JPH10320341A - Recording medium recording designating program of inputoutput device in network, and designated system and method for in input-output device in network - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To clearly distinguish the function of an input-output device and to easily and also surely select an intended input-output device by performing function classification of input-output devices and recording a procedure which shows only input-output devices that correspond to a selected class and a procedure which designates a selected input-output device as an input-output destination. SOLUTION: In a personal computer 11 that is connected to a communication medium 1 of a local area network, a CPU 110 executes various programs such as an application program and an input-output device selecting program which are loaded on RAM 112 that operates as main memory and controls various processing and peripheral equipment. Here, the input-output device selecting program classifies inputoutput devices to plural classes according to functions and carries out a procedure which shows plural classes, a procedure which shows only an input-output device that corresponds to the class that is selected among the types of input-output devices and a procedure which designates an input-output device that is selected among inputoutput devices corresponding to the selected class as an input-output destination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for specifying input / output devices in a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, and a recording medium storing a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a network in which a plurality of computers are connected to each other by a communication cable or the like, the scale of the network is becoming larger and larger, and as input / output devices, printers, scanners, facsimile machines,
2. Description of the Related Art Many types of input / output devices, such as digital copiers, are being connected. Since all the input / output devices can be used from individual computers on such a network, the use efficiency of the input / output devices is improved, and the cost of the entire equipment is reduced. On the other hand, since all available input / output devices connected to the network can be selected from individual computers, there are too many options to select the wrong type of input / output device or input / output at a position far from the operator In some cases, it is impossible to retrieve the printed matter or the like that has been output because of the selection of the device, or the time to retrieve the printed matter or the like is wasted.

As a device for selecting an output device on a network, there has been one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-108283. This relates to a printer management apparatus that stores the time required to walk from a computer to a printer, automatically selects the printer closest to the computer that issued the print request, and sends the print data. This printer management device is not intended for a computer operator to freely select an output device by himself / herself.

As another device for selecting an output device on a network, there is another device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-210345. This is a printer,
The present invention relates to a print service display method capable of displaying print queues and print jobs with icons and graphics, displaying the correspondence between them, and changing the correspondence. In this print service display method, information indicating each printer icon corresponding to an actual printer in an office or the like is not displayed so that the user can see at a glance.

[0005]

According to the conventional output device designation method including the ones mentioned in the examples, the names and icons of the output devices displayed on the display screen of the computer and the actual network are installed. It is not clear how the output device is located in the office, etc., and the output device that the operator is trying to select on the operation screen is
It was difficult to understand which output device was actually used. Further, if the input / output device is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions, the selection of the device and the function becomes complicated, and it is easy to make an error. For example, there has been a case where a beginner intends to perform fax transmission and outputs the result to a printer.

Therefore, the present invention records a method, a system and a program for specifying an input / output device in a network in which the functions of the input / output device can be clearly distinguished and the operator can easily and surely select the intended input / output device. It is intended to provide a recording medium.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium in which a program for designating an input / output device in a network according to the present invention is recorded is provided on a connection device in a network in which a computer and an input / output device are connected. ,
A procedure for classifying the input / output devices into a plurality of types by function and displaying the plurality of types on a display unit, and displaying only the input / output devices corresponding to the type selected from the types of the input / output devices A program for executing a procedure to be displayed on the means and a procedure to designate an input / output device selected from input / output devices corresponding to the selected type as an input / output destination are recorded.

In the above-mentioned recording medium, a program for designating an input / output device in the network is stored, wherein the program displays a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output device on a display means; Displaying an icon to be displayed at a position corresponding to an actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image, and designating the input / output device corresponding to a selected icon among the icons as an input / output destination It is preferable that the program includes a partial program for executing the procedure.

[0009] In the above-mentioned recording medium recording a program for designating input / output devices in the network, the program creates and stores images or lists indicating locations where the input / output devices are arranged in a plurality of hierarchies. The program may include a partial program that executes a procedure and a step of displaying an image or a list of a higher hierarchy and displaying an image or a list of a lower hierarchy by selecting from the image or the list of the higher hierarchy. it can.

[0010] Further, the input / output device designation system in the network according to the present invention is characterized in that in a network in which a computer and the input / output device are connected, the function information is information on the presence or absence of a plurality of functions of the input / output device. Device information table storage means for storing a device information table for storing the device information and other device information, display means for displaying a screen for selecting the input / output device, and device display which is a display corresponding to the input / output device. Input / output device specifying means for classifying the input / output device into a plurality of types according to the function information and displaying the input / output device corresponding to the device display selected from the device displays as an input / output destination.

Further, according to the method for specifying input / output devices in a network according to the present invention, in a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, the input / output devices are classified into a plurality of types by function, and the plurality of types are designated. Is displayed on the display means, and by selecting the type of the input / output device, only the input / output device corresponding to the selected type is displayed on the display means, and a desired input / output device is selected from the input / output devices corresponding to the selected type. An input / output device is selected and designated as an input / output destination.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A recording medium in which a program for designating input / output devices in a network according to the present invention is recorded is a device connected to a computer such as a personal computer and input / output devices such as a printer and a digital copier. A procedure of classifying the input / output devices into a plurality of types by a function of a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, etc., and displaying the plurality of types on a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display; A procedure for displaying only the input / output device corresponding to the type selected by the pointing device such as a mouse on the display means, and inputting / outputting the input / output device selected from the input / output devices corresponding to the selected type. A program for executing the procedure designated as the destination is recorded. The input / output device in the present invention includes all input devices, output devices, and devices having both an input function and an output function. Since input / output devices are displayed separately for each function, even a multifunction device with multiple functions can easily and reliably select the desired function, and even a beginner will definitely select the input / output device. be able to.

