JPH11306107A - Network communication system, method for updating / distributing software of peripheral devices in network communication system, and machine-readable recording medium recording program for causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To always store the latest module in a peripheral device without requiring human intervention when storing the latest software in a peripheral device connected on a network. . SOLUTION: A plurality of terminal devices 2 having a plurality of peripheral devices and software for operating the peripheral device 1 and a server device 3 having at least a database relating to software for operating the peripheral devices are connected to a transmission line, and a predetermined communication is performed. A network communication system for performing network communication based on a protocol, comprising:
Is a client control unit 11 for requesting / acquiring all / part of software for operating the peripheral device 1 from the server device 3 or the latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software; And a software distribution agent 32 for distributing the software to the public.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to, for example, TCP (T
ransmisio Control Protocol
ol) / IP (Internet Protocol)
The present invention relates to a network communication system for performing network communication based on a protocol, a method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system, and a machine-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a recent communication means, a LAN (Locala) is used.
The Internet that connects the Area Networks to each other in a wide area, and the intranet (corporate network) in which the Internet technology is applied to a LAN are widely used. TCP / IP is applied to these networks found on the Internet and intranet as a communication protocol indispensable for access.

[0003] Peripheral devices such as a facsimile device and a printer device connected on a network as described above include:
In addition to software for performing device-specific operations, some software incorporates server software for implementing a server function in a network. In order to execute an operation specific to each peripheral device on the network, an operation is instructed to the peripheral device from another terminal device connected to the network.

[0004] Each terminal device connected to the above-mentioned network usually incorporates client software called a browser for circulating through Internet resources. A user using each terminal device accesses a required database using this browser.

In recent years, when a peripheral device has a printing function such as a facsimile device or a printer device, each terminal device needs only its own client function to activate a required peripheral device without starting a browser. Techniques for controlling print output have been proposed. Specifically, each terminal device transmits a required peripheral device to a URL (Uniform Resource).
ce Locator: a notation method for uniquely designating the storage location of information resources such as files distributed on the Internet, and the like, and print data is supplied to the server function of the peripheral device. At this time, the peripheral device prints out the print data supplied from the terminal device by the server function.

[0006] An additional remark will be made. When a user wants to print an electronic file from a personal computer (PC), which is a terminal device, to a printer device, the user starts printer operation software in the personal computer, and
Printing is performed according to the operation procedure. The printer operation software displays various information in the printer device,
Various conditions such as recording paper and a paper feed cassette for printing can be set. When a printer and a plurality of personal computers are connected via a network, printer operation software is required on all personal computers that use the printer.

Further, in recent printer operation software, since the user interface is regarded as important, the status display of the printer and the like are displayed as images and tend to be easily visually recognizable. Several methods have been considered in the process of displaying this image on a personal computer. For example, there is a method in which a personal computer does not hold an image but receives it from a printer via a network each time the status of the printer changes. When receiving data via a network, it is not necessary to hold the data on a personal computer, which makes the management easier, but on the other hand, it takes time to transfer the image and the response is reduced. For this reason, a case has been considered in which all images are held by a personal computer, only codes indicating the status are transmitted from a printer, and the images are converted into images and displayed by printer operation software.

However, when the printer operation software is updated, it is necessary to update all the software of the personal computer to be used, which causes a problem that the work load of the administrator increases. To solve this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
8 and JP-A-7-334436 and JP-A-7-334.
Japanese Patent No. 44392 discloses a technique in which an administrator groups all personal computers, distributes software from a specific server computer to the grouped personal computers, and collectively converts software of all personal computers. Have been.

However, the above-described method also updates the software of a personal computer that is no longer used or a personal computer that has stopped using the corresponding printer. Further, when the software is updated, the personal computer to be updated needs to be normally started, receive new software, and be in a state in which it can be updated. When distributing software from a server computer, the server computer must store the software status of all personal computers that are clients. Also, distributing software from a specific server computer imposes a burden on the network. As a technique for reducing this burden, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-334436 is disclosed.

