JP2000293463A - Data processing device, display processing method, and storage medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the number of icons to be displayed at the time of system configuration, and to display icons of the entire system configuration in an orderly manner. SOLUTION: Connection information acquired from each printer, scanner, other device 7 or the like on a network is stored and managed on a PMEM 3, and when a CPU 2 displays an icon of a system configuration based on the connection information, an operation of a mouse 13 is performed. The connection information of a plurality of icons selected by the above is integrated and managed on the PMEM 3, and the system configuration is displayed as icons on the CRT 16 based on the integratedly managed connection information and the acquired connection information. I do.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention enables data communication between various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of other data processing devices to which various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. The present invention relates to a data processing device, a display processing method, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, data communication can be performed between a network system, for example, various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of other data processing devices to which various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. In a network system including a data processing device (client device), when displaying the system configuration, a plurality of functions such as an image reading device and a printing device are realized even though the number of target devices is one. When possible, programs for controlling various functions are separately managed, so that it is displayed as if a plurality of devices are connected.

[0003]

For this reason, in the client device, when selecting an intended device, a plurality of devices to be selected are displayed, so that it is necessary to determine the contents thereof, and the operability is nervous. There was a problem of using.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above case, and when there are a plurality of usable devices, a difference occurs in the configuration display between the number of functions and the number of apparatuses. There are problems such as an increase in user's operation load at the time of selection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to integrate information of a plurality of icons displayed when one peripheral device has a plurality of functions. By managing the system icons, the number of icons to be displayed at the time of system configuration can be reduced, the entire system configuration can be displayed in an orderly manner, and the integrated icon can be moved to another icon to execute the function processing. At this time, the number of functions is determined by referring to the management information of the icons of the source and the destination, and when there are a plurality of functions, selectable functions are displayed to the user so that they can be selected. The system configuration is displayed with icons that are suitable for the number of peripheral devices in the configuration display, improving visibility and operability when selecting icons by the user, and improving the efficiency of intended function processing. In addition to being able to start quickly, the function candidates that can be selected in a timely manner according to the number of functions of the selected icon are clearly specified, and the intended function processing without giving a sense of incongruity to the operability can be efficiently performed by simple icon operation instructions An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device and a display processing method that can be performed well, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication medium (LANs 100, 12 shown in FIG. 1).
0) Data that can be communicated between the various peripheral devices connected above and a plurality of other data processing devices (including the other device 7 shown in FIG. 2) to which the various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. An acquisition unit that acquires connection information through communication with other data processing devices and various peripheral devices.
CPU 2 executes a control program stored therein and performs acquisition processing by communication processing), and a first management unit (the CPU 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 stores and manages the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit). And executes a control program through a memory such as the hard disk 10 and the PMEM 3), and displays the system configuration on the display unit with an icon based on the connection information stored and managed by the first management unit. System display means (the CPU 2 shown in FIG. 2 executes a control program stored therein,
(For example, it is displayed on the CRT 16 in the display form shown in FIG. 6)
Instruction means for selecting and instructing a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit (instruction by operating a cursor or the like on the display screen shown in FIG. 6); Second management means for storing and managing the corresponding connection information as integrated connection information, wherein the system display means updates an icon display of a system configuration based on the connection information and the integrated connection information. is there.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of icons designated by the designation means are icons having the same name but different functions.

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the integrated connection information includes determination information for determining the number of functions.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an icon instructing means for instructing an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to move to another icon (by operating a cursor or the like on the display screen shown in FIG. 6). 1), and first determining means (the CPU 2 shown in FIG. 2 determines the validity of the operation instruction of the source icon and the destination icon specified by the icon specifying means based on the integrated connection information. The stored control program is executed to perform the determination process), and the number of functions that can be selected is plural when the determination result by the first determination unit is valid during the movement instruction by the icon instruction unit. (A CPU 2 shown in FIG. 2 executes a stored control program to execute a determination process) and a plurality of functions that can be selected by the second determination unit. Selection means (selecting by operating a cursor or the like on the display screen shown in FIG. 6) for selecting a desired peripheral device from the selectable peripheral device candidates to be displayed. .

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information.

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the source icon is an icon based on connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. The source icon is an icon based on the integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on the integrated connection information.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is the image input server device wherein said another data processing device is connected to an image input device.

A ninth invention according to the present invention is the scanner, wherein the image input device conforms to a predetermined standard specification.

[0014] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the predetermined standard specification conforms to the TWAIN standard.

In an eleventh aspect according to the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer, a facsimile, a digital copying machine, and a scanner.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there are provided various types of peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium (the LANs 100 and 120 shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of other data which can be connected and shared by the various peripheral devices. A display processing method in a data processing device capable of performing data communication with a processing device (including another device 7 shown in FIG. 2 and the like), wherein the display processing method is connected by communication with other data processing devices and various peripheral devices. An acquisition step for acquiring information (step S71 in FIG. 8), a first management step for storing and managing the connection information acquired in the acquisition step (step S72 in FIG. 8), and a first management step. A system display step (Step S73 in FIG. 8) of displaying a system configuration as an icon on the display unit based on the connection information stored and managed, and an instruction to select and instruct a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit Degree (step S76 in FIG. 8),
A second management step (step S77 in FIG. 8) for storing and managing connection information corresponding to the plurality of icons designated by the designation step as integrated connection information; The icon display of the system configuration is updated based on the integrated connection information (step S78 in FIG. 8).