[0013] Further, in a recording medium recording a program for designating input / output devices in the network, the program includes a step of displaying a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices on a display means; Displaying an icon to be displayed at a position corresponding to an actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image, and designating the input / output device corresponding to a selected icon among the icons as an input / output destination It is preferable that the program includes a partial program for executing the procedure.
The shape of the icon is a symbolic representation of the object indicated by the icon. Since the shape and arrangement of the icons correspond to the actual input / output devices, and the correspondence is easy to understand, the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

[0014] In the above-mentioned recording medium, a program for specifying an input / output device in the network is recorded, wherein the program displays an image or a list indicating the location of the input / output device on a plurality of levels, for example, offices nationwide. The procedure for creating and storing the layout and the layout of the floors in the office, and displaying the image or list of the upper layer, and selecting the image or list of the upper layer to select the image of the lower layer Alternatively, it may include a partial program for executing a procedure for displaying a list. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

A system for designating input / output devices in a network according to the present invention is a system in which a computer such as a personal computer and an input / output device such as a printer and a digital copier are connected. Device information table storage means for storing a device information table for storing function information and other device information which are information on the presence / absence of a plurality of functions such as a function, and selecting the input / output device by a pointing device such as a mouse. Display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display for displaying a screen to be displayed, and device displays, which are displays corresponding to the input / output devices, are classified into a plurality of types according to the function information and displayed. Input / output device selection program for specifying the input / output device corresponding to the Those having input and output device designation means such as a beam. Since input / output devices are displayed separately for each function, even a multifunction device with multiple functions can easily and reliably select the desired function, and even a beginner will definitely select the input / output device. be able to.

Further, in the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in the network, it is preferable that the input / output device specification means include a layout image storage unit for storing a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices. Is displayed at a position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image,
It is preferable that the input / output device corresponding to a selected one of the icons is designated as an input / output destination. Since the shape and arrangement of the icons correspond to the actual input / output devices, and the correspondence is easy to understand, the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

Further, in the above-mentioned system for specifying input / output devices in the network, an image or a list showing the location of the input / output devices is displayed on a plurality of levels, for example, locations of offices nationwide, locations of floors within offices. And the like, and the input / output device designation means selects the desired location of the input / output device by gradually selecting the location from the image or the list of the upper hierarchy. Can be selected. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

The method of designating input / output devices in a network according to the present invention is a method for connecting a computer such as a personal computer (personal computer) and an input / output device such as a printer and a digital copier in a network. Classification into a plurality of types by a function of a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, etc., display of the plurality of types on a display means such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and selection of the type of the input / output device by a pointing device such as a mouse. Displays only the input / output device corresponding to the selected type on the display means, selects a desired input / output device from the input / output devices corresponding to the selected type, and designates it as an input / output destination. It is. Since input / output devices are displayed separately for each function, even a multifunction device with multiple functions can easily and reliably select the desired function, and even a beginner will definitely select the input / output device. be able to.

In the above-mentioned method for specifying an input / output device in a network, a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output device is displayed on display means, and an icon for displaying the input / output device is displayed on the input image on the layout image. It is displayed at the position corresponding to the actual arrangement position of the output device. By specifying the type of the input / output device, only the icon corresponding to the specified type of the input / output device is displayed on the layout image. Preferably, by selecting the icon, the input / output device corresponding to the icon is designated as an input / output destination. The shape and arrangement of the icons
Since it corresponds to an actual input / output device and the correspondence is easy to understand, there is an effect that the output device intended by the operator can be easily and definitely set.

In the above-mentioned method for specifying input / output devices in a network, an image or a list showing the location of the input / output devices is displayed on a plurality of levels, for example, locations of offices nationwide, locations of floors within offices. The input / output device can be selected as desired by storing the data in such a manner as to store the data in a step-by-step manner from the image or list of the higher hierarchy. In this way, a desired input / output device can be specified easily and reliably in a short time even from an extremely large number of input / output devices in the wide area network.

[0021]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment, which is the first embodiment, will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a network configuration that is a premise of the first embodiment. Communication media 1 of a LAN (local area network) in an office or the like includes a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) and input / output devices such as a printer, a facsimile machine (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile), and a digital copying machine. It is connected. Here, six personal computers (PC server 10, personal computers A11 to E15), three printers (printers A21 to C23) and one fax (FAX) are used as LAN communication medium 1.
31) and two digital copiers (digital copier A4
1, a digital copying machine B42) and two scanners (scanner A51, scanner B52).

Among the six personal computers, the PC server 10 is a dedicated server, and includes a CPU having a larger processing capacity than other personal computers and a large-capacity fixed disk device. The print data from each personal computer is temporarily spooled in the personal computer that has issued the print instruction, and then sent to any of the printers on the LAN via the communication medium 1 according to the scheduling. Specifically, a communication cable, wireless communication, optical fiber, or the like can be used as the communication medium 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the personal computer A11. The personal computer B12 has a similar configuration. The personal computer A11 has a CPU (central processing unit) 110 and a bus 1
RAM 112 as main memory, VRAM 113 as video memory, fixed disk device 114, network interface circuit 115, display device 116, keyboard 117, mouse 11
8 are connected to the CPU 110 via the bus 111. As the display device 116, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be used. Instructions and inputs from the operator to the personal computer A11 are made using the keyboard 1.
17, using a mouse 118 or the like. Mouse 118
Any pointing device such as a tablet device, a trackball device, and a touch panel device can be used instead.