When the printer operation software attempts to display an image, if all the images on the personal computer are stored, the responsiveness of the display is improved, but there is a possibility that an unnecessary image may be stored. . An unnecessary image is, for example, an image in which the user can add some paper trays as an option, and the user does not have any optional paper trays. And so on. It is possible to keep only the necessary images on the personal computer when installing the printer operation software, but if the printer administrator later adds a paper tray to the printer, all personal You need to install an image with an additional input tray on your computer.

Therefore, when notifying that the user wants to update all or a part of the printer operation software or a module (a program, an image, a file, or the like) used by the software, the printer and the printer operation software exchange software information held by each other. This eliminates the need to manage the version of the printer operation software and eliminates the need to install a host computer such as a software management server.

[0012]

However, in the prior art as described above, software to be installed in each personal computer (host) connected on a network is artificially installed in a printer or the like. It is necessary to record the data in a storage device in a peripheral device or a server connected to the peripheral device. In order to store the latest software in a peripheral device, it is necessary to store the latest software in a peripheral device or a server via some medium. For example, if the medium to be distributed is a floppy disk, a floppy disk driver must be provided on the peripheral device side. However, since peripheral devices usually do not need to have a floppy disk driver, adding a floppy disk driver function increases the cost. If the peripheral device does not have a floppy disk driver, it is necessary to temporarily store the latest software on the host having the floppy disk driver and install the software from the host to the peripheral device via a network. There was a problem that software update work was troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when storing the latest software in a peripheral device connected to a network, the operation of the peripheral device is not required without human intervention. The first object is to always keep the latest module.

Further, when storing the latest software in a server that directly operates peripheral devices connected to a network, the server always has the latest module without requiring human intervention. As a second object.

[0015]

To achieve the above object, in a network communication system according to the first aspect, a plurality of peripheral devices and a plurality of terminal devices equipped with software for operating the peripheral devices are provided. And a network communication system that performs network communication based on a predetermined communication protocol by connecting a network server provided with a database relating to software for operating at least the peripheral device to a transmission path, wherein the peripheral device is connected to the network server by the network server. Client control means for requesting / acquiring all / part of software for operating the peripheral device or latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software, and the latest module acquired by the client control means to the terminal device. And software distribution means for cloth, but with a.

That is, assuming that the peripheral device can communicate with, for example, a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, the latest module of the software that handles the peripheral device is always stored in the database of the server control unit. In a system environment in which a module can be referenced from the peripheral device, when the peripheral device confirms that the latest module exists on the Internet / intranet, it downloads the latest module to its own storage device and performs access operations by humans. The peripheral device server can always update and hold the latest module without intervention, and can distribute the latest module related to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (host).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network communication system, comprising: a network server having a database relating to a plurality of peripheral devices and at least software for operating the peripheral devices; A network device based on a predetermined communication protocol by connecting the terminal device to a transmission path, wherein all or part of software for operating the peripheral device from the network server, or the software used by the software. Peripheral device server having client control means for requesting and obtaining the latest module information corresponding to a module to be executed, and software distribution means for distributing the latest module obtained by the client control means to the terminal device It is those with a.

That is, assuming that the peripheral device server can communicate with, for example, a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, the latest module of the software for handling the peripheral device is always stored in the database of the server control unit. In a system environment where the latest module can be referenced from the peripheral device server, if the peripheral device server confirms that the latest module exists on the Internet / intranet, the peripheral module downloads the latest module to its own storage device. It is possible for the peripheral device server to always update and hold the latest module without performing an access operation by the user, and to distribute the latest module related to the peripheral device operation to each terminal device (host).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for updating and distributing software of a peripheral device in a network communication system, comprising: a plurality of peripheral devices; a plurality of terminal devices equipped with software for operating the peripheral device; A method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in a network communication system in which a network server having a database relating to software for operating devices is connected to a transmission path and performs network communication based on a predetermined communication protocol, the method comprising: On the other hand, a first step of requesting information on a URL where the latest module information corresponding to all / a part of software for operating the peripheral device or a module used by the software is placed, and the first step Request Second to send the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL
And a third step of storing the latest module information transmitted in the second step, and a fourth step of notifying that the latest module information is stored and present in the third step Reading the latest module information stored in the third step and transmitting the latest module information to the terminal device; and updating the operation software of the peripheral device according to the latest module information transmitted in the fifth step. And a sixth step.