In a thirteenth aspect according to the present invention, the plurality of icons specified in the specifying step are icons having the same name but different functions.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the integrated connection information includes determination information for determining the number of functions.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an icon instructing step of instructing to move an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to another icon (step S10 shown in FIG. 11).
1, S111 shown in FIG. 12, S121 shown in FIG. 13)
And a first determination step (steps S103 and FIG. 12 shown in FIG. 11) of determining the validity of the operation instruction of the source icon and the destination icon specified in the icon instruction step based on the integrated connection information. S113 shown, FIG.
And a second determination for determining whether the number of selectable functions is plural when the determination result in the first determination step is valid during the movement instruction in the icon instruction step. Step (Step S10 shown in FIG. 11)
4, S114 shown in FIG. 12, S124 shown in FIG. 13)
A selecting step of selecting a desired peripheral device from the displayed selectable peripheral device candidates when the number of selectable functions is determined to be plural in the second determining step (FIG. 1)
Step S106 shown in FIG. 1, S116 shown in FIG. 12, and S126 shown in FIG. 13).

In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information.

In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the source icon is an icon based on connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information.

In a nineteenth aspect according to the present invention, the other data processing device is an image input server device connected to an image input device.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the image input device is a scanner device conforming to a predetermined standard specification.

In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined standard specification conforms to the TWAIN standard.

In a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer, a facsimile, a digital copying machine, and a scanner.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there are provided various types of peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium (the LANs 100 and 120 shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of other data which can be connected and shared by the various peripheral devices. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of performing data communication with a processing device (including another device 7 shown in FIG. 2 and the like); , An acquisition step of acquiring connection information through communication with various peripheral devices (FIG. 8)
Step S71), a first management step of storing and managing the connection information acquired by the acquisition means (step S72 of FIG. 8), and a first management step based on the connection information stored and managed in the first management step. A system display step of displaying the system configuration on the display unit as an icon (step S7 in FIG. 8)
3), an instruction step of selecting and instructing a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit (step S76 in FIG. 8), and connection information corresponding to the plurality of icons instructed in the instruction step are stored as integrated connection information. A second management step (step S77 in FIG. 8) for managing, and the system display step updates an icon display of a system configuration based on the connection information and the integrated connection information (step S77 in FIG. 8).
78) A computer readable program is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of icons specified in the specifying step are icons having the same name but different functions stored in a computer-readable program in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the integrated connection information stores a computer-readable program including determination information for determining the number of functions in a storage medium.

A twenty-sixth invention according to the present invention relates to an icon instructing step of instructing to move an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to another icon (step S10 shown in FIG. 11).
1, S111 shown in FIG. 12, S121 shown in FIG. 13)
And a first determination step (steps S103 and FIG. 12 shown in FIG. 11) of determining the validity of the operation instruction of the source icon and the destination icon specified in the icon instruction step based on the integrated connection information. S113 shown, FIG.
And a second determination for determining whether the number of selectable functions is plural when the determination result in the first determination step is valid during the movement instruction in the icon instruction step. Step (Step S10 shown in FIG. 11)
4, S114 shown in FIG. 12, S124 shown in FIG. 13)
A selecting step of selecting a desired peripheral device from the displayed selectable peripheral device candidates when the number of selectable functions is determined to be plural in the second determining step (FIG. 1)
1 is stored in a storage medium, the program having the steps S106 shown in FIG. 1, S116 shown in FIG. 12, and S126 shown in FIG. 13).

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable program in which the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information is stored in a storage medium. Things. .

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable program in which the source icon is an icon based on connection information and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information is stored in a storage medium. Things.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable program in which the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information is stored in a storage medium. It was done.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the other data processing apparatus, a computer-readable program, which is an image input server connected to the image input apparatus, is stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image input device, a computer-readable program, which is a scanner device conforming to a predetermined standard specification, is stored in a storage medium.

[0036] In a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined standard specification is such that a computer readable program compliant with the TWAIN standard is stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the peripheral device, a computer-readable program including a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device is stored in a storage medium.

[0038]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] <Description of Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the system configuration of a network device including a data processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, a printer 102 is a printer having an open architecture, and a network board (N
B) It is connected to the network via 101. N
B101 includes an Ethernet interface 10Base-2 having a coaxial connector and a 10
Through a local area network interface such as Base-T, a local area network (LA)
N) 100.

PC 103, PC 104, PC 111, P
Multiple personal computers (PC) such as Cl12
Are connected to the LAN 100, and these PCs are controlled by the NB under the control of the network operating system.
101 can be communicated.