The CPU 110 executes various programs loaded on the RAM 112 to perform various processes and control peripheral devices. The VRAM 113 includes a display device 116
For storing image and character data to be displayed in the. The fixed disk device 114 stores various programs and data to be loaded into the RAM 112 and various files. The network interface circuit 115 is a circuit for connecting the personal computer A11 to the LAN communication medium 1. PC A11
Exchanges data with input / output devices and other personal computers connected to the LAN via the network interface circuit 115.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing software (programs or data) loaded in the RAM 112 and the hierarchical relationship thereof. The hierarchical relationship indicates that the lower ones are at a lower level, that is, a level closer to the hardware. The top-level “application program” is a general application program, and corresponds to, for example, software such as a word processor, image creation, and optical character recognition. When an instruction such as setting of an input / output device is given from such software, a dialog box or the like from which the input / output device can be selected is displayed, and the input / output device to perform the input / output can be selected. This corresponds to the “input / output device selection program” under the “application program”.

Below the “input / output device selection program”, there is an “OS (operating system)”.
Using the system calls and interface programs provided by S, the higher-level "input / output device selection program"
Or an "application program" is running. O
Since S controls input / output devices and the like, various drivers exist below the OS. There are a “printer driver” for controlling a printer, a “scanner driver” for controlling a scanner, a “FAX driver” for controlling FAX, and the like.

The print data output from the printer driver is temporarily stored in a fixed disk device in the computer by a "spooler". Thereafter, the print data is sent to the printer connected in the LAN according to the scheduling. "Protocol control program" is LA
And a communication protocol for transmitting data to an output device such as a printer or a facsimile on the network N or receiving data from an input device such as a scanner. That is, TCP / I
An instruction command for putting the packet in a protocol such as P is created.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an input / output device setting dialog box that is displayed when an input / output device setting is instructed from an application program. With this input / output device setting dialog box, an input device can be set as an input source, an output device can be set as an output destination, and device conditions of an input / output device set as an input / output destination can be set. Point the mouse cursor at the display area where the input / output device name is displayed (the area where “Printer A” is displayed in FIG. 4) or at the right of the display area with the mouse cursor and click the mouse. Then, the input / output device of the input / output destination can be changed.

When the "device condition setting" button is clicked, a dialog box for setting device conditions of the input / output device set as the input / output destination is displayed. The device conditions are, for example, a resolution at which processing is performed, a print density, and the like in the case of a printer. When the "OK" button is clicked, the selected input / output device is set as the input / output destination, the input / output device setting dialog box disappears, and the process returns to the calling application program or the like. If the "cancel" button is clicked, the process returns to the caller without changing the settings of the output device. Clicking the “x” mark in the upper right corner of the dialog box performs the same operation as clicking the “Cancel” button.

In the input / output device setting dialog box shown in FIG. 4, when an input / output device name display area or an adjacent triangle is clicked, an input / output device selection dialog box for selecting an input / output device as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. Is displayed,
In the center of the input / output device selection dialog box,
A layout diagram of an office or the like where devices connected to the LAN are arranged is displayed. In the layout diagram, walls of offices and the like, doors, desks, furniture, and the like are displayed corresponding to the actual arrangement. An icon indicating the input / output device is displayed at a position corresponding to the actual position of the input / output device in the office, and the device name is displayed below the icon. Since the arrangement of the icons matches the actual arrangement of the input / output devices in the office, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the icons and the actual input / output devices. Here, the icon is a relatively small image symbolically representing the target object. The layout diagram is configured hierarchically.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram for selecting an input / output device in the first embodiment. In the input / output device selection dialog box of FIG. 6, a layout diagram displaying icons of all models is first displayed. By specifying the model from the layout diagrams of all the models, the display can be switched to a layout diagram for selecting a printer, a layout diagram for selecting a FAX, or a layout diagram for selecting a scanner. The data of these layout diagrams may be stored in the fixed disk device 114 of each of the personal computers A11 to E15, but is stored in the PC server 10 and managed collectively. In this case, work such as change becomes easy. The device information table as shown in FIG. 15 is stored in each personal computer or the PC server 10 in the same manner. When the data of the layout diagram and the device information table are stored on the PC server 10, the personal computers can freely refer to the data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an input / output device selection dialog box displaying all models of input / output devices. In the layout diagram at the center of the dialog box, icons of all models of input / output devices are displayed. When you click on the area labeled "All models" at the top of the dialog box, the areas labeled "Printer", "FAX", and "Scanner" are displayed in a list, as shown in the figure.
By clicking a desired model area from among them, the display can be switched to a model-specific display. For example, if the area of “Printer” is clicked, the layout diagram is switched and the dialog box becomes as shown in FIG.
If you click on the "X" area, the dialog box will look like FIG. In addition to such a switching method, a “Printer” button, “FAX”
A button, a “scanner” button, and a “all models” button may be arranged, and the model may be switched by clicking one of the buttons.

The input / output device selection dialog box for displaying all models is a layout diagram of a higher hierarchy, and it is possible to select only models such as a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner. However, FIG.
The input / output device may be selected from the dialog box for displaying all models as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the digital copying machine A41 is selected, and the device name is highlighted. Thus, the icon in the selected state is
The icon or device name is highlighted to indicate that it is selected. Although the device name is highlighted in FIG. 6, the icon may be highlighted, or both the icon and the device name may be highlighted.