That is, assuming that the peripheral device can communicate with a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, for example, the database of the server control unit always stores the latest module of the software that handles the peripheral device, and In a system environment in which a module can be referred to from a peripheral device, the network server provides all / part of software for operating the peripheral device, or URL information in which the latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software is placed. And transmits the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL, and stores the latest module information. Then, the latest module information is stored and notified that it is present, the stored latest module information is read and transmitted to the terminal device, and the operating software of the peripheral device is updated according to the latest module information, thereby reducing Peripheral device server always updates the latest module without access operation intervention by
This makes it possible to store the latest modules related to peripheral device operations to each terminal device (host).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in a network communication system, wherein the network server includes a database relating to a plurality of peripheral devices and at least software for operating the peripheral devices. Peripheral device in a network communication system in which a peripheral device server for requesting the latest module information from a server and a plurality of terminal devices equipped with software for operating the peripheral device are connected to a transmission path and perform network communication based on a predetermined communication protocol. Software updates
A distribution method, wherein the network server
All / part of software for operating the peripheral device,
Alternatively, a first step of requesting information of a URL in which the latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software is placed;
A second step of transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the RL, a third step of storing the latest module information transmitted in the second step, and a third step. The latest module information is stored,
A fourth step of notifying that the module is present, a fifth step of reading the latest module information stored in the third step, and transmitting the latest module information to the terminal device, and a fifth step of transmitting the latest module information. A sixth step of updating the operation software of the peripheral device according to the latest module information.

That is, assuming that the peripheral device server can communicate with, for example, a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, the latest module of the software that handles the peripheral device is always stored in the database of the server control unit. In a system environment in which the latest module can be referred to from the peripheral device, the UR in which all / part of the software for operating the peripheral device or the latest module information corresponding to the module used by the software is provided to the network server.
Requesting the information of L, transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL, and storing the latest module information. Then, the latest module information is stored and notified that it exists, the stored latest module information is read and transmitted to the terminal device,
By updating the operation software of the peripheral device according to the latest module information, it becomes possible for the peripheral device server to always update and maintain the latest module without human intervention of access operation. It is possible to distribute the latest modules related to peripheral device operation.

Further, in the network communication system according to the fifth aspect, the latest module information may be all / part of software for operating the peripheral device, or a program, image information,
An object-oriented language application program, an object-oriented language applet, which corresponds to a module such as file information and is used by software for operating the peripheral device; a text file, an HTML file, and a peripheral file which are used as the status and manual of the peripheral device; It is a driver for printing on the device.

That is, the latest module information according to claim 1 or 2 corresponds to all / part of software for operating the peripheral device, or a module used by the software, such as a program, image information, file information, and the like, and Object-oriented language application programs (eg, Java application programs) used by software for operating peripheral devices, object-oriented language applets (eg, Java applets), text files used as the status of peripheral devices and manuals, HTML files, peripheral devices By using a driver for printing on devices, it is possible to update software for operating peripheral devices from each terminal device (such as a personal computer) on a module basis. For example, the optional device such as a sorter or the paper feed tray is attached to a peripheral device, to enhance the functionality, it is possible that software changes are updated as in module units described above also occur.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method for updating and distributing software of a peripheral device in a network communication system, the latest module information includes all / a part of software for operating the peripheral device or the software used by the software. -Oriented language application programs, object-oriented language applets that are used by software that operates the peripheral devices, and that correspond to modules such as programs, image information, and file information to be executed, and text files that are used as the status and manuals of the peripheral devices , An HTML file, and a driver for printing on the peripheral device.

That is, the latest module information according to claim 3 or 4 corresponds to all / part of software for operating the peripheral device, or a module used by the software, such as a program, image information, and file information, and Object-oriented language application programs (eg, Java application programs) used by software for operating peripheral devices, object-oriented language applets (eg, Java applets), text files used as the status of peripheral devices and manuals, HTML files, peripheral devices By using a driver for printing on devices, it is possible to update software for operating peripheral devices from each terminal device (such as a personal computer) on a module basis. For example, the optional device such as a sorter or the paper feed tray is attached to a peripheral device, to enhance the functionality, it is possible that software changes are updated as in module units described above also occur.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute a method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in a network communication system according to the third or fourth aspect is recorded.