Therefore, one of the PCs, for example, the PC 103
Can be used as a PC for network device management. Further, the printer 105 may be locally connected to the PC 104 as a local printer.

A PC functioning as a file server
106 is connected to the LAN 100 and manages access to files stored in a large-capacity (for example, 10 billion bytes) network disk 107.

PC 104 functioning as print server
Manages printing to a printer such as the locally connected printer 105 or the remote printer 102.

Similarly, the scanner server PC 115 manages a scanner such as the scanner 117 connected locally or the scanner 110 at a remote place. Scanner 1
Reference numeral 10 is connected to the LAN 100 via a network board or the like. The copier 118 provides a function as a printer or a scanner under the control of the image processing unit 119.

In the network shown in FIG. 1, in order to efficiently communicate between various network members, Nov
network software such as ell or UNIX can be used. For example, Novell's Net
Software (registered trademark of Novell, hereinafter abbreviated) software can be used. The detailed description of this software package is described in online documentation included in the NetWare package (included in the NetWare package from Novell), and thus the description is omitted.

PC 103 and PC 104 are respectively
Generation of data file, LA of generated data file
This is a general PC that can perform transmission to the N100, reception of files from the LAN 100, and display and / or processing of those files.

Although FIG. 1 shows a personal computer device (PC), another computer device suitable for executing network software may be used. For example, if UNIX software is used, UNIX workstations may be connected to the network, and these workstations are used with the PC shown.

Normally, the LAN 100 provides services to a relatively local user group, for example, a user group on one floor or a plurality of consecutive floors in one building.

On the other hand, a wide area network (WAN) may be constructed as the users move away from each other, such as in different buildings or different prefectures. Basically,
A WAN is a collection of LANs formed by connecting several LANs with a high-speed digital line such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN).
For example, as shown in FIG.
0 are connected by the pack bone 140 to form a WAN. LAN100, LAN12
0, the devices respectively connected to the LAN 130 are W
It is possible to access functions of devices connected to other LANs via the AN connection.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a client configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A predetermined peripheral device (printer, scanner, modem, (Including a composite image processing apparatus) can be communicated with another locally-connected data processing apparatus by a predetermined protocol.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a system bus, and each unit to be described below is connected to the system bus 1. 2 is a CPU (Central Process)
ngUnit).

3 is a program memory (referred to as PMEM)
Then, the program for this processing is appropriately stored in the hard disk 1
Select / read from 0 and execute with CPU2. Data input from the keyboard 12 is stored as code information in the PMEM 3 which is also a text memory.

A communication control unit 4 controls input / output data at the communication port 5. The signal output from the communication port 5 is transmitted via the communication line 6 to the communication port of another device 7 on the network.

Communication with a printer or an image reading device (scanner) shared on a network is performed via the communication control unit 4. In the present embodiment, a network such as a LAN will be described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable even when a communication port and a communication line connected to the communication control unit 4 are general public lines.

An external storage device controller 8 controls access to a data file disk, for example, a floppy disk (FD) 9 or a hard disk (HD) 10.

Reference numeral 11 denotes an input control unit, which is a keyboard 1
2. An input device 13 such as a mouse is connected. The operator operates the keyboard 11 to issue a system operation command or the like. Reference numeral 16 denotes a CRT device (CRT).
A pointing device (referred to as a PD) 13 is used to process and instruct the image information, and a mouse is used in the present embodiment.

As a result, the cursor on the CRT 16 is moved to X,
It moves arbitrarily in the Y direction and selects a command icon on the command menu to give a processing instruction, and also gives an instruction on an edit target, a drawing position, and the like.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a video image memory (referred to as a VRAM) which develops drawing data (bitmap data) to be displayed on the CRT 16, reads out the data as appropriate via the display output control unit 15, and displays the contents on the CRT 16. Is done. A printer control unit 17 controls output of data to the connected printer 18.

Reference numeral 1A denotes an image reading device control unit, which controls image reading of the connected image reading device 1B.

Note that the image reading server device of the present invention requires the components of the image reading device control section 1A and the image reading device 1B, but the client side device has the communication control as described above. The same components shared on the server side via the unit 4 and the communication port 5 can be used.

Further, in the configuration of FIG. 2, even if the image reading device and the image reading device are physically separate components, the image reading device has the same function as one component including the image reading device. And

The program stored in the ROM in this embodiment may be stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) directly connected to the apparatus. Further, it may be stored on another device connected by a network. The program of the present invention can be supplied to a system or an apparatus via a storage medium such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy disk (FD) or a network.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the server device according to the present invention, and corresponds to, for example, an image input server device.

In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a network server module which converts data obtained from a server extension function described below into a data format that can be exchanged on a network corresponding to a general-purpose network protocol.

On the other hand, the network server module 21 transmits network data sent from the client, which will be described later, to the server extension module 22.
Is converted to an internal data format that can be interpreted.

