JP2000293467A - Data processing device, data processing method, and storage medium storing computer readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEM] To ensure the efficiency of data processing according to the complex function setting that combines each peripheral device on the network while visually confirming the validity of the combined function by a simple icon instruction operation. It is to make it run well. SOLUTION: A CPU 2 obtains connection information and usage status of each peripheral device via a network, displays a system configuration on a CRT 16 together with the usage status based on the obtained information, and operates a mouse 13 by a user. When one icon is instructed to be superimposed on another icon for the intended multifunction processing, the CPU 2 determines whether or not the combination of the icons is valid, and sets the combination function based on the determination result. It is characterized in that a screen is displayed and a combination operation of the corresponding peripheral devices is controlled based on the setting on the setting screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium, and a storage medium storing a computer readable program. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, PCs, printers, scanners,
With the spread of peripheral devices such as digital cameras, LA
N and other networks have become widespread, and the need to share a printer, a modem, and an image reading device on the network has increased. By sharing peripheral devices such as printers and scanners over a network, an environment has become available in which all devices on the network can be used.

[0003]

However, there is no method of combining these peripheral devices to function, such as realizing a copy function by combining a scanner and a printer, and even if there is, a special device is required. Or only specific devices are possible, and there is no general-purpose device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for displaying a system configuration together with a use state thereof, and for performing a multifunction process intended by a user. When one icon is instructed to be superimposed on another icon, it is determined whether or not the combination of the icons is valid, and a setting screen for a combination function is displayed based on the determination result, and based on the setting for the setting screen, By controlling the combination operation of each corresponding peripheral device, simple icon instruction operation,
A data processing device, a data processing method, and a computer that can reliably execute data processing according to a composite function setting in which each peripheral device is combined while visually confirming the validity of the combination function. Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium which stores various programs.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication medium (LANs 100 and 120 shown in FIG. 1).
2) a data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected thereto, and acquiring means (FIG. 2) for acquiring connection information and status through communication with various peripheral devices.
2) executes a control program stored in the CPU 2 and performs acquisition processing by communication processing), and a management unit that stores and manages the connection information and status acquired by the acquisition unit (the CPU 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 is stored). By executing the control program, for example, the hard disk 10, the PME
And a system display unit (CPU 2 shown in FIG. 2 which stores the system configuration on the display unit based on the connection information and status stored and managed by the management unit). By executing the control program, for example, the CRT is displayed in the display form shown in FIG.
16), instructing means for instructing a combination of arbitrary icons displayed on the display unit (instructing by operating a cursor or the like on the display screen shown in FIG. 3), and Judgment means (CPU shown in FIG. 2) for judging the validity of the combination function of the designated arbitrary icon
2 is executed by executing a control program stored therein, for example, the management process is performed via the hard disk 10 and the memory of the PMEM 3 shown in FIG. 2), and the determination unit determines that the combination function is valid. In this case, the function setting screen display means for displaying a combination function setting screen based on the combination designated by the instruction means on the display unit (by executing a control program stored in the CPU 2 shown in FIG. Change the display screen shown in FIG.
T16) and control means (the CPU 2 shown in FIG. 2 controls the multifunction operation of the peripheral device related to the combination function based on an execution instruction for the combination function setting screen displayed by the function setting screen display means. Executing a stored control program to control data input / output processing of each peripheral device).

In a second invention according to the present invention, the system display means displays each icon designated by the designation means and another icon when the determination means determines that the combination function is valid. Is changed (for example, the display form shown in FIG. 13).

In a third aspect according to the present invention, the system display means sets a selectable target icon to another icon when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display section is instructed by the instruction means. It is displayed in a different display mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the function setting screen display means displays a settable extended function relating to the displayed peripheral device (for example, a setting screen shown in FIG. 12).

