a connection destination setting request from the user (YES in step S50), the process proceeds to step S51. If the PC 1 determines that there is no connection destination setting request from the user (NO in step S50), the process of step S50 is performed. repeat.

  In step S51, the PC 1 transmits a connection inquiry request including a connection inquiry packet 100, which is a UDP packet, to all the printers 2 in the network 5, for example.

  Progressing to step S52 following step S51, the PC 1 creates and displays a response reception waiting screen from the printer 2. Note that the response reception waiting screen from the printer 2 according to the second embodiment is the response reception waiting screen 40 from the printer 2 illustrated in FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment. The operation information to be performed is slightly different. This is because the printer 2 according to the second embodiment does not display a character string, and the operation to be performed by the printer 2 is different from that according to the first embodiment.

  In step S53, the PC 1 determines whether a response corresponding to the connection inquiry request transmitted in step S51 has been received from the printer 2. If the PC 1 determines that a response is received from the printer 2 (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S55. If the PC 1 determines that no response is received from the printer 2 (NO in step S53), the process proceeds to step S54.

  In step S54, the PC 1 determines whether the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user. If the PC 1 determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user (YES in step S54), the PC 1 ends the connection process with the printer 2 and determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has not been canceled by the user. (NO in step S54), the process returns to step S53. For example, if the PC 1 determines that the user has pressed the cancel button 41 on the response reception waiting screen from the printer 2, the PC 1 determines that the connection process with the printer 2 has been canceled by the user.

  On the other hand, in step S55, the PC 1 creates and displays a connection destination confirmation screen 60 for confirming the connection destination printer 2. An example of the connection destination confirmation screen 60 displayed on the PC 1 is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection destination confirmation screen.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the connection destination confirmation screen 60 includes information on the printer 2 that has transmitted a response corresponding to the connection inquiry request, for example, the IP address of the printer 2 that has transmitted the response, The device name of the printer 2 that sent the response and remarks (for example, the installation location of the printer 2 that sent the response) are included. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the connection destination confirmation screen 60 displays “Yes” which is pressed by the user when the information source printer 2 displayed on the connection destination confirmation screen 60 is the connection destination printer. ”Button 61, and a“ No ”button 62 that is pressed by the user when the information source printer 2 displayed on the connection destination confirmation screen 60 is not a connection destination printer.

  When the PC 1 creates and displays the connection destination confirmation screen 60, the user can confirm the output destination (or connection destination) printer 2. This is particularly significant in the case of this embodiment in which a character string cannot be displayed on the operation unit or the like of the printer 2.

  For example, when there is a user 1 and a user 2, the user 1 transmits an inquiry request from his own PC 1 to the printer 2, and then the user 2 transmits an inquiry request from his own PC 2 to the printer 2. For example, when the user 2 performs a connection operation with the printer 2 in the present embodiment that cannot display a character string before the user 1, the user 2 connects the printer 2 and the PC 1 of the user 1. May end up. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the PC 1 creates and displays the connection destination confirmation screen 60, so that the user cannot display the character string on the operation unit or the like. Thus, it is possible to correctly connect and print a document or the like with the printer 2.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the process proceeds to step S56 following step S55, and the PC 1 determines whether or not the button on the connection destination confirmation screen 60 has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). If the PC 1 determines that the button on the connection destination confirmation screen 60 has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (YES in step S56), the process proceeds to step S57, and the button on the connection destination confirmation screen 60 is pressed by the user within the predetermined time. If it is determined that there is not (NO in step S56), the connection process is terminated.

  In step S <b> 57, the PC 1 determines whether the button pressed by the user is the “Yes” button 61. If the PC 1 determines that the button pressed by the user is the “Yes” button 61 (YES in Step S57), the PC 1 proceeds to Step S58, and determines that the button pressed by the user is the “No” button 62 ( In step S57, NO), the connection process is terminated.

  In step S58, the printer 2 that the PC 1 has sent back (or sent) a response corresponding to the connection inquiry request transmitted in step S51 and the user has confirmed using the connection destination confirmation screen 60 is displayed. Set as the connection destination printer 2.

  Progressing to step S59 following step S58, the PC 1 creates and displays a connection destination setting completion screen 50 including the information based on information related to the printer 2 included in the response corresponding to the connection inquiry request.

  Progressing to step S60 following step S59, the PC 1 transmits connection completion data indicating that the connection is completed to the printer 2 in the network 5, and ends the connection process with the printer 2. When the PC 1 transmits the connection completion data to the printer 2 in the network 5, the printer 2 that has received the connection completion data, particularly the printer 2 that has not been selected as the connection destination printer 2 by the user selects the PC 1. It is possible to quickly return from the possible operation mode to the normal operation mode, that is, to quickly terminate the connection destination selection thread. Note that the PC 1 may transmit connection completion data only to the printer 2 that has not transmitted a response corresponding to the inquiry request among the transmission destination printers 2 that have transmitted the inquiry request.