In the column of the selected device at the bottom of the dialog box, a device name is displayed, and available functions of the device are displayed next to the device name. Click to highlight the printer function area to set it as a printer, and FA to set it as a fax
The area of the X function is also clicked and inverted. And "O
By clicking the "K" button, the digital copying machine A41 is set as a printer and also as a facsimile.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an input / output device selection dialog box when a model "printer" is designated in the input / output device selection dialog box of FIG. The icons are displayed for the printers A21 to C23.
Other devices are also displayed. This is because the FAX 31, digital copier A41, and digital copier B42 also have a printer function. The icon shape changes to an icon indicating the printer. The operator clicks an icon at a desired position to select the icon. The icon in the selected state indicates that the icon or the device name is highlighted and selected. FIG.
Although the device name is highlighted, the icon may be highlighted or both the icon and the device name may be highlighted.

The device name of the device corresponding to the selected icon is displayed in the "Selected printer" column at the bottom of the dialog box. Then, specific information such as specifications of the device, that is, a control code system, a printing speed, a printing resolution, and the like are displayed below. If you want to change the icon you choose, click on the desired icon,
The selected state of the currently selected icon is released, and the newly clicked icon becomes the selected state.

When the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box is clicked, the device corresponding to the selected icon is set as the output device, the printer selection dialog box in FIG. 7 disappears, and the input / output device setting in FIG. Return to the dialog box. The device name of the selected printer is
It is displayed in the input / output device name display area of the input / output device setting dialog box in FIG. If the “cancel” button is clicked, the screen returns to the input / output device setting dialog box without changing the settings of the output device. Clicking the “x” mark in the upper right corner of the dialog box performs the same operation as clicking the “Cancel” button.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an input / output device selection dialog box when the model “FAX” is designated in the input / output device selection dialog box of FIG. Switching between the input / output device selection dialog boxes of all models or other models is performed by clicking the area of the dialog box shown in FIG. 8 where "FAX" is displayed with the mouse. Then, as shown in the figure, the areas displayed as "Printer", "Scanner", and "All models" are displayed side by side in a list, so click on the area of the desired model from them and click You can switch to display. This switching of models is the same in dialog boxes of other models.

The method of selecting a facsimile is the same as the method of selecting a printer. A desired icon may be selected by clicking a desired icon, and an "OK" button may be clicked. If you click the “OK” or “Cancel” button, F
The AX selection dialog box disappears and returns to the input / output device setting dialog box as shown in FIG. On the layout diagram, output devices other than the FAX that also have the FAX function are displayed by the FAX icon. In FIG. 8, the personal computer A11, the digital copier A41, and the digital copier B42 are displayed as facsimile icons.

FIG. 9 shows an input / output device selection dialog box for selecting a scanner as an input device. This dialog box is displayed by selecting “Input / Output Device” dialog box in FIG.
Is displayed by specifying. The setting method of the scanner as the input device depends on the printer of the output device,
This is similar to the case of FAX. Also in this layout diagram, a facsimile or digital copier having a scanner function is displayed by a scanner icon.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the first embodiment. First, a word processor,
In an application program for image creation, optical character recognition, and the like, an operator instructs input / output device settings. This input / output device setting instruction is shown in process 201. Then, the application program displays an input / output device setting dialog box (see FIG. 4) as shown in process 202. In the next judgment 203, it is judged whether or not the display area of the input / output device name or the adjacent triangle in the input / output device setting dialog box is clicked. Proceed to 205. Call processing 2
Reference numeral 04 denotes a process for calling an input / output device selection program for performing the process of the input / output device selection dialog box shown in FIGS. For the processing of the input / output device selection program,
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Judgment 2 next to call processing 204
Return to 03.

If it is determined in step 203 that the button has not been clicked, the flow advances to step 205 to determine whether the "device condition setting" button has been clicked. If the button has been clicked, the flow advances to call processing 206;
Proceed to. The calling process 206 is a process of calling a device condition setting program for setting device conditions of an input / output device set as an input / output destination. The device condition setting program displays a dialog box (not shown) for setting device conditions of the input / output device set as the input / output destination. For example, in the case of a printer, the device conditions include a resolution at which printing is performed, a print density, and the like. When the calling process 206 ends, the process returns to the judgment 203.

If the "device condition setting" button is not clicked in the judgment 205, the process proceeds to the judgment 207,
It is determined whether the "cancel" button has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process returns to the calling application program without doing anything. If it has not been clicked, the flow advances to decision 208 to determine whether the "OK" button has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process proceeds to step 209 to perform input / output device setting processing, and sets the selected input / output device as an input / output destination. Then, the process returns to the calling application program. Decision 208
If the “OK” button has not been clicked, the process returns to the judgment 203. The loop from the judgment 203 to the judgment 208 forms an event waiting loop. Until the "OK" or "Cancel" button is clicked, it does not escape from the event waiting loop.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the input / output device selection program for displaying the input / output device selection dialog boxes of all the models in FIG. When the input / output device selection program is started, a process 301 displays an input / output device selection dialog box as shown in FIG. Next, in process 302, a layout diagram displaying all models of the input / output devices is displayed in the center of the input / output device selection dialog box. Next, in a calling process 303, a display switching program is called. This program switches the layout diagram to a layout diagram according to the model designation. The processing of this program will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in decision 304, it is determined whether or not any of the icons displayed on the layout diagram has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process proceeds to step 305, where the icon is selected, and the device information of the device corresponding to the icon is obtained from the device information table of FIG. After the process 305, the process returns to the calling process 303. If the icon has not been clicked in the determination 304, the process proceeds to the determination 306, and it is determined whether the "cancel" button has been clicked. If it is clicked, the process returns to the caller who started the input / output device selection program without doing anything.