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

A sixth invention according to the present invention relates to a data processing method in a data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium (such as LANs 100 and 120 shown in FIG. 1). Acquisition process for acquiring connection information and status through communication with various peripheral devices (steps (S201) and (S202) shown in FIG. 7)
A management step (not shown) for storing and managing the connection information and status acquired by the acquisition means;
A system display step of displaying a system configuration on a display unit with an icon based on the connection information and status stored and managed in the management step (step (S20 in FIG. 7)
3)) and an instruction step of instructing a combination of arbitrary icons displayed on the display unit (step (S) shown in FIG. 7).
204)), a judging step of judging the validity of the combination function of any icons designated by the instruction step (step (S204) shown in FIG. 7), and judging that the combination function is valid by the judging step A function setting screen displaying step (step (S206) shown in FIG. 7) of displaying a combination function setting screen based on the combination designated by the instruction step on the display unit when the instruction is given;
A function execution step (steps (S206) and (S20) shown in FIG. 7) for executing a composite function operation of a peripheral device relating to the combination function based on an execution instruction for the combination function setting screen displayed in the function setting screen display step.
7)).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the system display step (step (S203) shown in FIG. 7), when the combination function is determined to be valid in the determination step, the instruction step is performed by the instruction step. The display mode of each of the designated icons and the other icons is changed and displayed.

An eighth invention according to the present invention relates to the system display step (steps (S901) to (S9) shown in FIG. 10).
06)) is to display a selectable target icon in a display form different from other icons when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display section is designated in the designation step.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the function setting screen display step, a settable extended function relating to the displayed peripheral device is displayed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device includes a printer, a facsimile, a digital copier, and a scanner.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a computer that controls a data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium (such as the LAN 100 or 120 shown in FIG. 1) reads out. An acquisition step of acquiring connection information and status through communication with various types of peripheral devices (steps (S201) and (S202) shown in FIG. 7); A management step (not shown) for storing and managing the connection information and status that has been performed, and a system display step for displaying a system configuration on a display unit with an icon based on the connection information and status stored and managed in the management step (FIG. 7). (Step S203)
And an instruction step of instructing a combination of arbitrary icons displayed on the display unit (step S20 shown in FIG. 7).
4)) and a judging step of judging the validity of the function of combination of any of the icons specified in the specifying step (FIG. 7)
(S204)), and a function setting for displaying, on the display unit, a combination function setting screen based on the combination specified by the instruction step when the combination function is determined to be valid by the determination step. Function execution for executing a composite function operation of the peripheral device related to the combination function based on a screen display step (step (S206) shown in FIG. 7) and an execution instruction for the combination function setting screen displayed in the function setting screen display step A computer-readable program having processes (steps (S206) and (S207) shown in FIG. 7) is stored in a storage medium.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, in the system display step (step (S203) shown in FIG. 7), when the combination function is determined to be valid in the determination step, A computer-readable program for changing and displaying the display mode of each of the designated icons and other icons is stored in a storage medium.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the system display step (steps (S901) to (S901) shown in FIG.
906)) stores a computer-readable program that causes a selectable target icon to be displayed in a display form different from other icons when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit is instructed in the instruction step. It is stored on a medium.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the function setting screen display step, a computer-readable program for displaying a settable extended function related to the displayed peripheral device is stored in a storage medium. .

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device stores a computer-readable program including a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device in a storage medium.

[0020]

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 FIG. 1, 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, 120, 130.

PC103, PC104, PC111, P
Multiple personal computers (PC) such as Cl12
Are also connected to the LANs 100 and 130,
C can communicate with the NB 101 under the control of the network operating system.

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
Reference numeral 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 a print server
Manages printing to a printer such as the locally connected printer 105 or the remote printer 102.

Similarly, P which functions as a scanner server
The C115 manages a scanner such as the scanner 117 connected locally or the scanner 110 at a remote place. The scanner 110 is connected to the LAN 100 via a network board or the like. Also, the copying machine 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 the 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), other computer devices 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 a service 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.
Are connected by the backbone 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 such as a mouse 13 is connected. The operator operates the keyboard 12 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) is used to instruct processing of image information on the display 16, and the mouse 13 is used in the present embodiment.

Thus, the cursor on the CRT 16 is moved to X,
It arbitrarily moves 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), in which drawing data (bitmap data) to be displayed on the CRT 16 is developed, read out as appropriate via the display output control section 15, and the contents are displayed 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 section, which controls image reading of the connected image reading device 1B. The external device control unit 19 controls the operation of the external device via the printer control unit 17 or the image reading device control unit 1A.