  Hereinafter, another example of the connection process with the PC 1 by the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the connection process with the PC by the printer. The printer 2 starts the following processing when the user turns on the power, for example.

  In step S <b> 70, the printer 2 determines whether a connection inquiry request is received from the PC 1. If the printer 2 determines that a connection inquiry request has been received from the PC 1 (YES in step S70), the process proceeds to step S71. If the printer 2 determines that it has not received a connection inquiry request from the PC 1 (NO in step S70), step Return to S70.

  In step S71, the printer 2 stores the inquiry source information included in the inquiry request as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 of the printer 2. When the printer 2 stores the inquiry source information in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28 of the printer 2, for example, the stored date and time information is added to the inquiry source information and stored.

  Progressing to step S72 following step S71, the printer 2 activates a connection destination selection thread, and the process proceeds to step S73. The processing of the connection destination selection thread is shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 73, the printer 2 determines whether connection completion data has been received from the PC 1. If the printer 2 determines that the connection completion data has been received from the PC 1 (YES in step S73), the process returns to step S70. If the printer 2 determines that the connection completion data has not been received from the PC 1 (NO in step S73), the step Proceed to S74.

  In step S74, the printer 2 determines whether the connection destination selection thread activated in step S72 has finished processing. If the printer 2 determines that the connection destination selection thread has finished processing (YES in step S74), the process returns to step S70. If the printer 2 determines that the connection destination selection thread has not finished processing (NO in step S74), the process proceeds to step S73. Return. It should be noted that the processes in step S73 and step S74 are performed even when a plurality of PCs 1 transmit an inquiry request at a time. Inquiry requests other than the earliest received inquiry request are the earliest received inquiry requests. This means that the printer 2 invalidates the inquiry request or does not receive the inquiry request in the first place unless the processing in the connection destination selection thread related to the request ends or connection completion data is not received.

  Hereinafter, another example of the connection destination selection process by the connection destination selection thread will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the connection destination selection process by the connection destination selection thread.

  In step S80, the connection destination selection thread displays on the operation unit that the inquiry request has been received. For example, the connection destination selection thread displays that the inquiry request has been received by lighting or blinking an LED or the like provided on the operation unit. By displaying that the connection destination selection thread has received the inquiry request by turning on or blinking the LED or the like, the user can confirm that the printer 2 has received the inquiry request from the PC 1. .

  Progressing to step S81 following step S80, the connection destination selection thread determines whether or not the button of the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). If the connection destination selection thread determines that the button on the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (YES in step S81), the process proceeds to step S82 and determines that the button on the operation unit has not been pressed by the user within the predetermined time. Then (NO in step S81), the connection destination selection process ends.

  In step S82, the connection destination selection thread selects inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25, the HDD 28, or the like.

  Progressing to step S83 following step S82, the connection destination selection thread determines whether or not the button of the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). If the connection destination selection thread determines that the button on the operation unit has been pressed by the user within a predetermined time (YES in step S83), the process proceeds to step S84, and determines that the button on the operation unit has not been pressed by the user within the predetermined time. Then (NO in step S83), the connection destination selection process ends.

  In step S84, the connection destination selection thread determines whether the button pressed by the user is an “Enter” button. If the connection destination selection thread determines that the button pressed by the user is the “Enter” button (YES in step S84), the process proceeds to step S85, and determines that the button pressed by the user is not the “Enter” button ( In step S84, NO), the connection destination selection process is terminated.

  In step S85, the connection destination selection thread determines the inquiry source information selected in step S82 as connection destination information. In step S86 following step S85, the connection destination selection thread transmits a response to the inquiry request to the transmission source PC 1 that has transmitted the inquiry request. The response includes the IP address of the printer 2, the device name, and remarks (for example, the installation location of the connection destination printer 2). In the case of the second embodiment, when the connection destination selection thread transmits a response to the inquiry request to the transmission source PC 1 that has transmitted the inquiry request, the connection source selection thread displays the inquiry source information stored in the RAM 25 or the HDD 28. It may be deleted (cleared).

  When the connection destination selection thread performs the connection destination selection process as shown in FIG. 14, even when a plurality of PCs 1 send inquiry requests at a time, the printer 2 sends the inquiry request received earliest. The transmission destination PC 1 is selected as the connection destination. As described above, the user confirms whether the correct connection destination is selected on the PC 1 by using the connection destination confirmation screen 60 shown in FIG. 12, and the PC 1, the printer 2, and the like. , Can be connected.