If the "cancel" button has not been clicked, the flow advances to decision 307 to determine whether the "OK" button has been clicked. If the button has been clicked, the process proceeds to step 308 to perform input / output device selection processing, and sets the device corresponding to the selected icon as the input / output device. Then, the process returns to the caller. At decision 307,
If the "OK" button has not been clicked, call processing 3
Returning to 03, an event waiting loop is formed. "OK"
There is no escape from the wait for event loop until the button or the "cancel" button is clicked.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the display switching program. When the display switching program is called, it is determined in decision 401 whether or not “all models” in the model designation area has been designated. If "all models" is designated, the process proceeds to step 402, where a layout diagram displaying all models of input / output devices is displayed. As for the layout diagrams of all models, the data of the layout diagram created as shown in FIG. 14 may be displayed as it is. After the process 402, the process returns to the caller of the display switching program.

If "all models" is not specified in the judgment 401, the flow advances to the next judgment 403 to judge whether "printer" in the model designation area has been designated. If "printer" is designated, the flow advances to step 404 to display a layout diagram of the printer. The layout diagram of the printer
Devices having a printer function may be searched from the device information table of FIG. 15, and all devices having a printer function may be displayed by printer icons. After the process 404, the process returns to the caller.

If "Printer" is not specified in the judgment 403, the flow advances to the next judgment 405 to judge whether "FAX" in the model designation area has been designated. "FA
If "X" has been designated, the flow advances to step 406 to display a FAX layout diagram. Figure 1 shows the layout of FAX
The device having the FAX function may be searched from the device information table 5 and all the devices having the FAX function may be displayed by the FAX icons. After the process 406, the process returns to the caller.

If "FAX" has not been designated in the judgment 405, the flow advances to the next judgment 407 to judge whether "scanner" in the model designation area has been designated. If “scanner” has been designated, the flow advances to step 408 to display a layout diagram of the scanner. Scanner layout diagram
Devices having a scanner function may be searched from the device information table of FIG. 15, and all devices having a scanner function may be displayed by scanner icons. After the process 408, the process returns to the caller.

If "scanner" is not specified in the judgment 407, the process returns to the caller who started the display switching program.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen on which a layout creation program for creating a layout diagram of an office or the like where input / output devices are arranged is executed. When the layout creation program is executed, a window as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the screen. The layout creation program is the same as a normal image creation program, and selects an appropriate tool from the drawing tools displayed as icons at the bottom of the window to draw and create a layout diagram of an office or the like. In the layout diagram, walls, doors, desks, furniture, etc. are drawn according to the actual arrangement.

By clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the window, the data of the drawn layout drawing can be saved in the fixed disk device 114 or the like with an appropriate file name. By clicking the "icon arrangement" button, it is possible to proceed to a window as shown in FIG. 14 for arranging the icons on the layout diagram. Clicking the "Finish" button ends the layout creation program. At this time, if the layout diagram currently being created has not been saved yet, a message to that effect is displayed and the layout diagram can be saved again.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a window for arranging icons on the layout diagram. The layout diagram created as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. In the icon display section at the bottom of the layout diagram, all icons necessary for creating layout diagrams of all models are arranged. An icon for each model is dragged from the icon display unit to a position corresponding to the actual arrangement of the input / output devices (moved while being clicked), and the icon is arranged at that position by releasing the click. In this way, icons are arranged corresponding to all input / output devices. After arranging the icon, when the icon is double-clicked, device information such as a device name, a driver name, a network address, and specifications of a device corresponding to the icon can be input. The input information is stored in the fixed disk device as a device information table as shown in FIG.

When the layout diagram is completed, the "save" button is clicked to save the layout diagram data under a predetermined file name, and then the "end" button is clicked to end the layout creation program. The data of the final layout diagram stored here includes data related to icon display such as the position of the icon, the device name, and the icon shape. The input / output device selection program displays the layout diagrams as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 from the data of the layout diagram including the data related to the icon display.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of the device information table. The device information is input by double-clicking the icon arranged at the time of creating the layout diagram in FIG. It is also possible to correct, add, or delete device information after creating a layout diagram. For a device having a plurality of functions, device information is input by the number of functions.
For example, regarding the digital copying machine A41, device information is registered for each of the printer function, the scanner function, and the FAX function. One horizontal row is one piece of device information. In the right part of the device information table, which device information is related to the printer function, the FAX function, or the scanner function is registered. To switch from the display of all models in FIG. 6 to the display of a printer as shown in FIG. 7, search for a device having a printer function from the device information table in FIG. 15, and display only a device having a printer function with a printer icon. I just need. 8 and 9
The display for each model as described above can be similarly performed.

The data of the layout diagram and the data of the device information table described above may be stored in each of the personal computers A11 to E15, but are stored in the PC server 10 and managed collectively. In this case, work such as change becomes easy. Each personal computer can freely refer to the layout diagram on the PC server 10 and the data of the device information table.