Note that the image reading server device according to 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) 10 or a floppy disk (FD) 9 directly connected to the apparatus. Further, it may be stored on another device connected by a network. Further, the program of the present invention stores the hard disk (H
D) 10 or a storage medium such as a floppy disk (FD) 9 or a system or apparatus via a network.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a network connection configuration displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a main window, on which menus, toolbars, icons representing PCs and peripheral devices, and icons 301a to 301f of respective functions operated by operating the PCs and peripheral devices are displayed on the toolbar.

For example, the icon 301a is an icon for executing a copy function of reading image data from the selected scanner and outputting the image data to the selected printer. The icon 301b is an icon for executing the FAX function.

The icon 301c is an icon for executing the image data reading function. Icon 301d
Is an icon for executing a function of reading image data and performing OCR processing.

The icon 301e is an icon for executing a function of displaying PC information. Icon 301f
Are icons for executing respective functions for displaying personal tray data. Reference numeral 302 denotes a system display window.

In the system display window 302,
Icons 302a to 302z are icons indicating PCs and peripheral devices shared on the network shown in FIG. These icons are changed and displayed according to the type of device such as a PC, a printer, a scanner, or a FAX modem, or the status such as "processing" or "error occurred".

Reference numeral 302a denotes a root icon, reference numeral 302b denotes a domain in which the own device is logged on, and reference numeral 302c denotes an icon representing the own device. Since the own device is a special device, it is displayed separately from other PCs.

Note that the icons and the peripheral devices which are shared on the network like the icons 302m and 302p but do not have the driver installed have the icons displayed in gray.

The icon 302d indicates that the scanner is currently scanning, and the icon 302n displays a numerical value indicating that three jobs are spooled in the printer, for example, "".

The icon 302z indicates that the driver has been installed but cannot be used for some reason. In this manner, the connection status and status of all PCs and peripheral devices on the network can be confirmed on this screen. In this example, all icons are not displayed for convenience of the screen, but all PCs and peripheral devices can be confirmed using the scroll bar SB arranged on the side of the screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the combination determination data structure stored in the data processing device shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numerals 601 and 602 denote header parts, the header part 601 is the number of registered functions, and the header part 602 is a comment.

Reference numerals 603a to 603d denote data of one function, 603a denotes first device data, 603b
Is the second device data. In the above example, the scanner is the first device data and the printer is the second device data. This combination is also effective in reverse. Function data 6
03c indicates a function to be executed (here, a copy function), and data 603d is a comment. In this embodiment, the data section is configured to be able to store the number of registered functions N, and the data sections 604a to 604d correspond to the N-th data section.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a copy function setting screen displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG. 2. When the icon shown in FIG. 3 is dragged and dropped, the combination function is activated. If determined, CRT1
6 is displayed.

In the figure, reference numerals 401 and 402 denote magnification setting buttons (buttons), which can be used to specify a desired magnification by instructing to press the button 401 at the time of normal normal-magnification output and pressing the button 402 at the time of reduction / enlargement output.

Buttons 403 and 404 function as buttons for setting input / output paper, respectively.
A dialog for setting the paper size, paper orientation, and the like is displayed in conjunction with the instruction to press the button 04, and the paper size and paper orientation can be set. 405 is a button,
Functions as a button for setting the color mode of the input image,
Settings such as color / monochrome / gray scale can be made.

Reference numeral 406 denotes a setting content confirmation display unit, which is a setting content based on a function determined by a combination of icons.
This corresponds to a case where input vertical paper “A4”, vertical output paper “A4”, color copy, and the like are displayed.

Reference numeral 407 denotes a ten-key button for setting the number of output copies. 408 is a layout adjustment setting button (button)
When this button 408 is instructed to be pressed, a dialog box for setting a paper output position, a 2in1 output setting, and the like is displayed, and each of the necessary settings can be executed.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a slider for setting the density with the mouse 1
It is configured such that a desired density can be set by the operation instruction of 3. Reference numeral 410 denotes a slider which is used to set the image quality setting with the mouse 13.
A desired quality can be set by the operation instruction of.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a preview area for input size,
Displays the output size and outputable area. A button 412 is used to change input / output devices.
Thus, a dialog for setting an input / output device different from the input / output device based on the icon setting is displayed, and the user can select an intended input / output device. Reference numeral 413 denotes a button. When the user presses the button 413, the copy function setting is reset. 414 is a stop button and 415 is a copy execution button.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an error message displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG. 2. In the display screen shown in FIG. 3, the icons combined by the user's mouse operation are valid. CPU2 if not combination
Is displayed based on the stored determination information.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes an error message dialog, which is displayed when the combination is not valid.