The server extension module 22 analyzes the data passed from the network server module 21, selects a designated one from a plurality of image service modules managed by the module, and provides the service. Or transfer of data from one service module to another service module. For example, the image input / output control module is called from the OCR module.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a common interface conversion module. When the server extension module 22 requests the provision of a service of any one of the image input devices, the image input device control module 2 receives the requested data at that time.
6 to convert the control command to a control command corresponding to the control command No. 6. Conversely, it also has a function of converting device-specific control information sent from the image input device control module 26 into a general interface that can be passed to the server extension module 22.

Specifically, one is image reading parameter setting information from the client, and the other is image information obtained as a result of the reading instruction and its accompanying information.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an OCR module, which is called from the server extension module 22 when a client requests to convert image data read by an image input device into document data.

An image data format conversion module 25 converts the format of image data obtained from an image input device into an image data format specified by a client.

Reference numerals 26-1 to 26-N denote image input / output device control modules, which are individual image input devices 27-1 to 27-N.
, And input / output control commands / information corresponding to each device, that is, specific to each device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the client device according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a general application having an image input function. An image input / output device manager 32 provides a general-purpose image input / output interface to the application 31. The image input / output device manager 32 exchanges information with a designated one of the image input / output device control modules under the control of the image input / output device manager in response to the instruction from the input / output interface.

Reference numerals 33-1 to 33-N denote image input device control modules (hereinafter simply referred to as modules) having general-purpose interface I / Os. This module 33-1 to 33-
N is for controlling the image input devices 34-1 to 34-N individually connected to the image input manager 32 by a general-purpose interface.

The modules 33-1 to 33-N provide a general-purpose interface unlike the image input device control module 26 shown in FIG.

That is, functionally, the image input device control module 26 and the common interface conversion module 23
And the general-purpose image input / output interface conversion module 37
It is a combination of

That is, the image input / output device manager 32
For example, TWAIN (Technology Witho)
out Any Interrupted Name) manager, and each of the modules 33-1 to 33-N corresponds to a TWAIN driver corresponding to each device.

Reference numerals 34-1 to 34-N denote image input devices which are locally connected to the apparatus. Reference numeral 35 denotes a client function control module which performs overall management of modules constituting individual client extended functions described below.

An image input device connection information generation module 36 obtains attribute information of the image input / output device connected to the server device obtained by using the network client module 38 and information necessary for network connection. Then, individual image input device information 40-1 to 40-N is generated.

At this time, the virtual image input device control modules 39-1 to 39-N are automatically generated at the same time. The generation of this module allows the image input device manager 32 to handle devices on the network as if they were virtually connected.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a general-purpose image input / output interface conversion module.
6 for converting the control information for the image input device on the server side, which is obtained by using the image input device 6, into a general-purpose interface corresponding to the image input device manager 32.

The general-purpose image input / output interface conversion module 37 does not directly provide functions having these interfaces to the image input device manager 32,
As described later, each virtual image input device control module 3
Provided via 9-1 to 39-N.

Reference numeral 38 denotes a network client module, which converts the data into a data format that can be exchanged on a network compatible with a general-purpose network protocol so that these modules and the module on the server side can communicate with each other.

Reference numerals 39-1 to 39-N denote virtual image input device control modules, which are generated one-to-one with image input devices on the set network. The virtual image input device control modules 39-1 to 39-N basically return the information of the corresponding image input device connection information 40-1 to 40-N, or provide the general-purpose image input / output interface with the information. Only intermediate processing such as passing the result to the module 37 and passing the result to the image input manager 32 is performed.

As described above, since most of the actual processing is performed by the general-purpose image input / output interface providing module 37, the size of the module is small, and modules for image input devices on a plurality of networks are created. Even so, the overhead is small.

In this example, as the image input device,
This corresponds to a case where the image input devices 34-1 and 34-N are to be controlled.

FIG. 5 shows the image input device 34- shown in FIG.
It is a figure explaining the 1st data structure example of the connection information of the peripheral device with respect to 1-34-N.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes connection destination server information in which information for identifying a connection destination server on a network, that is, a machine name or a network address on the network is set. 402
Is network information of the device, in which a network name of the device for identifying a device available on the network is set. Reference numeral 403 denotes other network connection information in which information necessary for network connection other than the above is set.

Reference numeral 404 denotes device identification information, which includes, for example, information such as “image input device such as scanner” and “output device such as printer”. 405 is device name information, and 406 is other identification information.

Note that 401 to 406 are the first device connection information among various available peripheral devices. These pieces of information are read from the server device with respect to the devices shared in the network, and are the connection information of the machines connected to the own machine.

Also, 407 to 412 are the same as 401 to 406, and the difference is the Nth device connection information (information obtained by searching for the connection status of various machines and peripheral devices on the network). There is a point.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of system equipment displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG. 2. The CPU 2 displays the configuration of the equipment on the screen of the CRT 16 based on the information of the data structure shown in FIG. Corresponds to the case where is displayed.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a menu icon which designates a function for performing processing using various peripheral devices on the network. For example, when a specific image reading device is used and a specific output device is used. Is performed by selecting one icon.