In the first embodiment described above, a layout diagram of an office or the like where input / output devices are arranged is displayed in the input / output device selection dialog box. Icons indicating input / output devices are displayed at positions corresponding to the positions of the devices. Since the layout of the icons and the layout of the input / output devices in the actual office match, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the icons and the actual input / output devices, and the input / output devices intended by the operator are definitely easy to use. There is an effect that can be set.

In the input / output device selection dialog box, the input / output devices are displayed separately for each function, and in the display for each function, even if the multifunction device has a plurality of functions, it is displayed with an icon indicating the function. In addition, a desired function can be easily and reliably selected even in a multifunction device having a plurality of functions, and even a beginner can surely select an input / output device. For example, a printer and a facsimile are clearly distinguished and displayed, so that a beginner does not intend to perform a facsimile transmission and output to the printer. In addition, since input / output devices can be displayed separately for each function from the layout diagram of all models and the device information table, there is no need to create layout diagrams for each model, and labor for creating layout diagrams is reduced. It decreases significantly.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a layout diagram and icons are used to select an input / output device. In the second embodiment, the display is simplified and simply displayed as a list. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an input / output device setting dialog box displaying a list of input / output devices according to the second embodiment. When the user clicks the input / output device name display area or the adjacent triangle in the input / output device setting dialog box as shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. A list of selectable functions such as "FAX" and "scanner" is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 16, when "Printer" is selected, a list of input / output devices is displayed in a pull-down menu. In the displayed column of the input / output device, the place where the input / output device is arranged is displayed. According to FIG. 16, “floor P northwest corner” for printer A, “floor P southwest wall” for printer B, “floor P east wall” for printer C, and copier A "Floor P south wall" and copier B "floor P northeast corner" are displayed.

FIG. 17 shows information added to the device information table in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, arrangement information of each input / output device in FIG. 17 is stored as a device information table in addition to the information in FIG. The location of each input / output device in FIG. 16 is displayed according to the device information tables in FIGS. 15 and 17. When "printer B" is selected (clicked) from the list of input / output device names in FIG. 16, "printer B" is displayed in the display area of the input / output device names, indicating that it is selected as the input / output device. Then, the list of functions and input / output device names disappears.
Input / output devices having “FAX” and “scanner” functions can be similarly selected.

Further, an "apparatus condition setting" button, "OK"
The operations of the button and the “cancel” button are the same as those described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, FIG.
Is stored in each of the personal computers A11 to E15 or stored in the PC server 10, and the printer, FAX,
The device having each function of the scanner is searched, and the names of the devices having those functions are displayed in a list.

In the second embodiment described above, in the input / output device setting dialog box, the input / output devices are listed separately for each function, so that a multifunction device having a plurality of functions can easily and surely obtain desired functions. Can be selected, and even a beginner can definitely select an input / output device. For example, a printer and a facsimile are clearly distinguished and displayed, so that a beginner does not intend to perform a facsimile transmission and output to the printer. In addition, since the display is simplified, there is an effect that the amount of computer resources used is small.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 illustrates a network configuration that is a premise of the third embodiment. A personal computer and input / output devices such as a printer, a facsimile, a digital copier, and a scanner are connected to a LAN communication medium 1 in an office or the like. Here, six personal computers (PC server 10, personal computers A11 to E15), three printers (printers A21 to C23), and one F
An AX (FAX 31), two digital copiers (digital copier A41, digital copier B42) and two scanners (scanner A51, scanner B52) are connected. Among the six personal computers, the PC server 10 is a server dedicated machine, and has a larger processing capacity than other personal computers.
U and a large-capacity fixed disk device. Further, the network is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) communication medium 2 via a router, a gateway, or the like. A LAN and a server 3 of another office are connected to the communication medium 2 of the WAN.

In the third embodiment, the layout of all the input / output devices connected to the WAN can be displayed. Therefore, the layout diagram is displayed in a hierarchical manner. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a hierarchical relationship in the layout diagram. The top-level layout diagram is a layout diagram showing the location of each office on the map. Below that is a layout diagram showing the floor configuration in the office. further,
Below that are layout diagrams of all models of input / output devices in each floor. The layout diagram for input / output device selection for each model is at the lowest level. Examples of the model of the input / output device include a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a personal computer. Since a personal computer can be an output device for e-mail or the like, it is also handled as an output device.

The data of the layout diagram and the device information table are collectively stored in the server 3 so that they can be read from all the personal computers connected to the WAN.
When it becomes necessary for each personal computer to display the layout diagram, it sends a request to the server 3 and receives the necessary layout diagram data and device information table data from the server 3. Further, when the layout of each department is changed, it is assumed that each department promptly creates the data of the layout drawing after the change and the data of the device information table and registers them in the server 3.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing the layout of the top-level offices on the map. This dialog box is activated from the input / output device setting dialog box shown in FIG. In the input / output device setting dialog box, the dialog box shown in FIG. 20 may be displayed by clicking the display area of the input / output device name or the adjacent triangle mark. Since the frequency of use is low, a "wide area selection" button may be provided in the input / output device setting dialog box, and the dialog box shown in FIG. 20 may be displayed by clicking the wide area selection button. In this case, when the display area of the input / output device name or the like is clicked without clicking the “wide area selection” button, a selection dialog box in the floor as shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed.