In the present embodiment, an error message is displayed by determining whether the combination is valid based on the time when the drag and drop operation is performed.
A combination may be determined when a drag operation is performed, and control may be performed so that a drop operation cannot be performed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a combination function processing procedure accompanying the system configuration display processing. In addition, S201 to S208 indicate each step.

First, in step S201, connection information of all the shared PCs and peripheral devices shown in FIG. 1 on the network, and usage status and status information of those devices are acquired. Then, the information is stored in the PMEM 3 shown in FIG. Next, step S202
Check the driver information of the device installed in your device with. Then, in step S203, a screen for simultaneously displaying the system configuration and the system state of the PC and the peripheral devices shown in FIG. 3 is displayed based on the obtained information.

Next, in step S204, it is determined whether or not each function execution instruction is valid when instructed. As an operation method, for example, the scanner icon 302d is dragged and dragged to the printer icon 302n by a mouse operation.
There is a way to drop. In this case, a copy function is executed.

If it is determined that the combination is not a valid combination, the process proceeds to step S205, and an error message is displayed as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the combination is valid, the process proceeds to step S206, and a window of the corresponding function is displayed. In the above example, the copy function setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

Next, in step S207, it is determined whether or not copying is to be performed. If there is a copy stop instruction, the process ends.

If it is determined that a copy execution instruction has been given by instructing the button 415, the flow advances to step S208 to execute copying in accordance with the settings, and the processing ends.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Each function is executed by performing a drag and drop operation on a device icon. A unit for specifying a peripheral device to be combined, a unit for storing a combination of designated peripheral devices, a unit for displaying a combination state, By having a means for displaying functions realized by the combination, it may be configured such that combinations to be normally executed are stored and each function is executed by one operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the data processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 801 is a main dialog,
Reference numeral 802 denotes a setting field of a printer as an output device;
Reference numeral 03 denotes a setting field of a scanner as an input device. Of course, devices such as digital cameras and plotters are also conceivable as input / output devices. Reference numeral 804 denotes a setting execution button, and 805 denotes a setting cancel button.

In the present embodiment, the icon 3 shown in FIG.
When 01a (corresponding to the copy function icon) is selected by a cursor operation, a setting window for executing a copy using the input / output device set for this icon 301a is displayed. In the initial state, the scanner found first is set as the input device, and the printer normally used is set as the output device.

Here, there are two methods for changing the setting of the input / output device. First, a first method is to display the input / output setting window shown in FIG. 8 by clicking the right button once with the mouse button on the icon button.

As a second method, a setting is performed by dragging and dropping each device icon to each function button by a mouse operation. For example, the scanner icon 3
By dragging and dropping 02o onto the icon 301a, input device settings can be changed. In this operation, when a device icon that cannot be set is dragged, the cursor shape changes and a drop operation cannot be performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the input / output device confirmation screen displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a tool tip, which corresponds to a state in which the contents set in each device are displayed according to a cursor instruction operation of the mouse 13.

Thus, the setting contents can be confirmed in the setting dialog shown in FIG. 8, but it is also possible to display the tooltip 701 by operating the mouse on the copy function button in this manner.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, it is determined whether or not all devices can be operated when a device icon is dragged and dropped and a function can be executed based on the result. As described, means for determining a device that can be combined with the selected peripheral device,
By providing a means for changing the display according to the result, a configuration in which only the effective target device is displayed when the device is dragged may be very easy for the user to operate. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, and corresponds to a combination function processing procedure accompanying the system configuration display processing. In addition, S901 to S906 indicate each step.

First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the selected peripheral device is valid as a device that executes a composite function. For example, the printer icon 302e is effective for the copy function, but my machine (displayed with the icon 302c) is not effective as a target device of the composite function.

This determination is made based on the structure for storing the combination of each composite function shown in FIG. 4. If NO, the process is terminated. If YES, the process proceeds to step S9.
In 02, a device effective as a target model of the composite function is acquired. For example, when the printer icon 302e is selected, the valid target devices include a scanner and a fax modem.