An icon 502 indicates a network domain to which the operator belongs. Reference numeral 503 denotes an icon indicating the client device, which indicates its own device. Reference numeral 504 denotes an icon corresponding to an image reading device as a peripheral device locally connected to the client device.

Reference numeral 505 denotes a network name, which is displayed based on the device name 405 shown in FIG. 4 and the like. The image reading device name "ABC-345" corresponding to the icon 504 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the example.

Reference numeral 506 denotes an icon, which corresponds to an output device such as a printer locally connected to the icon 503 indicating the client device. A network name 507 is displayed based on the device name 405 shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and corresponds to the printer name “ABC-123” corresponding to the icon 506 shown in FIG.

An icon 508 corresponds to a machine other than the user on the network. 509 is a server name,
The name of the machine corresponding to the icon 508 is recognized on the network, for example, “SNPC00”.

Reference numerals 510 to 512 denote network names, which are names corresponding to the “image reading device”, “communication device”, and “output device” connected to the server device of “SNPC03”. MULTIXXX ".

In this embodiment, the network name 5
It is assumed that the three types of peripheral devices 10 to 512 are one device having an “image reading function”, a “communication function”, and an “output function”. At this time, it is assumed that the three devices are connected. Is displayed.

Also, using this screen display and icons indicating various devices, drag-and-drop from a specific icon to a specific icon using a pointing device.
It is assumed that a specific function can be realized by performing a drop operation.

FIG. 7 shows the image input device 34- shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a first data structure example of connection information of peripheral devices with respect to 1 to 34-N, and corresponds to a data structure example of connection information when a plurality of devices are displayed as one icon.

In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes server information, which indicates to which machine the composite icon belongs. Reference numeral 602 denotes a network name of the composite icon. Numeral 603 denotes information on the number of connected devices, in which a value indicating how many peripheral devices constitutes the composite icon is set. Reference numeral 604 denotes other network information, which is information necessary for network connection other than the above. The above 601 to 604
Is management information for displaying a plurality of peripheral devices as one icon. The CPU 2 stores a registration process for displaying a plurality of devices collectively from the system configuration display state shown in FIG. It is generated by executing a control program performed. Details of this registration processing will be described later.

Reference numeral 605 denotes server information, which is information for identifying a connection destination server on the network, that is, information 605.
A machine name or network address on the network is set.

Reference numeral 606 denotes a network name in which the name of the device for identifying the device available on the network is set. Reference numeral 607 denotes other network information indicating information necessary for network connection other than the above.

Reference numeral 608 denotes the type of device, which is device identification information, and includes, for example, information such as "image input device such as scanner" and "output device such as printer". 60
Reference numeral 9 denotes device name information. 610 is other identification information. The items 605 to 610 are information indicating one of various peripheral devices registered in the composite icon.

In the fields 611 to 616, the identification information of the N-th device registered in the composite icon is set in the same format as the above-mentioned 605 to 610. Here, the structure is the same as the data structure example of the connection information of the peripheral devices shown in FIG. 5, and shows a case where there are N peripheral devices.

When the composite icon is registered,
In the data structure shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the device belonging to the composite icon, the “device type” of 404 or 410 above
Is updated from the type information of various devices to information that means “composite icon”.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the client device according to the present invention. The screen displays the configuration of machines and peripheral devices in the network, and displays the peripheral devices on the screen. Corresponds to the process of registering a plurality of icons as one icon (internal processing on the client device side), and this procedure is realized by executing the program stored in the PMEM 3 by the CPU 2. Note that S71 to S
Reference numeral 78 indicates each step.

First, in step S71, information on machines and various peripheral devices belonging to the network is searched. Next, in step S72, various information for each machine and information of various peripheral devices obtained by the search are recorded in an area secured on the PMEM 3 with the data structure shown in FIG.

Next, in step S73, step S72
Based on the various types of information recorded in the above, the configuration information of the machines and various peripheral devices in the network is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, in step S74, the user of the client device instructs the start of the registration process to the composite icon for indicating a plurality of peripheral devices as one device, for example, a registration tool icon provided on the display screen. Performed by

Then, in step S75, a screen (not shown) for registering the composite icon is displayed.
On this screen, information on peripheral devices that can be registered, an input area for a network name of a composite icon to be registered, and the like can be displayed.

Next, in step S76, in the registration screen of the composite icon displayed in step S75,
The user sets various information and executes a registration process. Then, in step S77, the registration information executed in step S76 is stored in an area managed by the data structure example shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 (area secured in PMEM3).
To record.

In step S78, the device configuration screen display (not shown) is updated based on the information updated above, and the composite icon display process ends.

[Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the registration tool screen is called and the registration processing for the composite icon is executed has been described. The registration processing may be performed by a drag-and-drop operation using an icon in which the peripheral devices are registered as one.
Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a judgment table managed by the client device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is based on the type of icon specified by a drag and drop operation as described later. This corresponds to an example of a data structure of a determination table for determining whether a function is valid.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes information indicating the type of the processing source device. Reference numeral 802 denotes a type (identification information) of a processing destination device, and information such as “image input device” and “output device such as a printer” is set therein.