FIG. 20 shows four business establishments. When selecting the establishment A, the display character string or the display point of "the establishment A" is clicked. Then, as shown in the figure, the selected display point is inverted to indicate that it is in the selected state. To select another establishment, click on the character string or display point indicating the other establishment, and the selected state of the establishment will be canceled and the newly clicked establishment will be selected. Becomes At the bottom of the layout diagram, the name of the business is displayed in the column of "selected business," and below that, the product name and business content handled by the business are displayed. "O" at the bottom of the dialog box
If the "K" button is clicked, a lower layout diagram showing the floor configuration of the selected business establishment is displayed, and the selection of a lower hierarchy is continued. If the "cancel" button is clicked, this dialog box is deleted without changing the settings of the output device, and the process returns to the caller who called this dialog box.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing a floor configuration in a business establishment. In FIG. 20, the floor configuration of the business establishment A selected is displayed as a layout diagram. It is shown that the establishment A has a configuration of six floors, and a department name existing on that floor is displayed in an area indicating each floor.
By clicking on the area from 1F to 6F, any floor can be selected. The selected floor indicates that it is in the selected state, for example, the background color changes. If another floor is clicked, the selected state of the floor selected so far is released, and the newly clicked floor becomes the selected state.

At the bottom of the layout diagram, the floor name is displayed in the column of “selected floor”, and below it, the department name existing on that floor is displayed. If the "OK" button at the bottom of the dialog box is clicked, a layout diagram showing the arrangement of input / output devices on the selected floor is displayed, and selection of a lower hierarchy is continued. By clicking the "Return" button, it is possible to return to the display state of the layout diagram of the higher hierarchy as shown in FIG. If the "cancel" button is clicked, this dialog box is deleted without changing the settings of the output device, and the process returns to the caller who called this dialog box.

When the "OK" button is clicked in FIG. 21, the layout diagram displays all the input / output devices as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the display for printer selection (FIG. 7), FAX selection (FIG. 8), scanner selection (FIG. 9), and personal computer selection (not shown) are displayed for each model in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. By specifying, it is possible to finally select a desired input / output device. In this way, the document can be transmitted to the output device specified as the output destination. 20 and FIG. 21, the images indicating the locations of the input / output devices are displayed. However, the images may be simply displayed as a list in which the names of offices and floors are arranged.

According to the third embodiment described above, the locations where the input / output devices are arranged are sequentially selected from the upper hierarchy for displaying the wide area to the lower hierarchy. Even among input / output devices with many
A desired input / output device can be specified in a short time. As a result, a document that has been transmitted by facsimile can be
It is easy to print directly to a printer connected to the network via the Internet. All that is required is to display the layout diagram of the destination to which the document is to be transmitted and specify the desired printer. In this way, an output device having a printer function connected to a network can be used as a substitute for a facsimile, and communication costs can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is common to the third embodiment. Example 3
In the above, the layout diagram for each model such as a printer, a facsimile, and a scanner is displayed below the layout diagram of all the models in FIG. 6, but in the fourth embodiment, the layout diagram of all the models in FIG. At the lower level, output devices are classified and displayed from a viewpoint different from the model. FIG. 22 shows the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a transmission destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device in FIG. An area for specifying the type of output device at the top of the dialog box includes “document transmission (paper)” representing an output device that prints and outputs image data such as a document on paper, and a memory or fixed disk as a bitmap of the image data. A list of three types, "document transmission (bitmap)", which represents an output device to be stored in the device, and "document transmission (paper + bitmap)", which represents an output device capable of outputting to either paper or bitmap, is displayed. ing.

FIG. 22 shows a state where “document transmission (paper)” is selected. Output devices classified as “document transmission (paper)” include printers and plotters. In this case, all output devices having a printer function are displayed. To switch the type of output device, click the type display area at the top of the dialog box to display a list of selectable types as shown in the figure, and then click the desired type display area. In the figure, the digital copying machine A41 is selected as the output device. The output device name is displayed in the “selected destination” column, and the status of the output device is displayed below the output device name. The method of selecting the icon and setting the output device is the same as the setting in the dialog boxes of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a dialog box for selecting an output device in which “document transmission (bitmap)” is selected. In order to save the sent image data as a bitmap, an environment for executing a program for the bitmap is required.
12. The personal computer C13 has the function. Thus, the icons of the three devices are displayed. FIG.
FIG. 4 illustrates an output device selection dialog box in which “document transmission (paper + bitmap)” is selected. FIG. 24 shows the output device shown in FIG. 22 and FIG.
The output device of the union of the output devices displayed in 3 is displayed. The switching method of the type of the output device and the setting method of the output device by selecting the icon in FIGS.
This is the same as FIG.

To display as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, the printer function of the device information table shown in FIG.
Instead of the data of the AX function and the scanner function, data of paper output and bitmap output may be registered. 22 can be displayed by searching for a device capable of paper output from the device information table, and FIG. 23 can be displayed by searching for a device capable of bitmap output. Also,
The display of FIG. 24 can be made by taking the logical sum of both searches. In addition to the logical sum, various logical operations such as a logical negation and a logical product can be designated.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, all the output devices are displayed according to the form that the operator intends to output, so that the most suitable output device can be quickly and easily selected from many output devices. Can be specified. The classifications and conditions of the output devices are not limited to those described above, and may be any appropriate classifications and conditions according to the output purpose and output purpose of the operator.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The basic configuration is common to the fourth embodiment. Example 5
Then, in addition to the display of the dialog box in FIG. 22, the names of the individuals belonging to the dialog box are displayed on the layout diagram. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device according to the fifth embodiment. On the layout diagram, the personal name of a person belonging to the department is displayed near the seat position of the person. The personal name data is included in the layout diagram data. When you click on a specific individual name displayed in the layout diagram,
The display is switched so that only the output device normally used by the person is displayed. Click on another person's name to change the person you select. Clicking on a part that is neither an individual name nor an icon deselects the individual.