That is, by recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method of updating / distributing software for peripheral devices in the network communication system according to the third or fourth aspect, the program becomes machine-readable. Can be realized by a computer.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A network communication system according to the present invention, a method for updating / distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system, and a machine-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network communication system to which a peripheral device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, this network communication system is connected to a TCP / IP communication network (hereinafter, referred to as a network) NET.
Peripheral devices 1, terminal devices 2, server devices and the like are connected. Note that, in practice, a plurality of peripheral devices, terminal devices, and server devices are all connected, but in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of description, all the devices will be described with only representatives.

The peripheral device 1 is an image forming device such as a printer device, a copying machine, a facsimile device, etc., connected to the network NET via the transmission line LN1, and naturally has a printing function. That is, this peripheral device 1
A printing unit 12 is provided, and the printing unit 12 is controlled to realize a printing function.

The peripheral device 1 has a client control unit 11 as a client control unit (corresponding to claim 1) as a typical configuration, and the client control unit 11 performs a printing function unique to the device. In addition, a client function on the network NET is realized. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the illustration and detailed description of a known server control unit are omitted, and a server control unit (not shown) in the peripheral device 1 normally handles communication with the terminal device 2. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the communication is performed by the client control unit 11 below.

The client control unit 11 receives an operation command (for example, a print command) requested from the network NET by a server control unit (not shown), and in accordance with an instruction via the server control unit, a target server device (for example, A control for accessing the server device 3) and receiving required data from the server device, a control for linking a print function specific to the own device with the data reception operation, and performing a print output based on the received data, and the like. Govern

The terminal device 2 is an electronic device such as a personal computer connected to the network NET via the transmission line LN2. Here, a browser function prepared in advance (WWW (World Wide Web: WWW in the multimedia information providing system of the Internet)
Using a browser (software for browsing information on a WWW server) as an example), a network N
Wide-area database resources distributed on the ET (URL (Unifofo, one of access information on WWW server)
HTML (Hypertext Markup La) specified by rm Resource Locator
Browse data in a language such as "language: document description language for WWW".

The terminal device 2 has a typical configuration such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer).
r Protocol: a native protocol that uses a WWW server to exchange hypertext on the Internet) A browser control unit 21 for realizing a browser function including a client function and an operation unit 22 having keys and a display I have. The browser control unit 21 activates the browser function according to the operation of the operation unit 22, and implements collection and printing of the database resources for the peripheral device 1.

Further, in addition to a normal print command for the peripheral device 1, the terminal device 2 causes the peripheral device 1 to collect database resources on the network NET by using a browser function (or an HTTP client function). An operation command for printing the collected database resource (HTML file or the like) can be issued. In this case, the terminal device 2 only needs to pass the access information (for example, URL) to the peripheral device 1 as an operation command.

The server device 3 is an electronic device connected to the network NET via the transmission line LN3 and storing database resources. The server device 3 supplies a database resource required from the network NET by using a server function (for example, a WWW server) prepared in advance.

The server device 3 typically has a server control unit 31 for realizing a server function and a database 32 storing database resources. The server device 3 operates a server function in accordance with a request from the network NET, and
, And a response transmission of the database resource extracted according to the response.

Next, the peripheral device 1 will be described in detail. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the peripheral device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral device 1 includes a client control unit 11, a printing unit 12, a command receiving unit 13, a data request transmitting unit 14, and a response data receiving unit 1.
5, a data storage unit 16, an operation execution unit 17, an interface I / F 18, an option I / F 20, and the like.

The client control section 11 has a program memory 11a storing a client program for realizing a client function, and controls data collection and printing through communication with the network NET according to the client program. . In the printing control, the operation of the printing unit 12 is controlled through communication with an operation executing unit 17 described later.

The printing unit 12 is connected to the operation executing unit and executes a printing process under the control of the operation executing unit 17.
The command receiving unit 13 is connected to the interface I / F 18 and the client control unit 11, and
An operation command requested from the network NET via the / F18 is received and transmitted to the client control unit 11. The operation command in this case refers to a command to execute a series of operations of data collection and printing as the client itself.