Reference numeral 803 denotes determination information for determining whether the combination of the information 801 and the identification information 802 is valid. Whether the drag-and-drop operation is valid based on the determination information 803 is determined. Is determined.

Reference numeral 804 denotes information indicating the type of the function for executing the processing. If the judgment information 803 indicates "processing is valid", this means that there is, for example, the information 80
1 is “image input device” and identification information 802 is “output device”
When the determination information 803 is “processing is valid”, the information 804 is set with information meaning “function of outputting data to an output device using an image input device”. Is done.

Note that 801 to 804 are the first determination information of the device combination, and 805 to 808 are the n-th determination information of the device combination as in the case of 801 to 804. Reference numerals 801 to 808 denote a series of information for determining whether the function to be processed is valid when the type of the peripheral device of the processing source and the processing destination is determined by the drag and drop operation in the present embodiment. Here, a case is shown in which n pieces of information are provided according to the combination of the types of peripheral devices.
808 indicate that the information is a group of information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second data processing procedure in the client apparatus according to the present invention. The processing source and the processing destination specified by the drag and drop operation on the screen shown in FIG. The icon is an internal processing procedure on the client side relating to the processing when each icon is one device.
This is realized by the CPU 2 executing the program stored in M3. Note that S91 to S94 indicate each step.

First, in step S91, a drag and drop operation is performed on the icons representing the processing source and processing destination devices on the screen shown in FIG.

Next, in step S92, information on the processing source and processing destination devices is obtained from the data structure example shown in FIG.

In step S93, using the information obtained in step S92 and the information in the determination table shown in FIG. 9 described above, it is determined whether the process specified in step S91 is valid. If it is determined that the process is invalid, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S93 that the function is valid, the flow branches to step S94, and the corresponding function is executed based on the information in the determination table shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the third data processing procedure in the client device according to the present invention. The icon of the processing source designated by the drag and drop operation on the screen shown in FIG. This is an internal processing procedure on the client side relating to the processing when the processing target icon is an icon in which a plurality of devices are registered, and the procedure is realized by executing a program stored in the PMEM 3 by the CPU 2. You. Note that S101 to S107 indicate each step.

First, in step S101, a drag-and-drop operation is performed on icons indicating processing source and processing destination devices on the display screen shown in FIG. Next, in step S102, information on the processing source and processing destination devices is acquired from the data structure examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 described above.

In step S103, using the information acquired in step S102 and the information in the above-described determination table shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether the process specified in step S101 is valid. Not
That is, when it is determined that no valid device exists among the devices included in the composite icon of the processing destination, the process is invalid, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the device is valid, the flow branches to step S104 to determine whether a plurality of devices for which processing is valid exist among the devices of the processing target composite icon. If it is determined that there is only one device for which processing is valid, the process branches to step S107.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that there are a plurality of devices for which processing is valid, the process proceeds to step S10.
The process branches to step 5, and since there are a plurality of devices for which processing is valid at the processing destination, a screen is displayed to allow the user to select whether to use the device to execute processing. In this screen display, information on all devices that are valid as processing destinations is displayed.

Next, in step S106, the user selects a device to execute processing from among the devices displayed in step S105. Then, Step S107
Then, the corresponding function is executed based on the information on the type of the selected processing source device and the processing destination device and the information in the determination table shown in FIG. 9, and the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the client device according to the present invention. In FIG. 12, there are a plurality of processing source icons designated by the drag and drop operation on the screen shown in FIG. Is the icon that registered the device of
This is an internal processing procedure on the client side regarding a processing procedure in the case of one device, and the procedure is realized by executing a program stored in the PMEM 3 by the CPU 2. Steps S111 to S117 indicate each step.

First, in step S111, the drag and drop operation of the icons indicating the processing source and processing destination devices shown in FIG. 6 is performed. Next, in step S112,
The information of the processing source and the processing destination device is described with reference to FIGS.
It is obtained from the data structure example shown in.

In step S113, using the information acquired in step S112 and the information in the above-described determination table shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether the process specified in step S111 is valid. In other words, if there is no valid device among the devices of the composite icon of the processing source, the process is invalid.
The process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the device is valid, the process branches to step S114 to determine whether a plurality of devices for which processing is valid exist among the devices of the composite icon of the processing source. If it is determined that there is only one device for which processing is valid, the flow branches to step S117.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S114 that there are a plurality of devices for which processing is effective, the process proceeds to step S11.
The process branches to 5 and, since there are a plurality of devices for which processing is valid at the processing source, a screen is displayed to allow the user to select whether to execute the process using the device. On this screen display, information on all devices that are valid as processing sources is displayed.