FIG. 26 shows the contents of the personal information table necessary for the above operation. For each personal name, a normally used output device is registered. For example, for Mr. A, the printer A21, FAX31, and personal computer A11 are registered. This personal information table is stored in the server 3 and can be accessed from any personal computer on the network. When the personal name on the layout diagram of FIG. 25 is clicked, the program displaying the dialog box refers to the personal information table on the server 3 and displays only the output device registered for the clicked personal name. Display the layout diagram again.

According to the fifth embodiment described above, the layout of the individuals is also displayed on the layout diagram, so that it is possible to select an output device close to the transmission destination. Also,
Clicking on the personal name will display only the output devices normally used by that person, so that it is possible to easily select an output device that is convenient for the transmitting party. If the device registered in the personal name has a special function such as a call function or a video call (videophone) function, displaying that function in a dialog box will allow the function to be displayed. An available operator can immediately make a call using the function.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the input / output device is selected on the personal computer. However, the input / output device is selected from office equipment other than a computer having display means such as a digital copying machine. Can also. What is necessary is just to make it display on a display means similar to Example 1-5, and to select by a pointing device, such as a touch panel.
At this time, data such as a layout drawing may be created on a personal computer and transferred to a digital copying machine or the like via a network.

[0083]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Since the input / output devices are displayed separately for each function, a desired function can be easily and reliably selected even in a multifunction device having a plurality of functions. You can make a selection.

When selecting an input / output device and designating an input / output destination, since the arrangement of the icons matches the actual arrangement of the input / output devices in the office, the correspondence between the icons and the actual input / output devices The relationship is easy to understand, and there is an effect that the output device intended by the operator can be definitely set easily.

Since the locations where the input / output devices are arranged are selected in order from the higher hierarchy for displaying the wide area to the lower hierarchy, the desired location can be selected from among a very large number of input / output devices in the wide area network. Can be easily and reliably specified in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network which is a premise of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer A.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing software loaded on a RAM of a personal computer A and a hierarchical relationship between the software.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an input / output device setting dialog box.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram for selecting an input / output device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an input / output device selection dialog box according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an input / output device selection dialog box in which a printer is specified.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an input / output device selection dialog box in which FAX is specified.

FIG. 9 illustrates an input / output device selection dialog box in which a scanner is specified.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an input / output device selection program.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a display switching program.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen on which a layout creation program has been executed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a window for arranging icons on a layout diagram.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing contents of a device information table.

FIG. 16 illustrates an input / output device setting dialog box according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating additional information to a device information table according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a network on which the third embodiment is based.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical relationship in a layout diagram according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing an arrangement of each office on a map.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a dialog box displaying a layout diagram showing a floor configuration in a business establishment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box displaying a paper output output device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box displaying an output device for bitmap output according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box that displays output devices for paper or bitmap output according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a transmission destination selection dialog box for selecting an output device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a personal information table according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication medium 2 WAN communication medium 3 Server 10 PC server 11 Personal computer A 12 Personal computer B 13 Personal computer C 14 Personal computer D 15 Personal computer E 21 Printer A 22 Printer B 23 Printer C 31 FAX 41 Digital copier A 42 Digital copier B 51 Scanner A 52 Scanner B

Claims (5)

[Claims] A step of classifying the input / output devices into a plurality of types by a function and displaying the plurality of types on a display means in a connection device in a network in which a computer and the input / output devices are connected; A procedure for displaying only the input / output devices corresponding to the type selected from the input / output devices on the display unit, and inputting / outputting the input / output devices selected from the input / output devices corresponding to the selected type. A recording medium for recording a program for designating an input / output device in a network for executing the procedure designated as a destination. 2. A recording medium storing a program for designating input / output devices in a network according to claim 1, wherein the program displays a layout image indicating an arrangement of the input / output devices on a display unit. Displaying an icon for displaying an input / output device at a position corresponding to an actual arrangement position of the input / output device on the layout image; and inputting the input / output device corresponding to a selected icon among the icons. A recording medium recording a program for designating an input / output device in a network, the program including a partial program for executing a procedure for designating an output destination. 3. A recording medium storing a program for designating input / output devices in a network according to claim 1, wherein the program is an image or a list showing a location where the input / output devices are arranged. For creating and storing the images in a plurality of layers, displaying the image or list of the upper layer, and displaying the image or list of the lower layer by selecting from the image or list of the upper layer A recording medium recording a program for designating an input / output device in a network, including a partial program for executing the procedure. 4. In a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, a device information table for storing function information as information on the presence or absence of a plurality of functions of the input / output devices and other device information is provided. Device information table storage means (114) for storing; and display means (1) for displaying a screen for selecting the input / output device.
16), a device display, which is a display corresponding to the input / output device, is classified into a plurality of types by the function information, and the display means (11
6) An input / output device designation system in a network, comprising: input / output device designation means for displaying, as an input / output destination, the input / output device corresponding to the device indication selected from the device indications. 5. In a network in which a computer and input / output devices are connected, the input / output devices are classified into a plurality of types by function, and the plurality of types are displayed on a display unit. By selecting, only the input / output device corresponding to the selected type is displayed on the display means, and a desired input / output device is selected from the input / output devices corresponding to the selected type and designated as the input / output destination. To specify input / output devices in the network.