The data request transmission section 14 is connected to the interface I / F 18 and the client control section 11 and transmits a data request to the network NET via the interface I / F 18 in response to a data collection request from the client control section 11. I do.

The response data receiving unit 15 is connected to the interface I / F 18 and the client control unit 11, receives response data from the network NET via the interface I / F 18, and sends the response data to the client control unit 11. .

The data storage unit 16 is a storage device such as a disk for storing data to be printed under the control of an operation execution unit 17 described later. Specifically, what is stored in the data storage section 16 is response data from the server device 3 (for example, the latest module of software for operating the peripheral device 1).

The operation execution unit 17 has a program memory 17a storing an operation program for performing a printing operation unique to the device, and controls the printing operation through communication with the client control unit 11 according to the operation program. .

Note that the response data received from the server device 3 may be temporarily stored in the data storage unit 16 in accordance with the printing procedure, the wait state of the printing unit 12, and the like. In this case, the operation execution unit 17 itself is responsible for storing the response data in the data storage unit 16 and the data to be printed from the data storage unit 16 when the printing operation by the printing unit 12 becomes possible. Is read out and passed to the printing unit 12 for printing control.

The optional I / F 20 is attached to the peripheral device 1 as an option, and expands the function of the peripheral device by predetermined optional devices, for example, a paper feed tray, a sorter / stacker, an ADF (automatic document feeder), and a double-sided device. Used when using a unit or the like.

Next, an operation example which is a feature of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, in order to distribute the latest module to all the hosts (in this case, the terminal device 2), the peripheral device 1 transmits a WWW server (server control unit 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET). And distributes the latest module to the terminal device 2. This will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a data flow and the like in an example of a software update / distribution operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the software update / distribution operation corresponding to FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 33 denotes a software distribution agent provided as a software distribution means (corresponding to claim 1) provided in the peripheral device 1 and having a software distribution function described later, and 2a denotes a terminal device (host) 2. Peripheral operating software (manupulatio)
n software).

Further, a WWW server “www.net.com” on the Internet / intranet (network NET).
ricoh. co. jp ”(database 32 of the server control unit 31), the latest module for operating the peripheral device 1 is placed. The URL of the latest module in this embodiment is “http: // www.
w. ricoh. co. jp / newsoftwar
e. data ".

The latest modules described above include Java (an object-oriented language developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.) application programs used by software for operating the peripheral device 1,
Java applets, text files used as the status of the peripheral device 1 and manuals, HTML files,
A driver for printing on the peripheral device 1 corresponds thereto.
This makes it possible to uniquely specify the target module portion by using, for example, a URL. For example, when an optional device such as a sorter or a paper feed tray is attached to a peripheral device to expand its functions, the software of the software can be specified. Even if a change occurs, it can be downloaded from the database in module units and distributed / updated.

In FIG. 4, first, the client control section 11 in the peripheral device 1 sends a URL of the latest module to a WWW server (server control section 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET). Request information (S401). Subsequently, the WWW server (server control unit 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET) transmits the URL specified to the client control unit 11 of the peripheral device 1.
Is transmitted (S402).

Next, the WWW client function of the peripheral device 1 records the latest module transmitted to the data storage unit 16 such as a disk in the peripheral device 1 (S40).
3). Further, the client control unit 11 of the peripheral device 1
Notifies the software distribution agent 33 that there is the latest module (S404).

Then, the software distribution agent 3
3 reads the latest module recorded in the data storage unit 16 (S405). Further, the software distribution agent 33 transmits the read latest module to the terminal device 2 (host) (S406). Terminal device 2
The (host) updates its own software with the latest module received from the software distribution agent 33 (S407).

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
Assuming that the peripheral device 1 itself can communicate with a WWW server (server control unit 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET), the server control unit 3
In a system environment in which the latest module of software that handles the peripheral device 1 is always stored in the database 32 and the latest module can be referred to from the peripheral device 1, the peripheral device 1 is updated on the Internet / intranet (network NET). When it is confirmed that the module exists, the peripheral module 1 can always update and hold the latest module without performing an access operation by a human by downloading the latest module to its own storage device. Become. Moreover, it is possible to distribute the latest module relating to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (host) 2.

(Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, distribution and update of the latest module of the peripheral device operation software for handling the peripheral device 1 are performed by the peripheral device 1 on the WWW on the Internet / intranet (network NET).
Although the latest module obtained by downloading the data to the data storage unit 16 via the server (server control unit 31) and distributing it to each terminal device (host) has been described in the second embodiment, An example of downloading by a server and distributing it to each terminal device (host) will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network communication system to which the peripheral device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. This network communication system
As shown in FIG. 1, a peripheral device 1, a terminal device 2, a server device, and the like are connected to a network NET using a TCP / IP communication network, and a peripheral device server 50 described later is connected to the peripheral device 1. In addition,
Actually, a plurality of peripheral devices, terminal devices, and server devices are all connected. However, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience of description, all the devices will be described by showing only representatives. In addition, since other components and their functions in FIG. 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, they are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the peripheral device server 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the flow of data in an example of an operation for updating and distributing software. 6, reference numeral 61 denotes a peripheral device server 50.
A client control unit (corresponding to claim 2) as a client control unit (corresponding to claim 2) having a client function described later; 62, a data storage unit provided in the peripheral device server 50; 63, a peripheral device; The peripheral device control unit 64 is provided in the peripheral device server 50,
A software distribution agent as software distribution means (corresponding to claim 2) having a software distribution function described below.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a WWW server “www.net.com” on the Internet / intranet (network NET) is used.
ricoh. co. jp ”(database 32 of the server control unit 31), the latest module for operating the peripheral device 1 is placed. The URL of the latest module in this embodiment is “http: // www.
w. ricoh. co. jp / newsoftwar
e. data ".

The latest module described above contains, for the same reason as in the first embodiment described above, a Java application program, a Java applet used by software for operating the peripheral device 1, the status of the peripheral device 1, and a manual. Text file used as
Examples include a TML file and a driver for printing on the peripheral device 1.

Next, an operation example which is a feature of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the peripheral device server that directly operates the peripheral device 1 transmits the latest module to all hosts (in this case, the terminal device 2) in order to distribute the latest module to the WWW on the Internet / intranet (network NET). Server (server control unit 3
The latest module is received from 1) and distributed to a terminal device 2 such as a personal computer. This will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the software update / distribution operation corresponding to FIG. In the figure, first, a client control unit 601 in the peripheral device server 50 is a WWW server (server control unit 31) on a net / intranet (network NET).
Request the information of the URL where the latest module is located (S701). Subsequently, the WWW server (server control unit 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET) transmits the contents of the latest module that is the specified URL to the client control unit 11 of the peripheral device 1 (S702).

Next, the WW of the peripheral device server 50
The W client function records the latest module transmitted to the data storage unit 62 such as a disk in the peripheral device server 50 (S703). Further, the client control unit 61 of the peripheral device server 50 notifies the software distribution agent 64 that the latest module is present (S704).

Then, the software distribution agent 6
4 reads the latest module recorded in the data storage unit 62 (S705). Further, the software distribution agent 64 transmits the read latest module to the terminal device 2 (host) (S706). The terminal device 2 such as a personal computer updates its own software with the latest module received from the software distribution agent 64 (S707).

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
Assuming that the peripheral device server 50 itself can communicate with a WWW server (server control unit 31) on the Internet / intranet (network NET), the database 32 of the server control unit 31 always includes the latest software for handling the peripheral device 1. Module is stored, and
In a system environment in which the latest module can be referenced from the peripheral device server 50, the peripheral device server 50 is connected to the Internet / intranet (network NET).
When it is confirmed that the latest module exists, the peripheral module 50 constantly updates and holds the latest module without performing an access operation by a human by downloading the latest module to its own storage device. It becomes possible. Moreover, it is possible to distribute the latest module relating to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (host) 2.