  As shown in the second embodiment, even when the printer 2 does not display a character string on the operation unit, the user can connect the PC 1 and the printer 2 easily and reliably.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably connect an information processing apparatus (for example, PC 1) that holds data and a data output apparatus (for example, printer 2) that outputs data. .

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

It is a system configuration diagram of an example of a data output system. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of PC. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a printer. FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a connection process with a printer by a PC. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which concerns on a connection with a printer. It is a figure which shows an example of the inquiry packet which concerns on a connection. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for waiting for reception of a response from a printer. It is a figure which shows an example of a connection destination setting completion screen. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a connection process with a PC by a printer. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the connection destination selection process by a connection destination selection thread | sled. 10 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a connection process with a printer by a PC. It is a figure which shows an example of a connection destination confirmation screen. 10 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a connection process with a PC by a printer. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the connection destination selection process by a connection destination selection thread | sled.

Explanation of symbols

1 PC
2 Printer 5 Network 11 Input Device 12 Display Device 13 Drive Device 14 Recording Medium 15 ROM
16 RAM
17 CPU
18 Interface device 19 HDD
21 Input / Display Device 22 Drive Device 23 Recording Medium 24 ROM
25 RAM
26 CPU
27 Interface device 28 HDD
29 Printer 30 Screen related to printer connection 31 New port button 40 Waiting for response from printer screen 41 Cancel button 50 Connection destination setting completion screen 60 Connection destination confirmation screen 61 Yes button 62 No button

Claims (6)

A data output system in which an information processing device and a plurality of data output devices that receive data from the information processing device and output data are connected to a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Request transmission means for transmitting an inquiry request relating to an output destination, including information on the device, to the plurality of data output devices;
Response receiving means for receiving a response corresponding to the inquiry request, including information on the data output device, transmitted from the data output device;
Based on information of the data output device included in the received response, output destination determining means for determining the data output device as an output destination;
A notification transmitting means for transmitting a notification indicating that the output destination has been determined to the data output apparatus that has transmitted the inquiry request when the output destination is determined;
Have
The data output device includes:
Request receiving means for receiving an inquiry request transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Presenting means for presenting that the inquiry request has been received;
A response transmission means for transmitting a response corresponding to the inquiry request to the information processing apparatus, including information on the own apparatus, when an operation for selecting a connection destination via the operation unit is received after receiving the inquiry request;
Notification receiving means for receiving a notification transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Have
The presenting means is
A data output system is characterized in that after receiving the notification, no indication that an inquiry request has been received is made . The response transmission means includes
When an operation for selecting a connection destination via the operation unit is received within a predetermined period after receiving the inquiry request, a response corresponding to the inquiry request including information on the own device is transmitted to the information processing device. claim 1 Symbol placement of the data output system and said. The information processing apparatus information is a machine name of the information processing apparatus and / or a user login name used when the user logs in to the information processing apparatus.
The data output device, the data output system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to display the information of the information processing apparatus, the user to select. The data output system includes a plurality of information processing devices,
When the plurality of information processing devices transmit the inquiry request, the data output device uses the information processing device of the transmission destination that transmitted the earliest received inquiry request as a connection destination, and sends the inquiry request to the information processing device. It claims 1 to 3 data output system set forth in any one and transmits a response corresponding. The data output system includes a plurality of information processing devices,
When the plurality of information processing devices transmit the inquiry request, the data output device receives an inquiry request other than the earliest received inquiry request until the processing related to the earliest received inquiry request ends. , or disabled, or earliest received inquiry request other than the inquiry request, until the process according to the query request outermost also received early is completed, according to claim 1 to 4 any one characterized in that it does not receive The data output system described in the section. A method for connecting an information processing device and a data output device in a data output system in which an information processing device and a plurality of data output devices that receive data from the information processing device and output data are connected to a network. ,
The information processing apparatus is
A request transmission step of transmitting an inquiry request relating to an output destination, including information on the device, to the plurality of data output devices;
A response receiving step for receiving a response corresponding to the inquiry request, including information on the data output device, transmitted from the data output device;
An output destination determination step for determining the data output device as an output destination based on the information of the data output device included in the received response;
When the output destination is determined, a notification transmission step for transmitting a notification indicating that the output destination has been determined to the data output device that has transmitted the inquiry request;
Have
The data output device is
A request receiving step of receiving an inquiry request transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
A presenting step for presenting that the inquiry request has been received;
A response transmission step of transmitting a response corresponding to the inquiry request to the information processing apparatus, including information on the own apparatus, when an operation for selecting a connection destination via the operation unit is received after receiving the inquiry request;
A notification receiving step for receiving a notification transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Have
The presenting step includes
A connection method characterized by not presenting that an inquiry request has been received after receiving the notification .

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