Next, in step S903, it is determined whether all the devices displayed on the screen are valid target devices. If it is determined that the device is not a valid device, the process advances to step S904 to display the device as a non-target device. For example, it is displayed in gray so that the drop operation cannot be performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the device is a valid target device, the flow advances to step S905 to display the device as a target device. For example, in this case, it is normally displayed, and a drop operation can be performed.

Next, in step S906, it is determined whether all the devices have been checked. If it is determined that all the checks have not been completed, step S903 is performed.
Then, the process is continued, and when it is determined that the process is completed, that is, when all the devices are checked, the process is completed.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the printer icon is dragged to the scanner icon.
The case where the copy function is executed when the drop operation is performed has been described, but the copy function setting screen displayed at this time can perform only general settings. However, since various functions are provided depending on the selected input / output device, means for storing a list of devices having special functions, and the device selected when performing a drag and drop operation correspond to the list. It is also possible to provide a means for judging whether or not to perform such setting so as to improve the convenience for the user. Less than,
The embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a structure of resource information of each device relating to the network device shown in FIG. 1, and a special device stored in the storage device of the data processing device shown in FIG. It corresponds to the list structure of the device having the function.

In the figure, reference numerals 1001 and 1002 denote header portions. In the header portion 1001, the number of registered functions of a registered device is set. The header section 1002 is a comment.

Reference numerals 1003a to 1003d denote data portions, and data 1003a to 1003d represent data of one device. The data portion 1003a has device attributes set therein, and stores device types such as printers and scanners.

The data section 1003b stores a driver name. It should be noted that whether or not the actually selected device is in the device list is determined using the device type of the data section 1003a and this driver name.

The data section 1003c is a composite function to be executed. If a designated device matches a member of the data sections 1003a to 1003c when a drag and drop operation is performed, the data section 1003c is replaced with a normal composite function. Then, the execution module of the data section 1003d is executed. In the present embodiment, the data section is configured to be capable of storing the number of registered functions N, and the data sections 1004a to 1004a are stored.
d corresponds to the N-th.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a copy function setting screen displayed on the CRT 16 shown in FIG.
When you drag and drop the icon shown in,
If the combination function is determined to be valid, the CRT
16 is displayed. The difference from the screen shown in FIG.
This is displayed when a printer having a special function is selected and the copy function is executed.

In the figure, reference numerals 1111 to 1114 denote function buttons (buttons), and a button 1111 functions as a button for setting double-sided printing. The button 1112 functions as a button for setting bookbinding printing.

The button 1113 functions as a stapling setting button. The button 1114 functions as a button for setting a stamp. These buttons 1111 to 11
By setting 14, the extended function of the printer can be used.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Means for changing the display of the input / output device in use, when the user performs a copy function by dragging and dropping the printer icon onto the scanner icon, and does not visually recognize that the copy is being performed; A means for indicating that the operation is actually being performed is provided, so that the display form of the device actually used and the network line connected to the device can be changed so that the processing operation can be visually displayed. May be. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during execution of a copy function in the data processing device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The device configuration in the network is the same as the device configuration shown in FIG. Scanner icon 120
The output from 2o to the icon 1202x of the printer indicates that the display form of the icon 1202o and the icon 1202x of each device has been changed to another icon display, and that processing is performed along the network line. This is different from the above in that a path indicating that the processing is performed (indicated by a thick broken arrow in the figure) is displayed, and the configuration is such that it is possible to visually recognize which input / output device is used for processing.

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

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the data processing apparatus according to the present invention.

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

Further, data dependent on 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.

The functions shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 in this embodiment are executed by a program installed from the outside.
It may be performed by a host computer. In that case, CD-ROM, flash memory, FD
The present invention can be applied to a case in which a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as the above or from an external storage medium via a network.

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.

[0112]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the fifteenth aspect, when one icon is instructed to overlap with another icon for a multifunction process intended by the user in a state where the system configuration is displayed together with the usage status, each icon is displayed. It is possible to determine whether the combination is valid, display the setting screen of the combination function based on the determination result, and control the combination operation of the corresponding peripheral devices based on the setting on the setting screen. An operation environment that can efficiently and efficiently execute data processing according to the multifunction settings that combine each peripheral device on the network while visually confirming the effectiveness of the combination function by instruction operation It has an effect that can be done.