[0067]

As described above, according to the network communication system (Claim 1) according to the present invention, the peripheral device is, for example, a WWW on the Internet / Intranet.
Assuming that communication with the server is possible, the latest module of the software that handles the peripheral device is always stored in the database of the server control unit. / After confirming that the latest module exists on the intranet, the peripheral module downloads the latest module to its own storage device and distributes / updates it. It is possible to update and hold, and to distribute the latest module related to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (such as a personal computer).

According to the network communication system of the present invention (claim 2), it is assumed that the peripheral device server can communicate with, for example, a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, and the database of the server control unit stores In a system environment where the latest module of software that handles peripheral devices is always stored and the latest module can be referenced from the peripheral device server, when the peripheral device server confirms that the latest module exists on the Internet / intranet, Download and distribute the latest module to your own storage device
Updating makes it possible for the peripheral device server to always update and maintain the latest module without performing human access operations, and to distribute the latest module related to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (such as a personal computer). be able to.

According to the method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system according to the present invention (claim 3), it is assumed that the peripheral devices can communicate with a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, for example. In the database of the server control unit, the latest module of the software that handles the peripheral device is always stored, and in a system environment in which the latest module can be referred to from the peripheral device, all the software for operating the peripheral device is provided to the network server. Requesting information on a URL in which the latest module information corresponding to a part or a module used by the software is placed, and transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL; Remember module information Then, the latest module information is stored and notified that it exists, the stored latest module information is read and transmitted to the terminal device, and the operation software of the peripheral device is updated according to the latest module information. The peripheral device server can always update and hold the latest module without intervention of the access operation, and can distribute the latest module related to the peripheral device operation to each terminal device (such as a personal computer).

According to the method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system according to the present invention (claim 4), it is assumed that the peripheral device server can communicate with a WWW server on the Internet / intranet, for example. However, the database of the server control unit always stores the latest module of software that handles the peripheral device, and in a system environment where the latest module can be referred to from the peripheral device, the network server executes the software for operating the peripheral device. UR where the latest module information corresponding to all / part or modules used by the software is placed
Requesting the information of L, transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL, and storing the latest module information. Then, the latest module information is stored and notified that it exists, the stored latest module information is read and transmitted to the terminal device,
In order to update the operation software of peripheral devices according to the latest module information, the peripheral device server always updates the latest modules without human intervention.
This makes it possible to hold the module and distribute the latest module related to peripheral device operation to each terminal device (such as a personal computer).

According to the network communication system of the present invention (claim 5), the latest module information according to any one of claims 1 to 4 can be used to transfer all / part of software for operating peripheral devices. Or an object-oriented language application (eg, a Java application program) corresponding to a module used for software, such as a program used by software, image information, and file information, and used by software for operating peripheral devices.
va applet), the status of peripheral devices and text files used as manuals, HTML files, and drivers for printing on peripheral devices so that each terminal device (host) can update software for operating peripheral devices. Since processing can be performed in units of modules, it can be uniquely specified by, for example, a URL. For example, when an optional device such as a sorter or a paper tray is attached to a peripheral device to expand the function, ,
Even if the software change occurs, it is possible to update the software in module units as described above.

Further, according to the method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system according to the present invention (claim 6), the latest module information according to claim 3 or 4 is used for updating software for operating peripheral devices. Object-oriented language applications (for example, j) that correspond to all / part or modules that are used by software, such as programs, image information, and file information, and that are used by software that operates peripheral devices.
ava application program), a project-oriented language applet (for example, a Java applet), a text file used as a status of a peripheral device or a manual, an HTML file, and a driver for printing on the peripheral device. ) Can perform software update processing for operating peripheral devices on a module basis.
For example, when an optional device such as a sorter or a paper tray is installed in a peripheral device and its function is expanded, the software is updated in module units as described above even if the software changes. It becomes possible to do.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention (claim 7)
According to the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the software update / distribution method for peripheral devices in the network communication system according to claim 3 or 4 is recorded, so that the program can be machine-readable, and the operation according to claim 3 or 4 is performed. Can be realized by a computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network communication system to which a peripheral device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the peripheral device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a data flow and the like in a software update / distribution operation example according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software update / distribution operation corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network communication system to which a peripheral device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a peripheral device server according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention and a flow of data in an example of an operation of updating and distributing software.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software update / distribution operation corresponding to FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 peripheral device 2 terminal device 2a peripheral device operation software 3 server device 11, 61 client control unit 12 printing unit 16, 62 data storage unit 21 browser control unit 22 operation unit 31 server control unit 32 database 33, 64 software distribution agent 50 Device server 63 Peripheral device control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (54) [Title of the Invention] Network communication system and method for updating and distributing software of peripheral devices in the network communication system, and a machine-readable record for recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method. Medium