Next, in step S116, the user selects a device to execute processing from among the devices displayed in step S115. Then, step S117
Then, the corresponding function is executed based on the information on the type of the selected processing source device and the processing destination device and the information in the determination table shown in FIG. 9, and the process ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth data processing procedure in the client device according to the present invention. The processing source and the processing designated by the drag and drop operation on the display screen shown in FIG. The above-mentioned icon corresponds to an internal processing procedure on the client side relating to a process when each of the icons is an icon in which a plurality of devices are registered, and the procedure is realized by executing a program stored in the PMEM 3 by the CPU 2.
Note that S121 to S127 indicate each step.

First, in step S121, a drag-and-drop operation of an icon representing a processing source and processing destination device on the display screen shown in FIG. 6 is performed. Next, in step S122, information on the processing source and processing destination devices is obtained from the data structure examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 described above.

In step S123, using the information obtained in step S122 and the information in the determination table shown in FIG. 9 described above, it is determined whether or not there is a combination in which the process specified in step S121 is valid. However, if the combination is not valid, that is, if there is no device that is a valid combination among the devices included in the composite icons of the processing source and the processing destination, the processing is invalid.
The process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S124 that a valid combination exists, the process proceeds to step S1.
The process branches to 24, and it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of combinations of devices for which processing is valid among the devices of the composite icon of the processing source and the processing target. If it does not exist, step S12
Branch to 7.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S124 that there are a plurality of valid device combinations, the process branches to step S125. Since there are a plurality of valid device combinations, the combination of those devices is determined. A screen is displayed to allow the user to select whether to execute the process using the device. In this screen display, all information on devices that are valid as a combination of the processing source and the processing destination is displayed.

Next, in step S126, the user selects a combination of devices to execute processing from among the combinations of devices displayed in step S125. Then, in step S127, the corresponding function is executed based on the information on the types of the selected processing source and processing destination devices and the information in the determination table shown in FIG. 9, and the process ends.

According to the above-described embodiment, when one peripheral device capable of realizing a plurality of functions is connected, the fact that the number of the peripheral device is one is clearly displayed, and the number of usable peripheral devices is displayed. When there are a plurality of devices, the plurality of peripheral devices are registered and displayed as if they are one peripheral device,
The configuration display and the operation for using the device can be simplified.

In a network system composed of various peripheral devices on a network, its server device, and a client device, the control is different even though it is a single device. Since there is a means for registering and displaying as a single device the status displayed as if it were a plurality of devices because of the determination, the configuration display of the devices in the network is simplified. At the same time, it is possible to clearly display that the number of the devices is one.

In addition, since there is provided a means for displaying a plurality of devices with one icon without limiting to various functions constituted by one device, it is possible to simplify the configuration display of devices in a network. For example, the configuration information can be easily managed by registering and displaying peripheral devices of the same type as one icon collectively.

Further, since there are means for realizing a drag-and-drop operation between icons registered as a plurality of devices and means for automatically judging whether or not the operation is valid, various functions can be realized. It became possible to operate easily.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the client processing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the client device according to the present invention.

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

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

FIGS. 8, 10 to 13 in this embodiment.
The functions described in (1) and (2) may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

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

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

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

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

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

[0157]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the thirty-third invention, the number of icons to be displayed at the time of system configuration can be reduced by integrating and managing information of a plurality of icons displayed when one peripheral device has a plurality of functions. In addition, the entire system configuration can be displayed in an orderly icon, and when the integrated icon is instructed to be moved to another icon to execute a function process, the management information of the source and destination icons is referred to. The number of functions is determined, and when there are a plurality of functions, selectable functions are displayed so as to be selectable to the user, so that the system configuration is displayed by an icon corresponding to the number of peripheral devices in the system configuration display. Improves the visibility and operability at the time of icon selection by the user, and can start the intended function processing efficiently, and responds to the number of functions of the selected icon. Te explicitly timely selectable functionality candidate, the effect of such enabling effectively the functions intended without discomfort to the operability operation instruction simple icons.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a network device including a data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a client configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a client device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first data structure example of connection information of a peripheral device with respect to the image input device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of system devices displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first data structure example of connection information of peripheral devices with respect to the image input device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the client device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure example of a determination table managed by a client device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a second example of the client device according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 11 shows a third example of the client device according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 12 shows a fourth example of the client device according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth example of the client device according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the client device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System bus 2 CPU 3 Program memory 4 Communication control unit 5 Communication port 6 Communication line 7 Other device on network 8 External storage device control unit 9, 10 Disk for data file 11 Input control unit 12 Keyboard 13 Input by mouse, etc. Apparatus 14 Video image memory 15 Display output control unit 16 CRT 17 Printer control unit 18 Printer 19 External device control unit 1A Image reading device control unit 1B Image reading device