[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 configuration of a data processing device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a network connection configuration displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combination determination data structure stored in the data processing device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a copy function setting screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG. 2;

6 is a diagram showing an example of an error message displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in a data processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram showing an example of an input / output device confirmation screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the data processing device according to the present invention.

11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of resource information of each device related to the network device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy function setting screen displayed on the CRT shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy function execution screen in a data processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

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 data processing device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 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 12 keyboard 13 mouse 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

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B089 GA13 GA14 GA15 GA21 HA06 JA35 KA01 KB04 KC28 LB07 LB19 5E501 AA01 AC24 AC35 AC37 BA05 CA03 CA04 CB05 CB08 CB09 CB10 CB11 EA05 EA11 EB05 FA04 FA50 FB25

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium, comprising: an obtaining unit configured to obtain connection information and a status by communicating with various peripheral devices; Management means for storing and managing the connection information and status obtained by the obtaining means; system display means for displaying a system configuration on a display unit with an icon based on the connection information and status stored and managed by the management means; Instructing means for instructing a combination of any icons displayed on the display unit; determining means for determining the validity of the function of combining any of the icons instructed by the instructing means; If it is determined that there is a combination function setting based on the combination specified by the instruction means Function setting screen display means for displaying a screen on the display unit; and control means for controlling a composite function operation of the peripheral device relating to the combination function based on an execution instruction for the combination function setting screen displayed by the function setting screen display means A data processing device comprising: 2. The system display means, when the determination means determines that the combination function is valid, changes and displays a display mode of each icon designated by the designation means and another icon. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The system display means, when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit is instructed by the instruction means, displays a selectable target icon in a display form different from other icons. Claim 1.
The data processing device according to claim 1. 4. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said function setting screen display means displays a settable extended function relating to the displayed peripheral device. 5. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said peripheral device includes a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device. 6. A data processing method in a data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected on a predetermined communication medium, the method comprising acquiring connection information and status by communicating with various peripheral devices. A process for storing and managing the connection information and status obtained by the obtaining unit; and a system display for displaying a system configuration on a display unit with an icon based on the connection information and status stored and managed in the management process. And an instruction step of instructing a combination of any icons displayed on the display unit; a determining step of determining the validity of a function of combining any of the icons instructed by the instruction step; If the function is determined to be valid, the combination indicated by the instruction step A function setting screen display step of displaying a combination function setting screen based on the combination function setting screen displayed on the display unit; And a function execution step of executing the function. 7. The system display step, when the combination step determines that the combination function is valid, changes and displays a display mode of each icon designated by the instruction step and another icon. 7. The data processing method according to claim 6, wherein: 8. The system display step includes, when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit is instructed in the instruction step, displaying a selectable target icon in a display form different from other icons. Claim 6
Data processing method described. 9. The data processing method according to claim 6, wherein the function setting screen display step displays a settable extended function related to the displayed peripheral device. 10. The data processing method according to claim 6, wherein said peripheral device includes a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device. 11. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a data processing device capable of performing data communication with various peripheral devices connected to a predetermined communication medium, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring connection information and status by communication; a management step of storing and managing the connection information and status acquired by the acquisition unit; and a system configuration based on the connection information and status stored and managed in the management step. A system display step of displaying an icon on the display unit as an icon, an instruction step of instructing a combination of any icons displayed on the display unit, and determining the validity of a function of combining any icons instructed by the instruction step And a step in which the combination function is determined to be valid in the determination step. In this case, a function setting screen display step of displaying a combination function setting screen based on the combination instructed in the instruction step on the display unit; and an execution instruction for the combination function setting screen displayed in the function setting screen display step And a function execution step of executing a composite function operation of the peripheral device related to the combination function based on the combination function. 12. The system display step changes and displays the display form of each icon designated by the instruction step and another icon when the combination step determines that the functions are valid. A storage medium storing a computer readable program according to claim 11. 13. The system display step includes, when an arbitrary icon displayed on the display unit is instructed by the instruction step, displaying a selectable target icon in a display form different from other icons. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 11. 14. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 11, wherein said function setting screen displaying step displays a settable extended function related to the displayed peripheral device. 15. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein said peripheral device includes a printer device, a facsimile device, a digital copying device, and a scanner device.