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A communication system comprising: a plurality of peripheral devices; a plurality of terminal devices equipped with software for operating the peripheral devices; and a network server having at least a database for software for operating the peripheral devices, connected to a transmission path. A network communication system that performs network communication based on a protocol,
The peripheral device includes client control means for requesting / acquiring all / part of software for operating the peripheral device from the network server or latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software, and client control means. A software distribution unit for distributing the acquired latest module to the terminal device. 2. A communication system comprising: a network server including a plurality of peripheral devices and a database relating to at least software for operating the peripheral devices; and a plurality of terminal devices including software for operating the peripheral devices connected to a transmission path. A network communication system that performs network communication based on a protocol,
Client control means for requesting / acquiring all / part of software for operating the peripheral device from the network server or latest module information corresponding to a module used by the software; and a latest module acquired by the client control means. A network communication system, comprising: a peripheral device server having software distribution means for distributing to the terminal device. 3. A communication system, comprising: connecting a plurality of peripheral devices, a plurality of terminal devices equipped with software for operating the peripheral devices, and a network server having at least a database relating to software for operating the peripheral devices to a transmission path, A method for updating / distributing software of a peripheral device in a network communication system that performs network communication based on a protocol, wherein all / a part of software for operating the peripheral device or a module used by the software is provided to the network server. A first step of requesting information of a URL in which the latest module information corresponding to the first module is located; and a second step of transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database corresponding to the URL requested in the first step. Step 2 and the A third step of storing the latest module information transmitted in the second step, a fourth step of notifying that the latest module information is stored and existing in the third step, and a third step of notifying that the third module information is present. A fifth step of reading the latest module information stored in the step and transmitting it to the terminal device, and a sixth step of updating operation software of the peripheral device according to the latest module information transmitted in the fifth step. , A software update / distribution method for peripheral equipment in a network communication system. 4. A network server comprising a database relating to a plurality of peripheral devices and at least software for operating the peripheral devices, a peripheral device server for requesting the latest module information from the network server, and software for operating the peripheral devices. A method for updating / distributing software of a peripheral device in a network communication system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected to a transmission path and performs network communication based on a predetermined communication protocol, wherein the peripheral device is operated by the network server. A first step of requesting information on a URL in which the latest module information corresponding to all / part of the software or a module used by the software is placed, and a URL corresponding to the URL requested in the first step Previous A second step of transmitting the contents of the latest module information from the database, a third step of storing the latest module information transmitted in the second step, and a step of storing the latest module information in the third step. A fourth step of storing and notifying that the module is present; and reading the latest module information stored in the third step.
A network communication system, comprising: a fifth step of transmitting to the terminal device; and a sixth step of updating operation software of the peripheral device according to the latest module information transmitted in the fifth step. Software update / distribution method for peripheral devices in Japan. 5. The latest module information includes all / part of software for operating the peripheral device, or a program, image information,
An object-oriented language application program, an object-oriented language applet, which corresponds to a module such as file information and is used by software for operating the peripheral device; a text file, an HTML file, and a peripheral file which are used as the status and manual of the peripheral device; The network communication system according to claim 1, wherein the network communication system is a driver for printing on a device. 6. The latest module information includes all / a part of software for operating the peripheral device, or a program, image information,
An object-oriented language application program, an object-oriented language applet, which corresponds to a module such as file information and is used by software for operating the peripheral device; a text file, an HTML file, and a peripheral file which are used as the status and manual of the peripheral device; 5. The method for updating and distributing software of a peripheral device in a network communication system according to claim 3, wherein the driver is a driver for printing on the device. 7. A machine-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method for updating / distributing software for peripheral devices in the network communication system according to claim 3 or 4.