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of performing data communication between various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of other data processing devices to which various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. Acquisition means for acquiring connection information through communication with each of the other data processing devices and various peripheral devices; first management means for storing and managing the connection information acquired by the acquisition means; and first management A system display unit for displaying a system configuration on a display unit as an icon based on the connection information stored and managed by the unit; an instruction unit for selecting and instructing a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit; Second management means for storing and managing connection information corresponding to the plurality of icons as integrated connection information, wherein the system display means stores the connection information and the integrated connection information A data processing apparatus for updating an icon display of a system configuration based on the information. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of icons designated by the designation means are icons having the same name but different functions. 3. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the integrated connection information includes determination information for determining the number of functions. 4. An icon instructing means for instructing an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to move to another icon, and validity of an operation instruction for a source icon and a destination icon instructed by the icon instructing means. First determining means for determining the property based on the integrated connection information; and, during the movement instruction by the icon instruction means, when the determination result by the first determining means is valid, the number of selectable functions is A second determining unit for determining whether there are a plurality of peripheral devices, and when the second determining unit determines that the number of selectable functions is a plurality, a desired peripheral device candidate displayed from the selectable peripheral device candidates is displayed. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects a peripheral device. 5. The data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information. 6. The data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the source icon is an icon based on connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. 7. The data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. 8. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said another data processing device is an image input server device connected to an image input device. 9. The image input device according to claim 8, wherein the image input device is a scanner device conforming to a predetermined standard specification.
The data processing device according to claim 1. 10. The data processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined standard specification conforms to TWAIN standard. 11. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral device includes a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device. 12. A display processing method in a data processing device capable of performing data communication between various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of other data processing devices to which the various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. An acquisition step of acquiring connection information through communication with each of the other data processing devices and various peripheral devices; a first management step of storing and managing the connection information acquired in the acquisition step; A system display step of displaying a system configuration as an icon on a display unit based on the connection information stored and managed in the first management step; an instruction step of selecting and instructing a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit; And a second management step of storing and managing connection information corresponding to the plurality of icons designated by the step as integrated connection information, wherein the system display step includes: And updating the icon display of the system configuration based on the integrated connection information. 13. The display processing method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of icons specified in the specifying step are icons having the same name but different functions. 14. The display processing method according to claim 12, wherein the integrated connection information includes determination information for determining the number of functions. 15. An icon instructing step of instructing an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to move to another icon, and validating an operation instruction of a source icon and a destination icon instructed by the icon instructing step. A first determining step of determining the property based on the integrated connection information; and, during a movement instruction in the icon instruction step, when the determination result in the first determining step is valid, the number of selectable functions is A second judging step of judging whether or not there are a plurality of, and when it is judged in the second judging step that the number of selectable functions is plural, a desired peripheral device candidate is displayed from the displayed selectable peripheral device candidates. 13. The display processing method according to claim 12, further comprising a selecting step of selecting a peripheral device. 16. The display processing method according to claim 15, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information. 17. The display processing method according to claim 15, wherein the source icon is an icon based on connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. 18. The display processing method according to claim 15, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. 19. The display processing method according to claim 12, wherein said another data processing device is an image input server device connected to an image input device. 20. The display processing method according to claim 19, wherein said image input device is a scanner device conforming to a predetermined standard specification. 21. The display processing method according to claim 20, wherein said predetermined standard specification conforms to the TWAIN standard. 22. The display processing method according to claim 12, wherein said peripheral devices include a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device. 23. A computer for controlling a data processing device capable of performing data communication between various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium and a plurality of other data processing devices to which various peripheral devices can be connected in a shared manner. Is a storage medium storing a readable program, wherein: an acquisition step of acquiring connection information through communication with other data processing devices and various peripheral devices; and storing the connection information acquired by the acquisition unit. A first management step of managing; a system display step of displaying a system configuration on a display unit with an icon based on the connection information stored and managed in the first management step; and a plurality of icons displayed on the display unit And a second management step of storing and managing connection information corresponding to the plurality of icons specified by the instruction step as integrated connection information. Have the system display process, storage medium computer and updates the icon display of the system configuration on the basis of said connection information and said integrated connection information storing readable program. 24. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of icons specified in the specifying step are icons having the same name but different functions. 25. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the integrated connection information includes determination information for determining the number of functions. 26. An icon instructing step of instructing an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit to move to another icon, and validating an operation instruction of a source icon and a destination icon instructed by the icon instructing step. A first determining step of determining the property based on the integrated connection information; and, during a movement instruction in the icon instruction step, when the determination result in the first determining step is valid, the number of selectable functions is A second judging step of judging whether or not there are a plurality of, and when it is judged in the second judging step that the number of selectable functions is plural, a desired peripheral device candidate is displayed from the displayed selectable peripheral device candidates. The storage medium according to claim 23, further comprising: a selection step of selecting a peripheral device. 27. The storage according to claim 26, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on connection information. Medium. 28. The storage according to claim 26, wherein the source icon is an icon based on connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. Medium. 29. The computer-readable program according to claim 26, wherein the source icon is an icon based on integrated connection information, and the destination icon is an icon based on integrated connection information. Storage medium. 30. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein said another data processing device is an image input server device connected to an image input device. 31. The storage medium according to claim 30, wherein said image input device is a scanner device conforming to a predetermined standard specification. 32. The storage medium according to claim 31, wherein the predetermined standard specification conforms to the TWAIN standard. 33. The storage medium according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral device includes a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device.